GCSE students at Brimsham Green School in Yate are preparing to take on A-levels, T-levels, BTECs, apprenticeships and the world of work after recording the school's "best-ever" results. Exam round-up: Pages 10-13
Communities will be stranded
COMMUNITIES will be left stranded by changes to bus routes in Yate and Chipping Sodbury being introduced this month, politicians say.
The area's MP and a senior councillor have met with the managing director of operator First to urge a rethink over changes to the Y1, Y2 and Y6 services linking the area to Bristol.
Under the changes, effective from September 1, Chipping Sodbury will no longer be served by the
half-hourly Y1 service to Yate and Bristol city centre. Instead bus passengers will have to use the Y6 via Cribbs Causeway and Southmead hospital, which only runs every 90 minutes and will have early-morning services cut.
People who live on Chipping Sodbury's Birds estate, and in parts of North Yate, including Greenways Road and Wellington Road, will no longer have any service as routes are diverted. Turn to page 3
Len hits 100
A NORMANDY veteran from Yate has celebrated his 100th birthday.
PAGE 15
Bridge delay
NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 motorway will be demolished.
PAGE 2
End of an era
YATE'S last factory club has closed its doors for the final time.
PAGE 5
Thieves wreck roof A CHARITY working to transform a Yate community centre has launched a fundraising campaign after its roof was badly damaged by thieves.
PAGE 7
yate&sodburyvoice
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Well Aware
Bridge demolition delayed
NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 motorway will be demolished.
The government agency says the bridge that carries the A432 from Yate to Bristol will not now be removed until next March.
It says this is because the amount of time needed for construction of the new bridge has been reduced.
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The old one, which was condemned last year after "structural failures" were found during a routine inspection, will be kept open to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use it for longer.
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has called on National Highways to instead work out ways to "speed up the delivery of a new bridge", which is not due to open until early 2026.
She has written to the Department for Transport arguing the current situation is "simply not sustainable".
The bridge was being used by around 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed to motor traffic in July last year, severing the A432 just north of the Avon Ring Road.
National Highways' announcement on July 31 does not affect the current completion date.
It said work to move utilities such as electricity cables is due to start in October, after new routes under the M4 are finished.
The agency said: "We’ve
also been working with our construction partners to refine the programme for demolition and installation of the new bridge.
"We’re working towards a demolition date of March 2025, subject to the successful diversion of all utilities within the bridge."
Ms Young has also called for National Highways to review its compensation policy, to "ensure no one loses their business because of the need to close this bridge".
She said: "Since my election, I have been contacted by several businesses who feel they are being let down by the failure of National Highways to offer compensation for lost trade.
"It is my understanding that National Highways currently do not offer any sort of financial support for businesses whose trade is derived from roadside traffic, but I am concerned this leaves a swathe of affected businesses locked out of the help they need to stay afloat due to no fault of their own."
A Department for Transport spokesperson said ministers would consider Ms Young's letter.
South Gloucestershire Council installed three-way temporary traffic lights for a "trial period" on one of the diversion routes, at the junction of Westerleigh Road and Nibley Lane between Yate and Westerleigh village, in August.
The bridge earlier this summer. Picture: National Highways
yate & sodbury voice
n NEWS
Tractor trip drives home cancer message
A FARMER who lives near Chipping Sodbury is taking a tractor on a mammoth 500-mile road trip, to raise awareness of the disease which is expected to claim his life.
Andrew Gibson, who lives on the edge of the Badminton estate, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and was given two years to live after he collapsed while refereeing a rugby match on April 2020.
The 58-year-old former Armed Forces and NHS paramedic had been experiencing "twinges" for some time before, and is taking to the road from South Gloucestershire to Lancashire to encourage more men, particularly farmers, to be aware of the warning signs of the disease.
He will also raise money for charity Prostate Cancer UK.
He said: "I took my health for granted.
"Even when I started to feel the odd twinge, stiffness and pain, it was put down to leading a highly active lifestyle –something I now know was a big, missed opportunity, which has cost me dearly.
"Research shows people living in rural areas – and farmers in particular – are less likely to engage in preventative health measures, including cancer screenings. This is due to many reasons, but one key factor is that many farmers simply prioritise work over personal health.
"I’m determined to spend the time I’ve
got left to spread the word to the highlyactive farming community not to dismiss the aches and pains, and to 'harvest your
prostate health'.
"If my story can help others to recognise or question their own symptoms and get tested, then I’ll be delighted."
To drive home his message, Andrew will set off from the Badminton Estate at 8am on September 17, on a journey to Hoghton Tower, near Chorley, where he was based at the ambulance station. The following day he will drive the return leg, finishing at the Bristol GenesisCare private outpatient cancer centre where he has been receiving extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and precision radiotherapy, since his diagnosis.
He said: "When I decided I wanted to set myself a fundraising challenge I had to think outside the box.
"I can’t run marathons or climb mountains any more. But I do love a road trip and as a country boy at heart there’s nothing more exciting to me than riding a tractor."
Andrew has been loaned a tractor by agricultural dealers TH White for his trip, and hopes to raise £20,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Donations can be made online at tinyurl. com/yybeyjfz.
For more details on the awareness campaign visit tinyurl.com/6d8kvyyp.
Bus route changes 'cut off' communities
From page 1
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young says the changes have "caused an outcry".
She said: "If these changes go ahead, it will have a massive impact on bus users in Chipping Sodbury and parts of Yate.
"Chipping Sodbury will have just one bus every 90 minutes, the Y6, and the occasional 620 to Bath, but no direct services to Bristol.
"Those on the Birds estate and in parts of North Yate face losing the Y1 and Y2 they rely on.
"It will be a blow to businesses in Chipping Sodbury and bus users will be cut off from the shops and services in the centre of Yate.
"It will be harder for commuters to get to work and children to get to school.
"These services aren’t just about getting people to and from Bristol, they help people get about our towns. Elderly residents can’t be expected to get up the hill from Yate without a bus.
"People who work at Southmead rely on the early Y6 bus service to get them there for the start of their shift. That will no longer be
possible."
Ms Young and Chris Willmore – South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet member for infrastructure and a Yate North ward councillor – met with First Bus West of England managing director Doug Claringbold to put the case for keeping the old Y1 and Y2 routes and the early Y6 service.
The MP said: "The Managing Director listened and promised to go away and think about what can be done. I hope there can be an urgent rethink on these damaging changes."
Cllr Willmore said Shire Way children would no longer be able to get a bus to Chipping Sodbury School.
She said she had met with offers from the West of England Combined Authority, which has responsibility for transport planning, to discuss the changes, but added: "Like us, they only have the power of persuasion as private companies can chop and change commercial routes as they wish currently."
A First West of England spokesperson said the meeting with Ms Young and Cllr Willmore had been "really productive"
But the company added: "We considered feedback and looked at our data before making the changes, and in summary the low passenger numbers outweigh the cost of running the services.
"At present, the Y1 and Y2 services are supported by government funding through its Bus Service Improvement Plan, and it’s important that we look at our data and make changes to the services to secure their future if and when that funding comes to an end.
"While the Y6 also has low passenger numbers, it receives no government funding.
“We recognise that when we make changes to the network they aren’t always going to suit everyone's needs, but we always consider the wider network and try to minimise disruption while ensuring communities are still connected, even if that means using different services or catching connecting buses."
For more details of the changes visit tinyurl.com/ms4kecfp.
*First has launched a new college bus service, the SB6, to take students from Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Westerleigh to St Brendan's Sixth-Form College.
Andrew Gibson in the tractor he will take on a 500-mile road trip
Citizen scientists find high levels of water pollution
HIGH levels of pollutants have been found in the River Frome, which passes through Chipping Sodbury and Yate, in sampling by 'citizen scientists'.
Every summer the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust asks volunteers to collect samples from waterways across the region to test them for common pollutants, including phosphates and nitrates.
This year more than 130 volunteers collected 202 samples in early July as part of the ninth RiverBlitz campaign.
The results have been published online by BART, which found that high levels of both nitrate and phosphate pollution were found at a site known as the Frome Headwaters, behind Wickham Close in Chipping Sodbury.
The site was the furthest upstream that a test was carried out this year on the Frome, which rises on the private Dodington Park estate owned by Sir James Dyson.
At Wickwar Road in Chipping Sodbury, medium levels of the
nutrient pollutants were found, along with invasive Japanese knotweed plants and plastic bottles.
Medium levels of nitrates and low levels of phosphates were found at the footbridge in Tyndale Avenue Park, but at Cog Mill, near Iron Acton, high levels of both nutrient pollutants were found, along with plastic bottles and takeaway cartons.
BART says nutrients, particularly phosphates and nitrates, are among the most common pollutants of freshwater worldwide and are widely used as indicators of water quality.
Although they occur naturally in healthy rivers, high concentrations lead to harmful algal blooms which can harm other plant life and fish.
High levels are caused by pollutants including fertilisers, manure, sewage, urban surface water run-off and household products like detergents.
Across the region, BART said
69% of samples had high nutrient loads of phosphate and nitrate combined, with 3.5% recording low nutrient levels.
However, this was an improvement on last year, when 88% of samples confirmed high nutrient loads and only one out of 290 samples showed low nutrient concentrations.
BART chief executive Simon Hunter said: "The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz provides a snapshot of the catchment’s water quality during a week in July.
"While it may not offer detailed insights into individual streams, the expanding dataset from multiple years reveals trends across the catchment."
He said that across the region, high pollutant levels were recorded along the Bristol Frome, River Trym, and the Avon between Bristol and Bath.
Other areas with high nitrate levels included the Avon between Bristol and Bath, the lower Bristol Frome, south Bristol streams and
most sites on the Trym, with only 5% of samples showing low nitrate levels.
Mr Hunter said: "The data collected suggests, during the week of the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, that nutrient pollution is likely impacting water quality and, consequently, the health of some watercourses and wildlife across the Bristol Avon."
He said this year's milder summer may have resulted in lower nutrient levels than in the previous two years' surveys, adding: "It's important to note that the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz captures water quality measurements at a specific moment in time, and there are several other parameters we did not test that could also impact river health, such as bacterial and chemical readings."
To view figures from the survey visit bristolavonriverstrust.org/ riverblitz.
Upper Frome Friends: Page 25
n NEWS
End of an era as last factory club shuts
YATE'S last factory club has closed its doors for the final time.
Jackson Social Club, which is on the site of the closurethreatened Beko tumble dryer factory in Station Road, held its last social event on August 26.
The club was officially started in 1976 in the factory canteen, as a meeting place and social hub for workers, although its roots go back further to the post-war years, when the canteens and clubs of Jackson, Newman’s and ARC were central to many factory workers' social lives.
Jacksons later became a membership club and entertainment venue for current and ex-factory employees.
The decision to close is down to a lack of funds, with opening being made unviable when the factory operator started to charge for the electricity supply it previously paid for.
Club manager and former factory worker Tracy Ann Goodrich said: "It’s quite a sad thing.
"I’ve been there over 25 years, and the club chairman and secretary are still at the factory.
"It’s a great loss to the community.
"Covid didn’t help, but we got through it, until the factory started charging electricity."
Members paid tribute on the Jackson Social Club Facebook page, with one saying: "I have fond memories as a child from the social club.
"I attended the children’s Christmas party. It was quite
Cinema to close
YATE’S Cineworld cinema is set to shut as the troubled company tries to cut costs.
The cinema at the Riverside retail and leisure park in Link Road is one of six across the UK which the company says are “commercially unviable” and earmarked for closure.
The company, which went into administration last year, has more than 100 cinemas
across the country but says it needs to restructure the business.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Yes, Cineworld Y ate is at risk of closure.
“At the moment the cinema is open as usual and we will update at the end of September, when the legal process is complete.”
Asked how many jobs were at risk, the spokesperson told the Voice: “The total number of impacted roles cannot be confirmed until the process is complete.
“But we are hopeful that this plan will safeguard as many jobs as possible and we will offer redeployment to as many impacted employees as possible at nearby sites.
“We are implementing a
magical. It’s very sad that it is closing."
Another told of meeting his wife at the club, while many reminisced about after-work drinks.
The future of the building itself is uncertain, after current factory operator Beko Europe announced in July that it was
Restructuring Plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return our business to profitability, attract further investment from the Group, and ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK.”
consulting the remaining 150 staff over plans to close the factory.
The company said the factory was making significant losses and it was not "technically or economically feasible" to update it.
The Voice understands that operations could cease by December this year.
Both Beko Europe and South Gloucestershire Council, which owns the factory site after buying it for almost £10 million in 2021, have declined to comment over the future of the club building.
In its heyday the factory employed around 2,000 staff, as numbers of workers fell, the number of club members also dwindled.
The original club was set up as a canteen for the former Parnall aircraft factory, and was known as Parnall’s and latterly as the Creda Club after the factory owners of the time.
Earlier this year Yate Heritage Centre, which is run by the town council, staged a display on the history of the canteens and social clubs, including Newman’s Club, which had its own boxing ring, Parnall's and Sodbury Quarry.
The other sites the company plans to close are in Swindon, Glasgow, Bedford, and Hinckley and Loughborough in Leicestershire.
Last year Cineworld closed its multiplex at Hengrove in south Bristol.
Club manager Tracy Ann Goodrich and colleagues Bobbie Stokes and Donna Kiff at the Jackson Social Club closing party
Yate's Cineworld cinema at the Riverside retail and leisure park
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
n NEWS
Thieves wreck charity's plans for centre
A CHARITY which is working to transform Yate's Shire Way community centre has had to launch a fundraising campaign after its roof was badly damaged by thieves.
Lead has been stripped from the roof of the centre, which is set to become the new home of Paul's Place, a charity helping adults with physical disabilities.
The charity, currently based in Coalpit Heath, is in the process of completely refitting and refurbishing the building, which has been shut for two years, to provide facilities for its members as well as a community café, allotment and rooms for hire, to help provide an income.
A spokesperson said: "The roof was the only saving grace, until someone stole the lead and caused severe damage during the robbery.
"This means the charity can’t enter the building, as it’s
deemed unsafe.
"The longer the roof remains damaged, the worse it will get and cause further damage inside.
"It also means the rest of the work can’t even begin until the
roof is repaired.
"This is frustrating and heart-breaking, as Paul’s Place were just handed the keys after months of waiting."
Paul’s Place member Ben Holbrook said: "Our move to Shire Way means so much for physically disabled adults.
"Our current day facility has been great, but we need a new building that offers more opportunities, while meeting a growing demand.
"It’s also our chance to give back, by supporting a community café and growing food that will benefit everyone.
"The community can meet us and see for themselves what we’re about.
"They’ll notice we’re not scary or different from them. We breathe the same air and despite our struggles we carry on.
"It opens a window of opportunities for the community in Shire Way to get to know us, talk with us and include us.
"We have the plans in place for Shire Way community centre, but we can’t implement those plans until we move in."
Paul's Place has launched a campaign, called Raise the Roof, to find the money to pay for the repairs.
It has set up a page for donations at website JustGiving, which can be found at tinyurl. com/48zmp2ct.
OPEN DAY - Tuesday 24 September
Set on 28 acres of South Gloucestershire countryside, we offer families a flexible and friendly approach to education. With a rich variety of extracurricular activities and clubs and small classes, every child has a chance to shine.
We’re more than a school. We’re a family.
(Left) Paul's Place member Ben Holbrook. (Above) The damaged roof
Pride as students rise to GCSE challenge
YATE'S Brimsham Green School recorded its "best-ever" GCSE results this year.
Year 11 pupils at the school in Broad Lane were among 600,000 across the country picking up their results on August 22.
This year's GCSE candidates were in Year 7 at the start of the pandemic, but are the first year to see no adjustments made to their results to take lost classroom learning into account, as part of plans for exams to "return to normal".
Nationally, the number of GCSEs at grade 4 or above was down slightly – 67.4% compared with 67.8% last year. The percentage of GCSEs awarded at grade 7 and above was 21.7%.
At Brimsham Green, head teacher Kim Garland said 80% of students had achieved grades 4 or higher in both and maths, with 53% of candidates achieving a 5 or higher in both subjects.
In English, 88% of grades were 4 or higher, 68% 5 or higher and 29% at 7 or above –equivalent to an A or A* under the old grading system.
For maths, 83% of pupils achieved 4 or more, 62% 5 or more and 18% 7 or above.
Ms Garland said: "It is both a joy and a privilege to celebrate our students’ achievements.
"They have not only met but exceeded our high expectations and excelled in their exams.
"Their dedication was evident in the large numbers who attended 8am revision sessions daily, and we celebrate the fruits of their hard work with the school’s best-ever results."
Among the highest performers was Eve Jenkins, who achieved an "exceptional" 11 grade 9s and one grade 8.
Emily John, Matilda de Nobriga and Zack Wigginton gained 16 grade 9s and 12 grade 8s between them.
The school also commend Krysztof Zieleniewski and Thomas Clee for their outstanding results and "remarkable progress"
since starting Year 7, along with Daniel Cox, whose results averaged three grades higher than predicted by his primary SATs scores.
Kara Mildren, Zara Piggott, and Chloe Poole also excelled, achieving results two grades above expectations.
Ms Garland said several students have excelled despite facing "significant challenges and personal adversity".
She said: "Huge congratulations to Rita Astourian, Dawn Agoro, Paris Agoro, Chloe J Bailey, Paige Buckingham, Zuhair Fawad, Maddie Harvey, Dain Imisson, Darcy Roberts, and Kostya Shulianskyi."
Ms Garland said many students were set to enrol to study A-levels at the Cotswold Edge consortium of Brimsham Green, Yate Academy and Chipping Sodbury School.
She said: "We look forward to seeing what these talented young individuals will achieve in the years to come—this is just the beginning!”
The school and sixth form are both holding open days in the coming weeks – details are available at brimsham.com
Yate Academy
YATE Academy has hailed "impressive" achievements of its students in many GCSE subjects.
Quality care in a place you can call home
Ladden View care home opening this September in Yate. We will deliver high quality residential, dementia and short-term care.
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Above all, our team will be passionate about supporting you to live life to the full. We are looking forward to getting out and about in the community, when we open our doors this September.
Relax in luxurious surroundings
At Care UK, our stunning purpose-built home will offer a wealth of superb facilities, including a hair salon, cinema and café. And if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, there are plenty of comfy lounges and restful alcoves where you can relax with a favourite book. Each en-suite bedroom is beautifully furnished, with our ground floor rooms enjoying private patios. If you’re a gardener or simply love the outdoors, we have lovely gardens to explore too.
Trust us to care
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Zara Piggott and Tom Clee
The school in Sundridge said 64% of its GCSE candidates achieved a grade 4 or higher in both English and Maths, with 73% of students gaining a 4 or higher in English Literature.
In five subjects, a large proportion of candidates received a 7 or higher, with 64% of pupils sitting RE GCSE getting one of the three top grades, 42% in health and social care, 46% in Spanish and 38% in history.
The school's top performers included one student who achieved eight grade 9s, another who gained seven 9s and another with six 9s.
Head teacher Eddie Rakshi said: "I am incredibly proud of all of the staff and students and parents at Yate Academy.
"This cohort of students have had their education significantly disrupted through the COVID-19 epidemic but have continued to show dedication and resilience, culminating in well-deserved exam results.
"I would also like to thank all staff at the academy, who have worked tirelessly to support students through periods of significant challenge.
"The exam results achieved by
our students today are paramount in opening doors for their future.
"In working tirelessly towards these results they have embodied the school values of leadership, resilience and citizenship."
* The Voice also invited Chipping Sodbury School to share its GCSE results.
(Above) Eve Jenkins achieved 11 grade 9s and an 8. (Above right) Dawn and Paris Agoro. (Right) Friends celebrate at Brimsham Green
Hard work pays off for A-level students
STUDENTS at Cotswold Edge Sixth Form have been praised for their "hard work and dedication" after collecting their A-level results.
The head teachers of Yate Academy, Brimsham Green School and Chipping Sodbury School, which together make up the consortium providing post-16 education in Yate and Sodbury, said students had achieved "excellent" results.
This year's students were the first to sit GCSEs after the pandemic, and their A-levels were marked under the system of grading that was in place in 2019.
Across England, the overall pass rate at grades A*-E was down slightly compared with last year, to 97.1% from 97.2%, and was also slightly below the 97.5% in 2019. Top A* or A grades rose to 27.6% this year, up from 26.5% last year and 25.2% in 2019.
Cotswold Edge students studied for a variety of qualifications including A-level, BTEC, Extended Projects and AS-levels, and many also took on extra-curricular
challenges such as the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Students whose results were highlighted by the sixth form include:
• Ruby Pike, who will study philosophy and theology at Cambridge University after achieving three As.
• Joe Hendy: business and economics, Manchester University (3A)
• Daisy Mardon: dentistry, Bristol University (2A, B)
*Owen Walker: history, Bristol University, (A*, A, B)
• Ruby Fuller: solicitor apprenticeship, Burges Salmon (A*, 2B)
• Ella Wright: English and history, Warwick University (2A, B)
• Wilson Sillar: physics with astrophysics, Warwick University (2A, B, C)
• Emilie Marchant: coaching apprenticeship, Bristol City FC (3 distinctions)
• Tommy Glover: maths, Bristol University (2A, 2B)
• Annabella Chant: Royal Air Force (A, 2B, D)
• Sammy Harrill: plant sciences, Bristol University (A, B, 2C)
Yate Academy head teacher Eddie Rakshi said: "Against the backdrop of grades falling nationally, we are delighted to celebrate the success of so many of our students.
"All the hard work and dedication they have shown over the last seven years has come to fruition today."
Chipping Sodbury School head teacher Katherine Turner said: "Students have been able to study a wide range and an exciting combination of subjects at Cotswold Edge, and the results today testify that students have really benefitted from this."
Brimsham Green School head teacher Kim Garland said: "Students’ excellent results are enabling them to pursue their passions and realise their ambitions.
"The vast majority of students have already heard that they have secured their first choice
and degree
and a significant number have signed apprenticeship contracts.”
Oscar Paget celebrates his results with his mum
Owen Walker will study history at Bristol University
Perfect record for new T-level students at SGS
STUDENTS at SGS Sixth form have achieved an "impressive set" of A-level, T-level and BTEC results, say tutors.
The college in Filton says 75% of learners attained grades A*-C in their A-levels, with 70.6% achieving an A* or A in maths, 77.5% achieving A*-B in psychology and 89.5% gaining an A*-C grade in biology.
The college described overall pass rates as "strong", with 97.3% of candidates achieving a grade in all of their qualifications.
The first T-level students, who studied the new qualification combining classroom learning and workplace experience, achieved a 100% pass rate.
Among those celebrating was T-level learner Kayla Date, of Patchway, who was awarded a distinction in early years and
childcare and is heading to Bath Spa University to study primary education. She hopes to become a primary school teacher.
Kayla said: "I am really happy with my results. I had such supportive teachers which helped me throughout my course and I am now really looking forward to going to university.”
Performances on BTEC courses were described as "excellent", with all students achieving pass grades and 60% of learners being awarded
distinction or distinction* profiles.
South Gloucestershire and Stroud college has six main campuses from Bristol to Gloucestershire, with around 3,800 learners aged 16 to 18, the same number of adult learners and 900 apprentices.
St Brendan's
SIXTH form college St Brendan's says its students' A-level and BTEC results are a "tremendous success".
The college in Brislington, which draws sixth form students from across the region, had more than 900 people collecting results on August 15.
Leaders said the overall A-level pass rate was above 95%, including 629 "high grade" passes.
The college has also seen another increase in BTEC grades, with 287 Level 3 BTEC and Applied General courses either distinction or distinction*.
A spokesperson for the
college said the students had performed well despite the disruption they had experienced in their education during the pandemic and subsequent years, and a toughening of grade boundaries.
More than 500 St Brendan's students had applied to university through UCAS this year and the majority are set to go to their first choice university.
The college said a record number of students had secured apprenticeships in fields including accounting, law, computing and engineering, with employers across the region including Airbus, Burges Salmon, BT and the NHS.
Principal Marian Curran said students' "hard work, determination, and unwavering spirit have resulted in excellent results".
She said: "Not only have they excelled academically here at St Brendan’s, they have also become well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."
How do you start a conversation about death, dying and funerals? And with whom? We all face these issues, and having someone to talk to can be invaluable. GraveTalk is a café place for you to explore what you think in a supportive, friendly space. You will be invited to sit at a table with a few others, and to use the GraveTalk question cards provided (if you wish) to have a conversation. Experienced professionals will available if you want to speak with them. For people of all faiths and doubts. No charge.
Ahmed Elhjaje celebrates his A-level results with his mum
n LOCAL MP for Thornbury & Yate
Reconnecting our rural railways
JULY was an interesting time to become an MP.
With just a few weeks before the summer recess, I arrived in Westminster to find Parliament awash with new MPs trying to find their footing.
With over 300 first-time MPs, there was a clamour to take part in those first few debates and I was fortunate to be one of those able to make my first speech in those early days.
A maiden speech is usually focused on introducing your constituency and yourself to other MPs – that’s why I chose to make mine during a debate about the future of our railways.
This is an issue I care deeply about, because I believe improving our railway connectivity can unlock huge potential for our area, and ensure that everyone is able to make the most of local opportunities.
In the debate, I highlighted
the many ways where the Government can act to make a real difference for local railway users.
In particular, I spoke about how redeveloping Yate station to improve accessibility, maintaining funding for halfhourly services, and opening new stations at Coalpit Heath and Thornbury, as well as the already planned one at Charfield, would help people get where they need to go.
I also spoke about the benefit
of fully reopening Pilning station, of protecting the Severn Beach line from flooding, and called for an immediate freeze of rail fares.
As the former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, I know just how transformative these steps could be – coupled with fixing the disjointed ticketing system and connecting bus routes up with train services.
I am concerned that the Government is, at present, too focused on who runs our railways rather than the actual services that are delivered.
Ultimately, most people I speak to just want to see a train service that runs on time, that they can afford, and which properly connects them with where they want to go.
That’s why I wrote to the Transport Secretary after the debate to further raise the need for these local improvements to urge them to focus on
reconnecting our rural railways – so we can ensure everyone is able to get around, make the most of opportunities to work and simply get out to enjoy our countryside.
For too long we’ve seen our public transport links run down and hollowed out. This is something I will continue to fight to reverse, and I promise to do all I can to see our area gets the investment and fair deal that we deserve.
Claire Young MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice
Claire Young making her maiden speech
Normandy veteran Len reaches 100
A NORMANDY veteran who fought his way into Germany during the Second World War has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Leonard Trewin, known as Len, was a member of the Parachute Regiment and joined the battle for Normandy in August 1944, also fighting in Belgium, Holland and Germany over the last year of the war. He also served in the Army in the post-war period, until 1953.
Len was awarded the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest order of merit, in recognition of his role in helping to liberate the country. He went back to Normandy for an official presentation during a service commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in 2019.
He also has a retirement development in his home town, Trewin Lodge in aptly-named Normandy Drive, named after him.
On August 19 the dad, grandad and great-grandfather celebrated his centenary with a party attended by family and friends.
Yate Mayor councillor Ben Nutland also dropped in, to present Len with a bouquet of flowers and warm birthday wishes on behalf of the town.
After thanking him for his service, Cllr Nutland asked about the secret of Len's longevity.
To laughter from the guests, he said: "A glass of red wine!"
Cllr Nutland said: "It is a privilege to celebrate such a significant milestone with Mr Trewin.
"It’s not every day you get to meet a war hero.
"The people of Yate are proud to honour him today and always."
The town council said Len had been known for his unwavering spirit and the contributions he has made to the community both during and after his military service, adding: "Leonard was recognised not only because of his extraordinary age but also because of the life of service and dedication he has led.
"A grateful community cherishes his presence and legacy."
Senior - 28 September
Sixth Form - 10 October
Junior - 9 November
Ben Nutland visits Leonard Trewin on his 100th birthday
n NEWS
Most GP patients happy, despite longer waits
MOST patients of GP practices in the Yate and Sodbury area say they have a good overall experience of their surgery, despite more people waiting longer for appointments this year.
The annual NHS GP Patient Survey found that 87% of patients of Courtside surgery said their overall experience of the practice was good – up from 82% last year.
The national average is 74%.
At Kennedy Way surgery 88% of patients had a good experience, down slightly from 89% last year.
At West Walk Surgery 70% of patients said they had a good experience, down from 74% last year, while at Wellington Road Surgery, 82% of patients described their experience as good, down from 84% last year.
Only 51% of patients of Leap Valley Medical Centre, the parent practice of Abbotswood Surgery, said they had a good experience – but this was up from 46% in
2023.
The survey was published as GPs voted overwhelmingly to take 'work-to-rule' action, including limiting the number of patient appointments per day, as representative body the British Medical Association warned practices had reached a "desperate point" due to underfunding and extra pressures.
At all five local practices the number of patients waiting a week or more for appointments had gone up, but there were wide variations in percentages between them.
At Courtside, 21% of patients were offered a same-day appointment, down from 32% last year, with 34% waiting a week or more, up from 20% in 2023.
Most other patients waited between a day and a week for an appointment; some answering the survey couldn't remember how long they waited.
At Kennedy Way, 59% of patients were offered a same-day appointment, although this was down from 73% last year, with 12% waiting a week or more – up from 5% last year.
At Wellington Road the number of same-day appointments rose to 57% from 49%, with week-plus waits up slightly, from 10% to 11%.
Same-day appointments were offered to only 17% of West Walk patients, down from 32% last year, with the number waiting a week or more up from 36% to 46%.
At Leap Valley, 19% of appointments offered were sameday, up from 16% last year, but more than half – 53% - of patients waited a week or longer, up from 45% in 2023.
There were also wide variations in the number of patients reporting problems getting in touch with their surgery.
At Courtside, 56% of patients said it was easy to get through on the phone, above the national average of 50%.
At Kennedy Way the figure was 47%, at West Walk 55% and at Wellington Road 67%, while at Leap Valley just 14% of patients said it was easy to get through, with 82% saying it was fairly or very difficult.
A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding surgeries, said results across the region were above the national average in many areas, including overall experience and trust in professionals.
The spokesperson said: "We also recognise there are areas for improvement, and we are continuing to work together with all our practices and wider partners to share learning and support each other to deliver high-quality services to patients."
Charlie reels in a world title
A TEENAGER from Henfield has brought home a world title as part of an England fishing team.
Charlie Isaacs was part of a team of five boys who took the World Coarse Angling Championship Under-15 title in Serbia in August.
The week-long championships were held on a canal affected by thick water weeds and, after topping the table in their age group at the end day one of their two-day competition, the team were given the award when unprecedented "unfishable" conditions led to the second day being cancelled.
Charlie, who goes to Chipping Sodbury School, had won his spot on the team aged 13 earlier this year, after impressing at a final selection match in the Midlands.
He joined fellow anglers Barnaby Newman, Charlie Drinkwater, Alfie Swieton and Tommy Higginbottom on the team and was on "bank running" duties during the first day, after his four teammates were drawn to fish.
Teammate Barnaby won the individual title, while Charlie Drinkwater was runner-up.
Dad Paul is the manager at
Bitterwell Lake in Henfield, and the family lives on-site.
Afterwards he described the team's win as "incredible", adding: "It's come home!"
Speaking of Charlie's selection earlier in the year, Paul said: "I’m really proud because I know how much work has gone in. It’s not the sort of thing you just do overnight; you’ve got to start and keep at it, you’ve got to learn and it takes time to learn fishing.
"To get to that level takes a lot of dedication."
Charlie has been fishing since the age of four, but has only been focusing on match fishing for the last three years.
He had described going to the world championships as "my dream".
Charlie's ambition is to make it to the adult England ranks, and he has already attracted some sponsors.
Charlie Isaacs (top, second left) with teammates and coaches Charlie Drinkwater, Barnaby Newman, Bill Reynolds, James Dent, Tom Higginbottom, Alfie Swieton and Matt Godfrey. Picture: The Angling Trust.
Village homes plan is refused
A PLAN for nine new homes in a small village have been refused planning permission due to a lack of local services.
While Rangeworthy, north of Yate, has a pub, school and a takeaway, the village lacks a shop, health centre and post office, causing concerns that future residents would often need to drive.
Nine homes were planned, including six classed as “affordable”, off Wotton Road by Alexander Homes and Development Ltd.
Seven other new homes have already been given planning permission on a nearby site.
South Gloucestershire Council refused permission for the latest application after councillors on the development management committee debated it in August.
The village lies a short distance from Yate, but has no regular bus service there.
The developer's planning agent, Ben Ponting, said: “There are a number of local facilities within walking distance of the site, and Yate railway station is four kilometres away, which is considered a cyclable distance, taking approximately 14 minutes by bike.
"The Westlink on-demand bus service is available, with stops on Wotton Road."
The houses would be located just outside the village's former 'settlement boundary', a
border previously set up to prevent the village expanding.
But government planning inspectors recently ruled that South Gloucestershire’s settlement boundaries are “out of date”.
Councillors and residents said future occupiers of the houses would end up driving cars, adding pressure onto the road network.
Committee chair Tristan Clark (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) said: "There has been quite a lot of development outside of the settlement boundary in the past five years.
"At the moment it’s largely driven by the fact that the settlement boundaries were found by planning inspectors to be out of date.
“There aren’t a great deal of facilities in Rangeworthy itself.
“Essentially for things like health facilities and the weekly shop, you will be travelling outside of Rangeworthy to places like Thornbury and Yate, or further afield, because there isn’t any provision within Rangeworthy itself.
"While this might not seem like a huge amount of houses, every new development that has been approved in the past five years puts more pressure on the village primary school, which is a small school.”
The planned development.
Picture: Dexter Building Design
Although four new homes were approved across the road from the site in April, councillors said the cumulative effect of incrementally expanding the village was too much for local services to cope with, and affected the rural feel of the area.
Cllr June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said: "It’s almost as if we’re getting more and more development by stealth. This is a village, and it’s just creeping and creeping up in development."
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
New schools trust forms
A NEW schools trust for primaries in South Gloucestershire is preparing to enter its first full academic year.
The Mosaic Partnerships Trust was formed earlier this year and comprises 12 schools across South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire that chief executive Andrew Best says were "already working in partnership, seeing the benefits
rated as 'good' by regulator Ofsted. Mr Best said: "The schools benefit from working together collaboratively and learning from the wealth of best practice that exists.
finance and estates are managed centrally this allows staff to focus on the core business of the quality of
"The Trust is overseen by trustees who have a wealth of educational, charity and business experience."
LIBRARY NEWS
YATE Library is hosting afternoons with three authors in September: Joanna Toye on the 7th, Annoushka Warden on the 14th and Debbie Young on the 21st. Each event starts at 3pm. Tickets are £5, to include refreshments, and are available at sglibraries.eventbrite. com or Yate Library.
A MacMillan Coffee Morning will be held on September 27 from 10am-noon with entertainment from the ‘Loud Crowd’ – Chipping Sodbury Community Choir. Free family friendly storytime for preschool children takes place every Tuesday morning from 9.30-10am.
Stay & play Duplo and trains is every Tuesday and Friday during term time, from 10.30-11.30am.
Wriggle & Rhyme: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers, Thursday and Friday from 9.30-10am.
Lego Club: September 21 from 10.30-11.30am (prebook) and September 13 and 27 from 4-5pm (dropin). Suitable for 4-10 years, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Reading group ‘Have You Read’ takes place on September 20, from 10.3011.30am.
Craft Group meets on September 7 and 21 from 10am-noon for knitting, sewing or crochet projects.
Computer support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturdays & Tuesdays from 10am-noon.
Vision West of England information, advice and support drop-in every second Thursday, 10am-noon.
Legal advice with Wards Solicitors: September 4, 10am-noon.
Library staffed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-2pm.
For more information on any event call 01454 868006, enquire at the library, email yate.library@southglos.gov. uk or visit www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries.
New exercise path
Actors in good spirits
ACTORS from Sodbury Players are putting the finishing touches to their next production, Noël Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit.
The company will stage the play at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall from September 11 to 14 at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.
Jules Lee, Lizzie Abbott-Davies and Maria Kellengray rehearse a scene
Blithe Spirit has been popular with both theatre and movie audiences since it was first performed in 1941 – five years before the Sodbury Players were founded – and follows a hapless novelist who invites a medium to conduct a séance at his home, only to find that she inadvertently conjures up the spirit of his dead first wife, to the dismay of his second.
Director David Lord said: “Blithe Spirit is such a fun show to work on. The combination of Coward’s sharp wit and the supernatural elements makes it an absolute joy for both the cast and the audience. We’ve had an incredible time putting it together, and I’m confident that everyone who comes to see it will have a fantastic evening.”
Performances take place at 7.30pm each evening with tickets available online at www.sodburyplayers.co.uk.
We travel in and around Emersons and Downend and then towards Yate, but we have a team of volunteers to help with hospital appointments! Shopping, GP/Hospital and Dental Appointments, Hairdressers and much more! We even do trips out!
We are here for anyone that can’t access public transport, need to travel door to door, may be disabled or have a health or mobility concern. Our buses are fully accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. If you’re unsure — give us a call! Friendly team, accessible travel and discount for bus pass holders. You can even book a regular slot with us! Call or email us to find out more, we’re also on Facebook!
A NEW all-weather "exercise path" will be built at Yate's Queen Elizabeth II playing fields.
Dodington Parish Council, which manages the park, has gained planning permission for the project and plans to install the 500 metre circular path next year.
The council said that, following feedback from Sport England, the existing football playing space will remain protected.
The playing fields also include a multi-use games area and memorial garden, and new trees will be planted.
As well as a space for exercise, the parish council hopes the new path will make the fields easier to get around in all weather conditions.
It successfully applied £152,146 in funding for the new path, which is being distributed by South Gloucestershire Council from money paid by developers who built on the sites of the former Rodford Way Primary School and Wapley Care Home.
Parish council chair Chris Zapata said: "We look forward to working with our staff on the next
stage of this project, which will be to appoint a contractor so that we can finally lay the path and do the planting next year."
South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor Sean Rhodes said: "The all-weather path will be a great addition to the area and will help local people enjoy the green open space in all conditions."
The authority recently announced another round of £295,000 funding from developers for sports facilities and community spaces, including £87,000 to Yate Town Council to improve drainage at Yate Common sports pitches, more than £6,000 for wildlife enhancements at Goose Green Nature Reserve, more than £3,500 for improvements at Birds Community Allotment in Yate and around £32,000 for Rangeworthy Parish Council to redevelopment Rangeworthy Recreation Ground and its pavilion.
South Gloucestershire Council will receive more than £46,000 for "enhancement of the natural habitat" at Yate Common and the River Frome in Yate.
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Search is a success
MORE than 600 people have taken part in Chipping Sodbury’s annual Summer Search.
The event, organised by the town's chamber of commerce to bring families in to look for clues in shop windows, has been hailed a success – despite thieves making off with part of one sport-themed display.
Joint chamber chair Rich McDonagh, better known as Rich McD, said: "We have over 35 retailers and businesses in town taking part in our regular annual summer search, together with some extra sponsors from the local sports teams, Yate RFC and Yate & Sodbury Sports Network.
"It’s been very popular – we've given out over 600 stickers and certificates to people completing the search.
"We always make sure this is a free event, as we know how hard it is for guardians, parents and grandparents to find something to do with the kids that's free.”
The theft of a hockey stick from the Waitrose window display proved to be as temporary hitch.
Store manager Christopher Smith said: "The hockey stick has been returned to us and we’re still participating in the annual Sodbury Summer Search, enjoyed by our customers over the school
holidays."
The search started in July and was due to wrap up on September 2.
Rich added: "It’s always difficult to judge but everyone we've spoken to so far has really enjoyed it, including the extra event with ‘Rocco the Rock star’ at The George on July 24.
"Anything that draws people to our High Street is always good. We would like to thank all the businesses, sponsors and Rocco for all their help.”
Pizza approved
AN artisan pizza van will open in Chipping Sodbury after South Gloucestershire councillors granted a street trading licence, despite a neighbour’s objection.
One Pizza will serve handstretched pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven one evening a week, on either Tuesday or Wednesday, from 5pm to 9pm in Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury.
The business, run by cousins Esra Koroglu and Ayse Ozer, has been trading in Frenchay for over a year and was given permission to trade one night a week at Thornbury High Street and Charfield Memorial Hall in May.
Mrs Koroglu told the hearing at Kingswood civic centre on July 23, that the van would trade next to the church, opposite a bus stop.
One resident wrote to object, saying an existing kebab van in Wickwar Road already caused noise and litter every weekend and allowing another trader to use the site was "just ridiculous".
Children taking part in the search. Picture: Rich McD
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Italian flavour for an Indian summer
OUR summer has been a bit hit and miss, to say the least.
I'm ever-hopeful that we may get a burst of good weather in September or, as the phrase goes, an Indian summer.
As those of you who follow my articles know, I like to keep my recipes seasonal, but also reflecting the weather. So, I won’t be cooking lamb shanks or liver casserole on a warm September evening!
My recipe for this month can be cooked at any time of the year, but I particularly enjoy it on a mild September day.
It’s substantial enough to satisfy, but light enough to leave room for a little dessert.
Do read the instructions carefully. It takes a little while to prep, but I hope you will feel the result will be worth it.
Buon appetito!
Italian Pork Chops
This is a really tasty dish. Don’t get put off that it appears to be a bit of a fiddle to coat the chops and make the sauce – it is worthwhile. The added bonus is that you can prep all the components in the morning before serving the dish in the evening. That way you’ll remain cool, calm and collected and able to spend time with your guests, instead of sweating in the kitchen.
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Call now, quoting “Yate & Sodbury Voice”
House,
Ingredients:
● 4 boneless pork chops
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 small egg – beaten
Dry mixture to coat pork chops:
● 40g ground almonds
● 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
● 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
● Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Ingredients for the Sauce:
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
● 100 ml dry white wine
● 1/4 lemon
● 150 ml pork or vegetable stock
● Crème fraiche – 3 tablespoons
● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
● 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only plus extra for garnish
Here’s what you do:
● In a large bowl, mix together ground almonds, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning.
● Now cook the chops. First, season pork chops with salt and pepper.
● Then tip the dry almond mixture into a shallow dish. Put the beaten egg into another shallow dish.
● Dip the chops first in egg, then into the almond mix and press the mix into both sides.
Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Frome Valley Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.
● Once the pan is hot, add pork chops. Now sear them by cooking for 3-4 minutes per side, for a total of 6-8 minutes.
● First side is cooked on medium high. But when cooking on the second side, reduce the heat to medium. After searing is done, remove pork from heat and transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm.
● Now make the sauce – Return the frying pan to the hob and add a splash more olive oil if needed, and the chopped garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes on medium heat. Remove the excess oil from the pan to make sure the sauce is not too greasy.
● Next add the wine and squeeze the ¼ lemon into the pan, while still on medium heat. Now add your chosen stock.
● Bring to the boil, then immediately lower the heat. Cook on low for 2-3 minutes.
● Add fresh thyme and Italian seasoning.
● Add the crème fraiche. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning, if necessary.
● Reduce heat to low and return pork chops to pan. Leave gently cooking until they are cooked all the way through and piping hot.
To serve:
● Put the pork chops on individual plates. Drizzle some of the sauce over each chop. Serve any remaining sauce in a gravy boat.
● Serve with seasonal vegetables, including baton carrots and green beans for colour, and perhaps some potato wedges.
● Heat the 2 tbsps olive oil in a large frying pan, over mediumhigh heat.
n WHAT'S ON
SEPTEMBER
September 10
n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER arrangement society practice class, Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. National demonstrator Katherine Kear, September 24 at same time and venue. £5 for non-members. More information on 0777 353 7148 or email katebryant186@gmail.com.
September 11-14
n SODBURY PLAYERS PRESENT Noël Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Doors open 6.45pm, curtain up 7.30pm. Tickets available at sodburyplayers.org.uk.
September 13
n SODBURY & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY talk at the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. AGM and talk on Clifton Observatory, with Mary Coward. New members welcome - membership £15 for all talks and refreshments. More details from sue41veale@aol.com.
September 15
n GLIMMER OF LIGHT annual gathering to mark World Suicide
Prevention Day, Bristol Memorial Woodlands, hosted by Sunflowers Suicide Support, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free and all welcome. Booking essential –register at tinyurl.com/yr8dtzcb.
September 16
n FRIENDS OF KINGSGATE PARK meeting, Heron 2 room, Poole Court, Yate, 7-9pm. All welcome. more details from friendskingsgatepark@ gmail.com.
Saturday October 12
n CRAFT & GIFT FAYRE! Chipping Sodbury Town 10am to 4pm. 35+ Stalls of Locally Handmade Crafts & Gifts, Cakes, Refreshments and More! Voluntary Entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home. Email bythewoodsfayres@hotmail. com for more info
REGULAR EVENTS:
Monday
n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly. com or call Roz on 07941 946412.
n FLOW-IN YOGA WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga classes 6.15pm & 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexib le, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow flowing yoga. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353
n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am. Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. A slower-paced, mindful and lighter yoga in Chipping Sodbury with experienced teacher. Beginners Welcomed. Sodbury Masonic Hall, 1 Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in. co.uk or call 07804598353
n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY holds open meetings at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke, at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. More details from Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@btinternet. com or 07748 740794. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge.
Tuesday
n YATE POETRY GROUP meets every Tuesday morning. Small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems. For details and to learn more about the venue, contact Tony on 0770 4140682 or email yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com.
Wednesday
n CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating.
n LINE DANCE CLASSES AT RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Wednesdays 9.30am to 12. Cost £5. No partner needed. A fun way to keep fit, reduce stress, improve memory and make new life long friends. Contact Gill 07837 784816, or FB gill.butler.90
n YATE AND CHIPPING SODBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, St Mary’s Church, every Wednesday from 2-4pm. New members welcome, especially men, to thriving community choir, with no auditions. First rehearsal free. For more information phone Jody on 01761 472468.
n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am (term time). Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. Book online www. yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353
Thursday
Will Writing
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n SERENGETI BRASS BAND, small band for improvers, meets every Tuesday from 9.45-11.45am at Yate Methodist Church in Moorland Road. Straightforward pressure-free music making in good company. For more information email SerengetiBrassClass@gmail.com or phone Paul on 07851 239500.
n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. To find out more contact croquet@wilko. eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.
n SOUTH COTSWOLD PROBUS GROUP meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Masonic Hall Sodbury, 10am. Contact Pete Chaplin for details. 01454 324956.
n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY rehearses at St. Nicholas' Church Centre, Chargrove, Yate, 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. For details call 07833 597114
n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK DANC -
ING CLUB, Pucklechurch Community Hall, Abson Road, every other Tuesday from 7.30-10.15pm. All welcome, with a partner or solo. Call Alan on 07812 508396 or Linda on 07843 240414
n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.30-11.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details.
n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET UP occurs every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For further info contact volunteering@ coeliac.org.uk.
n YATE COMMUNITY CHOIR, Ridgewood Community Centre, Station Road, 7.30-9pm. More details from nicelizmartin@yahoo.co.uk.
n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Back Care Yoga 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in. co.uk or call 07804598353
Friday
n CHIPPING SODBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR, 10-11.30am, Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury High Street. More details from nicelizmartin@yahoo.co.uk.
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Yate Men’s Shed
YATE Men’s Shed received a request from Julie Oakley from Project Dragonfly and SEND Yate/Sodbury for a tree that could be used for posting concerns and memories.
They have been working with vulnerable children and young people for over 23 years and have an active parent-led SEND peer support group, covering antibullying, working with victims and those doing the bullying.
The aim is to support young people while giving them the skills to manage the difficulties of modern society, empowering them to develop and maintain healthy emotional mental well-being, building resilience and confidence.
Yate Men’s Shed, based on Station Road, designed and built the tree. The handover to Julie was at the Parish Hall in Station Road, in front of the new mural.
The shed is always looking for new members: retired persons can discuss workshop projects, with an additional aim to improve men’s mental health.
They meet at Station Road on Mondays from 1.30-4.30pm and Fridays from 9am-noon, also at the Armadillo on Thursdays, 10.30amnoon, for coffee.
Andy Wybrow
U3A
OUR History and Social Studies Group 1's July meeting was Member’s Day.
We started with an address from secretary Jenny Smith outlining the history of quarrying at Barnhill quarry from the 1880s until it closed in 1972. It was the demand for hard-wearing
bikes, cones, tyres, carpet, lots of clothing, and a shopping trolley. There was also fly-tipping of bottles, cans, magazines and burnt plastics.
Thanks to all those volunteers who clean up in the ‘official’ sessions, as well as those who pick up rubbish from the river and banks more informally.
In October, we have a joint river clean planned with Yate and Sodbury Clean Up Group. We always need new volunteers to help, so if you’ve been thinking about joining in, check for posts giving details on the Facebook page, or contact riverfromereconnected@southglos. gov.uk.
Jane Davies
themed evenings. You can find out more information on our website or look us up on Facebook.
Emma Daniells
Chipping
Sodbury WI
HOW many people decide to travel 2,700 miles and visit 30 cathedrals on horseback?
William Reddaway did – but the first thing he had to do was purchase a horse and, after numerous visits to stables around the country, he bought Strider, who happened to be in a stable close enough to ride him home.
carboniferous limestone for roadbuilding and the expansion of British motorways that emptied the quarry, leaving a large void to be filled.
Chairman Bob Keen then explained how he had served as chair of the now-defunct Sodbury Vale Action Group to protest against ARC’s plan to reopen Chipping Sodbury railway station and accept goods trains by night, and during the day transport them by road into Barnhill quarry. After an inquiry ARC were allowed to refill Barnhill, but crucially only with inert waste, such as the spoil which now underpins the Quarry Bank housing development.
We meet every third Wednesday of the month in the Charter Suite, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, from 10am-noon.
For more information on all our U3A courses see u3asites.org.uk/ yate-sodbury/welcome or come to the U3A open day on October 11 from 2-4pm at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Jenny Smith
Upper Frome Friends
IT has been brilliant to see our Upper Frome Friends Facebook Group grow to over 130 members so far – it shows how important our local river is to so many people.
We have also produced some posters, outlining what we do and how to get involved.
The river clean season continues. Sadly, a huge amount of rubbish is still being thrown in the river, and the most recent clean netted
Yate & Sodbury Art & Craft Club
CLUB members recently enjoyed a couple of evenings creating their own mandalas.
Although mandalas were quite complex to create, they can be a fun thing for adults and children to colour in.
Ours may be found in Yate Library, primary schools, the hairdressers at Cambrian Green Court residential home, and the Pop Inn cafe.
They can be printed from our website, yateandsodburyartsociety. weebly.com.
Yate & Sodbury Art & Craft Club is for adults who enjoy a range of art and craft activities. We meet on Mondays from 7-9pm at Ridgewood Community Centre.
The evenings are £5 per session (to cover the cost of hiring the room).
Usually, we bring along our own projects or paintings but occasionally we have special
In a fascinating talk he said the aim of the ride was to raise awareness for two charities, the Family Holiday Association and the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre.
William and Strider relied on friends and contacts to put them up as they travelled throughout England using bridleways and roads. His priority each day was to look for safe grazing for Strider and, after that, a bed for himself.
The horse was allowed in to three cathedrals and at the end of a 214day journey he paid one last visit to Tewkesbury Abbey, near where he lives, as they didn't want to be left out.
Our next meeting is on September 5 at 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Yvonne Cox will talk about the volunteer-run hedgehog hospital. Jeanette Oakle
Sodbury & District Historical Society
OUR new season starts on September 13 with our AGM and a talk on Clifton Observatory by Mary Coward.
On October 11 John Page talks about the history of Cheddar and on November 8 Martin Hall will discuss the history of Bristol Zoo. All meetings take place at the Masonic Hall in Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, at 7.30pm.
New members are welcome to join at the September or October meeting: the cost is £15 for all talks until June 2025, plus refreshments. For more information email sue41veale@aol.com.
Sue Veale
Dave Sharp and Julie Oakley at the handover in front of the new parish hall mural
A finished mandala
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club
FOLLOWING an extended and very successful year as our club president, Steve Young handed over the presidency to Ian Hodgson at a club meeting on August 19.
Chipping Sodbury resident Georgina Moore is dedicated to the accessible sport of Boccia and her long-term goal is to be selected for the GB team for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
Georgina is fundraising to help meet the significant costs of
participation where, for each event, due to her disability, she needs to travel with two carers. The club was only too pleased to make a financial donation to help meet her costs in the season ahead.
The club was also pleased to help the Oasis Memory Café with a financial donation towards a day out at the Bristol Aerospace Museum and to support the South Glos branch of AGE UK, at a time when there is a sustained high level of demand for their services.
Club members continue to support the PhysioNet charity, loading a container with surplus medical equipment destined for Zimbabwe and preparing equipment for another consignment.
Several club members joined colleagues from the Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel club for a very enjoyable afternoon in midAugust, visiting Charlton Down House with its splendid gardens and grounds.
Stuart Fraser
Chipping Sodbury Morning WI
WITH no official meeting in August, we took the opportunity to have an 'American-style' lunch, a chance for ladies to show off their baking prowess with home made goods or (like me) buy from a local shop.
The lunch gave ample opportunity to chat, enjoy the raffle and test out our entry for Hawkesbury Horticultural Show.
On September 17 a local hedgehog rescue volunteer will speak to us, hopefully with tales of rescue and caring for these wonderful creatures.
We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 10am at the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury.
Why not come along and meet us? You would be made very welcome. Call 07809 534 107 for details.
Sue Bird
Old Sodbury WI
WE had our Fabulous Fizz evening in July, sampling all kinds from Babycham to vintage champagne, all with lovely canapés!
We learnt the difference between them and the methods used, and also about the grape varieties. In August some of our ladies had a lovely day out visiting Pam Lewis’s garden near Devizes. She gave us a tour around her beautiful two-acre garden, followed by a delicious afternoon tea with sandwiches, home made sausage rolls and cake, and a flower demonstration.
At our next meeting in September, holistic therapist Sarah Weaver is coming along to tell us all about reflexology.
We meet on the first Wednesday of the month in Old Sodbury village hall.
If you would like to know more or to come along to one of our meetings, you would be very welcome. For more information give Sue a ring on 01454 315161.
Linzie Clark
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Issy is sprint champ
YATE Athletics Club teenager Isabelle Walkey could be a star of the future after winning two national 100m sprint titles.
Issy, aged 16, has just sat her GCSEs at Winterbourne Academy and represented the school and Team Avon at the 93rd English Schools Athletics Track and Field Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in July.
One of more than 1,700 athletes competing, Issy won her heat convincingly before taking the under-17s women's title in the final, with a time of 12.07 seconds.
She then took part in her first international competition, representing England at the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) event at Camarthen, where she won a silver medal competing against athletes from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Issy then returned to Birmingham for the England Athletics U17 championships, winning the 100m final in a personal best time of 11.79 seconds to become national champion.
Mum Claire said Issy's time puts her second in the UK and first in England for her age group.
Issy, who lives in Emersons Green, is coached by Sandra Woodman at Yate Athletics Club.
She hopes to continue her development at SGS College, where she plans to study sport at the WISE campus in Filton from September.
Issy said: "I have thought about my future in athletics – however, as I am still young I just want to carry on enjoying it and take each season as it comes."
New players wanted
BADMINTON & Pucklechurch Ladies Hockey Club – or Baps as they are known – have enjoyed a good run out over the last few months by taking part in the summer league held at Bradley Stoke School.
They faced some tricky opponents but this gave the team the opportunity to try out new tactics, change positions and to keep themselves fit in preparation for the winter league season, starting in September.
The Baps Ladies train on a Monday evening at 8pm and play their home matches on a Saturday morning at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC)
The team is of mixed abilities and ages, who work hard but make sure they have fun while doing so. They are a very welcoming club and are always on the lookout for new players.
You can find us on Facebook or Instagram, or email bandplhc@ gmail.com for further information – or turn up at YOSC on a Monday evening from September 2 to see what we're all about.
Lisa Rigby
It’s just too complicated! WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
We all lead complicated lives:perhaps second marriages, a family member with addiction issues, a family falling out, children from previous relationships or stepgrandchildren.
Also we may need to protect an adult child from themselves (if they are not good with money) or need to find a fair way to balance up gifts already made from “the bank of Mum and Dad”.
This is the new normal. Don’t let this be a blocker! Situations like these need a proper Will to avoid you leaving behind a mess that could cause future family disputes.
Your Will is such an important document. It needs to be kept up to date to make sure your wishes are followed and those you care about are provided for when you die.
Book a FREE Will Review meeting with local specialists
Simpson Solicitors.
Michelle says “We will take as long as you need, so we understand your priorities- we will then suggest ways to make sure your Will works in the best way for you and your family. “
John says, “To stop it being too complicated my advice is to just prepare your Will to cover your situation for just the next 3 years. Then we will get back in touch to offer a further FREE review meeting to help you update it again.”
Simpson Solicitors will often also help you prepare a private side letter to explain your wishes and reasons to help avoid successful challenge to your Will. All part of Simpson’s peace of mind service and at no extra cost.
Simpson Solicitors can help you with FREE review meetings, clear fixed price costs and even a FREE home visit service if getting to your local office is difficult.
Contact Simpson Solicitors for a FREE Will Review Meeting. Call them on 01454 322 722
Free Will Review
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n SPORT
Two trophies for young Sodbury stars
CHIPPING Sodbury’s memorable season continued with two youth sides lifting trophies.
The club’s under-17s produced an outstanding all-round performance to lift the Bristol Youth League’s Colin Mitchell Cup, while the under-16s won the Gloucestershire Youth League's T20 Development silverware.
The 17s trumped Bristol by seven wickets at Twyford House CC, and the 16s overcame Quedgeley & Hardwicke then holders Carsons & Mangotsfield at Hawkesbury to bring the curtain down on a remarkable week of success.
Sodbury's U17s initially found themselves on the back foot in their final as Bristol got off to a flyer, reaching 69-1 in the tenth over.
But Sodbury captured a key wicket and hauled themselves back into the game, with accurate bowling backed up by fantastic catching and smart ground work.
Bristol were eventually all out in the final over for 133 – well short of the total that they threatened early on – with the wickets shared among captain Callum Mealing (2-15 from 3.5), Felix Fielding (2-15 from three), Ewan Frost (2-26 from four), Matt Elmore (2-31 from four) and Riley Wakefield (1-16 from three).
Sodbury’s reply was interrupted by rain
in the fourth over, and for a while it appeared that play would have to be abandoned.
When the covers finally came off, Sodbury were set a revised target of 101 from 15 in fading light.
That was the signal for Mealing to take the game to Bristol, punishing anything short, wide or over-pitched with an array of attacking shots, eventually finishing unbeaten on 58 from 42 (10 fours).
He shared an opening stand of 51 with Ronnie Freeman (17), and put on 38 for the third wicket with Riley Wakefield (16).
The rain returned but the players stayed on the field, and Will Mountjoy hit the winning runs with 11 balls to spare.
The U16s were in equally imperious form, edging Quedgeley by seven wickets before romping in by 79 runs in the play-off against Carsons.
Henry Rendell (50 retired), Riley Wakefield (46) and James Naude (44) all found form in a commanding total of 182-4 before Carsons were restricted to 103-8 in reply.
In the Chris Dent Testimonial T20 at the Ridings, Rohan Wijeratne hammered 92 off 53 balls to help Chipping Sodbury to a six-wicket victory over a Gloucestershire XI.
The opener cracked 15 fours and three sixes to thrill the large crowd, as Sodbury chased down a target of 180, Tom Laver scoring 37 before Damien Bouwer reverse swept the winning boundary with three balls to spare.
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey top-scored on 49 while there was also 35 from colleague Jack Taylor in the county’s total of 179-9.
Steve Hill
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Chipping Sodbury's winning U17 team
Bluebells make perfect start to season
YATE Town have made an excellent start to the season, winning their first six games.
They started by beating Holyport 2-0 at home in the FA Cup, with Marlon Jackson and Lucas Tomlinson scoring the Yate goals.
Town then opened their Southern League campaign with a 1-0 win at Tavistock, with Tomlinson scoring in the second half.
This was followed by an exciting game at the South West Interiors Stadium, when the Bluebells beat Bishops Cleeve 2-1 thanks to goals from Will Christopher and Tomlinson.
Yate then travelled to Kidlington in the FA Cup and won 4-0, with goals from Jackson (2), Tomlinson and Joe Guest to set up an away tie against Hungerford Town.
An excellent 2-0 win at Bashley saw Will Larvin score his first goal for the club and Tomlinson bag his fifth in five games.
A large bank holiday crowd of 667 then saw Yate make it six wins out of six when they defeated third-placed Exmouth Town 1-0, with Jackson scoring the winner in a game that displayed all that was good about non-league football, a match of high quality between two good footballing sides.
Off the pitch, a new club shop has opened in the ground, with lots of
merchandise available.
Following supporter Guy Lomas’s successful skydive earlier in the summer, a cheque for £350 was given to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, which means that the club has donated more than £1,500 to their charity of last season. The
club's charity of the new season is St Peter’s Hospice.
The club also recently held a fans' forum, when supporters could ask manager Darren Mullings and chairman Mark Thorne questions about the squad and club. Another similar event will take place later in the year.
The club’s weekly newsletter continues to grow, with more subscribers, and gives fans the chance to vote for their Yate Town 'player of the month' – the first voting will take place in early September for the August award.
The success of last season's “Pay What You Want” fixture in attracting fans means the club will be running another one for the home game with Tavistock on October 19.
New commercial manager Stewart Thomas is working hard to bring new sponsors and advertisers to the club, and can be contacted at sales@yatetownfc. co.uk.
For more information on Yate Town FC, visit the club website at www.yatetownfc. co.uk
Bob Chester
Marlon Jackson leaps to score the winner against Exmouth Town
early stages
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FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER - FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER
