Yate & Sodbury Voice May 2023

MOVING tributes have been paid to a "devoted" mother-of-four who died after being hit by a car in Yate.

Rebecca Ashmead, known to friends and family as Beccy or Bex, died in a collision on Kennedy Way on March 29, despite efforts by police and paramedics to save her.

She worked as a lollipop lady at St Paul's Catholic Primary School in the town, and her

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OF YOUR

family said she was a devoted mum, who was "passionate about road safety".

The school said Rebecca had "touched the hearts of so many with her enthusiasm and zest for life".

Police say an investigation into her death is ongoing.

Turn to page 3

Triple champion

YATE teenager Rosie Rendell has been crowned world Irish dance champion for a third year running.

PAGE 13

Dog rescue drama

A SPECIALIST rope rescue team and police drone operators helped rescue a puppy which fell down a cliff face at Chipping Sodbury Quarry.

PAGE 15

Election preview

FIND out who is standing for election in your area, as voters prepare to decide who runs South Gloucestershire Council.

PAGES 6-11

Bluebells drop

YATE Town have been relegated from football's Southern League Premier South division.

PAGE 38

Rebecca Ashmead was killed on Kennedy Way in Yate

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Our June edition deadline is May 24.

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Go-ahead for Green Belt battery plant

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Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

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COMPLAINTS

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware

health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk

Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

A RENEWABLE energy battery storage plant has been approved on Green Belt land at Iron Acton, after negotiations over landscaping and nature protection.

The system will store electricity produced by a huge solar farm due to be built on 106 acres of land north of Iron Acton substation, at Lower Lark’s Farm, in Lark’s Lane.

The battery system has been given permission by planners despite being in the Green Belt, because of “very special circumstances” put forward by the developer RE Projects Developments.

Planners said they accepted the need for renewable energy infrastructure, to support increasing use of renewable and low carbon energy.

In a report supporting the application, planning officers said: “Although a battery does not generate energy itself, it is critical to the functioning of renewable energy systems and cannot be separated from the wider system.

"They are therefore a vital part of renewable energy infrastructure and are a key component of the low-carbon energy infrastructure required to achieve net zero emissions.”

The plant will be made up of battery storage units, control buildings and a substation, covering three acres of land between the existing substation and the proposed solar panels. Those were given planning permission in 2021, and will produce enough electricity to supply 17,000 homes.

The batteries will allow electricity to be stored and supplied to the National Grid when needed.

When the application was submitted in July last year there were no objections from local residents or councils.

The developers have agreed to 12 conditions, including screening with new trees and plants, following a detailed ecology plan to protect wildlife during construction, as well as a plan to protect from future flooding.

Planners say the plant would support South Gloucestershire’s declaration of a 'Climate Emergency' and its aims of a lower carbon economy.

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A member of the

Officers said: “Given the screening of the site within the landscape, combined with the existing adjacent industrial uses, any harm to the openness of the Green Belt is deemed to be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme.”

Mum's death leaves family and school in shock

From page 1

In a tribute issued through Avon & Somerset police, her family said there had been an "outpouring of love" for Rebecca, who was 49.

They said: "Beccy (Bex) was a devoted mum to her four children, and the best big sister you could ask for.

"She was the matriarch of an incredibly close family, and we loved nothing more than being together.

"Bex's unstoppable energy meant she was always busy helping people and being at the centre of fun.

"Bex was the beloved lollipop lady at her daughter's school, a job which she loved, as she could make sure children were safe.

"She was passionate about road safety.

"Our family is devastated and in shock.

"We appreciate the kind words of support, and the outpouring of love for Bex

we have received but ask that our privacy is respected as we grieve."

Maxine Sewell, head teacher at St Paul's Catholic Primary School in Sundridge Park, said: “The school community is shocked and saddened by this tragic incident.

"Beccy was very well liked and respected by staff, pupils and parents alike, and will be greatly missed.

"She touched the hearts of so many with her enthusiasm and zest for life. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”

Police said Rebecca died following a collision involving a pedestrian and a car in Kennedy Way at around 5.40pm on March 29.

Officers arrested three people in connection with the incident.

Two were later released without charge, while a third, a man in his 30s, was on police bail as the Voice went to press.

Police have asked anyone who saw the incident, the events

leading up to it or saw a blue Ford driving in the area at the time to call 101 and quote reference number 5223 073 278.

They have also asked for people with phone, doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage to get

in touch.

A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts continue to be with the family during this incredibly difficult time and they are being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer."

Bex with members of her family

Rebecca Ashmead appeared in a recruitment campaign for more 'lollipop' crossing patrol guards, and was "passionate about road safety". Picture: South Gloucestershire Council

Beavers vow to rebuild after fire wrecks 'hotel'

A BEAVER group hopes to rebuild a 'bug hotel' built to help insects and minibeasts after it was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Young members of the 1st Yate Beaver group, aged between six and eight, built the hotel back in 2019 to help nature thrive in Brinsham Park, and named it the Brinsham Ritz.

Fire crews were called to the bug hotel near Coopers Lake on the afternoon of Easter Saturday, after locals spotted the blaze.

Avon Fire and Rescue investigators believe the fire was probably started on purpose.

Group Scout leader Claire Wiltshire said: “We are very sad to see what has happened to the bug hotel.

“Many of our young people in the group visited the site during lockdown with their families to see the project and we have taken our beavers over to visit regularly since it was built.

“Our young people enjoy being involved in community

projects, we regularly litter pick and help with bulb planting.

“It's such a shame to see their hard work has been vandalised. We hope we can work with the local community to rebuild this soon.”

The bug hotel was built using money from South

Gloucestershire Council’s Member Awarded Funding.

It was designed by contractor Chris Belcher and filled with materials which would appeal to all kinds of bugs, including bricks, sticks, roofing materials, wellington boots filled with straw, drainage pipes stuffed with twigs, and rolls of roofing felt filled up with bits of leftover material and acorns.

News of the fire was shared on local Facebook group Spotted in Yate 2.0, where one member said: “We were only showing our daughter this Friday. She loved

looking at all the bumble bees and webs.

"Such a shame some idiot has done this. People that do things like this are just a waste of space.”

Another fire was spotted in Lilliput Park, off Kennedy Way, later in the month, when a bench was destroyed after being set alight.

Police have asked anyone with information about either incident to contact them on 101 or report it on the avonandsomerset. police.uk website.

1st Yate Beavers with the 'bug hotel' in 2019.

The remains of the structure after the fire.

Praise for Yate's 'friendly community school'

A YATE primary school has been praised for offering children a friendly environment where they feel happy and valued.

An inspector from Ofsted visited Wellesley Primary School in February and the regulator's report, published at the end of March, said it continues to be a 'good' school.

Inspector Jen Edwards said: "Wellesley Primary is a friendly community school, where pupils are happy, well understood and valued as individuals.

"Leaders have a deep regard for both pupils and their families. Parents are positive about the care that staff provide."

However after her short visit the inspector said she felt the school might not score so highly in a longer 'graded' inspection, which would be carried out next time.

The inspector said that from Reception onwards, staff at the school, in Edgeworth, have high expectations of pupils, and create a culture of enjoyment in

learning.

She said: "Largely, teachers present subjects clearly to pupils. Most teachers make sure that pupils can understand important concepts and knowledge. They make sure pupils connect new learning to what they already know.

“Routines are well established in the early years. Children learn how to behave. Staff help them to become more independent and resilient.

"Teachers make sure pupils treat each other with kindness,

care and empathy.

"Leaders and staff celebrate positive behaviour in a wide variety of ways. As a result, pupils are confident and enthusiastic."

The inspector said most pupils with special educational needs or disabilities are well supported, although their individual next steps are not always well planned.

She said school leaders are improving the teaching of early reading, but needed to improve expertise among teachers of

Dement ia Day Centre Memor y Lane

Communit the in Caring

phonics and make sure that pupils who are behind in their learning catch up quickly and effectively in reading and maths, as well as improving the personal development curriculum.

Heather Small, who has been Wellesley’s head teacher for ten years, said she was very pleased Ofsted had confirmed the 'good' rating for the school, which has 205 pupils aged from five to 11. She said: "I would like to thank the whole of our school community for the part they had to play in this outcome: our pupils for their very positive attitudes to school and their learning; our staff who work incredibly hard and dedicate so much of themselves to the children; our committed governors for their continuing challenge and encouragement, and our brilliant parents for all their support.

"Wellesley is the special place it is because everyone works together for the benefit of the children."

Memor y Lane is a new Dementia Ser vice based at Caring Comes First in Kingswood. Our aim is to improve and maintain the wellbeing of those living with Dementia, through person centred activities and social oppor tunities.

Our goal is to offer enrichment to the lives of people living with Dementia, which has a positive effect and therefore increasing their wellbeing by engaging in stimulation and activity outside their normal routine.

We offer a fully engaging, interactive experience for all our clients, with activities including; Live Music & Singalongs | Music Therapy | Crafts | Flower Arranging | Gardening | Aromatherapy | Animal Therapy | Reminiscing Sessions | Tabletop Games | Armchair Yoga

Sessions are available Monday-Friday 9am - 12.30pm | 1pm - 4.30pm (Drinks & snacks included)

We are now taking referrals for private and funded clients, to find out more about our ser vices please call

Wellesley Primary School pupils with head teacher Heather Small

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Control of council up for grabs

SOUTH Gloucestershire voters will decide the future political direction of the council when they go to the polls on Thursday, May 4.

The council's ruling Conservatives are defending 33 seats - an overall majority of five - after holding on to power when the party lost control of many nearby councils at the last elections in 2019.

The Liberal Democrats, the biggest opposition group going into the elections with 17 seats, are the only other party contesting all 61 seats up for election on the unitary authority, which has responsibility for public services including waste and recycling, school provision, road maintenance, housing and planning.

The Tories have run the council since 2007 and held an overall majority since 2015, while the Lib Dems last had one in 2003, with other parties holding the balance of power at times when no one party is in overall control.

The third largest party going into the elections is Labour, which is standing 43 candidates and defending 11 seats, while the Greens, who currently have no councillors, are standing 16 candidates.

There are six independent candidates, two from Reform UK, and one from the National Housing Party.

Whoever wins this time there will be a new council leader, after Toby Savage, who has led the ruling Tory cabinet since 2018, announced shortly before nominations closed that he was stepping down as a councillor, having recently become a father for the second time.

Labour leader Pat Rooney is also stepping down, announcing her retirement after 30 years on South Gloucestershire Council and predecessor Kingswood borough.

The Voice asked the four biggest parties in the election to sum up their manifesto pledges for readers.

Their responses are printed in order of their strength in the council chamber going into the election.

Conservative

THE Conservatives have a proven track record of delivering.

From record levels of investment in schools, multi-million pound road surfacing schemes, record breaking recycling rates and ensuring car parking remains free across South Glos, we have a proven record.

If re-elected, we will continue to prioritise the things that matter. We will ensure that new homes are built in the right places and that our precious environment is protected. We will continue to invest in our local road network to keep it in tip top condition and ensure attainment levels in schools remain high.

Labour

OUR community is brimming with potential, but years of Conservative control on South Gloucestershire Council are holding our people and places back.

Listening to residents, we will build a better South Gloucestershire together:

Housing: Enforcing planning laws so a third of all new housing developments are affordable. Working with landlords to make rental properties warmer and cheaper for tenants.

Transport: Increasing the Council’s financial contribution to bus services. Working with our Labour Metro Mayor to train more bus drivers.

NHS and social care: Campaigning for the promised Minor Injuries Unit at Cossham and community beds at Frenchay. Working with NHS partners on early mental health interventions.

We will continue to support our high streets and businesses by ensuring it remains free to park and will push the West of England Combined Authority for better public transport links.

We will also expand the soft plastic recycling scheme to further improve a recycling rate which is already one of the best in the country.

Liberal Democrats

WE face two huge challenges - the threat from Climate Change and the cost-of-living crisis.

Our priorities are : Tackling the Climate and Ecological emergency. Helping people insulate their homes, Cutting their carbon footprint and bills. Supporting innovation to build a greener economy.

Getting our area moving. We will work with communities and transport operators to deliver a joined-up transport system. Helping residents with the cost-of-living crisis. We will offer support and advice to people and businesses, to help them cut their bills and grow the local economy. Bringing back local decision making. Making sure your voices are heard and the issues that matter to you are tackled.

We will run South Gloucestershire Council in a completely different way - listening to and working with local people, residents, voluntary groups, Town and Parish Councils and other public authorities.

We can create a South Gloucestershire that works with everyone, for everyone.

Environment: Introducing a dedicated lead for Climate Change Action. Setting the highest standards for waste recovery and recycling. Ensuring major green spaces are accessible.

Childcare: Working with a future Labour government to build a modern childcare system that works for families and children.

Green

On 4th May, help South Gloucestershire follow our neighbours in Bristol by electing Green Party Councillors to our Council.

Our key priorities are:

Housing – balancing the needs of all residents in our local communities; supporting fair and affordable housing; and addressing the challenges of houses with multiple occupants.

Transport - reversing cuts to bus services; pushing for a bus franchise model; and continuing to oppose the development of further mega-roundabouts on the ring road. Local services - supporting local healthcare, schools, libraries and social care, and enhancing support to vulnerable communities.

Meaningful climate action - providing additional support for insulation for community buildings; enforcing the South Gloucestershire Council nature plan so that all developments protect biodiversity; and ensuring that the Council’s climate commitments are embedded throughout Council decision making.

Rivers – challenging water companies and Government to stop the dumping of raw sewage in our waterways.

Current Tory council leader Toby Savage is stepping down.

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Election already over in uncontested parishes

WHILE candidates in South Gloucestershire Council's elections prepare for polling day, some of the area's town and parish councillors have been elected already.

No elections will take place in 69 wards - in some cases covering entire parishesbecause not enough candidates came forward to make a vote necessary.

They include Yate Town Council's South ward, where two candidates - Tony Davis and Cheryl Kirby - came forward to stand for the two seats.

In Dodington Parish Council's North East ward, three candidates - Richard Evans, Sarah Hurley and Sandra Jee - stood for the four available seats.

In Dodington's North West ward, Robert Graham, Louise Harris, Paul Hulbert, Adrian Hutton and Jean Thomas have been elected to five of the eight available seats, with three remaining unfilled.

Dodington's South ward will also have no election on may 4. Only two candidates - Christine Howard and Christopher Zapatastood for the three seats available.

In Sodbury Town Council's North East Ward, Seb Gibson, Becky Romaine and Adrian Rush have been elected, with two

seats remaining vacant.

Sodbury's South West ward will have no election after four candidates - Fergal Cummins, Alistair Gregson, Ian Lowe and Sonia Williams - were nominated for its five seats.

Seven candidates were nominated for the nine seats on Wickwar Parish council and there are also uncontested elections in Iron Acton Parish Council's East ward, Frampton Cotterell's Central, East and West wards and both the Westerleigh and Coalpit Heath wards of Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath Parish Council.

Across South Gloucestershire, five parish council wards had no nominations at all.

Nominations can be reopened or candidates co-opted onto councils with vacant seats after the election.

Yate Town Council's two other wards are among only 22 across the whole of the district to be contested, with 11 candidates vying for North ward's nine seats: Liberal Democrats Aziz Chowdhry, Nicola Clarke, Mike Drew, John Emms, Alan Monaghan, Ben Nutland, Ray Perry, Karl Tomasin and Chris Willmore and Conservatives David and Suzan EvanJones.

Ear Wax Removal

•

Foot Clinic

Central ward's six seats will see six Lib Dems - Sandra Emms, John Ford, Margaret Marshall, Gabriela Miron, Tony Sharp and Wendy Tomasin - line up against sole Tory candidate Marian Gilpin.

Sodbury's Old Sodbury Ward will see nine candidates compete for five places on the town council, with Conservative Scott Gibson standing against independents Matthew and Philip Rumney, Steve Spooner and Peter Whyton, as well as Chris Anderson, Kevin Pitman, Andy Sage-Bell and Andy Williams, who are running without any label.

Iron Acton Parish council's Iron Acton ward has six people - David Barker, Paul Chapman, Adrian Edmonds, Denise Smith, Catherine Spedding and John Wrightrunning for five places.

Polling takes place from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 4, with counting getting underway immediately afterwards. For the first time, all voters will need to bring formal photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport with them to the polling station or face being turned away.

Ward profile: Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge n LOCAL ELECTIONS

THE Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge ward covers a huge area.

Stretching from Chipping Sodbury in the south west to Acton Turville in the south east, and including Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton in the north, there are seven different parish councils in the area.

But the ward's voters are mainly concentrated in Chipping Sodbury and Wickwar.

The ward has two seats, both of which were won in by the Liberal Democrats in 2019.

In a close-run race, the second-placed Lib Dem candidate was just 12 votes ahead of the leading Conservative in third, receiving 1,539 votes to 1,527.

Four years ago the election was contested by six candidates - two each from the Lib Dems, Tories and Labour, with 43% of voters turning out.

This year there is only one Labour candidate.

The Voice invited all of the candidates in the election to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers on polling day.

Roisin Hall (Con)

protect our beautiful green fields and deliver soft plastic recycling to every house in South Gloucestershire.

Ian Lowe (Lab)

Adrian Rush (LD)

Roisin lives in Hawkesbury Upton with her husband and three children. Roisin spent many years living in Chipping Sodbury, and has been a member of Sodbury Players dramatics group. Roisin has been working to

"I am standing as a candidate for the first time to give people the opportunity to vote for a Party committed to improving public services and supporting working people. I have lived in Chipping Sodbury for 40 years and supported the community as a member of Rotary for nineteen years."

Becky Romaine (Con)

Adrian has lived in the area for most of his life and was first elected as South Glos member for Chipping Sodbury in 1995 but had been on the Town Council and Northavon before that.

A keen environmentalist, he is the current planning lead for the Liberal Democrats.

Patricia Trull (LD)

Becky lives in Chipping Sodbury with her husband and their two children. Becky has been a trustee of a charity which deals with childhood trauma and is on the PTA at St John’s Mead Primary School, and she is passionate about the environment and securing more funding for local schools.

Pat grew up locally and lives in Wickwar. Worked for twenty four years as a charity worker and fundraiser, eighteen as a Parish clerk. A current ward councillor, Wickwar Parish Councillor and School Governor at Horton School and St John’s Mead. A Police volunteer who is passionate about road safety.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate Lab: Labour Party

LD: Liberal Democrat Focus Team

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Ward profile: Dodington

THE Dodington ward covers an area of south Yate and Chipping Sodbury, including homes in roads off Shire Way, Rodford Way and Heron Way.

Extending from Chedworth in the west to Lilliput Avenue in the east, it includes a number of streets north of Rodford Way that are not part of Dodington parish - but does not cover the village of Dodington itself, which is part of the Boyd Valley ward.

The ward has two seats, both of which were won by the Liberal Democrats in 2019, when the second-placed Lib Dem candidate was 867 votes ahead of the leading Conservative candidate in third.

Four years ago the election was a straight fight between the Lib Dems and Tories, with 30% of voters turning out.

This year a fifth candidate, from the National Housing Party, is standing for election.

The Voice invited all of the candidates in the election to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

Louise Harris (LD)

Currently Town Mayor, Cheryl has been leading the work to get Kingsgate Park and Abbotswood sorted out. She chairs the local Transport users group, fighting for better public transport and as a former bank manager knows how important it is to ensure we get value for money.

Callum Leat (NHP)

Jo has lived locally all of her life and enjoys bringing up her family here. Is passionate about making our area an even better place to live and work. Supports the local Conservative campaign to improve our roads by fully resurfacing to tackle potholes. Enjoys her job working with animals.

Rachel Welch (Con)

Louise grew up locally and lives on Shireway. As a councillor she currently leads for the Lib Dems on Community issues and the Climate Emergency. Louise works for a charity providing advocacy for people with mental health issues and learning disabilities.

LIVE MUSIC

We host live music once a month on a Saturday starting at 8 pm!

May 27th - Mark Woodruff

June 17th - Alex Bayross

July 29th - Sunfest

August 5th - Stacey Charles

September 2nd - Angie McCoy

7th October - Oktoberfest Fest

November 11th - Simon Lloyd DJ

December 7th - Snowfest

SKITTLE ALLEY

We have a private functions room with a skittle alley it can cater for large groups & private events.

Please ask a member of staff if you would like to book out the skittle alley. We do also offer a buffet menu.

"I am 22 years old. I live in Yate Central. I am a practising Christian. I campaign to highlight the injustice of South Gloucestershire Council giving refugees housing before UK citizens in Dodington. This is also happening all over the country with over 1 million people on housing waiting lists."

OFFERS ON FOOD

Wednesday - Friday : 2 for £14.95!

Offering a Roast of the day, Ham, Egg & Chips or Scampi, Peas & Chips or Veggie Sausages, Peas, Mash & Gravy 12pm -2pm

Wednesday Pie Night Pie of the day with a pint of Hop Union Beer, Dortmunder Vier, Thatchers Gold, Pepsi/Pepsi Max or Lemonade £13.95

6pm - 9pm

Thursday: Grill Night!

Selections of steaks at a discounted price, also offer Gammon and Cajun Chicken for £11.99.

6pm - 9pm

Rachel and her family live in the ward. She was delighted to support the recent Conservative campaign to re-open the right-hand turn onto Heron Way. She is also passionate about the local environment, which includes the planting of more wildflower gardens and trees and soft-plastic kerbside recycling.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

LD: Liberal Democrat Focus Team

NHP: National Housing Party No More Refugees

FIZZ FRIDAYS & GIN OF THE WEEK

Every Friday from 12 - 11:30pm we offer our large bottles of prosecco at a discounted price of only £15! Every week we change our gin of the week!

LOCAL FOOD SUPPLIERS

Our rump steaks are from Buxton Butchers

Topside of Beef, Gammon Steaks, Chicken Breast, Rolled Lamb, Burgers & Pork Belly are from Trents Food & Beverages LTD

Cheryl Kirby (LD)

Jo Nicholson (Con)

Ward profile: Yate Central

THE Yate Central ward covers the town centre and homes in roads off Westerleigh Road, Sundridge Park and Scott Way.

Extending from Westerleigh Close near Yate station in the west to Melrose Close in the east, it includes all homes on roads leading south off Station Road and those to the north near the town centre, including those around Poole Court, St Mary's Church, Broadway, Firgrove Crescent and Melrose Avenue.

The ward has two seats, both of which were won in by the Liberal Democrats in 2019, when the second-placed Lib Dem candidate was 799 votes ahead of the leading Conservative candidate in third.

Four years ago the election was contested by six candidates - two each from the Lib Dems, Tories and Labour, with 33% of voters turning out.

This year there are no Labour candidates but there is one from the Green Party.

The Voice invited all of the candidates in the election to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

John

Born in Yate, John has been active here since he asked for litter bins on the Common aged 6! Now a father of two small children and an experienced councillor, he has been focussing on improving facilities for families and young people and campaigning on traffic and transport problems.

Settled in Yate after her husband’s RAF service. Works in primary care nursing at BRI, set up a memory café. Led Town Council’s dementia work and making Yate an Age Friendlier Community - which has won international (WHO) recognition. Her focus is on helping older residents and environmental campaigning.

"I’m an IT engineer and served as a member of the armed forces in a reserve capacity. I’ve lived in Yate for four years. I joined the Green Party because of their progressive manifesto, their focus on environmental change and because I want my children to have a brighter future."

Former primary school teacher, now retired – still keen to ensure great educational opportunities for all. South Gloucestershire Councillor 2015-19, representing Ladden Brook. Was Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee. Management Committee member of Green Community Travel Ltd. Chairman Yate-Genieri Community Link. Former Sodbury Town Councillor and President of Yate Rotary Club.

Jo Lewis lives locally, is married to Matt and has 5 children. "As a parent I am passionate about improving road safety near our local schools. Prioritise more money for every pupil and build a new primary school in Yate." Jo is very active in the local community.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

Grn: Green Party

LD: Liberal Democrat Focus Team

Davis (LD)

Sandra Emms (LD)

Marian Gilpin (Con)

Christopher Jackson (Grn)

Joanne Lewis (Con)

Ward profile: Yate North

THE Yate North ward covers most of the town north of the centre, including Ladden Garden Village.

Extending from Yate station in the south west to Little Wood Park in the north east, it includes all homes on roads leading off Goose Green Way, Greenways Road, Cranleigh Court Road, Longs Drive, Eastfield Drive, Randolph Avenue and Peg Hill.

The ward has three seats, all of which were won in by the Liberal Democrats in 2019, when the third-placed Lib Dem candidate was 774 votes ahead of the leading Conservative candidate in fourth.

Four years ago the election was contested by eight candidates - three each from the Lib Dems and Tories plus two Labour nominees, with 36% of voters turning out.

This year there are no Labour candidates and the election is a straight two-way fight between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.

The Voice invited all of the candidates in the election to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

Mike Drew (LD)

Founded the Focus Team, bringing together people to volunteer for Yate. He’s lived in Yate since he married and has led all sorts of projects from getting Yate Station opened to raising money for local sports facilities. He’s currently a Councillor for North Yate.

Matt Lewis (Con)

Matt Lewis was born locally and has lived here all of his life. He is married to Jo and their children go to local schools. Matt is landlord of the Horseshoe Pub in Chipping Sodbury. He is passionate about helping the community and has been a local Town Councillor.

Ben Nutland (LD)

Ben was born and educated in Yate, joining the Focus Team of Councillors four years ago. He was quickly made Deputy Mayor of Yate, and has been involved in a lot of community campaigns, for example to save the Street Marshalls, as well as serving locally as a school governor.

David Williams (Con)

David is married to Sonia and shares her passion for helping to make the community thrive and a safer place to live and work. After leaving school he served in the Royal Navy. David enjoys watching Rugby and Football. He currently works for a Charity which he finds very rewarding.

Sonia Williams (Con)

Sonia Williams was born in Yate, and has lived in the town most of her life. Married to David, their children and grandchildren also live in Yate. She is passionate about Yate and Sodbury and is actively involved in the community. Enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with their family.

Chris Willmore (LD)

Has a long record of bringing people together as volunteers to do things in Yate. Her award-winning environmental work mobilised young people to take part in sustainability/ climate projects. She co-founded the Focus Team, is currently a town councillor and runs a popular local Facebook page for the Focus Team.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

LD: Liberal Democrat Focus Team

Jail for rogue roofing scammers

THREE rogue traders who targeted Yate residents with a roofing scam have been jailed.

The men traded under names including Yate Roofing, and made £45,000 by cheating 18 home owners in an area stretching from Gloucestershire to Wiltshire and Bristol.

Trading standards officers say there may have been many more unknown victims in the area.

Brothers Matty Rossiter, aged 18, and James Rossiter, aged 24 from Sambourne Park, Minety, Wiltshire, were arrested and pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent business and fraud by false representation.

Dean Smith, aged 21, from Aldermaston in Berkshire, admitted participating in a fraudulent business.

On April 13 at Swindon Crown Court, Matty Rossiter was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, James Rossiter was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, and Dean Smith was sentenced to three years in prison.

The prosecutions were brought by Wiltshire Trading Standards, who said the cases that formed the basis of the case happened between October 2020 and March 2021, when the men carried out unnecessary and overpriced work.

But a spokesperson said: “During the investigation many more consumers were interviewed who had also been defrauded but did not want to provide a witness statement.

"Some were cold called but many had engaged the men through Facebook and professional-looking websites.”

Trading standards officers say the three men also used the business names Southern Homecare, Chippenham Roofing, Skyline Roofing, Wiltshire Roofing, Tree Wise, RM Building & Landscapes and Enterprise Roofing.

Many of the victims ended up having to pay out more money to have the faulty work put right. The biggest loss was £9,000.

Among the victims was a Yate man, Stuart Dye. BBC News reported that he had been charged £3,000 for less than a day's work, with one of the tiles used by the gang taken directly from his neighbour's roof.

A chartered surveyor called to assess the work said it was "abysmal", "carried out with no attendant skill or competence" and "probably without the use of appropriate hand tools".

Trading standards also released a video made by the roofers showing them mocking

an 82-year-old Wiltshire man they had targeted, bragging about "doing some bodging" and how easily they could find elderly victims like him.

People are being urged to be extremely cautious of anyone who turns up on their doorstep offering to do work that perhaps they didn't even think was needed, at ‘too good to be true' prices.

They recommend always getting at least three quotes, with full details in writing, before any work takes place.

Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of a rogue trader should call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

The men filmed themselves as they carried out shoddy work

Rosie is world champfor the third time

A TALENTED Yate teenager has been crowned world champion for Irish dancing, for the third year in a row.

Rosie Rendell, 14, won her age group at the World Irish Dance Association World Championships in Killarney in April, triumphing over more than 40 other competitors in front of more than a thousand spectators.

Rosie, who attends Yate Academy, won her first title in the under-12 category two years ago, when she had to perform her dances on the floor in her living room in front of a webcam as the event held remotely because of covid restrictions.

Last year she performed live at Düsseldorf in Germany to win the under-13s title.

This year, qualifying for the under-14s category, she was performing at the art form's spiritual home and beat elite performers from across the world to be crowned world champion again.

Rosie's dad John said: "She was unbelievable, and beat off other elite performers from all over the world.

"Seeing so many dancers at the top of their game it was hard to tell what the outcome would be - to me all the dancers didn’t put a foot out of line, so for Rosie to get a recall (when the field is cut from 41 to 20) we were again delighted for her and extremely proud.

"Rosie then showed her mental strength and executed her final dances to perfection, and we were super proud when she got crowned the winner - World Champion for the third time in three years."

Rosie has been Irish dancing since the age of seven and trains between three and five times every week, all year round, at the Stuart Irish Dance School in Fishponds.

John said: "This shows the complete dedication Rosie shows in her field - regardless of how she feels and what kind of day she has had, it's never a chore getting her to her dance sessions.

"Hard work continues to pay for her, and the family are very proud of her achievements."

Rosie comes from an active family – John is the manager of Yate Town and played football professionally for Cardiff City, while brother Joshua is a talented cricketer and footballer.

Rosie Rendell with her championship trophy

n STROUD AUCTIONS

Batmobile brings in the bids

TOYS and games are a serious business for collectors.

Bidders at Stroud Auctions' April sale paid excellent prices for toys of different types and ages, from die-cast Corgi models of Eddie Stobart vehicles, sold for just under £1,000, to a 1980s Nintendo NES console and games, which made £350.

The auctioneer’s favourite lot was a vintage diesel enginepowered model pylon racing car, in the style of a 1930 single-seat racing car, which sold for £2,797 to a buyer in Australia.

A Hornby train set made a pleasing £380, while a batteryoperated vintage tinplate Batmobile sold for £300.

The highest price achieved among the 1,017 lots in the two-day sale - which featured specialist sections of toys, vinyl records, musical instruments and equipment, stamps, books, ephemera, paintings and pictures and furniture - was a mint and used world stamp collection that sold

for £4,985.

The surprise result of the sale was the £3,890 paid for a 1930’s Clifford Essex ‘Paragon’ four string tenor banjo.

When the buyer was offered £2,000 for the instrument it seemed like a significant sum, but fierce bidding on the telephones

and online proved that auction is still the best possible way of achieving the best price for your item.

In total, 1,291 bidders from 33 countries took part in the sale.

The next auction will be on June 14 and 15 at our brandnew saleroom, and will feature

jewellery, silver, watches, coins, bijouterie and designer goods and textiles.

If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, why not come along to our public viewing day on June 13, from 10am to 6pm, and see us in our new surroundings.

We are still accepting items for our July auction, which will once again include vinyl records, toys, stamps, books, ephemera, paintings and pictures and musical instruments and equipment, along with twice-yearly cameras and scientific instruments section.

If you are thinking of selling, please give us a call on 01453 873800 to book a valuation or just email and ask for advice from one of our specialists.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

This Batmobile toy sold for £300

An Australian buyer paid almost £2,800 for this model car

Rope rescue for pup Nellie after quarry fall

FIREFIGHTERS staged a complex rescue operation to save a nine-month-old dog which fell into Chipping Sodbury quarry during an evening walk.

An Avon Fire & Rescue specialist rope rescue team scaled the sides of the quarry off Wickwar Road to rescue the Spaniel puppy, named Nellie, from a ledge after she had fallen while out with her owners at around 4.30pm on April 14.

The Avon & Somerset police drone team helped guide the firefighters to the spot where Nellie was holed up and, after she was loaded into a special holdall, she was hauled up to safety and taken to a vet for a check-up on a suspected broken leg.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Crews from Temple, Yate and Southmead stations attended the incident and worked closely together using rope rescue skills to rescue the puppy.

"We’re pleased to see that despite a few cuts and bruises, both Nellie and her owners are safely back home and resting up.

"Special thanks to Avon and Somerset

Police Drone Team for their assistance so that we could easily locate Nellie and bring her to safety."

Footage released by the police on the drone team's Twitter account showed Nellie wagging her tail as her rescuer arrived.

A police spokesperson said: "An operator from our specialist drone team attended the scene and launched a drone in a bid to locate the missing dog.

"Using thermal technology, the drone canvassed the area and located the dog. We were then able to guide the rescue team to its location and reunite it with its owners."

Recruiting Now

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

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

Abbeyfield Gloucestershire is always on the lookout for excellent staff.

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

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

We have houses in Chipping Sodbury, Cheltenham and Prestbury.

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

A firefighter reaches Nellie on a quarry ledge. Picture: Avon & Somerset police

Nellie recovers at home

Police told to improve by inspectors

INSPECTORS say Avon and Somerset police force “requires improvement” in investigating crimes including rape and serious sexual offences.

Half of all investigations carried out by the short-staffed force end up with no further action being taken, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said.

The force also needs to improve responding to the public and recording crime data.

The constabulary was graded as “adequate” in protecting vulnerable people and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, and “good” at treating the public with respect.

A 12-month review of Avon & Somerset Police was carried out by the inspectorate between 2021 and last year.

Inspectors said: “The constabulary’s capacity to conduct timely investigations into rape and other serious sexual offences is exceeded by

the number of these offences.

"As a result, such crimes are often left without being allocated to an investigator for a period of time during which evidential opportunities could be lost — as could the confidence of the victim.

"The constabulary told us that, between April and June 2022, the number of such unallocated crimes varied between 125 and 48. Although these crimes are kept under review by supervisors and senior officers, they aren’t actually being actively investigated.”

Avon and Somerset Police has a dire shortage of detectives and investigators, the inspectors said. This means that half of all investigations considered for prosecution result in no further action being taken.

Another area needing improvement is recording data about crime. During the year covered by the inspection, the police force didn’t record

an estimated 13,100 crimes, including 420 sexual offences. Particular crimes picked out by inspectors included rapes, crimes involving vulnerable victims, and anti-social behaviour.

They said: “The constabulary should improve its recording practices to make sure that rape crimes and reported incidents of rape are recorded correctly. Some unrecorded crimes were of a serious nature, such as controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assaults and other assaults.

“When the crime was not recorded there was often limited evidence of investigation or safeguarding the victim. Failure to record these crimes can result in offenders not being identified or brought to justice.”

Police bosses said they had plans in place to address the problems in the inspection, like recruiting new staff, and added that extra demand from people suffering from mental health

n PHARMACY BLOG

issues are increasing pressure on the police force.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Responding to the public more quickly, improving our investigations and better management of offenders are areas of intense focus for us, and we have plans in place to address the shortfalls outlined.

"The report recognises the sheer volume of non-emergency demand coming in the police service, much of which we know is spillover demand from other public services.

“In the last 12 months, we’ve taken more than 385,000 calls for service, with under a third of these relating to crime or anti-social behaviour. The rest are issues which go beyond the policing sphere, including incidents involving people in mental health crises.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Spring timebooster time?

IF you are 75 or older, a care home resident or have a weakened immune system, the NHS will offer you a coronavirus vaccine booster this spring.

Why? It protects against COVID-19 infections that are more severe in older people and those with certain underlying health conditions.

The Spring Booster Campaign runs until June.

Those with the highest risk are being called in first.

The booster should be received around six months from your last dose, but you can have it from three months, based on your risk.

If you are turning 75 before June, you will be called for vaccination during the campaign and do not have to wait for your birthday.

The vaccines for this campaign have been updated since the original ones and target different variants. They boost protection well and give slightly higher antibody levels against the more recent strains of covid, such as Omicron, than the vaccines you would have received previously.

The vaccines contain an adjuvant, a chemical used to improve immune response to the virus.

This is like the one used in the flu vaccine, which is routinely given to over65s.

Please accept the vaccination offered to you as soon as possible – you will be provided with the right vaccine at the right time. There is no need to delay vaccination trying to receive a particular vaccine type.

Be assured that, as with your previous doses, the common side effects are the same for all COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated vaccines being used this spring.

Pharmacists and other trained healthcare professionals will provide the dose and be on hand to offer you support and answer any questions.

When invited for your booster, you can call NHS 119, book using the NHS App or contact Abbotswood Pharmacy for support to book or details of any walk-in opportunities.

As part of the NHS, protecting you is not just our responsibility - your trust in us is a great privilege.

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

Yate Railway Station

railway buildings; the main railway building was accessed off Station Road, complete with passenger hall, ticket office and other offices. Platforms were reached via a pedestrian bridge, with no requirement to cross a busy main road, as one must today.

TODAY, the rail traveller at Yate is faced with two platforms, one on each side of the A432. There are electronic screens, help points, shelters and, normally, adequate car parking.

Apart from the rush hours in the morning and late afternoon, the station is quiet.

In the morning, a lone rail employee is tucked away in a kiosk on Platform Two, to sell tickets and provide information.

The modern station contrasts markedly with the station of the early post-war period. Before the mid-1960s, the traveller would be guaranteed to see railway staff on even the shortest of visits. Yate station in the 1950s and 1960s was not labour-intensive compared to larger sites, yet could boast junior and senior porters, a station master, three office clerks, two truck drivers and three signal box staff. At different times there were also parcel and ticket office staff.

The key difference, however, was the existence of permanent

Before the mid-1960s, the noises, sounds and smells were also different to the hushed atmosphere of today. Large railway locomotives were inevitably noisy. Heavy, industrial traction, whistles and the shouts of railway staff rang out as trains departed the station. The inevitable, reassuring aroma of coal and steam filled the air for much of the time.

Then, as now, passenger numbers ebbed and flowed. Yate was an industrial hub. Before the 1960s, scores of factory workers descended on Yate from the Bristol area to work at the Newman’s and Parnall’s factories in the morning. Today, this is barely a trickle.

In the inter-war period, the railway station was inextricably linked to market day at Yate, which took place close to the railway line and sidings for many years. Cattle, sheep and poultry were partly transported by rail.

The savage service cuts of the 1960s did for Yate Station. Passenger traffic ended in 1965

and freight soon after. The old station buildings perished in 1979.

The absence of a railway station in a growing town such as Yate was clearly unsustainable, and the station re-opened in May 1989.

Right: Railway staff, 1930s, including Jack Parsons and Sid Nelson.

Diary dates

Until May 13: The Office - exhibition on the history of office life in and around Yate and the office equipment people used in the 20th century. May 13: Family History Day. Discover your family history with our team of family historians.

May 16, 7pm: Guided tour of North Road and Engine Common.

May 16-June 4: Yate Art Open exhibition

May 23, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series, Bedminster Coal - Blood, Sweat and Coal, with Garry Atterton. For more details of events visit www.yateheritage.co.uk or call 01454 86220

AS Yate railway station prepares for more frequent train services, David Hardill reflects on how it has evolved over the years.

Signalman at Yate south signal box near Yate Station. Picture: P Rendall.

Yate Station around 1965. Picture: R Jordan.

Running for mum's charity

A RUNNER who grew up in Yate is returning to support the charity where her mum works.

Megan Wood is one of five people taking part in the Great Bristol Run on May 14 to raise sponsorship for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire.

Megan, 25, an assistant psychologist, grew up round the corner from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire in Kennedy Way.

She and her partner Carrick Livingstone, a civil servant, will tackle the 10K course at the event.

Megan's mum Amanda Wood is Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire's finance and admin manager, and recently celebrated 25 years working with the charity

Megan said: “I have grown up learning about the importance of what the charity does.

“In the last couple of years - in my life coming out of university and working in mental health - seeing the support the charity offers when people are struggling, I think it’s really important.”

Megan has already collected £308 in online donations.

Amanda said: “Megan has grown up with Citizens Advice so is very aware of the great work we do and the fact we are a charity."

Last year, Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire helped more than 4,700 people, saving clients a combined total of £4.4 million.

To find out more about its work or support the runners, visit www. southgloscab.org.uk.

'742-year pothole backlog' claim rejected

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has rejected claims it would take 742 years to repair all of its crumbling roads and potholes.

The figure was put to council leader Toby Savage at a cabinet meeting in March by Yate town councillor Chris Willmore, who said it was based on raw government data used to compile a league table of backlogs.

She told Mr Savage: "You have more A-road length than Bristol but only managed to repair a third as much. At the current rate of repairs, Bristol could repair all its A roads in 56 years – you would take 170 years.

“If we go to the other roads, South Glos repairs half as much each year even though it has more roads. Bristol at its current rate would take 391 years to repair all those roads – South Glos would take 742 years.”

However a council spokesperson said the estimates were based on the assumption that all of the network needed to be repaired, whereas only 3% of A-roads and 7% of other roads needed urgent maintenance, with the network as a whole in "a very reasonable condition".

The council launched a new online system for reporting potholes and other issues on roads, footpaths and cycleways last summer.

A spokesperson said council crews had "filled around 17 per cent more potholes since the start of January compared to last year".

The spokesperson added: “This time of year is traditionally busy in terms of repairing potholes as the cold and wet weather over the winter months takes its toll on our road surfaces. We repair around 11,000 potholes a year, although it is difficult to provide an exact number as repairs may include multiple potholes under one job."

Megan Wood and Carrick Livingstone will take part in the Great Bristol Run on May 14.

n NEWS

Spot Yate and Sodbury in TV drama

A NEW gritty BBC drama which was partly filmed in Yate and Chipping Sodbury has hit TV screens.

Rain Dogs, featuring Cotswolds actress Daisy May Cooper, raised eyebrows during filming last summer. Old sofas and broken down cars led to reports of fly-tipping on Sodbury Common, but they turned out to be props for filming.

The backs of houses, shops and garage blocks in Abbotswood also feature in the series – but blink and you might miss them.

The eight-part drama started on BBC1 in April, and all episodes are available on the BBC iPlayer service.

Based on the book Skint Estate by author Cash Carraway, and made by Killing Eve producers Sid Gentle Films, it follows the ups and downs of a family with money problems - Daisy May’s character is described as “a woman who appreciates the glamour of the gutter but would do anything to

Yate Town Council Update

keep her daughter, Iris, from it”.

The Voice has been watching to spot local landmarks –including some that have been transformed to give the right “run down” effect.

You have to wait until episode seven to see them, when Daisy May’s character Costello and her daughter find themselves stranded by a roadside and are given a lift from a man with a horse and cart along a country road which appears to lead into a

Yate Town Council announce the launch of the Yate Ageing Better Dementia Café, at the Pop Inn Café.

Yate Town Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Yate Ageing Better Dementia Café, opened 14 April 2023, 1.30pm until 3pm, at the Pop Inn Café in Yate Shopping Centre.

The Dementia Café invites those with dementia and their carers, to enjoy free refreshments and friendly company, on the first Friday of every month. If you are living with, or caring for someone with dementia, we hope to see you there! We encourage you to share this exciting news with friends and family, and to send us ideas for ways our community can help those affected by dementia.

run-down housing estate.

The scene was filmed on Horton Road on Sodbury Common - but the houses and flats in the background don’t really exist and have been superimposed.

Later in the same episode, and in the following one, several scenes take place on a dilapidated housing estate. Mostly filmed in behind shops and houses in Abbotswood, the production crew brought in extra

signs, boarding, graffiti and old cars to get the look they wanted.

Local photographer Sue Swanborough took pictures of Daisy May - best known for writing and starring in BBC comedy This Country - during filming.

After watching the series Sue said: “There are small glimpses of our area but it's still exciting to watch, just to say I was there.

“Tough subject - but Daisy May is a great actress.”

Sodbury Mayor James Ball visited the set on Sodbury Common after the reports of fly-tipping.

He said: “I managed to spot a couple of the locations once the programme was aired on TV.

"It's good to see local areas being utilised for these types of programmes - hopefully, they'll return.”

Viewers may also recognise scenes filmed under the M32 in Bristol and under the Prince of Wales Bridge at Severn Beach.

Community Engagement Assistant Work With Ukrainian Guests

Alona came to the UK in April 2022 and has been employed as a Community Engagement Assistant at Yate Town Council since November 2022. The main purpose of her role is to help Ukrainian guests in Yate settle into a new life and become part of the community, to spend time together and find new friends, and also to help them resolve different problems and answer queries.

During this time, Alona has organised many different events;

• Monthly movie nights at the Armadillo Venue;

• The Family Club at St Mary’s Youth Centre;

• Seasonal events including a Christmas lunch and Easter Eggs Pysanky Decoration Workshop;

• Two Services of Commemoration to mark a year since the invasion of Ukraine;

• A special event for Ukrainian women, in partnership with 1st Impressions, which provided business style clothes and interview coaching to women wanting to work;

• The Ukrainian cultural and photographic exhibition with a special Ukrainian historical talk was held at Yate Heritage Centre.

Alona is currently working on creating a Ukrainian Hub in Yate with South Gloucestershire Council.

info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk

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

Daisy May Cooper, playing Costello, and Fleur Tashjian, as her daughter Iris, sit on a sofa on Sodbury Common in a scene from Rain Dogs. Picture: BBC/Sid Gentle Films Ltd

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Reasons to celebrate this May

IF you’re reading this, you are likely at home, rather than work, as this May has extra bank holidays. Hurray! And if someone is nagging you to mow the lawn on your day off, tell them the Metro Mayor says you don’t have to. More on that later!

The West of England has a long heritage of May Day celebrations, dating back to pagan times.

Many have echoes in customs such as dancing round the maypole. However, this bank holiday was first brought in as a way of marking International Workers Day in 1978.

The Spring bank holiday is back to its usual slot on the last Monday of May and this year, there’s that extra day off to celebrate King Charles’s Coronation too.

Whether you’re a republican or royalist, this is certainly a moment in history.

I’ve been finding out about our region’s association with coronations. Did you know that on May 11, 973 AD, Bath Abbey was the site of the coronation of Edgar, the ‘First King of All England’?

The service used for Edgar’s coronation

was compiled by Dunstan, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the same service is being used by King Charles III.

Bath Abbey is well worth a visit, as are so many attractions across our amazing region.

I run an Explore Local campaign, and as part of this, I get to visit many fantastic museums, green spaces and other attractions. As the Spring weather improves and everyone looks to the great outdoors, I’d urge you to explore our brilliant region.

I promised to get back to mowing (well, not mowing, to be precise). Because the other thing I’m marking this month is No Mow May. A month off from cutting the lawn for the very best of causes - our bees!

Our bees need our help because they are fighting some big enemies: pesticides, habitat destruction and climate change. But they are so vital. Bees pollinate flowers and crops. In fact, one in three mouthfuls we eat depends on our pollinator pals.

One way to give bees a break is to liberate your lawn and free the wildflowers in your grassy areas so they can grow wild

and provide a feast for pollinators.

Many people are doing that, as are organisations who I’ve been encouraging to enter my annual Bee Bold Awards to showcase the region’s very best “bee buddies”. I love to see the entries - it really gets me buzzing!

Finally, I’m well aware bank holidays don’t mean a break for all, especially people in emergency service roles like nurses, police or firefighters, so a special shout out to them, and particularly to bus drivers as I work hard to recruit more.

Keep safe - and I hope you have a great May.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Big Lunch leads Coronation celebrations

CHIPPING Sodbury's Big Lunch will once again be celebrating a royal milestone.

This year's community takeover of Broad Street will be held on Sunday May 7, the day after King Charles III's Coronation and the middle of the second of three bank holiday weekends in the month.

Last year the Big Lunch marked the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee and was one of dozens of street parties and special events held across the district.

This time South Gloucestershire Council has not reported any other official street closures in the Yate and Sodbury area for parties.

But there is a celebration bike ride in Yate and some libraries are hosting tea and cake events.

Chipping Sodbury’s Big Lunch is likely to be the biggest Coronation event locally – with thousands expected to join the party as Broad Street is closed to traffic.

Organisers say there will

be bands, dance acts and entertainment. Families are being invited to bring their own chairs and tables, and picnic, although local cafes and pubs are also set to open serving food and drink .

Alexandra Dent, from the voluntary committee that organises the event, said:

“It is part of the organising committee’s ethos never to charge for anything at the Big Lunch and particularly this year with the cost of living crisis, we want to make sure everyone in our community has the opportunity to celebrate the

Coronation.

Big Lunch organisers at last year's Platinum Jubilee event. Picture: Rich McD

“The line up this year includes some bands, dance acts and entertainment as well as fund for the children with bubble fun and a make your own crown competition.

“To honour the new King's love of nature, people can also take part in a miniature garden competition, which they should make in advance but bring on the day.

“There will be plenty of Union Jacks and a chance to enjoy our great British spirit - so put the date in your diary!”

This is the tenth annual

Time to enjoy older age

Melbourne Drive, Chipping Sodbury Bristol, BS37 6LB

Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch. In April outgoing Sodbury Mayor James Ball presented the organisers with an award for their hard work for the community.

Other events in the area include:

*Coronation tea at Churchill Retirement Homes Trewin Lodge from 2-4pm on April 28.

*Coronation cream tea from 2.30-3.45pm on May 5 at Yate Library (advance bookings only)

*Coronation celebration with games and picnic Abbotswood Residents Association at the St Nicholas Church family centre from 10.30am on May 7.

*Coronation celebration bike rides from Yate Community Bike Hub at Yate Shopping Centre on May 8. A 14km ride sets off at 10am and a shorter familyfriendly ride to Kingsgate Park leaves at 11.30am, followed by games and refreshments.

For more details of Coronation events visit coronation.gov.uk/events

Have your say on park revamp

FAMILIES are being asked to have their say on the latest stage of a £325,000 revamp of Yate's Kingsgate Park.

Work to refurbish the play equipment at the popular park is already underway, with a replacement zip wire expected to open for use by the start of May.

The park's popular tree top trail is also being refurbished as part of the first phase of works.

Now Yate Town Council is asking people for their views on a complete redesign of the current area for the under 5s.

The council is working with contractor Eibe Play Ltd on the design, which it says will feature sustainable materials, equipment that supports accessibility, neurodiversity and socialisation, and designs that celebrate nature.

Eibe has produced a 'virtual tour' showing some of the proposed designs and the council is hosting a video on its Facebook page and website.

People are being asked to take a look at the ideas and then fill in an online survey giving their views.

A town council spokesperson said: "Design ideas for the new play area, that will replace the current under 5 years area, can be viewed in virtual reality on your phone, tablet or computer - take a trip at home or visit the play area to see the ideas come to life!

"The town council is keen to hear from residents and users of the park and play area. You can tell them what you think about the design, via their online questionnaire.

"Access and inclusion is at the heart of this new play area.

"The town council welcomes feedback from users and groups that can help them select equipment and a create a design that everyone can enjoy."

People can access the survey online at shorturl.at/ktwGP or via the parks and open spaces section of the town council website, yatetowncouncil.gov.uk.

Since November last year, the town council has secured £325,000 of funding for the project, including £25,000 from Enovert Community Trust towards the replacement of the zip wire and refurbishment of the multi-use games area.

The new zip wire was installed in March and, after waiting for the concrete foundations to harden, the council was waiting for a safety inspection team to complete certification checks as the Voice went to press.

An announcement when the wire is open was due to be made on the council's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages and website, and via signs around the park.

Anyone not online can call 01454 866506 for more information.

Design ideas for the under-5s' play area at Kingsgate Park. Image: Yate Town Council/ Eibe.

Egg hunt is a big success

MORE than 500 eggs were handed out and almost 50 bonnets paraded in this year's Easter Egg hunt at Kingsgate Park.

Yate Town Council and the Friends of Kingsgate Park worked together on the event on Easter Monday, with bad weather failing to put off families looking to take part in the traditional events.

A town council spokesperson said: "Over 550 Easter eggs were distributed to the children who completed the hunt around the park.

"This year, 48 entered the Easter bonnet competition and once again the standard was incredibly high.

"The Mayor found it very difficult to decide who had created the most extravagant Easter Bonnet. "This year first prize went to Isla Hawkins, second to Melody Han and third to Rose Kinsey. Congratulations to all of the participants and winners!

"We would like to say a massive thank you to the following organisations for their kind donations and support for this year’s event – Murray Hire, The Play Shed, Re-Energize, Hanson Aggregates, Avon Sportsground Maintenance Company, Anytime Fitness, Barratt Homes, Tony’s Super Whippy, Wards Solicitors, Bellway Homes, David Wilson Homes, Landcare Tree Nursery, Dodington Parish Council, Morrisons, Boswells and Waitrose."

The next big event in the park will be community music festival Yate Rocks, which will take place on June 24 and 25.

Kingsgate Park Friends: Page 31

The runner-up Melody Han.

The third-placed bonnet, by Rose Kinsey. All pictures by Dave Bruten.

Town mayor Cheryl Kirby presents prizes to Isla Hawkins for the firstplaced bonnet.

School's showcase

CHILDREN at a Yate primary school held a showcase of their work after a term of special projects on rights and responsibilities.

Pupils across St Mary’s school wrote and created artwork linked to their topic, which was then put on display to parents.

Year 5 and 6 children learnt about how to make their voices heard, which included a visit from local MP Luke Hall, while pupils in years 3 and 4 produced artwork and wrote letters to supermarket Tesco with ideas on promoting healthy living.

Children in years 1 and 2 looked at responsibility, with a particular focus on plastic pollution in the ocean, while early years children used a story about a witch's kitchen to think about fairness, and produced some colourful teapot pictures in the process.

Award transforms travel

A YATE school's twoyear project to make travel more sustainable has brought it an award.

Staff and pupils at the Ridge Junior School in Melrose Avenue have worked hard to achieve the Modeshift Stars Gold award, for encouraging more families to ditch the car for the school run and walk, cycle or scoot instead.

Funding available as part of the award has allowed the school to alter the fencing at the front entrance, to allow cyclists to wait in an area off the pavement for the gate to open, reducing congestion on the pavement and allowing pedestrians to pass safely.

The school has also installed a large new covered bike stand at a second entrance to school, along with new scooter racks, cutting queues of children with bikes and scooters at one gate.

Travel plan coordinator Bev Furber said: "This has been transformational in easing one of our main travel issues, and has acted as further encouragement, for children and families to choose an active sustainable way to travel to school, thus improving physical and mental health, and reducing congestion and pollution for the whole community."

50%OFF SELF STORAGE

First 8 Weeks!

Reception children's colourful work on display.

Sam Patton of the school's senior leadership team tries out the new bike shed

Advertising feature

New exhibition at Aerospace Bristol is out of this world!

Aerospace Bristol, on the site of the former Filton Airfield, will host Luke Jerram’s Mars as part of a new Journey to Mars exhibition. The artwork will be stunningly displayed from 4th May to 5th June alongside the last Concorde ever to fly.

The temporary exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Beagle 2 lander on Mars Express, Europe’s first mission to Mars. It will include models of Beagle 2 and the Mars Express Orbiter on display alongside Luke Jerram’s Mars sculpture.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Mars features

detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.

Visitors will have the chance to view Mars from the air, as though they are a satellite, mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail, with every valley, crater, volcano and mountain laid bare to inspect.

The Journey to Mars exhibition is included with museum entry.

Visit information and for tickets.

Yate Library news

YATE Library is hosting a Coronation cream tea on Friday May 5. There will be home-made scones, cream and jam, and music from Fingers and Frets - a mandolin, banjo and guitar orchestra, at the event, which takes place from 2.30-3.45pm.

Booking is required - tickets cost £2.50.

The library is also holding a series of half-term holiday activities for children aged four and over.

A drop-in farmyard fun crafts event takes place on May 30 from 10.30am-noon.

Bookings are required for the 'Party Animals' party on June 1 from 2.30-4pm and the Lego 'Beware of the Bull' challenge on June 2 from 10.30-11.30am.

Craft bags are available to take home from May 25, while stocks last. The regular Lego club takes place on May 27 from 10.30-11.30am for 4-10 year olds (booking required).

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

Craft Group meets on May 6 and 13, from 10am-noon, for tips on knitting, sewing or crochet.

Regular events include Wriggle & Rhyme: rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together on Thursday and Friday, 9.30-10am. Free family-friendly story time, with crafts for preschool children, takes place on Tuesdays from 9.30-10am.

Stay & play with Duplo and trains, for pre-school children, takes place every Tuesday and Friday Morning during term time, from 10.30-11.30am. Computer support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturdays from 10am-noon.

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

n LETTERS

Calling Ridings School's 1975 starters

CALLING former Ridings High School pupils who are about to turn 60!

In 1995, Suzanne Wembridge, Kate Ackerman (née Counsell) and I organised a '30 Something School Reunion Party' for those who started at the Ridings High School, Winterbourne, in September 1975.

At the time there was no internet, so we sat down with a list of names from the first-year register and a telephone directory to find fellow pupils.

The reunion party at BAWA Leisure Club in Filton was a great success, with 160 attendees.

It’s now nearly 30 years since that reunion, so we have decided to have another one with as many of the old school year together again for a catch-up, as everyone will be reaching the big 60 in the coming school year.

This reunion is only for pupils of the Ridings High School born between September 1 1963 and August 31 1964, and teachers who taught there during the same years. Miss Sedgwick was the head teacher at the time.

The event takes place in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on September 2. It holds 200 people and we currently have 140 registered. It would be great to fill it!

If you would like to attend or are still in contact with anyone else from school who has

moved out of the area and who would like to attend, get in touch and pass the information on to old school friends. You can reach us to register your interest at ridingsreunion@gmail.com.

Jane Cooke (née Wise)

Chip shop closure brings back memories

I AM a 1938-born citizen of Yate and find so much of interest in the Voice. The April edition was especially interesting

with its report of the closing of Pisces fish and chip shop.

For the record my grandmother, Francis Stocks, and her brother Uncle Sylvester Williams started the business, in what was probably a wooden ex-army hut, in Westerleigh Road just slightly north of Eggs Hill Lane, almost opposite Blakeney's (latterly Dibbles) timber yard.

As a young boy I would sometimes put washed potatoes through the chipper press behind the partition at the back of the ranges. My gran would reward me with bags of batter pieces from the fish fryer.

In the late 40s or early 50s, Uncle Sylvester and Gran sold the business to Gerry Holbrook, who continued trading in Westerleigh Road for some time before relocating to Station Road opposite Newman Industries' main gate, trading under their chosen name of Pisces.

My uncle and gran were keen entrepreneurs and many years ago had the sole newspaper distribution rights in Yate and surrounding areas.

They sold the daily paper rights to Harold May, who had a shop in Moorland Road next to the Methodist Chapel, but kept the Sunday paper concessionary rights almost until my grandmother's death at the age of 80. Almost up to the time of her passing she could be seen visiting local newsagents and picking up unsold newspapers that she carried away on the carrier of her bicycle.

Tom Lewis

The Ridings High School as it looked to pupils in the 70s and 80s

n WHAT'S ON

May 1

n MAY DAY FAYRE, Iron Acton Village Green, 10.30am-3.30pm. Family-oriented, free event, with activities & entertainment including maypole dancing from North Road & Iron Acton primary schools, art exhibition, marching band, traction engines, street food, martial arts, funfair, farmers' market.

May 1

n CREAM TEAS at Westerleigh Village Hall from 11am-3pm; eyes down for bingo at 2pm, raffle at 3pm. All proceeds to St Peter’s Church, Wapley. For information contact Bonny on 07544 731250.

May 7

n YATE & DISTRICT BOWLING

CLUB open day, 10am-4pm, Sunnyside Lane Sports Field, Moorland Road. For more information contact Mary on 07885 543823 or Ruth on 07814 156754.

May 8

n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY knockout competition, 7.30pm, Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke, with awards for best entries according to age and sex, and best in show from finalists. Visitors welcome, without commitment to join. Further details from secretary Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@btinternet.com or 0774 874 0794.

May 9

n GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY

BRISTOL GROUP meeting, BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, 7.30pm. Talk: The Great Train Robbery 1963, by Ian Boskett. All welcome, free admission but suggested donation of £3 towards expenses is appreciated. For more information call Dave Winter on 01454 324230.

May 9 and 23

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY practice classes on Disney film theme (May 9) and linear diagonal design (May 23), at the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. For information call Mrs R Cummins on 0117 937 3836.

May 13

n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY Spring Serenade charity concert, supporting Save The Children, St Mary’s Church, Yate, 7.30pm. Special guests Oldland Brass. Conductor Carol Cook, accompanist Margaret Roy. Tickets £10 from Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre, 01454 313907, and choir members.

May 16

n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC

SOCIETY presents Piatti String Quartet, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Adults £15, school-age children free. Tickets available on door or from Hobbs Bakery, Chipping Sodbury or from

ticketsource.co.uk/csmusicsociety. Information call 01454 315741 or visit csmusicsociety.co.uk.

May 20

n PLANT SALE Saturday 20th May

10.30 am -2.00 pm @ 49, Nicholls Lane, Winterbourne. Admission £2.50 Including Tea or Coffee & Cake All proceeds to help fund further investigation into GDNF and other neurotrophic factors as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

1st June - 3rd June

n BRISTOL QUILTERS EXHIBITION……QUILTFEST!

Thursday 1st June , Friday 2nd June 10am to 5pm

Saturday 3rd June 10am to 4pm.

Admission £3 Children free. At Redland Hall, Redmaids’ High School, Westbury Rd, BS93AW

June 3

n CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRE! Chipping Sodbury Town Hall

Saturday 3rd June 10 am to 4 pm. Local Crafts, Papercraft Supplies, Gifts & Collectables, Cakes, Refreshments and More! Voluntary Entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Friends of Horton School

Email bythewoodsfayres@ hotmail.com for more info

June 12

n FRIENDS OF KINGSGATE PARK AGM, Pop Inn Cafe, West Walk, 7pm. All are welcome to join our friendly group and to hear what is happening in the park. For further information please email friendskingsgatepark@gmail.com.

REGULAR EVENTS:

Monday

n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class

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

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call

Roz on 07941 946412.

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

n YATE & DISTRICT BOWLING

CLUB in Moorland Road meets every Monday evening from May to mid-September from 5.30pm for club practice night. Home and away friendly matches, also ladies and men's leagues run throughout the summer season. Call 01454 882230 for more information.

Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB, Pucklechurch

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

Wednesday

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

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

n CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating.

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

Thursday

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

n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA

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

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE

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

Green Community Travel

YATE'S community transport charity is looking for volunteers to help get people to places they need to go.

Green Community Travel is holding two volunteer events at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on June 1 and September 19, both from 10am-1pm.

Volunteers enable GCT to help so many people across our local area: our team of voluntary minibus drivers drive for on average 200-300 hours each month and the voluntary car team does over 100 journeys each month.

Our volunteers' generosity and commitment to GCT is astounding - the impact they make to our local community is huge.

Without their help we simply could not help people get to important hospital appointments, nor could we provide affordable group transport for our many local community groups, schools and charities.

Volunteers enjoy being able to see new places, meeting new people and knowing the difference they are making to GCT’s passengers; the social events are always well attended, too!

The idea of the event is to allow people who may be interested in volunteering to come

and speak to the team, including some current volunteers.

GCT make sure that volunteering fits around people’s lives: some people offer a particular day of the week, some take ad-hoc requests.

Every mile makes a difference: if you’d like to know more, pop down to the town hall, have a cup of tea and some cake and chat to our friendly team.

Jenny Bright Manager

Friends of Kingsgate Park

WE are delighted to announce that we were successful in being awarded a grant from South

Gloucestershire Council to provide another accessible picnic table in our wonderful park.

Not only is the picnic table accessible to two wheelchair users and those less able to use a normal seating area, beside their friends, the table also meets the ‘dementia friendly’ guidelines, being brightly coloured.

It can be easily identified by those who have issues with locating where they are.

We also applied for and were awarded a South Gloucestershire Area Wide Grant to buy a multi-coloured bench at the Elmore entrance to the park.

We were made aware that there was quite a way to walk into the park before one came to somewhere to be able to sit and rest.

Also, we were successful in our application to Thatcher’s Cider Community Orchard Project 2023, and were given five apple trees.

These have now been planted. We are looking forward to tasting the first apples, even making an apple pie!

Our swans are nesting again and by the time you read this I am sure we will have more cygnets on our lake.

It is always a pleasure to see new life on the lake, with cygnets, ducklings, moorhen and coot chicks.

Our next quarterly meeting is at the Pop Inn Café, West Walk, Yate Shopping Centre, at 7pm on June 12 – all are welcome to come and be involved with Friends of Kingsgate Park.

Sue Swanborough

Green Community Travel volunteers

Spring on a plate!

SPRING is officially here, despite some bitterly cold days recently.

But let’s focus on the bright sunny days - and all the new seasonal fruit and veg.

My recipe for this month is a celebration of spring and a lighter, brighter way of cooking after the long winter.

It’s called Spring Vegetable Risotto or, as the Italians would say, Primavera Risotto.

It gives you free rein to make a vibrant traditional risotto cooked on the hob. It’s colourful, freshtasting and full of vitamins.

I’ve used my own favourite spring vegetables, just coming into the shops. British asparagus from the Wye Valley makes a sumptuous addition. But I’ve given other suggestions, if you want a change. It’s a dish that makes my heart sing.

Please don’t be put off by the number of ingredients. Each one is worth its place. This is a dish where the finished result is more than the sum of its parts. And if you can forage some wild garlic leaves (see cook’s tips) you’ll have a real showstopper on your plates.

This is probably the longest recipe I’ve written for the magazine. The reason for this is that I want to give you enough explanation to pull off this perfect example of Italian cooking: fresh, light and delicious.

Buon appetito!

Primavera Risotto

MAKE sure you use risotto riceCarnaroli or Arborio - and that you have plenty of stock simmering on the hob. Be aware that different

brands of rice will need different cooking times and amounts of stock, so make sure you don’t mix brands in your cooking.

Serves 2 as a main course.

Ingredients:

Olive oil - 1 tbsp

Unsalted butter – 40g

Medium red onion- 1 finely chopped.

Spring onions – 2, sliced into half inch pieces.

Garlic clove 1, finely chopped. Wild garlic leaves – small bunch, about 30g. (see Cook’s Tip)

Dry white wine- 50 mls Stock of choice, veg or chicken – between 700mls and 1 litre (I usually find I use about 975g with the Sergio Carnaroli)

Risotto rice – 200g (7oz), Carnaroli, or Arborio.

Courgettes – 130g, chunkily chopped.

Fresh asparagus spears– 250g. Shelled broad beans – 100g frozen beans work very well. (See Cook’s Tip)

Frozen peas – defrosted, 70g

Unsalted butter to finish the dish –a good 1 ½ oz (25g)

Fresh flat leaf parsley and mint -a good handful, chopped.

Parmesan cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano 30 months matured if possible. 50g, finely grated.

Here’s what you do:

Heat the pan and then add the oil and 40g of butter. When the oil is hot and the butter melted add the onion, garlic, spring onions and courgettes. Sauté gently until it is translucent and lightly coloured.

In a separate pan, bring the stock to the boil and then keep on a gentle simmer all through the cooking of the rice.

Prepare the asparagus. Bend each spear until it breaks, then place these thick stems into the simmering stock to give extra flavour to the stock. (These will be binned when the stock is finished.)

Then cut each spear into half, lengthwise. Then cut each piece in 2. Put these delicate pieces to one side.

Add all the rice to the pan with the vegetables in it. Stir the rice well to coat the grains of rice in the oil. Allow to cook for a couple of mins on a medium heat until the rice becomes translucent.

Turn up the heat and pour in the wine. Allow to bubble away, stirring constantly.

Once the wine has been absorbed (you will hear a little sigh!) add the hot stock a ladle at a time. Don’t add more than a ladle at a time or your risotto will not be creamy. Keep stirring.

Continue adding the stock a ladle at a time and allowing each ladle to be absorbed. Add the delicate spears when almost all the stock has been used. Add the wild garlic leaves if using at the same time.

The rice should look and taste creamy. When you drawer a wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan you should see a line. The rice should be cooked, but still retain a slight bite (‘al dente’ as the Italians would say.)

This is the key point. The amount of time and stock can vary. It may take about ½ hour and you may run out of stock. You can just

use boiling water if this happens. Keep adding and stirring until you have the correct creamy texture for you.

Season with plenty of pepper, taste and add salt if necessary.

Stir in the 25g of butter with the Parmesan and mix well. Stir in most of the herbs leaving a little as a garnish.

Cover and leave for a couple of mins before serving onto warmed plates.

Sprinkle with the reserved parsley and mint.

Serve immediately.

Cook’s Tips:

Wild garlic leaves look like spinach leaves. They have a wonderfully subtle smell and taste of ordinary garlic. They can be foraged from woods and damp places. You will know when you find them because of the all-pervasive, delicate smell of garlic!

I find using frozen broad beans better and easier than using fresh. There’s none of that double podding to be done, only to find there’s only 2 beans in the pod! The beans are harvested at their best and frozen immediately, so you’re getting them probably fresher, unless you grow them yourself.

Try adding different Spring vegetables with the onions e.g. Add the white part of leeks, or celery or Swiss chard or green beans, mangetout or sugar snaps.

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

Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury

OUR final tea dance of the ‘season’ takes place on Thursday May 4 at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, from 2-4pm.

At the March event, 105 guests filled the main hall for two hours of dancing and musical entertainment, and delicious home-made cake served by the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club.

We hope that this event will be just as successful, so come along. We may even throw in a bit of a coronation theme.

On May 12 we will be staging our charity golf day at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club. Entries are still open - contact Ian Joseph on 07788 924945.

During the past month the club has made financial donations to four worthy causes.

We have helped the Chipping Sodbury Rotary Racer team by funding batteries and chargers for their electric powered cars, in preparation for the season ahead.

We have funded a place for a student from Brimsham Green School to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards scheme, an intensive course to develop skills in areas such as presentation, communications and team working.

During the Chipping Sodbury Festival in

June, the club will be the major sponsor for a puppeteer who will be holding sessions for Year 5 pupils from the Ridge School, Saint John’s Mead, Raysfield, Horton and Old Sodbury explaining diversity and tolerance in an entertaining but effective way.

Finally, prompted by a very interesting talk to club members, we made a financial donation to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which undertakes work around the world to care for 23,000 memorials and cemeteries commemorating the 1.7 million casualties of the First and Second World War.

For the first time in some years club members gathered at a business meeting in April to participate in a brainstorming session to review the club's annual programme of activities and to discuss potential adjustments for the next Rotary year under our new club president, Steve Young, who will take office at the beginning of July.

Stuart Fraser

Chipping Sodbury Morning WI

EASTER is now behind us, and we had some nice weather. The King's Coronation is just days away, and to that end we are putting the

finishing touches to our red, white and blue Coronation afternoon tea.

There will be sandwiches and savouries aplenty. And, as a WI, cakes of course! Who knows? The famous Victoria sponge may make an appearance.

As this is a special meeting, we will not be at our usual venue but at the local cricket club, to enjoy the view across the pitch.

Unfortunately, we had to rearrange the visit from Marina of Gogglebox fame for later in the year, but I am sure it will be worth waiting a little bit longer for.

Our members still have our monthly meeting, walk and cinema visit as an opportunity to meet up . Our walks are gentle and and should be accessible to all: if you fancy joining us for a walk, chat and coffee contact us for more details.

Apart from this May, we meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 10am in the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane.

Any ladies would be welcome to join us, to see what we are about. Meetings last for two hours, including tea, coffee and plenty of biscuits; we would love to welcome you.

Please call 07809 534 107 if you would like to find out more.

Sue Bird

Yate-Genieri Community Link

THERE are great signs of modernisation in the village of Genieri!

It seemed for many years that the rural communities in the heart of the country were forgotten, and that all development, investment and progress centred around the capital Banjul.

Now power lines have extended to Genieri, and people in the village have been invited to pay 8,500 dalasis (£134.92) for connection and a meter.

Not all villagers will be able to afford this (and the ongoing costs of the power), but those families who have work outside the village will, and there will be lights in the evenings in many compounds to enable family meals to be prepared with greater ease, and to enable children to do homework much more effectively.

If you are thinking of visiting Gambia, let us know and we can arrange a visit to the village for you. The village committee would be delighted to greet you!

Find out more at www.yategenierilink.org.uk.

Marian Gilpin Chairman

Yate and Sodbury District u3a

DO you love taking photos - and would you like to develop your skills and share your work?

The u3a Photography Group is always open

n LOCAL MP

to new members.

Each month a project theme is given and members take photographs based on that theme.

The project has really brought out the creativity of members.

Annual membership is just £8 a year. You can visit any one of our groups or attend our

monthly speaker meeting twice to experience the u3a for yourself before joining as a member.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For more exciting u3a groups, from supper clubs to philosophy, visit our website at u3asites. org.uk/yate-sodbury/welcome.

Pauline Mulholland

Yate WI

IN March we had fun making Easter bonnets and in April we had a speaker who advised us on the best care for orchids.

Yate WI meet on the second Monday of the month at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at Poole Court in Yate.

Our Committee works hard to ensure that we have a variety of activities from Speakers to quizzes, games and demonstrations.

We always enjoy a hot drink, biscuits and chit chat. We meet in a small cosy room which means no-one is left out, Making friends is our aim.

We also meet in smaller groups for Craft, Coffee mornings, Supper Club and when the weather improves for local walks.

If you would like to join us, you will be assured of a warm welcome. For more information email us at yatewiavon@gmail.com, or just come along to our next meeting at Poole Court.

Sharon Bower

Pub landlords' Westminster visit to boost jobs

THE latest employment figures published by the Office for National Statistics have shown that, in Thornbury and Yate, we are outperforming most areas across the country.

In our area, just 1.7% of people aged 16-64 are currently receiving out-of-work financial support, and youth unemployment is over 60% lower than the national average.

We are benefiting from growing business confidence and investment, whilst the Government have made it a priority to help get people back into work, and to help businesses thrive.

We are working hard to deliver on the Government’s priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt,

so we can create better-paid jobs and opportunities across the United Kingdom, guaranteeing a better future for the next generation.

As the local MP, supporting jobs and the local economy is a vital part of my positive plan for the community, and so it is particularly pleasing that these new figures show that we are performing so much better than most areas across the South West.

This follows a strong record of action to grow the local economy and increase jobs.

I have been holding regular jobs fairs, including a disability jobs fair, helping residents to find the right job for them.

Since first being elected as our local MP, I have held these jobs fairs in Thornbury and Yate,

helping local people get back into work or pursue a new career.

Recently pub landlords from across Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Frampton Cotterell and Westerleigh came to Parliament so we could make the case to the Business Minister about the next set of steps the Government should take to support businesses in our community.

I also hosted my ninth jobs fair in Chipping Sodbury last year, which was our most successful yet.

There are now more people with the security of a job in South Gloucestershire, and we continue to rank as one of the lowest areas for unemployment anywhere in the country.

These latest statistics confirm that the plan for jobs

is bringing economic security to millions of workers, more trade for businesses, and greater prosperity throughout the country.

We cannot stop now, if we are to achieve our ambition of recovering from the pandemic and dealing with the effects of Putin’s war in Ukraine in the strongest way possible.

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

Power comes to Genieri.

Give bowls a try

HAVE you ever thought about trying your hand at lawn bowls?

The game was included in the Commonwealth Games last year and matches shown on the main TV sports channels, which helped to raise its profile.

Yate & District Bowling Club is a small, friendly club tucked away in Sunnyside sports field at the end of Moorland Road - and we’re waiting to give you a warm welcome at our open day, on Sunday May 7 from 10am to 4pm.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be available.

Also, help us to celebrate the coronation of our new King while you’re here.

So many people don’t even know we exist, so come along and give it a go!

No experience is necessary - just wear flat shoes.

We’ll have coaches on hand to show you the basics, and bowls will be provided.

We meet throughout the summer season, until the end of September, for friendly matches, leagues, internal and national competitions.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome.

For more information contact Mary on 07885 543823 or Ruth on 07814 156754.

The entrance to our car park is via Moorland Road, off Station Road.

Discover 'church in the fields'

PEOPLE are being invited to come and discover a village church where people have worshipped for more than 760 years.

St Peter’s Church is a small church set in beautiful countryside; in fact it was known at one time as 'the church in the fields'.

This fine old Cotswold church has stood on Wapley hill since 1215.

The side chapel holds the unique tomb of Sir John Codrington, who was King Henry V’s standard bearer at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Outside it overlooks the village dwellings, Wapley Woods and part of Yate.

The parish council maintains the graveyard; their aim is to support St Peter’s Church and encourage the natural features, the birds, the trees, and the flowers in all seasons.

At this moment there is a splendid display of primroses in the graveyard.

The spectacular scene from Wapley Hill provides visitors with a view of the Severn Valley and, on a clear day, the Welsh Hills.

St Peter’s Church is a very suitable place to mark all aspects of life, baptisms where children are welcomed and valued, for weddings where the setting is perfect for photographs and the right size for families; and funerals can be held here with a quiet dignified reflective atmosphere.

St Peter’s Church has a traditional 1662 service evening prayer or communion on alternate Sundays, at 6.30pm in the summer and 4pm in the winter, except on the fifth Sunday of the month.

St Peter’s Church has a small but faithful, caring congregation, blessed with members who clean and prepare for the services each week.

We are grateful to the organists, bell ringers and flower arrangers, not forgetting the clergy.

We are holding a social fund-raising event at Westerleigh Village Hall on May 1, from 11.30am to 3pm.

MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Some ticket deals are too good to be true

AS we get closer to summer, many people are looking forward to attending local and national sporting, comedy and music events.

Unfortunately, unscrupulous ticket sellers prey on people’s excitement for such shows for their own financial gain.

I urge local people to be vigilant when buying tickets, as new national figures reveal over £6.7 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2022.

In the same year, Action Fraud received over 7,088 reports of ticket fraud, with 138 coming from Avon and Somerset residents.

As part of its latest awareness campaign, Action Fraud is working with the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) to promote the safe and secure purchasing of tickets to events, and advises the public to follow the appropriate preventative measures.

These include only buying from official promoters and ticket agents,

being wary of messages offering unbelievably good deals and avoiding paying for tickets by bank transfers. Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

We have just marked the first anniversary of an independent report, Identifying Disproportionality in Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice System (CJS).

Independent chair Desmond Brown conducted a two-year deep dive review into local CJS partner agencies to investigate racial disproportionality.

Lots of work is being done to set up a programme under the Local Criminal Justice Board, a group of senior leaders from all the partner agencies of which I am chair.

The chief constable is leading the steering committee to deliver the recommendations.

It’s vital to work in partnership and implement real and lasting change, so that communities feel a difference in how they are treated

when they encounter the CJS, whether as a victim, a witness, or a perpetrator.

I will keep you updated on the progress of this important work that aims to build trust, confidence, and legitimacy in policing and the wider system, particularly in communities impacted by race inequality, where trust and confidence is low.

Earlier this year I, along with my counterparts in Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, penned a letter to Therese Coffey – the then Environment Secretary - calling for a new way to tackle the growing menace of fly-tipping.

The cost of fly-tipping on private land is estimated to be up to £150m a year, and the cost of clearance of fly-tipping for local authorities in England is nearly £50m.

It is time to make criminals pay for fly-tipping, not local people.

I am delighted that Rebecca

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark

Shelford

Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, supports the five Southwest PCCs coming together to fight the scourge of fly-tipping. This is a step in the right direction.

This crime blights our rural landscape and causes problems for farmers and the rural economy. I’m committed to working with partner agencies to find new ways to tackle this problem.

Players at Yate bowling green

Jenny Shiles

n SPORT

Sodbury 'buzzing' ahead of top-flight return

CHIPPING Sodbury go into the new cricket season “absolutely buzzing” ahead of the opening round of league matches on May 6.

That’s the verdict of first team captain Jamie Rendell, as Sodbury aim to build on last summer’s promotion from the Gloucestershire County League back to the West of England Premier League, the region’s leading competition.

Rendell said: “We’ve had a good winter and we’re now ready and raring to go.

“We’ve recruited well, thanks to the arrival of players such as Jamie Wakefield, Ollie Louch and Dan Peachey, while we’re delighted that India A batsman Jiwanjot Singh will be returning after an exceptional first season with us.

“All-rounder Eddie Holden spent the winter playing in New Zealand gaining important

experience, and we’re excited to see how he goes this season with both bat and ball.

“Our indoor nets have been very well attended and players have been absolutely buzzing at outdoor practice, so we can’t wait for those first games.”

The first XI open up with a home WEPL Gloucestershire division date on May 6 against Tewkesbury, while the 2nd XI face a testing trip to their Dumbleton counterparts in Division Four of the Gloucestershire County League.

Rendell added: “It’s a big season for the 2nds. We really

want to see them push hard at the top of their division this year, while we’re keen to see our 3rds and 4ths, which are both developmental sides, also make progress, with members of our junior section taking important first steps at senior level.”

Sodbury also run a Sunday side, a midweek team that competes in the Bristol T20 League, a full array of junior

Home senior fixtures

sides, from under-9s through to under-15s, as well as providing cricket for girls and women.

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome: visit www. chippingsodburycc.co.uk for details.

The club is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ chippingsodburycc and Twitter @ChipSodCC

Steve Hill

May 6: Sodbury 1sts v Tewkesbury, 3rds v Hambrook 2nds.

May 7: Sodbury Women v Frenchay Women; Sunday XI v Cam.

May 10: Midweek XI v Downend.

May 13: Sodbury 2nds v Woodmancote, Sodbury 4ths v Bristol 4ths.

May 20: Sodbury 2nds v Cranham, Sodbury 3rds v OB Westbury 3rds.

May 27: Sodbury 1sts v Stroud, 4ths v Coalpit Heath 3rds.

May 28: Sunday XI v Kingswood Villagers.

Easter revival in vain as Bluebells go down

YATE Town's season has ended in relegation from the Southern League Premier South division.

A 2-1 defeat to Swindon Supermarine in their final home game ended a mini-revival that had sparked a glimmer of hope.

The Bluebells started April with a 5-1 defeat at promotionchasing Chesham United, extending their losing streak to 11 matches despite Lucas Tomlinson opening the scoring early on.

But the Easter weekend saw two Yate beat top-half sides in quick succession.

An early own goal and a second from Kyle Tooze on the hour sent the Bluebells on their way to their first win since February 1 over Metropolitan Police on Easter Saturday, surviving late pressure from the visitors after a 30-yard free kick in the 71st minute made the score 2-1.

Easter Monday's trip to Merthyr Town saw the Bluebells recover from an early goal, with Lucas Tomlinson levelling

after 20 minutes and Calvin Dinsley scoring the winner on 75, burying a rebound after Kyle Tooze's shot was saved.

April 15's home game against Swindon Supermarine started with a minute's silence for club stalwart Richard Jordan, who has died aged 88.

Involved with the club since the age of 12, Richard served on the committee for 50 years and had been trainer, kit man, run the hospitality lounge and helped

plant many of the 300 trees at Lodge Road.

A club spokesperson said: "Richard was one of the nicest people in football and we offer our very sincere condolences to his wife Pat and his whole family at this very difficult time."

On the pitch, Kyle Tooze's equaliser on 70 minutes could have been followed by a penalty for Yate, but the referee waved away strong appeals for handball and Supermarine scored a late

winner, to relegate the Bluebells before their last fixture at Harrow Borough, who are also down.

Manager John Rendell, who took over from Peter Beadle in October, said it had been a "really tough ask" to stay up after a "summer of turmoil and minimal preparation for the 2022/23 season".

He said: "We really wanted to keep this club at this level and the management team gave everything we could in trying to do so in the time we had left of the season."

He said the side's "horrendous run" had been down to a mixture of loan players being recalled and lengthy injuries to other key players.

He said: "The club requires a bit of refresh and I plan to work closely with the new chairman, Mark Thorne, on implementing the necessary infrastructure throughout the club, which will in turn help improve the first team performances and fight towards regaining step 3 status."

Kyle Tooze scores in the 2-1 defeat to Swindon Supermarine. Picture: B.East Photography

The Heathers Nursing Home

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

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

First Class Facilities and Support

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

• Each resident is unique to us and treated as such

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

• Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene

• Respite, residential care and day care available

• Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs

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

Aneesh – Registered Manager

• Julie – General Manager

www.3abcare.co.uk