Yate & Sodbury Voice September 2022 by Richard Drew at Yate and Sodbury Voice

See Tour pass our doorsteps

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 2022 Issue 88yate&sodburyvoice 999 mistakescall A CALL handler failed to ask the questionsright after a UptonHawkesburymancollapsed in his home and later died, a coroner has said. PAGE 6 Surgery reopens after 2 years A YATE surgery which has been closed since the start of the pandemic is preparing to reopen. PAGE 9 Fire calls double in searing heat A COMBINE harvester was destroyed and fields went up in flames during heatwave conditions that saw emergency calls to the fire service double. PAGE 7 Your say on buses VOICE readers have told us what you think of our bus services, as meetings are held to discuss the future. PAGES 4&5 Tel: 01291 630063 | sales@evaframe.co.uk www.evaroof.co.uk WHATEVER THE SEASON . . . WHATEVER THE REASON EVAROOF.CO.UKVISIT HIGH QUALITY SOLID TILE ROOFS FOR CONSERVATORIES CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE The results of hard work

PEOPLE in the Yate and Sodbury area are being encouraged to come out on to the streets to help make a memorable day when the Tour of Britain speeds past our doorsteps. The elite cycling race, which attracts "Olympic champions, Tour de France stars and the best of British" competitors, along with global TV coverage, will pass through the area on September 9. The route will take it along roads including Chipping Sodbury High Street and Station Road in Yate.Organisers are calling on residents to show some "local pride" by decorating houses on the route, wearing red white and blue or simply "making as much noise as possible", as the race is beamed live to more than 120 countries. Full story: Page 3

COTSWOLD Edge Sixth Form students Nicole Luxton, George Pugh, Olivia Faria and Ellie Williamson were among those celebrating after getting the A-level and BTEC grades they needed in their first national formal exams, having missed out on sitting GCSEs during the lockdown. Full story: Pages 12-13

September, 2022 3 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice 5 DOORS FITTED FOR £479 ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL ‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL ‘SUFFOLK’ DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 6 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £479* GLAZED DOORS EXTRA COST Additional Doors available DOOR EXPRESS 08000 973333 - 07767 376770 A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR FITTING ORDER DATE This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27” Other sizes available for a small extra charge www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk 37 SquadronCotterellFramptonRAFAC FIND OUT MORE: oc.37@rafac.mod.gov.uk n NEWS PEOPLE will have a chance to catch a glimpse of cycling's stars when the Tour of Britain speeds through the area this month. Stage Six of the annual elite race will loop through South Gloucestershire on Friday September 9, arriving in Dunkirk shortly after 1.30pm and passing through Horton, Chipping Sodbury, Yate and Iron Acton before heading north on the B4058 through Rangeworthy, Bagstone, Cromhall and Charfield, where the competitors are expected to pass through at 2.15pm on their way to Wottonunder-Edge and the finishing line in RoadsGloucester.onandaround the race route will be closed to traffic by police escort vehicles for around 30 minutes as it passes through and South Gloucestershire Council will suspend parking at key points on the route. The best viewing sites are expected to be on Chipping Sodbury High Street and Rangeworthy, where there will be a sprint section at around 2pm, with riders expected to pass through very quickly.

A council spokesperson said: "We are delighted that the UK’s most prestigious cycling event includes a section here in South Gloucestershire."Theeventis sure to have a fantastic atmosphere and offers a great opportunity for local communities to come together as they spectate in their own neighbourhoods and wave and cheer the cyclists on as they pass."For more information visit gov.uk/tour-of-britainstage-sixtourofbritain.co.uk/stages/andbeta.southglos.

The climax of a stage on SWPixPicture:2021thetour.

A Tour of Britain spokesperson said: "We expect to have Olympic champions, Tour de France stars and the best of British competing.

"We encourage residents to do all they can to make the race’s visit as memorable as ever: whether that’s decorating things in the Union flag, wearing red/ white/blue, or simply turning up to the roadside and making as much noise as possible!

The route From Dunkirk the Tour of Britain will pass along the A46 to Hall Lane, to Horton Road, St John’s Way and Wickwar Road to Chipping Sodbury High Street. The riders will then head along Bowling Hill to the A432 Station Road and Badminton Road in Yate, before turning up Stover Road to Yate Road, heading to Iron ThereActon.they will turn up the B4058 Wotton Road through Rangeworthy, Bagstone and Cromhall to Charfield. The race route, in blue, will pass through Horton, Chipping Sodbury, Yate and Iron Acton before a sprint section at Rangeworthy (marked with an S) on its way north to Charfield.

Tour of Britain to race through

"Anything that displays local pride is always a nice touch, especially as the race is shown live in over 120 countries worldwide!"Although the names of riders had not been confirmed as the Voice went to press, leading British team INEOS Grenadiers, which includes 2018 Tour de France champion and Olympic gold medallist Geraint Thomas on its roster, is set to compete alongside five other top-level UCI WorldTeams, including BORA –Hansgrohe and Movistar.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 20224 yate & sodbury voice Ear Wax Removal • Using latest micro suction techniques • Treatment carried out by experienced registered nurse practitioners • Home visits available • Very competitive prices  hayley@hjtherapies.co.uk  07846 452 000 / 01454 314 460  www.hjtherapies.co.uk Foot Clinic • Assessment of feet • Diabetic foot care • Nail cutting • Thickened & fungal nails • Corns & callus • Cracked heels... and more! • Carried out by experienced and qualified foot health practitioners Clinic based in Brimsham Park, Yate Parking available right outside the clinic www.elm-online.co.uk Meet with one of our qualified estate planning consultants to discuss your needs. Protect your family's inheritance Single & joint Wills £99.00from*IncludingVAT Call us today on 0117 952 0698 or email info@elm-online.co.uk Home visits or online appointments are available. n LETTERS SPECIAL - BUS SERVICES We asked Voice readers for your views about bus services Y6hadHere'spotentialandcuts.whatyoutosay:mustbeprotected PEOPLE are foregoing buses in their droves because they are totally unreliable: a couple of weeks ago it took me two hours to get into Bristol from Yate, as the Y1 failed twice to turn up. Who on earth thought it was a good idea to terminate the Y4 at the Park & Ride? There is no logic at all for passengers to get off the bus at the P&R and wait sometimes up to an hour for a Y1 to take them the rest of the way - no wonder this bus is now running empty!

Colin ThomasYate Services are awful

"What do you think of local bus services?" In a word - awful. If I want to get to Cassell Road in Downend, I have to take the Y1, get off at Cuckoo Lane, walk half a mile to the Trident and get the 48 through Downend, because there is noOnY2.the way back I have to wait up to half an hour at Cuckoo Lane, where there is no bus shelter.

DISTINCTLY remember the government saying they were investing more in public transport to save cars using our roads. Now they are going to cut our bus services.Many a time I have waited for a bus that never turns up, and if it does it is running so late I miss appointments.Iwrotetothe council asking if they could install a GPS screen at our stop (by The Fox pub) so that at least we knew when we could expect a bus. I was told because of the costs this was not possible. Many pensioners do not own or understand smart phones, so cannot view an app for this information.Donotcut off pensioners' lifeline by cutting services. One day you will be old and have to rely on public transport, as you will be too old to drive!

Chris Waller

One of the most important routes is the Y6, which takes people to Southmead Hospital, Cribbs Causeway, Uni and Bristol Parkway. This service is vital and must be protected at all costs. Hazel Gurnett Cuts would leave me stranded If the Y3 is cut, I will not be able to get to Yate Shopping Centre. I do not drive, have limited walking and a taxi is £6 each way. On my pension that is a cost I could not afford - it would mean I could not meet friends at the shopping centre who use the buses. Rose Hadfield Y3 has been wrecked THE Y3 service over the years has been completely wrecked by First Bus, from when it was the 27 and X46. First has altered the route, cutting off people who caught the busToregularly.makematters worse, when you return from Bristol on the Y3 you have to change at Yate and wait for a Y6 to come in, which then changes to a Y3. The journey has been made a lot longer and if the Y6 is cancelled or broken down, this affects our service, which only runs twohourlyThenow.Y1could be redirected to cover North and South Yate instead of going up to Chipping Sodburyit would make common sense.

Don't cut off lifeline services

Helen RobbinsYate

The Metro Mayor was also accused of giving bus passengers an impossible choice between reducing frequency or reliability by Emilia Melville, of pressure group West of England Shared Transport and Active Travel Network. She criticised WECA for launching the consultation "at very short notice" during a month when many people were on holiday.

On August 19 the Department for Transport announced "up to £130 million" of further funding, to support bus services until next March.Asthe Voice went to press it was not clear how much of the money would come to the region and what effect it would have on local services.

But Mr Norris said: "I should warn people that even with this new cash, which of course I welcome, it doesn’t necessarily follow that cuts won’t happen.

One Yate resident said: "The main problems are the unreliability and not knowing if the bus is going to come. The service is good when it does run, but you can’t rely on it."

September, 2022 5 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice n NEWS To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 28 thornbury voice ■ HALLLUKE MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and villagessurroundingthe Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA. Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk openmenuFood Thursday,repeated,memberslastThornbury.isANYONEinvitedTheyearWith quartetbyfundHorns A phoningconcert,(Barnes),withMarchtheArmstrongprofessionalCONCERT Tickets Advertise

"The huge, huge problem is and remains that there are just not enough bus drivers to drive the buses, and that will continue to be the case even with more funding."

BUS services could still face cuts, despite extra government funding to keep them running for another six months. Metro Mayor Dan Norris warned last month that withdrawal of government support for commercial services, which was introduced during the lockdown, would push them over a "cliff-edge" from October.MrNorris said three Yate and Sodbury to Bristol services - the Y3, Y4 and Y5 - faced being axed completely, while the Y6 to Southmead Hospital could also see its route changed as part of a 'network review' by First, the area's main bus operator.

Buses still face cuts despite new cash

Mr Norris said afterwards that people were open to change, adding: "There was a lot of support for the idea of smaller minibuses and shuttle buses getting people onto a main route."

However South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor for transport Steve Reade said this was not a "fair and direct comparison", as other combined authorities had networks such as trams to support.

First dismissed this as "speculation" - but the West of England Combined Authority, which is led by Mr Norris and has responsibility for transport planning in the region, launched a consultation asking passengers to help set priorities for future services.

Meeting report by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Metro Mayor Dan Norris and South Gloucestershire councillor Claire Young talk to residents at the Big Choices on Buses meeting in Yate in August

There were calls for Mr Norris to be given the same power as the country's other metro mayors, to charge a precept on top of council tax to support local public transport. He said this would be preferable to the current "complicated system" of transport levies paid to WECA by councils, who he claimed "provide a much lower amount of money than elsewhere in the country".

Mr Reade said the Big Choices consultation had "come far too late, given the number of vital bus services in South Gloucestershire that have been cut since May 2021".

WECA's consultation, called Big Choices on Buses, kicked off with a public meeting in Yate Parish Hall on August 1, with people invited to thrash out ideas to save routes.

Mr Sowersby said: “If the call had been handled differently and those questions had been asked, then depending on the answers given by Mrs Hewer, it’s possible the call would instead have been prioritised as a 'category two'. If that had happened, then it would have been appropriate to dispatch an ambulance.”

Inquest finds mistakes in 999 response before man died

Michael died sometime between the early hours of September 29 and 7.30am that day, when he was found. He had suffered a fatal bleed to his oesophagus, or gullet. Mr Sowersby said that given the extreme pressures on the ambulance service at that time, partly due to Covid, it was likely an ambulance would have reached Michael between 4am and 5am. He said: “No-one can know whether that would have been before or after the fatal injury. So because of that, it’s impossible for me to say whether it would probably have made a difference to Mike or "Obviouslynot.if the ambulance had arrived before he suffered his internal bleeding, that might have been in time to change the outcome. It if had come afterwards, then not.” Mr Sowersby said he had some sympathy for the call handler, who was not clinically trained.

“The coroner said they could not determine if an ambulance would have saved him anyway. But we will never know. "At least you have a chance if they come. I hope they learn their lesson.”

Michael’s father Norman told the Voice his son had been living with them after breaking up with his

AN emergency worker failed to ask the right questions during a 999 call after a Hawkesbury Upton man collapsed in his home, a coroner has ruled. An inquest heard the dispatcher declined to send an ambulance to help 37-year-old Michael Hewer after he became ill at his parents' home last September. He was found dead in bed a few hours later.

towerewhichthemselves,totakecallthemadvisedcalldiednightOnpartner.thehethehandlerto111orhimhospitaltheyunabledoasthey could not lift him up. Mr Hewer said: "It shouldn’t happen – if you call an ambulance you expect it to come in an hour or two.

But Assistant Coroner Robert Sowersby said it was impossible to know if sending an ambulance would have saved Michael's life. Mr Sowersby recorded a verdict that Michael, who had a history of alcohol dependence, had died an “alcohol-related death”.Hesaid he accepted a South West Ambulance Service internal investigation which concluded that “the call handler did not do everything that she should have done.”The investigation found the handler had not followed all the correct procedures, or asked the right questions, when Michael’s mother Susan told them he had fallen.

“We would again like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Hewer.”

n NEWS SH T 9am - 12pm FREEPHONE 0800 542 6066 Unit 4 Ram Hill Business TELEPHONE 01454 777 732 Park, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath BS36 2TZ CONSERVATORIES SPECIALISING IN GUARDIAN AND GLASS ROOFS For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 20226 yate & sodbury voice

South West Ambulance Service said: “There were some areas of learning identified when auditing the calls, which has been fed back to the Emergency Medical Dispatchers.”

Michael Hewer

Heat puts the fire service under strain

Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: "Whilst I know most of us are relieved to have seen some rain in recent days, we mustn’t forget that the ground around us is still very dry.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service sent eight crews, from nearby Yate and as far away as Bath, Thornbury and Portishead, to tackle the blaze, which was reported shortly after midday on August 8 near Hall Lane, Horton. Firefighters from neighbouring Gloucestershire were also called in.

"Where possible, we’d still advise people to avoid having fires of any kind."

Arson attacks have made firefighters even busier. The service says a grass fire which was discovered just after 6pm on August 1 in Kennedy Way, Yate, was started deliberately.

A COMBINE harvester was destroyed and fields went up in flames near Chipping Sodbury during heatwave conditions that saw emergency calls to the fire service double.

A fire service spokesperson said crews arrived to find the combine harvester and 30 acres of cut straw alight and used a combination of water, foam and hand-held beaters to extinguish the blaze, which was put out by 5.15pm. It came during a week, from August 8 to 14, that saw the overall number of calls to the fire service reach 1,306 - 658 more than in the previous week. The service said the hot, dry weather between July 18 and August 14 saw its crews called to 117 incidents in fields, parks, roadsides and other grassy areas - more than three times the 33 it dealt with on the same days in 2021. At the height of the heatwave on August 13, residents and farmers joined firefighters in a battle to to stop a huge blaze, which had been started deliberately, from reaching St Arilda's church in Oldbury on Severn. They used buckets, beaters and farm machinery to tackle the blaze, which damaged 12 acres of fields, hedgerows and the churchyard.

Firefighters from five different crews, including one from Yate, had to cut open the sides of the lorry to reach the flames. And on August 14 at 1am residents of a flat in Abbotswood had to evacuate after the porch was set on fire by arsonists.

September, 2022 7 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice n NEWS

A combine harvester burns after catching fire while working in a field near Chipping Sodbury. Picture: Avon Fire & Rescue Service

And some fires have been caused by people leaving disposable barbecues on grassland, including one which caused extensive damage to Stoke Park, next to the M32 in Bristol, on the afternoon of August 11. In the meantime the service has continued to receive non-weather related calls, including one to a lorry which caught fire in the car park of Dynamic Storage in Stover Road, Yate, at 5.40pm on August 9.

The following day firefighters stopped a fire in a tree, caused by nearby power lines, spreading to the Cottage Kennels business in Church Lane, Moorend, near Hambrook.

We’re hiring… Please check out www.suez.co.uk/southglosjobs for more information and to apply, or contact Kirsty for an informal discussion on 07773 124095 or careers.uk@suez.com LGV drivers and crew members for our South recyclingGloucestershireandwastecollections team: Yate and Warmley Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend working Yate 6.45am – 3.15pm Warmley 7am – 3.30pm Driverssalary£27,087.23 p/a The roles involve driving and operating vehicles collecting household waste and recycling. Applicants will need a current LGV Class 2 licence and valid CPC card. £1,000 welcome bonus offered conditionally on successful completion of probationary period. WORKING FOR SUEZ We offer training, development opportunities, wide-ranging benefits and rewards that reflect your hard work. In a friendly supportive environment, you’ll be inspired to grow and play your part in creating a greener as we serve residents.South Gloucestershire recycling and recovery UK www.suez.co.uk

Green Valleys Health's other two surgeries were recently given 'good' ratings by watchdog the Care Quality Commission, having been told they needed to improve in a previous inspection last year.

September, 2022 9 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice www.wolfridgealpaca.co.uk info@wolfridgealpaca.co.uk 07443 894859 Visit us at the Wolfridge Alpaca Barn just off the A38 in Alveston BS35 3QU OPEN Tuesdays - Saturdays 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. We are closed on Mondays. n NEWS

GP survey results: Page 11

"We will be looking to open late September and are currently looking at staffing rotas."

A YATE surgery which has been closed since the start of the pandemic is preparing to reopen. Green Valleys Health, which runs Abbotswood Surgery as a satellite practice for its two main centres in Downend and Emersons Green, said it expected the surgery to reopen in late September.

Surgery will reopen soon

"Provision was made to accommodate patients at alternative medical"Planscentres.arein place to make Abbotswood fully operational again, albeit on a reduced timetable for the present, but this will improve and increase capacity over the next few months.

Calendar shows off Sodbury at its best SodburyCHIPPINGis showing off its good side - or 12 of them - in the latest edition of the RichbetterMcDonough,Richardphotographerbywereofyears,calendar.town'sAsinpreviousimagesthetowncapturedprofessionalknownasMcD,whois

A spokesperson for Green Valleys Health Group said: "At the start of the pandemic it was agreed that the layout of the building would not be suitable to offer patients and healthcare staff the requisite protection to meet with the national guidelines for Covid, and therefore the building was temporarily closed to patients.

However the CQC highlighted continuing problems for patients trying to contact Green Valleys Health by phone, and said the group needed to improve its responsiveness to people's needs.

Proceeds from sales of the calendar go back to the chamber for the benefit of the town. It is going on sale in the Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre and the Card Boutique in Broad Street, priced £6.50 or two for £12. Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce cochairs Andrew Webb and Rich McDonough with the town's 2023 calendar.

a joint chair of the Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce. Co-chair Andrew Webb said the calendar contained "wonderful views" of the town. He said: "I don't know how Rich keeps doing it - the calendar is a great showcase for the town."

The surgery on the Abbotswood shopping precinct was shut at the beginning of lockdown and since then, many patients have had to travel to the other surgeries for appointments and vaccinations. However the group says plans are now in place to make Abbotswood "fully operational", reopening gradually.

No places for new NHS

When the Voice checked the 50 dental practices in a nine-mile radius of Yate area in August using the NHS Find a Dentist website, none of them said they were offering appointments to any new child or adult NHS patients.

A survey of dental practices across the region by the BBC found 98% of them were not offering appointments to new adult NHS patients – the joint highest proportion in the country.

Around a quarter of the 8,533 dental practices across the UK with an NHS contract contacted by BBC researchers had an open waiting list for new patients, with wait times of a year or longer for most of them.

n NEWS For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 202210 yate & sodbury voice St Mary Redcliffe Church Stained Glass Design Competition And Who is My Neighbour? stmaryredcliffe.co.uk Free exhibition of five shortlisted designs to replace four small panels of one of the major stained-glass windows of St Mary Redcliffe Church Contact parish.office@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or visit our website for further information SAT 20 AUGUST - MON 19 SEPTEMBER / MON - SAT 8AM-5PM • SUN 12:30PM-5PM NHS dental services are facing a "tipping point" and will "die" without reform, says the profession's official body.

"Nothing we’ve heard from government to date gives us any confidence this service has a future. Without real reform and fair funding NHS dentistry will die, and our patients will pay theAprice."spokesperson for NHS England South West said: "Access to NHS dental services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire has historically been challenging, with demand exceeding the capacity available, mainly due to workforce challenges and the capacity of practices to take on new"Thepatients.NHS recently announced the first reforms to dentistry services since 2006, which will support practices to improve access including by giving high performing practices the opportunity to increase their activity and treat more patients – discussions around further changes that benefit patients and staff are ongoing."Thespokesperson said NHS patients should regularly check the NHS website for updates on practices taking on new patients, call a practice to ask if it has a waiting list or call 111 if they need urgent treatment. dental patients

BDA general dental practice committee chair Shawn Charlwood said: "NHS dentistry is at a tipping point, with millions unable to get the care they need and more dentists leaving with every day that passes.

The British Dental Association blames a "discredited" NHS contract it says "funds care for barely half the population and puts government targets ahead of patient care". It says recent "modest" changes came without any new investment, would not address patients' problems accessing services or keep dentists in the NHS.The BDA says a "decade of savage cuts" has left NHS dentistry in need of an extra £880 million a year just to restore funding to 2010 levels.

Last year the Frampton and Flaxpits surgeries, in Park Lane, Frampton Cotterell and Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne, told their 14,000 patients they would have to go private or go elsewhere.Entries for other local dental practices on the NHS site, including the five in Yate and one in Chipping Sodbury, either said they were not taking any new NHS patients, only taking new NHS patients referred for specialist treatment by another dentist or GP, or had not given a recent update on their status.

September, 2022 11 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice n NEWS WWW.RDAVIESFUNERALS.CO.UK Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral. Unattended Funerals Attended Funerals Bristol Funeral FUNERALS FROM £975 9 Chessel Street BEDMINSTER 0117 963 7848 143 Church Road BISHOPSWORTH 0117 964 1133 The Poplars HAMBROOK 0117 956 6774 381 Gloucester Road HORFIELD 0117 942 4039 49 High Street KINGSWOOD 0117 944 6051 2 Pembroke Road SHIREHAMPTON 0117 982 3188 63 Westbury Hill WESTBURY ON TRYM 0117 962 8954 10 Gilda Parade WHITCHURCH 01275 833 441 CONTACT US AT: Whatever your funeral wishes or budget, we can provide a funeral to suit you. Prepaid funeral plans also available. TALK TO US ANYTIME FEWER patients at most Yate surgeries are being offered a same-day appointment than last year, a survey has found. Some surgeries had managed to cut the number of people waiting more than a week - but others had seen that number rise.Overall satisfaction levels had also fallen, although the majority of patients at almost every surgery remained happy with their GP service.

The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published this summer, found that 73% of patients who called Kennedy Way Surgery were offered appointments with a doctor on the same day – down from 75% last year. The number waiting a week or more had fallen from 12% to just 5%, however.AtCourtside, 30% of patients were offered same-day appointments, down from 34% in 2021. Those waiting a week or more had fallen from 21% to 18%. At Wellington Road Surgery, the number of same-day appointments had fallen from 65% to 57% - and was down from 80% in 2018. Numbers waiting a week or longer rose from 6% to 10%. At West Walk Surgery, 33% of patients said they were given same-day appointments – up from 30% last year. The number waiting more than a week had risen from 26% last year to 36%. Among patients who remain registered to Abbotswood Surgery, which has been closed since March 2020, the number of same-day appointments offered by its parent surgery, Leap Valley in Downend, fell from 25% in 2021 to 21%, with week-long waits rising from 25% to 37% thisTheyear.number of patients who found it easy to get through to their surgery on the phone has also gone down for most surgeries: 67% of Kennedy Way patients (down from 92% last year), 77% of West Walk patients (82%), 95% of Wellington Road patients (99%) and just 11% of patients at Leap Valley (24%), which has had continuing problems with its phone system. At Courtside, 74% of patients said it was easy to get throughup from 72% last year. Overall satisfaction levels among patients had fallen since last year, although most remained high. Highest was Wellington Road, where 92% of patients said their experience of the practice was good, although this was down from 98% last year. At Kennedy Way 86% of patients said their experience was good, down from 95% last year, while West Walk, which achieved the same score of 86%, increased satisfaction levels, from 84% last year. At Courtside, satisfaction levels fell from 83% to 77% and at Leap Valley, the number of patients who said their overall experience was good fell from 58% last year to just 38% this year.A spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which funds GP services, said: "Practices are working hard to make sure everyone can access the right support when they need it; whether that’s online or faceto-face."However, we also recognise there are some areas for improvement. We are continuing to share learning between practices about what works well, and are working to support practices to deliver high-quality services to patients."

Patients find fewer same-day appointments at GP surgeries

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 202212 yate & sodbury voice Looking for a job people?reallythathelps Are you a caring person? Are you a carer for a family Domember?youwant a flexible job, working from Sharedamazing,DotheirsomeoneCouldhome?yousupporttoachievegoals?somethingbecomeaLivescarer.Doyou need support to live your life? Find out if Shared Lives could support www.ategi.org.ukyou: Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer on our website: www.ategi.org.uk or email us carerapplication@ategi.co.ukon

*Daniel Lovell (A* A Distinction*), computer science, Bristol Distinction*),*JamesUniversity.Puddy(3health and sport science, Bath University. The schools also praised Ellie Watts, Emily Terry and Fran Pike, who all achieved two Distinction* and Distinction in BTEC and Leah Price, who is due to study creative writing after achieving an A in English Literature.Theschools said other students had apprenticeship offers from local employers.

The last two years of A-level results, awarded to the classes of 2020 and 2021, used assessments.AtCotswold Edge Sixth Form, the consortium of Brimsham Green School, Chipping Sodbury School and Yate Academy, those receiving their results were being congratulated for their "resilience and determination". Sixth formers register at one of the three Cotswold Edge schools but are taught across all three.

*Ed Walters (A*AB), international history and politics, Leeds University

*Evie Albury (AA and BTEC Distinction*), who will study education.*Reuben Parry (A, 3 Distinctions), who will study adult*Rebeccanursing.Durham (2 A* 2A).

*Sophie Knight (A*BB) product design, Cardiff Metropolitan University

It’s a bit like foster care – but for an adult. As a Shared Lives carer, you will be paid to support adults who need a little extra help from your own home.You’ll help them to achieve their goals and support them to live independently, helping them live their life, their way. They could spend the day with you, stay overnight or even move in, it’s flexible to you. “I’m proud to be a Shared Lives carer because I believe that everyone deserves to be happy and be themselves, regardless of who they are and that’s exactly what Shared Lives does -placing people in homes with families where they are cared for, loved and respected.”Kwame, Shared Lives carer What does it mean to be a Shared Lives carer?

Among the high achievers highlighted were:

*Jacob Pope (A*AAC), geography, Manchester University.*LydiaJones (A*AA), medicine, Aston University

*Rowan Berkley, whose four A* and one A grade have secured him a place to study natural sciences at Cambridge University.*AliceDoody (3 A*A), who will study psychology at Oxford University*Joshua Goodchild (AAB), who will study music at Cardiff University.*Nicole Hughes (A*AAB), theatre, festival and events production at Bath Spa.

Have you heard about Shared Lives yet?

Brimsham Green School head teacher Kim Garland said: "Perhaps this year, more than A-level and BTEC success is celebrated Rowan Berkley is off to NicoleCambridgeHughes will study at Bath Spa

EDUCATION

*Lewis Adams (4A*), law at Exeter University.

A-LEVEL and BTEC students are looking towards future courses and careers after receiving their results following the first national exams for three years. This summer's Year 13 sixth form and college candidates were sitting external formal exams for the first time: their GCSEs in 2020 were cancelled because of the lockdown. They also missed much face-to-face teaching during the pandemic.

Rachaelnursing Proud achieved A*AB and Josh Goodchild AAB grades

Reuben Parry will study adult

September, 2022 13 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice ever, Cotswold Edge students are so deserving of their fantastic grades."

Yate Academy head teacher Natalie Wilcox said: "Cotswold Edge students have worked with determination and made superb progress; they leave us now not only as young adults who have been academically successful, but as individuals who will go out into their communities and beyond and make a difference to people’s lives - they are our future doctors, teachers, engineers and much, much more." At Winterbourne Academy, results were described as "excellent" by outgoing head teacher Jason Beardmore, with 78% of all grades at A*-C or Distinction*-Merit, and 33% at A*- A or Distinction*Distinction.Colleges serving students from the Yate and Sodbury area are also reporting some "outstanding" results. At South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS), 69% of students achieved grades A*-C, with an overall pass rate of 97%. The college said highlights included 73% of physical education students receiving A*-B grades, 70% A*-B for biology and 66% A*-B in psychology.Assistant principal Mark Anthony Jones said: "Our students have made exceptional progress and proved that through hard work, commitment and ambition, you can and will realise your dreams."

*GCSE results were being released after the Voice went to press.

Chipping Sodbury School head teacher Katherine Turner said: "The staff at each of our three schools have worked tirelessly for our students – we couldn’t be prouder of what students have achieved, overcoming the challenges of the last two years.”

She said regulator Ofqual had said it was "not meaningful" to compare this year's results to those from 2021, because it was a different form of assessment. She said this year was the first since 2019 where all students across the country were being assessed on the same basis but for grades it would be a ‘transition year’, with grades about halfway between 2019 and 2021.Cotswold Edge recorded an overall pass rate of 95.9% grades at A to E, with more than one in every three grades an A* or A (36.2%), 60.7% at A*-B and 78.0% at A*-C. Ms Garland said: "We do know that students, and indeed schools, have been unevenly impacted by COVID over the last two years; students whose learning has been more impacted will have had to work even harder to attain the grades they have – as you can imagine, we are really proud of students for their determination and resilience."

At St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, students managed to achieve a pass rate of 97%, with 59% of Level 3 BTEC and Applied General courses either Distinction or Distinction*. St Brendan’s principal Marian Curran said: "This year our BTEC and A level benchmarks were higher than in 2019 and in some cases were higher than teacher-assessed grades in 2021."

Telephone 01454 312726 or Email info@heathersnursinghome.co.uk www.3abcare.co.uk 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

Spencer, 53, the managing director of Dursley-based vehicle maintenance firm Refuse Vehicle Solutions (RVS), had already raised more than £12,000 for his challenge as the Voice went to press. But it is not the first time he has supported the charity - between 2017 and 2019 he and his RVS colleagues organised and hosted the National Refuse Championships in Weston-super-Mare, where refuse vehicle drivers and loaders from across the UK competed in a race of skills, stamina and strength to win a national champions' trophy. Spencer and a group of refuse vehicle enthusiasts revived the event, first held during the 1990s, to raise more than £50,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Alzheimer's Society community fundraiser

Spencer said: “Founding the National Refuse Championships and using the industry connections and influence RVS had, it made sense to raise funds to help Alzheimer's Society with their work to raise awareness and support those affected by dementia. It just felt like the right thing to do. "I think that we should all do our bit to help, as we all can see around us day by day that our loved ones, families, friends and colleagues will almost certainly be affected by dementia in one way or another."

Zena Jones said: “We are incredibly grateful to Spencer for his support, as well as to everyone at Refuse Vehicle Solutions."

"Like all charities, our income has taken a huge blow due to the pandemic, while demand for our vital dementia support services has sky-rocketed."

Spencer's long ride for Alzheimer's Spencer Law

For more information about Alzheimer’s Society services visit alzheimers.org.uk.

He said: “This will be a tough and gruelling challenge that will test both strength and will.

"Experiencing the effects of dementia first-hand with what my father-in-law and my wife, Julie, and her family went through, I felt that there wasn't enough understanding in the world about severity of this illness and the impact it has on people's lives."

The event has not been held since the pandemic but Spencer hopes to bring it back nextInyear.themeantime he is putting his energy into trying to complete his Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge in 10 days.

"I am braving it to raise as much money as I possibly can for a charity that sits very close to my heart – Alzheimer’s Society.

To sponsor Spencer visit fundraising/RVS-Spencer-LEJOGjustgiving.com/

Sodbury man is set to cycle the length of the country in a bid to raise thousands for a charity helping families affected by dementia.

Spencer Law is setting off on a 962-mile route from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for dementia support charity Alzheimer’s Society in September.

YATE & CHIPPING SODBURY goodafter noon - A friendly   choir for youCome along to a rehearsal and meet us www.goodafternoonchoir.org Every WEDNESDAY from 2pm - 4pm MEET YOUR GOOD AFTERNOON Community Choir     St Mary’s Church - Yate Come and meet Sian and the choir - there’s no charge for attending your first rehearsal Email: gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk 01761 472468 There are Good Afternoon Choirs in Bath, Keynsham, Norton Radstock, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Thornbury, Yate/Chipping Sodbury, Devizes, Chippenham/Calne, Frome, North Somerset, Wells, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Cheddar Valley, Weston-Super-Mare, Cirencester/Stroud, Taunton, Malmesbury, North Swindon, Salisbury, Truro, Falmouth and Newquay.

STROUD at our

Green Flag award for Wapley Bushes

AUCTION ROOMS Free valuations every Friday 9am-4pm

"This award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Wapley Bushes to such a high standard - the real credit goes to our hard-working volunteers, and to Dodington Parish Council for their unfailing practical and financial help.

"Our reserve is a mixture of flower-rich meadows, ancient woodland and younger plantations. We work closely with South Gloucestershire Council and the Southwold Group of the Wildlife Trust, who provide us with very valuable advice.

September, 2022 17yate & sodbury voice

“As well as our regular work mornings, we have walks, talks and our ever-popular Owl Prowl planned for the next few months."TheGreen Flag Award scheme is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the government. Keep Britain Tidy accreditation manager Paul Todd said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve worthy of a Green Flag Award. "Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve is a vital green space for the community in South Gloucestershire."Thisawardis testament to all the hard work of volunteers and staff, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."

saleroom, free home visits or email valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk

Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve is an area of meadows and woodlands south of Shire Way, on the opposite side of the railway, and is very popular with people of all ages. It is managed by volunteers from Wapley Bushes Conservation Group on behalf of Dodington Parish Council. Committee member Paul Hulbert said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Community Award for the eleventh time. "Our local green spaces really matter to residents and visitors. They make a major contribution to health and well-being.

For more information on Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, visit wapleybushes.info or wapley.blogspot.com online.

A species identification walk in the meadows at Wapley. Picture: Paul Hulbert.

n NEWS A NATURE reserve near Yate has won a prestigious national quality award. Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve has won the Green Flag Community Award, recognising it as one of the country’s best parks.Itis the 11th year in a row that Wapley Bushes has won a Green Flag award, seen as international quality mark for parks and green spaces.Across the country more than 2,200 of the awards have been made - but only 14 Community Awards have been made in the whole of the South West, and Wapley Bushes is the only winner of a community award in South Gloucestershire, with council-run Page Park in Staple Hill winning a regular Green Flag award.

CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT ADVERTISING FEATURE

Michael was suffering chronic hip and leg pain since the summer of 2020. Physio and chiropractic helped but short term and symptoms returned re peatedly. We’re delighted to say he is now ‘almost pain free’ following MBST treatment for his arthritic left hip and a second course dealing with degenerative discs with nerve radiation into the leg. Still some healing time to go too. He’s a happy chap with a spring in his step!!

It does this at cell level in a number of ways: - Optimising cell oxygen levels - Improving Cell energy production - Optimising intercellular signalling pathways - Reducing inflammatory mediators - Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction. This translates to you and I as a healing process in the tissue the energy is applied to which leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive therapy.

High performance computer with special imaging software Control unit with interactive display Construction of MRI and MBST devices

Obviously there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results.

dischargedjustKate5monthsfollowingtreatmentforherarthriticknees(she’dalreadyhadahalfkneereplaced).She’snowpainfree…Ianticipatetheseresultswilllastanumberofyears.

MBST uses exactly the same technology as MRI scanning, just without the detector coils and imaging software. MBST stands for Molecular Biophysical Stimulation. It was discovered by a German doctor who noticed that some of his MRI patients had reduced symptoms following their MRI scans. He then assembled a team of biologists and physicists to research these positive effects at a cellular level. Cells that had not functioned properly due to damage , were stimulated in such a way by the energy transfer that they could again fulfil their original tasks.

James Scrimshaw of CUR A CLINIC AL explains how new technologies are providing ef fec tive answers to people’s pain and suf fering

MBST Cell regeneration: What is MBST?

RF Gradientcoilcoil RF coils Sweep coils · Electromagnets Detector coils

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CHRONIC - Optimising cell oxygen levels - Improving Cell energy production - Optimising intercellular signalling pathways - Reducing inflammatory mediators - Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction.

The results we’re seeing now in patients with varying injuries and conditions is really remarkable.

Rosemary had over 5 years of pain and swelling in her wrists and hands. Mouse use, washing up, gripping things we’re all very painful. We were able to diagnose osteoarthritis of both her thumbs and proceeded with MBST. 6 months later she’s finding everything much more comfortable and has even gone back to scything her grass!! Far more energy than I’ve got!! Great response.

Scanner & control unit

PAIN MANAGEMENT ADVERTISING FEATURE

MBST is an adaptation of MRI

The results we’re seeing now in patients with varying injuries and conditions is really remarkable.

I’ve also

5 months following treatment for her arthritic knees (she’d already had a half knee replaced). She’s now pain free… I anticipate these results will last a number of years. Superconductive magnets

James Scrimshaw of CUR A CLINIC AL explains how new technologies are providing ef fec tive answers to people’s pain and suf fering death and cell reproduction.

Rob (above) is a great example of how MBST heals cartilage in a moderate to severe arthritic knee. 15 months after his MBST therapy he now runs, plays racket ball and golf without any pain and that’s without his braces. He’s recently done a course on his severe arthritic neck and after 3-4 months has significantly less neck pain and improved mobility. Over the next 6 months I expect his condition to reach over 90% improvement. This translates to you and I as a healing process in the tissue the energy is applied to which leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive Obviouslytherapy. there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results.

Mr Baker said: “We believe the history of the hearse makes it appropriate for military families or for anyone who has a sense of history."

September, 2022 19 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice n NEWS girlguiding.org.uk/interested

‘I enjoy it so much. The girls are lovely and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s amazing!’ Tayba, leader

19_0000_VolunteerPostcard_Jan2022.indd 1 26/01/2022 23:29 htuognidiuglrilotsirB&GSerihsretsecuolG

A HOUSING association with thousands of tenants in South Gloucestershire had to take all of its computer systems offline after a cyberHackersattack.tried to access Bromford's systems on July 20, prompting it to take down its online services.

Churchill's hearse in service again

"Apart from a small change to the fuel delivery system, which was necessary for safety, it is restored to how it was in the 1960s."

“Our neighbourhood coaches, income colleagues and support workers continued to work in their communities and remained available for customers to contact via phone for any advice or support they may need. Customers have been able to make payments and to contact us via the Live Chat on our website.

Hackers target housing association

Memorial Woodlands founder Christopher Baker bought the hearse in 2003. It was restored by Jo Burge, of Classic Marine Engineers in Suffolk, who said: “It was a comprehensive overhaul that took us three years, as we wanted everything to stay as authentic as possible and source all the correct parts.

"Taking the step of isolating ourselves while we investigated the incident regrettably caused some disruption to our services but by reopening our systems in a safe manner we have been able to return to our normal ways of working for most services."

Expert Jo Burge restored the hearse

A HEARSE used to carry the body of Sir Winston Churchill during his state funeral will be used again after being painstakingly restored.TheAustin Princess, registration BLE 704B, carried Churchill’s body from Festival Pier in London to Waterloo Station through crowds of mourners during the procession in January 1965.Now the historic vehicle is being put to work once again by Bristol Memorial Woodlands funeral directors, to take people on their final journey to its chapel and green burial ground near Alveston.

"Since then, we have been working closely with our specialist data security partners and have found no evidence that any data has been accessed or that the attempts were successful.

withVolunteerus

Chief information officer Dan Goodall said: "Following a malicious attempt to access our systems we have now returned most of our services to "Immediatelynormal.after identifying the attempt, we took all our systems offline in order to protect ourselves and our customers’ data.

The housing association has around 100,000 residents in 40,000 homes across England, around 8,000 of which are in South Gloucestershire.

Grilled salmon and cherry tomato

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. Food to make you brainy!

1 x 150g skinless fillet of Scottish Olivesalmonoil for brushing and drizzling Squeeze of lemon juice

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH LIKE many grandparents, I enjoy cooking with my grandchildren. My eldest, Abi, is five in Sep tember and sadly off already to “bigWeschool”.both really enjoy our cook ing sessions. She has become very competent and, although I have to watch her carefully for her own safety, she certainly knows what she’s doing.

September, 202220 yate & sodbury voice For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

IngredientsServesbruschetta1

Place the salmon fillet and cherry tomatoes on aluminium foil brushed with oil over a grill pan. Brush salmon with oil and season with black pepper, grill for 4 min utes each Halfwayside.through cooking, place the ciabatta on the tray and toast eachRemoveside. from the heat. Lightly rub the ciabatta with garlic. Serve on a plate topped with the salmon. Serve with cherry tomatoes and salad leaves. Garnish with parsley and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Cook's tips If you want to make this more exotic, add sliced mango, avocado and spring onions, finely sliced. The sweet/sour taste is delicious.

Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 a ciabatta roll 1 clove garlic 1 small bunch of cherry tomatoes on the vine Flat leaf parsley and salad leaves for garnish Here's what you do

After the extreme heat of the summer, who knows what Septem ber will bring?

This grilled salmon recipe, perfect for a tasty lunch or light supper, is one of her favourites, especially since I told her that the salmon is brain food and will make her Sheclever.believes it has, and so I’m happy.Itis very quick and easy, and goes down a treat whatever the weather is like.

"The work CHSW do really is priceless for the families they support." Around 10,000 runners are expected to join the Great Bristol Run. Darren and Tim have set up a donation page to collect sponsorship, setting an initial target of £500. To donate, visit fundraising/One-Too-Many1justgiving.com/

September, 2022 21 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice ● a warm, safe and homely atmosphere with a beautiful garden ● your own comfortable room with en-suite facilities ● dedicated house manager on site daily ● two daily nutritious, home-cooked meals ● a calendar of social activities including regular entertainment, outings and events ● well established in the local community ● Supported Housing for over 55s in Chipping Sodbury availableRoom We are safely welcoming new residents. For more information please call Stacey Meadowcroft on 07368 135025 or email abbsvale@tiscali.co.uk Registered in England and Wales, Company 574816, Charity 200719, RSH No. H1046 Melbourne Drive, Chipping Sodbury Bristol, BS37 6LB Time to enjoy older age Sodbury ValeMakin g timeforolder people Chipping Sodbury advert_Nov2020_v3.indd 1 16/11/2020 15:55:27 n NEWS TWO musicians from the Frome Valley are going on the run – to raise money for charity.

Darren and Tim running the course with their guitars Darren Addicott and Tim Rice playing their guitars to entertain fellow runners on a previous Bristol Half-marathon.

"This year we will be attempting our third 'buskathon'.

Buskathon challenge for musical duo

Darren Addicott, Frampton Cotterell, and Tim Rice, to busk their way around the halfmarathon course during this year's Great Bristol Run.

Darren said: "We were drawn to CHSW when looking for a charity to support when we did our first Buskathon. "It’s such an amazing charity. They allow families to spend precious time togethermaking memories and having fun in the most difficult of circumstances.

from Winterbourne, plan

The duo, who play local pubs and clubs as two-piece pop and rock band One Too Many, will strum their guitars as they run the 13.1 mile course on September 25. They will be raising money for Children’s Hospice South West. Darren said: “We both work full-time but have been playing in various bands for decades. As the duo One Too Many we have been together for around 17 years.

Children’s Hospice South West provides hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and their whole family, from across the region.

The charity offers respite and short breaks, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care at three locations, including a Bristol area hospice at Charlton Farm in Wraxall, North Somerset.

"We will be running the Bristol Halfmarathon course whilst carrying our guitars, and entertaining the crowds and fellow runners as we go!”

from

There is a wide variety of books for children, and all those enrolled in the Imagination Library programme in South Gloucestershire will receive a free book in the post every month, from birth until they turn five years old. On behalf of local families, I reached out to South Gloucestershire Council to ask if efforts could be made to deliver this programme here. The council has accepted my proposal, and work is now underway to get this programme set up for some of our area’s most vulnerable children and families. I know how vital it is to have easy access to a regular mix of stories and books for children to enjoy. This is a brilliant project, which will support children who are receiving care, helping to boost literacy and reading skills and giving them lots of new and exciting stories to read and enjoy. Early education is essential for tackling the attainment gap between more advantaged and disadvantaged children. On average, by the time a disadvantaged child reaches the age of five, they are four months behind in their overall development.Whilemore support for childcare and early learning is available than ever before, it remains the case that most of a child’s time is spent at home, and home learning is therefore critical to a child’s development.Afreebook, every month, to every child currently in care in South Gloucestershire is the latest step in our positive plan for schools and families, and will help to keep our community the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family.

Free books for young children in care

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 202222 yate & sodbury voice n LOCAL MP Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice Quick & Easy Prescription Ordering from ANY GP surgery in England T i r e d o f C a l l Q u e u e s ? O u r A p p o f f e r s y o u a q u i c k a n d s e c u r e s o l u t i o n . 3 8 A b b o t s w o o d , Y a t e , B r i s t o l B S 3 7 4 N G Tel: 01454 313193 Order and collect at your local pharmacy: LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE? We offer you friendly, professional expert advice BevanLynnBennettTina Meet the team Your LOCAL Solicitors offer you friendly professional expert advice • Family Law - Divorce & Separation • Child matters • Employment Law • Litigation & Legal Disputes CONTACT US TODAY 0333 320 www.bevanevemy.co.uk8600FLEXIBLETIMESFOR APPOINTMENTS FREE 30 MINUTE INITIAL MEETING AS a father to three young boys, I know that reading to children is powerful and has astonishing benefits. It builds self-esteem, vocabulary, feeds imagination and (I’m told) improves sleep patterns.So,Iam absolutely delighted to have come to an agreement with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to provide a free book, every month, to every child currently in care in South andspreadrates.hopewithencouragingwasTheGloucestershire.ImaginationLibrarystartedwiththeaimofparentstoreadtheirchildren,withtheofincreasingliteracyTheschemehasnowfromAmericatoCanadathentheUK.

Yate Town Council Update

MANY of us will be feeling refreshed from a summer break, perhaps far from home or maybe from a staycation, enjoying everything our amazing West of England has to offer. But now it’s back to work, which is where, astonishingly, we spend a whopping third of our lives. What that tells me is that having a decent job really matters. We’ve all done jobs that aren’t great. I was never a fan of 6am shifts at a factory job I did; nor of the particles of rust that irritated my eyes as a young scaffolder’s assistant; and there have been a few bosses that I met that would give fictional boss David Brent a run for his money. But equally, you remember those fantastic men tors in your career, the people that made time to invest in you, and where you felt every day was worthwhile.So,because we spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, I am determined to try and make sure those hours are the very best they can be. That’s why, as part of my push for decent jobs, I have launched my Good Employment Charter, fulfilling a manifesto pledge I gave to you in the Metro Mayor election last year. The charter is a co-operative effort between employers, employees and trade unions.

The community shop will be open on certain days, dependent on volunteer availability. Please check their social media page for open days of the community shop: https://www.facebook.com/groups/664350610961731/ FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Take a walk on the wild side this summer with the Millside Nature Trail! Working with local ecologists and artists, Yate Town Council has set up a unique trail of information on the history, ecology and thriving wildlife of Millside. From farmland to stone mills, green woodpeckers to grass vetchling (wildflowers), Millside is a blossoming example of how history can create areas of natural beauty, for future generations to enjoy.

n NEWS

For our play area map and more information on our parks, open spaces and play areas, please visit www.yatetowncouncil.gov.uk

Millside Nature Trail

Giving West of England workers a fair share

Family Food 4 Free

There are two tiers: “supporters” - working with aspiring organisations to help them raise employment standards – and “members”, where employers prove they are exemplars. The tests are about secure work, where peo ple know when the next shift is coming; paying a real living wage; making sure workers are listened to and can get training and promotions. It’s also about making sure people stay healthy.

First to sign up were Wallace and Gromit’s creators, Aardman, the world famous, four-time Oscar-winning animation studio. They’re being joined by businesses and organisations big and small from across the West of England. Why? Because happy and healthy staff are also productive staff and mean a successful business. It’s a win-win for employees and employers.But,sadly, across our region there remains a less good side, with too many jobs not offering workers the respect, security, wages or future prospects they deserve, and their hard work and effortsShockinglymerit. today, one in six West of England workers take home less pay than the Real Living Wage and a record one in six families live in poverty.Inflation has hit a 40-year high, even as wages fall at their fastest rate in two decades.

Plus, too many people don’t know what hours they will work and so what salary they’ll earn from week to week, as they languish on zero hours contracts when they would rather have certainty.Every company that signs up to the charter receives bespoke training organised by the West of England Combined Authority that I lead. I’m proud the West of England Good Employment Charter is making a difference in something so central to our lives. Please ask the place where you work to sign up too, at www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk.

September, 2022 23 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice

Family Food 4 Free have opened its free community shop at Poole Court, Poole Court Drive, Yate (behind Morrisons). The hire of this space is grant funded by Yate Town Council. The group are self-funded and ask for no criteria to use their voluntary services. There is a £1 donation per basket. The group say: “This is for everybody in the community struggling for one thing or another, you could be employed unemployed there is no criteria to meet as long as we help you get through your tough time!”

WE are delighted to wel come three new mem bers, Marian and Richard Gilpin and Liz Isaac, who were all members of Yate and District Rotary Club, which closed at the end of June.Theclub was pleased to arrange for a local family with children with learning difficulties to have a week long holiday at the Naish Village Resort in New Milton. We hope they enjoyed the break. On summer Fridays, weather permitting, club members will be present between 10am and noon in the Chipping Sodbury Community Garden to welcome anyone wishing to have a chat over a cuppa. Our speaker for August was Andrew Stocker, who has worked in various roles at the Bristol Old Vic theatre for 39 years. Andrew gave club members a fascinating insight into the history of the theatre running back to the 1700s, illustrated with the numerous famous actors that have performed there over many years. Club members met in a local pub in early August for lunch, a pint or two and to mark the club presidency handover, from Keith Pattison to Bob Holt.Finally, we were very sad to learn of the recent death of George Lowther who, until a few years ago, had been a stalwart of the club. Our condolences go to his wife Helena and to their family.

Yate Choral Society REHEARSALS

Comesinging.along

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 202224 yate & sodbury voice MGM Garden Services • Grass Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Tree Works • Lawn Care • Patio/Decking Cleaning • General Garden Maintenance Competitive Prices No Job Too Big or Too Small Why not give us a call for a free quote 07721 791015 F. FamilyWoodruffFuneralDirectors 2 High Street, Winterbourne BS36 1JN Tel: 01454 773776 192 Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath BS36 2SX Tel: 01454 778838 118-120 Station Road, Yate BS37 4PQ Tel: 01454 320005 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net n COMMUNITY NEWS CHARITY CONCERT IN AID OF MARIE CURIE NURSES SATURDAY 15th OCTOBER ST. MARY’S CHURCH, YATE AT 7.30 P.M. CONDUCTORCONDUCTORCONDUCTOR GEOFFGEOFFGEOFF WICKHAMWICKHAMWICKHAM ACCOMPANISTACCOMPANISTACCOMPANIST DIANADIANADIANA WILLIAMSWILLIAMSWILLIAMS GUESTGUESTGUEST SOLOISTSOLOISTSOLOIST MARIENELLAMARIENELLAMARIENELLA PHILLIPSPHILLIPSPHILLIPS TICKETS £8.00 INCLUDING REFRESHMENTS FROM: Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre, choir MEMBERS & 01454 313907 www.yatechoralsociety.co.uk Chipping Sodbury Rotary

Stuart Fraser Marian and Richard Gilpin with Bob Holt and Liz Isaac. Picture: Doug Lodge for Yate Choral Society will be starting again in September. We are a mixed voice choir - sopranos, altos, tenors and basses - of about 60 members, who enjoy singing and enjoy the company of their fellowWesingers.singavariety of different music, which we share with the people of the area in three main concerts each year. Being a choral society, our principal concert is usually a major choral work, such as Mozart’s Requiem or Handel’s Messiah, so we can enjoy the uplifting experience of performing great music and sharing it with the people of our communities. We also hold a concert in support of a local or national charity, consisting of some lighter pieces, and a Christmas Concert Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, with some audience participation. At Christmas we also sing some of our seasonal repertoire in a number of nursing and residential homes, though this is in abeyance at present due to covid concerns, but we hope to resume when we can. We have also been booked to sing at some weddings this year. This year has been an anniversary year for us. Our musical director, Geoff Wickham, has been with us now for 50 years. To celebrate this fantastic and possibly unique achievement, we held a grand celebration concert in April at Yate Academy. Also this year Geoff was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to music in the Bristol area. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at St Nicholas church, Abbotswood. You don’t have to be a musical expert to join us, just someone who enjoys to one of our rehearsals and see for yourself how you like what we do. You could become part of our sharing a wide variety of music with the people of Yate and Sodbury. Michael Stephenson

YATE-Genieri Community Link is holding a 'lean times quiz' to raise Funds needed for teacher salaries, school supplies, vegetable production, and possibly emergency rice in the ‘hungry season’ between rice harvests in our linked village in The Gambia.

The will be re-starting on September 6, with weekly meetings on Tuesday mornings at Yate Bowls Club. If you would like to find out more email Mike Hayward at yands.u3a@ gmail.com.Comealong to Yate and Sodbury District u3a open afternoon on Friday October 14, at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall from 2-4pm, where you can chat to u3a members representing the wide range of groups and interests available - sport, dance, languages, music and more!

To enter email genierilink@gmail.com for a copy, or phone me on 07837Prizes588362.include Laithwaites wines, Sunday lunch at a Toby Carvery and a Costa Coffee voucher. Closing date is September 14, with the winners announced on the 15th. Entry fee is £10. It's a great challenge, with great prizes. Go to www.yategenierilink.org.uk or our Facebook page for more details.

September, 2022 25yate & sodbury voice For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk Loft Boarding & USEwww.useyourloftspace.co.ukInsulationYOURLOFTSPACEisthereliable,affordableandtrustedlocalcompanyforallyourloftboarding,andloftinsulationrequirements01172980810INFO@USEYOURLOFTSPACE.CO.UKLindsey House, Oaklands Business Park Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NA 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 • Home and Office appointments with Disabled Access Call now, quoting “Yate & Sodbury Voice” 01454 32 26 66 n COMMUNITY NEWS Tudor Bridge Club GARDEN party bridge, hosted by Tudor Bridge Club in Chipping Sodbury, is increasingly becoming better known for the quality of the catering and friendly hosting than the ‘cut and thrust’ of a competitive game of bridge. And this year was no exception. If anything, the catering and hosting teams upped their game. This year it was held in the Old Grammar School in the heart of Chipping Sodbury, in late July. The day began with tea, coffee and a selection of home-made biscuits and cookies, then there were a few hands of bridge whilst the amazing lunch was prepared. The lunch included salmon rillettes prepared especially for the event by James Nathan, the 2008 winner of the BBC's MasterChef. Then, after a few more hands of cards the players enjoyed a fabulous spread of tea, cakes and scones – all freshly home-made, of course. The day finished with a raffle and prize giving. Prizes were given for the top pair, the pair closest to 50% and to the bottom pair – just to make the point to everyone that ‘it’s the taking part that matters, it’s not always about winning'. All the money from the raffle and profits from the day, totalling £600, will be donated to charity the Brandon Trust, who also provided the fabulous musical accompaniment to the lunch. Tudor Bridge Club is a dynamic and friendly bridge club offering duplicate online games, face-to-face club evenings and afternoon introductory sessions, lessons, seminars and refresher courses. No need to have a partner and absolutely no experience is needed to join any of the courses. If you would like to try your hand or want more information, please call me on 07876 334 921 for details or see the website bridgewebs.com/ tudorchippingsodbury.TudorBridgeClubplays twice weekly both online and in the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery, Chipping Sodbury.

Christine May

THE u3a art group has had a great 2022 so far, with members' work fea tured in the Yate Open exhibition in April and an art demonstration from Bristol-based artist Paul Weaver in July. Our group leader was also asked to be the art judge for the recent Chipping Sodbury Rotary student awards.

Marian Gilpin

Yate-Genieri Community Link

Yate and Sodbury u3a

Jean Crispin

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

The drop-in session takes place on Saturday September 10 from 9am1pm.Lego club takes place on the same day from 10.30-11.30am. Booking is required for the session, which is suitable for children aged four to 10. New reading group ‘Have You Read’ invites anyone to come along and enjoy a coffee or tea and an informal chat with like-minded book lovers, about books you have read or are currently reading, on September 23 from 10.30-11.30am.Anewbook group for young people in Year 6 and above launches on September 15 from 4.15pm-5.15pm: Come along and chat about what you're reading - no set book. Refreshments are provided.

The craft group meets on September 17 from 10am until midday – new members always welcome. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochetComputerprojects.support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturday and Tuesday mornings from 10am-noon and Thursdays from 2-4pm. To book a session call 01454 868006, speak to a member of staff at the library or email yate.library@southglos.gov.uk

Taking place every Wednesday from 6-7pm, sessions are hosted by at least two volunteer ambassadors. Children have to register for a place before attending - online forms are at digilocal.org.uk/eoi. Regular events include Wriggle & Rhyme: rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together on Thursday and Friday mornings, 9.30-10am.Afree-family friendly story time, with a simple craft for preschool children, takes place on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-10am.

The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10am-5.30pm and Saturday from 9am-2.30pm. Open access (unstaffed) is from 8am-7.30pm every day.

YATE Library is holding a crafts day to mark the end of this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 202226 yate & sodbury voice common eye symptoms Sore eyes Eye strain Glaucoma Blurry vision Red eye whatever your eye care needs, our expert eye care team are ready to help you at both of our practices. 768 Fishponds Road, Bristol, BS16 3UA 57 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4JT 0117 965 4434 0117 962 2474 eyecareteam@turnersopticians co uk www turnersopticians co uk Call Liz Martin on 01454 300050 or 07956 liz.martin@ovengleamers.com750153www.ovengleamers.comSOUTHGLOS Your Reliable Local Oven Cleaner OVENS - RANGES - AGASHOBS - EXTRACTORS PROFESSIONAL - THOROUGH - ECO FRIENDLY Check out our 5 Reviews on Facebook & Google FREE Oven Liner & Bulb Replacement included in your service as standard n YATE LIBRARY UPDATE

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September 4 n BRISTOL & SOUTH GLOUCES TERSHIRE STATIONARY ENGINE CLUB VINTAGE RALLY and tractor event, in conjunction with Sodbury Vale Tractor Club. Frog Lane Farm, Woodside Road, Coalpit Heath, 10am-5pm. Entry £4 per person, under-14s free. For more informa tion call 01454 773232.

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.

Tuesday

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

gill.butler.90 n CRAFT

September 10 n FREE CONCERT BY WINTER BOURNE WINDS WIND BAND, Kingsgate Park, Yate, 2-4pm. Play ing a mix of music from the movies, musicals and some classical pop and jazz pieces. For more informa tion email yahoo.com.winterbournewinds@

Saturday 10th September n CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRE CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRES! Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 10th September and 8th October. 10 am to 4 pm Local Crafts, Papercraft Supplies, Gifts & Collectables, Cakes & Refreshments, and more! Voluntary Entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Friends of Horton School combythewoodsfayres@hotmail.emailformoreinfo

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 202228 yate & sodbury voice n WHAT'S ON Until 4 September 2022. n DISHES OF DISCOVERY AT BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN - Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer. Embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol as you sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship.

ING CLUB practice night from 6pm, Moorland Road, Yate, every Monday evening from May 9 to mid-September. Call 01454 882230 for more information.

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.

Wednesday n LINE DANCE CLASSES AT RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Wednesdays 9.30am to 12. Cost £5 No partner needed. A fun way to keep fit, reduce stress, memory and make new long friends. Contact Gill 07837 784816, or FB MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning some thing new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation re quested to support church heating. 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

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

September 11 n DODINGTON PARISH COUN CIL JUBILEE WALK at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve. Guid ed tour around the flatter parts of the reserve. Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the reserve, opposite the entrance to Cherington, Yate, BS37 8US, at 2pm. Second walk covering hilly areas, same time on September 24. September 12 n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY talk by Connor Hickman, 7.30pm, Little Stoke Baptist Church. more details from Ron Ramplin on 0774 874 0794.

YATE & DISTRICT BOWL

n GENTLE

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

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB (POTTERY SEC TION) Meet every Tuesday & Wednesday 7.30 – 9.30 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre for pottery. The group is open to adults who wish to pursue this fun and creative activity. Some tuition is available. £5 per session. FFI please see our FB page Yate & Sod bury Art & Craft Club or com/yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.websiteorCallRozon07941946412.

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

Thursday n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Calm-in Yoga 7.45pm in Chip ping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Cen tre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n THURSDAY: EXERCISE AND SOCIAL FOR SENIORS £5. Come and join us for a dose of weekly exercise! We aim to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility in a fun and friendly environment. To register your interest please contact Adam Dyer on 07875503586. St Saviours Church , Coallpitt heath, every Thursday 10-11:30am Beesmoor Rd, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2RP n FRIDAY: EXERCISE AND SOCIAL FOR SENIORS £5. Come and join us for a dose of weekly exercise! We aim to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility in a fun and friendly environment. To register your interest please contact Adam Dyer on 07875503586. Cambrian Green Court community centre 2:153:45pm Yate, Bristol BS37 5AD n FRIDAY: FROME VALLEY ART GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne each Friday 2-4pm or 7-9pm. Thriving club with demonstrations & workshops from visiting professional artists. More details online at wordpress.comfromevalleyartgroup.oremail comfromevalleyartwinterbourne@gmail.

September 3-29 n PIECES OF YATE EXHIBITION BY BATH TEXTILE ARTISTS, inspired by the history and geography of the Yate area. Yate Heritage Centre, Saturdays 10am3pm; Tuesday-Thursday 10am-4pm. Meet the artists on September 22 and 24, 10am-3pm.

September 14 n YATE AND DISTRICT TOWNS WOMEN’S GUILD, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 9.45am-noon, with a talk on the RNLI by John Barnett. For more information please contact Rhona Cowie (chair) on 01454 881532.

September 18 n WAPLEY BUSHES NATURE RE SERVE WORKDAY - annual stream clearance and other maintenance work, 10am meet at the Shire Way entrance. Please wear stout footwear. September 27 n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCI ETY, demonstration by Katherine Kear, 7.30pm, Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury. Call 0117 937 3836 for more informa tion.

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

life

September 13 n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCI ETY practice class, 'Golden Harvest' or hand-tied bouquet 7.30pm, Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury. Call 0117 937 3836 for more information.

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB Meet every Monday at 7 – 9 pm at Ridgewood Commu nity Centre for all sorts of arts and crafts. The group is open to adults who enjoy painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. FFI please see our FB page Yate & Sodbury Art & Craft Club or website 946412weebly.com/yateandsodburyartsociety.orCallRozon07941

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September, 2022 29 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk yate & sodbury voice Greenway Gardens Email: Contact:Greenwaygardens@hotmail.co.ukSamSalvage07710608211 Tree & Garden Maintenance Services Fully Qualified & Insured, 10 years experience All aspects of Tree & Hedge work/Landscaping Contract Lawn Mowing from £10 60+ 5 Star Customer Ratings Address: 90 Chedworth, Yate Conveniently situated within Yate Leisure Centre, all Therapists are fully qualified and experienced. We offer a wide range of Treatments in a professional, relaxing environment. • Microsuction Ear Wax Removal • Acupuncture • Doctor performed Aesthetic Treatments • A full range of Beauty Treatments • Foot Health Practitioner • McTimoney Chiropractic • Sports/Deep Tissue Massage/Cupping • Holistic Massage/Indian Head Massage • Reflexology • Hypnotherapy For more information visit www.therapyclinic.co To make a booking telephone: 01454 320088 or text 07570 682342 Or email: info@therapyclinic.co For our latest news, offers and updates follow us: We have a range of Therapy rooms available to rent, please contact us for more information. n SPORT Local Man With a Van thanCheaperaskip! Hello neighbours, I’m available for rubbish clearance and Callwww.manwithavan.inforemovals01454529003Pleaseletmeknowyousawthisadvert Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely FREE of charge. CALL US TODAY ON: 01454 740 034 MOBILE: 07537 149 128 WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: • EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING • 2 REMOTE CONTROLS • ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION • FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR • AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS garageﬁfor£895£895From*afullyttedelectricdoor. *O er valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

Bluebells' shaky start

YATE Town could not convert a win in their opening game of the season into a run of form, losing the next three in a row. After a pre-season which included a 3-3 draw with Bristol City and saw them only lose once, the Bluebells started away at Hendon, with a spectacular debut goal from debutant Brandon Smalley securing the points. But the first home game of the season saw Yate stunned by three goals in the first 25 minutes from newly-promoted Hanwell Town. A comeback from the Bluebells, courtesy of goals from Prince Henry and Joe Tumelty, made it 3-2 by half-time but the visitors held on to take the points.

A midweek visit to Weston-super-Mare ended in late heartbreak, as a stoppage time penalty condemned the Bluebells to a second 3-2 defeat in a row, despite goals by Olly Mehew and a spectacular volley by Barney Soady. Yate were then well beaten by Salisbury Town on their return to Lodge Road on August 20, leaving them fourth from bottom of the Southern League Premier Division South. The Bluebells have a home draw in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round, against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, on September 3 at 3pm. Zac Drew celebrates his goal in the preseason 3-3 draw with Bristol City. Picture: B.East Photography

Sodbury’s U13s squad performed particularly strongly this year, topping their group in the Bristol Youth League, with the U15s and U11s also impressing.

“We will be working hard again over the winter with our indoor nets programme to make sure players can take further steps forward again next year.”

The

SodburyChippingFirstXI

Steve Hill

Sodbury’s Saturday league fixture programme comes to an end on September 3 with the first XI hosting Kingsholm and the 3rds entertaining Bedminster, both at 1pm. Further friendly fixtures, taking advantage of the excellent weather, are set to be announced.Fordetails, visit chippingsodbury.playcricket.com, the club’s Facebook page or Twitter @ChipSodCC.

GUTTER CLEANING Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online www.marksguttercleaning.co.ukTel:01173708528Mob:07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol GROUNDWORKS • Patios • Tarmac • Fencing • Turfing • Decking • Drainage • Driveways • Blockpaving • Foundations • Site Clearance • Concrete Bases • Stump Removal For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk September, 202230 yate & sodbury voice AERIAL SERVICES Call Nick on 07970 529787 Email: theaerialco@yahoo.com ● TV Aerials & Satellites ● Extra Points ● Repairs ● Sky Work Undertaken ● Telephone Extensions ● TV Wall Mounting ● CCTV ● Data Points & Wi-Fi Extensions ● TV/DAB/FM Multi Point Systems The AerialEst.2004Co. AERIAL SERVICES ADVERTISE HERE YOURADVERTISEBUSINESS£20.00fromaslittleaspermonth+VAT Call Richard on 01454 800 120 yate & sodbury voice SERVICESLOCAL For CalladvertisingRichardon 01454 800 120 n SPORT Sodbury promotionchase ONLY a handful of matches remain to be played as the cricket season enters its final chapter for 2022, but Chipping Sodbury are already looking ahead to the 2023 campaign with plenty of hope. It’s been a summer to remember for teams across all age groups, led by the first XI who, at the time of going to press, were closing in on promotion from the Gloucestershire County League and a much-anticipated return to the West of England Premier League.One piece of silverware has already been secured, as the midweek team clinched the Division Four title in the new Bristol Midweek League with a last over three-wicket defeat of Pucklechurch, which came on the back of a dramatic victory the week before against Jonboy's Juggernauts. All four senior sides have performed with distinction, with the number of young players stepping up from the junior ranks to play on Saturdays ensuring a sustainable future for one of the oldest clubs in South Gloucestershire.

Club captain Jamie Rendell, himself a product of Sodbury’s junior section, said: “It’s been very pleasing to see so many girls and boys do well in a youth environment and continue to make progress when called into our Saturday sides.

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