yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
September, 2020 Issue 65
FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES
Looking to the future Mum dies, aged 37
A CHIPPING Sodbury dad has been left "dumbfounded" by the support for his family after the death of his wife. PAGE 3
Marshals on patrol
Yate Academy students Shannon Hughes, Rhiannon Fletcher and Shannon Dent are among those heading for new destinations after receiving their A-levels. Results round-up, page 11.
Cycle lanes rolled out CYCLE lanes are being installed on the main road into Yate as part of moves to "make sustainable travel a more attractive option". South Gloucestershire Council started work to install the lanes in both directions on the A432 Station Road on August 24, as part of an 18-month trial before it decides whether they should be made permanent.
The new lanes between B&Q and the council's offices are being funded by the government as part of its response to the coronavirus crisis. The council says it has monitored the area and found many cyclists currently use the pavement rather than the road. Turn to page 4
MARSHALS are patrolling 'hotspot' areas outside Chipping Sodbury pubs to persuade drinkers to act sensibly. PAGE 6
GCSE results
TEACHERS at schools in Yate and Chipping Sodbury say pupils who received their GCSE results are 'fully deserved' despite a national row over grades. PAGE 8
Cancer trauma
A YATE mum has described how her struggles with the effects of brain cancer left her contemplating suicide. PAGE 19
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Car ban for school street A ROAD outside a Yate primary school is being closed during pick-up time to help the safety of children and their families. South Gloucestershire Council will install retractable bollards in Kelston Close to stop traffic entering and leaving from 8.30-9am and 2.45-3.30pm during term time weekdays, when children are arriving at or leaving Abbotswood Primary School. The scheme is part of the council's ‘School Street’ initiative, which the council says will enable children and families to adhere to social distancing guidelines whilst also providing a healthier and safer environment. It is one of several new schemes to encourage walking and cycling brought in under guidance from the government in response to the coronavirus pandemic. An initial online consultation held from July 23-August 6, after the last edition of the Voice had been published, was responded to by nine people and organisations, with eight in favour and one against. Seven of those who responded said there was a problem with parking outside the school. One commented: "The cars are a nightmare during school and nursery drop off/pick up. "It's very dangerous for the children, as the cars don't go slow or park safely. "Most children going to Abbotswood can walk to the school or park over in the shop car park." another said: "People park wherever they want and on several occasions I have seen near misses involving children. I am in total support of this scheme." Once the bollards are raised the council says there will be a "parttime pedestrian and cycle zone". A member of staff will be able to lower the bollards for emergency vehicles. The council has now brought in an experimental traffic order, giving it up to 18 months to decide whether to make the scheme permanent. People are able to have their say on the consultations section of the council website, at bit.ly/34zDOFP. Explaining the scheme in its consultation documents, the council said: "School streets is part of a national campaign which also addresses other concerns affecting schools, such as reducing traffic congestion, improve air quality, general road safety outside schools, as well as encouraging active travel to school and healthier lifestyles for families."
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September, 2020
n NEWS A CHIPPING Sodbury dad has been left "dumbfounded" by the support for his family after the death of his "one-off" wife. Dave Young's wife Sheree was just 37 when she died on August 6 from organ failure after a life-long battle with a heart condition. A fundraising page for Dave and the couple's two boys had raised more than £6,700 as the Voice went to press. Dave said Sheree was someone who "lit up the room," adding: “Sheree was an absolute one-off. "She'd been fighting congenital heart disease from birth. Her mum and dad were told, when she was six weeks old, that she wouldn’t make it through the night. They said to me we’ve had 37 years as a bonus. She’d had multiple operations but was progressively getting worse until her kidneys failed, and that was the start of the end. “She was so strong because of it. When we first met she told me about it and it went in one ear and out the other because she was a young fit person. She was running half marathons, doing the walk for life, swimming, she loved surfing with her brother – it didn’t hold her back until she couldn’t do it any more. “Sheree never once complained or wanted sympathy about her condition. It rarely got her down. She had her two boys and wanted to see them grow up and get married, and she knew she wasn’t going to see it. "One of the times I went to Papworth Hospital with her I was bawling my eyes out in the room with the doctors – well, she said she wouldn’t let me go again.”
yate&sodburyvoice
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Appeal helps family after mum who 'lit up the room' dies, aged 37 Papworth Hospital, where Sheree was treated, is the UK’s leading heart and lung transplant centre based in Cambridge. At one point consultants were considering a transplant operation but Sheree’s condition deteriorated and it could not be carried out. When the coronavirus lockdown started it gave Dave and Sheree and their boys, Dexter, 14, and Cain, 10, the opportunity to spend precious time together. Dave is a driving instructor and started work again as lockdown restrictions eased but had to stop as Sheree's condition worsened. She passed away peacefully four days after coming home from hospital. Dave’s three grown up children from another relationship – Nikki Chillcot, Terri Young and Cameron Young – came up with the idea of the fundraising page to help. Nikki said: “It was mostly family and friends at the start and then it was getting shared a lot - more and people from other countries and total strangers started donating. “There is a mortgage to cover and the bills, and the boys will be starting back at school. We wanted to have the peace of mind that Dave didn’t need to rush back to work when he wasn’t ready. Anywhere else you are entitled to bereavement leave but not when you are selfemployed.” Dave said: “It has absolutely
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dumbfounded me. “We’ve had people from foreign countries who’ve donated, people we haven’t seen for years, mates you think you’ve lost contact with; a mate I haven’t seen for five years who put in £200.” “It’s because of Sheree’s popularity I suppose – she never had an enemy.” The initial target of £2,000 was reached within ten hours and the family has also Sheree Young with husband Dave and sons received support from Dexter and Cain their community, with parcels turning up on the doorstep, Dexters’ 10% of the total money raised to friends organising a game of the British Heart Foundation. rounders and flowers donated You can find the family’s for mourners to wear at Sheree's fundraising page online at funeral by a local florist. gofundme.com/f/23nrgk71g0. The family plan to donate
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September, 2020
n NEWS
New lanes to make cycling in Yate a 'viable option' From page 1 The council said: "By creating protected, marked cycle lanes on the road...we will make this route much safer for those wishing to cycle between the town centre and Yate station, or to link up with the ring road or Bristol and Bath Railway Path cycling networks." A combination of white lines, raised kerbs and planters will separate the bike lanes from the main carriageway and there will be double-yellow lines along almost the entire length of the cycle lanes to stop parked cars from blocking them. The council says this will "help keep cyclists safe and make it easier for pedestrians to maintain social distancing". Much of the road already has double-yellow lines. Station Road was being closed overnight from 8pm to 6am between the B&Q roundabout and the junction with Culvert
Avenue every night until September 8 while the work was carried out. The council says all parking along Station Road will be suspended to make way for the bike lanes, except for a small, two-hour parking zone near Yate Railway Station, a small car park near the Whirlpool factory and an off-peak only loading area opposite the same factory. The council said: "We realise this may call some disruption to residents and for
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How the council says the new lanes will look this we apologise, but we need to do all we can to support social distancing and improve sustainable travel routes." The lanes have been introduced for an 18-month trial period, with a consultation held before a decision is made whether to make them permanent and whether to add more measures to "expand the use of cycling as a viable option of travelling around Yate and connecting to the wider cycling network".
Money for the scheme is coming from the government, which has told all councils to ‘lock in’ the benefits of increases in walking and cycling during the coronavirus pandemic. A second phase will see the lanes extended "into the heart of Yate Town Centre" during the autumn. Council cabinet member for transport Steve Reade said: “For the next 18 months we will be listening carefully to public feedback about the scheme and how it is being used so that we can plan for more improvements in the future, to even better connect Yate and the surrounding areas for cyclists.” Comments can be made on the consultation section of the council's website, at bit. ly/2YCgunj. Anyone who is not online should call 01454 868004 for more information. People have until February 24 next year to have their say.
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yate&sodburyvoice 28
September, 2020
5 thornburyvo
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n NEWS
Fo m op
Teen suffers head injuries A TEENAGER needed hospital treatment for serious head injuries after being assaulted in Yate. Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident, which happened at the junction of Windsor Drive and Cranleigh Court Road. The 19-year-old was attacked shortly before 1.40am on August 8. He was walking home with friends after a Friday night out when they became involved in an altercation with another group. Avon and Somerset police say the teenager suffered a head injury and went home, where he collapsed and an ambulance was called. Officers carried out house-to-house and forensic enquiries, and three men, aged 32, 24 and 20, were arrested later the same afternoon, on suspicion of wounding with intent. All three have since been released on police bail, with conditions including an overnight curfew. The injured man has been released from hospital, Anyone who saw the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage should call 101, quoting crime reference number 5220 177 893. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Police arrest man after machete alert ARMED police arrested a man after being called to reports of someone carrying a machete in Yate. They were called to a property in Station Road shortly after 2.10pm on August 25. After a stand-off a man was arrested on suspicion of causing an affray, making threats to kill and causing criminal damage and taken out on to the street at around 3.45pm. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "We received a call about a man reportedly in possession of a machete-type weapon at a property in Station Road. "Firearms officers were called as a precaution, to ensure the safety of local officers and the public in the immediate area. "No injuries have been reported. "A 50-year-old man was arrested and taken into police custody. He has since been released on conditional bail. “Enquiries are continuing.”
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Woman dies in car crash A WOMAN has died after a crash near Westerleigh Crematorium. The 85-year-old woman, from Bristol, was a passenger in one of three cars involved in a collision on Westerleigh Road shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday, July 18. She was taken to Southmead Hospital but died of her injuries a week later. Avon and Somerset police say two of the cars collided before one of them hit the third. Officers are calling on anyone who saw the collision and has yet to contact the police to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5220 159 711.
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Marshals patrol 'hotspot' areas by Sodbury pubs MARSHALS are patrolling 'hotspot' areas outside Chipping Sodbury pubs to persuade drinkers to act sensibly, as fears of a second wave of coronavirus rise. Pubs and other licensed premises began reopening in July after a three-month closure to limit the spread of Covid-19. South Gloucestershire Council first introduced drinking marshals after the government allowed licensed premises to make off sales so that people can drink in the street at a safe distance from each other. The authority has identified two 'hotspot' areas – Chipping Sodbury High Street and Kingswood – where the marshals are now on duty on Friday and Saturday nights, a council spokesperson said. Two are in Kingswood between 11pm and 3.30am and two are at Chipping Sodbury between 10pm and 1am on both days of the week. They are there to persuade
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drinkers to act “sensibly and responsibly” and to identify problem drinkers so they can be stopped from being served any more alcohol. “Hot spots are a geographic areas and do not relate to individual premises,” the spokesperson said. The council meets weekly with police to determine whether any other areas need patrolling, whether extra marshals are needed and at what times. The marshals, who are not necessarily tied to one location and can move about as required, wear uniforms and body cameras. They are not costing the council any extra money since they are taxi marshals who have been redeployed, according to the council spokesperson. They will stay in place for as long as required. Frampton Cotterell ward Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Lean, whose questions to the Conservative administration revealed the new scheme, said
he was pleased the council was supporting pubs to enforce social distancing guidelines. He said: “I feel it’s important that pubs are particularly supported with reopening, given the potential difficulty of enforcing social distancing guidelines within their environments where, after a drink or two, it’s likely that customers will find it harder to stick to the guidelines. “Clearly public health is of paramount importance and we should find ways of ensuring the public adhere to the social distancing guidelines, but I feel additional support should be provided to pubs to assist with this. “Otherwise enforcement becomes yet another responsibility for landlords – an additional responsibility coming at a time when the industry is already facing significant challenges post-lockdown.” By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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September, 2020
n GCSEs
GCSE results are 'fully deserved', say head teachers TEACHERS at schools in Yate and Chipping Sodbury say pupils who received their GCSE results have shown "determination and resilience" in unprecedented times Yate Academy, Chipping Sodbury and Brimsham Green schools have been celebrating the results of Year 11s who saw their exams cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown, then a controversy over grades. Regulator Ofqual’s controversial grading algorithm was scrapped by government just days before GCSE results were published and replaced with centre assessed grades which were calculated by schools. Then the exam board Pearson delayed the publication of grades for BTECs and other vocational courses leaving some students in limbo. Yate Academy headteacher Izzy Ambrose said: “These students have gone above and beyond and demonstrated determination and resilience during these unprecedented times. "Their results are a fair reflection on the progress they have made at Yate Academy and all our students are fully deserving of what they have achieved today.” Brimsham Green School head teacher Kim Garland said: “We take our lead from our Year 11, and their indomitable spirit. To be clear, these students achieved magnificent grades despite COVID-19, not because of the extraordinary arrangements this year, and we applaud them.” Among the highest achievers at Brimsham Green were Rowan Berkley and Amy Shaddick, with ten GCSEs at level 9. Other students who achieved seven or more GCSES or equivalent qualifications at level 7 or above were Freddie King, Tia Newman, Leah Walker, George Pugh, Rebecca Durham, Rachael Proud, Alfie Gooding, Emma Chandler, Maya Barstow, Emily Barry, Elliot Box, Darcey Phipps, Owen Walker-Cox, James Phillpott, Anya Johnson and Joshua Houghton. Pupils singled out for their progress in a wide range of subjects were Ben Hallum, Moxie Mackno, Joshua Goodchild, Ellie Ridler, Reuben Parry, Sophie Cook, Billy Boulton, Hannah Darby, Dawid Plocienniczak and Emily Roebuck. Chipping Sodbury School head teacher Katherine Turner said: “I am delighted for our students, who have had a very positive attitude to their learning and demonstrated resilience especially during these past few months.” Some 42% of Year 11 pupils achieved one or more grades at 7 or above, equivalent to an A under the previous grading system. Those singled out for attaining high grades in a range of subjects were Lewis Adams, Alice Doody, Natalie Gliddon, Amber Thrush, Niamh Red, Maddie Brindle, Rosie Jones, Sophie Knight, Jamal Bwanamkuu, Keris Pursey and Jessica Hawkins. Students in year 9 and 10 can be entered early for a GCSE and many were awarded the top levels at 7 and above.
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September, 2020
9
n EDUCATION
Sound clouds will help children hear at nursery PARENTS are fundraising to pay for ‘sound clouds’ to help children who have difficulty with hearing loss and communication at a Yate nursery. A fundraising initiative has been set up to pay for the ceiling-hung devices, which help to cut out background noise and make it easier for children with hearing issues to listen to speech, at Sodbury Vale nursery. But after almost all events had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown, the appeal is below its target. The nursery, at the Ridgewood Centre in Station Road, has high ceilings and since the pandemic its soft furnishings have had to be removed, making its already-poor acoustics even worse. Samantha Coleman set up an online fundraising page before lockdown when 24 out of 80 children attending the nursery needed additional help with speech and language. Among them is her own daughter, Olivia, who is deaf in her left ear and has fluctuating hearing loss in her right ear. Olivia, who is three, uses a mixture of BSL and Makaton sign languages to help her communicate. Makaton is used by all the staff and children at Sodbury Vale. Samantha said: “When she’s trying to
Sodbury Vale nursery manager Julie Norcombe, Samantha Coleman and her daughter Olivia. communicate with the other children it’s so upsetting because she can’t hear them and they are waiting for a response, she can’t
respond, and then their playing breaks down. “She wears a bone anchored hearing aid, which sits on her left ear on the bone, behind her ear. It’s amazing – if someone talks to her on her left side the sound will get transmitted over to her right ear and she will know they are there. “In nursery you just have all the background noise going into this hearing aid and she rips it off. If the sound clouds are installed it would bring the reverberation down to an acceptable level, so that she could hear.” Nursery manager Julie Norcombe said: “With ever-increasing numbers of children starting their early years education needing speech and language intervention, the addition of the sound clouds to the room would be a huge benefit to the children. The sound clouds will enable many of the sounds in the room to be absorbed, thus making the listening environment much more child friendly, not just for the children of Sodbury Vale now, but for future children too.” The sound clouds will cost £4,600 and as the Voice went to press the appeal needed around £1,000 to reach its target. To donate, visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/soundclouds online.
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yate&sodburyvoice
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n A LEVELS
A-level students look to future after results chaos STUDENTS at Cotswold Edge Sixth Form have "coped admirably" with the controversy around A-level results which saw many grades being marked down – then increased. The cancellation of exams during lockdown saw teachers asked to assess students' work. But a controversial method of grading adopted by regulator Ofqual led to a 40% of grades allocated by schools nationally being marked down. Brimsham Green School head teacher Kim Garland found that there were "glaring anomalies" amongst her pupils’ results. Cotswold Edge Sixth Form is a consortium formed from Brimsham Green, Chipping Sodbury School and Yate Academy. Ms Garland said: “Fundamentally, Ofqual’s approach did not serve consortium sixth forms like Cotswold Edge well.” She said some students in the same classes were treated differently according which school they had attended, with Brimsham Green students "disproportionately affected". The school had started the appeals process when the government announced the switch to using teacher-calculated grades. Ms Garland said her students had "coped admirably" and "have not allowed the circumstances to deter them from focusing on their future goals". Over 30% of students at Brimsham Green were awarded A* or A grades. More than half achieved A*-B grades and more than three quarters attained a C grade or higher. Amongst the high achievers were Kristina Hughes, with 4 A*s, Kerry Lewis A*A*A, Lucy Sprake AAA. Other outstanding students included Joe Turner AAAB, Connor Boulton Btec Distinction* Distinction B, Megan Walker A*ABB, Jessica Hatherell AAB, Helena Higgins A*BB, Poppy Maybe AAB, Laura Thomasin AAAC, Jude Testa Btec Distinction, B B. Student Alfie Smart beat competition from hundreds of other entrants to win an apprenticeship with Magnox. At Yate Academy, head teacher Izzy
Tom Burney will study architecture at Sheffield Hallam University
Rhiannon Jones will study medicine at Cardiff
Ambrose said: “It is really important, despite the media coverage about grade adjustments and the challenges of awarding this year’s qualifications, that we celebrate students’ hard-won achievements.” 40% of students at the school achieved an A* or A grade, with 91% achieving A*-C, and over half an A*-B. High achievers included Mason Wakely, who was awarded four A*’s and has a place to study Chemistry at Oxford University, Anna Piper- Thompson who achieved 3 A*’s and will study English at Cambridge University, and Rhiannon Jones who secured 2 A*s and an A. Chipping Sodbury School head teacher Katherine Turner said: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of everyone, with all students in a strong position to accept their first choice for university, apprenticeships or entering work including the armed services. The challenges and the uncertainty this cohort of students have faced should not be under-estimated and, as a school, we are thrilled that all the hard work has been rewarded.” 41% of students were awarded A* and
Celebrating Brimsham Green A-level results are Jess Hatherell, Kerry Lewis, Jaia Morris, Lowri Harley, Charlotte Booth, Megan Walker, April Venn, Sophie Broad, Jo Alavanza, Anna Campbell and Emily Bogie. A grades, with 74% achieving A*-B grades. Among those achieving the highest grades were Lauren Andrews (2A*, 2A), Jack Birtles (5 A), Anna Campbell (2A 2B), Josh Lillywhite (3A 1C), Joe Melling (2A*3A), Lydia Morgan (AAB) and Emily Welsby (AAB).
Visit Redmaids’ High Seniors and Sixth Form online or on site this autumn 0117 962 2641 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
redmaidshigh.co.uk
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Cyclist 'wiped out' by road rage driver A CYCLIST is lucky to be alive after suffering multiple injuries when a road rage driver ran him off the road. Nick Stack was riding near Wickwar when a 4x4, which was towing a livestock trailer, deliberately swerved in to the verge, knocking him off his bike and forcing a friend who was riding behind to crash into him. Nick suffered a broken collarbone, a head injury, gashes and bruises in the incident. But he says it could have been far worse had he not been wearing a cycle helmet. He needed a second operation three weeks after the accident, to re-set his collarbone so that it would set properly and he will eventually be able to return to cycling and his other physical activities, boot camps and boxing. The cyclist behind Nick suffered a hairline elbow fracture, cuts and bruises. Police have issued CCTV
images of the vehicle involved and are calling on anyone who recognises it to come forward. The cyclists were on a training ride, travelling in single file on Sodbury Road from Wotton-under-Edge towards Chipping Sodbury, when the incident happened on the late afternoon of July 28. Nick said: "We heard someone beeping from a long way back behind us. "I didn't think much of it but the next thing they were alongside us. The passenger shouted a lot of abuse." Nick, who lives in Downend, said he looked ahead to keep his eyes on the road and avoid engaging with the driver and passenger but then realised the vehicle was veering across in front of him, leaving him with nowhere to go. He said: "The trailer whipped in and wiped me out." Nick's friend was unable to stop and rode into the back
Cyclist Nick Stack at hospital after treatment for his injuries of him, leaving both of them injured in the road. An experienced cyclist and triathlete, Nick is used to cycling hundreds of miles a week in the UK and abroad and is a member of the locally-based Dream Cycling club. He says that while some drivers occasionally accidentally pass cyclists too close, the driver of the 4x4 and trailer "clearly knew what they were doing", adding: "They were so close I could have reached out and touched them." After the crash the 4x4, which was towing a trailer marked with the words "livestock in transit", slowed down before driving off. A witness driving behind has contacted the police but was unable to give officers a registration number. Nick said the witness had been following the van from near Charfield and said whoever was behind the wheel had been "driving like a lunatic". He added: "At the end of the day this was a hit-and-run.
Those people didn't know what condition I was in, or even whether I was still alive or not." Nick says the helmet saved his life and advised other riders to make sure they always wear one. Avon and Somerset police have tracked down CCTV footage of what they believe to be the 4x4 pick-up and trailer and are appealing for anyone who recognises them or thinks they know the driver to call 101, quoting crime reference number 5220 184 275. A spokesperson said: "The driver overtook and deliberately swerved to the nearside verge, causing the trailer to knock one of the cyclists from his bike and the other cyclist to collide with him. "We’d ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who may hold dashcam footage to get in touch with us." Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
The 4x4 and trailer police are trying to trace
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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
September, 2020
yate&sodburyvoice
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n NEWS
Centre is inundated with hedgehogs A HEDGEHOG rescue centre in Chipping Sodbury which stayed open during lockdown has had calls for help from as far away as Wales and Somerset. The number of animals coming in to Hedgehog Rescue Chipping Sodbury has increased as some rescue centres have had to close due to the impact of the pandemic on their volunteers and finances. Tracey Boden, who runs the independent centre, has been a nurse for 22 years. She is currently employed by the Gloucestershire Healthcare Trust supporting young people with young onset dementia across the county, and has worked full time throughout lockdown. Tracey said: “I was getting even more calls than normal but I did stay open despite working full time. I struggled with limited help from volunteers to start with as many of them were shielding. “Hogs have been coming in at a rate of knots. I normally have an average of between 40-50. I’ve even had them come in from as far away as Cardiff, Newport and Bristol, and someone phoned from Taunton the other day.” Tracey now has seven volunteer helpers, but she pays the bills from her own wages.
Tracey Boden with one of the rescued hedgehogs
She needs donations, either money to help pay vets' medicine bills, or of food, which is brand-specific and includes Royal Canin baby dog milk powder and dried kitten kibble.
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One of Tracey's most recent arrivals came in on August 12 from nearby Frampton Cotterell, after being rescued by firefighters from a drain. It took over two hours of drilling cutting and digging to free the hedgehog in sweltering heat, and Tracey had to give the animal a fluid injection after it became dehydrated. The hedgehog, named Smudge, is now recovering at the centre. Hedgehogs are also often injured by garden strimmers or poisoned by slug pellets or rat poison. A diet of slugs and snails can lead to internal parasites like lung worm which make hedgehogs unwell. Tracey said: “Some of the biggest issues for hedgehogs are gardening injuries and people not putting out supplementary food and water, as well as a lack of access into other gardens via 'hedgehog highways'." Tracey keeps going because she finds it so rewarding. She said: “I think it’s because I get nurtured and soothed from doing it. The hedgehogs provide me with some distraction from the impact of the job.” Anyone who would like to donate, especially food items, should contact Tracey through her website at www. hedgehogrescuechippingsodbury.co.uk.
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yate&sodburyvoice
14
September, 2020
n NEWS A SURVEY of patients at Yate surgeries has found big differences in the length of time people have to wait for an appointment. While around three quarters of patients at two town surgeries were seen by a doctor on the day they got in touch, more than half of patients at two other practices had to wait more than a week to be seen. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published this summer, found that only 7% of patients who called Leap Valley Surgery, which includes Yate's Abbotswood Surgery, were able to see a doctor the same day. A further 19% waited more than a day but less than a week, but 62% waited a week or more. By contrast, at Wellington Road Surgery, 74% of patients were offered a same-day appointment, 10% waited between a day and a week and 12% waited a week or more. Kennedy Way Surgery had similar figures, with 72% of patients offered a same-day appointment, 13% waiting
Survey lifts lid on waiting times for GP appointments between a day and a week and just 8% waiting a week or more. At West Walk Surgery, only 21% of patients were able to obtain a same-day appointment, with 25% waiting between a day and a week and 51% waiting a week or more. At Courtside Surgery, 30% of patients were seen the same day, 35% waited less than a week and 29% waited a week or more. Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait. There were big differences in how easy patients found it to get through on the phone to their surgery: while 100% of Wellington Road, 88% of Kennedy Way, 79% of West Walk and 73% of Courtside patients found it easy, only 30% of Leap Valley patients said it was easy.
Leap Valley has been plagued with complaints over its phone system for more than a year. Asked about their overall satisfaction level with their surgery, Wellington Road came out on top, with 98% of patients describing their experience as good, with 86% of West Walk, 83% of Kennedy Way, 73% of Courtside and 58% of Leap Valley patients agreeing. Almost 26,000 patients in the area responded to the survey, which was carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI earlier this year. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in overall charge of funding surgeries, said 96% of patients had confidence and trust in the healthcare professionals they
saw. CCG clinical lead for primary care provider development Dr Geeta Iyer said: “Improving and strengthening primary care services is a high priority for us and it is more important than ever that this continues in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. “During the past year our primary care networks have made great progress, bringing groups of practices together with other community services to provide co-ordinated and joined up care for people in their local areas “The results of the survey are a testament to all the hard work of everyone who works in primary care, in both clinical and non-clinical roles, who continue to deliver high quality GP services for our population.”
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September, 2020
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n NEWS
End of the line for eyesore pylons THREE “eyesore” overhead pylons which dominate a housing estate in Yate are finally set to be removed. Western Power has confirmed its plans to replace the pylons over the Brimsham Park estate with underground cabling in 2022. The work is an extension of plans to replace overhead power lines with underground cables on land to the north where construction of a large, new “community” development is underway. The entire 1.2km underground cabling project is being paid for by Barratt Homes, which is behind the new development in North Yate. The “undergrounding” of the overhead lines on the land where the Ladden Garden Village is being built was a requirement of the planning consent granted by South Gloucestershire Council. But it did not include three remaining pylons on the same stretch of cabling over the Brimsham Park estate. So Yate mayor Karl Tomasin contacted Western Power, which negotiated the extension with Barratt Homes. Announcing the extension, Mr Tomasin said the power company had confirmed it would be working on an “underground
Karl Tomasin in front of one of the pylons which will be removed solution” from its Brimsham substation to the substation supplying Chipping Sodbury, with an “indicative” timescale of 2022 for completion. He said: “Western Power have been working really hard to get a solution – even during lockdown they were on the case. “I am relieved we now have a target date. “Residents have put up with this for far too long.” A spokeswoman for Western Power said the power lines that will go underground are part of the local electricity network connected to Chipping Sodbury substation, which provides electricity to 49,800 homes and businesses.
The Ladden Garden Village will have a separate power supply, she said. Once completed, Ladden Garden Village will have more than 2,000 homes as well as a primary school, nursery, health centre, local shops, and 32 acres of open space and sports pitches. Ian Menham, Barratt Developments’ West regional director, said: “The undergrounding of overhead cables at Ladden Garden Village will enable us to develop part of the site that wouldn’t have been possible for development otherwise. “After several years of negotiations between Barratt and Western Power, we are pleased that this work, which has been welcomed by local residents, can now go ahead.” South Gloucestershire Council member Steve Reade, cabinet member for planning, transport and strategic environment, said: “In circumstances such as this where there are ongoing negotiations between Western Power and the developer to realise the council’s planning requirement, the council does not have a role in the commercial discussions that take place.” By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Overflowing Rubbish Bins The Town Council is more than aware of the littering problem in our town, which escalated during Covid-19. Our Estates Team colleagues are constantly battling to keep up with the extra mess, particularly left at weekends, and we are trying to understand why this is happening. Is the answer to spend more money on buying bigger bins? In a bid to help where he can, Yate Mayor, Councillor Karl Tomasin has worked with McDonalds, and as a result they have volunteered to empty the bin by the bus stop on Station Road (near McDonalds) at weekends, for which we would like to pass on our thanks. We would also like to give our thanks to the local “litter heroes” who selflessly volunteer to litter pick this tide of unwanted rubbish from our streets and parks. We urge you to take your rubbish home. If your nearest public bin is full – do the right thing! Great British September Clean https://www. keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-ourcampaigns/great-british-spring-clean
Congratulations to Yate Heritage Centre for being awarded Full Accreditation by Arts Council England Scheme for Museums and Galleries in the UK. This accolade sets the UK industry standard for museums and galleries, and is awarded for proper management of collections, appropriate governing standards and engagement with visitors. www. yateheritage.co.uk
Multi-Activity Community Building and Boxing Club project at YOSC The Community Building project at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) safely restarted in May and we are incredibly excited to see the facility come to life! The building’s shell has been erected, and over the next few months the interior will be fitted out to provide
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facilities for a wide range of sports, health and wellbeing groups. Funded by the Town Council and a £100k grant from Sports England, the new building will give our community a fantastic new space, in addition to the facilities already at YOSC. To find out more or to sponsor this facility, please contact the team! lcollier@ yatetowncouncil.gov.uk
Contact Us Please view our website for further advice and information on Covid-19 matters http://www. yatetowncouncil.gov.uk/council-news/covid-19/
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September, 2020
yate&sodburyvoice
17
n NEWS
Fast food ban will 'kill' high streets Shops reopen A BAN on new fast food outlets near schools will “kill” local high streets, councillors have claimed. South Gloucestershire Council is fast-tracking the introduction of the new policy, which will prohibit new fast food outlets, such as takeaways, burger bars and snack vans, from opening within 400 metres of any primary or secondary school. Conservative councillors proposed the new measure in a bid to fight childhood obesity after a planning inspector allowed two new 24h drive-thrus to go ahead near three schools in Bradley Stoke, and it could become part of the district's next local plan. Council leader Toby Savage said: “By introducing these restrictions, we can help schools, parents and carers to ensure young people are more likely to benefit from a balanced diet.” But opposition councillors have raised concerns the new policy will affect South Gloucestershire towns and villages, where the high streets
sit very close to schools. Members of the council’s scrutiny commission heard a 400 metre exclusion zone around St John’s Mead primary school in Chipping Sodbury “pretty much covers all of the shopping district” where there are currently about 12 fast food outlets. Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Rush, who represents Chipping Sodbury, said he feared the new policy would create empty high streets, as existing takeaway outlets closed and new ones were not allowed to take their place. “If this comes in, gradually over the years it’s going to kill high streets like Chipping Sodbury,” he said. “If you get takeaway companies coming in, then they fill shops, whereas if you ain’t going to get them in, they ain’t going to fill the shops. “There’s normal churn, which you’re not going to allow to take place.” But Labour group deputy leader Ian Boulton, who spearheaded a campaign opposing the conversion of a
YATE Shopping Centre says shoppers and confidence are both gradually returning following the re-opening after lockdown. With 101 shops now open – out of the 105 total – managers say there there has been a noticeable increase in activity as shoppers become accustomed to the new Covid-19 safety measures and the need for social distancing. Centre manager Andrew Lowrey said: “We are now seeing shoppers starting to relax more as they become more familiar with the measures we have adopted throughout the Shopping Centre. This will only lead to a boost in confidence and increased numbers prepared to visit the centre. “It goes without saying that the measures we have put in place will be here for some time to come, however we are constantly reviewing the effectiveness of the existing measures and the need for any improvements in our systems. “Since opening in early July, Miss Millies has proved a big success and we have extended their external seating area as we have also done for Boswells, Miss Millies, Bolero Lounge, Wetherspoon and Esquires Coffee." former charity shop in Staple Hill into yet another fast food outlet, said the new policy would encourage “diversity” in the type of shops in South Gloucestershire’s high streets. Cabinet member for planning Steve Reade said the administration was “very conscious” of the potential
effects of the takeaway exclusion zone and he was “very keen that high streets survive and thrive”. He said he expected there would be “some form of consultation” on the new policy but he did not know when it would take place. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Community transport goes electric A YATE-based community transport charity has a new electric vehicle. Green Community Travel has been presented with the vehicle by South Gloucestershire Council. Kingswood Community Transport and Four Towns and Vale Link Transport, which also covers Winterbourne, Thornbury and Bradley Stoke, have also been given new vehicles. The three operators each received a brand-new Nissan ENV WAV (wheelchair accessible electric people carrier) to use for their local services, which will help to reduce emissions and maintenance costs. The new EVs form part of a fleet of 15 vehicles being provided to South Gloucestershire’s community transport operators this year, after the council secured £740,000 of funding for the vehicles from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund, administered by the West of England
Jenny Bright (second right) of Green Community Travel with Metro Mayor Tim Bowles, cabinet councillor Steve Reade and representatives of other community transport charities who have been given new electric vehicles Combined Authority. West of England Mayor Tim Bowles and council cabinet member for transport Steve Reade handed over the vehicles in August. Mr Bowles said: “Community transport offers a vital lifeline for our residents who
otherwise may not be able to get out and about. "It’s great to see our Local Growth Fund being used for these new community minibuses which will play their part in getting the region moving, and support my ambitions for clean and inclusive economic growth in the West of England.” Green Community Transport manager Jenny Bright said: "We are thrilled to receive this wonderful electric accessible vehicle, we are so grateful to WECA for their support to South Glos Community Transports, a huge thank you also to South Gloucestershire Council who have submitted this bid for us. "It seems appropriate we have a ‘green’ vehicle to match our name! "We will use this to help our passengers get to hospital and we’re really pleased it will also benefit the environment." For more information about community transport visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ communitytransport online.
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Remember loved ones by moonlight and support Children’s Hospice South West
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Remember and celebrate the life of someone special To find out more and request your memory pack visit:
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HILDREN’S Hospice South West (CHSW) is inviting people to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one and raise vital funds for the charity. A Memories by Moonlight ceremony will be broadcast live on Facebook from CHSW’s Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell at 9pm on Saturday, September 26, giving people the opportunity to light a candle and join together virtually for a special evening of reflection. The poignant and uplifting ceremony will feature readings from all three of the charity’s children’s hospices –Charlton Farm near Bristol, Little Harbour and Little Bridge House near Barnstaple. It will include music, poems and a two-minute applause to celebrate loved ones whose names will appear on the screen. Kiley Pearce, Events Fundraiser for CHSW said: “Due to the pandemic, the charity has had to adapt many things over the last few months – the care and support we offer to children as well as the fundraising events that help to fund that vital support for more than 500 local families. “We hope our new Memories by Moonlight event will give people a lovely way to support the work we do while remembering their loved
ones.” Everyone who registers to take part in the event, which is being sponsored by National Friendly, will get the chance to join the virtual memory ceremony. People can then choose to simply donate in memory of their loved one or complete a walk or activity that reminds them of their loved one and ask friends and family to make a donation towards this. Participants will receive a beautiful memory pack in the post, which will include a candle bag to decorate, along with a tea light to light on the evening and a booklet to accompany the memory ceremony. Kiley added: “We are delighted to be bringing Memories by Moonlight to people across Bristol and beyond. We look forward to connecting with everyone joining us for the memory ceremony on the evening of September 26, which we are sure will be a very special night.” To register for Memories by Moonlight simply visit www.chsw. org.uk/moonlight. Registration is just £10 and a memory pack, along with details of how to access the Memory Ceremony, will be sent in the post. For more information about the event, you can also call the CHSW Fundraising Team on 01726 871800.
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
September, 2020
n NEWS A YATE mum has described how her struggles with the effects of brain cancer left her contemplating suicide. Katie Warner says she felt unable to go on after she was left frail and suffering from seizures, and was only persuaded to carry on by a friend who saw her cry for help on Facebook. The 28-year-old has spoken out about her condition to raise awareness of the funding crisis facing Cancer Research UK. The charity has seen £44 million of funding for its lifesaving work lost because of the cancellation or postponement of fundraising events and is expecting to lose £150 million over the coming year. Katie, who has a daughter aged six, has been living with a brain cancer diagnosis since 2015 and had experienced countless seizures, rendering her unable to speak at times. The final straw came one New Year’s Eve when she felt she couldn’t go on. Katie said: “Friends had been round to our house to celebrate the New Year and after they left, I collapsed on the floor. My husband Paul called his parents so they could look after our daughter Chloe and he called 999 and I was taken to hospital. “I didn’t stay in hospital that night but went home and had so many seizures at home." Katie said her daughter had to live with her grandparents while she and her husband struggled to survive. She said: “I had contemplated suicide and posted something on Facebook about how no one would notice if I was gone. Then my friend Lucie contacted me and talked sense into me and set me on a better path by getting me to fight rather than give in. She got me through and built me up again.” Lucie Owen-Drawbridge, who met Katie through her husband's interest in hot air ballooning, had added her as a friend on Facebook and only met her once before picking up Katie's "spinechilling" message. She said: "I knew she was
19
Mum Katie tells how brain cancer made her suicidal
Katie Warner (right) with her friend Lucie Owen-Drawbridge going through cancer treatment and I immediately replied, telling her I was going to Facetime her there and then. “Being a straight-talking kind of person, I asked her not to put pressure on herself. ‘The pain is there to remind you that you are still alive, and she needed to be strong’ I said. “Since that phone call we have become like sisters. We share our ups and downs, our jokes, our feelings, everything. In just one day we spoke 52 times. It is not unusual for us to call each other every couple of hours. Katie has stopped her chemotherapy treatment for now and is awaiting results from an MRI scan to establish how the tumour has reacted to treatment. She said than in one month alone she had 14 seizures, and has decided the risk of having another child is too great to take. She has laid bare the problems cancer has caused her and her family to focus attention on the work Cancer Research UK, whose regular fundraising events such as Yate's Relay for
Let us knowyour views EMAIL US AT:
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Life have been disrupted by the coronavirus lockdown, does to find new treatments.
Cancer Research UK currently funds around 50 per cent of all cancer research in the UK but the £150 million drop in income it expects in the year ahead is equivalent to what it would spend on clinical trials over the next decade, and vital projects are being held up. Cancer Research UK spokesperson Alison Birkett, said: “We’re grateful to Katie for helping to underline the stark reality of the current situation. “COVID-19 has put so much of our research on pause, leaving us facing a crisis where every day and every pound counts." People are being urged to help Cancer Research UK continue its research by visiting one of its shops donating online via cruk.org/donate or calling 0300 123 1022.
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September, 2020
n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
Bletchley Park mementoes are surprise of sale STROUD Auctions’ August sale featured specialist sections of guns and weapons, medals and militaria, toys and cameras. As usual, there was huge interest in the sporting section, and the top selling lot was a desirable Browning shotgun (£4,980), one of over 400 lots of shooting-related items in the sale. However the surprise lot of the sale was a Royal Air Force service and release book for Leading aircraftwoman E I Kettle, who was a wireless operator at code-breaking nerve centre Bletchley Park, sold together with a named photograph of 'D' Watch Auto, taken at Church Green, Bletchley, in July 1945, with LACW Kettle being shown in the back row. Also included was a message from the centre's director general, dated May 8 1945 (VE Day) thanking everyone for their work, which was signed by various female colleagues and stamped by nine departments, as well as a Morse Code slip dated May 7 1945 and marked in pencil. Originally estimated at £80-120, the lot sold for £1,000. The auctioneer’s favourite lot was a collection of two personal
Mementoes from the codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park provided the surprise lot of the auction
photograph albums from the First World War, compiled by Lieutenant A C Kingham, Honourable Artillery Company, the first depicting his time and experiences on the Western Front, which sold for £600. Further albums depicted WWI in Italy (£460) and the Expeditionary Force in Russia, in 1918 (£460). However, it can also be the unexpected items that surprise you. In a toy section of over 600 lots were a selection of small petrol and diesel engines from model aircraft, some dating to the post-war period and very collectable. An Oliver Tiger
Personal photo albums from the Western Front in WWI sold for £600.
example made £130, with the whole collection of engines making over £3,000 in total. In total there were 1,884 lots and 1,962 online bidders. The next auction will be on September 9-11 and includes jewellery, silver, watches, clocks and coins. Always a popular sale, this one looks exceptional, with over 1,200 lots of jewellery alone. If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, why not book in for the viewing day on September 8? Entries are still being accepted
for the October 7 & 8 auction, which will include vinyl records, pictures and paintings, books, stamps, ephemera, ceramics and glass, and for the November 4 & 5 auction, which will include medals, militaria, guns, weapons, air rifles, swords, toys, plus cars, motorbikes and transport-related collectables. Already consigned are a large private collection of medals and militaria, two rare Zell air pistols, toys including Corgi and Airfix, motorbikes including a 1942 Harley Davidson model U and three restored BSA Bantams.
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on November 4th & 5th
Including specialist sections of guns, weapons, medals, militaria, taxidermy, toys, classic cars, motorbikes & transport
1975 Land Rover series III Sold for £8,200 Browning B25 12 bore over & under ejector shotgun Sold for £5000 Deadline for entries 10th October
WW2 Bletchley Park interest medal & related paperwork Sold for £1000
FREE valuations Monday-Friday 9-5 by appointment at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph to info@stroudauctions.com We are regularly ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders
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01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
September, 2020
n NEWS
21
Firefighters chill out
Climate protest CAMPAIGNERS set up a display of children's shoes in Yate to represent the 135 deaths in South Gloucestershire each year caused by air pollution. Members of Climate Action Yate and Chipping Sodbury staged the demonstration outside the Armadillo Youth Centre in Station Road at the end of July. The shoes were donated by people across Gloucestershire as part of a county-wide action organised by Extinction Rebellion to highlight climate change. The group said: “We hope these shoes can highlight our local problems with pollution. "We’re delighted with recent announcements about transport improvements – it’s very promising to see the council and some of the town councils starting to take real action and we urge them to continue. "We want more people to understand the scale of the issues and the challenges we face to protect the planet.” Afterwards all shoes were donated to the Shoe Aid charity.
THIS new 'wellbeing space' at Yate Fire Station has been created to help firefighters unwind, reflect and relax. Avon Fire and Rescue service has created the new areas at five stations so far and say they are "key" for improving mental health of staff dealing with traumatic incidents and the effects of the coronavirus crisis. Seven more spaces are planned. Most of the work has also been carried out by station staff themselves, with some materials and supplies obtained at a discount or from generous donations from local suppliers and traders. Service health and wellbeing advisor Leanne Wharton said: “Having a wellbeing space not only helps with emotional wellbeing but our physical wellbeing too. “Spending time outside in a relaxing space can reduce stress hormones, muscle tension and blood pressure as well as improving our mood. “In the current climate, it is more important than ever to provide an opportunity for staff to unwind and connect outside of their usual workplace."
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yate&sodburyvoice
22
September, 2020
n MOTORING
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second-hand Style VW Golf R32: Anachronistic joy
I
MAGINE you fell asleep in 1980 and only woke up, Rip Van Winkle style, not 20 but 40 years later. What’s changed? Everything if you’d been an epidemiologist Dutch settler (admittedly quite niche),and pretty much nothing if you’d been a keen VW fan. That’s because in 1980 the VW to have was the Golf GTi – and in 2020 it is still the Golf GTi. Yes, horsepower has nearly trebled, and the engine is 20% bigger. Otherwise, the Golf remains the best family hatchback that, in GTi and ‘R’ form, sits at the top of VW’s performance range. And that feels right for a company calling itself ‘People’s Car’ – an honest runabout that can also be had with incredible pace, if you stump up the extra cash. It feels right, but looking back to the recent past it is completely wrong. In the years old Rip was asleep, VW tried (and ultimately failed) to take the ‘People’s Car’ brand to some really crazy and exciting places. When this month’s test car was new in 2008, VW offered a 3.2 V6 (as seen here, shortly after superseded by a 3.6 V6), a 4.0 W8 (half of what would become a Bugatti W16), a 4.2 V8, a 5.0 V10 diesel and a 6.0 W12. The latter can still be found in new Bentleys today, and VW even toyed with putting it in the Golf. I’m not joking – they mounted their 640hp 12 cylinder engine just behind the front seats, like in that wonderful Clio V6 that made it into
production. The W12 Golf didn’t though, so it turns out that there were some engineering and commercial limits in Wolfsburg. The largest petrol engine you can buy from VW UK today is a 2 litre four cylinder. Think about that for a while. The Passat has to make do with a tiddly little 1.5. So, what happened? The unholy trinity of the VW diesel-gate scandal, emissions regulations that were then tightened further and the turbocharger facilitating the move to smaller, cleaner engines. This is all a precursor to the inevitable electric car sweeping everything combustion-powered away anyhow. I do like a turbo, but back in 2008 the Golf R32 didn’t need one. Instead, what you got was a large naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine with 250hp, lots of low-down torque coupled to a four wheel drive system and a 6 speed manual gearbox. Lovely. This particular example is in the perfect spec – blue, subtle and supple leather, 3 doors and low miles. Behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, it feels like new. The dash is modern enough, the cabin doesn’t squeak or rattle and the controls are light but responsive. You don’t notice the four-wheel drive setup at all, and the extra weight just feels like solidity rather than girth. The car has a wide, low stance that I liked, and placing it on the road is easy. This is a Golf, after all. The swanky Recaro seats are really
comfortable, and I much preferred them to the cloth alternatives that lesser Golfs came with. The gearbox, slick and easy to use, is great but quite low-geared. Think 26mph/1,000rpm, which means that at 70mph the engine is turning at 2,700rpm. I suspect this is to ensure that the V6 is always ‘on cam’ when you put your foot down (peak torque is at 2,500), but it means about 25mpg if driven nicely. Which would be a waste. You won’t just be spending on petrol either – the R32 is £580 to tax. Ouch. Reassuringly, enthusiasts don’t seem to care, as values of good R32s are creeping up, or at least they were before lockdown. The engine remains the shining star of the show – unlike a turbocharged motor there is no sudden shove in the back. Instead the V6 pulls strongly from idle and piles on the power quite linearly as the revs rise. All accompanied by a throaty woofle from the close-set twin exhausts. What goes wrong? Front arches rust, which is completely unforgivable in such a modern car. The 4WD transmission needs new oil every 40k miles, which isn’t cheap. Avoid the ‘DSG’ automatic, which, despite improvements, is still troublesome. Otherwise, this is a reliable purchase, but buttress your wallet for ongoing maintenance associated with any hot hatchback of this age. I am always sad to see cars like this disappear from sale. Modern replacements, despite all their turbo power, will never replicate the lightweight responses of an early 80s GTi. They also miss the brawn of a V6 from VW’s wonderfully unhinged years. Get your hands on a fabulous dinosaur before they become extinct.
VW Golf R32 (Mk5), 2006-2009. What to pay: £9k to £13k with less than 80k miles.
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yate&sodburyvoice
23
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Yate & Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.
A glorious pudding for September I LOVE September. There’s still a chance of some lovely warm weather and the last of the summer fruits to enjoy. This month’s recipe is a classic with a twist – baked Alaska with summer fruits. It’s surprisingly easy to do and has fewer calories than the traditional recipe as it doesn’t have a sponge base. You can use whichever fruit is available, peaches, raspberries, blackberries or plums. As long as you time the cooking exactly (don’t leave it unattended!) you will have a real treat.
Fruity Baked Alaska Serves 2 Ingredients: • Peaches or raspberries – 2 large peaches or about 110g (4oz) of raspberries • Lemon juice- 1 tbsp • For the meringue – Egg whites – 2 medium • Caster sugar – 100g (4oz) • To finish- Vanilla ice cream- 2 scoops x2
You will need • 2 individual ovenproof dishes • To preheat the oven to 220 C, Gas Mark 7
Here’s what you do: 1. First prep the fruit: Wash the fruit you’ve chosen.
2. If using peaches, cut the fruit in half, twist and then cut into quarters. Take the stone out by cutting around it and twisting. 3. Cut the peaches into small pieces. 4. Put the peaches into a small pan with 4 tbsps water, 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook gently for 5 minutes, until just soft. Cook the raspberries for 3 or 4 minutes (no need for lemon juice). 5. Share the fruit, either the prepped peaches or the raspberries, between the 2 dishes. Leave to one side while you make the meringue. To make the meringue: 1. Put the egg whites into a mediumsized bowl. Beat the egg until it stands in soft peaks. You can use a hand mixer to do this quickly. 2. Whisk in the sugar a spoon at a time, counting to 30 between each spoonful.
To assemble: 1. Take your dishes with the fruit in them. Put 2 scoops per dish of ice cream over the fruit. 2. Pile the meringue over the ice cream, making sure that the ice cream is completely covered otherwise it will start to melt. 3. Bake in the middle of the oven for exactly 3 mins until golden. 4. Serve immediately.
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yate&sodburyvoice
24
September, 2020
n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE WITH the advent of the VE and VJ Day anniversaries this year, we have inevitably been focussing on the Second World War. Over the course of the lockdown period we have had more opportunity to re-evaluate some of the archaeological sites in the area. Archaeologists and local historians in and around Wickwar have undertaken a project to discover more about a well-known wartime structure near the village. The project has also unearthed new archival material shedding light on wartime activity in the village. The structure in question is a humble Royal Observation Corps look-out post, the future of which is uncertain. The brick and concrete structure has stood proudly in a field west of Wickwar since 1939. Generations of Wickwar villagers have walked past or played in an around the structure. With its future uncertain, it has sparked the interest of local historians. Although aesthetically unprepossessing, surviving ROC posts are thin on the ground and
Last traces of Wickwar at war
The future of the Royal Observation Corps post at Wickwar is uncertain but it once played a key role in identifying enemy aircraft. therefore worthy of study and, arguably, protection. Pill boxes (concrete military guard posts), by contrast, are too numerous to mention. The project, in my view, has been a triumph for local history in Wickwar.
The group have located new archival information. We now know which local men were on the rota at the post from 1939 to 1945. The records also show that the post also contained aeroplane models enabling those on duty to identify friendly or enemy aircraft.
And the project continues. The group now plan to work with village elders to obtain oral history of wartime and ARP activity in Wickwar, creating a new archive for Wickwar and the community in general. The structure has now been entered on the Heritage Environment Record, ensuring it is in the heritage system, at least. The project has also reminded us that Wickwar boasts a fascinating wartime heritage. As well as the ROC post, there are the remains of several blocked-up air raid shelters in the Buthay area industrial estate. For four years, Wickwar was a wartime industrial hub, machining and assembling gun turrets for aircraft. Both the Buthay area and Cider Works (now Wickwar Brewing Co) housed Parnall Aircraft dispersal sites between 1941 to 1945 and welcomed hundreds of workers every day to Wickwar from Yate and Bristol. David Hardill
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yate&sodburyvoice
September, 2020
25
n LOCAL MP
Delivering the best possible education for our children AS pupils across South Gloucestershire return to school, it is now as important as ever that we ensure the best possible standard of education is awaiting them. To do this, we need to ensure local schools receive the right level of funding, both for students' actual education and for the repair and renewal of school buildings, in towns like Yate and Thornbury, and in the rural village schools who are often working from old buildings and need that extra investment. Many pupils and parents have felt that we needed a better deal on school funding, and that the Government had to deliver. That is why I created Our Positive Plan for Schools in South Gloucestershire. This plan is now more important than ever: delivering higher school funding, updating school buildings and facilities, building two new primary schools
in Yate, redeveloping Castle School in Thornbury, building a new special school at Marlwood, extending Old Sodbury Primary school, improving special needs provision and ensuring the implementation of £79 million of repairs and upgrades for South Gloucestershire schools. With your help, and the support of local head teachers, we have made great progress. First, it has now been announced that our schools are set to benefit from the biggest funding increase in a decade, with every single child in South Gloucestershire schools set to benefit. We will see big increases: Alexander Hosea Primary will see a funding increase of 8.4%, Oldbury-on-Severn Primary 12.1%, St Johns Mead in Chipping Sodbury of 7% and Woodlands Primary in Yate will benefit from an increase of 7.2%.
All of our secondary schools will see a boost, with Chipping Sodbury students now set to receive £5,559 per pupil, Marlwood £5,544, Brimsham £5,705, the Castle School £5,415 and Yate Academy £5,727, so our secondary schools can deliver the best possible standards in education. Our campaign for major upgrades to Old Sodbury School has been a success, thanks to a £380,000 investment from South Gloucestershire Council. This has allowed work to begin over the summer for a brand new reception class, toilets and staff facilities, which will be in place to be used by the children joining in September. Local students attending SGS Filton College will benefit from an investment of £1,134,567 to repair and refurbish their campus. These cash investments form part of a major investment in our schools
Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice
and colleges over the next five years. As pupils start to return to schools, we will make sure the right standard of education is awaiting them: more funding and more investment in the buildings and facilities to deliver a top-flight education. To all parents, pupils and teachers: thank you for everything you are doing to ensure the safe return to our excellent local schools.
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yate&sodburyvoice
26
September, 2020
n PETER'S VISION
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’VE said before that I’m generally an optimist. This year was meant to be a great year for so many reasons. I think accepting where we are and making the most of what we’ve got, as well as looking forward with hope, is key to helping us all see this through. Schools are almost back, which I’m sure is a relief to so many of us, but perhaps for different reasons! I’m pleased that our three are looking forward to being back with their friends, no doubt in new ways to keep them all safe. It’s surely a credit to our schools that they’re managing so much and so well in such difficult circumstances. No mention of schools would be complete without a few eye and vision tips. It’s the time of year we receive the most referrals about children and young people with visual symptoms. They range from not being able to see the school board to cranky and tired children (who knew this could be due to eye strain eh!). It's more common to notice eye rubbing, excessive blinking and getting headaches, but we’re happy really to advise on all sorts of eye or vision concerns. Now I’m known as a tech lover, and as I’m sure we all did in the lockdown phase, my use of tech was significantly increased. My time was often spent on video calls to patients or reviewing and advising on guidance and patient safety documents. It was definitely a good time to test out the advice I’m usually giving to our patients; take regular breaks from your phone, tablet or computer screen, drink a good amount of water during the working day and make sure you get up and about at regular intervals. The stress relieving benefit of a short lunchtime walk in the sunshine was felt by many! I remain quietly (or maybe not so quietly!) in awe of the sublime quality and affordable luxury of our Tom Davies hand made glasses. The most common feedback our satisfied patients report is the day long comfort of wearing these glasses. The range
of materials, from soft touch Italian acetate to diamond (yes really!) coated Japanese titanium and ethical horn and ensures that whatever style you choose you too can look great & feel good in your new glasses! As always when you come and see us you can expect the usual high standards of personal service, professional expertise and hygiene excellence you’re used to, from your local independent opticians. You & your loved ones are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care and new glasses or contact lenses. We just ask that you telephone first to book a time to come in, to help us keep you all safe. Whatever your eye care needs, whether at school, home working or out & about our expert team is ready & waiting to help you - however you enjoy using your eyes & vision! To book an extended eye exam or frame style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
September, 2020
27
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury
IAIN Dunnett, one of our longstanding members and a past club President, has left Yate Rocks to live in the Exeter area. Whilst Iain will remain a club member for the time being, his contribution to club activities will be sorely missed. Iain was always good humoured and willing to chip in with fundraising and other club events. His presence will also be missed by his friends Bill Bennett and Tony Sarafian, with whom, and with the support of Dave Hancock, he has cycled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. They are aptly known locally as the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ cycling group (pictured). We wish Iain and his wife Bridget well as they embark on fresh adventures in Devon. In July, club members were entertained to a fascinating insight into a small and relatively unknown charity called APS UK. APS is an illness similar to MS but not as well known, even within the medical profession. The club
was delighted to make a financial contribution to APS UK. Our guest speaker in August was Iron Acton resident Robert Bourns, a highly-respected solicitor and President of the Law Society for England and Wales in 2016/17.
We had hoped to stage the club’s inaugural Health and Wellbeing Day in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall in October, involving over 20 advice stands and attracting hundreds of people, but due to
COVID-19 restrictions, we have had to reschedule the event for April 2021. The club was delighted to pledge financial support to the Chipping Sodbury School Rotary Racer Greenpower Team to help purchase Covid-19 compliant protective clothing once racing starts again. On the social side, club members have been able to meet to enjoy playing friendly boules matches each Wednesday at the Horton Social Club. This has proved to be very popular, particularly during this long period of very limited face-to-face contact. Unavoidably, our regular club meetings continue to be held on video via Zoom, a word unknown to us in March! Anyone wishing to know more about the club should email sfraser952@gmail.com. Stuart Fraser
VJ Day remembered
Tree trail is coming
ON Saturday August 15 commemorations took place to mark 75 years since VJ Day, which marked the end of the Second World War. Yate Town Council joined with St Mary’s Church Ministry, the Royal British Legion and Dodington Parish Council to remember the huge sacrifice and suffering so many endured. Because of the current COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing, two very small services took place at St Mary’s Church in Yate. On Saturday morning, at 11am, Rev Iain McFarlane led a 'cry for peace’ at the lych gates, with representatives of the Royal British Legion and mayor Karl Tomasin, representing Yate Town Council. A candle was lit in remembrance and remained alight in the church all day. At 5pm a further Service of Commemoration and Remembrance took place
ORGANISERS of Yate's Christmas Tree Festival are organising a new event to fit in with coronavirus restrictions. This year's festival at St Mary's Church has been cancelled, as organisers felt the pandemic had resulted in "too many unknowns" in staging an indoor event, with many of the major decisions having to be made well in advance. Instead they are planning an alternative event that would allow people to decorate trees and raise money for charity. The Christmas Tree Trail will consist of individually decorated and themed Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses, charities, schools and individuals, with a mapped walking trail around the area. Maps will be sold from local shops, with the proceeds will be divided equally between St Peter’s Hospice and St Mary’s Church. Organisers are calling on residents and businesses interested in taking part to email them now at parishoffice@yateparish.org.uk, or call Christine on 01454 880518 for more details. The trail will start on December 5 and continue throughout the month, with a ‘Wonderful World of Christmas’ theme and competitions with prizes for all age groups.
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28
n NEWS
September, 2020
n ABBOTSWOOD PHARMACY BLOG
Shopmobility is back SHOPMOBILITY South Gloucestershire is coming back – and is on the lookout for volunteers. The service enabling people to hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter to use at Yate Shopping Centre is based at the town's library. Having had to close during the coronavirus lockdown, from September Shopmobility will re-open on two days per week – Tuesdays and Fridays – from 10am to 3.30pm. People from South Gloucestershire with a Diamond Card concessionary bus pass can use that to pay for the hire. To pre-book a scooter or wheelchair call the scheme on 01454 868718 or 0799 957 4474, email shopmobilitysouthglos@yahoo. com or call into its office at Yate Library. Vice-chairman David Bell said: "It's great to be providing our much-needed service again, and we look forward to seeing and serving our customers." The group is also looking for volunteers to help out: anyone interested should contact Shopmobility at the phone numbers or email above. The Shopmobility South Glos scheme, originally set up after the efforts of the late Keith Holloway, recently marked the passing of two other stalwarts: former Sodbury town councillor Ann Hulme and Granville Olive. The group is now sharing updates on Facebook @ yateshopmobility and Twitter @yate_southglos.
Tips on how to boost Mental Wellbeing THE broader cost to society of the pandemic is becoming more evident. The recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that the proportion of people in the UK suffering with depression has doubled during the Covid-19 pandemic, with stress and anxiety being most commonly listed by people. Daily reports of job losses – pulling the rug fromunder already hardpressed families, ongoing unplanned disruptions and our increasing lack of confidence in failing leadership, it all feels relentless. Amid this onslaught, here are some much needed useful tips on how to boost our mental wellbeing. • Avoid continually monitoring the news and social media feeds. • Get information from UK healthcare professionals and reputable sources. • Look after yourself- Where possible, maintain adaily routine, and prioritise your wellbeing and mental health. Caring for others, the burdens of balancing life and work can take their toll. Remember always, Seeking help is not Weakness. • Stay connected to others. Keeping in touch with your friends and family as well as and checking in on others more vulnerable is helpful • Talk with children –Be aware that children, even those very young, know something is wrong. The changes in our behaviour,impact on us of stress/ exhaustion and most certainly the absence of some familiar faces and places will leave them puzzled and many times scared. Take the time to talk with them and provide age-appropriate support to help them cope. • Act responsibly- We all now have a part to play. Wearing masks, getting tested, socially distancing, self-isolating if necessary, hand hygiene, to name a few things. For the first time in a long time – your actions will not just impact others but may even ultimately keep them alive.
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September, 2020
yate&sodburyvoice
29
n SPORT
Hat-trick keeps racer Alfie on top YATE teenager Alfie Gendall secured his first ever hat-trick of wins to get the defence of his motorsport title off to a great start. Alfie took the top step of the podium in the Junior American Cup Car Racing series at the Birmingham Wheels Raceway. The two heats took place on a dry track in blustery conditions, with Alfie starting from the back of the pack, but he worked his way to the front, getting clear of rival Joe Wood in the number 7 car each time. As the juniors entered the track on their slick tyres for the final later in the afternoon the heavens opened, making racing much more difficult. His two wins in the heats meant Alfie started from the
back, but by the end of the first lap he had carved his way through to take the lead which he never relinquished to take a win: the first time he has managed to take all three wins in a race meeting. Alfie said: “The final was really tricky but the car had good grip even on the slick tyres and once I hit the front I was determined to keep it there for the win. "Getting my first hat trick of wins in a meeting is fantastic, the car was great all day and gave me great confidence coming into the final with the wet track." Alfie, who became the British Champion in his debut season last year, has now extended his lead in the standings to 35 points, with the next round in
Alfie Gendall keeps ahead of rival Joe Wood. Picture: Jeff Gendall
September. The Junior American Cup Cars are powered by a Honda GX390 engine and are limited to approx 65mph.
The series is open to 8-16 year olds and is an alternative to karting. Jeff Gendall
Bluebells open the turnstiles for fans FANS are being welcomed back to Yate Town's Lodge Road ground for the first time in five months as the club prepares for the new season under COVID-19 restrictions. The Bluebells hosted Cribbs FC in a pre-season friendly on August 26, with a limited number of fans allowed to watch. A maximum of 300 people were allowed to watch and their details were left with the
club so track and trace can be implemented if needed, with the club urging fans to register in advance. Earlier in August fans had been advised to stay away from the first pre-season matches, but the government and FA have approved new rules, and the Cribbs match was being used as a test to see how the coronavirus precautions work. If they are seen to have worked well, the club will be able to
increase the attendance level for league games. Town are also recruiting more stewards so they can help police the new rules. The club has thanked local people for supporting a crowdfunding appeal which raised over £3,000. The money will be used to help the club as it tries to deal with loss of income due to the pandemic. On the pitch, manager
Paul Michael has continued to strengthen his squad. Sam Turl and goalkeeper Andy Hannah have followed the manager from Cinderford Town. There are also returns to Yate for former players Andy Lewis and Lewis Bamford. Goalkeeper Andy Forster has decided to leave Lodge Road to try and guarantee first team football.
Players needed to take a dive for hockey club YATE Hockey Club is preparing for the new season with a drive to recruit new players. The club is particularly looking for goalkeepers to get in touch. Spokesperson Sarah Wells said: “We are always seeking new players to join us in the ladies and men’s clubs, so whether you are looking to switch clubs, get back into hockey or want to learn for the first time, we’d love to hear from you.” Yate Hockey Club also has a thriving junior section. Potential players can find out more by completing the form on the website www.yatehockey.com.
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Yate Hockey Club is on the lookout for goalkeepers
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yate&sodburyvoice
30
September, 2020
n SPORT
Henry hits century on district debut CHIPPING Sodbury Under 11 duo Henry Rendell and Jack Gray made winning debuts for the Stroud and South Gloucestershire district side in a friendly match against their Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire counterparts. Batting first in the sunshine at the Ridings, SSG posted an impressive total of 246-3 from 30 overs, with Rendell reaching his first ever hundred in the final over of the innings. He faced 74 balls in total and hit 17 fours and two sixes – including one off the first ball of the match, which rattled the club flagpole! A good crowd was pitchside, with teammates to applaud his knock and he was left unbeaten on 108 at the close. The Forest of Dean side made a strong
start in reply but SSG kept them in check and took wickets at regular intervals to help stem the flow of runs, with Gray playing behind the stumps as wicketkeeper. In the end, Forest of Dean finished with a total of 110-8 from their 30 overs, in a match played in good spirit. Sodbury Under 11s have got off to a flying start in their rearranged Bristol Youth Cricket League friendly Express under 11 mini league. Three solid wins on the bounce against Hambrook, Hanham and Rockhampton have seen all the team making key contributions along the way. The Under 11 super 8s side have also recorded wins, as the club's youth teams Henry Rendell (left) and Jack Gray after their continue to expand and improve. debut for the Stroud and South Gloucestershire Steve Hill side.
Owen's record is highlight as athletics returns FOR most of the year, the return of athletics has seemed to be a forlorn hope. During lockdown, athletes have been training in their back gardens and round the streets, and more recently in carefully distanced small groups, but a cautious return has now been made with three pilot meetings held at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex. The highlight of the first meeting on July 19 was the breaking of one of Yate & District Athletics Club’s oldest records, for the under-17 men’s hammer. Owen Merrett's 65.03m added nearly a metre to the distance set by Charlie Beresford in 1989. Taking this long-standing club record may be some consolation in a season when Owen would surely have been favourite for the English Schools title and a run-out in the home international. He bettered the record in mid-August at Lea Valley in London, when a throw of 69.17m qualified him for the European U18 Championships.
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At a second pilot meeting on August 16, dedicated to throwing and jumping, two more Yate hammer throwers broke club records: Toby Conibear broke the under-20 men’s record with a throw of 55.08m, while Felicity Whiteway threw 38.91m to take the under-15 girls’ record. Adam Brooks and Luke Ball showed that the lay-off had done them little harm. Adam jumped 2.05m and Luke 1.95m in the high jump, before both improving on these performances when they travelled to Lea Valley, where Adam recorded a personal best of 2.13m and was invited to the British Championships in Manchester. Luke passed the coveted 2.00m mark to put him in with a chance of eventual European competition. Pole vaulters were out in force, glad of the chance to compete at last. Ben Latham cleared 3.30m, but Adam Nolan was not far behind with a vault of 2.90m. Mention must also be made of Arissa Burgess. Under-13 girls are not supposed to do pole vault. Still less are they supposed to beat boys
and under-17 women! Arissa set a new club record of 2.25m, which unofficially makes her the best in the country. The third pilot meeting, on August 23, was devoted to track racing and saw athletes from all over the country travelling to Yate. One highlight for Yate athletes was a good win in the 800m by Greg Hayward, who came home a clear winner in under two minutes, demonstrating the value of hard work and persistence throughout his teenage years. Also impressive were Phoebe Havard in the 100m – who clocked 12.82 secs, with only negligible wind behind her – and Adam Nolan in the 400m, whose 56.25 secs secured a fine win. Stuart Nunn
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