Yate & Sodbury Voice October 2024

Positivity shines through at school

INSPECTORS have praised a Yate special school where "positivity, acceptance and friendship shine through".

Ofsted says Culverhill School, in Kelston Close, is 'outstanding' in every area: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.

Inspectors from the education watchdog said

the school, which educates pupils with a range of complex learning difficulties, has an outstanding curriculum and is "aspirational for all pupils", who are extremely proud to go there.

Leaders say they are "thrilled" that the tireless efforts of staff, parents and governors have been recognised.

Turn to page 3

Heavy load

A GROUP of Yate women ran a half-marathon with a difference – carrying fridges, washing machines, microwaves and cookers strapped to their backs.

PAGE 5

Have your say

PEOPLE are being asked to say what should replace "leaky, old and cold" buildings used by several of Chipping Sodbury's sports clubs.

PAGE 2

Bus axe row

TWO new bus services serving Yate have been launched – but a row is blazing over the loss of another route.

PAGE 4

Bluebells top table

YATE Town's great early season form has taken the team to the top of their division.

PAGE 30

Pupils at Culverhill School with head teacher Chris Walker and staff.

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November deadline

Our November edition deadline is October 16.

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n NEWS

Have your say on new community hub

PEOPLE are being asked to say what should replace "leaky, old and cold" buildings used by several of Chipping Sodbury's sports clubs.

The Chipping Sodbury Town Trust has engaged consultants to run an online survey to find out what facilities people would like to see at The Ridings.

The trust, which administers the land, needs to update the existing sports club buildings.

It announced plans to build new facilities for community and sports activities last year, and said the project would be funded by the sale of 13.5 acres of the 200 acre site for housing.

But the announcement was met with opposition by some residents, who told the Voice they are applying to have the area given protected 'village green' status.

The trust says it is working closely with Chipping Sodbury Town FC, Chipping Sodbury RFC, St Nicholas Football Club and other groups within the Ridings Sports Association to understand their needs for improved facilities and pitches, as well as a new community hub.

A trust spokesperson said: "The Ridings is a much-loved and wellused part of our community.

"We want to make sure we can continue to provide good recreational space and facilities at The Ridings for generations to come.

"The existing sports facilities are leaky, old and cold, so we want to upgrade these for local sports clubs and create a new space for the local community where people can come together for classes, clubs and gatherings.

"Our plans are at an early stage, so we want to hear from people of all ages and interests in the community to learn more about how people would like to use The Ridings, and what improvements we can make.

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"The community’s ideas will help shape the plans."

An online consultation and survey has been launched at theridingscommunityhub.co.uk.

It includes questions on whether people use or live near the Ridings, what new facilities they would like to see there, what improvements could be made to existing facilities and what groups might want to use the site.

Consultants Meeting Place, who have organised the survey, say it will stay open throughout October.

People can also email questions to info@theridingscommunityhub. co.uk or call 0800 148 8911.

The consultation does not include questions on the possibility of new homes on part of the land.

The trust said: "Discussions with a potential partner for the community hub and homes are at an early stage.

"The local community will have the opportunity to share feedback on proposals for any new homes as part of a public consultation before any planning application is submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

"We’ve carefully considered exactly where new homes could go so that we can support much-needed improvements and create new spaces for an even wider range of groups and people.

Chipping Sodbury rugby and football club buildings at the Ridings

From page 1

Ofsted visited the school, which has 147 pupils aged between seven and 16, during the summer for an extended two-day 'graded' inspection.

The inspectors said: "Culverhill is a school where positivity, acceptance and friendship shine through.

"Staff ensure that each pupil is at the core of everything they do, reflecting the school’s mantra of ‘inspire, nurture, thrive’.

"The warm and nurturing relationships between staff and pupils sit at the heart of the school’s success.

"Pupils are listened to. This develops a strong sense of community and keeps pupils safe.

"Pupils are extremely proud of their school and attend regularly."

The inspectors said pupils' behaviour was "exemplary", in and out of class, adding: "They demonstrate high levels of respect and kindness towards one another.

"They accept each other’s differences. Pupils go out of their way to help and support friends experiencing challenges."

The report said staff give pupils positions of responsibility, such as school councillors and eco-warriors, to help prepare them for the world outside school.

Pupils also learn a range of skills, such as travelling independently, home maintenance and cooking, as part of the curriculum.

They also go on residential trips and run coffee mornings.

The inspectors said: "All these activities help build pupils’ employability and increase their independence.

Careers information is also "impressively intertwined" with academic subjects, with work experience, visits and visitors planned.

The report said: "There is no ceiling on pupils’ aspirations. The school does all it can to encourage and develop pupils' ambitions."

The report said the Enable Trust, which runs the school, and its staff are "unwavering in their determination to provide the very best learning experiences".

Ofsted said: "Staff work tirelessly to ensure pupils’ needs are met well from the moment they start school.

"Developing pupils’

Inspectors say Yate school is 'outstanding'

independence is carefully threaded throughout the curriculum."

The "outstanding" curriculum is designed and developed based on pupils' education, health and care plans, enabling them to "experience significant success" academically, socially and emotionally.

The inspectors said: "The school is not complacent in its continued drive for excellence.

"It leaves no stone unturned in finding ways to refine and tweak the already excellent provision."

Ofsted said reading is central to the school curriculum, using phonics and carefully-chosen books to ensure all pupils become at least "functional" readers.

The inspectors said: "Pupils learn to read exceptionally well. They talk knowledgeably about their favourite authors and genres."

The school provides "highly effective therapeutic provision" to help staff support pupils' mental health and emotional well-being.

The inspectors said children consistently have positive attitudes and high levels of motivation, adding: "Parents are overwhelmingly happy with the school. They appreciate the outstanding education and care their children receive."

Ofsted published its report and new rating shortly before announcing that it would no longer make overall effectiveness

judgements in inspections of state-funded schools.

At its previous visit to Culverhill in 2022 – the first since Enable Trust took over the school in 2018 – inspectors had recommended a more detailed visit, with a view to raising its earlier 'good' rating.

Head teacher Chris Walker said: "We believe in the unique potential of each and every child, and this recognition reflects the exceptional progress, care, curriculum offer and inclusive education we provide to meet the diverse needs of our pupils.

"We are thrilled inspectors recognised the strong relationships between staff and students and how our outstanding curriculum offer enables pupils to experience significant success academically, socially and emotionally.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful

staff, parents and governors whose commitment and tireless efforts make our school a place where all children feel valued, happy and are given the opportunity to succeed.

"A special thank you to our young people who make our school such a wonderful place to work in!"

Chair of governors Neta Roylance-Smith said: "Culverhill at its core is about providing a safe, nurturing space for our amazing young people.

"I am very proud to be part of the Culverhill family, not only as a governor but as a parent of one of the pupils.

"Chris and the whole team, including governors and trust members, are focused on what is truly important – the children.

"Thank you to the whole school community for your incredible contribution to this result."

Staff and pupils in a climbing tower at Culverhill School

New bus links for Yate – but Wotton link lost

NEW bus services linking Yate to Keynsham, Hawkesbury Upton and Charfield have been launched.

But a row is boiling over about the end of the town's link to Wotton-under-Edge, which has been lost because it lies on the wrong side of a “line on a map” to receive funding.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris announced the new WESTlink Y8 and 532 services at the start of September.

The Y8, operated by the Big Lemon, runs from Charfield through Cromhall and Wickwar to Yate and Chipping Sodbury then on to Horton and Hawkesbury Upton, going four times a day in each direction on Monday to Saturday.

The 532 service, operated by Eurocoaches, runs from Yate Shopping Centre to Keynsham Station in the early morning, with a return journey in the evening on Monday to Friday, via Oldland Common, Warmley and Emersons Green.

At other times of the day the service runs between Pucklechurch and Keynsham.

The service is in addition to the existing Stagecoach hourly 525 service between Yate and Emersons Green, via Westerleigh and Pucklechurch.

The routes are among eight WESTlocal services which started in September with funding from the West of England Combined Authority, which says they are "designed and run by local people to meet the needs of their communities".

However people living in Wotton-under-Edge who relied on the 84/85 bus to get to Yate, then catch trains into Bristol, say they have been left stranded after the route was axed.

Mr Norris was urged to review the funding decision on the 84/85, during a WECA meeting on September 20.

Martin Tucker, a retired mayor of Wotton-underEdge, said: “The bus has been removed for 20 days and already local businesses have seen a big downturn in trade, with businesses talking about selling up in Wotton-under-Edge. This will adversely affect not just people in Wotton, but also

people in surrounding towns and villages.

“This directly affects WECA’s residents and people who vote for the mayor. As leader of the transport authority, he owes it to his constituents and neighbours to fully understand the impact of the decision that has been made by the committee.”

The 84/85 linking Yate and Chipping Sodbury with Horton, Hawkesbury Upton, Hillesley, Alderley, Wortley, Wotton-under-Edge, Kingswood, Charfield, Leyhill, Cromhall, and Wickwar but ran for the last time on August 31.

Westlink minibuses are also operating in the area in addition to the Y8, but the dial-a-ride service has suffered problems with passengers struggling to book trips.

The Y8 won’t go to Wottonunder-Edge as the town lies just outside of the West of England region, in Gloucestershire, and can't be funded by WECA.

Mr Norris said: “Unfortunately the rules as they stand are not fit for purpose. It’s certainly something that needs

a solution, and it does create difficulties.

"I’m elected and accountable and responsible to the voters of the West of England, not the communities beyond, even if I’m sympathetic. That’s just the reality of the situation."

Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member for bus transport, Philip Robinson, told a meeting of his authority it was "clearly obvious" WECA they had no intention of saving the 84/85.

He said: "It’s easy to speak to South Gloucestershire. But because of the arrangements of the combined authority and the levy for transport, it’s a problem between South Gloucestershire and WECA. We need cooperation from WECA, and it has not been forthcoming. We’ve tried to speak to Dan Norris on loads of occasions.”

He said Gloucestershire has successfully reached deals with other neighbouring councils on several cross-border services.

Meeting report by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Bus passengers 'losing patience' with reforms

BUS passengers in the region are “losing patience” with the pace of change to bus services, say campaigners.

After years of public pressure, the region’s leading politicians have decided to wait until at least next year before deciding how to reform the system.

Two options are now on the table for fixing the network and bringing public transport back under public control: bus franchising and municipal ownership.

Franchising would see politicians take control of setting routes, fares and standards,

while companies like First Bus and Stagecoach would continue to operate services.

Municipal ownership would see a new publicly-owned bus company set up, something which is currently banned but could be allowed under a new law, the Better Buses Bill, expected to be tabled by the government early next year.

At its meeting in September, the West of England Combined Authority committee decided to wait for the new law before pushing ahead with any potential reforms.

Campaigners criticised the long wait for WECA's new eightpage report on bus reforms,

and questioned why it has only just been published now, when other combined authorities have already taken real steps to franchise their bus networks.

Anna Mounteney, from Reclaim Our Buses, said: "After years of delays and wasted public money, we were expecting a comprehensive report aimed at driving real change.

“Now we’re expected to wait again until 2025 for the prospect of tangible reform. This is just unacceptable."

Meeting report by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Dan banned: Page 20

n NEWS

Runners carry everything but the kitchen sink

A GROUP of Yate women ran a half-marathon with a difference – carrying fridges, washing machines, microwaves and cookers strapped to their backs.

The 26 women, who take part in Commando Bootcamp fitness sessions in the town, ran from Yate Park & Ride to the centre of Bristol on September 22, completing the challenge in just four hours despite wet and cold conditions.

The idea came from one of Commando Bootcamp's founders, Debbs Ralph, and her husband Lee, a firefighter who previously served in the Royal Marines.

Lee's military training included running with heavilyweighted rucksacks called Bergens. To carry the appliances, they cut the back panels from Bergens to attach the straps to them.

Debbs said: "We were able to pick up the machine like it was a rucksack."

The runners made stops along the way to swap over the appliances and avoid chaffing.

The 13.1-mile fundraising event had raised more than £8,300 as the Voice went to press for the Blonde Angel street team, a charity helping homeless people who are sleeping rough in South Gloucestershire and Bristol.

Debbs said carrying white goods seen in every home

inspired the choice of charity, adding: "We take this stuff for granted in our homes, so we thought of Blonde Angels."

The donation page is still open at bit.ly/3XTaHbQ.

Debbs, who works for South Gloucestershire Council and for Lee's part-time electrical business, started Commando Bootcamp with Lee in lockdown, when households could mix for exercise in "tiny groups".

Debbs said she had “minimal experience of the gym” and Lee suggested a few of their friends get together to work out.

She said: "The group was originally more of a sociable gettogether, but it spiralled from there and now we are doing huge events."

The couple, who have two teenage daughters, raised £7,000 for a cancer charity with their first event in 2022, a team relay carrying 70kg log, and have raised around £40,000 to date.

Next up is the group's annual sleigh run on December 14, with a gym circuit on top of a mountain planned for next year, carrying the equipment up and down. Commando Bootcamp sessions are free and take place every Monday on an open space in Goose Green, Yate, with space for children to play while adults are training.

For more information, email commando bootcamp fundraising@gmail.com.

One of the Yate runners with a washing machine strapped to her back

Battery plant approved

PLANS for an electricity storage battery plant at Iron Acton have been approved by South Gloucestershire Council.

Energy firm Balance Power Projects applied for permission to build 19 battery enclosures and accompanying inverters and transformers, along with a substation at the site in Latteridge Lane in August last year.

The 2.26 hectare site is close to a National Grid supply point substation.

In a statement in support of the project, agents Pegasus Group said the battery plant would help "ensure the security and quality of the electricity supply" by helping to balance demand and supply.

They added: "Battery Storage facilities play a fundamental role in decentralising the grid system, enabling power to be generated and stored in localised areas where it is required.

"Increasing the amount of operational storage developments reduces the over-dependence on centralised, fossil-fuel facilities, which in turn has a cumulative effect on reducing CO2 emissions and decarbonising the grid."

Four people wrote objections to the plans, published on the council's website, citing reasons including potential contamination from leaking batteries and fire risks.

Neighbour Sue Anstey said: "We are continually at risk of losing our valuable Green Belt land around us because of the convenience of connecting to the Grid.

"I believe that it is unacceptable to install this Battery Energy Storage System so close to local residents."

Council officers approved the plans using delegated powers with 21 conditions, ranging from safety and security to biodiversity. An officer's report said the scheme's "significant public benefits constitute very special circumstances that outweigh the harm caused by inappropriate development and the other identified harms".

New £120m bin contract

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has awarded a new eight-year, £120 million contract to collect waste and recycling from homes and businesses to current provider Suez.

The council says the new contract, which is subject to final ratification by the ruling Lib Dem-Labour cabinet in November, follows an "extensive, competitive tendering process".

The new contract will start in August next year, and replaces the current 25-year PFI (Private Finance Initiative) arrangement.

The authority says it will "deliver improved value for money" and also allow for the council to improve its recycling rate.

The contract only covers kerbside waste and recycling collections, as the council is taking the running of its Sort It recycling centres and waste transfer stations back in-house.

It says most improvements will be "behind the scenes", but residents will be able to use a new app to make it quicker and easier to report problems.

Cabinet member for waste and recycling services Sean Rhodes said: "The new contract will also allow us to make even greater progress to increase recycling rates.

"It provides the flexibility to, over time, recycle more and different materials from households at the kerbside, making it easier for everyone to play their part to improve our environment and reduce waste." Earlier this year the council said that it wants to eventually make black bin collections every three weeks instead of every fortnight, with bidders for the contract asked to submit costs for three-weekly as well as fortnightly collections.

But a spokesperson said at the time that changes to the frequency of black bin collections would only happen after steps to recycle more had reduced the amount of recyclables and food waste being put into black bins, which currently make up almost two thirds of their contents.

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n NEWS

STAFF at two Yate schools have been given an incentive to cycle to work.

The Bridgeway Federation of The Ridge Junior School and Broadway Infant School has won a grant from South Gloucestershire Council to fund bikes for staff use, while Yate Community Bike Hub has agreed to work with the schools to supply the necessary bicycles and equipment.

Active Travel leads Becky Grundy from Broadway and Chris Strawson from The Ridge met with council sustainable transport engagement manager will Nelson and Rebecca Bennett from the Bike Hub to receive the equipment, so staff can start using bikes to commute.

Mr Strawson said: "We conducted a survey of staff across both schools last year and a common theme was a willingness to cycle to work but a lack of decent equipment to make it possible.

"With the successful grant application and the help of the Bike Hub, we now have four full

Helping teachers get on their bikes

sets of everything we need to allow more staff to leave their cars at home and cycle to work.”

Both schools in the federation are part of the Modeshift Stars active travel accreditation scheme, which gives awards and funding to schools which encourage staff and families to leave their cars at home.

Broadway is a Bronze school,

Rebecca Bennett of Yate Community Bike Hub with Will Nelson of South Gloucestershire Council, Becky Grundy from Broadway Infant School and Chris Strawson from The Ridge Junior School.

in recognition of its ‘good’ travel plan, whilst The Ridge have been re-accredited as a Platinum school for the second year running for its ‘outstanding’ travel plan.

Mrs Grundy said: "We are pleased to have received the recognition for our work towards cutting down on ‘red’ travel to school, such as car journeys,

throughout last year, and we have lots of events planned throughout the coming academic year to try and reduce car use even further.”

Federation head teacher Jodie Tumelty said: "To see both schools working together to make our journeys to and from school greener and safer for everyone is fantastic.

"We know that children who walk to school have more opportunities to engage with their peers and world around them, and arrive to school ready to work and focused for the day ahead.

"We’ve already seen a marked increase in ‘green’ journeys to and from school since The Ridge started their Active Travel plan four years ago and we’re delighted to be working with the local council and the Bike Hub to give staff the chance to ride into school more regularly."

Quality care in Yate you can trust

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.

Let us care for you

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

n LOCAL MP for Thornbury & Yate

Special needs education system is broken

IN early September I attended a packed debate in Parliament on provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

During the 90-minute debate, we heard so many horror stories of how pupils and parents from across the country are being let down by a system that is simply unable to meet their needs and give them the learning environment they need.

I was one of the small number of MPs who was lucky enough to be able to speak in the debate, drawing on the experience of local parents and their concerns about the current system.

This includes how the current SEND funding formula is broken, leaving schools and councils and schools without the financial support they need to deliver these vital services.

All of this has a real human impact on our children.

Many either spend long periods

out of the classroom or are placed in schools that are unable to support them in the way they need.

Every parent knows the struggle of wanting to see your child supported to achieve their potential, and this inability to get the tailored support that these children need pushes many parents to breaking point.

The following week, I raised the issue yet again in Parliament, this time focusing in on the challenges facing those councils who have entered into ‘safety valve’ agreements made with the Department of Education under the previous government.

These were an attempt to address the huge deficit in SEND spending, although they’ve ended up being little more than an ineffective sticking plaster.

This is because these agreements come with rigorous targets that were set in stone before the

pandemic.

Since then, we’ve seen a huge rise in demand, with no steps being taken to revise these agreements.

This leaves local councils slogging away to try, in vain, to meet targets that are just not achievable and lead to worse outcomes.

Leaving decision makers working with one hand tied behind their back, fruitlessly trying to meet targets that simply don't reflect the reality on the ground, undermines all the work being done to make these services better and get our children the support they need.

As a former council leader I've seen this first-hand.

That’s why I am glad to have secured the promise of a meeting with the Education Minister, and I plan to use this to show why our SEND services here in South Gloucestershire need greater support – making the case for

change.

This includes fixing the funding formula, reviewing all existing safety valve agreements, and a full review of how absence and informal exclusions are treated.

I know this is a very difficult topic, with a big emotional impact and no silver bullet solution.

That’s why I’ll continue to do all I can to keep this issue on the national agenda and am keen to work with anyone who’s willing to help deliver a better outcome for SEND services across the country.

Claire Young MP writes for Thornbury Voice

Hundreds brave rain at festival

AROUND 500 people attended this year's Yate International Festival at Yate Heritage Centre.

The event on September 21 was organised by Yate Town Council.

A spokesperson said:

"Despite the weather, it was another great event, celebrating cultures and communities.

"There were wonderful performances from dancers, singers, drummers, saxophonists and a ceilidh band, as well as crafts and games, plus plenty of

All pictures by Alan Monaghan

Deputy Mayor Aziz Chowdhry addresses the festival

Farmer completes dream road trip

A FARMER who lives near Chipping Sodbury says he is delighted to have turned his dream into reality after finishing a 500-mile tractor drive, to raise awareness of the disease which is expected to claim his life.

Andrew Gibson, who lives on the edge of the Badminton estate, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and was given two years to live after he collapsed while refereeing a rugby match on April 2020.

The 58-year-old former Armed Forces and NHS paramedic took to the road from South Gloucestershire to Lancashire in September to encourage more men, particularly farmers, to be aware of the warning signs of the disease.

He made the trip north in one day, returning the next to finish at the Bristol GenesisCare private outpatient cancer centre, where he has been receiving extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and precision radiotherapy, since his diagnosis.

He set up a fundraising page for charity Prostate Cancer UK, which had raised more than £4,400 as the Voice went to press.

Andrew said: "I’ve always been fascinated by tractors and I can honestly say that, having driven 500 miles in one over 48 hours, I’m still a big fan!

"I’m delighted to have turned my dream into a reality and can’t thank my supporters and all the people who’ve already donated money to my Just Giving Page enough.

"Every penny raised go to Prostate Cancer UK to support the vital work they do.

"But it’s not just about raising funds, it’s about spreading the word and urging people to stay vigilant.

"To put it bluntly, I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the treatment and care I received at GenesisCare. I owe them everything.

"So my message to readers is this: if you have any concerns or any niggles that don’t feel right, get yourself checked – and do it today.

"It could save your life. An early diagnosis can make all the difference.

"Knowledge is power and if my story can help others to recognise or question their own symptoms then I’ll be delighted."

Andrew said he had taken his health for granted and research had shown that people living in rural areas – and farmers in particular – are less likely to engage in preventative health measures, including cancer screenings.

He said: "This is due to many reasons, but one key factor is that many farmers simply prioritise work over personal health."

Andrew's fundraising page is still open for donations at tinyurl.com/yybeyjfz.

For more details on the awareness campaign visit tinyurl.com/6d8kvyyp.

Andrew Gibson is welcomed at the finish line at Bristol GenesisCare.

Fitness fundraiser inspired by Sienna

A GRUELLING fundraising run inspired by a Chipping Sodbury girl battling leukaemia has raised around £2,300 for a cancer charity.

About 50 people took part in Sienna's Vile Mile at Chipping Sodbury Football club on September 6 to support Young Lives vs Cancer.

It came as the family of Sienna Mullins, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of two in April, said she was responding well to her intensive treatment.

Sienna spent two weeks in hospital immediately after her diagnosis, had invasive treatment and intensive chemotherapy.

Parents Jo and Joe said that to their "huge relief", Sienna’s latest bone marrow test came back clear at the end of August, following a high dose chemotherapy.

Jo said: "It was surreal, my husband burst into tears!"

However, despite the "brilliant" result, Sienna still has to continue gruelling treatment until June 2026 to keep the cancer cells from returning.

She is currently enduring an injection every other day in hospital, is on steroids and has two more hospital stays scheduled before Christmas, when the intensive treatment is expected to end and they can move to a "maintenance" phase.

Jo hopes that afterwards Sienna will be able to return to nursery, and she can go back to work.

She said: "Christmas should be a relief, and we can start the New Year living life normally again."

It will still be a challenging time for Sienna, who will be vulnerable to illnesses such as chickenpox because of the effect of chemotherapy on her immune system.

Jo said she and her husband are proud of their daughter's "resilience" during the toxic treatment, which has made her feel very poorly.

She said: "She bounces back and keeps smiling, and she’s still playing in the park."

The family are spreading awareness and helping others in the same position, and are continuing to raise funds for The Grand Appeal charity, which has been a lifeline for them during Sienna's stays at Bristol Children's Hospital.

Hollie Dennis, the co-owner of Sienna’s

nursery First Steps in Chipping Sodbury, is running an appeal that had raised more than £7,700 as the Voice went to print for the Grand Appeal.

Donations can be made online at bit.ly/3XzLgus.

The Vile Mile run was set up by Alex Fox, PT instructor at Now or Never Fitness.

Jo said: "About 50 people showed up –parents, family, friends, and people we didn’t know – I can’t believe the generosity."

Upcoming events include a sponsored bike ride from Yate to the children’s hospital and a silent auction in November. Offers of prizes can be made to First Steps nursery.

Sienna Mullins and mum Jo at the Vile Mile run

M4 closing for weekend

THE M4 will close for a full weekend in October so that work can be carried out on the A432 Badminton Road bridge.

National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge works, has announced that the motorway will be closed between the Tormarton and Hambrook junctions from 7pm on Friday October 18 to 6am on Monday October 21.

The closure is for a trench to be dug under the motorway, to carry utilities such as pipes and cables that are currently inside the bridge structure, which is due to be demolished next year.

The agency has warned that, with up to 4,000 vehicles using the affected stretch of the M4 every hour over "peak weekend periods", the closure is "likely to cause substantial disruption".

It is advising drivers to avoid the area where possible and plan journeys for alternative times.

National Highways route manager Sean Walsh said: "This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the South West, which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible so they’re able to plan their journeys well in advance.

"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.

"Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can – if that's not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes and expect delays."

During the summer National Highways moved back the date that the bridge, which carries the A432 from Yate to the Avon Ring Road, will be demolished until next March.

The old bridge, which was built in 1966, was condemned last year after "structural failures" were found during a routine inspection.

Park refurb is finished

A REFURBISHMENT project for Yate's Kingsgate Park play area is finished.

Phase 2 of Yate Town council's £325,000 revamp started a year ago, installing a new accessible play area to replace the previous under-5s area, and sprucing up the multi-use games area (MUGA).

In September the town council announced that the work was complete.

The new equipment is aimed to be accessible, sustainable and suitable for a range of different abilities.

It includes different varieties of swing, climbing areas and a wheelchair-accessible see-saw.

The refurbishment of the existing timber tree top trail, junior trail, youth hut and balance trail has also been completed.

A £25,000 community grant was secured from Enovert Community Trust towards the new zip rider and refreshed MUGA, which the council says has been given a vibrant new look.

A council spokesperson said: "Fifty competition entries were submitted by the public to name the new bespoke duck play sculpture.

"It was a hard task, but one successful name stood out to Yate Town Council, and Sir Quackalot he was proclaimed!

"This project overcame a multitude of challenges including extreme wet weather, flooding and vandalism to play and construction equipment; we thank the public for their patience and support as we pushed on with the works, knee deep in mud."

The chair of the council's play areas and properties steering group, Councillor John Ford, said:

"Kingsgate Park has been a special place to visit for many generations of residents, Friends and councillors.

"The extra care and planning that went into this project provided many more play opportunities for all to enjoy, through the inclusive equipment on offer."

New road named after much-loved cat

THEY'RE often named after famous places or dignitaries – now one new road on a housing development has been named after Yate's best-known cat.

Molly captured shoppers' hearts at Yate's Tesco Extra superstore, and had a Facebook page set up, gaining more than 4,000 members, before she died in an accident in 2022.

Afterwards, a plaque was installed in her honour at the store at Yate Shopping Centre.

Housing developer Newland Homes has named a street in its Great Oaks development in Engine Common 'Molly Meadows' in her memory.

The idea was suggested by 12-year-old Will Gray, a former pupil of nearby North Road Primary School.

Molly was often found sleeping in the baby seats of trolleys, and the Facebook page was set up to "keep up with her and her antics" and remind people not to feed her.

Will said: "I always loved seeing Molly

with my family when we went shopping, and I felt so sad when I heard the news of her unfortunate passing.

"This is why I felt I needed to somehow preserve the memory of her for generations to come, so when my mum asked me and my siblings if we had any name ideas for an upcoming street very near my school, I just knew it had to be something to do with Molly, the beloved cat who I will never forget.

"I'm very proud I got to name an actual street which people will live in and spend many years of their lives in, and even more proud it was a name that would sustain such a great memory!"

Molly's owner said: "The suggestion for a road name by Will was so unexpected and emotional for me and the rest of Molly’s family. The people who choose to live here may never understand the meaning behind the name, but I will, and I will always be thankful for the thoughtfulness of this wonderful young man who suggested it."

Newland Homes' Chris Parker said: "Molly was more than just a cat; she was a symbol of friendship and warmth for Yate residents."

He said it was a "privilege" to "celebrate the life of a cat who left a paw print on the hearts of the local community".

Will Gray, Chris Parker and Molly's owner at the street sign.

Molly in a trolley at Tesco.

Liz combines love of soul and animals

ANIMAL and soul music lover

Liz Jenkins is planning a show that will combine her two passions.

Liz is aiming to raise money to help the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (ARC), run by the RSPCA, through the cost of living crisis by bringing veteran soul band Kokomo to play at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

The pioneers of 1970s British soul, fresh from supporting the Average White Band at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this year, will be grooving at the Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on November 15.

The show will raise money for the RSPCA, which recently revealed that it is spending £125,000 per week on private boarding for abandoned animals because its centres are already at "breaking point".

Liz, who works as an energy broker, has volunteered for the charity since she was a child.

Before the pandemic, she

carried out RSPCA home visits to interview people who wanted to rehome a pet.

She also appeared in the Voice in 2019, campaigning to bring in licensing for airguns after her cat Woowoo, now aged eight, was shot three times with pellets in the space for three years.

Liz said: "So many people are abandoning pets – they can’t

afford to keep them.

"Animals are my passion –and soul music as well.

"I have been a Kokomo fan since the 70s – they completely blew me away.

"I'm so excited they are coming to Chipping Sodbury again.

"They still have some of the original members in the band and the line-up is brought up

to date with drummer Andy Treacey, from Faithless.”

Kokomo members have played with other well-known names including 10cc, Brian Ferry, Pet Shop Boys and Elton John.

In Chipping Sodbury they will be supported by local DJ Delboy for a five-hour funk and soul night for Bristol ARC.

Tickets cost £25.30, including booking fee, and can be bought online at bit.ly/3XxNsm9, by calling 07806 095442 or in person at Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre.

Liz Jenkins with Woowoo. Picture: Rich McD Photography

Kokomo on stage. Picture: Rich McD Photography

Big rise in rape reports

THE number of rape cases reported to Avon & Somerset Police in the last year soared by almost half, from about 2,000 to just over 3,000.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew said the 47% rise means the force area has a rate of reports higher than anywhere else in the country.

But she said this was largely down to more victims coming forward to report attacks, as they had more confidence in the police to bring charges.

Speaking during a monthly streamed question session with Police & Crime Commissioner Clare Moody in September, Ms Crew said the increase in recorded rapes was "quite staggering", adding: "Something is going on."

She said the proportion of victims reporting attacks had risen from 3.5% three years ago to 17.4%.

The National Crime Survey suggested there had not been a big rise in rapes committed in the Avon & Somerset force area, so the rise was probably caused by much higher levels of reporting, the chief constable said, adding: "It’s about people being willing to report to the police."

The force pioneered a new way of dealing with rape cases called Operation Bluestone in 2021, where a specialist investigation team was formed, along with better collaboration with victim support services and a focus on perpetrator behaviour rather than victims’ credibility.

Ms Crew said it had resulted in big improvements in charge rates.

She said: “From our perspective, there is a strong hypothesis that people have greater confidence in Avon & Somerset Police and they are coming forward.”

Ms Crew said a change in how crime is recorded means cases where a victim was raped many times during the course of a relationship by the same perpetrator were correctly recorded as multiple crimes.

By

Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Loft Boarding & Insulation

Jailed for attacking police

A WINTERBOURNE man who was "at the centre of the violent mob" during anti-immigration protests in Bristol has been jailed.

Wayne Murray, who is 57, threw missiles at police during violence in the city centre on August 3.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Murray's involvement "fuelled" the violence, which lasted several hours.

He was arrested and charged with violent disorder by police in early September.

Murray was jailed for two years and two months on September 24, after pleading guilty to the charge.

His arrest followed a police investigation into violence in the city centre, firstly in Castle Park and then outside a hotel that houses asylum seekers on Redcliff Hill.

Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters were on the streets of the city, faced by anti-racism counter protesters.

The violence flared during a week of anti-immigration riots across the UK, sparked by false information spread online that claimed the killer of three girls in Southport on July 29 was a Muslim asylumseeker.

An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: "Murray was seen aggressively shouting at and gesturing towards police officers before throwing objects at them during the disorder.

"The court heard Murray 'was at the centre of the violent mob' and that his involvement 'fuelled' the violence."

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said: "Murray's behaviour that day was completely shameful and he has now received a lengthy prison sentence as a result."

As the Voice went to print police had arrested 51 people in connection with the violence, with 40 charged so far.

Chipping Sodbury Town Trust is responsible for the administration of The Ridings (which is home to various sports clubs), two cottages, and the War Memorial and Clock Tower in Chipping Sodbury.

The position is part time (approx. 25 hours per month) on a self employed basis, working from home and attending approximately two evening meetings per month in Chipping Sodbury. The Clerk is the first point of contact for members of the public and trustees. The role covers a wide range of administrative and accounting duties (currently on Excel). Equipment will be provided.

Essential requirements – proficient in using Word and Excel (basic). Ability to manage various scenarios and personalities including difficult and/or sensitive situations.

Desirable requirements – administration and accounting experience.

For further information please contact the Clerk.

To apply, please email CV and contact details for two referees (business and personal, within last 12 months) by 18th October 2024

Expected start date 1st January 2025

Salary £500 pm (paid gross)

Email: cstowntrust@hotmail.com

Registered charity no 274443

Wayne Murray.

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

Our ancient landscape

EXPLORING our local countryside, we might be forgiven for thinking that it is the product of farming over the last few centuries.

Historic perhaps, but not ancient. Some of our farmhouses extend back to the 16th century, but largely what we see only goes back to the post-Medieval period.

And yet we have tantalizing glimpses of a far earlier time, before even the Romans.

Several small excavations even within the immediate Yate area point to activity from the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age periods.

Neolithic landscape

Although we still know little of the Neolithic (4000-2000BC) landscape around Yate, it is likely to have been heavily forested, with a few farming settlements.

The most prominent Neolithic features are long barrows used as burial chambers.

A large long barrow, found at Horton, was 40m long and contained 20 bodies in 3 burial chambers. Further long barrows can still be seen in the landscape.

A barrow at Starveall near Hawkesbury Upton may have contained bones of Neolithic ancestors. The barrow is stonelined, with an earthen mound. Archaeologists believe that the barrow may have marked a territory, as it is prominent on high ground.

Bronze Age landscape

Although there was rudimentary farming during the Neolithic

period, the introduction of bronze (copper and tin) axes and tools enabled farming to thrive in this period (2000-600BC).

Archaeologists have discovered some traces of Bronze Age farming but again, burials have provided the best evidence of life and practices.

At Tormarton, it is possible to see the remains of another long barrow, this time dated to the early Bronze Age, where a single body is likely to have been contained in the burial chamber within the barrow.

Iron Age

The most dramatic of our prehistoric features are the Iron Age (600BC – 43AD) hill forts, which pock the Cotswold escarpment above and to the east of Yate and Sodbury.

Archaeologists point to many people moving to higher ground and away from farms as the weather grew colder. The hill forts in the area provide evidence of this.

Iron Age tribes, including the local Dobunni, were involved in creating hill forts like those at

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Horton and Little Sodbury.

Archaeologists have cited different reasons for building these forts, which include looking after animals, and feasting.

However, what we can be certain of is that the high banks of Sodbury Camp required large numbers of people to produce them, and are surely a statement to other tribes that might have considered invading Dobunni territory.

The hill fort at Sodbury was

clearly a good place to camp. It seems feasible that Romans may have used the camp as a military base at some stage. It is also believed that Edward IV’s Yorkist army may have camped there in 1471 before the battle of Tewkesbury, during the Wars of the Roses.

Yate Heritage Centre is part of Yate Town Council.

David Hardill

Diary dates:

October 1-26: Anti-slavery in South Gloucestershire (Black History Month display)

October 8, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series – Douglas Motorbikes

October 22, 7.30pm: Yate lecture Series – US Soldiers in Bristol in WWII.

October 27-31: Stay and Play Holiday Activities

Lasting Powers of Attorney only £75 + VAT each

A Single or Joint Will only £75 + VAT

Probate Services from only £250 + VAT

Single Will and Power of Attorney package only £125 + VAT

Protect your Home against Nursing Home and Care Fees from only £250 + VAT

• Over 55’s only

Trees now grow on Hawkesbury long barrow

Dan can't run again

METRO Mayor Dan Norris will be blocked from running for the job again, after a major change in Labour's rules about MPs having second jobs.

Delegates at the party’s annual conference in September approved proposals to extend an existing ban on councillors

remaining in their local government roles if they are elected to the House of Commons to other office holders, including mayors.

Mr Norris became elected head of the West of England Combined Authority in 2021 and the post is up for re-election next year.

At July’s general election, he ousted Conservative Jacob

Conservatories,

Rees-Mogg to become MP for the newly-created North East Somerset & Hanham constituency.

A party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party is committed to MPs focusing on being MPs and the rule change is about the principle of second jobbing, bringing mayors into line with leaders and councillors in the Labour Party rulebook."

ndows, Doors, Fascias, Conservatories and Roofs

n LIBRARY

YATE Library is hosting Halloween half-term children's activities this month.

On October 29 there is a What a Hoot! drop-in craft session from 10.30am-noon, no need to book.

On October 31 there is a Halloween Hullabaloo from 2.304pm, suitable for ages 4+. Book spaces by emailing yate.library@ southglos.gov.uk.

The In A Dark, Dark Wood Lego Challenge is on November 1 at 10.30am - booking required at email above.

Children’s craft bags are available to collect from October 21, while stocks last.

Death in a Silver Mask, a murder mystery with the Red Herrings, takes place on October 5 at 3pm.

Tickets £4, including refreshments.

Author afternoon with Julie Owen Moylan, October 19, 3pm. Tickets £5, including refreshments.

Tickets are available online at sglibraries.eventbrite.com or from the library.

Free family friendly storytime for preschool children takes place every Tuesday morning from 9.3010am.

Stay & play Duplo and trains is every Tuesday and Friday during term time, from 10.30-11.30am.

Wriggle & Rhyme: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers, Thursday and Friday from 9.30-10am.

Lego Club: October 11, 4pm and October 19, 10.30-11.30am (both drop-in sessions). Suitable for 4-10 years, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reading group ‘Have You Read’ takes place on October 25, from 10.30-11.30am.

Craft Group meets on October 5 and 19 from 10am-noon, 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: October 3, 10am-noon; Bevan Evemy, Saturdays by appointment.

Library staffed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-2pm. 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.

Call for Geronimo meeting

A FARMER whose alpaca was killed by government vets after a fouryear legal battle over a controversial disease diagnosis is calling for a meeting with the new government.

Helen Macdonald is calling on new Environment Secretary Steve Reed to "urgently intervene and take action" over the case of Geronimo, who was slaughtered in August 2021.

The animal tested positive for bovine tuberculosis after being imported from New Zealand in 2017.

But Helen, from Wickwar, insists that the result was a false positive, because he had had injections of tuberculin – a protein combination used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis – as part of a skin test carried out in New Zealand.

She has accused the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs of "deliberately misusing" antibody tests, removing and slaughtering Geronimo in violation of animal welfare and transport legislation, and failing to provide substantive evidence about his death.

She says her farm remains under movement restrictions until her entire herd is tested, even though DEFRA’s own operations manual says there is no need to do this.

Helen is requesting an urgent meeting with Mr Reed and new farming minister, Daniel Zeichner.

She said: "I am imploring the new Government to, as a first step, remove the movement restrictions. Mr Reed could do this immediately.

"Investigating DEFRA’s continued mistreatment of me is critical. There must be an immediate end to the abuse that we are still suffering unjustifiably."

DEFRA declined to say if the ministers would meet with Helen when asked by the Voice. It is still awaiting an ombudsman's report about its conduct of the case.

Donation for Liam

A DONATION of £1,000 has been made to Diabetes Research UK in support of a family’s fundraising efforts in memory of their son.

Liam Scarman, from Winterbourne Down, was 22 years old when he passed away on Boxing Day 2017 as a result of Type 1 Diabetes.

Since his death, parents Trevor and Sue have dedicated their lives to raising money for Diabetes Research UK and so far have raised £15,500.

Liam's ashes are interred at Westerleigh Crematorium, and staff who supported Trevor and Sue in creating his memorial within the grounds decided to help their fund-raising efforts.

The donation came from the crematorium’s metal recycling fund which, with the consent of families, uses metals recovered during cremation to raise money for charities.

Trevor said: "Since Liam passed away in his sleep, we have raised money through activities such as charity days at his local pub, collection tins, someone running a half-marathon, two others taking part in ‘dry January’ and others.

"We are fighting for a world where diabetes can do no harm, and we believe that, with such generous donations from companies such as the money from Westerleigh Crematorium, research can help eradicate Diabetes Type 1 and 2."

Trevor and Sue visited Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium to accept the cheque on behalf of Diabetes Research UK from the crematorium manager, Shaun Chapman-Young.

Shaun said: “We knew about the amazing fund-raising Trevor and Sue have done over the past few years, and wanted to do something to support them, in memory of Liam."

Liam Scarman with mum Sue

Tasty soups for chilly days

OCTOBER for me really does mark the entrance of another season and with it, a whole host of different recipes.

My taste buds start to yearn for hearty casseroles, comforting steam puddings and, of course, tasty soups.

Soups are an economical way of using up stray veg in the bottom of your fridge or veg basket. And don’t ever be fooled into thinking you need a soup maker.

A large saucepan to cook the veg, stock and other ingredients, a stick blender or liquidiser to blitz it, and away you go!

Incidentally, if you don’t have either of these you can just make a very chunky soup, but basic stick blenders are only about £20, and well worth the money.

This month's recipe gives parsnips the glam treatment!

Italian Parsnip Soup

Serves 4 as a lunch or supper, 6 as a starter

Ingredients:

1 medium red onion, chopped

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

1-2 very large parsnips (about 700g), peeled and cut up into quarter-inch

pieces

75g (3oz) streaky bacon cut into strips or Italian pancetta

1-2 tablespoons olive oil or rape seed oil

570ml (1 pint) chicken or vegetable stock

20g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Small handful of finely chopped flat leaf parsley or sage

Optional – single cream – sufficient for 1 tablespoon per bowl

Here’s what you do:

Dry fry (i.e. no oil) the pancetta or bacon and add the garlic and onion. Add a little oil if the pan becomes too dry.

Cook over a medium heat until softened.

Add the parsnips and cook for a further 5 mins.

and add the mixture from the pan.

Cook on a medium heat for another 10-15 mins, or until the parsnips are really soft.

Blitz with stick blender or liquidiser.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour into warm bowls.

Scatter a little Parmesan over each bowl and sprinkle the parsley or sage on top.

Pour the stock into a large saucepan

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.

If you want to add some luxury, then perhaps a swirl of single cream on the top would do the job.

Cook’s tips

Try this recipe with other root veg like turnip, squash or celeriac. Get creative!

If you’re making this for vegetarians you just leave out the pancetta or bacon.

The soup freezes beautifully.

FRAMPTON GARAGE

n WHAT'S ON

October 6

n WINTERBOURNE MEDIEVAL

BARN Orchard Harvest Day, 11am4pm. Artisan and craft stalls and displays, food and drink, music, puppeteers and ferret racing. Adult £5, child £1. Free parking at Winterbourne Academy with a free shuttle bus to and from the barn.

October 8

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY practice class, the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Make a mask for asymmetrical arrangement at next class on October 22, same venue and time. More information from 0777 353 7148 or katebryant186@gmail.com.

October 11

n SODBURY & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY talk at the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Talk: the History of Cheddar, with John Page. New members welcome – membership £15 for all talks and refreshments. More details from sue41veale@aol.com.

October 12

n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY presents A Night at the Theatre at St Mary's Church, Yate, 7.30pm. Conductor: Graham Coatman. Music from Mozart to Gilbert & Sullivan and Les Mis, supporting Great Western Air Ambulance. Adults £12, under-16s free. Tickets from Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre or by calling 01454 313907.

October 16

n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP, Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, from 7pm. Talk: History of Vertical Steam Engines at Brandy Bottom Colliery by Hamish Orr-Ewing, Avon Industrial Buildings Trust. Non members welcome - £2 each. More details at www.sgmrg.co.uk.

October 17

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Talk by Joseph Trinder on the Arts and Crafts Movement. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.

October 20

n RAILWAY MODELLING OPEN

DAY with Sodbury Vale Model Railway Club, Lyde Green Community Centre, Willowherb Road, Lyde Green, 10am to 4pm. Displays and demonstrations of modelling techniques from beginner to expert level. Refreshments available. Adults £3, accompanied under-16s free.

October 26

n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE

MINES RESEARCH GROUP Pucklechurch Collieries guided walk with Steve Grudgings. Meet at 10.15am at the parking area at northern end of Parkfield Rank, BS16 9NR. four hour walk – bring packed lunch, suitable clothing and walking shoes/boots.

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

REGULAR EVENTS:

Monday

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT

CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly. com or call Roz on 07941 946412.

n FLOW-IN YOGA WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga classes 6.15pm & 7.30pm 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

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club

IT was with great pleasure that club president Ian Hodgson inducted Graham Lewis as a new member at our September business meeting.

At the same meeting we celebrated member John Appleby’s 95th birthday, Marian ‘skydiver’ Gilpin’s 80th birthday and her husband Richard’s 79th birthday.

Our ever-popular tea dances, staged in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society and the Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel Club, will make a welcome return on Tuesday October 8 in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, from 2-4pm.

All are welcome to attend for a dance, singalong, home-made cake and a free raffle.

In the round of tea dances staged between October last year and March, £1,250 was received in donations, every penny of which went to worthy dementia-related causes.

The club has supported the Caring in Bristol charity for some years and, once more this year, we are making a financial pledge to the charity’s involvement in the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Their aim is to raise significant funds in tackling poverty and homelessness in the Bristol area.

In mid-September club members received a sobering presentation from Rachel Clarke, a representative from One25, a Bristol-based charity which has worked over many years to support street sex workers, those with drug dependencies and victims of domestic abuse.

We making a financial donation to the Big Give Women and Girls campaign, which is running in mid-October.

Club members continue to support the Berkeley-based Physionet charity, currently preparing surplus medical equipment for overseas destinations, with the latest consignment bound for The Gambia.

Stuart Fraser

Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel Club

SEPTEMBER saw club members meeting back at

Visit Dyrham Park near Bristol this season to walk in acres of parkland, look out for deer and soak up the colours of autumn.

the Town Hall for the first time since June.

Our July meeting had taken place at the delightful Stables Restaurant, with the handover of presidents, and August had seen 36 members and friends enjoying the lovely garden at Charlton Down House.

The September speaker was Paul Barnett, whose theme was ‘Rout on the Riviera’, the story behind Operation Tiger, the disastrous D-Day landings training on Slapton Sands in Devon which resulted in the deaths of 946 American servicemen.

This excellent talk was well illustrated with maps and photos, and certainly gripped the audience.

We were pleased to welcome two visitors to our meeting, who were seeing if Inner Wheel might be for them: we do hope so.

We also officially welcomed new member Carol, who was ‘badged up’ and introduced to the club.

We all really enjoyed catching up after the summer lull and are looking forward to future events, starting with a MacMillan Coffee morning and then the very popular Tea Dances in the Town Hall, where we provide refreshments.

Our regular meetings take place on the second Monday of the month from 2pm, upstairs at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Visitors are always welcome.

Liz Pattison

nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park

Ian Hodgson welcomes Graham Lewis to the club. Picture: Doug Lodge

Upper Frome Friends

THANKS to those of you who came to say hello while we were at the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust stall at the recent Eat festival in Chipping Sodbury.

We enjoyed talking to you about what we do, and hopefully some of you will join us soon.

We’re hoping to continue to grow our Upper Frome Friends Facebook Group still further –and importantly, encourage more volunteers to come along and join in with our river events.

We enjoyed attending the recent South Gloucestershire event for green space volunteers as it gave us an opportunity to network, find out what other groups are doing and explain a little more about our work to those attending.

The river clean season continues, so please do check for posts on the Upper Frome Friends Facebook Group about where they are and how you can join in: – our next one is a joint session with Sodbury and Yate Clean Up on October 6.

You don’t have to enter the water unless you want to, and you’ll be with a friendly group of people and 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, email riverfromereconnected@ southglos.gov.uk

Jane Davies

Yate & Sodbury U3A

OUR WW2 Group meets monthly, usually at the Armadillo Centre in Yate.

We are a small but friendly group, which currently has 17 members.

Our meetings usually have a speaker, often a member sharing an aspect of the war that is of particular interest to them, such as the wartime exploits of a family member.

On other occasions, we have a guest speaker, again with a particular interest such as the Narvik Raid or the Battle of Britain.

We have also made a number of group visits to museums, including the Imperial War Museum, Tank Museum, REME Museum and RAF Cosford.

Smaller groups of members have also travelled to visit the battlefields of Arnhem, Normandy and Dunkirk.

If you are interested in joining, please contact us via the U3A website at u3asites.org. uk/yate-sodbury/welcome.

A U3A open day will be held on Friday October 11 from 2-4pm at Chipping Sodbury

Looking for Effective Ear Wax Removal?

Town Hall – please come along. Jenny Smith

Yate WI

WE have been a busy WI these last few months. We have had an interesting talk on Regency and Tudor costumes, a social evening supper around a firepit, with the committee providing a wide variety of desserts, and a tapas and cocktail evening.

We've also had Tai Chi relaxation, not to mention our regular coffee club, supper club, and craft club, and our walking group, while we have light in the early evening.

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

We have a variety of activities and always enjoy a hot drink, biscuits and chit-chat.

We meet in a small cosy room which means no-one is left out: making friends is our aim.

For more information email yatewiavon@ gmail.com, or come along to our next meeting at Poole Court. You will be assured of a warm welcome.

n TURNER'S HEARING BLOG

Ear wax factoid: Your middle ear contains the 3 smallest bones in your body, which despite their tiny size all fit on a 1p coin.

Can ear wax build up be dangerous? A buildup of excessive ear wax can cause pain in the ear, an ear infection, itching in the ear and a feeling of a full ear. You might also experience vertigo or dizziness. It’s also one of the most common causes of hearing related problems.

Who can get wax build up?

People who have a narrow ear, skin problems such as eczema, over 65’s as our ear wax hardens with age, people who suffer from Sjögren's syndrome and people who get recurrent ear infections.

What should I do if I think I might have a wax build up? Again, and I make no apologies for repeating this advice, please please do not poke around in your ear with a cotton bud! This can potentially push your wax further into your ear or even cause harm. Just book in for a consultation.

I’m here at Turner’s Opticians to check your ears for you and see if you have a wax build up - I can even

show you videos of the insides of your ears! At the same appointment you can also have your hearing checked too.

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.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Debbie

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.

n TURNER'S VISION

Back to School Vision Check

As the school year begins and children either head back to school or start for the first time, it's crucial to ensure their vision is in top shape.

Vision problems like myopia (shortsightedness) or amblyopia (lazy eye) are more common than many realise and can affect nearly every aspect of a child's development, including academics, sports, social interactions and self-esteem. With an estimated 1.6 million school-aged children in England living with an undiagnosed vision problem, a comprehensive eye exam is essential for identifying any issues early.

Peter Turner of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434 www.turnersopticians.co.uk

Watch for These Symptoms: Some signs of vision problems might be mistaken for behavioural issues or learning disabilities such as difficulty organising tasks or prioritising work, relying heavily on pictures to “read” or memorising through listening, inattention or disruptive behaviour in class and a lack of interest in reading or refusal to do homework.

● If you notice any of the following symptoms in your child, it could indicate a vision issue that needs attention:

● Frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes

● Struggling to stay focused on tasks

● Constant headaches ● Covering one eye or tilting the head to one side

● Holding books or screens close to their face

● Difficulty remembering what they read

If undiagnosed, vision problems could even be mistaken for other conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, or behavioural issues, which can have long-lasting effects on a child's education and overall well-being. At Turners Opticians, we have years of experience helping children with their vision and are happy to assess children of any age with an advanced eye examination.

The Right Fit: Why Proper Glasses Matter: A poorly fitted pair of glasses can lead to further complications, as a child's developing brain and eyes must work together to align correctly, so it’s important that glasses fit well and have the right lenses to match the prescription. Children under 16 should visit their opticians every year, regardless of whether they need glasses or not.

At Turners Opticians, we're here to support your child’s vision and eye health every step of the way. Our skilled optometrists take the time to carefully assess your child’s vision, ensuring that no potential problem goes unnoticed. Our expert team will even assist in choosing their frames so your child can feel confident and happy with their new look wherever they wear their glasses.

If you have any concerns about your child's vision or eye health, now is the perfect time to book an appointment. Call our Henleaze team at 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds team at 0117 965 4434, or visit our website, www. turnersopticians.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing 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.

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Get a FREE Grand Appeal Will and support Bristol Children's Hospital

We are so lucky to have Bristol Children’s Hospital covering our area. It provides an unrivalled level of service when our youngsters are most in need.

Local solicitor John BadenDaintree says, “The Bristol Children’s hospital literally saved our 6 year old daughter’s life –mobilising an expert team not available elsewhere. During her slow recovery we saw how The Grand Appeal charity covered the many extras that the NHS cannotmaking life a bit more bearable for sick children and their families at the toughest of times”

This October our local Will experts – Simpson Solicitors – have again teamed up with The Grand Appeal.

The scheme allows you to leave

a legacy to support the Children’s Hospital in your Will. As there is nothing to pay for your Will the charity hope that in exchange people will use their Will to give a small percentage of their Estate to The Grand Appeal. That way the donation will not be taken until they have died - supporting future generations of local sick

children.

There are limited places available under the scheme so book now. Then Simpson Solicitors will prepare a Will (or 2 mirror Wills for a couple) absolutely free to you. You will still receive their full award-winning service. They will check your home ownership for £3 and advise you on optional extras such as Additional Trust Protection and Powers of Attorney.

Michelle Baden-Daintree says “I hope many people will take advantage of the scheme and leave a generous gift in their Will to the Grand Appeal. Call our friendly team on 01454 322 722 saying you’d like to make a Grand Appeal Scheme Will. Then by leaving a donation in your Will, you can gift a sick child a brighter future.”

Free Will Review

“We

Yate-Genieri Community Link

A SPLENDID new primary school has been built in our linked village of Genieri in The Gambia. Although a wonderful new school kitchen has been included, to cook the rice for lunch every day, a place for the children to eat, out of the dust and rain, was not included.

However, we are happy to announce that with the help of generous donations from our supporters and from Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club, the dining area is now complete and in use at the beginning of the new school year. There's just one more thing needed – a door – to prevent the community's goats going inside

for shelter: scarcely hygienic, when the children sit on the floor to eat!

A metal door (wood rots too quickly in the rain and heat) with an appropriate frame would cost around £80.

If anyone would like to help provide a metal door for the dining room, please go to our website www.yategenierilink.org.uk, where there is a 'donate' button, and send us a contribution!

The next 'Taste of The Gambia' dinner will be on Saturday October 12 at 7pm, at Old Sodbury Village Hall.

There will be delicious Gambian food – rice dishes, meat dishes, vegetarian and vegan dishes,

Gambian-style baked beans and desserts –all incredibly delicious!

Bring friends – don't miss it! It costs £15 per person and you can email genierilink@gmail. com, visit the website or call 07837 588362 to book your place.

Also watch out for our Autumn quiz, which costs £5 to enter. You can find details on the website or email the address above for an entry form.

Marian Gilpin

Chipping Sodbury

Morning WI

FOR our September meeting Yvonne from Hedgehog Rescue visited us.

It was great to learn more about these wonderful creatures we are sometimes lucky enough to see creeping across our gardens at night, the problems they face and how we as individuals can make a lot of simple changes to make their habitat safer.

Our October 15 meeting is not as much fun, but is the main business meeting for our group and a chance to review our leadership team and finances. However with five Tuesdays in October, we will meet again on 29th for a coffee morning with cakes, raffle and a quiz or a game, to liven things up.

We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 10am at the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, a fully accessible building with parking.

Meetings last for two hours, including a coffee break. We also have a lunch club and regular walk.

Why not come along and meet us and see what you think? You would be made very welcome.

Please call 07809 534 107 for more details.

Sue Bird

The Genieri school kitchen

Town top table as fine form continues

YATE Town’s great start to the season saw them win the Southern League Division One South Club of the Month award for August.

The team has taken that form into September, and topped the table ahead of the month's final round of games.

The only blemish on August's results was a narrow 1-0 defeat at Hungerford Town in the FA Cup on the last day of the month. The Bluebells were denied the chance to set up a replay, against a team from the division above them, when a penalty appeal in the final minutes of the game was waved away by the referee.

September started with a strange turn of events that saw Yate win an FA Trophy match, then have to replay it due to an administrative error involving a fax machine. Two other teams in the division also had to replay their fixtures.

It was particularly harsh on Stan Wyatt, who scored a second

half hat-trick in the Bluebells' 5-0 win at Bemerton, which was declared null and void.

The game was replayed on September 18. This time Yate won 3-1 – and Wyatt scored twice.

This set up a home tie with Bideford the following Saturday, which the Bluebells won 2-0.

They will now host Melksham Town in a Third Qualifying Round tie on October 5.

Yate suffered their first league defeat of the season at Exmouth, who won 2-0 in Devon and are another team showing good early form. The two sides had met just 19 days earlier, when Yate won 1-0 on August Bank Holiday Monday in front of a crowd of 667.

Larkhall Athletic visited the South West Interiors Stadium on September 24 for an evening game, which Yate won 1-0 to send them back to the top of the division.

Lloyd James scored the only goal – a 30-yard screamer – in a game played in front of children

from Woodland Primary School and St Paul's Catholic Primary School, and their families.

The club gave around 50 free tickets to both schools and offered the chance for an accompanying adult to pay half price to watch the game.

The club’s Pay What You Want game is against Tavistock on October 19, when there will also be a bucket collection for the club’s charity of the season, St Peter’s Hospice.

Local rivals Cribbs will visit Lodge Road on Friday October 25, when it is hoped the club will attract a big crowd. The away game at Cribbs has been also moved back a day, to January 31 next year.

For the latest updates and information about what is happening at Yate Town, visit the club website at www. yatetownfc.co.uk.

Bob Chester

Upcoming fixtures:

October 1, 7.45pm: Cinderford Town (away)

October 5, 3pm: Melksham Town (FA Trophy, home)

October 12, 3pm: Didcot Town (away)

October 19, 3pm: Tavistock (home)

October 22, 7.45pm: Malvern Town (away)

October 25, 7.45pm: Cribbs (home)

October 29, 7.45pm: Thatcham Town (home)

Southern League Chairman David Martin presents Yate Town manager Darren Mullings with the Club of the Month trophy for August.

Stan Wyatt with the match ball after his hat-trick at Bemerton – the game was later replayed, and Stan scored twice.

Lucas Tomlinson with his Yate Town Player of the Month for August Trophy

The Heathers Nursing Home

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

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

First Class Facilities and Support

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

• Each resident is unique to us and treated as such

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

• Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene

• Respite, residential care and day care available

• Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs

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

Aneesh – Registered Manager • Julie – General Manager