Yate & Sodbury Voice May 2021

yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

May, 2021 Issue 73

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Police dog killed A POLICE dog died after being injured while trying to trace burglars who had broken into a building in Yate.

Police say they were "incredibly sad" at the loss of six-year-old German Shepherd Jet. Full story: Page 2

Dyson art gallery approved PLANS by billionaire businessman Sir James Dyson to open an art gallery at his home near Chipping Sodbury have been approved.

The inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner and his wife Lady Deirdre Dyson asked for planning permission to build the gallery at their Dodington Park estate to display some of their art collection, which is reported to contain works by David

Hockney, Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

Neighbouring residents raised concerns about the effect of visitor traffic on nearby narrow country lanes. But the scheme has been approved by South Gloucestershire Council, whose leader threw his own support behind it.

Turn to page 3

Armed robber jailed YATE man Rudi Batten, who admitted robbing two takeaways in the town using a fake gun, has been sent to prison.

PAGE 2

Pub to reopen

A PUB in Chipping Sodbury which has been closed for four years is set to reopen.

PAGE 4

Festival is back

ORGANISERS of the Chipping Sodbury Festival have announced plans for its return this summer.

PAGE 13

Election guide

CANDIDATES who want to be the region's Metro Mayor and police commissioner have given Voice readers their manifesto pledges.

PAGES 16 to 19

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

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May, 2021

n NEWS

Man jailed for robberies A YATE man who admitted robbing two takeaways in the town using a fake pistol has been sent to prison.

Rudi Batten, of Station Road, was sentenced to a total of six years in jail – three years for each of the raids on Miss Millie’s in North Parade and McDonald’s at West Walk, where he threatened staff with the imitation weapon, forcing them to hand over cash.

The 22-year-old was jailed at Bristol Crown Court on April 28, having pleaded guilty to both robberies a month earlier.

He also admitted two charges of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing a blade in a public place and breaching a community order.

The sentences for these offences, of between six and 18 months, will run alongside the combined robbery sentence.

The first incident happened on the evening of Sunday February 7, at the Miss Millie's branch.

Just over 12 hours later, at around 7am the following day, the McDonald's drive-thru reported being robbed.

Police launched a large search of the area, involving the force helicopter, and arrested Batten later that day after he gave himself up.

Nobody was injured in either incident.

Tributes to Jet A POLICE dog died after being injured while trying to trace burglars who had broken into a building in Yate.

Avon and Somerset police said Jet, a six-year-old German Shepherd, had been tracking the suspects when he went onto an "obscured" section of railway line near the Frome Valley Walkway, off Dean Road, and was hit by a train on April 14.

A force spokesperson said: "Sadly, despite receiving emergency treatment over the next 24 hours, his injuries were deemed too severe and the decision was taken to put him to sleep."

Police were called after a burglary on Dean Road shortly after 4am.

The suspects are still at large and police say they are continuing their enquiries to locate them.

Anyone with information about the burglary or those involved should call the police on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 079 114.

Jet had joined the force from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in September last year and the spokesperson said he had "had some outstanding successes", including finding wanted and vulnerable people.

Tactical support teams Chief Inspector Jason Shears said: “We are incredibly sad at the loss of PD Jet. “Jet was a determined and focussed Police Dog, who loved working in the many important roles our dogs perform in, all of which help to keep our communities safe."

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May, 2021

yate&sodburyvoice

n NEWS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dyson can build art gallery

An architect's image of the planned art gallery THE gallery would be open to the public for 28 days a year.

The Dysons' architects Wilkinson Eyre told planners: "After spending many years restoring Dodington, Sir James and Lady Deirdre Dyson would like to re-open the Walled Garden to the public and share their collection of art and sculptures with the community and visitors."

They said the art gallery represented "a generous philanthropic gift for the enjoyment of the public, adding: "This collection would not otherwise be accessible. This is a true gift to society and one which comes at no expense to the public purse."

The architects designed a bronze and glass building with a 'green' roof.

Some 13 neighbours raised objections to the plans, citing traffic issues in nearby Catchpot Lane and Chapel Lane, saying single track roads used daily by walkers, horse riders, dog walkers, cyclists and runners were not suitable.

But a suggestion for an alternative route to the gallery using the estate's main entrance on to the A46 was rejected by the applicants.

The application was given approval by council officers in April using delegated powers, which means it did not go before a committee.

A council spokesperson said that because of the number of objections raised, the application was circulated to local councillors, giving them five days to ask for a committee

3

to consider the plans, but in this case no councillors asked for it to be 'called in'.

Dodington Parish Council and Sodbury Town Council both made no objection.

South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage wrote to the planning department to support the application.

In his letter, Mr Savage said that although the district had a lot to offer tourists, at present it was "not currently home to any art galleries".

He added: "If this application were to be approved, it would be the first of its kind in the district and, while it would be privately owned, it would be a very exciting string to the bow of local tourism in South Gloucestershire, providing access to the applicants’ private collection of art and sculptures as well as re-opening the walled garden of the marvellous Dodington Estate to the public."

Mr Savage said the design of the gallery looked "tremendous" but said he hoped it would be able to open for more than 28 days a year "further down the line".

He added: "In the meantime, outside the 28 days the gallery intends to open, I would hope to see some collaboration between the applicants and the council to maximise the accessibility of the collection going on show, potentially including touring pieces around other local venues within our communities or establishing pop-up art galleries."

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New survey shows Conservative Metro Mayor least well known in UK Research by ‘Centre for Cities’ shows the Conservative Metro Mayor of the West of England has failed to make an impact during his four years in office. Just 7% of people in the West of England could name the Metro Mayor unprompted, the lowest score nationwide. This contrasts with six in ten people in Manchester and London who had their Metro Mayor’s name on the tip of their tongue.

“A great answer on ‘Pointless’ but no good for the West of England” Labour Metro Mayor candidate Dan Norris, who grew up in South Gloucestershire, said: “The invisible Tory Metro Mayor has let opportunities slip through his fingers. It’s time for new leadership.” The West of England Initiative representing local businesses has also called for a higher profile Metro Mayor.

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May, 2021

n NEWS

Turnaround for the Tern Inn A PUB in Chipping Sodbury which has been closed for four years is set to reopen.

The Tern Inn was the subject of a successful residents' campaign to stop it being turned into flats.

But while it stood empty, neighbours said its car park had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, with more than 200 complaints in the space of one year.

Now the pub on Heron Way is weeks away from reopening, under new tenants.

And the community around is waiting to find out whether an application to transform the site by building a shop and flats alongside the pub will go ahead, as many believe it will increase the likelihood of the venture’s success.

Charmaine and Sandor Didcot, the new tenants, have been working hard behind the scenes, revamping the interior

The Tern Inn of the pub, hiring cleaners, and booking darts and pool teams. They are supported by Dodington Parish Council and are preparing to open, with a

date of May 17 shared on social media.

A planning application has been submitted by the site’s owners, Cabot Trustees Ltd, to build a convenience store, which they estimate would create three full-time and 15 part-time jobs.

Five flats would be built above it.

The Tern Inn would be retained, and the site would have parking for both the retailer and the pub. Dodington Parish Council is supporting the proposals which would bring business into the pub, but has asked for sympathetic lighting in the car park and requested that no cash machine is installed in

the shop, for security reasons.

Their concerns come after ongoing problems with antisocial behaviour on the site while the pub has been out of operation.

A police designing out crime officer who wrote a report for the planning application reported that there had been 214 instances of anti-social behaviour in the previous 12 months.

Recently, residents have become concerned about apparent drug taking and sought help from the Chipping Sodbury police team.

PC Angharad Baynham said: “Local officers will be conducting additional patrols following reports of anti-social behaviour and crime in the Heron Way area.

"We fully understand the concern such issues cause and are committed to working with the local community to tackle them.

"Anyone with concerns about any crime issues in the Yate beat area can contact the local team through the Avon and Somerset Police website.”

The planning application, which has received three public objections, four letters of support and two neutral comments, is currently awaiting a council decision.

Details can be found on the South Gloucestershire Council website by searching for application P20/23744/F.

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May, 2021

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5

n NEWS SOUTH Gloucestershire Council says it has bought Yate's Whirlpool factory for almost £10 million to promote growth in the town.

The Voice reported last month that the US-owned company had sold the tumble dryer plant, where around 270 people are employed, and leased it back.

Whirlpool said the move was a "common business practice" and insisted it remained "totally committed to Yate".

At the time Whirlpool did not disclose who the buyer was but within days, the council revealed it had bought the Station Road factory for £9.88 million.

The authority also bought the warehouse where Yate Disposables Ltd, trading as Yate Supplies, is based in North Road, for £4.62m, also on a lease-back agreement.

Council leaders say the decision to spend £14.5m of taxpayers’ money was taken to help ensure the town’s regeneration, giving them control over future use of the land in case the current occupiers

Council buys factories to 'enable regeneration' relocate.

Cabinet member for corporate resources Ben Burton said: “The council’s long-term aspiration is to be an enabler of regeneration.

“Owning land at key locations in the area will ensure that we have a degree of control over its future use, should the current occupiers wish to relocate in the future.”

The council's Liberal Democrats are calling for an economic development plan for Yate to be drawn up.

Group leader Claire Young said: “It’s vital that the community are fully involved in planning for its future.”

Yate Supplies managing director Scott Shackleford said the council had “saved many jobs” and secured the future of the family-owned business, which was founded 35 years ago

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

by his mother and stepfather, who are still on the board.

He said the council’s support was a “godsend” because the company had struggled to access government funding during the pandemic following a period of growth.

Mr Shackleford said the firm, which supplies tableware and glassware to big companies such as Itsu, Soho Coffee and Leon Restaurants, had seen many of them temporarily shutting their outlets because of coronavirus.

He said Yate Supplies currently employed 60 staff, down from just over 100 a year ago, with many on furlough, but that he now expected employee numbers to return to previous levels.

Mr Shackleford said: “We have seen turnover drop considerably through the

pandemic.

“It would not have been curtains for us without the council’s investment but we were looking at various options like outside investors and there could have been a buyout, which could have affected cash flow and annoyed our customers."

“The council’s investment means keeping control of the business within the family, making sure we can continue to run it in the way we have and keeping jobs local.”

The purchases were made from the authority’s property and land investment fund, which was approved as part of the annual budget last month, following agreement by a cross-party panel which considers potential deals.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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May, 2021

n NEWS

Dad's cancer spurs Tim's marathon run MUSICIAN Tim Whiting is facing the challenge of running the London Marathon, despite never having run a race before.

But it is the challenge from lung cancer facing his dad Bob, from Chipping Sodbury, which is driving Tim on as he raises money to help Macmillan Cancer Support.

Tim, who was born in the town and went to Chipping Sodbury School, has built a successful career in London, where he is head of music at a theatre school.

He and his partner Callum regularly visited his dad and mum Pauline to help look after them until the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible.

Pauline has the painful rheumatic condition fibromyalgia and Bob has been her carer for some time, but last year he became ill himself, with a persistent cough.

Tim said: "After two weeks in Southmead Hospital, he was diagnosed with a combination of COPD (a lung condition) and lung cancer.

"With his age, the treatments would make his life unpleasurable. I was hoping they would be able to do something.”

“I went into a bit of helpless stage. I’m an only child and I couldn’t look after my

Tim Whiting in training parents. I did as everyone does now, I googled, and the first thing I found was the Macmillan Cancer website.

"I was able to speak to someone and they were amazing.

"When you want to be the strong and supportive one, it’s essential that you know things, and they have empowered me to be that one person for my mum and dad.”

Tim took the plunge and signed up for the marathon despite his lack of experience.

He said: “We don’t know how long Dad’s got left, and this seemed to be something to focus on. If this doesn’t spur me on to do it I don’t know what would.”

Tim said his father’s reaction was one of pride as well as surprise, asking him “are you sure you can do that?”

Bob has told Tim to take his time on the day, "even if it takes all night”.

Callum helps Tim to train, with some ‘tough love’, getting him out running after work, and getting him up earlier in the morning.

Tim has found it to be ‘a release’ after being indoors all day – but he isn’t enjoying it yet.

He is doing four runs a week as he builds up to the race in October, and friends and colleagues have pledged to watch on the day.

Tim is aiming to raise £2,500. To support his fundraising online visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/tim-whiting.

Multi Activity Building at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex

From January 2021, Yate Town Council has been building an exciting new facility at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) and this Multi Activity Building, known as the MAB, is now open and available for hire.

In recent months, the facility has undergone a full fit-out including accessible welfare facilities and a multi-purpose, seamless, polyurethane sport floor (made from 85% recycled materials), making it the perfect venue for dance, fitness and aerobic groups.

The MAB has also received investment from South Gloucestershire Council Councillors by way of Member Awarded Funding and Area Wide

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Grant funding, to fund the installation of multi-use sports equipment including exercise bikes, treadmills and many other health and wellbeing items.

Hire rates start at £11.50 (+vat) per hour. For more information and to make a booking enquiry for when the facility opens, please contact bookings@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk Should you wish to find out more about the work Yate Ageing Better is undertaking, please contact Yate Town Council on 01454 866506 or info@ yatetowncouncil.gov.uk

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

7

n NEWS

Huge solar farm planned next to village A HUGE solar energy farm which could generate energy for around 15,000 homes could be built next to Frampton Cotterell.

A planning application has been made for agricultural land west of the village, either side of Perrinpit Road, between Bristol Road and Old Gloucester Road.

The panels would cover an area of more than 63 hectares, around 155 acres or about the same area as 77 football pitches, with the entire site covering 82 hectares.

They would generate 49.9 megawatts of electricity, providing around 40 megawatts to the UK network – enough to power around 15,000 homes.

If the scheme is approved, the site would be in operation for 40 years before being returned to farmland.

But opponents of the scheme fear it could have an adverse impact on local wildlife, particularly birds, and say not enough consultation has taken place.

The company behind the application, Perrinpit Road Solar Ltd, is a joint venture between BayWa r.e. UK, part of the a global renewable energy development business, and Grϋne Energien Solar, which specialises in solar energy.

A spokesperson for BayWa r.e. said: “South Gloucestershire Council has declared both a climate and an ecological emergency, aiming to become a carbon neutral Council by 2030, and has pledged to make the area a net zero carbon emissions area by 2045. We are excited

Jerome Thomas west of england

A solar farm in Cambridgeshire similar to the one planned near Frampton Cotterell. Picture courtesy of BayWa r.e. to be able to make a significant contribution towards that commitment.

“Our proposals for Perrinpit Farm will power the equivalent of around 15,000 houses per year, and we will also be planting wildflower meadows and other environmental enhancements as outlined in our planning application submission.

“Not only this, but the site will continue to be used as grazing ground for sheep. These proposals are a genuine win-win, which will help move away from fossil fuels, whilst also improving the local environment for plants, animals, and people.”

Under the plans footpaths and bridleways will remain.

Sections of hedgerow will have to be removed for construction work, but Baywa r.e. says it will plant 340m of new hedgerows.

A landscape and ecological

management plan submitted with the application says habitats for protected species including dormice, badgers, birds and bats will be retained, and new nesting sites will be created for ground nesting birds such as the skylark.

It says the scheme "can provide biodiversity benefit in the medium-long term".

Another report on the site's trees said stopping ploughing the fields could "provide a longerterm ecological benefit for the site”.

But some residents are concerned that there will be a negative impact.

Julian Selman, who lives within half a mile of the site, said: “The company is making many assurances about mitigation and putting in more hedgerows, but I can’t see how it is not going to have a devastating effect on the wildlife of the

area, because of the wholesale destruction of the land itself.

"In terms of birds the area is very rich, and the larks will certainly lose most of their nesting sites if the plans go ahead. I am truly devastated.”

More than 20 people have commented so far on the South Gloucestershire Council's website.

Some have raised concerns over the impact on wildlife and biodiversity, concerns over nesting birds and the effect of glare on horses.

Others have called the panels "unsightly" and an unnecessary over-development of the green belt.

However other residents have written in favour of the plans, saying the solar farm would protect the fields from housing development, provide renewable energy to combat climate change and enable the landowner to diversify his farming business.

One resident whose comment was published, Robert Gallacher, said: “I’m proud one of our business owners is looking to the future for renewable energy.

"It's about time – our country and planet is slipping away from us; this is one small step towards saving our community and planet.”

People have until May 7 to comment on the plans, which can be seen on the planning section of the council website by searching for application P21/01624/F. More details can be found on the baywa-re.co.uk website, at bit.ly/2R0W2LU.

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May, 2021

9

n NEWS

Pop-up art displays could come to your street VOLUNTEERS who wanted to brighten up a Yate street transformed it overnight with a guerilla art campaign.

Lamp posts were turned into flowers on Tyndale Avenue to surprise residents and raise some smiles.

And the community art project has had such a positive reaction that the organisers are planning another one for the town.

It all started when Tyndale Avenue was dug up for gas works, and volunteers at Cranleigh Court Community Hub noticed that it was looking untidy and dreary.

Katie Hanning, who works for development group Southern Brooks Community Partnerships at the Hub, said they wanted to do something "unexpected and fun".

After some research they decided to create a floral display, using painted hubcaps as flowers, with knitted stems.

Katie said: “We wanted to use repurposed materials where possible, so much of the wool was donated by local people and the hubcaps were all second-hand. Some we bought, some were scavenged - we had to wrestle with a few bushes for a couple – but all the local cars are not now missing their hubcaps!"

Volunteers donated wool, sanded and

Lynne Vowels and Beth McLaren with some of the decorations on Tyndale Avenue painted, climbed up ladders and tried to keep the whole idea a secret until it was ready to be revealed. Some people were asked to knit 'long green scarves’, with no idea what they were for.

For the volunteers at the hub, the street

art was a continuation of their usual activities which aim to connect with the community, even if it couldn’t be face to face.

Katie says they keep people ‘busy, positive and connected’.

Feedback from residents has been encouraging, with some saying that the flowers brighten up their dog walks, and others that their children have enjoyed spotting the flowers.

There are now plans for another display, at a location which is currently a secret.

Katie said: “You will have to keep your eyes peeled, as we don't want to give the game away too soon. This one will be a variant of the theme and our teams are excited to start making again.”

The hub is open on Wednesdays between 2-4pm for a drop in chat with a cup of tea, for anyone wanting to volunteer, or from a group that needs volunteers.

On Thursdays a community fridge with surplus food and a 'pay-what-you-can' outdoor café are open from 11am-1pm.

Katie needs lots of green wool for the next art project. Anyone who can help can contact her by email at katiehanning@ southernbrooks.org.uk.

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Promoted by Max Hopfl on behalf of Samuel Williams and Mark Shelford, all at West of England Conservatives, 5 Westfield Park, Bristol, BS6 6LT.

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10

n NEWS SCHOOLS have started the process of assessing A-level and GCSE students.

In the absence of the traditional national exams, teachers are being asked to award grades this year for A Levels, AS Levels, GCSEs and some vocational qualifications.

Assessments started after the return from the Easter break, with many pupils sitting papers under exam conditions in the classroom.

Schools' policies and samples of work from pupils will then be compared nationally, in an attempt to ensure candidates at different schools have been treated fairly.

The system has been set up after the government announced in January that exams could not go ahead due to the disruption to education caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

At Chipping Sodbury School pupils are sitting assessments, which will be used alongside a wide variety of pieces of work to

May, 2021

Assessments replace exams as GCSEs and A-levels begin

Isabel Ambrose show progress during courses.

The school has recently joined the Athelstan Trust,

which will provide support with GCSE quality assurance, while for A-levels this will take place jointly with other schools in the Cotswold Edge 6th Form.

Similar plans have been made at Yate Academy, where head teacher Isabel Ambrose feels that ‘teachers are best placed’ to assess students in the absence of the usual exams.

Mrs Ambrose said: “A wide range of evidence will be collated over the next half-term, which will include internal assessments and student classwork.

"In addition, we will be using student work produced in response to assessment materials provided by our awarding organisations, including groups of questions, past papers or similar materials such as shadow

or sample papers.”

Teachers at Winterbourne Academy will be using coursework, classwork, practice papers and assessments to inform their decisions.

The Olympus Trust, which oversees the school, says it will ensure the process is fair and follows the guidance provided by exam boards. All teacherassessed grades will be reviewed by the school's leadership team, assisted by the trust.

Results days will be August 10 for A and AS Levels and August 12 for GCSEs. Pupils can appeal grades, although exam boards have said they will only consider appeals where the evidence "cannot reasonably support" the grade that was given.

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May, 2021

yate&sodburyvoice

11

n NEWS

Attack on cycle path Woman charged

POLICE are trying to trace a gang who attacked a man, breaking his collarbone, on a cycle path between Westerleigh and Lyde Green.

Officers say they are treating the attack, which happened near where the path crosses Coxgrove Hill, close to the M4, as an assault causing grievous bodily harm.

They have issued computer generated ‘E-fit’ pictures of two of the men they want to trace, pictured, who are believed to be between 18 and 20 years old.

The victim, who was in his 30s and on foot, was assaulted by three men on the Dramway cycle path, near Westerleigh, on February 26.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “The victim was beaten with a stick, tripped to floor and kicked multiple times in the head in an unprovoked attack.

“He was taken to Southmead Hospital where it was confirmed he’d sustained a broken collarbone and suspected broken ribs.”

Two of the suspects were described as black, wearing black jogging bottoms and hoodies. One had afro hair, with a flat top.

The third was white, of large build, with a shaved head. He wore black joggers and a blue/grey hoodie.

Police have asked anyone who thinks they recognise the men in the e-fits, or has any other information which could help their inquiry, to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 042 129.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

over grave attack POLICE have arrested and charged a woman over vandal damage to the grave of a Winterbourne Down man.

White paint was poured over Liam Scarman's headstone at Westerleigh Crematorium and a note with a mocking message was left in November last year.

Liam, who was 22 when he died three years ago, went to Winterbourne Academy, and had worked for insurance firm LV at Aztec West.

The Voice reported Liam's parents' appeal for anyone with information about the damage to come forward.

Liam Scarman with his mum, Sue In April police revealed that Witt a woman had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Simona Julius, aged 25, of St George in Bristol, appeared before Bristol Magistrates on April 17 charged with criminal damage, two counts of malicious communications and one of harassment.

She was granted conditional bail until her next court appearance, which is due to take place on May 12.

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May, 2021

13

n NEWS

Chipping Sodbury Festival returns RESIDENTS of Chipping Sodbury and beyond will experience carnival in the town’s streets again as part of this year’s threemonth summer festival.

Many of the festival's usual events are due to go ahead as lockdown restrictions are eased, including the Lions Street Fayre and Carnival on June 26.

Organisers who had to cancel last year's events because of the covid pandemic have announced a line-up of activities they hope will make this year's festival one of the best yet.

Throughout May, June and July, some events familiar from previous years and other new ones will be staged, including 'Spot the Error', a quiz night, bike rides and wine tasting, although some will go online and others, including musical events, cannot go ahead under current restrictions.

This year’s carnival theme is ‘Heroes’, which could mean Spiderman or Wonder Woman – or something a little different.

Chipping Sodbury Festival Society chair Kate Cox said: “We challenge you to don your cape or crown and join in all the festivities.

"We all know that some superheroes don’t wear capes and during the last twelve months a different kind of hero has emerged,

Chipping Sodbury Festival Princess Molly Woods (centre) and her attendants Cerys Baldock and Luke Hayward have had to wait a year to carry out their duties. nationally and also from within our own communities.

"This could be an opportunity for you to highlight the contribution they have made to lives during the past year.”

Festival Princess Molly Woods and her attendants Cerys Baldock and Luke Hayward,

who were selected but never had a chance to shine last year, will be invited to take part.

The role is to act as ambassadors for the festival, welcoming people, leading the Lions Club Carnival parade, and helping to judge the best float.

During the week of June 14 there will be flower arranging demonstrations, treasure hunts, and a ‘play bridge’ taster session.

The festival's window displays competition will be running again, and new events include a yoga workshop, an online talent show and an online art display.

Evening musical events with large audiences and ‘Music in the Street’ will not be able to go ahead due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the committee hope to organise some musical events later in the summer.

Kate said: “We're pleased to be back and looking forward to a grand time.”

Anyone who wants to take part in the carnival procession should contact the Lions Club of Chipping Sodbury via the group's Facebook page for an application form.

For more information about events and activities go to www. chippingsodburyfestival.com or the Chipping Sodbury Festival Facebook page.

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yate&sodburyvoice

14

n NEWS

Residents and developer in management row

PEOPLE living on Yate's Autumn Brook estate say they have experienced a catalogue of problems with the way it is managed.

The estate off Peg Hill, which has around 250 homes, has shared open spaces and facilities which are managed by Pinnacle Property Management on behalf of Barratt Homes.

The open spaces are due to be handed over to the residents to maintain in the future, with the roads due to become the responsibility of South Gloucestershire Council.

But the residents are frustrated with how long the process is taking and the costs they are having to pay.

Emma Butler, a spokesperson for the residents’ group, said: “The residents will be responsible, so we have to get things sorted out now. If it’s taking so long and there are issues that haven’t been resolved we are worried we will have to pick up the pieces.”

The residents claim one issue is that not all the fire hydrants have been properly marked.

The Autumn Brook estate Emma said: “There was a fire in one of the houses and it took the fire brigade a while to find where the fire hydrants were, and this has only just been resolved."

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Barratt disputes this, saying the hydrants were "completed in compliance with the requirements of Bristol Water" when the homes were built.

Emma said that roads had still not been handed over to the council, three years after residents were told this was "imminent”, and they are still paying for street lighting.

The developer says the roads are ‘close’ to being adopted, and accepts that one street lighting alteration is needed but says it is paying for the cost of street lighting until the changeover takes place.

Concerns have also been raised over the safety of a pond to hold run-off of water from the development.

Emma says residents believe it is dangerous for children, as there is no protective barrier around it and it is full of weeds,

and should have been fenced off.

Barratt says that that the pond is "designed to be very gradually sloped to allow easy exit" and therefore does not need a fence, which "many people argue is unsightly".

The company said the reeds and bulrushes growing in it add to its ‘visual appeal’ and ‘sustain biodiversity’.

Residents pay an annual fee to Pinnacle, and Emma says they were told they would only be charged when the development was signed off, which happened in October 2019, but actually paid charges from 2014 onwards.

A Barratt spokesperson said: “Residents were refunded all management fees for the period up to January 2019 and Barratt Homes covered the cost of maintenance on the shared space prior to the handover to the management company.

“We are sorry to hear of concerns amongst residents at Autumn Brook. We are working with our partners at Pinnacle Property Management to resolve the outstanding issues.

"Safety is our number one priority, and we are actively reviewing progress on each of the points raised.”

Emma said anyone preparing to buy a new home should check the small print before they sign a contract, because they may assume that management and maintenance is done by their council rather than by a private company.

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

15

n NEWS

'We are worried that someone will be killed' A HUGE hole in a hedge separating homes from a busy road and a roundabout in Yate is dangerous, residents say.

The gap, which is next to homes in Rodborough, was made by a car driven off the roundabout junction for Westerleigh Road, Shire Way and Rodford Way. Despite the council filling it in four times, repairs have been broken down and to create an opening which is being used as part of a short cut.

The speed limit on the roads is 40mph and 30mph at the roundabout, but resident Jackie Crespin says it is a "high-speed junction," with cars travelling

Jackie Crespin next to the gap which has been made in the hedge next to Rodborough.

fast because "all roads leading to it are straight".

Jackie said: “The council has filled the gap in four times

now and every time it has been broken down by joggers, walkers and cyclists.

"I have personally seen a dog

drag a child through the gap – fortunately no one was hurt, but eventually there will be a fatality there.

"Neighbours are very worried that someone will be killed.

"It's not the councils fault – it is the lazy vandals who will not walk a few yards to a proper crossing gap.”

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We are investigating so we can determine if any repairs are required.

"We continue to advise the public to stick to public footpaths wherever possible and not be tempted to take short-cuts which could be unsafe.”

Inspectors raise concerns after prison visit INSPECTORS who visited Leyhill open prison near Charfield have raised concerns over a deterioration in staffprisoner relations, and made recommendations for improvement.

The report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, said prison leaders had been ‘too slow’ to address the issues they highlighted.

However the prison was praised for its management of COVID-19 cases and for some aspects of prison life.

The prison has 500 adult male inmates, who are held in open conditions and supported to life back in the community.

The majority are serving long sentences, two-thirds of them for sexual offences. The inspection, which took place in February and

March, was the first since 2016.

Describing "deteriorating staff–prisoner relationships," the report said nearly a third of prisoners said they had "experienced bullying or victimisation by staff". The inspectors said this was worse for black and ethnic prisoners, with nearly two thirds affected.

Public protection arrangements for prisoners due for release, particularly those of high risk, were a "serious concern", with planning "not sufficiently robust or timely". The report said this needed urgently to improve.

Of those prisoners who were given a release date, many were left waiting for months because of a shortage of approved accommodation. In one case a prisoner with disabilities who

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The inspectors found that links with employers in the community were "far too limited" for an open prison, notwithstanding covid restrictions, with only 26 prisoners having work placements.

As a result, some prisoners had not been able to show the parole board they were ready for release, and over half the parole hearings due in 2020 had had to be deferred.

The inspectors praised prison authorities for successfully preventing the spread of COVID-19 following two cases in October last year. Five other prisoners tested positive when they arrived and went

into isolation. Dormitory accommodation was replaced with single rooms for all prisoners.

Other positive features highlighted in the report included employment of more than 350 prisoners full-time in the prison, with workshops remaining open despite the pandemic, prisoners being given over 11 hours a day unlocked and able to spend time doing outdoor activities such as cultivating allotments, and transgender prisoners being given 1:1 support.

A Prison Services spokesperson said: “Keeping prisoners and staff safe has been our priority and temporary release has restarted at Leyhill, with further opportunities as restrictions lift."

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yate&sodburyvoice

16

May, 2021

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Your candidates for Metro Mayor: mini manifestos VOTERS in the Yate and Sodbury area will help choose the next West of England Mayor on May 6.

The boss of the West of England Combined Authority, or WECA, is in charge of coordinating the region’s transport, housing jobs and skills policy, securing government funding and overseeing the spending of more than £1.1 billion over the next 30 years.

Current Metro Mayor Tim Bowles, a Conservative, is standing down from the

Dan Norris, Labour

Local.

Experienced.

Active.

Dan’s been an NSPCCtrained child protection officer, a local MP, Environment Minister and run his own businesses.

I’ll be a jobs first Metro Mayor and get people back to work launching my Green Recovery Plan

position, which he has held since 2017.

Four candidates are vying to replace him, and voters are given a first and second choice on the ballot. If no-one receives more than half of the votes when the votes are first counted, the two candidates with the fewest votes are knocked out. Any second choice votes from their ballot papers are added to the remaining candidates' total to find a winner.

Voting cards have been sent out and polls open from 7am until 10pm. People who have

to create 23,000 new jobs. I want to rejuvenate our high streets, double investment in affordable homes, improve public transport, tackle the climate emergency and make the West of England the bee capital of the UK. As an active and visible Metro Mayor, I will lead our recovery, bringing people together to ensure our area is on the map: nationally and internationally.

The pandemic has shown what really matters so let’s keep looking out for each other and value what’s truly important.

to self-isolate can apply for an emergency proxy vote via the council's website, southglos. gov.uk.

The Voice has asked each candidate in the election to send us a 100-word manifesto explaining their priorities, plus a short biography to tell readers more about themselves.

They are printed here in alphabetical order, as they will appear on ballot papers.

Jerome Thomas, Green

I’ve lived locally with my family for many years, run a successful UK business and I’m a hardworking city councillor.

We need to rapidly move to a low carbon economy, while making sure workers don’t lose out. We need clean energy, affordable

green transport, a thriving agricultural sector to supply local food, better support for people who need care and their carers, and more power to communities to take action in the ways they know will work.

I’ve identified £1bn of existing regional funds for local investment in green jobs and growth industries, including support for small businesses. I’ll subsidise rural bus routes and lower fares for young people and I’ll give a greater voice to communities in regional decision-making.

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021 Samuel Williams, Conservative

Samuel is a business founder and charity leader who has worked domestically and internationally to lead social and economic change.

The West of England Mayor is a big job that decides how hundreds of millions of pounds are invested across the region.

This is time to take hold of opportunity and secure our recovery by: Implementing a modern transport system that works – delivering at least six new stations, crucial rail improvements, ‘ondemand’ services, and cycling and walking services; Deliver improved skills training for high value and sustainable jobs of the future; Boosting local enterprise, increasing employment and attracting greater investment; Unblocking the redevelopment logjam and pioneering more

sustainable future communities.

Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat

Former Bristol West MP and Minister for Communities.

Worked as a business trouble-shooter and is a Bristol University history graduate.

I will be a strong champion for the West of England, using my experience in business, as an MP and government minister to get our voice heard loudly in London, winning new investment and powers.

I will also: Lead a green and socially just economic recovery; Take control of our buses and run them on clean fuel; Build thousands of new homes to suit all budgets, built to the highest green standards; Demand a range of new powers from government, making more big decisions locally.

We can’t afford another inexperienced Conservative mayor.

Put my experience to work for you!

17

Mayor's image problem WHOEVER becomes the next Metro Mayor following the election will need to ensure people remember who they are.

Independent political think-tank Centre for Cities found that just 7% of people polled in the West of England area, which includes Bristol and B&NES as well as South Gloucestershire, could name retiring mayor Tim Bowles, (pictured right).

In fact, more people (10%) incorrectly thought that Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees was the Metro Mayor than named Mr Bowles as the incumbent.

They were not alone: Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asked on a visit to Gloucestershire last month if he could name the Metro Mayor, was unable to say it was Mr Bowles who held the post.

Mr Bowles, a Winterbourne parish councillor, has been involved in local politics for 20 years. He represented the Winterbourne ward on South Gloucestershire Council for seven years before he was elected to lead WECA. Two thirds of the 275 voters polled by Centre for Cities knew there was a Metro Mayor and more than three quarters wanted to see the mayor given more powers, with the most popular areas being supporting local businesses and providing affordable housing.

More than a third supported the Metro Mayor having a bigger role in providing access to skills and training locally, an area which is one of the current responsibilities of the role.

But when asked their top priorities for the incoming mayor, the top three named by voters were in areas where WECA has no powers: health care (52%), schools (42%) and social care (30%).

n PHARMACY NEWS

COVID-19 and blood clotting – the facts WE have been fielding a lot of queries relating to recent reports over blood clots and COVID-19 vaccinations.

After a review of possible links with extremely rare blood clots, people under the age of 30 are to be offered an alternative to the Oxford/ AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine.

They are to consider the risks of waiting for another vaccine, the risk of infection and the risk of a blood clot to help them make a decision.

Around four people develop the reported clotting condition for every 1 million AZ vaccine doses.

The UK has so far administered over 20 million doses.

This condition tends to occur between four days and two weeks following vaccination.

We now know that brain clots are more likely with a covid infection than a vaccine.

They can also occur naturally and are more common, but still very rare, in younger women.

The advice regarding blood clots is that anyone who has any of the symptoms below for four or more days after receiving the AZ vaccine should seek prompt medical advice: A severe or persistent headache; blurred vision; chest pain; shortness of breath; swollen legs; persistent abdominal pain; unusual skin bruising; pinpoint spots (not including the injection site).

Health care professionals are all ever mindful of our responsibility to always make sure that any actions that we take are safe and guided by sound evidence.

We would immediately stop offering the vaccinations if we believe anything is unsafe.

We continue to encourage everyone eligible to book their covid vaccination appointment quickly.

If you have any questions about covid vaccinations, please give us a ring on 01454 313193.

We are constantly updating our knowledge and will offer you our professional insight.

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

18

May, 2021

n L OCAL ELECTIONS: POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES – MINI MANIFESTOS VOTERS in the Yate and Sodbury area will help choose the next Avon and Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner on May 6.

The PCC is responsible for the effective policing of the region, drawing up a budget – including the annual precept charged to council tax payers – setting priorities for the force, selecting and holding the chief constable to account.

Current commissioner Sue Mountstevens, an independent, is standing down from the position, which she has held since 2012.

The election had been due to take place last year but was delayed because of the lockdown.

It is being contested by four party political candidates and an independent, and voters are able to pick a first and second choice.

As they prepare to face the voters, the Voice has asked each candidate in the election to send us a 100-word manifesto explaining their priorities, plus a short biography.

They are printed here in alphabetical order, as they will appear on ballot papers.

Kerry Barker, Labour As a barrister I dealt with difficult cases of abuse and sexual assaults and know changes have reduced police effectiveness.

The police are meant to prevent crimes and catch criminals.

Across the area the detection rates for crimes which affect ordinary people (burglaries, robberies, thefts, criminal damage and violent and sexual offences) are dreadful.

There has been a massive increase in violent and sexual crime since 2012 when the PCC was first elected.

If elected, I will: • Improve neighbourhood policing with more police officers on the beat in your area; • Stop the closure of police stations; • Reinstate specialist teams of detectives.

• At the heart of those priorities

will be the safety and welfare of all women.

Cleo Lake, Green Cleo is a Bristol city councillor, former Lord Mayor, Avon Fire Authority member and former chair of St Pauls Carnival.

With communities for communities.

Active democracy is important to me. I will ensure a mechanism for communities to feed into the police and crime plan ahead of it being finalised in March 2022.

Community outreach and engagement work would be central to my forward facing transparent approach, which I would prioritise over being sat behind a desk at Portishead HQ, for example.

I would support the Independent Advisory Groups as another layer of public scrutiny and consensus building. I would also

require senior commanders to give a monthly verbal update at public meetings in each local or district authority area.

Heather Shearer, Lib Dem As vice chair of the Police and Crime Panel I scrutinise the PCC’s work and fight for what people want.

Everyone should feel safe. In 201920 1.8m crimes went unsolved nationally. If you call the police, you want something done.

People think there is no point in reporting a crime.

Just 1 in 10 burglaries are solved in our area. Most burglars have done it before and will again.

We have to break that cycle of crime.

Every three days a woman is killed by their partner but only 10% of abusers are successfully

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021 prosecuted. I want to stop abuse before it gets dangerous, prevent domestic abuse and support all victims of sexual violence, both men and women.

Mark Shelford, Conservative Brought up just outside Bath, spent over 30 years in the Army, Deputy Leader BATHNES, a member of the PCP. Return to Peelian principles of preventing crime.

Reassure residents that the Police are there for them. This means more visible Policing, includes a plan for women’s safety, making the Community more resilient and resistant to crime.

Revitalising Neighbourhoods with Specials who live and work in their community.

Refocus the Police on fighting the crimes that the residents are most concerned with: County

Lines, associated violence and burglaries, dangerous driving, ASB and the silent crimes of cyber fraud and domestic abuse.

Rebuild the Force by making them more effective and efficient, reducing their admin, allowing them to be more proactive.

John Smith, Independent Deputy PCC and ran the PCC’s office for 8 years. His independence makes him the best choice for local residents.

John Smith, former Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, is standing as an independent candidate.

If elected, he’ll keep the party politics out of policing, answering only to residents, not party bosses in Westminster.

John’s priorities: supporting the police to enforce COVID-19 regulations appropriately; tackling

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force in the country; improving road safety; preventing fraud and cyber crime; addressing rural crime and supporting rural communities; working in partnership to address business crime.

First job: choose new top cop ONE of the first tasks facing whoever wins the police and crime commissioner election will be to appoint a new chief constable.

Andy Marsh, pictured, has confirmed he will not be seeking to extend his contract when it expires at the start of July.

Mr Marsh has been Avon and Somerset Constabulary's chief constable since 2016, taking over after a turbulent few years following the election of Sue Mountstevens as the first PCC in 2012.

Within a week of her election she announced she would invite applications for the role of chief constable, causing the incumbent, Colin Port, to resign rather than reapply for his job.

Nick Gargan, who was appointed the following year, was suspended after 14 months amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female officers and staff. He resigned in 2015 after being found guilty of eight misconduct charges.

Mr Marsh said it had been the “honour of a lifetime” to lead the force he joined as a new recruit in 1987, but it was "the right time for me to embark on a new challenge".

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yate&sodburyvoice

20

May, 2021

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

Feast and famine, 500 years ago IT is very tempting to see Yate as very much a modern creation, and ignore the rich history which exists before the 20th century.

Five hundred years ago, Yate was a parish with three manors and around 200 occupants. The medieval Catholic church held sway over the lives of most people in 1521 – about ten years before the English Reformation placed Henry VIII as head of the Church of England.

Most people worked on the land in a subsistence economy and sheep, bred for the cloth industry, would have been a regular sight on the landscape.

Yate was much as it had been in the 15th century, apart from the arrival of one of the great families of England. The Berkeley family were the tenants of Yate Court, seat of the Manor of Yate since 1504.

In the 1490s, William Lord Berkeley had died without children

and Berkeley Castle was forfeited to the crown.

In 1519, the mighty Berkeley family transformed the existing medieval manor from a fortified house into a palatial Tudor mansion, which is today a ruin retaining only a small proportion of its earlier form.

We are blessed with the details of building the new Yate Court mansion in 1519, which demonstrate the stature of the Berkeley family. They were able to draw upon the services of 24 masons, 25 carpenters, 32 labourers and 38 carriers and hauliers.

Timber and nails came from the Forest of Dean. Stone came from Box, near Bath, and the Frome valley. It was a state-of-the-art building with little expense spared.

Maurice Lord Berkeley was head of the household from 1506 to his death in 1523, and oversaw

the building of the new Yate Court.

Berkeley was often away, and held key military positions under Henry VIII in the 1510s.

When he was at Yate it was a great occasion, befitting his position.

Again, we are able to use details from the Berkeley records. In 1518, there are inventories of the feasting at Yate Court for the family, guests, retinue and sundry invitees.

The upper classes demonstrated their wealth through their diet, with conspicuous eating of meat of most kinds, to the exclusion of “lesser foods” such as vegetables, raw fruit and dairy products. Berkeley ate food from far and wide: both pepper and mustard seeds came from overseas in 1518 and there were sea fish eaten, including plaice, whiting and copious amounts of oysters.

The estate and Berkeley lands accounted for much of the food; wildfowl in local ponds were eaten in great quantities, notably snipe and woodcock.

The Tudors were also happy to consume small birds captured by their staff, which may have tested the cook’s ingenuity. In September

1518, more than 100 larks were eaten in nine days, while in December that year, 88 fieldfares (a member of the thrush family) were devoured.

Two years later, England suffered a devastatingly poor harvest.

Maurice Berkeley would survive, of course, but many others wouldn’t have.

Five hundred years ago, it was feast or famine.

With thanks to Berkeley record office and the late Harry Lane.

David Hardill

Diary dates

May 11, 7.30pm: Talk on 550th Anniversary of the Battle of Tewkesbury with Richard Goddard.

May 19, 7.30pm: Yate Archaeology Group, the Viking army at Repton, with Cat Jarman.

Contact info@yateheritage.co.uk for Zoom links for both of these online events.

News on the centre's re-opening will follow soon.

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

21

n NEWS

Huge response for pub's tribute to Stan A PUB'S tribute to a former Yate factory worker has caught the imagination of thousands of well-wishers.

When his local had to close for lockdown, Stan Gilvear said he'd be the first person back through the door when it reopened.

But Stan, who worked at the Creda washing machine and tumble dryer factory before taking early retirement around 14 years ago, died before he had the chance to keep his promise.

So when the Huntsman in Westerleigh Road, Downend, was finally able to reopen in April, landlady Helen Bull poured a pint in his memory and left it at his favourite table.

She posted a picture of it on Facebook, and her gesture caught the imagination: more than 1,000 people – friends of Stan, others who never met him and even a longlost relative – left comments on the post, which was shared more than 11,000 times and reached more than two million users.

Stan, who lived in Downend for more than 60 years, died in January from an undiagnosed heart condition.

A welder by trade, he had worked for Charles Hill ship yard and on the SS Great Britain after it returned to Bristol in 1970.

as well as working at Creda – now owned by Whirlpool – Stan and had also worked as a cleaner at UWE. He had his last pint at the Huntsman before the November lockdown, as the pub had to stay closed through Tier 3 restrictions and the third lockdown which followed.

Helen said: "He was just a really lovely, kind man who spoke to everyone.

“We all raised a glass to Stan and put his pint in the little spot where he always sat, in the bar area by the telly."

Helen said the reaction to the post had been "truly overwhelming".

She said: "I’m just so glad so many people got to learn about Stan."

Stan's partner Tracey Sherratt said he would have been "over the moon" at Helen's gesture and the comments her post had received.

She said: “Stan was a very, very friendly gentleman. He was a very polite man and very funny, with his dry sense of humour, which people loved about him.

“He was a happy man and very much a family man, with me and my two children.

Stan was in their lives for 32 years."

Stan Gilvear with a pint

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22

n NEWS A TESTING programme set up to trace a coronavirus variant found just four cases in more than 50,000 tests.

The two-week community surge testing programme was established to detect the VOC-21FEB-02 variant of the COVID-19 virus, which was designated as a "variant of concern", because it contains a mutation thought to make it more easily spread and more resistant to vaccines.

People in parts of Yate as well as the Downend, Emersons green and Pucklechurch areas were among those who attended mobile testing units or collected home self-testing kits during February after the coronavirus mutation was detected in the area.

Figures released by the government showed that, of the 50,317 samples tested, there were four cases of the VOC21FEB-02 variant and another two of another mutant strain, known as VUI-21FEB-03, although as of April 22 only around a quarter of confirmed

May, 2021

Surge testing finds just four cases of COVID-19 variant cases had been sequenced.

In total, 1,316 cases of coronavirus were confirmed during the programme, which was for people with no symptoms of the virus. This represented a positive result in just over 2.6%, or around one in every 38, of tests.

A Public Health England spokesperson said it was "reassuring" that only a small amount of variants have been detected so far, "which would indicate there wasn’t wider community spread of the variants initially identified".

The national vaccination programme moved on to under50s in mid-April, but lower levels of vaccine supplies meant that fewer venues in South Gloucestershire were offering first jabs.

Initially people aged 45 to

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49 were sent letters advising them to use the national booking system to make an appointment at a community pharmacy or Ashton Gate vaccination centre.

But users have reported not being able to find appointments at venues in South Gloucestershire, with some but being offered appointments as far away as Taunton, Bournemouth, Malvern and Salisbury by the national website.

The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in charge of the roll-out in surgeries, announced on April 22 that people aged 40 to 49 would start to be offered appointments at GP clinics.

But while patients of some surgeries reported being offered at GP hubs, others were still

being told to use the national system.

A spokesperson for the CCG said: "Nationally, there is lower vaccine supply at the moment, but we are working to share vaccine where it is needed across our healthcare system. There is enough vaccine available for people in priority groups 1-9 (over-50s, care home staff and at-risk groups) who hasn’t booked their vaccination, yet, to have their first dose and to complete all second doses."

In the year to April 16 a total of 142 South Gloucestershire residents had died with COVID-19.

A total of 61 new cases were confirmed in South Gloucestershire during the week to April 23, up from 44 a week earlier but down from 110 on March 26.

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

23

n NEWS

Remembering mining heritage A PROJECT to commemorate the Yate area's mining history has been completed.

The display of equipment, and an interpretation board giving information at the Lozenge roundabout on Station Road, which was formally unveiled on April 26, is designed to celebrate the mining of celestine, also known as spar, in the area.

Yate Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council launched a joint project two years ago to replace the existing flower beds with two items of original, restored mining equipment: a cylindrical skip bucket, called a kibble, and a V-shaped tipper truck filled with local celestine.

The information was also commissioned and installed under the chestnut trees, next to the Armadillo.

Celestine was worked from open cast mines for more than 100 years in and around the Yate area, providing almost all of the global supply. It was used in the German sugar refining industry and later, in products from hair restorer to the red colour in flares and fireworks.

The skip bucket, rescued from Yate Common, was used to move celestine with a steam crane.

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The tipper truck, which transported celestine by rail to local stockpiles, is typical of the trucks used locally and was rescued by the late David Pollard, who was a member of the South Gloucestershire Mining Research Group.

Both items were restored by South Gloucestershire Council, sandblasted then painted with red oxide for long term preservation. The celestine used in the display was supplied by Barratt Homes.

The two new mining artefacts join the salt truck already on the roundabout, which was used in mining in Yate’s twin town of Badsalzdetfurth in Germany.

Chainsaw artist Andy O‘Neill designed and carved the pedestal base to support the board, modelling it on original local hand tools used in open pit mining.

A town council spokesperson said: "We are very pleased to be able to help increase the awareness of Yate’s important global role in this rare mineral and would like to thank everyone who has worked to transform the roundabout with the installation of mining artefacts, providing a permanent tribute to Yate’s mining history."

A tipper truck installed as part of the Lozenge roundabout revamp to recognise the Yate area's mining history. Picture: Alan Monaghan

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24

May, 2021

n PETER'S VISION

Reassuringly Thorough

W

“When it comes to eyewear, why compromise? Style and comfort come as a pair.”

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ELL here we are, a full year later and finally we can taste freedom! Outdoor, socially distanced freedom maybe, but it's a good step to getting our lives back on track. It’s even better that the sun is out and if we can remember where they are, it’s time to bring out our shorts & T-shirts, and hopefully don a pair of sunglasses too!

It got me thinking. Now sunglasses season’s definitely here, I’ve had my eye on a new pair of Ray-Ban’s for a few weeks. It’s going to be an oversized chunky acetate frame for me this year, with my favourite grey-green polarised prescription lenses. It’ll certainly make a change from the classic, and to be fair slightly conservative, Ray-Ban’s I usually wear. My wife Jo has already chosen hers too. It’s no surprise that once again she’s ahead of the game - well ahead of me anyway!

One of our favourite designers, Tom Davies, has not been idle during lockdown either. From his London design studio, Tom’s latest collection is just stunning to behold and available to view in practice now. You can choose ready to wear Tom Davies glasses, for ladies & gents, that look stunning and are just so comfortable to wear. If you’re after something a little different or find glasses don’t usually fit or suit you then we can offer a tailor made service too, just ask for details.

When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve.

However it has become increasingly clear that our vision of reassuringly thorough eye care is not compatible with the NHS funded (free) sight test. With this in mind, we evolved during lockdown into a practice offering Advanced Eye Care to every patient.

We’ve re-launched our Vision Plan. Membership is via a low cost monthly Direct Debit, which gives you access to the thorough eye care you want, when you need it. You’ll also receive a glasses discount as well as accidental damage cover for your new glasses.

Advanced Eye Care is available for both adults and children too! Full details, including our ‘pay on the day’ option are on our website.

I’d like to personally thank each of you for your trust and support throughout this difficult period. Making this change now, allows us to continue providing you and your family with reassuringly thorough eye care for many years to come.

Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses, we’re still here when you need us six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too!

To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

25

n NEWS

20mph zone for High Street Beautiful bonnets

WICKWAR High Street and Station Road could become a 20mph zone under plans unveiled by South Gloucestershire Council.

A zebra crossing north of Amberley Way, speed bumps and a pedestrian refuge near the village youth club are also included in the plans, which are open for public consultations.

The council is also proposing waiting restrictions on High Street between Inglestone Road and Back Lane, junction improvements to increase visibility at the High Street junctions with Back Lane and Buthay Lane, and expansions of the pavement at the junction of Station Road, The Downs and the High Street, to provide safer crossings for pedestrians.

If follows a preliminary consultation in 2019 and a report last year recommending changes to the original scheme.

Funding from developers paid as part of planning deals is available to make the changes, which are aimed at reducing vehicle speed, providing safe crossings where pavements come to an end, restricting parking on the bend near the youth club and at the junctions, and to slow traffic down on the southbound approach to the junction of Station Road and The Chase.

Residents can comment on the proposals on the council website until May 15.

Maps and more information are are available at www. southglos.gov.uk/consultation Anyone who is not online can call 01454 863503 to find out more.

The council is keen to highlight that this is a separate scheme to two others on the Sodbury Road for which consultations have now closed.

Tim J Seymour FFA FIPA

The Profit Coach

Business Coach & Accountant Now Based in Chipping Sodbury

MORE than 60 children got their thinking caps on to create Easter bonnets for a competition organised

by Yate Town Council and Friends of Kingsgate Park.

The contest was held virtually, with entries uploaded on to the friends' Facebook page.

It is the second year the competition has gone online as coronavirus restrictions put paid to the traditional bonnet parade and Easter egg hunt in the park, and this year's 62 entries were more than double last year's number.

Among the winners chosen by Yate mayor Karl Tomasin and the friends group were Lyra Parkes Lyra Parkes with her bonnet. and Tayla-elise Roberts.

Councillor Karl Tomasin said: "I have been absolutely amazed and inspired by the creative and spectacular entries...it's been a joy and a challenge to choose between them."

The organisers hope next year's event will be back in the park.

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26

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

n NEWS

Paul takes over THE former manager of Yate's HSBC bank branch has joined Yate Town council to look after its finances.

Paul Carroll has started in post as Yate Town Council’s finance manager and responsible finance officer, taking over from former deputy town clerk and responsible finance officer, Steph Davies, who is leaving in the summer after 30 years of service.

Earlier this year banking giant HSBC announced that it was shutting the branch in in North Walk, in Yate Shopping Centre. It is due to close on June 25.

Paul has spent 16 years in the banking industry.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to starting my role as finance manager and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working in and supporting the local community.

"Furthermore, being a local resident myself with a young family, I am passionate about delivering the town council’s aim of improving the quality of life for the residents of Yate."

Steph said: “Working for Yate Town Council has been a pleasure.

Being involved as part of the team delivering various community projects has been very rewarding. Paul, I’m sure, will fit into his new role admirably and I hope he enjoys his new place in the community as much as I have, and would like to wish him all the very best for the future.”

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Shopmobility is back THE Shopmobility service which helps people with disabilities access Yate Shopping Centre and other town centre services has reopened as lockdown restrictions ease.

People can hire mobility scooters and wheelchairs from Shopmobility, which is open from 9.30am to 4pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

The scheme started operating in April 2006, so is now celebrating 15 years of helping people access services and social activities.

Project Manager Sheridan Crew said: "Our service initially was viewed by some as a curiosity but now is accepted an integral part of services available.

"Over the 15 years of operating I have noticed mobility scooters have become significantly more popular for people with mobility problems and their use has increased within the shopping centre.

"We have registered approaching 2,000 people.

"Many of our past members have decided to invest in their own mobility scooters providing the ability to get out and about, make new friends, and visit shops and services independently.

"Unfortunately not everyone with a disability can own a mobility scooter and our service may provide some people’s only means of leaving the home environment.

"Maintaining our service has created significant financial challenges and we remain grateful to all those who have supported us over the last 15 years including all those who work for our charity. " The scheme is on the lookout for volunteers to help deliver its services.

To find out more about Shopmobility call Telephone 01454 868718 or 07999 574474, shopmobilitysouthglos@yahoo.com or visit the Facebook page @yateshopmobility.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

27

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Rotarians join the war on litter SPRING is here and there is reason to be optimistic.

The weather is improving, pubs and restaurants are open outside, the COVID-19 vaccination programme is proceeding successfully, with new cases dropping and deaths falling away dramatically.

With the completion of our tree planting season, the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury's local community group has now turned its attention to litter picking.

Building on these club occasional litter picking efforts, we are planning for a major action day in Chipping Sodbury and Yate on June 6, inspired by the worldwide Rotary effort named ‘End Plastic Soup’, the aim of which is to work towards the removal of plastic from the planet through education and focused effort.

On June 6 we hope that others will join us, including the local Facebook Yate and Sodbury Clean Up Group, the members of which are doing a great job to provide us

Chipping Sodbury Rotary members with the litter collected in one morning on Wickwar Road.

Picture: Doug Lodge in the community with a clean and pleasant environment to enjoy.

Anyone or any groups wishing to join us on the day are encouraged to contact our club organiser Ian Joseph at ianjoseph@ blueyonder.co.uk.

The Southmead Hospital Charity is running an online raffle in July to raise funds for a range of requirements. Along with other Rotary clubs we were delighted to make a financial donation towards the raffle prizes.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Recently, club members enjoyed an interesting talk by Martin Evans, a prominent member of Bristol Advanced Motorists.

Martin explained the benefits of advanced driving and the range of advanced driving courses available.

On the social front, the club has resumed its weekly boules games at Horton Social Club to practice in preparation for the annual Rotary district competition. It has been great for a number of members to get together for some much-

needed face-to-face contact and banter.

A number of our club members continue to volunteer at the West Walk Surgery in Yate and at Ashton Gate, to support the covid vaccination programme.

Finally, it is now less than two months until the 25th running of the ever-popular club annual classic vehicle run, on June 27.

Entries are now open.

Stuart Fraser

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

28

May, 2021

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

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

Getting back together: veggie burgers AT last! We can now meet up outside with more people and enjoy a picnic or a BBQ. After all these months of confinement, that feels pretty good. So, my recipe this month is super tasty and a good way of getting your kids to eat more veg.

When I did a class for 10 year

olds a few years ago, I offered them these burgers and traditional ones too. I didn’t tell them what was in the veggie burgers and simply asked them which they preferred. The veggie burgers were a unanimous winner. How cool is that?

Let’s hope that there is a gradual

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lessening of restrictions, so that we will be able to socialise more freely with friends and family. Fingers crossed that we have a good summer to enjoy, too.

pinch

Rainbow Bean Burgers

Drain and rinse the beans.

Mash the beans in a medium bowl with a potato masher or fork.

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well using your hands. (Make sure you have just washed them!)

Shape into a long sausage shape and cut into 10 pieces for miniburgers, 4 for large.

Place a piece of non-stick paper on a baking tray to stop the burgers from sticking as they cook.

Put the burgers on the lined baking sheet and flatten slightly with your hand.

Bake in the oven for about 20-25 mins until golden and crisp.

Serve with a salad made of apple, finely chopped celery and tomatoes, cucumber and red peppers. Pour over a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

Makes 10 mini burgers or 4 large burgers Ingredients: Tin of cannellini beans – 1 x 200g (7oz) tin Red onion - ½ chopped finely Garlic clove, grated – 1 Celery stick, finely chopped- 1 Carrot, grated - 1 Pepper, green or red, finely chopped – 1 Dried basil, marjoram, oregano – ½ tsp each Tomato puree mixed with 1 tablespoon of hot water – 1 tablespoon Egg – ½ (about 30mls) Homemade breadcrumbs – 30g(2oz) Cheese, either Edam or Cheddar if you prefer a stronger taste, grated – 60g (2oz) Salt and pepper – a little to your taste Paprika or cayenne pepper – one

Here’s what you do: Pre-heat the oven to gas 6, 200 C or 180C fan ovens

Cook’s Tip: If you have a food processor you can put all the ingredients in there and process until combined. Don’t overdo it, as we still want the veg to be a bit chunky.

Wildlife survey A NATURE organisation is trying to find out more about people's views about wildlife in the area.

Avon Wildlife Trust is launching the South Gloucestershire Wildlife Survey at the start of May and wants as many people as possible in the district to give their views.

The trust, which manages 30 nature reserves across the region, including Charfield Meadow, works with other organisations and landowners to protect wildlife and inspire people for wildlife in their area.

A spokesperson said the survey, which can be found online at the trust's website or at bit.ly/3xu5DeP, would help decide where it focuses its energies in the South Gloucestershire area.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2021

29

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style Save the planet - buy a V8 LAST month you may have noticed that this column was conspicuous by its absence.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, I found myself without a car to review.

To that end, if you own something that people would be interested to read about (and are happy for me to drive it round the block), do please get in touch with my editor. His number is at the bottom of this page, and I promise to be polite about your pride and joy. Or at least not rude.

In the meantime, I have a used vehicle purchase recommendation for you. Later this year, Bristol will introduce a Clean Air Zone, charging certain vehicles £9 a day to enter the central area.

London already has a CAZ in place. These are mainly aimed at reducing the number of diesel vehicles travelling around the city, but petrol cars older than 2006 will also be charged.

Electric vehicles will, of course, be exempt. But electric vehicles are arguably as bad - or worse - for the planet than a dirty second-hand diesel.

I’m serious. All new cars require steel, which is produced in the main by burning fossil fuels, often coal, and sometimes in places a long way away from the car factory. That steel therefore needs

shipping, on massive vessels that burn heavy fuel oil, which is worse than diesel for emissions.

A used car has already gone through this grubby production cycle.

Diesel exhaust emissions are filthy, though, and I don’t advocate them. Bristol is right to try and get rid, ASAP. And it is true that electric cars produce zero emissions, which is lovely for your lungs. But their batteries contain cobalt, and cobalt is really problematic.

It is produced by smelting iron, and is a key component in all lithium-ion batteries. Some 70% of the world’s cobalt is mined in the Congo, 30% of which is dug up by ‘informal’ workers.

Informal is the term used by the mine owners to disguise the fact that they employ local children.

These children, as young as 12, are ‘paid’ with food and lodging, and mine with their bare hands.

Informal miners work in a totally unregulated industry.

Congo has updated Conrad’s Heart of Darkness for the 21st century. Kurtz has swapped his ivory for cobalt, and his malign influence lives on in the batteries of vehicles sold to assuage Western guilt and show off the owner’s eco credentials. The horror, the horror.

My solution is simple and full

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

of joy: A Mercedes 450 SLC. Now classified as a historic vehicle (i.e. at least 40 years old), the big SLC is exempt from the Bristol and London CAZ. The lazy, low compression 4.5 litre V8 will run forever with the right care and attention, meaning you won’t ever need to buy another car. This is recycling in the best possible sense of the word.

The cherry on the cake is that it is affordable to buy and maintain, coming in far cheaper than its more popular SL cousin.

Mercedes built the SLC alongside the convertible SL between 1971 and 1981, and offered a straight six (weedy, avoid) and three V8s.

The pick was always the 4.5, as the other two (a 3.5 and a 3.8) used just as much fuel and gave out less power. On the used market there is little price difference between them.

So what do you get? The engine produces about 220hp, runs out of puff at 5k rpm but will keep up with modern traffic. 0-60 is about 9 seconds, hampered by an oldfashioned automatic gearbox.

The long bonnet rises majestically as you accelerate.

Torque is prodigious. Top speed, broadly irrelevant, is maybe 120mph.

You can really hustle an

SLC, despite the slightly soft suspension, and the addition of a solid roof helps with rigidity compared to the SL. Back in the 70s, Mercedes took them rallying across Africa, and it won the London to Sydney race, so these are tough cars - unless you expose them to moisture, of course, in which case they rust like it’s going out of fashion. Store this car in a garage.

Inside, the padded steering wheel is huge, as are the lovely clear period dials. Front seats are wide but not very supportive, so maybe better to corner with grace rather than pace.

The SLC is longer than the SL by a few inches, meaning space in the back for two is fine.

The boot is adequate, fuel economy is not: 15mpg, maybe 20mpg on the motorway.

Better to think instead of all the murderous cobalt mines you won’t be supporting each time you fill the 20 gallon (90 litre) fuel tank.

What to pay: 1978 Mercedes SLC 450, £15k

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

30

May, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Horton Historic Vehicle Club MEMBERS of the long-established Horton Historic Vehicle Club are hoping to be able to resume some of their normal activities in the summer, as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Normally, as well as its club nights on the third Wednesday of each month, regularly attended by over 100 members at the village’s Social Club, the club organises ‘runs’ to interesting destinations, whilst in the colder months members have enjoyed film nights, guest speakers and quizzes.

We are fairly unusual in that we welcome any kind of interesting or unusual vehicle and whilst the majority of our members have classic cars, we often see trucks and motorbikes on display in the Social Club car A club night for Horton Historic Vehicle Club park.

But since the start of the pandemic things have been very different. Like many who have had to put their hobbies to one side over the last year, members are using the internet to stay in touch, and the only time any of us see each other is on our Facebook page, which thankfully is very active.

Whilst the club cannot be physically active, it hasn’t stood still. We’ve launched a new website, set up by one of our former guest speakers and supporters, Lee from Auto Detailing Services in Sodbury, helped by some great photos from the club’s photographer Dominic Burnett. Our Facebook page is still the place where most members will interact, posting their photos and news of what they are doing to their vehicles at home.

To find out more or get in touch, visit the website page at hortonhistoricvehicleclub.co.uk or search for Horton Historic Vehicle Club on Facebook.

John Moon

yate&sodburyvoice

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Yate WI YATE WI was looking forward to celebrating our first anniversary in March last year with members from local groups, but lockdown prevented this.

We looked at other ways of being WI. Many of us had to become technically savvy quickly, as we set up a WhatsApp group for all members who wanted to join.

We shared photographs of their craft activities – and an Easter bake off. As regulations allowed, we began to meet for coffee, have socially distanced walks and garden picnics.

Our committee have started meeting via Zoom – a new experience for us all – kept in regular contact with members by safely delivering ‘meetings in a bag’ – containing a quiz or activity, treats and pamper items.

From the start of this year, we began to hold successful monthly coffee evenings via Zoom, enhanced by its closed captions facility. In April, we held a fun Zoom bingo game.

We are arranging a Zoom beetle drive on May 11. We are starting a garden craft session on a Tuesday afternoon. A time to craft, drink tea and enjoy cake!

If you are interested in joining the Yate WI, please contact 0791 338 7478 for further details and for information on how to join in with our Zoom or in-person events, as restrictions allow.

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Alterations • Foundations/Drainage Works Extensions • Repairs/Insurance work Decking/Patios • Driveways - Block Paving Friendly Service & Competitive Rates

Tel: 01454 822580 or Mobile: 07980 567726 mark.kembrey@hotmail.co.uk www.mkbuildingservicesbristol.co.uk

• Patios • Tarmac • Fencing • Turfing • Decking • Drainage • Driveways • Blockpaving • Foundations • Site Clearance • Concrete Bases • Stump Removal

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

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Boiler installation, servicing and repairs 10 Year Warranty’s available

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Mosaic, Travertine, Porceline & Ceramic Specialists

Andy 01454 602506 or 07468 791619 Email: arhys-jones@sky.com A Yate business

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Finance also available

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

ST. ALDAMS FARM NURSERY EST. 1973

BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER THE BEST PLANTS AT THE BEST PRICES For 2021, we have a great new selection of hanging baskets, tubs, pots and novelty baskets to suit everyone

Why not come and pay us a visit at St Aldams?

BEDDING PLANTS £6.00

FUCHSIAS From £2.00

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SURFINIAS £1.50 each

25 PLANTS

BASKET PLANTS

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ERIN MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST £6.00 £15 Top Quality

each or 3 for

Look forward to your visit. Come and find us on The Westerleigh Road between Pucklechurch village and the Westerleigh Crematorium

OPEN 7

DAYS

9AM-5 P

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WESTERLEIGH ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL BS16 9PY SEE OUR SITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS staldamsnursery.co.uk