Yate & Sodbury Voice September 2023 by Richard Drew at Yate and Sodbury Voice

yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

September, 2023 Issue 100

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Here comes the Tour! Exam success

BRIMSHAM Green students Libby Roebuck and Anna White were among the highest achievers as hundreds of GCSE candidates in Yate and Chipping Sodbury picked up their exam results. PAGES 8&9

More jams on way Elite cycle race the Tour of Britain will roll through Chipping Sodbury, Yate and Iron Acton in September. Picture: SWpix.com/Tour of Britain Full story and map: Page 13

Yate rapist jailed for 21 years A YATE man has been jailed for 21 years for raping a woman and a child. Craig Ogborne, aged 37, was also convicted of sexual offences against another child during a trial. In total he was found guilty of six charges - two of raping a woman, one of raping a child, two counts of sexually assaulting a child and one of

causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Ogborne was found not guilty of 12 other charges during the trial, which took place in July. A judge at Bristol Crown Court sentenced him to a 21-year prison sentence, with an extra year on extended licence after the sentence is complete. Turn to page 3

NO W

OP EN

PEOPLE living in the Yate and villages to the south are facing longer jams on the roads when schools go back, as extra traffic starts using the area's diversion routes. PAGE 4

New homes to have anti-noise fence

PLANS for 145 homes that were delayed because of concerns for the future of Yate Outdoor Sports Complex have now been approved. PAGE 11

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September, 2023

n NEWS

£20k murder reward

A NEW arrest has been made by police investigating the murder of former Yate Town footballer Takayo Nembhard. A £20,000 reward is also being offered for information that brings his attackers to justice, a year after he was fatally stabbed while visiting London's Notting Hill Carnival. Metropolitan Police officers arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of murder in Shepherds Bush on August 18 - the sixth person to be arrested in the investigation. He has been released on bail until November. Takayo Nembhard Father-to-be Takayo, of Fishponds in Bristol, was stabbed under the Westway flyover in Ladbroke Grove, in an area that was crowded with "several hundred people", as he visited the carnival with his sister and friends at 8pm on August 29 last year. He suffered a severed artery and died soon afterwards. The 21-year-old former Bristol Rovers academy footballer was a "prolific striker" for Yate's youth team in the Somerset Youth Floodlit U18 League, and went onto make two first team appearances. The club held a collection for his family after his murder. Takayo had been building a career as a rapper under the name TKorStretch and was expecting a child with his girlfriend Oshian Edwards. Their son was born in November. The £20,000 reward for information is being offered by independent charity Crimestoppers, is calling for people with information to call its operators on 0800 555 111 before November 23.

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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September, 2023

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n NEWS

Yate rapist jailed for attacks on woman and children

From page 1 Ogborne will have to spend at least the next 13 years in jail, and has been banned by a restraining order from contacting any of his victims. He was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to stop him targeting vulnerable people in future. Ogborne will also be on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life. Avon and Somerset police released statements from his victims in August, after he was sentenced. One of the children he attacked said: "I can't sleep properly at night because, when I close my eyes, I see him, I hear him and 'feel' him. "My life has been affected badly. I cancel plans if I'm out with friends, if I see someone who looks like him or is driving his vehicle. I have to get home."

The other child Ogborne assaulted said: "I still stay awake until the early hours until I am tired enough to sleep. "I know I am in a safe place but I don't feel safe when I wake up. "I am scared to do most things because I didn't want to risk seeing him." The adult victim said Ogborne's attacks had left her with a "deep sense of embarrassment and shame" and she struggled to talk with friends and family, for fear of them finding out what happened. She said: "I don't know how I am going to trust other people again." Detective Sergeant Tom Elliott, who led the police case, said: "I want to commend all three victims for the courage and integrity they have shown in speaking out about what happened with Ogborne. "Their actions have ensured

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Craig Ogborne that Ogborne will not be released from prison for at least 13 years, and therefore cannot harm anyone else. "I hope this sentence will offer some level of closure for the victims so they can move forward

in their lives and feel safer in their day-to-day lives. "I would like to extend my gratitude to the jury and the Crown Prosecution Service for their time and diligence in considering what was a very difficult case. "I would urge anyone who is a victim of rape or any sexual offence to come forward. "It is never too late and we are dedicated to supporting the victim to get justice." Anyone who is a victim of rape or sexual assault, whenever it happened, can call The Bridge, a sexual assault referral centre, on 0117 342 6999 at any time of day or year, or visit the website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org. uk. More support can be found at www.thisisnotanexcuse.org. Sexual assaults can also be reported to the police at www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ report/rape-and-sexual-assault.

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n NEWS

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September, 2023

Residents braced for school run jams PEOPLE living in the Yate and villages to the south are facing longer jams on the roads when schools go back, as extra traffic starts using the area's diversion routes. Commuters heading to and from Bristol have faced long delays since the A432 Badminton Road bridge over the M4 was shut in July. Communities along diversion routes have seen queues of traffic streaming through country lanes, and dangerous driving by impatient motorists. While measures to try and control the traffic have been introduced by South Gloucestershire Council, the authority has refused requests to reopen a banned turn that residents believe could help alleviate traffic. And more cars could be added to the roads after a school bus service was axed. National Highways unexpectedly closed the bridge, next to the Wick Wick roundabout where the A432 meets the Avon Ring Road, after defects were found in late July, cutting off the main route from Yate, Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell to Bristol for vehicles. A routine safety inspection had found "accelerated deterioration and cracking" in the concrete. The agency says that while it hopes to speed up work on the top side of the bridge, the closure will last until at least Christmas. As reported in last month's Voice residents in Westerleigh

The temporary traffic lights at the Westerleigh Road/Henfield Road junction experienced road rage and dangerous driving by vehicles diverting through the village because of the closure. South Gloucestershire Council put temporary traffic lights at the junction of Henfield Road and Westerleigh Road, and has now installed regular traffic lights at the site, which are due to go live from September 4. Coalpit Heath and Westerleigh Parish Council chair Rob McCullough said: “The measures already put into place already have helped some of the bigger road safety issues that we highlighted previously but they have inevitably knocked on elsewhere - from new rat runs and HGVs using the wrong roads to aggressive driving, speeding and some people still aimlessly driving all the way up to the road closures - so this is a situation that needs further monitoring. “We are grateful to our ward councillors and the various officers at SGC for the speed of action and good communication."

More parents could soon be using the roads after a bus service taking children from Bristol and Downend to Winterbourne Academy was axed, and another was rescheduled to start picking up children before 7am. The parish council is calling on South Gloucestershire council to reopen the right turn on the A4174 at the Hambrook junction further west, to allow ring road traffic to reach Winterbourne that way – but the council has refused. In a statement on its website the council said: "The right turn at Hambrook lights on the ring road will remain closed as the arrangements in place are the most efficient way of moving traffic through the junction along the ring road." Yate Town Council is encouraging anyone affected by the road closure to keep giving feedback on problem areas, and suggest solutions. Town and district councillor Chris Willmore, who is South

Gloucestershire's cabinet member for infrastructure, said the authority was in National Highways' hands and was trying to ensure the agency funded solutions suggested by residents. She said: "They understand the serious problems it is causing and are as keen as we are to get to a solution. “So far they have been very helpful, as they realise the complexity of the problems.” A National Highways spokesperson said the number one priority was safety, and the bridge needed to stay closed until it completed survey work to investigate the damage. The spokesperson said: "The works involve identifying potential defects using digital scanning and then drilling into the structure to check the condition of the post-tensioning system using a range of techniques." Work to inspect the underside of the bridge finished in midAugust and inspectors are now working on the topside. A council spokesperson said: “We appreciate this work is causing significant disruption which is frustrating for road users and residents. “We are constantly reviewing the signage and road use around the diversion route and will adapt and change if there are issues which need to be addressed." People are being urged to report issues to the council at A432bridgeclosure@southglos. gov.uk or by calling 01454 868000.

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September, 2023

n NEWS

New bus route as services change BUS operator First has rerouted one service and introduced another after the closure of the Badminton Road bridge over the M4. The Y1 was rerouted as an emergency measure through Church Road in Frampton Cotterell and Bristol Road in Winterbourne after the bridge was suddenly closed in July. In addition to that a new Y2 service, starting in North Yate, will run on the same roads from September 3. The new Y2 will serve North Yate up to Leechpool Way, while the Y1 serves Chipping Sodbury and South Yate, including Shire Way. Both buses will head through Hambrook to the ring road and M32 on their way to Bristol: the Y2 will not serve Downend and Fishponds, as a previous service of the same name did before it was axed in April last year. In Bristol the Y1 is being extended to serve the Centre,

The A432 bridge closure has prompted the change in bus routes rather than Bristol Bus Station, with the Y2 also terminating there. Timetables for the Y1 and the Y6, which is being rerouted in Bristol through Henleaze, are being revised by Stagecoach "to improve punctuality". First says the Y2 will operate every 30 minutes, and the number of buses it runs from Yate to Bristol will double. Coalpit Heath and Westerleigh Parish Council chair Rob McCullough said the

new route bypassed nearly all of Coalpit Heath. He said: "Unfortunately this gave no time for consultation or feedback and it is clear that a route taking in Badminton Road past the church, turning into Beesmoor Road and then Heather Avenue/Park Lane would serve Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell much better. "The Parish Council are trying to lobby First to consider changing the route as they have disadvantaged many just at a

time that people could be looking to use public transport more." The Y6 service has also had its timetable revised and route changed in Bristol, to serve Southmead Road, Henleaze Road, Westbury Road, Whiteladies Road, Park Street, Centre and Bristol Bus Station. There have also been changes to the 525 service between Yate and Emersons Green, which is now running through Shortwood as well as Pucklechurch. A spokesperson for Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who has responsibility for transport, said there would also be a "timetable shift to provide a new schooltime link to and from Yate's Brimsham Green School". The 967 school bus service previously operated by Transpora between Westerleigh and Brimsham Green has been cancelled, but is being run on a temporary basis from the start of term until the 525 timetable is updated on September 24.

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September, 2023

n NEWS

No extra cost or discount as bin strike ends SOUTH Gloucestershire Council did not incur any extra costs from the recent strike by bin workers but is not paying contractor Suez any less for the reduced service. Around 150 members of union Unite went on strike for more than a month, from June 26 until July 31, in a dispute over pay. During the strike, kerbside recycling and green bin collections were suspended as the council and its contractor prioritised black bin collections, keeping recycling centres open and operating temporary 'deposit points' for people to take food waste and recycling. A spokesperson for the council said any extra "direct and indirect costs" incurred because of the strike were being carried by Suez, including the increase in pay negotiated to end the strike. However the amount the council pays Suez under its contract to collect, recycle and

dispose of waste is not being adjusted to account for the fact that a full kerbside collection service was not being provided for the duration of the strike. The spokesperson said: "The contract between the council and Suez, as a third-party provider, insulates the council from the cost of any pay award but there are no mechanisms within the arrangement to seek recompense for the strike action." The council said there had not been an increase in reports of fly-tipping in the district over most of the period of strike action, including an earlier oneweek walk-out from June 12 to 16, although there was "a slight increase towards the end of July". Unite members voted to strike after rejecting an 8% pay offer from Suez, which the union said represented a "significant real terms pay cut" as it was well below inflation. The union called for a 15% rise.

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A proposed 9% rise was also rejected before Suez came back with an offer of 10.1%, which was accepted at the beginning of August. The strike was suspended from July 31 for the workers' vote. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Suez workers in South Gloucestershire stood firm in their union and secured a significantly improved offer. "This is a well-deserved result for them and more evidence that Unite’s focus on enhancing jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members.” Unite members at Bristol Waste and Suez in Somerset also won bigger rises following disputes. A Suez spokesperson said: "We are pleased that we have been able to agree a solution with the union and that further industrial action has been cancelled.

"We are extremely grateful to our employees for their important work and would like to thank the residents of South Gloucestershire for their patience during this time." The contractor said it was "conscious that residents had high volumes from the suspension of the service" and said it used extra resources to catch up on the backlog and resume normal services as quickly as possible. Bulky waste collections restarted on August 14, the same date the Revive shop at Thornbury Sort It centre reopened. Asked by the Voice if penalty clauses for contractors unable to deliver a service would be inserted into the new waste contract due to be introduced in 2025, the council said it was "working to ensure a robust approach to contract arrangements".

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September, 2023

n NEWS

Andy tells his story for cancer campaign A YATE man has shared his experience of being diagnosed and treated for testicular cancer while still a teenager. Andy Whitehead has told his story as part of a campaign to urge more people to check for early symptoms of cancer, which is being supported with NHS advice on underwear labels. Andy Whitehead was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in 2012, when he was only 19. He said the first indication he had that anything could be wrong was when he noticed a change in the size of his right testicle. Andy said: “I visited the GP and was then sent for further tests, where it came back as stage 4 cancer. It had spread to my lungs and lymph glands.” He received treatment and following remission he was given

Andy Whitehead the all clear five years after his diagnosis. Now aged 30, Andy wants to raise awareness and said: “I would say to any young men that they need to check once a month for any different signs so lumps

and bumps and would urge them to get checked out asap by the GP. "The sooner the better. I left mine late - and it had spread.” Andy says he is forever grateful for his great network of friends and family, and men’s testicular cancer charity It’s in the Bag, who supported him through the treatment and his recovery. He wants to help break the stigma men feel about checking their ‘manhood’, encouraging them to talk openly about testicular cancer and help each other through their diagnosis or worries. The NHS says it is seeing and treating more people than ever before for cancer – in the last year the number of people receiving lifesaving checks hit nearly three million. Supermarket Morrisons has added NHS advice to the

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labels on underwear it stocks, urging people to contact their GP practice if they spot potential symptoms of breast or testicular cancer. The Nutmeg-branded underwear featuring NHS advice will be in 240 Morrisons stores, including the Yate branch. Labels will first appear in men’s boxer shorts and followed by crop top bras in the coming months, with QR codes on packaging and tags linking to more detailed information online. While nearly all men survive testicular cancer, if the disease has spread, survival for five years or more can reduce to 65%. NHS England South West Medical Director Vinay Takwale said: “Please look out for lumps and bumps or anything else that is unusual for you and get checked out early - it could save your life.”

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September, 2023

n EXAM RESULTS

A-level students celebrate 'hard-won' results A-LEVEL and BTEC students sitting their first ever formal exams at Cotswold Edge Sixth Form have been praised for their resilience and hard work. A nervous wait for teenagers across the country ended on August 17, when this year's results were published. The government had signalled a "return to prepandemic grading" after three years of assessments and adjusted grades, with results in line with the standards of 2019. However, this year's A-level and BTEC candidates had not sat nationally-set exams before, as their GCSEs took place in 2021, when classroom-based assessments were being carried out. The Department for Education said that as a result of changes to grading, the proportion of top A* to A grades had fallen from 35.9% last year to 26.5% this year - although this

was still above the 25.2% figure from 2019. The number of A-levels given grade A* to B was 52.7% nationally, compared with 51.1% in 2019. At Cotswold Edge Sixth Form, the consortium of Brimsham Green School, Chipping Sodbury School and Yate Academy, said they were "delighted" at the results achieved by students, which included "many notable successes". Among the high achievers whose results were highlighted were: Phoebe Ashley, who will study drama and performance practice at Gloucestershire University after achieving a Distinction*, two A*s and an A. James Day (A*, 2A, B) who will study chemical engineering at Nottingham University. Amberley Britton (A*, A, Distinction), UWE, education Jolie Dyer (2A*, A,B), Bath

Cotswold Edge Sixth Form students celebrate after picking up their A-level results University, maths Chelsea Hopson (2A*, 3A), Cambridge University, psychological and behavioural sciences David Marasigan (A, 2B, C), Bristol University, space engineering. Mar Palacios Hurtado (A*, 3A, C) University College London, law (with Hispanic law). Henry Park (3B, Distinction), apprenticeship with Doughty; Carys Stephenson (3A*, A), Manchester University, biomedical sciences. Twins Charlotte and George Hutchinson (5A* 3A combined), both Southampton University, Charlotte to study chemistry and George computer science. Chloe Burgess (2 Dist*, B), UWE, midwifery Roxy Willis (Dist*, B, C) UWE, social work. Leah Hacker (Dist*, Dist, Merit) James Jancy (3 Distinctions). Brimsham Green School head teacher Kim Garland said: "Students truly deserve their success. "This cohort did not have the opportunity to sit GCSEs

as public examinations, and so these A-Levels and BTECs feel particularly hard won; students’ resilience has really had to come to the fore.” Chipping Sodbury School head Katherine Turner said: "Students have been able to study a wide range and an exciting combination of subjects at CEDGE, and the results today testify that students have really benefited from this.” Yate Academy head teacher Natalie Wilcox said: "Our Year 13 students have worked incredibly hard; the excellent support of their teachers has prepared them well for the next steps of their education and training." The teachers said students had been "been extremely well supported in overcoming the difficulties of lockdowns and other disruptions to their learning" at the sixth form, which teaches across all three schools, with students travelling between sites on a free bus. The sixth form is inviting GCSE students to an open evening on October 5. For more details visit cotswoldedgesixthform.org.uk.

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yate&sodburyvoice

n EXAM RESULTS

GCSE students rise to the challenge LEADERS of schools in Yate and Chipping Sodbury say this year's GCSE candidates showed "resilience" to record some "fantastic" results. As with A-levels announced a week earlier, the government had signalled a "return to pre-pandemic grading" for teenagers sitting GCSEs this year, after three years of concessions to the pandemic, and said results would be comparable to 2019. But teachers stressed that this year's candidates had years of disruption to their education, with lockdowns affecting much of their Years 8 and 9 at secondary school.

Brimsham Green School BRIMSHAM Green School head teacher Kim Garland said she and her colleagues "could not be prouder" of the Year 11 pupils who had worked with determination for their GCSEs. She said: "All students have needed to show resilience in the face of the pandemic, whether this was due to disruption to schooling in Years 8 and 9, or whether they were unable to attend for periods of time because they were unwell themselves - they have not let this define their achievements." Ms Garland said results were "broadly" in line with those of 2019, although English attainment was "considerably higher" at all levels and in some new subjects, including engineering, students as a whole had "excelled". She highlighted some of the school's highest achievers. Niamh Meredith-Clarke and Anna White were both the highest attainers and showed most progress, achieving 14 Grade 8s and 9s between them. Nine other students all secured seven or more GCSEs at Grade 7 and above: Jack Clark, Jessica Cosgree, Evie Dyer, Theo Roberts, Ted Peeling Smith, Harry Norris, Libby Roebuck, Harrison Smith and Freya Winter. Ms Garland said the school also wanted to recognise Harry Allen, Duncan Ferguson, Lucy Hurford, Marley McCalla, and Wiktoria Sorotowicz, who had exceeded their targets by at least two grades overall. Jennifer Waller, Alicia Emerson, Paige Smart, Jessica Cosgree, Lucy Hurford collect their results at Brimsham Green

Yate Academy

YATE Academy leaders hailed an "excellent set of GCSE and BTEC results" from its Year 11s. The school said 12% of grades were

Frances Green was one of Yate Academy's highest achievers either a grade 9 or a Distinction* and 49% of students achieved at least one top grade - up from 46% last year - with around one in five achieving at least two qualifications at grade 9 or Distinction*. Overall 55% of students achieved at least a grade 5 in both English and Maths, the school's highest percentage ever, while 27% reached grade 5 or more across English, maths, science, history or geography and a modern foreign language, the government's English Baccalaureate standard. Describing the results as "fantastic outcomes", head teacher Natalie Wilcox said: "This is an incredible achievement." The school highlighted the achievements of Frances Green, who achieved eight grade 9s, two Distinction* and a grade 8; Luke Kraal, with six grade 9s, two grade 8s, a Distinction* and a grade 6; Juliana Raphael, with five grade 9s, four grade 8s and a Distinction; Kailen Wilson, Georgie SteeleDavies, Indiana Samways-Roberts, Oliver Pitts and Ethan King all achieved at least four top grades. The school also praised students who had made "exceptional progress" or who overcome barriers, including Juliana Raphael, Isabelle Green, Eduard Polonic, George New, Kasey Barley, Luke Woodey, Zack Chorley, Amelia Livingstone, Andreas Cucu, Ahnaf Mohsin, Alex Cowley, Zachary Huntly and Olivia Swiatoniowska. Mrs Wilcox said: "The list of impressive achievements could go on and it would be fantastic to name every individual. "I am proud of every single one of them

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Ethan King was another top performer and wish them the very best for the future."

Chipping Sodbury School

CHIPPING Sodbury School head teacher Katherine Turner said the school's "strong" GCSE results reflected students' hard work and dedication during years of "enormous challenges". She said: "This is a positive reflection of the school community. "I am delighted for those students who consistently demonstrated our school values of responsibility and aspiration and who had a very positive attitude to their learning and demonstrated resilience to the challenges faced." Ms Turner highlighted 11 GCSE students who had "achieved a fantastic raft of the top grades" in their exams: Millie Bartlett, Philip Bond, Ella Brindle, Jake Garrett, Charlotte Hayward, Jemma Hodey, Summer Holbrook, Charlotte Lowe, Holly Smith, John Stokes and Owen Wiltshire. She added: "There are many individual successes for students who have had to cope with numerous personal challenges. "This is a reflection of the progress these students have made and the hard work by our young people, staff and governors. I wish to pay particular tribute to the continuous support provided by families not just over the past few months but throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. We enjoy strong and positive relationships which impact on the outcomes for individuals. "There were so many delightful students in this cohort and we are very proud of them and their achievements."

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n NEWS

yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

Inquiry looms as 180-home development is rejected A PUBLIC inquiry will be held into controversial plans for 180 homes in Wickwar, after councillors upheld a decision to reject the proposals. South Gloucestershire Council's spatial planning committee unanimously threw out the scheme for land west of Sodbury Road, which has received more than 600 objections, and it will now be decided by a government-appointed planning inspector. The move on August 8 confirmed a decision to refuse permission made by a lower planning committee five days earlier, despite officers recommending the scheme for approval. Developers Bloor Homes had already appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after the council missed a deadline to make a decision. The company's senior planning manager, Jonathan Dodd, urged councillors to “bring sense back to the council’s decision-making process”. He told the committee the reasons for rejecting the planned new estate, which would have 63 affordable homes, were completely flawed, unjustified and “defied logic”. Mr Dodd said: “Informed professional

A map shows the proposed site, in red, opposite two other estates under construction opinion has been completely disregarded on multiple points. “Your officers stated...they could not defend the decision of the committee at appeal. “Disagreeing with the officers’ recommendation and overruling the advice of experienced professionals to proceed to planning inquiry with one unjustified reason for refusal is not a good use of public money." Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge ward councillor Becky Romaine told the meeting: “I am very concerned about the village

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landscape. “You are building out towards Yate, then it’s going to merge and become a town eventually, which is not what Wickwar or the villagers want at all.” Cllr Romaine said residents would be reliant on cars, as the village's 84/85 bus service is only funded for the next six months, and she doubted the proposed new shop would do enough business to stay open. She said pressures on the already oversubscribed local schools from the influx of new families would be too great. The committee was asked what its decision would have been had the application not already been referred to an inspector, in order to establish the council’s case at an eight-day appeal, which is due to start on October 31. Members voted to reject the proposal Officers had told them the scheme's harms, such as to heritage assets including two nearby listed farms, did not “significantly and demonstrably” outweigh the benefits – the required planning test in this case – but members rejected the advice. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n NEWS

Anti-noise fence approved next to sports complex

How Barratt says the new homes will look PLANS for 145 homes that were delayed because of concerns for the future of Yate Outdoor Sports Complex have now been approved. Councillors granted permission for the properties at Ladden Garden Village in Yate at the second attempt, after developers Barratt Homes agreed to install a 2m (6ft 7in) acoustic fence between the new homes and the centre. South Gloucestershire Council's strategic sites delivery committee deferred the application in July because members were worried new residents would start to complain about noise from the YOSC after moving in, potentially limiting the centre’s activities and undermining its future. The committee gave the goahead unanimously in August, after hearing the concerns had been addressed. But councillors said they were not happy and that their hands were tied by previous decisions, dating back to 2015 when outline plans for North Yate New Neighbourhood were approved. Adrian Rush (Lib Dem, Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge) told the meeting: “We’ve got what we wanted, we can’t do any more. “I still think YOSC are going to get complaints but we’ve done everything we can.” Mike Drew (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: “The acoustic fence was the main objection for bringing this item to committee. “I’m still not entirely happy with the proposal. The damage

has already been done by the masterplan and the previous approvals, which are not adequate. “I understand that YOSC will still be obliged to put up a ball retention fence along their boundary, to make sure that no things fly out of YOSC into neighbouring properties. “That’s an additional expense for the charity that runs the site. If Barratt was to find them some generosity and pay for that fence, that would be much appreciated by YOSC.” Barratt Homes Bristol design and planning coordinator Alex Winter said: “We understand the concerns regarding the ongoing ability of YOSC to carry out its varied programme of activities. “Barratt Homes considers YOSC to be a fantastic asset to all residents, and we do not wish to see its activities curtailed." He said that a proposed fence running the full length of the development site closest to the centre was being upgraded to a 2m high "acoustic timber fence". Mr Winter added: “We shall construct this fence in the first phase of construction of that parcel and will have it complete prior to occupation of the adjacent plots.” Building work on the homes, of which 55 will be classed as affordable, will begin this autumn. All of the properties will include wildlife features such as swift boxes, bat boxes and hedgehog highways. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n NEWS

More GP patients report phone problems MORE patients of Yate surgeries are having problems getting through on the phone, according to new figures. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published this summer, showed the proportion of patients saying it was not easy to call was higher at all but one of the town's GP practices. At Courtside Surgery 48% of patients surveyed this year reported that it wasn't easy to get through, up from 26% last year. At Kennedy Way Surgery numbers reporting problems had risen from 33% to 37%, while at Wellington Road they had risen from 5% to 12%. At West Walk numbers rose from 23% in 2022 to 34%. The only surgery where the number of people reporting issues had gone down was Leap Valley, the parent practice of Abbotswood Surgery - but this had fallen only slightly, from a

massive 89% to 85%. The picture on waits for appointments was mixed: at Courtside, 32% of patients were offered a same-day appointment, up from 30% last year, with 20% having to wait a week or more, also up by 2% on 2022. Most other patients waited between a day and a week for an appointment, but some answering the survey couldn't remember how long they waited. At Kennedy Way, 73% of patients were offered a sameday appointment and just 5% had to wait a week - both figures unchanged from last year. At Wellington Road the number of same-day appointments offered fell from 57% to 49%, but week-plus waits remained at 10%. West Walk patients reported being offered same-day appointments in 32% of cases, down 1%, with 36% waiting a

week or more, the same as in 2022. Only 16% of Leap Valley patients were offered a same-day appointment, down from 21%, while the proportion waiting more than a week rose from 37% to 45%. The number of patients reporting a positive overall experience of their surgery was up at three out of five practices. At Courtside it rose from 77% last year to 82%, while at Kennedy Way it rose from 86% to 89%. Satisfaction levels at Wellington Road but were still high, going from 92% last year to 84%. At West Walk, the number of patients reporting a good experience fell from 86% to 74%, while at Leap Valley it rose from a five-year low of 38% in 2022 to 46% this year. Nationally, 71% of people

said they were happy with their surgery, down from 72% last year, while 50% found it easy to get through on the phone and 33% were offered same-day appointments, with 25% waiting a week or more. The survey was carried out by Ipsos MORI with NHS England, based on just under 760,000 responses to questionnaires sent out nationwide between January and April. A spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which funds GP services, said surgeries in its area "are above the national average in many areas of the survey", including overall experience of appointments and the performance of healthcare professionals. The spokesperson added: “We also recognise there are areas for improvement."

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AS sharp-eyed readers will have noticed from our front page, the Yate & Sodbury Voice celebrates its 100th edition this month. Our first ever edition was published back in March 2015, carrying a front page news story on the troubles facing organisers trying to set up an outdoor music festival in Chipping Sodbury. Since then we’ve reported on the ups and downs of life in Yate, Chipping Sodbury and the surrounding villages. We've reported on successes and failures at local schools, achievements and problems facing our NHS, and issues from crime and politics to the environment and changing face of the area as developments are proposed, debated, sometimes battled against and usually built. We've also covered sport, features and given a platform for the many community groups in the area, as well as our elected politicians, to keep in touch with you. Most importantly we've covered the stories affecting members of the community, from individual personal struggles and triumphs, to the effects of national and world events on the area. That, of course, included the covid pandemic, which stopped us from printing for two months during the early stages of lockdown - but even then we kept people informed through our website, www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk, and social media. We like to think we’ve become a valued and trusted part of the community in Yate and Sodbury - and look forward to serving the community for our next 100 issues.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

September, 2023

yate&sodburyvoice

n NEWS

Tour set to whizz through Sodbury and Yate PEOPLE living in Chipping Sodbury, Yate and Iron Acton are being encouraged to come to the roadside and see a sporting spectacle, as the Tour of Britain streaks through the area. Stage Seven of the elite cycle race will pass through the middle of our area on the afternoon of Saturday September 9, on its way from Tewkesbury to Gloucester Docks. The peloton is predicted to pass through Chipping Sodbury High Street at about 1.53pm, Station Road in Yate about three minutes later and head from Wooton Road in Iron Acton towards Cromhall at around 2pm to 2.10pm. The cyclists could arrive up to 15 minutes earlier or later, depending on the weather and other conditions which could make their pace faster or slower. Organisers say the earliest they are likely to reach Chipping Sodbury from Horton is 1.35pm, the earliest arrival in Yate is 1.38pm and in Rangeworthy is 1.46pm. Residents are being advised that rolling roadblocks will be in place on the roads which are part of the race route, to allow the cyclists to pass through safely. These are likely to be in place for around 30 minutes in total and are enforced by police outriders - the first will arrive in place about 15 minutes before the lead rider in the race. There will also be parking suspensions along the route, including at Horton Hill and Chipping Sodbury High Street. Motorists are being advised to

The route passes through Chipping Sodbury, Yate and Iron Acton before heading to Rangeworthy follow the instructions of police officers and also allow extra time for journeys. The riders are expected to reach Gloucester some time between 2.54pm and 3.43pm. The stage was originally intended to be part of last year’s Tour of Britain, but was cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Organisers say it will be "an undulating route to really test the riders on their penultimate day and will showcase the incredible scenery and landscape that Gloucestershire has to offer", covering 170.9km (106.3 miles) of road and climbing 2,200 metres on the way. South Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young said: "We are excited to welcome the Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire. "The event is a great way

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Last year's winner Gonzalo Serrano wins Stage Four. Picture: SWPix.com to bring communities together to spectate as the riders pass through our countryside, towns and villages and will also showcase our wonderful area to

its global audience of millions." For more details visit www. tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/ stage-seven.

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

A history of cycling in Yate

TODAY, Yate is blessed with two thriving bicycle shops and a bike hub based in the shopping centre, providing further inspiration and advice for cyclists in the area. These venues reflect the popularity of cycling around Yate. Cyclists, including me, can also benefit from numerous cycle lanes and a network of cycle paths criss-crossing Bristol. The area has always been able to boast enthusiastic cyclists. In the later 19th century, Robert Hooper promoted women cyclists at a major agricultural event taking place at Stanshawes in 1890. This arguably reflected that cycling was already embedded in local life and culture. The first Golden Age of cycling was arguably the first two decades of the 20th century. Ernest Powell set up a cycle shop on Station Road around 1905 and followed this up with the Swan Cycle Depot, in Sodbury, from 1913. Francis Fletcher set up a further cycle store in the centre of Yate in 1919. The Swan Cycle Depot and the Francis Fletcher shop were fixtures in the local cycling scene for many years. The bike was the transport of choice for hundreds of factory workers in Yate before the 1960s. Station Road at certain times could be awash with cyclists at the start and end of shifts. Renowned local photographer Murray

Dowding also balanced his camera tripod and small dog on his bike travelling to various sites in and around Sodbury in the 1910s and 1920s. Local woman Queenie Nelson was typical of many youngsters in the 1950s, cycling to beauty spots in the wider region. An avid bellringer, she also cycled between the many parish churches around south Gloucestershire. The 1960s and 1970s marked a low point. The Swan, which had become the Central Cycle Shop, closed in the 1960s along with Fletcher’s in 1963 to make way for the shopping centre development. One cycle shop remained: Terry’s began in 1963 as a model shop with a cycling sideline. By 1979, it had emerged as a specialist bicycle store. Although the car was king in this period, rising living standards from the 1960s ensured Yate and Sodbury could retain at one cycle store. Despite the intense competition there has been for cycle shops in the 21st century, the survival of long-standing shops is testimony to the Yate love affair with the bicycle. *Yate Heritage Centre is part of Yate Town Council. David Hardill

Ernest Powell's Cycle Depot Station Road opened in 1905

Diary dates: September 4-30: Yate and Sodbury Photographic Club exhibition - pictures from our talented local club. September 16, 10.30am-4.30pm: Yate International Festival - varied international entertainment, activities and food from a variety of cultures. September 26, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series – The Harry Dolman story, with Clive Burlton. £2 admission, free for Friends of YHC. Booking essential. More information on yateheritage.co.uk or by calling 01454 862200.

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n NEWS

Community Bike Hub donates 650th bike YATE Community Bike Hub is celebrating the donation of its 650th bike. This volunteer-run project, born out of the community group Climate Action Yate and Chipping Sodbury, recently completed its first year of operation. It is dedicated to increasing the number of local journeys made by bike, distributing bicycles to people in need and helping families cope with the expense of changing the size of bike to keep up with growing children. Bob Keen, from the hub, said: "Volunteers are particularly proud of the help they have been able to give to the local Ukrainian families." The hub has a bike trailer, three-wheeler trike and cargo bike available for free tasters from its base in Yate Shopping Centre, and Bob says there has been an increase in interest in commuting by bike since the closure of the A432 bridge over the M4 - bikes and pedestrians are still able to use it. Volunteers have thanked Yate Town Council, whose starter grant also enabled the purchase of work stations and tools, Yate Shopping Centre management for giving them premises in the centre and DeVere Tortworth Court for help in redecorating their shop front display. A volunteer hands a bike to a Ukrainian family

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Chipping Sodbury Motor Company Opens Its Doors to SsangYong Chipping Sodbury Motor Company has recently added SsangYong to its successful family-owned business, which also operates as a Ford Main Dealer and Fiat Authorised Repairer. Its purpose-built SsangYong and Ford showrooms are ideally located just off the High Street in Chipping Sodbury, only 10 minutes from junction 18 of the M4 and just 40 minutes from Bristol. The team at Chipping Sodbury Motor Company was keen to work with a manufacturer that offers a range of models to meet the needs of local customers and SsangYong’s multiple award-winning range of

SUVs and pick-ups, together with their 5 year warranty, does just that. Drivers can choose from the Tivoli, a compact SUV offering style and versatility, the eye-catching Korando, the spacious SUV with a bold look, the Rexton, a premium SUV that delivers capability and comfort with 7 seats or the award-winning Musso pick-up that has the largest load-bed on the market. Visit the showroom on Hatters Lane in Chipping Sodbury to discover the range of SsangYong and Ford vehicles. Alternatively, view the range of new and preowned vehicles at www.csmc.co.uk.

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Spicing up September I THINK that September is one of my favourite months. It can often be warm and very pleasant, but you’re not disappointed if it isn’t - it’s just a lovely bonus. It's unlike the summer months, when you are expecting good weather and then it’s either too hot, like some this year, or miser-

ably cold and rainy, like the others! So with all of that in mind, I’m hoping for a pleasant spell in September, and even the chance of a final BBQ of the season, for those people who love one. My recipe is for lamb koftas, which are like a spicy Middle Eastern burger. You can serve koftas stuffed into a flatbread with the mint relish, salad or suggested veg - see Cook’s Tips for more ideas. Rice would also go well with these different 'burgers'. Of course, if the weather lets you down, you can always grill them or pop them in the oven.

Lamb Koftas This makes a light lunch served with the mint relish, shop bought naan - or have a go at making your own chapati (recipe next month). If you’re trying to be really good, use minced turkey instead of lamb, as it's lower in fat and calories. Serves 2

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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.

Ingredients: Extra lean minced lamb (or turkey) -250g (8oz) Red onion-finely chopped - half Garlic clove – 1, finely chopped Ground ginger - ½ tsp Mild chilli powder – ½ tsp Cumin – ½ tsp Coriander seeds, crushed - 1tsp Chopped mint – 1tbsp Free range egg – 1, lightly beaten Breadcrumbs – 25g (1oz)

Here’s what you do: Preheat the oven to 200C, 400F, Gas Mark 6 Put all the ingredients, except the egg and breadcrumbs, in a bowl. Add the egg (you may not need the whole egg so add about half first of all, then add more if necessary), to bind the ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper to taste and, using your hands, mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Divide the mixture into 8 balls.

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Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs and then shape into a sausage shape

Either place on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 mins, until cooked through. Or grill or BBQ, for about 7 mins on each side or until cooked through.

Mint relish to serve with the koftas Ingredients: Onion - 1 small , or ½ large, finely chopped Tomatoes – 2, finely chopped Cucumber – de-seeded and grated coarsely. Very low fat yoghurt – 150g pot Fresh mint - 4 tsps, chopped Lime – juice of half a fruit Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and cover. For best taste, allow to chill in the fridge for at least half an hour.

Cook’s tip: Roasted aubergine and vine tomatoes make a great accompaniment to the koftas. Once cooked, koftas can be frozen for up to a month.

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n NEWS

School is 'a happy place to be' INSPECTORS have praised a Chipping Sodbury school on their first visit since it was created in a merger. Ofsted visited Raysfield Primary School in Finch Road during the summer term and their report found the school to be 'good' in all areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management. The school was formed in 2020 from the merger of Raysfield Infant and Junior schools, both of which had been rated 'good' in inspections in 2017. The inspectors said: "Raysfield Primary School is a happy place to be. Pupils are curious and keen to learn. "Leaders are ambitious for all pupils. Staff model the school’s high expectations. "From the start, children learn to behave well." The inspectors said pupils "feel valued" and were listened to by staff in "a climate of respect and compassion". The report said the teaching of reading was "the central support to the curriculum" and prioritised, with teachers using assessment well to spot any pupils who were falling behind and needed more help. Use of assessment in maths, where

Children at Raysfield Primary School in Chipping Sodbury learning was "broken down into small steps" to help pupils, was also highlighted. The inspectors said: "Leaders are continually making improvements to the curriculum. They think carefully about how they deepen pupils’ skills and knowledge over time." Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities "learn with confidence and success across the curriculum", the inspectors said. Lessons on moral and social issues and

other cultures, extra-curricular activities and chances to take on responsibility helped children to "become well-rounded young people with the skills to make a difference to the world as they grow older". Most parents and carers were positive about the school and "appreciate the commitment and support school leaders give them", the report said. To improve further, the inspectors recommended that school leaders ensure plans for subjects where pupils have "gaps in their learning" were strengthened and assessment used better to check pupils' knowledge and skills. Head teacher Claire Hill said: "This is a fantastic result for Raysfield Primary and the community we are honoured to serve. "As head teacher of this wonderful school, I am so incredibly proud of our pupils and staff, who are a dedicated team of skilled and committed professionals. "It was great to be recognised for our ambitious curriculum and our commitment to children’s happiness and well-being." The school is inviting parents with children starting next year to contact office@ raysfield.org.uk to arrange a visit.

PRESENT

Yate Choral Society

Yate Choral Society seeks a Musical Director

GLORIA – VIVALDI

Yate Choral Society seeks a Musical Director

BS37 – North of Bristol

Yate Choral Society is a group of 30 – 40 singers (SATB), rehearsing on a Yate Choral Society is a group of 30 – 40 singers (SATB), rehearsing on a Tuesday evening from 7.30–9.30pm at St Nicholas Family Centre, Tuesday evening from 7.30–9.30pm at St Nicholas Family Centre, Abbotswood Abbotswood mainly mainly during during term term time. time.

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We perform three three concerts concerts aa year year typically typically May, May, October October and and Christmas. Christmas. We perform The May concert is often classical with guest soloists, and sometimes a small orchestra.The orchestra.The October October concert concert is is usually usually lighter lighter in in content content and and often often small for charity, using both invited guests and talent from within.

& OTHER ITEMS

SATURDAY 14th OCTOBER

for charity, using both invited guests and talent from within.

Having sadly lost our conductor of over 50 years at the beginning of 2023, Having sadly lost our conductor over to50return yearstoatsinging the beginning 2023, our current conductor is steppingofdown with theofchoir.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, YATE - 7.30 P.M.

our current conductor is stepping down to return to singing with the choir. An enthusiastic Musical Director is sought to take us forward.

An enthusiastic Musical Director is sought to take us forward.

A fee and expenses are offered, and the appointment will be from January 2024, reviewed after are oneoffered, year. and the appointment will be from January A fee and expenses

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ETHEL-JANE CORMACK

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NATHALIE BENDING

2024, after oneplease year. email our secretary Mrs Jan Hazelby on If you reviewed are interested, jan.hazelby@gmail.com for a job description.

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NICK SHERWOOD

PIANO

DIANA WILLIAMS

www.yatechoralsociety.co.uk

CONDUCTOR

CAROL COOK

If you are interested, please email our secretary Mrs Jan Hazelby on jan.hazelby@gmail.com for a job description. www.yatechoralsociety.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 15th September, 2023.

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Tel: 01454 313907

Also Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre & choir members www.yatechoralsociety.co.uk

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n NEWS

Another Green Flag award for Wapley Bushes WAPLEY Bushes Local Nature Reserve south of Yate has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award for the 12th year in a row. The conservation group that maintains the site is celebrating after being named as one of 2,208 UK winners of the international quality mark for parks and green spaces recognition of their hard work and dedication. Wapley Bushes holds the Green Flag Community Award, a category for green spaces that are managed by voluntary and community groups. There are only 14 Community Awards in the region and Wapley Bushes is the only site with one in South Gloucestershire. Page Park in Staple Hill has a Green Flag in another category. Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve is an area of meadows and woodlands, managed by the volunteers of the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group on behalf of site owners Dodington Parish Council. Committee member Paul

Volunteers at a Wapley Bushes tree planting work mornings. Picture: Rosemary Wicks Hulbert said: “We are absolutely their unfailing practical and delighted to receive a Green financial help. Flag Community Award for the "Our reserve is a mixture twelfth time. of flower-rich meadows, “Our local green spaces really ancient woodland and matter to residents and visitors. younger plantations including They make a major contribution a community orchard. We to health and well-being. work closely with South “This award celebrates Gloucestershire Council and the the dedication that goes into Southwold Group of the Wildlife maintaining Wapley Bushes Trust, who provide us with very to such a high standard - the valuable advice. real credit goes to our hard“As well as our regular work working volunteers, and to mornings, we have walks and Dodington Parish Council for talks planned for the next few

months – please check out our website https://wapleybushes. info for details” Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Wapley Bushes in achieving a Green Flag Award. “The Local Nature Reserve is a vital green space for the community in South Gloucestershire, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.” The scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and recognises well-managed parks and green spaces. For more information on Wapley Bushes visit the website wapleybushes.info.

Big turbines could be on horizon FIELDS near Chipping Sodbury could become home to large new wind turbines in the future. Ahead of the expected lifting of a ban on onshore wind, local planners are exploring which areas in the district could best be used to generate low-cost renewable energy. South Gloucestershire Council is drawing up a new Local Plan, a wideranging document which sets out where new developments should be built over the next few years, which includes energy generation. The council will consult the public on the Local Plan this winter, and it will come into effect in 2025. A draft map showed seven potential areas where they could be allowed, including two to the north of Thornbury near Shepperdine and Oldbury Naite, one to the south between Pilning and Almondsbury, and another to the east, near Wickwar and Charfield. The others are east of Little Sodbury, between Tormarton and Acton Turville, and running along the M4 south of Chipping Sodbury. Opposition councillors warned building wind farms could be “controversial” in some parts of the district, during a meeting of the council's scrutiny commission on July 26.

Severn Vale Conservative councillor Matthew Riddle said: “In the Local Plan consultation so far, there was a map showing safeguarding areas for wind turbines, which is probably a little bit more controversial in the Severn Vale than solar panels. "Two of those sites that were identified for safeguarding had already gone through the planning process and been refused at appeal. Is it right that those sites are still safeguarded?” Building onshore wind turbines was effectively banned by the government in 2015, although late last year ministers appeared to signal they would lift that ban. The government recently consulted on changing rules in its National Planning Policy Framework to make new onshore wind farms much easier to build — but is reportedly now backtracking on these plans. Labour has promised to lift the de facto ban, if it wins a general election. The new Local Plan will be less detailed than usual, due to a failure of politicians to agree a region-wide version last year. Liberal Democrat cabinet member for planning and regeneration Chris Willmore said: “The next draft will have a strong policy commitment, as you would expect from the

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A map shows the areas where turbines could be considered current administration. "It’s not necessarily going to identify sites. The abandonment of the Spatial Development Strategy last May means that getting that big picture protection in place is the most important thing." The work on the new Local Plan began before the Liberal Democrats and Labour took power in South Gloucestershire, and staff are now quickly reviewing the plan to check it matches the policy ambitions of the new administration, including renewable energy generation. By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

n WHAT'S ON September 8 GREENMATTHEWS present Witty Ditties, Horton Village Hall, 7pm. Show exploring our rich history of witty wordplay and melodic mirth, summarising 4 centuries of chromatic comedy. All profits to village hall. Tickets at hortonwittyditties. eventbrite.co.uk. September 9 n CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRE! Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 10 am to 4 pm Local Crafts, Gifts & Collectables, Cakes, Refreshments and More! Voluntary Entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Friends of Horton School Email bythewoodsfayres@ hotmail.com for more info September 11 BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY, Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, 7.30pm. Talk on poultry by Simon Harvey. Visitors welcome without commitment to join. More details from Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@btinternet.com or 0774 874 0794. September 12 SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER arrangement society practice class, the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Theme: A Triangle Design. Also demonstration on September 26, 7.30pm, same venue. For further information contact call 0117 937 3836 or email rosemary. cummins2@gmail.com. September 12 GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY BRISTOL group meeting, BAWA, Southmead Road, 7.30pm. Speaker: Alan Price, Building the Bristol & South Wales Direct Line and ‘Railway Pot Pourri’. September 14-17 ST JOHN’S CHURCH AND SODBURY & DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGING Society Flower Festival Celebrating 100 years of Disney, at St John's Church, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury. Ticketed preview Thursday evening, free entry Friday to Sunday, 10am5pm. Refreshments. More details: pjandjj81@outlook.com, 07980 240103. September 16 COMMUNITY CONCERT of favourite Disney music and songs, performed by musicians from in and around Chipping Sodbury, St John's Church, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, 6pm. In aid

of St John’s Fabric Fund for major repairs. Tickets and more further information from pjandjj81@outlook. com or 07980 240103. September 18 FRIENDS OF KINGSGATE PARK quarterly meeting, Pop Inn Cafe West Walk, 7pm. All welcome to hear what is happening in the park. For further information about this friendly group email friendskingsgatepark@gmail.com. September 21-23 COLLABORATIVE PRODUCTIONS presents Calendar Girls, Rangeworthy Village Hall, supporting charities BUST and Blood Cancer UK. Evening performances 7.30pm, Saturday matinée 2.30pm. Over-16s only. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions) via TicketSource on 0333 666 3366 (fees apply) or in person with cash at the Rose & Crown, Rangeworthy. September 23 FAMILY AND LOCAL HISTORY FAIR, BAWA centre, Southmead Road, Filton, 10am-4pm. Free event hosted by the Bristol & Avon Family History Society. Talks, tips and advice from regional family history groups on researching your ancestors. More information from www. bafhs.org.uk, BAFHS Facebook page or fhfair@onmicrosoft.com.

REGULAR EVENTS: Monday n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am. Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. A slowerpaced, mindful and lighter yoga in Chipping Sodbury with experienced teacher. Beginners Welcomed. Sodbury Masonic Hall, 1 Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412. n YATE & DISTRICT BOWLING CLUB in Moorland Road meets every Monday evening from May to mid-September from 5.30pm for club practice night. Home and away friendly matches, also ladies

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September, 2023

and men's leagues run throughout the summer season. Call 01454 882230 for more information. n FLOW-IN YOGA WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga classes 6.15pm & 7.45pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow flowing yoga. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 Tuesday n YATE POETRY GROUP meets every Tuesday morning. Small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems. For details and to learn more about the venue, contact Tony on 0770 4140682 or email yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com. n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. To find out more contact croquet@wilko.eclipse. co.uk or call 07977 201440. n SOUTH COTSWOLD PROBUS GROUP meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Masonic Hall Sodbury, 10am. Contact Pete Chaplin for details. 01454 324956. n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB (POTTERY SECTION) meets every Tuesday and Wednesday, 7.30-9.30 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Tuition available. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412. n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY rehearses at St. Nicholas' Church Centre, Chargrove, Yate, 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. For details call 07833 597114 n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK DANCING CLUB, Pucklechurch Community Hall, Abson Road, every other Tuesday from 7.3010.15pm. All welcome, with a partner or solo. Call Alan on 07812 508396 or Linda on 07843 240414 f. Wednesday n CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating. n LINE DANCE CLASSES AT RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Wednesdays 9.30am to 12. Cost £5 No partner needed. A fun way to keep fit, reduce stress, improve memory and make new life long friends. Contact Gill 07837 784816, or FB gill.butler.90

n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am (term time). Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@ yahoo.co.uk Thursday n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.30-11.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details. n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET UP occurs every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For further info contact volunteering@coeliac.org.uk.

n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Calm-in Yoga 7.45pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353

Sunday n TEAS ON SUNDAY at Old Sodbury Church, 2.30-4.30pm, every Sunday and bank holiday Monday until August.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.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.

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yate&sodburyvoice

n COMMUNITY NEWS

September, 2023

Shopmobility anniversary

Honorary degree for Ade

The Shopmobility party

A pharmacist was among the recipients of honorary degrees presented during UWE Bristol’s summer graduation ceremonies at Bristol Cathedral. Ade Williams MBE, who runs Abbotswood Pharmacy in Yate, was awarded a Doctor of Science degree. Ade is also the Lead Pharmacist at the Bristol Travel Clinic and superintendent of the Bedminster Pharmacy, and was awarded an MBE last year for service to the NHS. He is a regular voice and face on BBC Radio Bristol and on TV. Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Peaches Golding said the award was a "tremendous recognition for the excellent work and contributions to humanity done by Ade," adding: "We thank him for years of dedication, service, inspiration, kindness and more." Ade said: "All I try to do reflects the depth of trust and responsibility placed in me daily by people navigating various challenges. "We all in the NHS never take

CHARITY Shopmobility South Gloucestershire held a celebration event to mark 20 years since the first meeting was held to try and set up a local scheme. The party at its base in Yate Library was attended by trustees, volunteers and people who use the service, which provides mobility scooter and wheelchair hire on a daily and on a longer term basis. Shopmobility Vice Chairman David Bell, who attended the first meeting in 2003, said: "I am so

pleased that the Shopmobility scheme is still going after 20 years, and has made such a great positive difference to so many people's lives." The scheme's opening hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9.30am to 4.00pm. There is free daily hire with a Concessionary Bus pass. For more information call 0799 957 4474 or email shopmobilitysouthglos@yahoo.com.

this for granted, but I remain especially indebted to all my Abbotswood Pharmacy colleagues. This honour is theirs also." Ade Williams MBE

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September, 2023

yate&sodburyvoice

n LOCAL MP

Best of luck for the new school year IT'S that time of year again when the suitcases are swapped for pencil cases, and the sandy beaches are traded in for the school run, as our children head back to school for a new academic year. I would like to congratulate all those students who received their results over the summer, and the best of luck to everyone ahead of the new school year. The good news for our local schools this year is that school funding in South Gloucestershire is set for a record boost and will be increased to the highest ever level. The Government have also released some figures which show that South Gloucestershire schools are due a significant funding boost for the 2024-25 academic year, with school funding reaching almost £60 billion, and here in the Thornbury and Yate constituency, record funding will reach £61,381,240.

For local secondary schools such as Brimsham Green, Castle School, and Yate Academy, the change in total funding will see increases of 11.2%, 6.9%, and 4.6% respectively. Meanwhile, the per pupil funding for our rural primary schools will also see increases, including schools such as Cromhall Primary (+10.5%), Iron Acton CofE (+6.5%), Charfield Primary (+3.8%), Hawkesbury Primary (+3.5%), The Ridge Primary (+3.3%), and Watermore Primary (+2.8%). Ensuring South Gloucestershire schools receive their fair share of funding has long been a priority in my positive plan for education, which I have raised with government ministers time and time again. Significant rises in high needs funding have also been allocated. Funding for children and young people with special

educational needs or disabilities here in South Gloucestershire, we will receive a record amount £51,230,394 for high needs – although of course there is more to do. This news follows work which is currently underway on the Two Bridges SEND Academy, which is set to open in September 2024. The special needs school will offer 112 spaces for pupils from nursery age to sixth form and will provide specialist support for children with autism and severe or multiple learning difficulties. Nationally, there have been further positive announcements regarding schools. Altogether 88% of schools in England are ranked as good or outstanding; we have seen significant rises up the international league tables in reading and maths as a result of focused and evidence-based reforms.

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

In England, there are also now 27,000 more teachers than there were in 2010. Around 12,000 young people in England will also benefit from a wave of new free schools, which includes Cabot Sixth Form, a 16-19 school set to open Bristol in the next three to four years. Free schools are funded by the government, however they are run by other organisations such as academy trusts and universities. We are incredibly lucky to have so many amazing schools in our area, and my thanks to all our local head teachers, teachers and support staff for all they do.

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September, 2023

yate&sodburyvoice

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Chipping Sodbury Tudor Bridge Club members with town mayor Adrian Rush. Picture: Alan Monaghan

Tudor Bridge Club CHIPPING Sodbury Tudor Bridge Club held its annual garden party in August. The garden party is a fun event, which once again raised money for local charity the Brandon Trust, while also introducing new players to the club. The event was supported by Chipping Sodbury Mayor Adrian Rush, local folk duo ‘Road to Avalon’, who performed during the lunch break, and volunteers from the Brandon Trust.

Whilst many other bridge clubs are failing, Tudor is thriving. Not only does the club have a full schedule of fun events, they also have a substantial teaching team, who bring new members into the club every year through their tried and tested teaching system. It was a pleasure to see so many people enjoying a friendly bridge tournament and a freshly-cooked lunch of speciality foods that had been lovingly prepared and cooked by club committee members. Diners also benefited from another wonderful performance by Road to Avalon, in the knowledge that all proceeds from the day will be donated to local charity, the Branson Trust. Anyone interested in playing at the club, or learning how to play bridge, can learn more by visiting the club’s website www.bridgewebs.com/ tudorchippingsodbury. Karen Monaghan

Sodbury & District Historical Society THE Sodbury & District Historical Society's new season starts on Friday September 8. Previously chaired by the late local historian Jim Elsworth, we hold our meetings in the

Masonic Hall in Chipping Sodbury, on the second Friday of the month. The programme starts with a talk on the history of Newmans, in Yate on September 8. Our AGM will be held on the same night. On October 13 the talk will be on Thornbury Castle and on November 11 the history of the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station will be discussed. December 15 will be our Christmas Party in the Town Hall, including live entertainment, buffet, large raffle, and a table quiz, with tickets available to all members. The talks for 2024 are: the Whitchurch/Bristol Airport story in January; Dunkirk's Little Ships in February; a history of Bristol's council housing in March; Trenches to Trams, the Story of a Bristol Tommy in April and The Role of a Royal Mail Guard (in full livery) in May. Meetings are held on second Friday of Month, starting at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm We would like to welcome new members, who can join on the night. The membership fee is £15 a year for all the meetings, including talks and free refreshments during the interval. An outdoor walk and visit will be held next summer. Sue Veale

Book your place Open Events: Senior - 7 October Sixth Form -12 October Junior - 4 November

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Rotary members load medical aid for Ukraine

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club OUTGOING president Bob Holt was joined by 60 club members, guests and family for a memorable lunch at Tortworth Court Hotel in July to celebrate the completion of his year in office. The club had a stand at the Yate Ageing Better festival in Yate Shopping Centre, an excellent opportunity to showcase our activities in the local community and beyond. On the international front the club has made two financial donations. We have agreed to support Care International UK's Lend with

Care initiative to assist small enterprises in developing countries to set up. Under the Yate/ Genieri Link we have agreed to help to fund the provision of basic medicines for the healthcare centre in the Gambian village of Genieri. Club members recently enjoyed an excellent talk from a representative of the local PROPS charity, which supports adults with learning difficulties to achieve their full potential, and operates the Tapestry Brewery in Bristol with the help of some those they support. In August club members joined other Rotarians to prepare and load a range of medical equipment onto a truck destined for a town near the front line in Ukraine for charity PhysioNet. By the time you read this, it will be in use in hospitals there. Our Wunderboules team have progressed to the knockout stage of the district annual boules competition, while our Thunderboules team await the completion of the group stage. Stuart Fraser

Chipping Sodbury Morning WI LIKE many WIs we do not have an official meeting in August, however the lovely team at the Royal Oak in Chipping Sodbury allowed us to host a coffee, chat and quiz in their

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pub and were very welcoming; the choice of hot drinks suited everyone's needs. The quiz supplied by our quiz master Rita was particularly challenging this time. In the first week of this month we will be heading to Gloucester Quays for a boat trip and afternoon tea. Our official meeting is on September 19, for a Beetle Drive. We meet the third Tuesday of the month at 10am in the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane. There is plenty of parking. Meetings last 2 hours, with a coffee break and the chance to chat and make new friends. If you would like to find out more, please call 07809534107. Sue Bird

Pokefire Club Calling all Pokémon trainers! Interested in playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game? We are currently gauging interest for a Pokémon TCG play group in the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area, open to players young and old, from beginners to seasoned competitors. Fancy a game? Drop us an email at PokeFireClubTCG@gmail.com with any questions, or to show your interest.

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS and the club will provide art materials for the themed events. Yate & Sodbury Art & Craft Club meets every Monday from 7-9pm at the Ridgewood Community Centre in Yate. Our room is round the back, opposite the car park. The first evening at the club is free, thereafter it’s £5, including free tea or coffee. For more information see the Facebook page or website yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com.

Group leader Joy Charlton said: "As well as showcasing our work, we wanted to support a local organisation and chose Mindsong, as it uses singing groups, courses and music therapy sessions creatively in order to offer hope and enjoyment to sufferers in care homes." A Gallimaufry costs £5, with all profits going to the charity. Copies are available from the Tourist Information Office in Chipping Sodbury High Street or from Joy via the message link at u3asites.org.uk/yate-sodbury/page/19337

Emma Daniells

Jenny Smith

Members of the Chipping Sodbury Writers Group

Yate and Sodbury U3A AFTER several months of work, the Chipping Sodbury Writers Group (part of Yate and Sodbury U3A) have completed an anthology of stories and poems which they are selling in aid of Mindsong, a local charity that reaches out to people with dementia through music and song. Several members of the group are published writers and A Gallimaufry (meaning a stew or mix) is an entertaining medley of fiction, memoir, poetry and travelogue, which will take you on journeys from the Cotswolds to India and Japan.

Yate-Genieri Link

Art & Craft Club YATE & Sodbury Art & Craft Club are trying something new this autumn. Starting in September, on each first Monday of the month, we’ll be having inspirational Mondays. During these sessions we’ll have a suggested theme and art media, with the first ones being ‘holidays’ in pastels on September 4, ‘peacock’ in tissue paper on October 2, ‘old pair of shoes’ in watercolours on November 6 and ‘Christmas’ in collage on December 4. Over 18’s, of any ability or none, are welcome to come along and have a go or, if they prefer, work on their own art/craft project. The idea is to have a fun, relaxing evening,

IN rural Gambia, this is the time of year when the women of the villages go to the wetlands around the Gambia River to plant rice. It will not be harvested until January, and the rice from the last harvest is running out. This is the hungry time. Our colleagues in Scotland assist with extra rice for the children. We continue to help with education and with basic medicines in the small primary healthcare centre. Please help us to continue supporting the community of Genieri. Donations can be made via the website www.yategenierilink.org.uk. Marian J Gilpin

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yate&sodburyvoice

September, 2023

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St Nicholas ready for new season CHIPPING Sodbury-based St Nicholas FC are looking ahead to another very busy playing season, which starts this month. The club's annual tournament and festival of football, held at the Ridings at the end of last season attracted more than 250 teams and around 2,000 for a weekend of great football. Tournament lead Becky Morgan, who has a daughter playing in the girls under-9 section, said: "Teams from all over the Southwest and South Wales took part. "Feedback received has been great, and the tournament committee which consisted of club committee members, managers, coaches and parent helpers did a fantastic job to put on such a big event, which is probably the biggest around." The club has continued to grow ahead of the new season, with over 460 members in 28 teams from U6 to U18, which includes 16 boys’ teams, 11 girls' teams and a men’s team, taking in part in five different local leagues. The club also has partnered with coaching firm Proformance, who help younger players before they are transferred into the club when spaces become available.

Club chairman Ian Davies said: “I’m really looking forward to getting the members back playing again, building on the success of the last few seasons. "Many have taken part in tournaments around the Bristol area, and two of our younger boys' teams made the trip to Toulouse to take part in AO Cornebarrieu’s tournament back in June, which has become a tradition between the clubs we’re hoping they make it to our tournament next year. "It’s going to be another really busy season, both on and off the pitch, with further improvements to our clubhouse planned, many of our managers and coaches looking to further their qualifications and most importantly, the club is looking to enhance our football offering to create a disability team." The club's 45th anniversary is in 2024, with plans in place to ensure a day of celebrations for all club members, past and present. To find out more about the club, visit the website at www. stnicholasfc.co.uk or email secretary@stnicholsfc.co.uk. Andy Paget

Skittles league needs players A MIXED skittles league is looking for new teams and players. Yate and District Friendly Skittles League has been organising games in the area for more than 40 years. Described as a friendly mixed skittles league, matches take place at local venues including Coalpit Heath Cricket Club, The Miners, Frampton Cotterell & Coalpit Heath Royal British Legion Club and Creda in Yate. Match days vary but each

fixture starts at 8pm. Each team of 12 must have at least three women players. As well as competing for a trophy the teams also raise money for good causes. The next season starts in October and runs until March, with a big social event planned for the Miners on November 25. Anyone who would like to join in, either as an individual or a team, can call league chairman Keith Beesley on 07775 461244.

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September, 2023

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Hectic end to season for Sodbury CHIPPING Sodbury Cricket Club are preparing for a hectic finale to the season, including a cup final at The Ridings. The club this summer entered two sides in the Bristol Midweek League, with the first team finishing with a perfect 100% record from six matches in Premier East. And that record secured a home play-off, against Knowle – the victors of Premier West – on Sunday September 3. Chair Jim Kendall said: “It’s been a fantastic achievement by the first team to perform so well in such a strong division. "I’m not sure anyone here can remember the last time we beat both Downend and Thornbury twice in a season. “It’s fantastic to be in a final, and we’re hoping that we can attract a large crowd to cheer the side on.” Reaching the Midweek

Chipping Sodbury's First XI League final caps an extremely encouraging summer for the first XI, who have exceeded expectations after being promoted back to the West of England Premier League’s Gloucestershire division. Sodbury were closing in on a

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top-four finish as the Voice went to press, with foundations being laid for an even stronger season next year. Jim said: “It’s been very pleasing, not just from a results point of view, but mainly because of the way we’ve performed, with

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so many people contributing. “It truly has been a squad effort as we’ve had selection issues with the number of people putting up their hands to play. And there are also players in the 2nd team who will definitely be in the mix next year as well.” Sodbury, meanwhile, are set to play host on Wednesday September 6 to what is sure to be an entertaining Over-50s clash between Gloucestershire and Canterbury, the New Zealand age-group club champions. It is hoped that the Gloucestershire side will include three county players who have represented England this summer: Richard Trotman (50s), Ed Gordon Lennox (60s) and John Evans (70s). The match will start at noon all are welcome.

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yate&sodburyvoice

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September, 2023

Bluebells get off the mark YATE Town have their first point on the board after a tough start to the season. The Bluebells held on for a 1-1 draw at local rivals Bristol Manor Farm on Bank Holiday Monday largely thanks to keeper Aaron Sainsbury, whose string of great saves brought him the man of the match award. George Box had brought Yate level from the spot just before half time. The draw followed defeats to Bashley, Malvern Town and Frome Town in the Southern Football League Division One South. A 1-0 FA Cup Preliminary Round win at Holyport, courtesy of a Sam Pashen goal, earned the Bluebells a trip to Merthyr Town in the First Qualifying Round on

September 2. Manager John Rendell has put together a competitive squad and after a good pre-season, there is confidence that results will improve. At the same time improvements are being made off the pitch, including a new website at yatetownfc.co.uk, a new 40-page full colour glossy matchday programme and large mascot groups. The club has partnered with Great Western Air Ambulance Charity for the season, and will hold a number of events to raise money for the charity. It is also looking to involve more businesses and sponsors anyone interested should email commercial@yatetownfc.co.uk.

The Yate Town squad The club will holding a 'pay what you want' game when they entertain Exmouth Town on Saturday October 21. Upcoming fixtures before that include an FA Trophy game

against Tavistock on September 9 and home games against Westbury United on September 16 (subject to FA Cup results) and Mousehole on September 30, all kicking off at 3pm.

Summer league title success for Yate men YATE Men's Hockey 1st team have successfully completed their Summer League programme by winning the Division 3 title. The team finished unbeaten in eight matches, winning seven and drawing one. It was vindication for the commitment of the squad and their attacking prowess, as they scored more than 50 goals and ended up with a goal difference of plus 40. The highlight of the summer was actually the drawn match, a 5-5 thriller against our nearest rivals, City of Bath. In a match that was endto-end, Yate managed to open up a decent lead and were 4-1 ahead just after the break but Bath responded well to fire home

Yate (and umpires) after their final Summer League game, a 4-1 win over Team Bath Buccs three well-taken goals. Yate took the lead again and were denied a further goal by a

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It was an excellent match, played in a very good spirit. Player of the Summer was Nik Perry-Gough, who became the first Yate player in a long time to score five goals in a match and backed this up with goals in most of the other games, combined with a consistent all-round performance. The squad would like to thank club members Adrian Chambers and Clare Kane for umpiring the home matches this season - we even allowed them to have their picture taken with us! Anyone interested in playing should contact mail@ yatehockey.com.

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