CHILDREN at St Mary's Primary School in Yate collected food and other essentials for people in need of emergency support from Yate Foodbank for their Harvest festival.
Head teacher Bethan Scriven said: "We are
always overwhelmed by the generosity of our school community when we collect for local charities.
The foodbank does a tremendous job in supporting families, including those who attend our setting."
YATE'S Hotpoint UK factory will close at the end of this year, bringing to an end more than a century of manufacturing at the Station Road site.
Owner Beko Europe has confirmed that the plant will shut down on December 31, with the loss of 142 jobs.
The decision has been described as a "big blow for the town" by Yate's MP.
The factory stands on the site of the former Parnall aircraft factory, where more than 50
people were killed during two air raids in 1941, and manufacturing on the site goes back around 107 years.
After the war ended production was switched to washing machines and then tumble dryers, and it has made machines for the Hotpoint, Creda and Indesit brands under a series of owners, most recently Whirlpool from 2014.
Turn to page 3
SINGER Will Young is one of the headliners of next year's Good Times festival, which is moving to Chipping Sodbury.
PAGE 7
A TEACHER who developed inappropriate relationships with two pupils at a Yate school has been allowed to stay in the profession.
PAGE 2
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has confirmed the new charges drivers will have to pay to use two Yate car parks.
PAGE 6
CUSTOMERS of Yate's Cineworld cinema are "gutted" after it closed its doors for good.
PAGE 11
Our December edition deadline is November 13.
Ken McCormick, Editor contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
Advertising Enquiries
Richard Drew, Publisher 01454 800 120
contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
A TEACHER who developed inappropriate relationships with two pupils at a Yate school has been allowed to stay in the profession.
Joshua Wring was a head of house at Brimsham Green School at the time of the incidents, which led to a finding of serious misconduct by the Teaching Regulation Agency.
He no longer teaches at the secondary school.
Find
on Facebook www.facebook.com Search for yate and sodbury voice Follow
Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.
South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009
Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009
Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk
Environment/trading standards 01454 868001
Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101
Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk
General enquiries: 0117 926 2061
NHS Health Call 111
Well Aware
health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk
Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252
A professional conduct panel heard Mr Wring admitted a series of allegations, including exchanging emails with the girls at night, telling one of them: “All I want to do is catch your eye and smile at you at school.”
In another he wrote: “I just wanted to give you a hug!”
The panel ruled Mr Wring was trying to do the right thing in the wrong way, by attempting to safeguard the youngsters from someone else, as one of them was at risk of abuse, grooming and self-harm.
The panel concluded that the messages were aimed at encouraging the children to attend school more often by letting them know there would be a friendly face and support.
Among the allegations the panel found proved were that the teacher was giving both pupils gifts.
Mr Wring told the three-day hearing in September that one gift was a set of scales to help with food technology work and the other was a notepad and pen, so a girl could record her thoughts.
In its report, published in October, the panel ruled that the teacher failed to take appropriate action with safeguarding concerns.
Its report said: “Mr Wring stated that whilst his intentions were to safeguard Pupils A and B himself, he should have reported this in the correct way."
The teacher also attempted to permanently delete 228 emails between himself and the pupils, as well as a person referred to as Individual G.
Mr Wring told the panel this was "housekeeping", as he was about to move to another school.
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Yate & Sodbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Yate & Sodbury Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Yate & Sodbury Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
However the panel believed he "was more likely than not to have been seeking to conceal" the emails' content.
The report concluded: "The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Wring amounted to misconduct of a serious nature, which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession."
The panel decided not to recommend a prohibition order banning him from teaching but to publish the report from the hearing as an appropriate sanction.
It said: "Mr Wring demonstrated a real awareness of the impact that his actions had had on all involved and of how best to approach any safeguarding situations in the future.
A Brimsham Green spokesperson said: “We are aware of the decision taken by the TRA in relation to a former member of staff at Brimsham Green School.
“The school was called to give evidence to the TRA hearing and have been clear at all times that we followed appropriate processes promptly in order to safeguard children.
“Our first responsibility is to the safeguarding and welfare of all of the children in our care and so we will not be making any further comment on the details of the case."
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
From page 1
Whirlpool UK became part of Beko Europe in a merger in April.
Within months the new company said it was consulting on closing the plant, saying it was making a "significant loss".
Beko Europe has now confirmed the closure, issuing a statement which said: "The consultation process announced on July 5 has now been completed and Beko Europe has confirmed the closure of the Hotpoint UK Appliances site at Yate, which will close on December 31.
"All those affected have been notified.
"We are continuing to provide support to all of our employees and are grateful for their continued efforts and engagement throughout.
"We have also notified the site’s MP and local councillors of the news."
The news was broken to workers at the end of September. Production will continue into December but is expected to be wound down before the closure date.
The company will then spend six months decommissioning the site, which is owned by South Gloucestershire Council.
Beko Europe says it has made workers aware of other vacancies within the business and is supporting them with employment, careers, retirement and financial advice through an "outplacement services" company.
It says it is also funding training for some workers to become forklift drivers.
The factory site was bought from Whirlpool by South Gloucestershire Council in 2021 for just under £10 million.
A council spokesperson said: "The council is actively supporting the current workforce through the Yate Development Worker, who is coordinating support and liaising with the Beko team to provide employment coaching and support for employees as well as exploring the opportunities to provide skills training to the workforce to support their future employment.
"Looking forward, we are
keen that however the land is used in the future, it is for the benefit of the whole community, reflective of the site’s history and having regard to the aims and objectives of the Yate Masterplan, which we published in 2023.
"In the coming months we will consider how the existing site and facilities, which are close to road and rail links, the busy town centre and existing homes, could be used.
"Any repurposing of existing facilities, or redevelopment, will take time and funding, but planning for the future of the site will be of strategic importance for the town of Yate and South Gloucestershire.
"In due course we will want to have conversations with our communities about the options, and we will engage closely with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure the site plays an important role in the future of the town."
At the time the council bought the site Whirlpool insisted it was "totally committed to Yate".
The council's then Conservative cabinet member for corporate resources, Ben Burton, said the deal fitted the council’s "long-term aspiration...to be an enabler of regeneration" and would "ensure that we have a degree of control over its future use, should the current occupiers wish to relocate in the future".
Beko Europe first announced its closure plan July 5, as results of this year's general election were still coming in.
Thornbury and Yate MP Claire Young – who was elected in the early hours and met with Beko later that morning - said the closure of the factory was "a big blow for the town".
She said: "Manufacturing on this site has been such a core part of the town's history, employing many local people who are now worried about the future.
"I met with Beko on my first day as an MP, and I will continue working with the workers and their union to ensure those affected are properly supported."
End of an era: Page 19
A YATE shop's owner has been ordered to pay more than £16,000 in fines and costs after being prosecuted for possessing and selling illegal oversized vapes.
South Gloucestershire Council took Anwar Sdiq to court after a complaint to trading standards last year about his convenience store in Yate Shopping Centre.
Council officers made a test purchase from the Yate Market shop in North Walk and returned with police officers on November 30 to seize 73 disposable e-cigarettes containing ten times more than the maximum 2ml nicotine e-liquid limit allowed by law.
Sdiq, aged 44, of Bishopworth in Bristol, was prosecuted as the sole director of the shop's operator Worthy Market Bristol Ltd.
He pleaded guilty to supplying and being in possession of illegal oversized vapes when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on September 30.
Sdiq was fined a total of £9,549, ordered to pay the council's costs of £3,632.33 plus £3,180 in victim surcharges, making a total of £16,361.33.
Magistrates also ordered that all 73 seized vapes be destroyed.
Afterwards the council cabinet member responsible for trading standards, Sean Rhodes, said: "I’m pleased to see this considerable fine handed out and the illegal vapes taken off the street.
"Only legally compliant e-cigarettes that have undergone the MHRA submission and notification process should be sold to customers.
"The council’s Trading Standards team continue to respond to complaints and undertake routine checks to ensure only legally compliant vapes are sold to the public.
"During the last three years we have seized over 9,500 illegal disposable e-cigarette devices, with a retail value of over £76,000.
"Although vaping is considered far safer than smoking traditional tobacco products, inhaling nicotine through a device is not risk-free.
"Legislation is in place to regulate products that are placed on the market. Responsible retailers only sell e-cigarette devices that are compliant with the law.
"Those retailers who choose to put profit before compliance can expect a visit from the council’s Trading Standards team."
The council is calling on anyone who suspects they may have been sold, or knows of a business supplying, illegal vapes to report it by calling 0808 223 1133, visiting the Citizens Advice Consumer Service or reporting it anonymously to Trading Standards South West at tinyurl.com/ mr2ws3wm.
AN Indian takeaway has been prosecuted over a van carrying a large advert that was parked on roads around Yate.
South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted the owner of Spice 37, in Wellington Road, for fly-posting after the hoarding on a flatbed van was spotted in Lodge Road and Rodford Way.
Ifran Raja Ahmed was ordered to pay a total of £4,413 in fines and costs after being found guilty in his absence on October 14, when he failed to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court.
The court heard that in October last year the Iveco banner van was left parked on the highway at Lodge Road, Yate.
It had no tax or MOT.
The business owner was sent a letter, highlighting the offences and asking him to remove the van.
In April this year he was sent another warning after the van was seen "in various locations" including the roundabout at the bottom of Rodford Way and near the junction of Rodford Way and Westerleigh Road.
The council said on the third
occasion a fixed penalty fine was issued, along with a community protection warning (CPW) against further fly-posting, under its “three-strike” policy.
The fine was not paid, despite two reminders in May.
The council sent an officer to the takeaway at the end of that month, and staff provided Ahmed's name and contact number.
He confirmed being the owner of the business but claimed he had not received the fine letter, so the council delivered a new copy by hand to the takeaway on June 6.
A council spokesperson said officers then called Ahmed, who said he "would arrange payment without delay" once he had seen the notice.
The spokesperson added: "To date no further contact has been had with Ahmed and the fixed penalty has not been resolved."
Ahmed was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay costs of £913 and a victim surcharge of £1,000, making a total of £4,413.
After the case cabinet councillor Sean Rhodes said: "Unauthorised roadside advertising is illegal, often
unsightly, and can block visibility or cause a distraction to other road users.
"The council will always try to work with local businesses to resolve any issues however in cases such as this where owners fail to engage, we are left with no option than to prosecute through the courts."
Residents who see illegal fly-posting are being encouraged to report it to the council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@ southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/report.
THOUSANDS of motorway drivers snaked their way through South Gloucestershire roads when the M4 was shut for a weekend.
The motorway was closed in both directions between the Bristol and Bath junctions, at Hambrook and Tormarton, from 7pm on October 18 until 6am on October 21, as part of the project to replace the A432 Badminton Road bridge between Winterbourne and Downend.
National Highways said the motorway usually carries up to 4,000 vehicles an hour at weekends, and had warned drivers in advance to avoid the area if possible during the closure.
Throughout the weekend there were queues not only on the diversion route – along the M32, A4174, A420 and A46 – but on other roads in the area.
Although National Highways appealed to drivers to stick to the signposted diversions and not follow alternatives suggested by smartphones or satnavs, there were long queues on Westerleigh Road between Emersons Green and Dodington, with eastbound traffic approaching the A46 backed up for two miles beyond Codrington at some points during the weekend.
The bridge next to the Wick Wick roundabout, which carried the main road between Bristol and Yate, has been closed to motor traffic since last summer after inspectors found "structural failures" during a routine inspection.
The concrete and steel bridge was built in 1966 and was designed to last for 120 years.
National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge, has drawn up plans to remove it in March or April next year, with a replacement due to open in early 2026.
But before the bridge can be removed the utility supplies which currently run through it –water and gas mains, electricity and fibre optic cables – have to be re-routed under the motorway.
People living near the works were warned to expect noise as workers used a 55-ton chainsaw to cut through the road surface, before digging out trenches to bury ducts for the utilities, then
resurfacing the motorway.
Up to 70 people worked in shifts on the project over the course of the weekend.
Utility companies will then have several months to move the pipes and cables into the new ducts.
National Highways Route Manager Sean Walsh said: "There's no good time to do something like this.
"We carefully plan our schemes to limit any inconvenience, but sometimes it's not possible to carry out the work that's needed without a closure."
Signs warning of the closure were put up as far away as London, Cardiff and Manchester.
There will be a second weekend closure for the bridge to be demolished and a third to install the 55 metre steel supports for the new bridge.
Mr Walsh said that since the bridge was closed a lot of work had been going on behind the scenes to design its replacement, liaise with utility companies and councils.
He said: "Work hasn't stopped at all. It's not all about digging a hole – that's the easy bit."
Mr Walsh said he understood people's frustrations at the length of time the bridge was out of use.
The agency had listened to suggestions about installing a temporary bridge but, having considered the options, decided demolishing and replacing the bridge with a new permanent
structure was judged to be the quickest and most economical approach.
He said: "We will do everything we can to expedite it.
"What people see when they use a bridge is a flat surface but what they don't see is that every bridge is different and you need to understand the conditions.
"You can't just go to Bridges R Us, and most of the work you have to do for this bridge would have to be done for a temporary bridge."
Drivers in the area were also bracing for a five-day closure on Henfield Road, which has seen heavy use since the bridge was shut, as the Voice went to print.
A section of the road from Westerleigh Road to Ram Hill was due to close to all traffic between October 28 and November 1 to repair damaged kerbs.
The official diversion was through Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Dodington.
DETAILS of new parking charges in South Gloucestershire Council car parks, including in Yate, have been confirmed.
The council says the charges will "go live" at 22 car parks in the district next spring.
There will be separate long and short stay charges, with short stays costing between 70p for an hour and £4.50 for the maximum four hours.
In long stay car parks, the minimum charge will be £3 for up to four hours, rising to £9 for a day.
The council says "at least 10% of spaces" in short stay car parks will be free for stays of up to 30 minutes.
Blue badge holders will be able to park free for four hours in both short and long stay car parks.
The council says there will be a "validation system" in some car parks, so people using them to visit a GP or other essential service will not be charged.
In Yate, the Kennedy Way and Yate Leisure Centre South car parks will both be short stay, with a validation system.
The main Yate Shopping Centre car park is not council-owned and will not be affected.
Payments will be cashless, using cards or an app.
The Yate park & ride, Cranleigh Court Road, Abbotswood and Longs Drive car parks are among those where charges are not being brought in, because they would either be unlikely to pay back the cost of installing machines, or charging would go against policies to encourage more public transport use.
The authority estimates that the charges will raise more than £800,000 per year.
It is also cutting the opening hours of the Yate One Stop Shop to 9am-4.30pm, and reducing staffed times at the town library.
Library news: Page 24
Meet
Family
Probate
THORNBURY & Yate MP Claire Young has stepped down from her role as a South Gloucestershire councillor to concentrate on her work in Westminster.
Her resignation will trigger a byelection in the council's Frampton Cotterell ward, which will be held on November 28.
Liberal Democrat Ms Young overturned a 12,369-vote majority to oust Conservative Luke Hall in the Thornbury & Yate constituency, which includes Frampton Cotterell, at July’s general election.
She quit as council leader shortly afterwards, and said at the time she would also stand down entirely from the council in due course, after dealing with outstanding casework, in order to "focus on doing one job well".
Ms Young has been a councillor for more than 17 years, first for Westerleigh ward then for Frampton Cotterell after boundary changes in 2019.
She said: "It’s been a real honour to represent local people on South Gloucestershire Council – and I look forward
to keep fighting for our area in Parliament.
"It has been a great privilege to serve local people for the last 17½ years.
"I would like to thank officers and members for their hard work and dedication to supporting the people of South Gloucestershire. It has been a pleasure to work with you all."
In her resignation letter Ms Young listed her proposal for a climate emergency declaration by the council in 2019 and her work as leader from 2023 to make the authority a "genuinely listening council" among her achievements.
Frampton Cotterell is a threeseat ward. Its other two members are Liberal Democrats Tristan Clark and Jon Lean.
In 2023 the Lib Dems received 55% of the vote in the ward, ahead of the Conservatives on 38%, with the Greens and Labour a distant third and fourth respectively.
Nominations for the vacant council seat opened on October 25 and will close on November 1.
Conductor Graham Coatman
ORGANISERS of the Good Times festival which has brought thousands of music and comedy fans to Yate have announced next year's headliners – and a new home.
Singer Will Young, who won the first ever Pop Idol TV talent contest, and Bath-born comic Russell Howard are new headliners for the 2025 event, which will take place in May next year.
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues orchestra, who headlined one of this year's shows, will also return next year.
After two years at Yate Town Football Club, the festival will move to The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury.
Production Designer Tom Campbell said the move was being made due to access issues and the proximity of homes to the football club's stadium.
He said: "The move away from Yate was taken following careful consultation with local residents and a warm welcome from Chipping Sodbury's Town Trust.
"We want to say a huge thank you to the team at Yate Town FC for being such amazing hosts, but, as more houses pop up around the site and with limited access via Lodge Road, the time is right for us to move to a new
Will Young
Good Times was first staged in 2022 with a number of tribute acts as the headliners.
This year it stepped up a gear with McFly, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting for Girls, but the organisers say they are being "even more ambitious" for next year's shows, which will include an as-yet-unnamed special guest for Will Young.
Organiser James Murden said: "We had an incredible week of 2024 shows and we're beyond excited for what's to come next year. Russell Howard is one of my favourite comedians and I am thrilled that he's agreed to be
AVON & Somerset police have introduced unmarked "road safety enforcement" vans across the force area.
Officers say the vans are being launched "to address persistent speeding issues in targeted locations" and encourage consistent safe driving behaviour.
Head of roads policing and road safety Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman said: "The use of unmarked speed detection vans is not about catching people out; it’s about protecting lives." Police say drivers often slow down when they see marked enforcement vehicles, only to resume speeding once they are out of sight.
The force says the practice is completely legal, as there is no requirement for speed enforcement vehicles to be marked or for advance warnings to be provided.
Last year, 63 people died in road collisions across the region.
our comedy headliner at Good Times – that show is already selling extremely fast.
"Not only has Will Young achieved huge success, with 10 million album sales worldwide and a whopping 11 UK top 10 singles, he's won two Brit Awards and an Ivor Novello
award.
"Will is bringing a hugely successful female singer with him to open the show – she's a huge name and had one of the biggest chart hits of the late 90's."
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues orchestra return after headlining a date this year.
Tom said: "Jools put on an amazing show, and the event was so popular with local audiences, we had to bring him back next year with even more guest vocalists.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg – we have another three shows to announce over the next few weeks and we're talking to some incredibly talented performers, including a dedicated show for local young families."
The first three shows announced take place on May 21, 25 and 26.
For more details visit GoodTimesLive.co.uk.
•
When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the bestthey want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first .
Care UK’s Ladden View care home in Yate is now open and provides high quality residential and dementia care for older people. The home is designed to the latest dementia standards with every luxury has been thought of, with its own café, hair salon, cinema and bar.
Living at Ladden View is all about quality of life, with every colleague passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. The lifestyle team organise a huge variety of group and one-to-one activities, tailored around resident’s unique needs and preferences. There is plenty going on each day, as well as regular outings and live entertainment.
With the extra support that Care UK offers, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities.
Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, loves going for strolls in the garden, or enjoys a chat over a beer, the team at Ladden View will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to.
We recognise that taking the first step on the journey into care can be daunting and is a big change for all the family. That’s why we provide help and advice if you need emotional or practical support, to reassure you at every stage of your decision.
We believe in supporting each resident and their family, especially if their needs or abilities change over time. We pride ourselves on the transparency of our care quality and fee information – ensuring you can trust us to care from that very first step.
Ladden View is part of award-winning provider, Care UK – one of the UK’s most successful care home operators* with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people. Care UK has more ‘Outstanding’-rated homes than any other provider, and have won more awards than any other provider in the last three years.
To find out more about Ladden View scan or visit careuk.com/ladden-view
Ladden View care home Fletcher Road, Yate, Bristol BS37 7ER 01454 513 375
Save £100* a week
Right now, we’re offering a saving of £100 per week for the first five residents who join us as a permanent resident.
To find out more visit careuk.com/ladden-view
ONE hundred – it’s a landmark number.
Whether it’s a message from the King on a special birthday, a century for a cricketer or a perfect exam score, it is always viewed as special.
In the world of politics, there’s been a lot of talk about the first 100 days of the new government, but it’s also a landmark for newly elected MPs like me.
I may have now passed 100 days as an MP but the job started from day one – in my case with an urgent meeting on July 5, the morning after the election.
There was no time to ease into the job.
I arrived in Westminster three days after being elected and since then have received rapidly approaching 2,000 cases of people seeking my help.
My team and I are hard at work to answer and help
everyone who’s been in touch, prioritising those most in need.
I’ve also been able to meet with a lot of those in South Gloucestershire whose decisions can have a real impact on our lives.
Here is a brief run through of some of the things I’ve done over the past few months as your new MP.
Over the summer, I met the managing directors of Stagecoach and FirstBus to raise the challenges for bus users in our area. Both were clear that we need leadership from the West of England Combined Authority to stop the continued decline of these services and I’m still pushing for a meeting with the mayor.
I also met the joint chair of North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
to discuss the situation facing our local NHS and care services, especially in some of our most rural areas.
In Parliament, I raised the systemic underfunding of local schools and secured a meeting with the minister to discuss funding and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision across our area. This is a key issue for many parents, who feel like their children are being let down.
I also secured a promise of funding for the development of further flood defences at Severn Beach from the rail minister, and joined a meeting with the flooding minister about the support being made available to help with rebuilding work after the recent floods.
It really has been a whirlwind first 100 days as your MP, challenging but hugely enjoyable
and rewarding.
Of course it’s still the early days of this Parliament, and over the coming years I will do my best to ensure your voice is heard in the corridors of power at Westminster.
If you need my help or want to book an appointment for one of my advice surgeries, please email my office at Claire.Young.MP@ parliament.uk or call my team on 0207 219 7829.
YATE'S Cineworld cinema has shut its doors for the final time.
The cinema at the Riverside retail and leisure park in Link Road is one of six across the UK which the company closed after declaring them to be “commercially unviable”.
Cineworld, which went into administration last year, announced consultations on the site's future during the summer, saying the legal process would take until September.
The multiplex closed for the final time on October 13.
A spokesperson said: "As part of the restructuring process we regret Cineworld Yate closed permanently on October 13.
"We would like to thank all of our customers for choosing Cineworld Yate as their local cinema."
The company refused to answer questions about how many jobs had been lost as a result of the closure or whether any staff were being redeployed.
In a message on the Yate cinema's Facebook page, staff said they were "grateful for all of the love and support you have shown us in our time"
It included a message saying: "We hope to see you again soon at our nearby cinema in Swindon
Shaw Ridge."
The firm closed its South Bristol multiplex last year.
The Yate cinema opened in 2016 following a long campaign involving the then Thornbury & Yate MP Steve Webb.
Its closure led to an outpouring of emotion on the Cineworld Yate Facebook, with one user saying they were "absolutely gutted".
Regular cinema goer Loren Ashford told the Voice: “It was
my therapy. I can’t tell you how upset I am that it’s gone.
"The most special thing for me was being able to cross generations and share the uniqueness of cinema with my children – so many wonderful films shared together, and now all of that is gone!
"As an Unlimited member from day one, it became like a second home as I watched countless films either on my own or with family and friends."
Other customers pointed out that there is "nothing close about Swindon".
One said the closure was "an awful decision" in the light of new housing being built in Yate, while another said: "Really sad for all the amazing staff, I hope they can all find new jobs soon."
Two former members of staff posted on the page, with one, writing on behalf of the 'team': "Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your love and support have meant the world to us."
Another said he had met "truly awesome friends" and the staff team had been like a family.
1. Look after your boiler. Get it serviced early, so it can keep your home warm.
2. Find your stop tap. You’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency.
3. Going away? Remember to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC).
4. Check your outdoor tap. Fix any drips, and wrap it up or fit a tap jacket.
5. Protect exposed pipes. Wrap up pipes that are exposed to cold air (e.g. loft or garage) to stop them freezing/bursting.
A DEVELOPER has submitted plans to turn a former Chipping Sodbury office building into a retirement complex.
McCarthy Stone wants to demolish the existing office building at Hillside Court, on Bowling Hill, and replace it with a new fourstorey, 63-home development.
The company said: "The proposals will deliver a high-quality Retirement Living PLUS (Extra Care) community."
As well as the 63 one and two-bedroom flats, it says the development will include a communal lounge, "hotel style guest suite, and bistro restaurant".
The company also says it will include 24hour on-site care and support, 33 car parking spaces, including disabled and electric vehicle charging spaces, and landscaped outdoor spaces, including a communal garden.
But the plans have already received a number of objections since being posted on South Gloucestershire Council's planning website at the end of September.
McCarthy Stone says it believes the design is of "appropriate scale", and of highquality, and is "intended to reflect Chipping Sodbury’s local character".
The company said: "The site is considered within a sustainable location, close to the services and amenities in the Chipping
"The site has regular bus service links to Chipping Sodbury centre, as well as Malmesbury, Stroud, Yate and Bristol.
"The development will also include a generous mobility scooter store with charging points, enable residents to access the range of local services and amenities within close proximity of the development."
As the Voice went to print five objections
had been lodged against the plans.
They included one from Yate Town Council, which said the site would overlook two-storey homes it backs on to.
The council added: "We are concerned with the proposed plans as the site is within the flood plain of the River Frome.
"Whilst the plans show they plan to raise the levels of the ground floor, this increases the risk of flooding elsewhere and we are concerned about the impact on the neighbouring area."
The council also raised concerns over accessibility, pointing out the "steep hill" between the site and the high street, and said there were no proposals for a crossing, so residents could catch a bus in both directions. It also said the bus services referred to included the 84 and 85, which no longer run.
Neighbours said the four-storey building was not in keeping with the area and would convert a workplace into homes.
One pointed out McCarthy Stone had built two other developments in Chipping Sodbury and Yate, adding: "Chipping Sodbury does not need even more retirement flats."
The plans can be viewed by searching for application P24/02233/F on the planning website.
POLICE have arrested a man suspected of carrying out eight burglaries in Yate, Winterbourne and Hambrook, after finding him hiding under a bed.
Officers coaxed the man out from under the double bed at a house in Coalpit Heath on October 1, after arriving at the address with a warrant for his arrest.
The 43-year-old man is suspected of stealing garden machinery, power tools and bicycles from garages and garden sheds.
He has since been bailed pending further investigation.
It happened during seven days of action between September 25 and October 7 carried out by South Gloucestershire’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, who worked with operational support units and roads policing officers to target areas of community concern.
A day of action targeting motorbike theft and crimes carried out using motorbikes in the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area, on September 25, led to the recovery of two stolen bikes and seizure of a van linked to motor vehicle theft.
Officers on a “proactive” road safety patrol arrested a drink-driver in Yate on October 2.
Other operations included crackdowns on shoplifting, exploitation of vulnerable people and “low-level drug dealing”.
Neighbourhood Inspector Dudley Bond said: “These days of targeted action have been an opportunity for us to use additional resources from across Avon and Somerset to achieve some great results for South Gloucestershire.
“We wanted to prioritise the areas of highest concern affecting our communities, including business crime and burglary, motorcycle theft and exploitation.
CHILDREN dressed in Victorian costume for an old-style black and white photo to help celebrate Iron Acton Primary School's 150th anniversary.
To honour the milestone, the school embraced the spirit of the age.
Pupils in Reception, Year 1 and 2 explored the world of Victorian toys and how playtime has evolved.
Children in Year 3 and 4 examined objects from a Victorian school to discover the educational experiences of children, while Year 5 and 6 pupils considered what life may have been like for children in Iron Acton before the school opened.
A range of traditional Victorian games in the playground were provided by the school's Friends community.
Head teacher Mike Riches said: "This anniversary celebration not only highlighted the rich history of our school but also provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with the past in a lively and interactive way.
"Thank you to all the parents and staff who contributed to making this day memorable.
“If you have information related to any of these issues, we urge you to get in touch".
Your local choice for vehicle maintenance and repairs Call Frampton on: 01454777841 or Yate on: 07393730774
We have expanded and opened another garage in Yate to run alongside our existing Frampton Cotterell workshop. We have an additional mot facility offering class 4 and class 7 mots. We have more space to cater for your needs, carrying out the following repairs: Diagnostics, services, clutches, cambelts, tyres and much more.
Frampton Workshop: 6 The Causeway, Coalpit Heath, BS362PD
"Here’s to the next 150 years of learning, growth, and community spirit at Iron Acton Primary School!"
SOME of Chipping Sodbury's finest sights can be found in next year's town calendar, which has gone on sale.
The calendar raises money for Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, to support projects promoting the good of the town.
It features pictures taken by chamber joint chair Richard McDonough, better known as professional photographer Rich McD, pictured here in the High Street with a copy of the new calendar.
Copies are now on sale at the Tourist Information Centre, the Sodbury Florist, Sodbury Book Garden and Nature’s Choice Health & Refill Shop, at £7 each or two for £12.
EXTREME rainfall in September and October has left roads and pathways in South Gloucestershire swamped.
The council says that in the 45 days from September 1 to October 15, a total of 397.3mm – more than 15 and a half inches – of rainfall was recorded at one of its monitoring stations.
A single storm lasting a few hours on October 8 brought 35mm – almost 1 1/2" - inches of rainfall, leading to 23 call outs to tackle flooding.
A council emergency team delivered more than 300 sandbags that night to residents whose properties were affected, many of them in Frampton Cotterell, Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath.
They also waded through water to shut roads and help monitor the conditions around the network.
Among the worst affected roads are Henfield Road in Coalpit Heath, and Mill Road and Swan Lane, Winterbourne, which are both used by commuters from Yate and have been subject to repeated closures between late September and the middle of October.
A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “Our StreetCare team has dealt with around 50 reports of flooding over the past weeks with over 40 roads affected and 10 properties.
"September was one of the wettest on record with heavy and sustained periods of rainfall across the region causing rivers to overflow and surface water to run-off from fields directly onto local roads, causing significant disruption.
"Our StreetCare team has been out in all weathers and working around the clock when necessary to manage the impacts and support residents by distributing hundreds of sandbags and reopening the affected roads as quickly as possible."
The Met Office said Bristol's 167.7mm of rainfall recorded in September was 173% more than the long-term average for the month, while Gloucestershire's 212.2mm was 240% more than average.
Become a foster carer with South Glos Council and receive up to £26,000 a year (per child), an annual allowance package worth up to £2,500 to support with birthdays, holidays and religious festivals, plus comprehensive training and professional support.
Start your fostering journey today!
Call our friendly team on 01454 866423, email foster@southglos.gov.uk or scan the QR code for more information.
LIBERAL Democrat leader Ed Davey waded in to the River Frome – and described the number of sewage overflows into the river as a "disgrace".
Sir Ed, who walked through the water near the Globe pub at Frampton Cotterell with Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young, said Wessex Water "should be ashamed" of the number of spills from combined sewer overflows (CSOs).
He called for the waste water disposal and treatment firm to be turned into Public Benefit Company – a business that is legally required to prioritise the public good over profit.
Sir Ed said: "Almost a quarter of the sewage pollution in the River Frome has been forced upon families and businesses in Frampton Cotterell; it is an absolute disgrace and Wessex Water should be ashamed.
"Our towns and villages are becoming victims of the sewage
scandal as their beautiful rivers and coastlines are pumped full of raw sewage by water firms putting profit before people.
"The Conservative government gave water companies a free pass to dump human waste into our precious waterways for far too long. Enough is enough.
"Wessex Water needs to be turned into a Public Benefit Company so they can begin to repair the damage they have
caused without raising bills for hard working families."
Earlier this year the Voice reported Environment Agency figures that showed the river, which flows through the area on its way to Bristol, suffered a total of 4,058 hours of spills from eight CSOs - which automatically discharge combined rainwater run-off and foul waste water from homes washed into waterways during times of heavy rain to mitigate flooding – between Iron Acton and Winterbourne.
Sir Ed said a quarter of all spills into the Frome were from the six CSOs in Frampton Cotterell, where Wessex Water has been working since April on a project to alleviate the problem.
It is building three huge storage tanks, at Church Road, Nightingale Lane and off Cloisters Road, Watley's End, to store rainwater during heavy
storms and keep it out of the overflows.
A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “We're aware that our licensed storm overflows in Frampton Cotterell operated frequently in 2023. While it protected local properties from flooding in what was the fourth wettest year since records began, we agree that overflows are outdated, so we are investing £3 million a month to improve them.
“This includes a £5 million project currently underway in Frampton Cotterell to build three large storm water storage tanks, which will increase capacity and reduce how often the nearby overflows will operate.
"The local Liberal Democrat MP Claire Young was briefed about this work taking place earlier this year, and it is on track to be completed in January 2025."
A METAL detectorist has discovered the identity of a woman pictured in a locket he dug up – after a man he met at a dig realised she is a member of his family.
Mark Willcox posted pictures of the mystery woman after unearthing the silver locket in a field near The Downs, the road linking Wickwar and Charfield.
The pictures were shared on social media and Gary Stone, who had met Mark at an archaeological dig, got in touch to say he recognised her.
The woman in the picture is Carla Bamonte, who has lived in Canada for the past 15 years but used to live in Bristol – and coincidentally is returning to Britain for a visit soon.
Mark, of Coombe Dingle in Bristol, and his friend Mark Lovell found the locket in an arable field, caked in mud.
He opened it to discover “a wet soggy picture” of a woman wearing a baggy cap, which he initially thought was taken in the
1970s but was actually taken a little over 20 years ago.
Carla's daughter Sophie, who is 32, cut it out and placed it into her silver locket she was aged around eight or nine, but lost the locket soon afterwards.
Carla said: "We were so surprised and stunned. We knew the picture was me and then I knew that it must have been Sophie who had lost it.
“She remembered losing the pendant some 20 years ago, and she and her brother Bow and cousin Gemma spent hours looking for it in the fields all around.
“The pendant was found in the field next to Sophie’s grandad’s house, with a huge
hollow oak tree in it where they often played."
Sophie and Carla live in Alberta.
Carla said: "She was delighted when I contacted her. It’s such a sweet outcome for Sophie to get the locket back after so many years. And what is lovely is that we are all back in touch with Gary again."
Mark is delighted to have found the owner and told us that he hadn’t dared remove the photo from the locket to check for a name, as it is very fragile.
Carla used to run a boutique clothing shop in Clifton Village Arcade called Bamonte, and lived at The Paragon in Clifton for 22 years with her children.
She has been living in Edmonton for 15 years but will shortly be in the UK for the first time in many years, and hopes to meet up with Mark to collect the locket.
Mark, who has been “detectoring on and off since age 12”, has three wedding rings this year alone, a man’s chain with two of its three lost charms and – his biggest find to-date –6,500 Roman coins.
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, has been nominated for a prestigious industry award, and is the only one to represent the whole of the South West.
“The G-Awards celebrate the very best in the double glazing industry in the UK, and we are super excited to have been shortlisted in the Installer of the Year category,” The Window Hub’s managing director Danny Robb said. “We may only have been in business for four and a half years, but the judges have selected us alongside six other fantastic retail companies as representing the cream of the crop.”
Bristol-based window installation company, The Window Hub, was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny Robb, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The
Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it.
90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism,
friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
As well as being open and honest, The Window Hub is keen to raise environmental awareness.
“All of our products will help homeowners reduce their energy usage because they are extremely energy efficient,” Danny said. “We also buy the majority of our products from companies in the South West.
“When we remove old windows and doors, everything is recycled, and we are currently planting a tree for every customer at a wildlife park near where we are based.”
The winners of G-Awards will be announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Park Lane Hotel in London on November 29.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk
AS an article writer for the Voice for several years, I have covered the highs and lows of our historic industries.
The manufacturing base which was such a key part of life in Yate throughout the 20th century is shortly to receive a further blow.
For more than 107 years there has been a major engineering factory on Station Road drawing on both local people and those from the wider Bristol region.
Today, as you read this, the factory is on the brink of closure.
As a local historian, there is a tendency to hark back to the earlier years of the site where the aircraft industry prevailed. Many past articles and heritage centre exhibitions reflect this. Nevertheless, we also hope to do justice to the recent history of the firm in our forthcoming display, called End of an Era.
The current site is the most poignant reminder of how the industrial base of Yate has changed.
In the 1970s, the site had changed relatively little from the re-built works of the 1940s.
Hundreds of workers flooded into Station Road around 5pm each day.
Indeed, it was only in the early 1980s that the site began to assume a different feel, as many of the buildings along the railway line were demolished following the economic downturn.
The following years saw further ebbs and flows, and numerous name changes.
Workforce numbers steadily declined. Technological advances saw improvements in productivity and modern, efficient assembly, leading to record production figures.
Where once over 2,000 people were on the payroll in the 1950s and 1960s, around 250 were required by the late 2010s.
Conditions on the shop floor improved, with cleaner and safer environments.
Despite obvious contrasts between the earlier post-war period and now, traditional engineering remained the lifeblood of the factory.
Dave Bishop and Geoff Dando were both machine tool staff, using many of the same tools in the late 1990s as they did as young apprentices in the early 1950s.
Large, heavy industrial machines remained a feature of the press shop.
Nevertheless, our story is chiefly that of the workforce and community.
Whether Parnall’s, Jackson’s (1967-1982) Creda (1983-1999) or more recent incarnations, the firm retains a hold over many people in the Yate area and beyond.
Generations of families all worked at the factory. Some Yate families are Parnall’s or Jackson’s families, through and through.
There is still more work and research needed to paint the full picture of the site, and we are currently working towards that goal.
Whether Parnall, Creda or Whirlpool, the factory has always been more cosmopolitan than the immediate population, and this demographic has, in turn, changed markedly over the years.
End of an Era is our Winter display for 20242025.
If you are reading this and have further
information on the Parnall or Whirlpool site, please do contact us at Yate Heritage Centre. You can call us on 01454 862200 or e-mail info@yateheritage.co.uk.
Yate Heritage Centre is part of Yate Town Council.
David Hardill
November 5-26: Local schools art display
November 9, 10am-3pm: Family History Day. Discover your family background with our resident experts. Free event.
November 12, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series – Shot at Dawn, punishments during WWI.
November 26: Yate lecture Series – A History of Whitchurch (Bristol) Airport.
November 28-January 30:
End of an Era, a history of the ParnallBeko industrial site on Station Road.
A SECURE children’s home run by South Gloucestershire Council has been ordered to improve.
Regulator Ofsted visited Vinney Green in July and its report, published in October, said the unit 'requires improvement' in two areas: the help and protection of young people, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
A team of five education, social care, health and justice
inspectors spent three days at the unit between Mangotsfield and Emersons Green.
Ofsted has visited Vinney Green eight times since an inspection in April 2022 found it to be 'inadequate', highlighting complaints of “unlawful, painful” physical restraint and unjustified solitary confinement.
An inspection in April last year found the home, which can accommodate up to 24 children
Conservatories, Georgian, Victorian, Lean-to or Guardian warm roof system. All to suit your individual taste and budget.
Double glazed windows and doorsContemporary or Traditional. Choice of colours, range and styles.
Roofing - Pitched and Flat Roofs. At last, a proven permanent solution for flat roofs with RubberBond EPDM proven to last over 50 years
Fascia, Soffits & Guttering - PVCu Solid replacement Fascias, Soil stacks and Cladding Guttering and Soffits
aged between 10 and 18 for the Youth Custody Service, to be 'good' in all areas.
The latest report raised concerns about safeguarding the 17 children living there in July.
The inspectors said a complaint from a child that "raised serious safeguarding concerns about staff conduct and behaviour" was not responded to effectively.
This included a letter sent to the child which "infers blame" because of a rule infringement that had "no relevance to the safeguarding concerns raised".
In a separate incident, managers decided a referral to Vinney Green's local authority designated officer (LADO) was required after four children complained about a member of staff.
The inspectors said: "No referral was made, despite children being told that it had. The children have not received a final response or outcome to their complaint."
9am - 1pm
The report said children's health, education and learning was 'good' and highlighted the home's "broad curriculum that largely meets children’s needs".
Children are able to work towards GCSEs, A-levels and vocational training qualifications.
They have "well qualified and experienced" teachers, trained to teach children with "complex and wide-ranging needs".
The inspectors said, "there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted."
They set out five requirements and a further six recommendations for improving the unit.
A council spokesperson said: "The recent report from Ofsted highlighted areas for improvement at Vinney Green, particularly in relation to how we complete records and how those records allow staff to further improve their practice.
"While we are naturally disappointed with the ‘Requires Improvement’ rating, we fully acknowledge the report’s findings and are committed to addressing these issues.
"We are pleased that the report highlighted many examples of good practice and sustained improvement, particularly in relation to the quality of our staff and the positive experiences of the children in our care.
"We are reassured that actions are already being implemented to make the changes identified by Ofsted, and we look forward to being able to update inspectors on our progress in the future."
SEWING is a great practical skill that can allow you to stand out from the crowd, as you are wearing clothes you have made.
What is better than wearing something, being complemented and being able to reply that you have made it?
A postbox topper
Members of Chipping Sodbury Sewing Club with their quilts
The Sodbury Yate Sewcial Club is not just about making clothes, as we have members of all ages who knit, crochet, felt, embroider, cross stitch and, we can't forget, make quilts.
Why not come along with a project and give it a go?
We meet every Thursday night in the Chestnut Room at the Ridgewood Community Centre,
from 7-10pm.
We also arrange sewing days on a Saturday through the year, so that we can immerse ourselves into being creative without the distractions at home.
Take a look at our Facebook page: Sodbury Yate Sewcial Club, beat the winter blues and come along.
We are a non-profit making
group, so we ask for a fee of £5, which includes drinks and biscuits.
You will need your own machine or equipment but we do have a range of supplies, such as cutting mats, ironing boards, haberdashery etc.
The advice and warm welcome is free!
Jeanette Oakley
THIS month, I joined the Prime Minister and other regional leaders in the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions up in Edinburgh.
While the name may sound a little grand, in reality it’s an important step towards a more equal relationship between national government, the devolved parliaments, and regional mayors.
By working together, we can unlock much more of the great potential we have in the West of England. That’s why, as mayors, we have committed to producing Local Growth Plans, which will identify what we need from central government to help us tackle challenges around transport, housing, and skills.
This plan will show the way to greater economic growth. Alongside that, a new era of genuine partnership working with Westminster will see regional mayors given further powers to further deliver for our communities.
Central to delivering the Local Growth Plan is bringing investment into the region. I was proud to show off the West of England to investors from around the world at the Prime Minister’s International Investment Summit, showcasing our existing strengths and the enormous potential we have here.
In the West of England, we already have a strong record of delivering investment to create better infrastructure and public services.
Just in the last few weeks, the second new railway station in 100 years has opened at Ashley Down.
Since being elected Mayor, I have been working to deliver our very own “reverse-Beeching”, opening new stations for the first time since those disastrous rail cuts back in the 1960s.
Two new stations have opened in the last year and there are more planned, including at Henbury and North Filton and, I hope, at Saltford.
Now, in Ashley Down, thousands of residents are closer to a train station than at any time since before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. With it, there are now more sustainable travel options to get into the centre of Bristol.
I have always believed that if you give people affordable and reliable public transport options, they will take them up. Good transport infrastructure is also crucial to delivering business investment, and these new stations will support our ambitions in this area.
But we also know that, even as we invest in securing growth, we also must transition to a
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
greener and more sustainable economy. That is why my mayoral combined authority is setting up a new fund to drive £100 million of green investment in our region.
With £10m of public money to kick-start it, this fund will vitally lever in private investment in renewable energy, retrofit projects, and nature recovery projects.
It is because of this track record of delivery that I can say to businesses at events like the Investment Summit: the West of England is open for business, so come and invest here.
The West of England is going from strength to strength, and a new partnership with national government will help us deliver even more in the future.
ONCE the leaves start to fall and the weather turns chilly, my mind begins to think about wonderful, warming, comfort food.
Top of my list for pudding is a steamed pudding.
This month's recipe is a proper British favourite with a twist: the addition of cardamom seeds.
These puddings are quick to make and cook, and can be frozen for up to a month.
Once cooked, take the puds out of their container, cool and wrap in foil.
When needed, defrost for a couple of hours at room temperature, then heat through in the oven at 180C for 5-8 mins.
For all these reasons these make a perfect dinner party pudding, or indeed a prepare-ahead alternative to Christmas pudding.
If you’re not keen on apricots, you can use seasonal fruit like
plums, pears or tangerines.
Makes 6 individual puddings
Cook’s Note: Little puddings are best steamed in a bain-marie (hot water bath) in the oven, so I've given instructions
Ingredients:
6oz/170g soft, dried apricots
4oz/110g muscovado sugar 4oz/110g butter
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Seeds from 8 cardamom pods, ground with a pestle and mortar
6oz/170g self-raising flour
2 tbsp brandy, amaretto liqueur or water
Heat the oven to 350F/180C/gas mark 4.
Grease 6 individual pudding moulds or full-size muffin tins or ramekins. Cut each apricot into three or four parts.
Cream the sugar and butter, then
Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Yate & Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.
beat in the eggs and cardamom seeds. Fold in the flour and brandy, liqueur or water to make a soft dropping consistency. Stir in the apricots. Divide the mixture between the pudding moulds. Cover each mould with greased foil.
Arrange in a baking tin and pour in boiling water to come about halfway up. Cover the baking tin with another sheet of foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
Eat with cream or custard.
REDUCED staffed opening times for Yate Library have been announced by South Gloucestershire Council.
From November 4 the library will close half an hour earlier than before on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with staffed opening now from 10am-5pm.
On Saturdays, staffed times are reduced from 9am-2pm to 9am12.30pm.
Open Access, at times when the library is unstaffed, remains unchanged between 8am and 7.30pm, every day.
Some family activity times are also changing.
Storybuilders family friendly story and Duplo session for preschool children takes place on Tuesday mornings at 10.30am.
Stay & play Duplo and trains is now on Thursday mornings at 10.30am, during term time only.
Wriggle & Rhyme: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers, is now on Friday only from 10.30am.
Lego Club is on November 8 & 22 from 4-4.45pm and November 16, 10.30-11.30am. Drop-in sessions. Suitable for 4-10 years, children must be accompanied by an adult.
A half-term Lego challenge, In A Dark, Dark Wood, takes place on November 1 at 10.30am – booking required.
Author event, in conversation with Cathy Bramley & Becky Hunter is on November 16 from 2pm. Family theatre – Snow Mouse, various times from November 19-22.
Tickets for both events £5 online at sglibraries.eventbrite.com or from the library.
Reading group ‘Have You Read’ takes place on November 22, from 10.30-11.30am.
Craft Group meets on November 2 and 16 from 10amnoon, for knitting, sewing or crochet projects.
Computer support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturdays & Tuesdays from 10amnoon – book in advance.
Vision West of England information, advice and support drop-in every second Thursday, 10am-noon.
Legal advice with Wards Solicitors: November 7, 10amnoon; Bevan Evemy, Saturdays by appointment.
For more information on any event call 01454 868006, enquire at the library, email yate.library@ southglos.gov.uk or visit www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries.
November 12
n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC
SOCIETY presents Lumas Winds, rising stars of the wind quintets. Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £18 on the door. School-aged children free.
Saturday 16th November
n CRAFT & GIFT FAYRE!
Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 10 am to 4 pm Presenting 35+ Stalls of Locally Handmade Crafts & Gifts, Cakes, Refreshments & More! Voluntary Entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Cotswolds Cats & Dogs Home Email bythewoodsfayres@ hotmail.com for more info
November 21
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by Francis Burroughs, The Wonderful World of Glass. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.
November 29
n APOLLO WIND BAND Christmas Concert in support of St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival. At St Mary's Church, Yate, 7pm. Tickets £7 per adult, includes glass of wine and nibbles. Under-16s free. Details from www. facebook.com/apollowindband.
November 30
n ST MARY'S CHURCH CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL, St Mary's Church, 10.30am-3.30pm. Also on December 7 at same time. Wide variety of music, singing and dancing by local groups on both days. Free entry - donations welcome.
December 1
n CHIPPING SODBURY CHRISTMAS SUNDAY (formerly Victorian Day), High Street, 11am-5.30pm. Original Santa Float arrives at 5pm. Full stage of entertainment, free Santa visit in the courtyard 11am-3pm, donkeys, crafts and bouncy snow globe. Stalls, crib fair at St John's. Free event.
Monday
EVENTS:
n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly. com or call Roz on 07941 946412.
n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY holds open meetings at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke, at 7.30pm on the second Monday of
each month. More details from Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@btinternet. com or 07748 740794. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge.
n FLOW-IN YOGA WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga classes
6.15pm & 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexib le, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow flowing yoga. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353
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 slower-paced, 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
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 SERENGETI BRASS BAND, small band for improvers, meets every Tuesday from 9.45-11.45am at Yate Methodist Church in Moorland Road. Straightforward pressure-free music making in good company. For more information email SerengetiBrassClass@gmail.com or phone Paul on 07851 239500.
n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. To find out more contact croquet@wilko. eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.
n SOUTH COTSWOLD PROBUS GROUP meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Masonic Hall Sodbury, 10am. Contact Pete Chaplin for details. 01454 324956.
n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY rehearses at St. Nicholas' Church Centre, Chargrove, Yate, 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. For details call 07833 597114
n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK DANCING CLUB, Pucklechurch Community Hall, Abson Road, every other Tuesday from 7.30-10.15pm. All welcome, with a partner or solo. Call Alan on 07812 508396 or Linda on 07843 240414
Wednesday n YATE AND CHIPPING SODBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, St Mary’s Church, every Wednesday
from 2-4pm. New members welcome, especially men, to thriving community choir, with no auditions. First rehearsal free. For more information phone Jody on 01761 472468.
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 something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating.
n 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
Thursday
n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.30-11.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details.
n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET UP occurs every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For further info contact volunteering@ coeliac.org.uk.
n YATE COMMUNITY CHOIR, Ridgewood Community Centre, Station Road, 7.30-9pm. More details from nicelizmartin@yahoo.co.uk.
n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Back Care Yoga 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in. co.uk or call 07804598353
Friday
n CHIPPING SODBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR, 10-11.30am, Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury High Street. More details from nicelizmartin@yahoo.co.uk.
YATE and Chipping Sodbury are set to welcome Christmas early with three big events at the end of November and beginning of December.
The events kick off with the return of Chipping Sodbury Parish Church's Crib Festival, also known as CribFest24.
Founded in 2011 and celebrating nativity cribs from as far away as Peru and the Philippines, the event stopped after the pandemic, with the last one held in 2019.
However this year the free event is back at St John's church in Wickwar Road, and will be open to the public from November 27 until December 1, from 3-5.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday.
Organisers expect to have around 200 cribs on display, many of which have been in their owners' families for generations, from hand-carved Rwandan wood figures to Swarovski crystal.
Schools are also making nativity scenes using everything from Lego to wooden spoons.
There will also be Christmas crafts, handbell ringing workshops and a café serving teas, coffees and cakes, with entertainment from U3A Sea Shanty Singers, Sodbury Handbell Ringers, Ross the Chipping Sodbury Busker and the Ardeton String Ensemble.
For more information visit tinyurl.com/ ytrm8v9y.
Starting on November 29 is the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church in Yate. It launches with an evening concert from the Apollo Wind Band, performing a mix of traditional and seasonal numbers on the 29th. Concertgoers will get a preview of the individually decorated trees and displays. Tickets cost £7 for adults, including a glass of
wine and nibbles. Children under 16 go free.
The free festival, whose theme is ‘Christmas is…?’, will be open to the public from 10.30am-3.30pm on November 30 and December 7, when there will be music, singing and dancing from local groups, crafts and refreshments.
The church will be open to the public throughout the week, although access may be restricted at certain times.
Mary Farrell, from the festival team, said: "Since its inception nine years ago the festival’s aim and focus has always been, and continues to be, to involve and engage with as wide a cross section of the local community as possible, helping to bring them the true meaning and message of Christmas."
Donations will be collected to raise funds for St Mary’s Church refurbishment projects and Yate Foodbank. There will also be a collection point for foodbank supplies.
Anyone who would like to get involved should email contact the parish office at parishoffice@yateparish.org or call 01454 313105.
The first day of December will see celebrations out on the streets, with the arrival of Chipping Sodbury Christmas Sunday.
Formerly known as Victorian Day, the event will run from 11am-5.30pm and will include live donkeys, a free craft area and bouncy snowglobe in the grammar school, with funfair rides and Christmas entertainment in the High Street.
Alice Crowley, who helps organise the event, said: "We have a full stage of entertainment booked, a new free Santa visit in the courtyard, open from 11am to 3pm, not forgetting all the amazing independent businesses opening for Sunday trade and over 50 stalls to shop at."
There will also be a raffle and a craft fair from 10am-4pm in the town hall, before the brightly-lit Original Santa Float arrives at 5pm.
Alice added: "We cannot wait to welcome you all back – see you on the first of December!"
As Seen On Screen: From Clark Kent to Cruella de Vil, Tom Davies' iconic frames have been worn by some of cinema’s most memo
Ever wondered what Batman's Clark Kent, Cruella de Vil, and your favourite local optician all have in common? The answer might surprise you: Tom Davies eyewear.
Peter Turner of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434
www.turnersopticians.co.uk
Tom Davies is a revolution in handmade eyewear that's been turning heads since the 1990s. If you haven't heard of him, you've almost certainly seen his work. From Heston Blumenthal's signature look to Ed Sheeran's distinctive style, Tom Davies' frames have graced the faces of countless celebrities.
His designs have even been all over the big screen – making all the eyewear in The Matrix Resurrections, including for central characters Neo, Trinity and Morpheus.
And when it was discovered that Henry Cavill had a higher-than-usual bridge during filming of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, who did the producers turn to? You guessed it – Tom Davies. The designer made a special pair for one of the most iconic cinematic glasses wearers of all time, the one and only, Clark Kent.
Cruella's transformation: A spectacle to behold Glasses in films are more than just accessories though. They can be used to mark a character’s journey, as is the case in 2021’s Cruella, the origin story for the central villain – who likes to turn puppies into fur coats.
Initially brought on board to create glasses for Emma Thompson, Davies' involvement expanded dramatically when he realised the importance of eyewear in 1970s London.
In that pre-contact lens era, glasses were everywhere. Seizing this opportunity, Davies crafted frames for nearly every cast member, creating over 120 unique pieces that would become integral to the storytelling process. Davies provided multiple pairs for Stone, each one marking a step in her character's metamorphosis. From aspiring fashion designer to notorious villain, Cruella's journey is subtly tracked through her evolving glasses.
Want to look like your favourite film character?
At Turners Opticians, we’ve been dispensing Tom Davies eyewear for years. These super comfy frames have always been popular with patients who are after a stylish look and perhaps want to give a nod to their favourite celebrity or film. While Cruella showcased Tom Davies' talent for period eyewear, his work continues to grace the silver screen in exciting new ways. The latest blockbuster to feature his unique designs is none other than "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," the highly anticipated sequel to the 1988 comedy horror classic.
For this supernatural spectacle, Davies has once again proven his ability to capture character essence through eyewear. He's created distinctive sunglasses for two key characters: Delia Deetz, the Deetz family matriarch played by Catherine O'Hara, and Lydia Deetz, portrayed by Winona Ryder. Fans of the original will remember Lydia as the goth-teen, now all grown up and hosting her own show, "Ghost House with Lydia Deetz."
Make an appointment today
At Turners Opticians, we're excited to offer our patients the chance to own their own piece of cinematic history (sort of!). Whether you're drawn to the vintage allure of Cruella's frames or intrigued by the otherworldly charm of the Beetlejuice sequel's eyewear, we can help you find your perfect Tom Davies piece – all handmade and crafted from premium acetate in Davies' British factory. Ready to add some cinematic flair to your look? At Turners, we offer a wide range of sunglasses and expert advice to help you find your perfect pair. Give our Henleaze team a ring on 0117 962 2474, or reach out to our Fishponds team at 0117 965 4434. Prefer to book online? No problem – just see our website.
See you soon!
Peter Turner is an Independent Prescribing Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, who also works as a Senior Medical Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital. Peter has a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance.
THE first of our tea dances was held in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on October 8.
Despite torrential rain, we were delighted to welcome 73 guests who enjoyed an afternoon of music, dance, light refreshments with the customary home-made cake and a free raffle.
A total of £232 was made in donations.
My thanks to colleagues from the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society and the ladies of Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel Club for promoting and supporting these tea dances.
The next one will be on November 14 at 2pm – no need to book.
The club provided financial support to the Oasis Memory Café for 28 regular attendees to visit the Bristol Aerospace Museum in midOctober.
This year saw the 40th anniversary of Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel Club, coinciding with the worldwide movement's centenary.
To mark this, the Inner Wheel club donated 100 books to local primary schools. Our club supported this initiative by helping to pay for the books.
Following an earlier presentation, the club donated to the Read for Good charity, including the provision of books for Bristol Children’s
Ear wax factoid
Ear wax prevents your ears from drying out.
What is tinnitus?
Commonly a ringing, humming or buzzing sound in one of both ears that is not from an outside noise.
How do I know if I have tinnitus?
Hospital.
We also donated to the Rotary Racer Greenpower Team located at Chipping Sodbury School, funding spare tyres for the cars and a new helmet.
We made a further contribution to an urgent appeal from ShelterBox, a charity that is currently assessing the support needed to families in Lebanon devastated by the current conflict.
With the help of a Rotary District grant the club funded the building of the dining area of the community building in Genieri village, The Gambia, and members also loaded a container with surplus medical equipment for the same country.
Four club members joined the Yate and Sodbury Clean up Group in early October to collect litter and other things thoughtlessly discarded. The next session is at the Armadillo Centre on November 3 at 10am.
Stuart Fraser
DID you know we have a problem with signal crayfish in the Frome?
They originated in North America and since their introduction into the UK, they have decimated the native white clawed crayfish
Experts would say that if you think you have tinnitus, you have tinnitus as it’s a sound only you hear.
Can removing ear wax build up help?
If your tinnitus is related to a buildup of hardened ear wax it can cause a sensation of a full ear, reduced hearing and tinnitus. In this case removing the ear wax buildup usually relieves the tinnitus.
If your ears do have surplus wax that is causing you the problem, I can use our sophisticated micro-suction equipment to gently and effectively remove it for you. At the same appointment you can also have your hearing checked too.
Hope to hear from you soon!
population.
They also cause problems by burrowing into riverbanks, causing erosion, bank collapse and sediment pollution.
The signal crayfish is also a voracious predator, feeding on fish, frogs, invertebrates and plants.
They can be identified by their reddishbrown or bluish-brown in colour, with a red underside.
If we find some, we cannot remove them unless licensed to do so: they can be reported to the Environment Agency at 03708 506 506.
The river clean season continues: check for posts on the Upper Frome Friends Facebook Group page about where they are and how you can join in.
Our latest river clean on October 6 with Sodbury and Yate Clean Up, resulted in a huge collection of rubbish, 18 tyres and a microwave!
It has been brilliant to work with other partners in the community and we look forward to other joint ventures.
We always need new volunteers. You don’t have to enter the water unless you want to, and you’ll be with a friendly group of people who enjoy being in nature.
It’s amazing how much can be achieved in just an hour or two
If you aren’t on Facebook and would like more information, contact riverfromereconnected@southglos.gov.uk
Jane Davies
Debbie Campbell is a qualified and experienced Audiologist, who has joined the clinical team at Turners Opticians in Fishponds having worked for many years in NHS Audiology clinics.
AS our WI approaches its 103rd birthday, we are trying to locate our banner.
We would be grateful if any previous members could contact us if it is in their safe keeping, or they know of its whereabouts.
It would be great if we could find our banner, as it is part of our history.
Anyone with information can email our president, Barbara Kemp, at barbaraakemp@ aol.com.
It is a powerful thing to dress with confidence and to understand how to express yourself fully through your clothes and makeup.
Colour analysis has been around since the 1980’s but do we all know what colours really suit our skin colouring?
This is what the talk was about at the last meeting, given by Keri Johnson of House of Colour.
The time only permitted a brief insight into her services but it's certainly one on my shopping list as a Christmas present to my daughter and myself.
Our next meeting is on November 14 at 7.30pm in the Town Hall – a change from our usual date on the first Thursday of the month –and will be our AGM.
Jeanette Oakley
WE had a very tasty and interesting meeting in October, when Manisha shared with us some of her traditional Sri Lankan recipes.
With a range of spices grown in Sri Lanka and brought back with her from her visits, she delighted us with kiri bath, a traditional milk rice dish made with coconut, and usually kept for special events, weddings, birthdays and the first day of the month!
This was followed by a spicy tomato fry, rich with turmeric, chilli, cinnamon and served with mallum, a warm coconut and kale ‘salad’, and a dhal, a red lentil curry.
We meet on the first Wednesday of the month in Old Sodbury village hall.
Our next meeting will be our AGM, where our new committee will be elected.
We have a book club and a craft group and there are a number of social outings being planned, visits to the cinema, the theatre, lunches and afternoon teas.
If you would like to know more or to come along to one of our meetings: you would be made very welcome.
For more information give Sue a ring on 01454 315161.
Linzie Clark
OUR October meeting was our AGM, and we are now all set for the coming year.
We also had a coffee morning at the end of the month, with cakes, raffle and a quiz to tax our brains.
November will be a first for us: chair yoga, which I am sure we will all enjoy, and hopefully be a bit more flexible after!
We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at the Masonic Hall in Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, which is a fully accessible building with parking.
Meetings last for two hours with a coffee break, plenty of opportunity to catch up with existing friends or make new ones.
We also have a lunch club and walking group in warmer months.
Why not come along and see what you think? You would be assured of a very warm welcome. Please call 07809 534107 for more details.
Sue Bird
Jon Byrd performs
SOPHIE Rose music holds a country music event in Coffee#1 at West Walk in Yate Shopping Centre every other month, with some of the proceeds going to mental health charity Maybe. In October two singers came from Nashville to sing in the round, a storytelling and singing event where the musicians talk about their journey to their music, then sing some songs they may have written and produced. It was a complete treat to have Jon Byrd and
Amelia White with us.
Sophie Rose opened the show accompanied by Charlie Rose on fiddle, including a surprise appearance from Katie Harrison, performing her newly-released song Mind Like Yours then the evening was handed over for a back and fourth journey of songs, artistry, banter and stories between long term friends, seamless songwriters and beautiful spirits Amelia & Jon –transporting us from Yate to a Café somewhere nestled in East Nashville.
Suzy Tasker
IT is well documented that music, as well as being one of life's greatest pleasures, is also of immense benefit to our mental well-being.
I am lucky enough to be involved in two groups within the U3A, the Recorder Group and a band that we call Playing Music For Fun.
Both groups consist of instrumentalists who vary in ability, from beginners to experienced players, and we play a wide range of music from Bach to The Beatles, but whatever we play our aim is to have fun making music with other likeminded people.
The pleasure of working together to create a piece of music is amazing, especially when we have had to make an effort to get it right after a difficult beginning.
Some of us have returned to music after a
long break and others have only just had the opportunity to learn on retirement but either way, the feeling of joy at the achievement of successfully playing a piece of music is the same. I would urge anyone to get involved with music in any way that they can.
For more information on u3a visit u3asites. org.uk/yate-sodbury/welcome.
Mary Richardson
Project dragonfly and SEND Yate/Sodbury are back this year with Give a Gift.
In 2022 you kindly gave toys and donations for children who would have struggled to get gifts at Christmas.
Over 50 families were given gifts for their children, thanks to you.
This time we are collecting for our seniors in the community.
Due to them losing their heating grant, winter is going to be tough for them.
We want to do our bit to help this Christmas: let's get together and make a difference.
You can contact us at contact@ projectdragonflycic.co.uk.
Julie Oakley
YATE Town's biggest crowd for some time saw them continue to set the pace at the top of the Southern League Division One South.
The club's second Community Day on October 19 was a success on and off the field, with 818 supporters at the South West Interiors Stadium to watch a 2-0 win over Tavistock, courtesy of a brace from Bristol Rovers loanee Ollie Dewsbury.
The Community Day was a 'pay what you want' fixture, and a bucket collection was held for the club’s charity of the season, St Peter’s Hospice.
A large mascots group from Yate United Under 10s attended, with some of the children and parents taking part in a crossbar challenge on the pitch at halftime.
The club also promoted South Gloucestershire Foster Care plus, and there was an ice cream van for fans enjoying what was a rare sunny autumn afternoon.
Beforehand the club set up a stall promoting the game at the town's Tesco store, raising money for St Peter’s Hospice and selling club merchandise.
Three days later, a 95thminute equaliser from Lucas
Ollie Dewsbury scores the first of his two goals against Tavistock.
Tomlinson ensured the Bluebells picked up a point on the road at Malvern Town, the 1-1 draw taking them four points clear at the top of the table.
Yate also reached the First Round of the FA Trophy, having beaten Bemerton, Bideford and an in-form Melksham side 3-0 in front of a crowd of 527 at Lodge Road, to set up an away tie at Hungerford Town.
The club is giving out tickets to primary schools giving adults accompanying children to league games half-price entry – children
October 29: Thatcham Town (home, 7.45pm)
November 2: Falmouth Town (away)
November 9: Westbury United (home)
November 12: Mousehole (home, 7.45pm)
November 16: Shaftesbury (away)
November 23: Evesham United (home)
November 30: Melksham Town (away)
•
• Using latest micro suction techniques
• Treatments carried out by
enter free. The scheme is being extended to secondary schools to encourage more local fans to games.
The club hopes many of the tickets handed out will be used for the home game against Thatcham Town on October 29, which is during the school halfterm week.
In the clubhouse, TNT Sports has been added and a Halloween Night has been organised for November 2 – tickets are available online via the club
website.
Two re-arranged home fixtures will be evening games with 7.45pm kick-offs: Mousehole on November 12 and Cribbs on December 3. The three Under-18 teams have been making good progress and the Western Counties Floodlit League team would appreciate as much support from local fans as possible, with their home games being played on a Tuesday night at the South West Interiors Stadium. Bob Chester
& Pucklechurch
Ladies (Baps) have certainly made themselves known going into the new winter league.
Michelle Gapper celebrated her first hat trick in a very impressive 8-1 pre-season friendly victory at Knowle.
Next, Keynsham 4's development team gave the Baps a good run around, but experience shone through and Baps finished with a 5-0 win.
An away trip to Hanham was a challenging game, but with sleek passing and great communication, the goals flowed again from Naomi Bailey, Charley McCafferty, Heidi Gardiner and Lisa Rigby. Another clean sheet made it 4-0 to the girls in teal.
Now on a roll, Baps were back on home soil to face Dursley 1sts in the closest battle so far.
Dursley took the lead and some stunning saves from Vanessa Hall stopped them increasing it.
A determined Baps were not going to give in, and strong play throughout the pitch led to an attacking short corner for the Baps.
Straight off the training ground, a perfectly timed pass from Anna Williams saw Rigby hit the backboard to ensure an exciting, end-toend performance ended 1-1.
With such a great, positive start, the Baps Ladies are looking stronger than ever and looking forward to the next upcoming games. Lisa Rigby
Our aim is to give a high standard of nursing and personal care in a traditional, homely and friendly environment. The Heathers is a home of great character and charm. The interior architecture, with many of its original features, gives a perfect setting for the home comforts we aim to provide.
The Heathers Nursing Home is a privately owned, Grade 2 Listed Georgian manor house, situated within walking distance of the town centres of Chipping Sodbury, and Yate.
• A history of providing 24 hour, high quality care in South Gloucestershire
• Each resident is unique to us and treated as such
• The home is small and family run, offering a highly personalised service
• Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene
• Respite, residential care and day care available
• Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs
Get in touch and speak with our team, or arrange a viewing to see our facilities for yourself.
Aneesh – Registered Manager • Julie – General Manager
