Yate & Sodbury Voice November 2022

Council faces tough financial choices

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE

COUNCIL is working to address a potential budget gap of £29.3 million next year (2023/24) as the serious financial situation affecting all local authorities intensifies. The council published its draft budget last month.

Global events, rising inflation and continuingly increasing de mand for services mean costs are rising at an unprecedented rate.

The council’s financial position has changed in a very short space of time, similar to many other local authorities across the country.

Rising costs

The council has through contract negotiations saved money, such as a fixed price energy contract which will save £2 million, but this is due to end next spring. Increasing costs have put the council under growing financial pressure. Not only will energy prices rise for the council next spring, but the expect ed national pay offer for staff will increase the council’s spend by an extra £6.4 million each year.

Rapidly growing demand on services, including adult social care, means the cost of delivering existing support is likely to rise by £8.5 million every year. Additional ly, capital costs – for building roads, schools, and other one-off projects – have already risen significantly and may continue to grow if the costs of materials, for example, don’t return to more normal prices

Savings

The council is in a relatively good

starting position, with additional savings of £2.9 million identified this year and £23.6 million of savings already in the pipeline, although the unprecedented costs and other pressures means there is still the potential for a £29.3 million gap in the budget.

The council is now having to look for possible changes to the way it delivers some services and even whether or not it can contin ue to provide some services. Some changes may result in redundan cies for its staff. It is also looking at how it can raise income, including by increasing Council Tax. The council is prevented by law from raising Council Tax by more than 1.99 per cent without a local referendum. A one per cent rise in Council Tax would generate £1.6 million. The council is now working to identify new ways to increase income and reduce spending and the impact those steps might have. Proposals will be presented to its Cabinet in December.

Support for those in need

The council will prioritise support for people who need it most. There are two grant funds, Community Resilience Fund and Household Support Fund, available for those struggling financially. The council also continues to press for reform to special educational needs and disability support, and to fully fund the cost of care.

An urgent challenge

Cabinet member for Corporate Resources, Cllr Ben Burton, said: “By

View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage

WELCOME –We’re glad to team up again with The Voice, a wonderful local business, to bring you this special edition. This time we are focusing on the council’s finances. The global economic situation means that your council faces an unprecedented challenge. Along with other local authorities, we are seeing increasing demand for services, rapidly rising prices and reduced income. Our prudent financial management has put us in a position of relative strength. But, despite significant savings, we have an increased gap in our finances for 2023/24. This means we will need to make further savings and that will involve some tough decisions. No one wants to do this and I’m acutely aware this comes when people are finding it hard to manage. It’s very important to us that you have your say. You’ll find out more in this edition and how you can find support if you’re struggling with the cost of living. Read on too to learn about our schools’ fantastic performance, how to nominate a community hero, progress on a new park and many other stories.

the start of the 2023/24 financial year, we will have already delivered £102 million of annual savings by working tirelessly to focus our resources on delivering our council plan priorities.

“However, the current scale of challenge is too large and too urgent for us to be able to rely solely on this approach. We now need to find ways to cut services or change how they are delivered. We will do these in the least disruptive

and detrimental way possible to continue supporting those who need it most.”

The outcome of the Govern ment funding settlement expected later in the year could improve the financial outlook. After the council has received that updated information, it will publish detailed four-year budget proposals for further public comment.

The council will make final budget decisions in February

2023.  However, it first wants to hear from South Gloucestershire residents.

Have your say

We will be running two phases to this year’s consultation. The first phase starts in October and asks for your views on the council’s draft budget proposals.

The second phase will run from Tuesday 6 December and will ask for your views on

updated budget proposals which will consider up to date information on what funding will be available from central government and the options that we have for balancing the council’s budget.

As a local resident, it is important that you have a say in how we shape services in the future and our budget consultation is a key part of this.

View the budget at www.southglos.gov.uk/

budget and then send your comments:

• By email: consultation@southglos.gov.uk

• By completing an online survey or download from the council website: www.southglos.gov. uk/budget

• By writing to: Freepost RTXL-YJXJ-BXEX, South Gloucestershire Council, Corporate Research & Consultation Team, Council Offices, Badminton Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5AF

• By telephoning 01454 868009.

a vaccine if you’re eligible, is now. The UK Health Security Agency is expecting a double threat of low immunity and widely circulating flu and covid-19, creating an unpredictable winter and additional pressure on health services.

Free flu jabs are available to anyone over 50. Over 65s, pregnant wom en, people with certain health conditions or who work in some frontline jobs, can book now. You simply call your GP or book at a pharmacy. For covid jabs, first, second and booster vaccines are available at local clinics. At the time of writing this, autumn boosters are available to over 65s, pregnant women and anyone over 5 with an underlying health condition. Book with your GP or find a local walk-in clinic at bnssghealthiertogether. org.uk/covid

Nominate your community hero!

Struggling with costs?

Help is at hand

The current rising cost of living is impacting on us all. Prices are going up and energy bills are climbing fastest of all. But no one should be embar rassed to ask for help if you don’t have enough to afford essentials and pay your bills. There is extra government support and help available from local services.

Your council offers a wide range of support including emergency and long-term support, help with housing benefit, various financial support grants and council tax reduction schemes. It can also help provide food and activities for children in the school holidays. You can visit one of the council’s three One Stop Shops in person where someone will be on hand to answer questions, resolve problems and offer advice. Or you can find de tails of support along with links to trusted national and partner resources on the council’s website at southglos.gov.uk/costofliving

Keep healthy and happy this winter

Winter, and worries over finances, can take a toll on your personal health. Did you know that the council offers plenty of free health and wellbeing support? Provided by the council’s partner Southern Brooks, activities range from tea and chat to help you reach out and connect, through to workshops on building resilience. Find out more about how you can access these free activities and other health and wellbeing support at oneyou. southglos.gov.uk

To help yourself to have a healthy winter, make sure you and your family’s vaccines are up to date. The time to boost your protection with

Do you have a hero in your community? Know someone special who vol unteers? South Gloucestershire Council wants to hear from you about the volunteers who make a difference in your area, from litter picking groups, to the befriending volunteers who brighten people’s days. The Chair of the council, Cllr Sanjay Shambhu, is calling for nominations of people who have made a difference to be put forward for the Chair’s 2022-23 Commu nity Awards. You can nominate a person or a community group and it’s very easy to do. The deadline is Friday 18 November and all the information on the awards, including how to make a nomination, can be found on the council’s website at southglos.gov.uk/communityawards.

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Four arrested over killing

FOUR people have been arrested by

investigating the murder of a former Yate Town footballer.

Takayo Nembhard was stabbed to death in Ladbroke Grove, during the Notting Hill Carnival on August 29.

Also a former Bristol Rovers academy player, the 21-year-old father-to-be lived in Bristol and was building a career as a rapper, recording and performing as TKorStretch, after previously working as an apprentice at Bristol City Council.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said two men, aged 23 and 18, were arrested at "residential addresses" in Bristol on October 19.

A 20-year-old woman was arrested on the same day in Islington, London, on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The teenager and woman were bailed pending further enquiries, and the 23-year-old was released under investigation.

A 17-year-old boy was then arrested in Bristol on October 22, on suspicion of murder. He was in police custody as the Voice went to press.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Shirley, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Ever since the tragic murder of Takayo, my team and I have been busy behind the scenes gathering intelligence and evidence to bring his killers to justice, and we will continue to work around the clock until they are behind bars.

Local information

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

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

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

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

"We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

"Takayo was stabbed to death in broad daylight in front of a huge crowd of people. I am confident that there are people out there who have not yet spoken to us, for whatever reason that may be.

"If you saw something and have not yet spoken to us, please do so as a matter of urgency.

"Don’t do it for me - do it for Takayo’s family, who are still trying to come to terms with their terrible loss."

The Metropolitan Police are urging people to call their incident room directly on 020 7175 2206 to speak to an officer, by calling 101 or by tweeting @MetCC quoting 7478/29AUG.

Takayo died of a stab wound in a London hospital after being stabbed on the last night of the carnival, after police officers and paramedics had worked in the street to try and save him.

Hundreds of people lined the streets and attended a funeral for Takayo, who recorded and performed as TKorStretch, at the E5 Church in Kingsdown on October 14.

Despite our

A collection held at Yate Town's home FA Cup match against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos in September raised more than £160 towards a fund set up to provide for Takayo's unborn child and girlfriend.

PUBLISHER’S

Takayo Nembhard

Naomi's voice wows millions on

page

Proud dad Paul said family members took it in turn to go and support Naomi in the studio – including mum Michelle, sister Maria, brother Ollie and Naomi’s boyfriend Luke.

He said: "We are amazingly proud of how well Naomi has done. It is so hard for a singer to get noticed, so she has done so well to make the finals, out of 20,000 entrants.

"We were jumping for joy watching it on the TV; it’s seeing her reaction that really gets to us, as we know music is her life."

Naomi grew up in Yate and went to Chipping Sodbury School, then studied music at Bath College before doing a degree in vocals and musicianship at the British Institute for Modern Music in Bristol.

She already makes a living as a professional singer, fronting her own band called Switch at weddings and corporate events.

Naomi said: "The Voice has been very exciting and a bit surreal. I thought I would have a go on the show, and then blinked and I was in the semi-finals. It makes my years of hard work worthwhile.”

Naomi did TV blind auditions

– where the stars have to listen with their chairs facing away from the stage - in front of celebrity judges Will.I.Am, Anne-Marie, Tom Jones and Olly Murs.

She said: "To say I was shocked is an understatement. If

show

you watch it back I'm screaming and jumping for joy.

"At the start I was intimidated, until they turned around and once that was done, they were nice people with a lot of experience to support me.”

Naomi was on Will’s team, which meant coaching from the multi award-winning founder of Black Eyed Peas.

Naomi says she hopes appearing on the show will help boost her solo career – she writes and performs her own songs, and can regularly be seen busking on Bristol's Harbourside.

She said: "Busking is a good way to get practice. It toughens you up and gives you a chance to play our own songs. The dream would be to get a record label deal and record my music."

The final was due to be shown after the Voice went to press, on ITV1 on October 29 at 8pm.

To find out how Naomi got on, visit the voice website at www.yateandsodburyvoice. co.uk.

Singer Naomi Johnson with mum Michelle, brother Ollie, dad Paul and sister Maria.

Calls for change as bus cutbacks bite

control of the region's Metro Mayor

councils after the latest round of

Commercial operator First axed three routes serving Yate and Chipping Sodbury - the Y3, Y4 and Y5 - in October, a move which also meant the company stopped serving Iron Acton entirely.

It left the Yate and Sodbury area with three services: the Y1 through Coalpit Heath to Bristol, the hourly-or-less Y6, which goes to Bristol bus station via Winterbourne, Bristol Parkway, Cribbs Causeway and Southmead Hospital, and the new 47 service, a "partial replacement" for the three axed routes, which runs from Yate to Bristol via Westerleigh, Pucklechurch, Emersons Green and Downend.

The cuts followed the axing of the Y2 service in April.

First says it has made changes to improve reliability as it deals with a chronic driver shortage and the impact of the pandemic on passenger numbers.

Campaign group the West of England Shared Transport and Active Travel Network (WESTACT) has written an open letter calling on the West of England Combined Authority Metro Mayor Dan Norris and the leaders of all councils in the area to suspend the deregulated bus market and provide a franchised bus service, under contract through WECA.

Under the present system, WECA has responsibility for transport planning but has no powers to force bus operators to operate a given route at a given time.

It is consulted on changes to timetables but the only way of maintaining services First decides are not commercially

viable is to subsidise them.

WESTACT is urging as many people as possible to sign its open letter calling for the current system to be replaced with franchising, where WECA would issue contracts for companies to operate services it would specify.

The group said: "The deregulated market is always at odds with the bus services that many in our communities need to get to work, school, shops, and health centres.

"Residents want and demand an overhaul of this broken bus system."

The letter can be found at actionnetwork.org/forms/ franchise-weca-bus-servicesnow.

A political row over the cuts flared at South Gloucestershire Council's meeting on October 12, with the Conservatives claiming an "outrageous" £8 million spent on WECA's new

offices could have been used to save bus routes.

Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said the combined authority’s finances "are not being used effectively for local people".

Labour blamed the Government, privatisation and driver shortages for the cuts, while the Liberal Democrats accused the Tories of "wasting time trying to deflect attention from their own part in the bus cuts debacle".

Lib Dem group leader Claire Young said: "Local people will not be fooled into putting all the blame on one decision about office location.

“They can see the huge issues facing our country, which the Government is doing nothing to tackle."

Letters: Page 26

Thug' jailed for dog walker attack

THUG who carried out a "despicable" attack on a Yate dog walker has been jailed for six months.

Police have thanked members of the public who helped bring Nathan Giles to justice by calling in with information.

It was a year ago that Giles attacked 65-year-old dog owner Chris Palmer, as he was walking his pet in Brimsham Fields.

Chris suffered facial injuries, including a swollen ear, chipped tooth, bruised chin and black eye.

He was walking his dog when a black Alsatian appeared out of nowhere. It was aggressive and growling, so he chased it away.

Minutes later the dog came back and attacked his pet.

When Chris tried to separate the animals, swinging his foot at the Alsatian, a man appeared and punched him to the ground.

He was then punched and kicked as he lay on the ground.

After the attack, Chris, a volunteer Angling Trust bailiff, called the police, and gave them a description, which was published by the Voice, other news organisation and on social media, leading to several calls identifying Giles.

The 33-year-old North Somerset resident denied a charge of assault by beating.

But at Bristol Magistrates Court in early October he was found guilty and jailed for six months.

Giles was also ordered to pay Chris £1,000 compensation.

Chris told the Voice he was pleased the case was over.

He said: “This has been hanging over me for a year.

"I am glad justice was done – the man was a thug and I’m pleased he is in jail.

"Going to court and giving evidence was an ordeal, but I wanted to see it through and make sure he didn’t get away with it.

"I am fine now – more angry than anything.

"I had a huge response from people around here, a lot of people know me and that helped me through."

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said “This was a despicable assault on the victim, who was out walking his dog, resulting in him suffering injuries.

"We’d like to thank all those who helped support our investigation, by calling in with information and providing evidence, and we’re pleased he’s been brought to justice for this offence."

Woman faces assault case

POLICE say a Yate woman will face an assault charge over an incident involving a 12-year-old boy in Bristol earlier this year.

The Avon and Somerset force announced that the Crown Prosecution Service had authorised a charge against Fay Johnson, aged 32, who has been served with a postal requisition, or summons, to attend Bristol Magistrates' Court on December 15 to face a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

A police spokesperson said: "The charge comes after officers revisited the initial investigation into the incident, which happened on the banks of the River Avon in Brislington, on Saturday March 26.

"This followed concerns raised publicly by the boy's family about the initial handling of the case."

The boy, who is not being named for legal reasons, received a head injury during the incident.

Nathan Giles. Picture: Avon & Somerset police

Chris Palmer suffered facial injuries

Thousands sign petition to save soft play

MORE than 5,000 people have signed an online petition to save a soft play centre in Yate which is facing eviction.

Little Giggles has been told to leave the premises, above shops in the town's Riverside Retail Park, by November 16, after the company, run by brothers Laurie and Joss Coventry, fell behind with the rent.

But the brothers say the business is now booming and they have appealed to their landlords to extend the lease and give them time to repay their debts.

The online petition on website Change.org was started by Tamasyn Russell, a mum who visits Little Giggles at least once a week with her young son.

In a message on the website, she said: “It's my favourite place to meet friends and have a catch up while the kids play.

“It would be such a shame for LG to close down, especially after they've worked so hard during

Laurie said the company pays nearly £1,000 a month in rent and charges, and through covid ran up arrears, with its debts peaking at £75,000.

He said: “Before lockdown we were loss-making and the future was bleak. Covid saved us because we qualified for a Bounce Back Loan, made changes to the business and asked the agent for 12 months to prove we could pay the rent and

some of the arrears.”

He says the centre now averages 500 users a day – half are under-eights using the soft play, and the others are parents and others who support the children and use the café.

It also has a bar and disco for private parties and events.

Laurie says that in the past year they have repaid more than £30,000 in arrears.

He said: "We have invested thousands to make the business

successful and it’s booming now. It will take three months to evict us, in which time we can pay back all the arrears."

Laurie said he hoped an extension on the lease could still be negotiated but he would seek legal advice if this was not possible, and said he and his brother were determined to keep the business going.

He said: "We have worked hard to make this business work and to see that ripped away, just as we are making it, is heartwrenching.

"The public support has been fantastic. It’s made us all proud.

"The online campaign has been something the whole community wanted to get behind."

The Voice contacted the landlord’s agents Cushman and Wakefield, in Bristol, but they declined to comment.

The online petition can be found at change.org/p/savelittle-giggles-soft-play-yate.

lockdown to improve the place.”

Children playing at the centre. Picture courtesy of Little Giggles.

School run travel plan wins award

A YATE junior school's plan to encourage families to ditch their cars on the school run has won it an award - and extra funding.

The Ridge Junior School in Melrose Avenue has been given gold Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) accreditation for its work to encourage pupils to walk, scoot or cycle to school.

It is one of 13 schools across South Gloucestershire to receive awards and funding, with Yate Academy and Old Sodbury C of E Primary School receiving bronze awards.

Schools which sign up to the scheme draw up and implement a travel plan and find ways to encourage more pupils and staff to use "sustainable and active travel" to get to school each day.

Gold status - shared with only 66 other schools in England - brings The Ridge £5,000 to spend on facilities to support the scheme. The schools with bronze awards will receive £1,000.

South Gloucestershire Council says The Ridge is the first school in the area to win a gold award for an "Excellent Travel Plan", having started its programme in the summer of last year.

Since then the school has seen a decrease in car usage of 22% and an increase of 10% in active travel.

Head teacher Phil Boult said: "Everyone at The Ridge is immensely proud that we have achieved our gold Modeshift STARS award, in just over one year.

"This is due to the amazing effort of the children, parents and staff who have wholeheartedly embraced a more active way of travelling to school, as often as possible.

"In return we have healthier children, both mentally and physically, as well as safer, less congested and polluted roads around our school.

"Most of all, the children have really enjoyed and benefited from the fun activities involved and are now looking forward to helping make active travel at The Ridge even better."

The school's travel plan coordinator, Bev Furber, said the school was putting the money it received to good use, including creating a new area to allow cyclists to wait off the pavement before the school opens each morning.

She said: "We are also in the process of installing a new, large cycle shelter, near the car park, to add additional cycle storage, as we have outgrown our existing storage now that cycling has increased. "We are incredibly grateful for the funding as it will further support our school’s commitment to sustainable, active travel."

Another South Gloucestershire school, Barley Close Community Primary School in Mangotsfield, has jumped straight to platinum level.

Council cabinet member for education Erica Williams, who presented the award, said: "I’m sure more schools across South Gloucestershire will be inspired by the success achieved here."

The Ridge Junior School has a banner to show off its award

Surgery in vaccine study

A YATE surgery is taking part in a new study to improve the health of infants.

West Walk Surgery is one of ten sites across the West of England taking part in a study to find out how effective a vaccination called nirsevimab, is in protecting against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation among young children worldwide.

RSV affects 90% of children before the age of two and, in recent months, there has been a resurgence of RSV following the easing of COVID-19 public health measures.

The groundbreaking new study, called HARMONIE, will take place at ten sites in the region and is a collaboration between healthcare companies Sanofi and AstraZeneca, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

RSV often causes only mild illnesses, like a cold, but for some babies it leads to more severe lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

More than 20,000 infants across three countries will take part in the study, which lasts until next March, and involved finding out how well a one-off injection protects babies from RSV.

The study's primary investigator, Dr Simon Royal of Nottingham University, said: "RSV is a major cause of death and illness in children across the world and it is the most common reason for admission to hospital in children aged under one year in the UK.

Nearly 80% of the children admitted to hospital with RSV are previously healthy and at certain times of the year, children’s wards are full of babies with this infection.

The study will include newborn to year-old babies.

For more information visit rsvharmoniestudy.com/en-gb.

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

Health strikes on the way

THE boss of Bristol's specialist hospitals says NHS trusts are preparing for a “wave of strikes” this winter.

Eugene Yafele, the chief executive of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston says there is a “growing appetite for industrial action” among staff.

Trade unions representing staff in the organisation, will be balloting their members for industrial action.

Mr Yafele told the trust's October board meeting: "This is something that our colleagues are going to be doing reluctantly, should they sign up for it, but still gives us cause for concern because of the difficult nature of the strike action and the fact that you can’t plan for one isolated incident. It might be a wave of strikes, which makes it even more challenging.”

The trust's 'director of people', Emma Wood, said managers were looking how they could support staff with financial problems but added: "We are limited in terms of national terms and conditions around pay. But there are some other things we can do."

Ideas currently being looked at include locating food banks inside NHS libraries and providing discounted meals or free soup and rolls for staff at workplaces.

More than 15,000 ambulance workers across 11 trusts in England and Wales, including South West Ambulance Service, started voting on strike action on October 24.

The ballot, which closes on November 29, is in response to an imposed 4% pay award and "unsafe staffing levels" across the service.

GMB Acting National Secretary Rachel Harrison said: "Ambulance workers don’t do this lightly - and this would be the biggest ambulance strike for 30 years.

"But more than ten years of pay cuts, plus the cost-of-living crisis, means workers can’t make ends meet. They are desperate."

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Girls' appeal to ensure every child has a present

TWO young sisters from Yate have started a collection to make sure struggling families can give their kids Christmas presents this year.

Eight-year-old Ava-Rose Krekelaar came up with the idea after learning that some families might not be able to afford gifts.

She’s been joined by her six-year-old sister AuroraGrace in the scheme, which is being coordinated by their grandmother, Julie Oakley, who runs a project to support young people.

Julie said: “The girls have done fundraising before, including a litter pick for Water Aid.”

"This collection is about the cost-of-living crisis.

"I know from working in school how difficult it can be for some parents to buy everyday things across the board, across the country. Life is tough at the moment for people.

"My grandchildren wanted to

do something to ease the burden, so we thought this would help."

Julie founded the Bullywatch anti-bullying campaign in Yate 21 years ago, and won an ITV West Pride of Britain Award for her work in 2011. But in 2013 serious illness forced her to stop the work. She said: “Bullywatch had to stop because I had cancer.

"When I was well again, I decided it was not just bullying, it was anxiety and all that goes

with it. So we decided to set up a new organisation and called it the Dragonfly Project.”

Dragonfly is a not-for-profit community interest company (CIC), which works with children aged from four to 16, supporting them with emotional issues including anxiety and bereavement. Children can be referred by schools, youth workers or family members.

Julie, who works supporting

young people at Chipping Sodbury School, said: “It’s more about trying to find them ideas of resilience - a lot of children have lost their self-esteem and confidence through the pandemic.

"There is a long waiting list for support services and we are trying to fill the gap."

Julie and her granddaughters hope to get the Yate community involved in their Christmas gift appeal, called Ava and Aurora's Give a Gift 2022.

New or good condition used toys and games for under-16s can be donated at Chipping Sodbury Secondary School, Winterbourne Academy, Morrisons in Yate, Chipping Sodbury Police Station and Wellesley Primary School, Yate.

There is also an online fundraising page for financial donations to support the appeal, at gofund.me/5542347b.

Christmas tree festival returns: Page 27

Julie Oakley with grandchildren Ava-Rose and Aurora-Grace Krekelaar.

'Stunningly dishonest' rogue traders jailed

A COALPIT Heath pensioner was conned out of more than £50,000 by a pair of rogue traders.

Patrick O’Connor and Patrick O’Brien charged their 70-year-old victim £51,250 for roofing and other work done at his home.

An expert surveyor called in by South Gloucestershire Council's trading standards team was "very critical" of the work and said it should have cost no more than £15,400 - if it had been properly done.

Trading Standards became concerned by the pair’s activity in 2019 and launched an investigation into the roofing businesses they operated under the names Frampton Roofing Ltd, SW Roofing Ltd and Roofing Services Bristol Ltd.

They found multiple victims from South Gloucestershire, Bristol, North Somerset and as far away as Surrey, many of whom were elderly or vulnerable and were pressured into agreeing to work, with no legal opportunity to cancel provided. None of the victims has been named.

In total O'Connor and O'Brien had defrauded customers out of around £150,000, for work the council said was "either worthless or largely worthless" and unnecessary.

But the money from the jobs the council investigated could be just the tip of the

iceberg: legal action is also underway after it was discovered that £1.8 million passed through bank accounts controlled by the pair during the period of known offending.

A future hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act which will be held to establish whether any of the money was earned legitimately.

The investigation liaised with HM Revenue and Customs, which confirmed that there were no records for the previous six years of either defendant or their companies paying any tax.

In March last year trading standards and police raided a site in Banwell linked to the pair, obtaining evidence including £15,000 cash stuffed into a handbag, which was seized and forfeited.

Officers also discovered O’Connor had conned a contractor into resurfacing a 1,500 square metre plot of land in Banwell, by telling him it was for a riding centre for the disabled.

He did not pay a penny once the job, which had cost the contractor £33,000, was completed.

O’Connor, aged 33, and 23-year-old O’Brien, of Banwell, pleaded guilty to a total of 18 fraud offences relating to roofing work carried-out between 2017 and 2020.

At a sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown

Court in October a judge sentenced O’Connor to four years and O’Brien to two years eight months in prison, describing them as "stunningly dishonest".

Both were made subject of a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order which prevents them from cold calling at any property or being involved in building work.

They were also both disqualified from being company directors for five years.

After the case, council cabinet member for trading standards Rachael Hunt said: “This has been an extremely wide-ranging investigation and both offenders ignored advice given to them prior to it commencing.

"Many of the victims of these crimes were elderly and vulnerable and rogue trading is fraudulent behaviour that can devastate victims."

Anyone who suspects that rogue traders are operating in their area is advised to contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133.

Rachael Hunt said victims could be left 'devastated' by rogue traders

A YATE actor who wrote a play during lockdown will perform in its commercial premiere in Chipping Sodbury this month.

Ryan Carroll and three friends have formed a new theatre company with the aim of putting on their own plays and touring.

The former Brimsham Green School pupil cut his teeth with the Sodbury Players and now earns a living as a children’s entertainer.

He has ambitions to act and direct in his own plays.

Ryan said: “We wanted to do some new writing, so we set up a new company called The Blank Slate Ensemble. The idea is the audience come in as a blank slate, and the story shapes how they feel as they watch the play.”

His play A Falling Star is described as “heart-warming and comedic”.

It had its first performance as part of his degree course, during SparkFest Theatre Festival at

the Mission Theatre in Bath this summer.

Ryan graduated with first class honours from his acting degree at Bath Spa University.

He said: "Having completed my degree, I am now trying to establish myself as a professional producer, writer and performer.

"This is my first attempt at bringing something I have written to the world.”

Ryan said the theatre company hopes to use the performance at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall to gather

audience feedback and refine the show, before taking it to small theatre venues around the UK.

He said: "Audiences know what they are getting with established plays and pantos, so it can be harder work to get people to take a chance on a new play.

"I want to be performing or entertaining people, so this is creating my own opportunities.

"My day job as a children’s entertainer is a great preparation for the stage - they are the hardest audience ever. If they

don’t like you, they soon let you know!"

Ryan plays a character called Marcus in the play, which is directed by Ross Brown – who taught Ryan film studies A-level at Brimsham Green, and leads Sodbury Players’ youth section.

The other members of the theatre group are fellow Sodbury Players member Jake Palmer, and Toby Allen-Smith.

Ryan’s dad, Tom, said: “Ryan is now taking his first leap into professional acting, writing and performing. Who knows, this could be the start of something big!”

*A Falling Star is being performed at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall for one night only at 7.30pm on Monday November 28.

Tickets are on sale at www. ticketsource.co.uk/the-blankslate-ensemble.

Twickenham date for Marienella: Page 21

Ryan Carroll (second right) with fellow cast members.

Age-friendly accolade

YATE Town Council’s, Yate Ageing Better initiative has won the town global recognition.

The council's efforts to inspire a new attitude to ageing saw the town achieve World Health Organisation Global Age-Friendly Community status.

The WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities was established in 2010 to connect cities, communities and organisations worldwide with a common vision of making their community a great place to grow old in.

The town council had to demonstrate how it empowered and encouraged participation of the ageing population, including the successes of the Pop Inn Café, Senior Cinema at the Armadillo, and its work with residents to set up and support local groups, such as Yate Men’s Shed.

Yate Town councillor Sandra Emms said: "We encourage and support participation of the widest range from our diverse community, and we are committed to creating an environment to which all can contribute and within which all can thrive.

"This award is only granted to a select number of communities around the world, usually to countries or cities, making this award to Yate Town Council, something the community can be very proud of.

"In addition to this Global recognition, we have also achieved 'Working to Become Dementia Friendly' status from the Alzheimer's Society, as we continue our work to make Yate a Dementia Friendly Community."

If you would like find out more about Yate Ageing Better, please contact Yate Town Council Tel. 01454 or email info@ yatetowncouncil.gov.uk.

South Gloucestershire Council is also set to seek Age Friendly status following a motion to the council in October from local councillors.

Looking for a job that really helps people?

Are you a caring person? Are you a carer for a family member?

Do you want a flexible job, working from home?

Could you support someone to achieve their goals?

Do something amazing, become a Shared Lives carer.

Do you need support to live your life?

Find out if Shared Lives could support you: www.ategi.org.uk

Post Office opens

THORNBURY & Yate MP Luke Hall cut the ribbon to officially open Chipping Sodbury's new Post Office.

The ceremony at the Spar store on the High Street was held in October after the initial date fell during the period of mourning for the Queen.

The new Post Office is open seven days a week when the convenience store is open.

Mr Hall said: “Having a Post Office in Chipping Sodbury again is great news for the community. I know that my constituents are very pleased. I thank SPAR for taking on the branch and for providing daily service from early until late.”

The previous branch had closed in 2019 with a mobile service running in the interim.

Have you heard about Shared Lives yet?

It’s a bit like foster care – but for an adult. As a Shared Lives carer, you will be paid to support adults who need a little extra help from your own home.You’ll help them to achieve their goals and support them to live independently, helping them live their life, their way. They could spend the day with you, stay overnight or even move in, it’s flexible to you.

What does it mean to be a Shared Lives carer?

“I’m proud to be a Shared Lives carer because I believe that everyone deserves to be happy and be themselves, regardless of who they are and that’s exactly what Shared Lives does -placing people in homes with families where they are cared for, loved and respected.” -

Kwame, Shared Lives carer

Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer on our website: www.ategi.org.uk or email us on carerapplication@ategi.co.uk

Luke Hall cuts the ribbon at the new Post Office

Keith calls on Yate to stand up to cancer

A YATE dad who was told he was unlikely to walk again after developing a rare form of cancer is calling on people to join him in backing a fundraising campaign to tackle the disease.

Keith Hatherell is the local face of this year's Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

The father of two is also working with charity Cancer Research UK to bring back the town's previously-successful Relay for Life event.

Keith was 48 when he was told a rare tumour had grown and spread into his hip, pelvis and hamstring, requiring major surgery to remove.

It was discovered after he broke his pelvis playing in a charity match for Chipping Sodbury Town FC.

Keith, who also played for Iron Acton, said: "I was told my cancer was one in a one hundred million case. I had hemangioendothelioma of the pelvis, which meant a quarter of my pelvis and muscle had

to be removed and my hip was replaced, and my hamstring cut completely.

"Having led a very active life playing football and snowboarding up until this point, things looked bleak, but following major surgery I take a positive view and see myself as lucky, not unlucky, in spite of what has happened."

Determined to not to accept his prognosis, Keith put sports and exercise at the front and

centre of his weekly routine as he recovered - so much so that 18 months after his operation he took part in an endurance race in Austria which included running 400 metres up a ski jump.

Keith was even accepted on to the GB Snowsports Para-Team but, after six months of intense training, he was "declared too fit to continue" as he had exceeded his classification grade.

He has also returned to football, as a goalkeeper.

Now fit and well at 57, Keith, who runs a mail order music business and also DJs in Yate, believes if he had been diagnosed ten years earlier he would have been an amputee.

He said: "It’s thanks to research that I’m still standing and can look forward to a future full of special moments with my loved ones."

Keith is urging people to stand united against the disease by raising money towards more research through this autumn's Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

Fundraising packs with ideas can be found online at standuptocancer.org.uk/ fundraise/your-way.

Keith is also supporting Cancer Research UK to help bring back Yate's Relay for Life, which was a hugely successful community fundraising event between 2006 and 2019.

Anyone who would like to join in reviving the event should email louise.gash@cancer.org. uk.

Abbotswood Surgery

will be opening Monday to Friday from 8am until 12.30pm with effect from Tuesday 20th September 2022.

This will include GP, Nurse and Healthcare Assistant appointments and on Monday 3rd October 2022 we will be holding the first flu clinic.

For those patients who are eligible for the flu vaccination you can book your appointment by calling us and selecting option 7, calling into reception or online via Patient Access.

Keith Hatherell

The Heathers Nursing Home

CHILDREN

North Road Primary School pupils worked with the school's artist in residence, Molly Hawkins, to feed in ideas

designs which she turned into a huge mural that includes basketball hoops and a climbing wall.

Bristol-based Molly specialises in creating vibrant, large-scale visual pieces, and worked with all of the children to develop personal pieces of artwork, inspired by school values and shapes, colours and features they associate with the school, including the uniform colours of purple and green.

Each child produced a badge or a print on fabric with their ideas, which Molly then used to design and produce a mural on an outside wall.

Meetings with the school council gave her more ideas for play elements for the design of the mural and floor.

The mural play wall was created by Molly during the summer holidays, while the flooring was laid during the Autumn Term.

Molly’s commission was funded by builder Cotswold Homes as part of their nearby housing development, The Grove.

Head teacher Sarah Stillie said: "The art workshops brought many fantastic learning experiences and the completed mural and play wall are bringing lots of fun and excitement to our playground!

"It also reflects the school’s values: Respect, Positivity, Perseverance, Ambition, Pride and Responsibility.

"It was a very special day when the mural and play wall was officially opened by our School Council with Molly Hawkins, Liam Rinn from Cotswold Homes and Councillor Erica Williams."

Molly said: "The mural design is a celebration of the unique, joyful, nurturing and supportive atmosphere at the school and I wanted to capture some of its energy in my work."

Artist Molly Hawkins, head teacher Sarah Stillie, Liam Rinn of Cotswold Homes and Erica Williams from South Gloucestershire Council with north Road Primary School pupils and their mural.

Refurbishment complete

A FUNERAL director in Hambrook has completed a major refurbishment.

R Davies & Son, previously known as TB Pendock, has a rich history of serving the local community. Now, Dignity –which R Davies & Son has been a part of for 30 years – has invested £90,000 to upgrade the entire premises at The Poplars, Hambrook, giving it a modern feel throughout.

The reception room and arrangement room, where the bereaved can discuss their funeral wishes in private, have been refurbished and the chapel of rest has also been modernised.

Funeral director Shaun Moody said: "It’s so important to us that bereaved families have the right space to say goodbye to their loved ones; this refurbishment project has enabled us to continue to provide a modern and tranquil space for the local community."

Milestone for crematorium

WESTERLEIGH Cemetery & Crematorium, near Pucklechurch, has marked its 30th anniversary.

Representatives from industry organisations joined some of the key figures in establishing the crematorium at a commemoration ceremony.

Guests wrote messages in a book which will be placed in a time capsule and buried on the site later this year, to be re-opened in 30 years’ time, and a commemorative plaque was unveiled by site manager Shaun Chapman-Young.

Westerleigh Crematorium was built after Northavon District Council and Kingswood Borough Council, which later merged to become South Gloucestershire Council, decided a crematorium to serve the area was badly needed.

Local developer Ian Pratt formed a consortium, which built the facility on a 22-acre site owned by Northavon.

It opened in August 1992.

A special guest of honour at the 30th anniversary celebration was former Northavon District Council member Marilyn Palmer, who had planted the first tree on the site to mark the beginning of the building process.

Shaun said: “It was a pleasure to welcome so many industry leaders, business partners and supporters to our crematorium and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend.

“I am honoured to be at the helm of the crematorium for this special anniversary.

"We will continue to support bereaved families in the years to come, to serve them with exceptional care and to ensure that the final farewell to their loved one is uniquely personal.”

Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries.

Chief executive Debbie Smith said: "This is a moment not just to commemorate the 30th anniversary of this site but to remember 60,000 families that we have served here at Westerleigh since the site’s opening in 1992 and also to acknowledge the commitment and exceptional care shown by our teams all over the country."

To find out more about the crematorium, visit www.westerleighcrem.co.uk.

Current and first Westerleigh Crematorium site managers Shaun Chapman-Young (left) and Cecil Skelton

A FORMER soldier from Yate who had a life-saving heart transplant just two years ago says he won’t be resting for long, after completing the London Marathon.

Phillip Hardwell has been fundraising for the British Heart Foundation ever since, to thank the charity for its support.

He ran the London Marathon in six hours and 15 minutes, raising more than £3,000 for the charity in the process - and said the gruelling run was one of the best experiences of his life.

Phill, aged 35, said: “The first half I felt pretty comfortable, but I started to hit 'the wall' feeling slightly nauseous from the run and the energy gels. My legs were in a lot of pain but from that point on a lot of it was a mental challenge.

“I did keep an eye on my heart rate to make sure that it wasn't too high. I chatted to a few fellow BHF runners, and the crowd over the whole route were incredible and helped keep me going.”

Father-of-two Phill, a health and safety advisor, was diagnosed with a lifethreatening rare genetic heart disorder in 2017, while serving in the Commandos.

He says he owes his energy to the donor who made his transplant possible.

Phill said: "I felt ready to take on the run, despite the training plan not going to schedule, so my aimed finish time was under 6 hours and I completed in 6 hours 15.

"It was almost like a journey of self

Marathon triumph for Phill

discovery for me, and I wanted to see how far I could go and inspire others.

"I had the names of the family members of friends who had passed away and some of my fallen comrades from my regiment.

“Also raising money for the BHF, to help people who are suffering with heart disease, spurred me on, as I know how hard it can be living with the condition.”

Phill is already looking ahead to his next physical challenge, running in the annual offroad Sodbury Slog race in November – and is planning to tackle a triathlon in 2023.

Earlier this year he spoke to the Voice about the book he has written about his life experiences, Hearts of Resilience, which is also raising money for the BHF.

To sponsor Phill visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/phillip-hardwell1.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Phill Hardwell running on Tower Bridge

Phill with his medal at the finish line

Marienella sings National Anthem for rugby fans

AN actor and opera singer from Yate will be taking centre stage at the home of rugby this month – when she sings the National Anthem in front of thousands of fans.

Marienella Phillips performed before a number rugby internationals in the summer.

Now she has been invited to sing again at Twickenham Stadium on November 12, when England host Japan as part of the Autumn Internationals series.

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

She said: “It is hard to describe how it feels being in the centre of a stadium full of sports fans cheering and singing along to the national anthem.

“It's electric and humbling, as it unites so many people in a moment of pride, reflection and anticipation.

“I was honoured to sing both the English and Welsh national anthems for the England Red Roses versus Wales rugby match at Ashton Gate Stadium, days after the Queen passed.

"The roar of the crowd after the anthem, in respect for her, was something I will never forget.”

Marienella has performed locally at St Paul’s Church in Chipping Sodbury and as a guest singer for Yate Choral Society.

Her mum Nell said her whole family were excited that Marienella’s singing career is taking off.

Nell said: “She is both an actor and an opera singer. She is freelance, so we are always on tenterhooks for the next performance.

“She is auditioning for a production of The King and I in the West End next January, to sing and dance. She sent in a recording of her singing but now

they want to see her dance. We are keeping our fingers crossed for that.

“The professional singing and acting career means a lot of travel and auditions, but she loves it and we’re very proud.”

In April the Voice reported how Marienella was playing three roles in Shakespeare’s Henry V in London's Covent Garden, alongside Kit Harrington, who is best known for his role as Jon Snow in the TV series Game of Thrones.

She has also recently starred in the Welsh National Opera production The Shoemaker at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

Anyone who would like to see Marienella perform locally will get the chance soon, as she is set to join the Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Thornbury Good Afternoon Choirs for a concert at St Mary’s Church in Yate. For more information visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org/ concerts.

Marienella Phillips at Twickenham.

The other Station Road

Morrisons

to Yate Shopping Centre,

familiar to the majority of us.

The lesser-known Station Road, however, travels west between the Link Road junction and Sodbury High Street, and is formed of new housing and local landmarks, notably the Ridgewood Community Centre and Cow Mills.

Many of us drive through this area on our way between Yate and Sodbury or vice versa without stopping.

Perhaps we should stop occasionally. This small stretch of road, of around half a mile, has undergone as much change as anywhere in Yate.

On the south side of the road there are modern offices, formerly belonging to South Gloucestershire Council, and significant numbers of small, private residences known as Bennett’s Court, and a wellestablished industrial estate on the north side.

Through much of the 19th century, the view from Bowling Hill was resolutely rural. The 1844 tithe map shows only Chipping Sodbury Vicarage and the Cow Mills industrial site as being visible.

By the 1870s, industry began to encroach.

The Sodbury gasworks, close to the Cottage Hospital, was in operation from 1871 to 1952. The gasometer was a local landmark, which lingered into the 1980s.

The Gasworks Cottage stood proud on the road and was provided by the company for the works manager.

From the 1870s, gas was piped

under Sodbury High Street and west into Yate.

In the 20th century, lorries delivered coal from Yate railway station to make gas, while coke was collected from the works and transported to businesses and institutions such as Chipping Sodbury Grammar School.

During World War II, many local people collected their coke from the gasworks with prams and wheelbarrows, as coal deliveries were limited.

The pattern of industrial development was reflected elsewhere.

To the immediate east of the gasworks and adjacent to the river Frome was the Yate Ironworks. The works were recorded as a brass foundry in the late 19th century and eventually show up as Yate Iron Works on the 1921 and 1949 maps.

By the 1950s at least, the Febry dynasty had taken over the site and this area became the Febry lorry depot, housing hundreds of vehicles. From the 1950s to the 1980s, Febry’s was a renowned coach company: its buses were known as Sodbury Queens and

transported scores of workers and schoolchildren to and from Yate and Sodbury, not to mention day trips to the coast and elsewhere.

While industrialisation developed apace on the south of Station Road, the Ridge Industrial Estate expanded later. On the 1921 map there is only the Cow Mills site. By 1949 there is an extensive factory site and the precursor to the significant industrial estate we see today.

The cardboard box and ink

factory (later Redland Inks) was the result of wartime development; following the bombing of Parnall Aircraft in 1949, the Ridge became one of numerous dispersal sites for aircraft production.

David Hardill, with research from Sylvia Eastwood.

Diary dates

Until December 14: Mining Yate - exhibition charting the history of coal and other forms of mining.

November 15: Yate Lecture Series – Thankful Villages. The history of villages, including Little Sodbury, which did not lose anyone during the First World War. £2 admission, free for Friends of Yate and District Heritage Centre. Booking essential.

November 29: Yate Lecture Series – Cotswold Carols and Wassails. History of these songs in past centuries, with historic examples of this art form. £2 admissionfree for Friends of YDHC. Booking essential.

Febry's cement and limestone transport, 1970

Indi Pritchard, aged nine, travelled to Italy in October to take part in the World Kickboxing Championship.

Indi, who attends St John's Mead C of E Primary School and has been training with Yate's Epic Martial Arts since she was five, took on a much larger opponent from Hungary in her final at the event, staged by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations.

She comes from a family with a tradition in martial arts - her dad Steven became a world champion in kickboxing in 2006, while sister Kacey, 16, and brother Liam, 13, have all trained in the sport.

Kacey has now switched to rugby, playing for Chipping Sodbury girls, while Liam is training hard to try and make the GB kickboxing team.

Mum Gemma said: "My husband has always done basic martial arts at home with

the kids, which they loved doing.

"My god-daughter Alisha was training with Epic Martial Arts and her mum said to bring the kids along for a trial, which didand Indi never looked back.

"During covid she continued to train daily on Zoom, as well as train with her brother in the garden, which kept them entertained.

"Most children sit on their ipads playing Roblox, but Indi will sit and watch Bruce lee, Karate Kid and her coaches' fights on YouTube over and over again, studying them."

Gemma said her daughter was lighter than most of the girls she was fighting in her age category and her opponent in the final was "a giant compared to Indi".

She thanked the Epic Martial Arts coaches and Indi's school, for allowing her to take time off to compete - and allowing her classmates to watch her fights live.

Gemma said: "I am a super proud parent.

"Indi trains five days a week and always puts in 100% in every lesson.

"I can not express in words how proud I was when she got to stand on the first place podium and our national anthem was playing - it really was magical.

"Martial arts is not only about fighting - it also helps with respect, discipline, patience , self-control and confidence building.

"Indi is a shy quiet little girl inside and outside of school - but on the mats she turns

Indi Pritchard with her trophy and medal after winning the world title.

into a little ninja!"

Indi said she was "super happy" to become a world champion and wants to emulate her idol, 14 time world champion Elijah Everill.

WECA must take control of buses

AS residents and organisations in the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and North Somerset, we are deeply concerned by the present cuts to essential bus services. The impact of these lost services will mean many, including the most vulnerable, will be unable to make essential journeys including to shops, schools, and doctors and hospitals.

The private bus companies are entirely profit-driven, so they’re justifying the bus cuts with the falling passenger numbers, rising fuel and wage costs, and driver shortages that make the services unprofitable with no regard for the public need.

This deregulated market is always at odds with the bus services that many in our communities need to get to work, school, shops, and health centres.

These changes to local bus services are making many residents genuinely fearful that people of all ages and abilities will be cut off from vital facilities they need to live well. Further, the loss of public transport will worsen congestion on the roads, increase air pollution, and undermine commitments WECA has made to reduce its carbon emissions and its climate emergency pledge.

The current constitution of WECA requires that the Metro Mayor Dan Norris and the three

group leaders of Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire to all agree to make changes to bus services.

This open letter is calling for them to put in place bus franchising, to suspend the deregulated bus market and provide a bus service under contract from WECA.

Residents want and deserve a bus service that delivers for all, and the only way for this to take place is for WECA to use its powers under the WECA constitution to deliver bus franchising.

We encourage readers to sign this open letter now at actionnetwork.org/forms/franchiseweca-bus-services-now.

West of England Shared Transport and Active Travel Network

Calling anglers

I AM setting up a club for the benefit of all the sea anglers in our area.

I am retired and have been fishing for 60 years, since I was 12 and younger, and have run a local coarse fishing club, although I'm now retired from that post.

I cannot find anywhere in our area for sea anglers and I am sure there will be a lot of people like me who would like to participate, so I am looking to get a database of interested anglers so we can book boats out of ports in the South West and South Wales, where I have fished for many years, or organise shore angling

trips, sharing travel costs.

If you are interested in joining, please email me at roy.golding@hotmail.co.uk.

Roy Golding

Nominate your dementia hero

INDIVIDUALS and organisations who have gone the extra mile for people affected by dementia could be recognised at the prestigious Dementia Hero Awards, sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare. The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations who meaningfully involve people affected by dementia in activities and projects that make a real difference.

There are nine award categories, including an outstanding achievement award. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges in research and innovation, local government, those who care for people with dementia and dementia-friendly businesses, among others.

It couldn’t be easier to enter - nominate yourself or someone who has inspired you for a Dementia Hero Award at alzheimers.org.uk/ dementiaheroawards.

Nominations close on Friday November 18.

Lorna Robertson Area Manager Alzheimer’s Society

Christmas tree festival announces new direction

The festival at

now in its seventh year, is combining

as it also announces a link-up with local charity the Blonde Angel Street Team.

During last year's event festival organisers had a chance conversation with Sean Suleman, an artist and one of the founders of Blonde Angel Street Team, which was set up in 2019 to help people living on the streets.

The team, organised via a Facebook group, collects supplies and provide food and drinks to homeless people, making weekly drops at College Green and Broadmead in Bristol, with a mobile team visiting other areas, including Yate, where people have been living rough, as well as shelters and people who have just found a home but need essential supplies.

Tree festival planning group chair Mary Farrell said: "The main focus and aim of the Christmas Tree Festival has always been to involve and engage with as broad a spectrum of the local community as possible helping to bring them the true message of Christmas.

"Speaking with Sean recently he told me these drops and supplies have never been in more demand - Bristol currently has 80-plus homeless people on the streets and the most basic items are needed."

As a result, fundraising throughout the festival, which will run from December 3 to 11, will be shared equally between St Mary’s refurbishment projects and the Blonde Angel Street Team.

Money donated to the street team will be converted into Greggs food vouchers for people who receive them to obtain food and a hot drink.

Throughout the festival there

will be an opportunity to donate items for the team to donate, such as scarves, hats, gloves, socks, jackets, pot noodles, hand warmers and small torches with batteries, for distribution to rough sleepers.

The festival will also look different, with a display of 30 paintings, including works by Sean, set to combine with the traditional display of 30 decorated trees.

Entry to the festival will be free, and the organisers are on the lookout for people who want to get involved, including new sponsors.

Mary said: "This event has grown each year and is a fantastic chance for anyone to be part of a Christmas celebration and community event, whilst raising funds for local causes.

"We are always on the lookout for new sponsors. It is very simple to get involved, as we fill the church with a magnificent display of decorated trees, each with their own unique design, colour and light display."

Anyone who wants to get involved should email parishoffice@yateparish.org or call 01454 313105.

One of the paintings going on display

THE latest employment figures published by the Office for National Statistics have shown that the number of people out of work in the UK has dropped to 3.4 per cent. This is the lowest it has been since 1974.

There is good news locally too, as South Gloucestershire continues to outperform much of the country.

In our area, just 1.6% of working age people are receiving out-of-work financial support, compared to the UK average of 3.7%.

In my role as the local MP, supporting jobs and the local economy is a vital part of our positive plan for South Gloucestershire, so it is particularly pleasing that the number of people out of work in our area is now down by

365 compared with this time last year.

There are now more people with the security of a job in South Gloucestershire than ever before, and the district has bounced back since the pandemic to regain our status as one of the lowest areas for unemployment anywhere in the UK.

This follows a strong record of action from businesses, the local authority, and the community, to grow the local economy and increase jobs in South Gloucestershire.

I have been holding regular jobs fairs since being elected, including a disability jobs fair, helping residents throughout Thornbury and Yate find the right job for them.

In September I hosted my

ninth jobs fair in Chipping Sodbury, which was our most successful yet. More than 35 local and regional businesses were in attendance, including Stagecoach, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bromford and local businesses and organisations such as Hobbs House Bakery, Bluebird Care, Charles Saunders Ltd and many more.

Many local residents stopped by the event, to speak directly to employers about vacancies in our community.

There are now more people with the security of a job in South Gloucestershire than ever before, helping to bring economic security to our community, more trade for businesses, and greater prosperity throughout the South West.

We are pushing forward with our positive plan for jobs and the economy for South Gloucestershire.

We cannot stop now, if we are to achieve our ambition of remaining the best place in the country to live, work and start a business.

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

Actonians Drama Group

actonians.co.uk and the play runs from November 23-26.

We very much hope that we will leave you all wanting more!

We welcome new members so if you are interested, either on stage or behind the scenes, please contact us through our website.

Sue Anstey

Citizens Advice

DO you have a few hours a week to spare and want to make a real difference?

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is looking for volunteers to help in our friendly office in Yate.

Shopmobility opening update

NEXT year Shopmobility South Gloucestershire will be celebrating 20 years since it held its first meeting in July 2003.

In that time the popular scheme, based in Yate Library, has proven itself to be a muchneeded facility in the community.

THE Actonians Drama group’s next production is Charles Dickens' classic tale Oliver Twist.

This is an original version, adapted for stage by Anya Reiss for an open-air production in Hyde Park.

The audience will be relieved to hear that, in November, this production will be performed in the warmth and comfort of Iron Acton Parish Hall!

This is a collaboration between the adult and junior groups and, with a large cast, it is a lively production.

Tickets are now available online at www.

Yate Town Council Update

A Warm Welcome

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience - advisers receive full training. You’ll gain new skills, meet new people, and you’ll be helping our clients overcome the problems they face and making a real difference to their lives.

We’re a registered charity providing people with free information and advice to help them solve their benefits, debt, employment, and other problems. Our service is free, independent, confidential and impartial. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

If you are interested or would like more information, visit our website www. southgloscab.org.uk/get-involved/ or email Emmanuelle.claverie@southglos.org.uk for more

The service provides mobility scooter and wheelchair hire on a daily and a longer-term basis to help people who have limited mobility to retain their independence and to use the facilities of the centre and to access other services too. There is free daily hire with a concessionary bus pass.

Shopmobility South Gloucestershire is delighted to announce its opening hours in the run up to Christmas.

It will be opening four days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 4pm and on from Saturdays 9.30am-1.30pm.

The service will be closing on December 23, then reopening at 9.30am on January 3.

To pre-book a scooter or wheelchair call the scheme on 01454 868718 or 0799 957 4474, email shopmobilitysouthglos@yahoo.com or simply call into our office at Yate Library.

David Bell

Yate Town Council and friends are pleased to confirm that the launch of Warm Welcome is now well and truly underway (summary opposite).

We opened our doors on 3rd October 2022 with many local venues now offering somewhere warm and welcoming for people to go to this winter, free of charge.

Our Estates Team have been kneedeep in some major renovation work at the popular Kingsgate Park lake. Due to dryer, warmer summers, the weed has grown very quickly and has had an adverse effect on the appearance of the lake and its habitat.

A lot of time has been spent on this manual process, extracting the majority of the weed and leaving it on the bank so that any lake wildlife can work its way back into the water.

Plans are in place for ongoing works in Spring 2023 including adding barley straw to the lake which breaks down naturally, helping control the weed growth. We have ordered a new boat that will assist us with keeping the lake litter and debris free and we are also investigating new tools to help remove the weed.

Further plans include sourcing of an aerator (hopefully solar powered) to combat the low oxygen levels, together with the addition of some more wildlife habitats around the lake such as planted coir rolls to sit in the margins of the lake.

Please note, Warm Welcome will feature new places and spaces over the coming weeks. For the latest venue summary please visit our website.

More details about the current Warm Welcome facilities and their locations is available on the Town Council website Warm Welcome - Yate Town Council

Clearing of Kingsgate Park Lake

details or an informal chat Emmanuelle Claverie, Lead Supervisor

The Actonians are preparing to bring a Charles Dickens classic to Iron Acton

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Making the pennies go further

THIS month, as promised, I’m giving you two super-useful, economic recipes to add to your repertoire.

I’m hoping these will help you spread the pennies in these challenging times.

So, buy your chicken, make a roast dinner and maybe a pie, with the leftovers and some puff pastry. Make sure you save the bones to make a stock and then with that, make a hearty soup with your Halloween pumpkin.

Great money-saving all round!

Ann’s easy microwave stock

You can make a proper homemade stock which really makes a home-made soup or sauce taste fantastic by just saving the bones from your roast and adding a few

vegetables and seasoning. If you don’t have a whole chicken in one go, you can save the bones and freeze them until you do have enough to half fill a large bowl and then continue with the process.

Ingredients:

Chicken bones or chicken carcass

Vegetables- ideally:

2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped

1 medium leek, roughly chopped

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

1 large carrot, roughly chopped.

(As long as you have onions and carrots in there it will be fine, just double the quantity if you don’t have the other veg.)

1 bay leaf

A selection of fresh herbs as available, eg rosemary, parsley, thyme. (Use dried herbs about ½ tsp of each if you don’t have fresh herbs.)

ALL WELCOME!

Email: rivericf.info@gmail.com Mobile text to: 07359132220

Set aside to cool, cover and refrigerate

Skim off any white scum which may form, then either freeze or refrigerate.

The stock will keep well in the fridge for about 4 days, or if frozen use within three months.

Cook’s Tip

You can use the same method and

basic ingredients for veggie stock, just double the veg portions and leave out the bones. If you have the time, leave for a couple of hours or preferably overnight in the fridge before straining off the veg.

Super soupbutternut squash

Full of vitamins and a brilliant colour! You can use pumpkin or other varieties of squash instead of butternut squash.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Olive Oil – 2 tbsp (30ml)

Onion – 1 , chopped Butternut Squash – 1 small peeled, chopped and de-seeded (don’t throw away the seeds!)

Carrot, 2 small sliced

Potato, 2 small peeled and chopped Vegetable Stock- either 900ml (1 ½ pints) of home-made stock or equivalent amount of liquid using 2 good quality stock cubes or stock pots.

Water – 900 ml (1 ½ pint)

Crunchy Peanut Butter – 2 tbsp –

(caution- if allergic or serving small children leave out)

Ground Cumin – 2 x pinches Freshly ground black pepper

Here’s what you do :

Fry the onion in the olive oil for about 5 mins until transparent (clear).

Add the butternut squash, carrot, potato, peanut butter and cumin. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Blend the stock cube in the water and then add to the other ingredients. Bring to the boil then turn down the heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes or until

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

in the kitchen.

vegetables are soft and tender. Remove from the heat. Liquidize the soup using a hand blender or food processor. Season with pepper. Sprinkle some of the roasted seeds over the soup.

Cook’s Tip:

You can roast the seeds in a moderate oven (180C, 350F, Gas 4) for 12-15 mins until crunchy. Spritz with a little oil (rape seed or olive are best) They give the soup a little extra crunch and they make great healthy nibbles.

Yate and Sodbury u3a

RETIRE or semi-retired, and enjoy music? Perhaps you’ve played a musical instrument in the past or would like to try?

Maybe you just enjoy sharing your musical interest with other people? Yate and Sodbury u3a has several groups that could interest you.

The Recorder Group can take complete beginners as well as experienced descant, treble and bass players. The Recorder Group meets once a fortnight and plays a good variety of musical styles.

There are four Ukulele Groups who are in great demand to play at social events. Hugely popular!

Music for Fun Group accommodates a wider range of musical instruments. No pressure, just fun if you want to dust off your music skills.

Maybe you just want to listen? If so, there are groups interested in both classical and jazz recordings. Trips to concerts are organised as well. Coaches go from Chipping Sodbury to concerts in Bristol, Cardiff and Malvern. No need to worry about driving and parking.

These are just a few of the wide range of interest groups available for people who are no longer in full-time work in the Yate and Sodbury area.

Find out more on our website u3asites.org.uk/yate-sodbury or get in touch by email at YandSu3a@gmail.com

Jean Crispin

Chipping Sodbury Low Vision Support Group

POOR vision may occur as a result of many conditions, one of which is macular disease.

Prior to 2016, the nearest support group for those with the condition was in Bristol.

In response to this deficiency, Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club started the Chipping Sodbury Macular Support group with the help of the Macular Society.

Subsequently, because the group offered support to anybody affected by reduced vision, the name was changed to the Chipping Sodbury Low Vision Support Group.

Shortly after the formation of the group, Linda, who was one of the members, stepped forward to become leader and has continued very ably ever since.

COVID-19 caused meetings to be suspended for two years. However, a small number of us held twice monthly Zoom meetings for the whole of lockdown and despite resuming our face to face meetings in April this year, some of us have continued with the Zoom meetings as well.

We meet on the third Tuesday of every month at the Watkins Room at the Old Grammar School, and normally about 20 people attend.

We usually have a speaker who will talk about sight-related issues, and this is followed by tea and biscuits and general chat.

It is a friendly group and anybody with sight problems is welcome to attend, plus their spouses/partners/carers.

There is an entry fee of £2 per person, which pays for the hire of the room and the refreshments.

For more information, call 01454 314066 or email csvision1924@ outlook.com.

Tony Sarafian

A u3a ukulele group in concert

WORKING

SUEZ

n WHAT'S ON

November 5

n CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRES! Chipping Sodbury Town Hall Saturday 5th November & Sunday 4th December, 10 am to 4 pm

Local Crafts, Papercraft Sup plies, 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.

November 8

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY practice class, arranging a twig design using twigs. Also wreath-making evening November 29 (£5, booking essential). Both at the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury at 7.30pm. An nual Christmas open demonstra tion on November 23 (tickets £12) at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. More information from 0117 937 3836 or email rosemary. cummins2@gmail.com.

November 8

n GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY Bristol Group, 'A Broad Gauge Jour ney – Part 3, Exeter to Penzance', with Brian Arman. BAWA, South mead Road, Bristol, 7.30pm.

November 13

n REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE AND SERVICE. Parade leaves Poole Court 9.15am, making its way to St Mary's Church for service at 10am. To take part in the Parade, please contact Yate Town Council on 01454 866506 or by e-mail at info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk.

November 13

n ROYAL BRITISH LEGION FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE, 4.30pm, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, with Bristol Military Wives Choir and Filton Concert Brass. Tickets £12 adult, £8 child, from 01454 326336.

November 14

n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCI ETY talk on nutrition by Dominic and Vince Avo. Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. More details from Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@ btinternet.com or 0774 874 0794.

November 15

n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC SOCIETY concert with Karen Street (accordion) and Andy Tweed (saxophone/clarinet). Mix of clas sical, folk and jazz music. Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm, tickets on the door. School aged children free.

November 18-20

n RIVER CHURCH YATE, 'Holy Spirit My Friend', 3-night seminar with Pastor James Reimer from

Portugal. Cranleigh Court Chapel, 7pm. All welcome - more details at www.rivericf.org.uk.

November 27

n WAPLEY BUSHES NATURE RESERVE WORKDAY. Morning of woodland planting, general maintenance and tidying up before winter. Wear walking or wellington boots and bring gloves. Meet at Shire Way entrance, 10am.

November 28

n THE BLANK SLATE ENSEMBLE presents A Falling Star, by Yate ac tor Ryan Carroll, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £9, avail able online from www.ticketsource. co.uk/the-blank-slate-ensemble.

December 6

n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC SOCIETY, Pelleas Ensemble. Chip ping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm, tickets £15 on the door. School aged children free.

December 13

n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 7.30pm. Con ductor Geoff Wickham, accompa nist Diana Williams, with guests the Celli Peppers. Tickets £8 - call 01454 313907 or from Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre and choir members. www.yatechoralso ciety.co.uk.

REGULAR EVENTS: Monday

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

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

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community

Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsod buryartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412.

Tuesday

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

n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET

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

n SOUTH COTSWOLD PROBUS GROUP meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Masonic Hall Sodbury, 10am. Next meeting - 10 July - speaker giving a talk on sub marines. Contact president Pete Chaplin for more details. 01454 324956.

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB (POTTERY SEC TION) meets every Tuesday and Wednesday, 7.30-9.30 pm at Ridge wood Community Centre. Tuition available. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyart society.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

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

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 BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB

WE WOULD LOVE TO PUBLICISE YOUR EVENT

Send details of your events and activities in the following format: WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words. Send by email, with 'what's on' as the subject, to contact@ yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Commu nity 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 YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Calm-in Yoga 7.45pm in Chip ping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Cen tre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353

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

n FRIDAY: EXERCISE AND SOCIAL FOR SENIORS £5. Come and join us for a dose of weekly exercise! We aim to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility in a fun and friendly environment. To register your interest please contact Adam Dyer on 07875503586. Cambrian Green Court community centre 2:153:45pm Yate, Bristol BS37 5AD

required.

at 3pm the Red Herrings

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at SGlibraries.eventbrite.com.

takes place on November 5 from 10.30-11.30am.

Reading group ‘Have You Read’ invites anyone to come along and enjoy a coffee or tea and an informal chat with like-minded book lovers, on November 25 from 10.30-11.30am.

A book group for young people in Year 6 and above meets on November 17 from 4.15pm-5.15pm: Come along and chat about what you're reading - no set book. Refreshments are provided.

A new club, Digilocal@yate, helps children learn about coding and develop problem-solving skills.

Taking place every Wednesday from 6-7pm, sessions are hosted by at least two volunteer ambassadors.

Children have to register for a place before attending - online forms are at digilocal.org.uk/eoi.

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

A free-family friendly story time, with a simple craft for preschool children, takes place on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-10am.

Computer support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturday and Tuesday mornings from 10am-noon and Thursdays from 2-4pm.

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

To book a session call 01454 868006, speak to a member of staff at the library or email yate.library@southglos.gov.uk

The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10am-5.30pm and Saturday from 9am-2.30pm.

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

Beadle resigns as Yate Town boss

YATE Town manager Peter Beadle has resigned, just five months after taking charge at Lodge Road.

Beadle resigned on October 24, two days after a 3-0 defeat at relegation rivals Hartley Wintney left the Bluebells third from bottom of the Southern League Premier South division.

A 4-0 win over fellow strugglers Plymouth Parkway earlier in the month was followed by a 2-0 home defeat to Beaconsfield Town. Yate then lost a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at home to Winchester City in Beadle's penultimate game in charge.

The beginning of October also saw the Bluebells knocked out of the FA Cup at the 3rd Qualifying Round stage by league rivals Bracknell Town, who inflicted a 3-0 home defeat, and the FA Trophy by high-flying Weston-super-Mare, who won 2-0 at Lodge Road.

The club put assistant manager Stuart Fleetwood in temporary charge and had already closed applications for the manager's role just over a day after Beadle's departure.

Chairman Colin Pick had publicly backed Beadle after the Hartley Wintney match and the club issued a statement thanking him for his work, saying: "He was tasked with a massive job of a complete rebuild of the playing squad, with zero players now left from last season's successful squad."

Director of Football Richard Thompson left on September 29 and the club said it was not seeking to fill the role at present.

Work goes on postseason at Sodbury

THE season may have been completed some time ago but Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club continues to be a hive of activity.

Celebrations marking the first XI's Gloucestershire County League promotion-winning campaign - and a long awaited return to the West of England Premier League - were still continuing as work commenced on a complete overhaul of the net facilities at The Ridings, followed by important renovation work on both squares.

There was further joy as Ronnie Freeman, one of the club's most promising youngsters, had the honour of being named Gloucestershire U10s' player of the year.

The all-rounder fittingly received his award from Gloucestershire red ball captain Graeme van Buuren - another outstanding allrounder - in a presentation evening at the Seat Unique Stadium.

Sodbury have also had to make room for another trophy at their clubhouse following victory in a different sport at the Ridings Sports Challenge, where captain Jim Davis led his team to golfing glory over their local rivals in the annual contest.

Chairman Andy Shield said: "It's been a fantastic season. We've enjoyed the celebrations but now the focus turns to building and improving wherever we can to ensure the club continues to progress.

"We're particularly pleased that we have been able to complete the overhaul of our nets which are in constant use by all our members."

Steve Hill

Yate Town players celebrate a goal against Winchester. Picture: B.East

Ronnie Freeman with Graeme van Buuren

Blue

Tackling the climate emergency

South Gloucestershire is taking action to respond to the climate emergency with many initiatives to help residents and organisations play their part in helping the planet.

Recycling success

More than 2,000 South Gloucestershire homes are taking part in an exciting trial of a new flexible plastic recycling scheme as part of their normal weekly recycling collections. Selected households in Bradley Stoke, Chipping Sodbury and Olveston are participating in the first year of the potential three-year trial which is part of the drive to increase the amount of packaging that we can recycle to protect our environment, including plastic bags, confectionary wrappers, foil lined packaging and plastic film. Government figures on national recycling rates show South Gloucestershire is now recycling 60 per cent of all its waste. The council had the fifth highest recycling rate of all councils of its kind in the country in 2020/21, an amazing success by everyone involved.

Green light for nature projects

The council is looking at ways to protect and conserve wildlife and nature across the area. It is a key part of the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, for which it was scored in the top-10 of councils in the UK, recognising the commitment to deliver real change.

Several nature projects have been given the go ahead, including as part of the new local plan. One such project is Frampton End Farm nature reserve, near Frampton Cotterell where planting new trees and wetlands will help act as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide emis sions and tackling climate change.

At Siston Common in Kingswood, hundreds of local volunteers recently came together to plant over 7,000 wildflower plants in the new meadow created by the council. The mass planting marked the start of the Commons Con nections, the Wild Belt project, a £1.26 million project to increase, improve and better connect important habitats across South Gloucestershire for nature that will also include the planting over 6,000 new trees to help address biodiversity decline.

Improvements will be made to links between registered common land, unimproved grasslands, woodlands and associated habitats along the South Gloucestershire and Bristol border. Tree and wildflowers will be planted, alongside the conservation of grassland habitats and pond creation and restoration.

The council will create a brand-new biodiversity-focused park at the former Warmley Pitch and Putt golf course to support nature

recovery in the community. The council asked residents to choose where the park should be and received nearly 200 responses with the most popular choice being the former golf course. The park will also aim to include space that is accessible for everyone, providing a

Following its success last year, the council’s tree voucher scheme is back. To mark National Tree Week (Saturday 26 November –Sunday 4 December), the council will be offering vouchers that can be exchanged for trees once again to residents to improve the tree coverage in South Gloucestershire. The council is aiming to plant enough trees by 2030 to double its tree canopy to improve biodiversity and keep its local environment healthy as part of its response to the climate and nature emergency.

stimulating and relaxing environment for the whole community. Consultation on what might be included as part of the new park will start in November and on the council’s consultation website at southglos.gov.uk/consultations

Tree Week coming up

Cllr Steve Reade planting wildflowers with Max and Kady Stuart

Community planting in Page Park, Staple Hill

Spotlight on learning Schools success

South Gloucestershire is making great strides with education, as demonstrated by its recent Ofsted reports. Over the last five years, its schools have moved from 35 per cent Good or Outstanding at Secondary and Post 16 to 71 per cent. And, as of 31 May this year, 83 per cent of all its schools (including Primary) are rated as Good or Outstanding. This means 32,432 of the area’s young people attend a Good or Outstanding South Gloucestershire School, compared with 6,036 pupils in 2017.

Building blocks of learning in Winterbourne and Frenchay

The new Frenchay Church of England Primary School opened its doors to pupils last month. The £11 million building on the former Frenchay Hospital site will accommodate 420 pupils – up from 140 at its former Victorian home on Frenchay Common, where it had been since 1842.

The building is designed to the standards of environmental organisation Passivhaus, meaning it will have a very low carbon impact on the environment. Benefiting from an £800,000 investment from the council’s Climate Emergency Fund, the design includes high levels of insulation, triple glazing, low energy LED lighting, heating provided by air-source heat pumps and recycling of heat through a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system, which also ensures good air quality throughout the school.

The school will use electricity only, requir ing no fossil fuel consumption on site, and generate its own zero carbon energy through photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, with any surplus energy feeding into the national grid.

Meanwhile, work is underway building Elm Park Primary School’s new facilities. Two build ings will replace the Winterbourne school’s existing premises over two phases, ultimately providing places for 210 local children to learn in high quality classrooms.

The first phase is expected to cost around £11 million, provided by the council, and will open for pupils at the start of term in September 2023. Also designed to Passivhaus standards to minimise environmental impact, the new buildings will transform the existing site with eight classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities providing community-use spaces in cluding a hall, multi-use outdoor sports pitch and playing field.

This is all part of the council’s continued investment in schools with £82m capital investment since 2019 and last summer more than £2.2m was spent on improvements and maintenance.

Summer Reading Challenge

Six thousand children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at South Glouces tershire libraries, with primary school children reading nearly 100,000 books

over the school holidays. Libraries and The Reading Agency partnered with the Science Museum Group for this year’s challenge, which helps to build children’s reading skills and confidence.

The science and innovation theme, named ‘Gadgeteers’, was designed to spark children’s curiosity about the world around them and celebrate the role of the imagination in both reading and the sciences. Parents and carers said the challenge had been great to keep children reading over the summer holidays and the free events really helped to involve and encourage children to be part of the challenge.

Well done to all those who took on the challenge.

Cllr Ben Burton and Cllr Erica Williams with Headteacher, Carol-Marie Bond, plus local councillors and representatives from BAM Construct UK.

Cllr Rachael Hunt with children receiving their Summer Reading Challenge certificates and medals