Yate & Sodbury Voice August 2025

Yate flood: learning lessons

COUNCIL leaders say they have learned important lessons from floods which forced 100 families out of their homes.

But one resident who was forced out of his home for five months says the authority has glossed over the impact on people whose homes were

damaged - while another questioned whether works at Chipping Sodbury railway tunnel, where the flood originated, will actually stop it happening again.

The floods hit Slimbridge Close and Littledean, off Shire Way, and swamped parked

cars during Storm Bert last November.

The railway running south of the town flooded with a torrent of water flowing off an embankment, overwhelming drains and entering into nearby houses.

Turn to page 3

Councillor leaves role

A YATE councillor has quit as the chair of Avon Fire Authority after a report found he breached the organisation's code of conduct in his behaviour towards female employees.

PAGE 2

Shops ban

A PERSISTENT Yate shoplifter has been banned from stores he has repeatedly targeted for theft.

PAGE 4

School 'progress'

A YATE school is making "good progress" on areas for improvement after a report by Ofsted highlighted concerns.

PAGE 6

Grand Day Out

A VILLAGE pub has been pulling crowds into its beer garden after it became part of the Gromit Unleashed 3 Trail.

PAGE 11

YATE United FC coaches Ieuan Pearce and James Fishwick helped Yate's Relay For Life smash its £30,000 target by walking for the entire 24 hour event, in honour of relatives affected by the disease.

Picture: Rich McD Full story, Page 7

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Councillor quits fire boss role

A YATE councillor has quit as the chair of Avon Fire Authority after a report found he breached the organisation's code of conduct in his behaviour towards female employees.

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

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South Gloucestershire Council

www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

COMPLAINTS

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

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Ben Nutland has also been suspended from the Liberal Democrat group on South Gloucestershire Council, where he represents the Yate North ward, and is currently described as 'independent/other' on the council's website.

A report found that during a conference he called one colleague “stunning” and asked her if she asked her if she wanted to "go upstairs" with him.

He then followed her into her hotel room and took off his shoes and jacket before getting onto her bed, described as “unwanted behaviour” which made her uncomfortable.

Cllr Nutland also tried to get a second female member of staff to dance with him, “despite being clearly told she did not want to dance”, the report found.

Defending his behaviour, the former Yate Mayor claimed that his drink had been spiked so he was “not responsible for his actions”.

Since the night at a hotel in Bristol city centre last November, the two women have filed formal complaints, prompting his resignation as chair of the Avon Fire Authority.

The complaints were investigated and a panel decided he had breached the code of conduct on grounds of respect, bullying and disrepute.

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Details of Cllr Nutland’s behaviour, during a conference hosted by Avon Fire & Rescue Service for the Asian Fire Service Association, were revealed in a decision notice published in July, which has not named either of the women.

The panel said it accepted that he left the first woman's hotel room without making any physical contact after being asked to leave "probably twice".

The notice added the councillor made a "heartfelt apology" about his behaviour but the panel found “no factual evidence” to support his claim that his drink had been spiked.

The theme of the conference was “cultivating the courage to change through a listening culture”. Cllr Nutland sat at a table with senior officers and was staying in a hotel room paid for, or subsidised by, the service.

Chief fire officer Matt Cook emailed members of the Avon Fire Authority and said: "We are all understandably concerned by the finding of misconduct by our former Fire Authority Chair. The behaviours he has shown are not behaviours we expect from anyone, including members of our governing body.

"A healthy, positive culture starts at the top, and we are committed to reinforcing that standard every day."

Avon Fire Authority governs the Avon Fire & Rescue Service, which serves Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and Bath & North East Somerset.

It is made up of councillors across the region, led by the chair.

The Voice has approached Cllr Nutland for comment.

A spokesperson for the South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrat Group said: "Councillor Nutland was suspended from the Liberal Democrat group whilst these serious allegations were investigated. He remains suspended while the AFA's findings are being considered."

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Ben Nutland

yate & sodbury voice

n NEWS

From page 1

Because of the severity of the floods, South Gloucestershire Council investigated what exactly happened and how to prevent similar problems.

That investigation was published ahead of a cabinet meeting in July, when councillors praised the community response.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Louise Harris, cabinet member for climate, said: “We had huge support from the community and from the local pub.

"It was a horrendous incident but the community did really pull together. Network Rail have obviously got a lot in here relating to them and are carrying out work at the moment. That emergency work is already happening.”

Council staff who knocked on over 200 doors on the night, and on following days, to see what support was needed were praised.

An evacuation centre was prepared at Yate Leisure Centre but this ultimately wasn’t used as people stayed with friends and families.

But one criticism in the investigation was a lack of communication following the floods.

Lessons learned from the council’s response to the floods led to a change in approach to the gas explosion in April on Lancaster Road in Yate, which also saw a huge amount of support from the local community.

Yate councillor and cabinet member Chris Willmore said: "One of the lessons we learned is just how overwhelmingly

Rain 'overwhelmed the system'

generous the community is, and how we have to build that into our planning for these crises, so that they’re able to do something to help.

"If there are any lessons you think we could learn from these processes, it’s important you keep telling us.”

Resident David Butcher, who with his young family was forced to live away from their home for five months, criticised the investigation for glossing over the impact on people whose homes were damaged.

He said: “While I am pleased to see a report which has many forward-thinking suggestions and proposals, I feel the huge personal impacts throughout the past six months — both financial and emotional — have been completely bypassed within the report.

"My home was significantly damaged, with flooding through

Railway closes for flood works

NETWORK Rail shut the main line between Swindon and Bristol Parkway for several days in July to carry out work to reduce the impact of flooding on the railway in Chipping Sodbury.

Seven days of non-stop work took place in and around the tunnel, raising 200m of track has been raised by up to 20cm at the western end, with rails and sleepers were lifted and extra ballast laid.

Drainage channels were inspected and cleared to allow more water to be collected and one of four pumps that remove water from the railway was replaced.

Two more pumps will be replaced later

the entirety of the ground floor.”

Another resident, Nicola Blaken, said: “My young family were forced to relocate for six months while repairs works were carried out.

"Are there any reassurances from Network Rail that their prevention works will be finished to cope with this possibility? Is there any evidence to show that these works will help prevent future flooding?”

Water flowed down from the railway, which runs along a cutting south of the town, and into residential roads.

A mile and half east of the affected houses, the railway runs through the Chipping Sodbury tunnel which frequently floods.

This causes the main line to close several times a year. But last autumn was wetter than normal, so the rain was falling on already saturated ground. And 60% of the rain that fell

this year, with the potential to install new pumps at the eastern end of the tunnel in coming years.

Network Rail project manager George Barratt said: "I’d like to thank passengers for their patience as we completed this vital work to help mitigate the impacts of flooding on the railway, which will help us recover services more quickly in future and minimise delays.

"This is the latest piece of our ongoing programme to make the railway more resilient to the elements, and we will continue to work on long-term solutions with our partners."

The work was carried out as the government announced plans to install new technology in the tunnel to improve mobile phone and internet coverage for passengers through its entire 4km length.

in November came in just one weekend, overwhelming drains.

The railway’s gradient falls from east to west, so water flowed down the track, acting as a channel.

Network Rail have been carrying out extensive work on this section of the railway, in an attempt to prevent similar floods happening again in future.

Drainage channels were inspected and cleared, and one of four pumps that removes water from the railway has been replaced.

However, Conservative councillor Nic Labuschagne said the recommended actions for the council are just “business as usual”.

He said: “The recommendations don’t seem to be going far enough or are really in any way ambitious. It’s an insufficient response to the scale of Storm Bert. This fails to address the clear evidence that the systems were overwhelmed.”

The Environment Agency says 4,633 homes in the district are at high risk of surface water flooding, with 4,207 at medium risk, and a further 5,783 at risk of river or sea flooding.

Households at risk are advised to prepare a flood plan with emergency contact numbers and evacuation routes, door barriers and air brick covers as well as a "grab bag" of essentials like medication, a torch, phone charger, bottled water and snacks.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Volunteers from Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue helped in the response

Flooding at Chipping Sodbury Tunnel

Repeat shoplifter banned

A PERSISTENT Yate shoplifter has been given a three-year legal ban from stores he has repeatedly targeted.

Colt Valentine, aged 32, of Dowsell Way, was given the three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on July 14 after admitting thefts from shops in both Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

He admitted five counts of thefts from shops in a two-week period between May and June, taking meat, fish, cleaning products and alcohol with a total value of £264.

Avon & Somerset police say he had ignored previous bans imposed by five shops in the area, and failed to abide by an 'acceptable behaviour contract' he signed last month.

A spokesperson said: "Shop workers said they felt threatened and intimidated by him and it affected them personally, as well having an impact on customers and a financial toll on the businesses."

The court also sentenced Valentine to community order, committing him to a year of treatment, rehabilitation and programmes to tackle offending.

The CBO bans Valentine from entering any shop or business he has been banned from and say he can only put items into in-store shopping baskets or trolleys.

If he breaches the conditions, he could face a jail sentence.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Matthew Quick said: "This order will help us to protect staff and businesses who’ve faced repeated distress.

"We're grateful for the support of shop staff who have supported these prosecutions with clear evidence.

"By working together in this way we can send a message that persistent offending won’t be tolerated."

'Prolific'

fly-tipper jailed

A MAN who illegally collected and dumped waste on multiple occasions in breach of a court order has been jailed.

South Gloucestershire Council said Tom Pleass, of Cherington in Yate, was on of the most "prolific offenders" after repeatedly finding him using a lorry to collect scrap and rubbish despite being clearly told he was banned.

Pleass, aged 31, was imprisoned for 54 weeks and disqualified from driving for 11 months in July after pleading guilty to charges of flytipping, breaching a CBO previously handed to him for waste offences, not having a scrap metal licence or waste transfer notes and failing to respond to an interview request.

Two years ago Pleass was given a suspended sentence after collecting and dumping waste "a minimum of 200 times" during the pandemic, dumping some at the roadside and setting much of it on fire at a farm in Old Sodbury.

At his latest appearance at Bristol Crown Court, a judge was told he had started reoffending "as soon as he left court" following the 2023 suspended sentence, despite also being made subject to a criminal behaviour order banning him from collecting waste.

Council environmental enforcement officers saw his lorry piled with waste and parked near his home within weeks and he was repeatedly stopped by police and council officers driving with a load.

Residents also reported that he was regularly parking his lorry near his home with waste on it. He was also found repeatedly visiting a scrap dealer in Frampton Cotterell with a loaded truck and captured on Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.

Cabinet councillor for environmental enforcement Sean Rhodes said: "This is a great result for the council against one of our area’s most prolific offenders.

"We will not tolerate illegal waste activity in South Gloucestershire and we want to send the clear message that anyone found flouting the law will be brought before the courts."

Colt Valentine

Turbines plan for farm

TWO giant wind turbines could soon be built next to the M4 near Westerleigh.

They would be set up by the Bristol Energy Network, a renewable energy organisation, with a grant from the West of England Combined Authority.

As well as the turbines, the 228-acre Leigh Farm, between the M4 and Westerleigh Crematorium north of Pucklechurch, would be used for planting new woodland and creating plots for traveller caravans.

The proposals have taken a huge step forward after South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet decided in July to lease Leigh Farm for the project.

Together the turbines would generate 8.5 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power 6,000 homes - but the council says current constraints on the National Grid mean the power could not immediately be fed into the electricity supply network.

The meeting heard there is a bottleneck of developers trying to connect new solar farms and wind turbines to the grid.

Instead the turbines could be connected directly to the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, to power the new Bristol University Isambard-AI supercomputer.

There are still several hurdles to overcome, including going through the planning process for the turbines, which would be in an area between the Westerleigh fuel depot, Leigh Lane and the road from Pucklechurch to Westerleigh.

Council cabinet member for climate Louise Harris said: "This really is our big-ticket item for tackling climate change in South Gloucestershire.

"As it’s being done through a community energy company, the community will be the ones who benefit from this investment."

Money made from generating power could go back into projects to make energy more affordable in nearby communities, the council says.

The cabinet also agreed to grant a lease to Pucklechurch Parish Council to create a woodland, wildflower meadow and hay meadow in the site, and to create a site for travelling showpeople, which is in the council's draft Local Plan.

Cllr Harris said: "When it comes to a planning application, if we get that far, it will be discussed and consulted on like any other planning application on anything else.

"Yes, the council owns this land but there are often planning applications involving council-owned land. This will be treated exactly the same as any other planning application."

One concern is how close the turbines would be to Westerleigh Cemetery and Crematorium, and whether the views would impact people visiting the cemetery.

Council chiefs pledged to consult with the cemetery about these impacts. A site south of the M4 motorway could also be allocated for Gypsy and traveller pitches, and one north of the M4 for travelling showpeople.

The cabinet member with responsibility for council properties, Adam Monk, said the project would support jobs, growth and "increased energy security locally".

An aerial view of the proposed turbine site near Westerleigh

School is making progress after Ofsted concerns

A YATE school is making "good progress" on areas for improvement highlighted in a report by Ofsted.

The regulator visited St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Sundridge Park in April - its first visit since 2019, when the school received a 'good' rating.

Ofsted no longer gives one-word assessments on schools following routine inspections, but its new report, published more than two months after the inspection, recommended it returned for a more detailed 'graded' inspection, which is likely to take place within the next two years.

Lead inspector Angela Folland said: "Evidence gathered during this ungraded inspection suggests that aspects of the school’s work may not be as strong as at the time of the previous inspection."

The inspector said the school had "not developed its curriculum with enough rigour," adding: "Weaknesses in curriculum design mean that pupils often experience a curriculum that does not deepen their knowledge."

She said these weaknesses also applied to the curriculum for children with special educational needs or disabilities, with teaching that is "not well matched to pupils’ starting points".

The inspector said pupils sometimes lose focus in lessons due to “lack of ambition in the curriculum”.

She said that although a new wider curriculum was being designed, necessary improvements "have not been tackled urgently enough".

The inspector said: "The school has not identified the specific knowledge pupils need to learn, nor developed staff’s subject knowledge well enough. Consequently, staff lack the skills and knowledge to help pupils to learn well.

"This is hampered further because they are not clear about the key knowledge pupils should learn. "The school should identify the precise knowledge it wants pupils to know and develop staff’s expertise so that pupils learn well across the curriculum."

The inspector also found much to praise at St Paul's, which has 206 pupils aged from four to 11 on its roll.

She said: "Pupils are happy and enjoy coming to school regularly.

"The school is a nurturing environment where relationships are strong.

"Pupils understand the school values, such as friendship, caring and thankfulness, which underpin daily life. Pupils respect each other and treat one another with kindness.

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"Pupils develop a sense of belonging because they have a strong voice in the school."

The inspector also highlighted the school's work on personal development, saying it has "developed strong support for pupils’ wellbeing and mental health".

She said the school needs to "rapidly improve the consistency of the implementation of its curriculum".

Head teacher Maxine Sewell said that since the report, the school has been reviewed by South Gloucestershire Council.

She said: "Good progress is being made in the areas for improvement, which puts us in a really strong position to continue our work in September."

In a letter to parents, Mrs Sewell said: "We are really pleased that the strengths of our school were acknowledged.

"There are many elements to celebrate and be proud of as our school continues its journey of development.

"The areas identified for further improvement inform our school improvement plans and development."

She thanked parents who told Ofsted they were "overwhelmingly supportive and appreciative of the good work that the school does".

Relay for Life smashes target

THE 22 teams who took part in this year’s Yate Relay for Life helped smash charity Cancer Research UK’s £30,000 target.

Teams fundraised throughout the year for the event and around 300 people from Yate and the surrounding areas supported the teams who walked through the night.

During the annual 24-hour non-stop event at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, relay team members took it in turns to complete laps around the 400m track.

But two members of Yate United FC went a step further, walking the entire 24 hours in honour of family members’ battles with cancer.

Ieuan Pearce and James Fishwick, both coaches with Yate United Under 9s, together clocked up over 105 miles – more than four marathons – between noon on Saturday and Sunday.

James said: "We wanted to do it together to challenge ourselves, support each other and to raise money for such an incredible cause.

"We've both been directly affected by cancer with family members.

"My dad Ian was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. It has been a tough road since first diagnosis; however, he has now

come through the other side and is in recovery.

"He showed so much strength and fight during a very difficult time, as do all cancer patients.

"What he and all people go through with cancer shows such strength and resilience, and I just knew if people can get through all of that, then I can get through this 24-hour challenge while raising as much as I can for this amazing charity.

Ieuan said: “It was an honour to participate in this event in loving memory of Maria Starr, Ted Morris, and survivor Steven Starr.”

Ieuan’s sister-in-law Kelly Starr said Ieuan’s grandad Ted Morris passed away from prostate cancer, while his fatherin-law Steve Starr is currently undergoing treatment for the same cancer.

The family also lost Ieuan’s sister-in-law Maria Starr to breast cancer at the age of 39. Maria’s mum Wendy – Ieuan’s mother-in-law –has also fought breast cancer and is now all clear.

Kelly said: “Ieuan completed this challenge in respect of all family members affected by cancer and walked 65 miles in 24 hours without a break - other than toilet stops!

Ieuan and Kelly previously raised around £10,000 for Breast Cancer UK in 2019 when they completed the National Three Peaks challenge in 24 hours.

James said the Relay for Life was "one of the hardest challenges I have ever done", adding: "With the strength, help and support I got from dad, family members and Ieuan throughout the event, it was the most incredible experience and one I shall never forget.

EAR WAX REMOVAL

•

"The highlight of it all for me though was seeing my dad and my uncle Phil, also a cancer survivor, stand tall and strong together along with the other survivors and start the event with the opening lap.

"They are all truly heroes and it was such a magical moment I will never forget."

Committee member and teams chair Rebecca Craddock said: “We know the Relay for Life is a challenge, and every single participant in this year’s event

deserves so much praise.

“As a committee, we can organise and plan Yate Relay, but we wouldn’t have an event without the fundraisers who come, year after year, to help us beat cancer sooner. We’re so grateful to everyone who donates, and every participant who comes to relay with us.”

As the Voice went to print, around £35,000 had been raised on the event's fundraising page, which is still open at tinyurl. com/yeyd47tp.

The finishing line at the end of the Relay for Life. Picture Rich McD

n NEWS

Sodbury Fest basks in the sun

MORE than 900 people soaked up the sun, music and atmosphere at the Ridings in Chipping Sodbury for this year's Sodbury Fest.

They also helped raise money for good causes at the event, held on July 12 - one of the hottest days of the year, when temperatures reached 33C (91.4F) in the region.

The event was organised by a committee of volunteers from Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club members.

The total raised is yet to be confirmed but it will go to Old Sodbury Church of England School, chosen by the committee, and the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children's hospital, as chosen by the public.

A variety of music and entertainment was laid on throughout the family fun day, including a Rod Stewart lookalike tribute act by Dave Hook.

Covers band For The Record Band kicked off the live music while party band Tundra closed the event.

Children enjoyed the free inflatables, a play area, and activities including face painting and tattoos.

There was a range of food stalls, including 1st Chipping Sodbury Scouts fed the crowds with its stall selling hot dogs, burgers, chip and more.

A wide range of alcoholic beverages was available, and committee member Claire Hudson said: “Sangria was very popular as it was a very hot day!

“There was great support from local businesses for sponsoring and providing raffle prizes.

"A huge thank you from us! And the music was amazing!”

Committee chair Chloe Stevens said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s event. The turnout was amazing, and it was lovely to see so many members of the local community come together and enjoy Sodbury Fest.

“We are really proud to support FOSSA, Friends of Old Sodbury School who are raising money for a new classroom, and The Grand Appeal with all the amazing work they do for Bristol’s Children Hospital.

"The Festival is also a big support of our Rugby Club, CSRFC. The fourth year of this amazing festival wouldn’t have been possible without our committee and volunteers, the support of local businesses, and the enthusiasm of attendees.

“We look forward to planning 2026 and can’t wait to make it even bigger and better.”

Pictures of Sodbury Fest crowds, Street Cred dance group and pock band Liquor & Poker

Praise for 'confident, curious learners'

A YATE preschool's caring staff and "confident, independent and curious learners" have been praised by an inspector.

Ofsted visited Ridgewood Preschool, in Station Road, in May.

Inspector Holly Smith said the preschool was 'good' in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.

She said: "Children arrive at the pre-school happy, eager to play and ready to learn.

"They form secure relationships with caring staff, which helps them feel safe and settled.

"Staff deliver a broad curriculum that encourages children to become confident, independent and curious learners.

"They plan enjoyable and challenging activities in line with children's interests and stages of development."

Staff gather information about children’s routines, interests and development to plan "meaningful learning experiences", finding out about children who speak other languages at home and working closely with parents to help them settle.

The inspector said the 47 children, aged from two to four, "display a strong sense of belonging."

They are given hands-on experiences to support their

Staff and children at Ridgewood

creativity, with a "thoughtfully planned" indoor and outdoor environment and daily discussions and singing to develop language and communication skills.

The inspector said: "Children are engaged and demonstrate good decision-making skills.

“Staff provide extra support to help younger children stay focused and involved.

“Recent training in mathematics has strengthened staff’s confidence and subject

knowledge, which they now apply well in their interactions with children."

Good health and hygiene is also promoted, along with building of fine motor skills and independence.

To further improve the inspector recommended that the preschool integrate technology more consistently into the curriculum to develop children’s digital skills and confidence for future learning, and consistently use more specific next steps for learning.

The preschool's trustees said they were "absolutely delighted" with the report.

They said: "This is a welldeserved recognition of the dedication, skill and hard work of our fantastic staff team, who provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for all our children.

"We would also like to thank parents/carers for their trust and ongoing support."

Preschool

A VILLAGE pub has been pulling crowds into its beer garden after it became part of the Gromit Unleashed 3 Trail.

The Beaufort Arms at Hawkesbury Upton is currently home to Gromit statue Once Upon A Time, as part of the event raising funds for the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children's Hospital.

The pub has sponsored the statue, which was designed by artist Freya Hartas and has a bedtime story theme, and is hosting it until August 31.

Landlord Mark Steed said: "The pub is a lot busier thanks to Gromit and it definitely improves trade."

Mark invited Freya and pupils from Hawkesbury Primary School to a grand unveiling at the end of June and has also held a Morris & Gromit fundraising event in July.

Customers have been busy taking photos, including selfies and photos with their dogs, teddy bears and plastic ducks.

The Beaufort Arms took part in the first Gromit Unleashed trail back in 2013.

Since then the another Gromit Trail and Shaun in the City have been held, raising £20 million for the Grand Appeal through sponsorship, donations, exhibitions, souvenirs and the auctions held at the end of each trail.

Mark said: "The Gromit Trails are especially rewarding as they’re for a great cause, and thanks to the link with internationally known Aardman Animations, they really catch the public’s imagination - and they’re beautifully decorated.

"We’ve been in our pub for over 30 years and like many community pubs, we like to give back if at all possible. It’s one of the beauties of being in the pub trade.”

Gromit Unleashed 3 runs until the end of August.

Other Gromits near Yate and Sodbury include include Austenatious at the Kendleshire golf club in Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath, which is being described as the first ‘living’ Gromit.

Austentatious is a sitting Gromit whose legs and rear end are a pot for a green head and body made up of shrubs grown through a wire frame.

Wallace sculpture Fisherman's Friend is at the West Country Water Park in Trench Lane, Frampton Cotterell.

Gromit puts pub on tourist trail

Artist Elaine Carr has put Wallace in wellies and fishing gear, complete with cheeserelated tattoos, and he is sitting on a bench ready to be photographed with trail hunters needing a break.

Gromit statue Rosebud is at A J Homes in Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne.

Is your family following the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail this summer? If you'd like to see one of your pictures in the Voice, email it, with the name of the statue and anyone in the picture, to contact@ yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk by August 19.

Kelly Lamb, from Yate, takes a seat beside Wallace on the Fisherman's Friend bench at the West Country Water Park

A 'Morris & Gromit' fund-raising event with Winterbourn Down Border Morris

The ‘Once Upon a Time’ unveiling ceremony

Patient trust still high at surgeries

PATIENTS at all surgeries serving the Yate and Sodbury area still have high levels of trust in their GPs, despite wide variations in waits for appointments and phone response.

More than 700,000 people across the country answered questions about their experiences of their local surgery for this year's NHS GP Patient Survey, including around 100 at each of the five practices serving the towns.

Once seen, patients of all practices had high levels of trust and confidence in the professional who treated them: 92% at Courtside Surgery, 98% at Kennedy Way Surgery, 96% at West Walk Surgery, 98% at Wellington Road Surgery and 93% at Leap Valley Medical Centre, the parent practice of Abbotswood Surgery.

At Courtside, 14% of patients were offered a same-day appointment, down

from 21% last year, with 42% waiting a week or more, up from 34% in 2024.

Most other patients waited between a day and a week, or couldn't remember how long they waited.

At Kennedy Way, 61% of patients were offered a same-day appointment, up from 59% last year, with 13% waiting a week or more – up from 12% last year.

At Wellington Road the number of same-day appointments was 50% - down from 57% last year - with week-plus waits up from 11% to 22%.

Same-day appointments were offered to 21% of West Walk patients, up from 17% last year, while the proportion waiting a week or longer fell from 46% to 43%.

At Leap Valley, just 4% of appointments offered were same-day, down from 19% last year and against a national average of 28%. Seven out of ten patients (70%) waited a week or longer, up from 53% in 2024.

There were also wide variations in how easily patients could get in touch with their surgery.

At Courtside, 41% of patients said it was easy to get through on the phone, below the national average of 53%.

At Kennedy Way and West Walk the figure was 58%, and at Wellington Road

75%, while at Leap Valley just 15% of patients said it was easy to get through, with 77% saying it was difficult.

The survey found that 70% of patients at Courtside said their overall experience of the practice was good – down from 87% last year. The national average is 75%.

At Kennedy Way, 83% of patients had a good experience, down from 88% last year.

At West Walk, 80% of patients said they had a good experience, up from 70% last year, while at Wellington Road, 89% of patients described their experience as good, up from 82% last year.

Only 51% of patients of Leap Valley Medical Centre, the parent practice of Abbotswood Surgery, said they had a good experience – unchanged from 2024.

A spokesperson for the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding surgeries, said: "We welcome this valuable feedback on local GP services and it is encouraging to see that results are in line with national averages.

"As in previous years we will continue to use the survey data, alongside other information, to help us identify practices that may need additional support, working with them to improve their resilience and services to patients."

Hooked on classics

CHIPPING Sodbury Rotary Club welcomed a wide variety of vehicles to its annual Classic Run.

STUART FRASER, from the club, describes the day.

HUNDREDS of people came out on to Chipping Sodbury High Street in glorious weather to see some 190 cars, vans and

motorcycles line up for the annual Rotary Classic Run on June 29

The variety of vehicles dating back as far as the 1930s was a sight to see.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury, this was the 29th year that the event has been held and is the club’s major fundraising event of the year.

Each participating vehicle and driver were sent on their way by our club president, Ian Hodgson, and by the town Deputy Mayor, Steve Spooner, for a drive of some 80 miles through quiet country roads. There was a midway stop

for light refreshments served up by the ladies of Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel Club at the Dowty Sports and Social Club, Staverton.

On returning to Chipping Sodbury Ridings the participants lined up their vehicles so that members of the public could cast an eye over them whilst enjoying the sounds of the Rock Choir and local singer Ross.

Prizes were awarded to ‘Best Car’, ‘Best Motorcycle’ and ‘Best Costume’ and the respective winners were Alan Aldous (Morgan Plus 4 CX), Norman Mouton (Triumph Bonneville T100 plus Watsonian Sidecar) and Timothy Wells (Alvis TA 21). Ian said: "It was so gratifying to see so many iconic vehicles lining the High Street again this year and that so many people came out to look at the vehicles in lovely sunshine.

"Thank you to everyone who participated, the crowds that supported the event and all our sponsors but a special thank you to fellow Rotarian, Mark Benstock, our club lead organiser for the event who put in an enormous amount of time and effort to ensure the event’s success."

One of the younger cars - a Porsche sporting a 1976-77 number plate, at the start. Picture: Doug Lodge

The best motorbike prize winner. Picture: Doug Lodge

Water firm

'poor' on pollution

THE water company responsible for sewage disposal in the Frome Valley has been accused of "consistently poor performance" by the Environment Agency.

A new report found that pollution incidents reported by Wessex Water rose from 162 in 2023 to 248 last year - more than two and a half times the level they were in 2016, when there were 96.

The agency says the company was one of only two in the country that didn't commit any "serious" pollution incidents in 2024 - but the total number it did report was up by 53%.

Environment Agency water industry regulation manager Ed Lockington said: "We’re pleased to see that by not causing any serious pollution incidents last year Wessex Water has met not

just our expectation but the public’s.

"That is a high bar to maintain but nothing less is acceptable for the environment we all rely on.

"However, it is disappointing to see its total number of pollutions rose by just over half - there is clearly more work to be done."

In March the agency said the number of hours sewage combined with rainwater was flushed into the River Frome at eight sites between Iron Acton and Winterbourne rose by more than a third last year, to a total of 5,580 hours.

Wessex Water recently spent £5 million on schemes to increase sewer capacity at three local sites, targeting the combined sewer overflows (CSOs) with the most spills.

It has built huge concrete tanks at Church Road in Frampton Cotterell, Sunny Acres and Nightingales Bridge, Watley's End.

A spokesperson said: “We continue to invest heavily to allow us to reduce the likelihood and respond more quickly to

potential pollution events, which means we can act faster to minimise environmental damage.

“Clearly there is more to do, and reducing pollutions will always remain a top priority for us.

"Looking ahead, we are planning a step change in the maintenance of our sewerage infrastructure, with a proposed investment of approximately £300 million by 2030."

The Environment Agency criticism came days before government said it would abolish current water industry regulator Ofwat and replace it with a new body that would also take over the powers of the Drinking Water Inspectorate and Environment Agency to "reset" the sector.

MP Claire Young said the replacement of Ofwat with a tougher regulator is "long overdue".

Ms Young said: "This wouldn’t be happening without the incredible efforts of people calling for action across our area over many decades. Our communities are rightly fed up with rogue water companies

polluting our rivers at the same time they’re hiking bills.

"But the fight is far from over. The government must now get on with setting up a new, stronger regulator who will actually crack down on sewage dumping, bring down bills, and ensure our waterways remain clean for everyone to enjoy in future."

A Wessex Water sewer tank in Frampton Cotterell

Officer awarded bravery medal

A POLICE inspector who pulled two children from the car involved in a collision on the M4 has been given a bravery award.

Inspector James McKenna was off duty when he was travelling between the Tormarton and Hambrook junctions and saw that a collision had happened involving a lorry and a car.

Two children were trapped in the car’s back seat.

With emergency services not yet on the scene, Insp McKenna parked up and leapt into action, pulling the young boy and teenage girl from the car.

Despite his efforts, along with other police officers and paramedics, the boy died, but the girl recovered after hospital treatment.

A police investigation into the collision, which happened on March 26 last year, is still ongoing.

In July, Insp McKenna, who is an incident manager in the force control room, received a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal of Bravery at the National Police Bravery Awards in London.

He said: “Over my 24-year career, I have seen a lot, but when there is a child involved, it really knocked me and affected me.

“I really want to recognise my colleagues who responded to this incident. We have all been deeply affected by what happened and they supported me in trying to save the young boy.

“I was the first one on scene but there are others behind the scene and supporting with the wider investigation I want to recognise.

“We are trained to preserve life, so I don’t see this as being particularly brave, I just see this as doing my job and running towards the fire instead of away from it.”

Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Inspector James McKenna’s actions were

nothing short of heroic and they exemplify the highest standards of some of our core values – to have courage and to care.

“This was a very traumatic situation and that has an impact on anyone faced with it.

“I could not be prouder of James and the journey he has been on since that day. He has been an advocate for our trauma-informed and support services and has since gone on to encourage his colleagues to seek that support when they need it.”

Rouge trader jailed

A KITCHEN and interiors firm boss who ripped off customers across the region, including in Yate, has been jailed for 18 months.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Trading Standards team prosecuted James Brown, aged 55, of All Saints Close, Longwell Green, for 19 thefts from customers of his two businesses, JR Brown Interior Installations Ltd and Brown & Son Interiors Ltd.

Bristol Crown Court heard the thefts amounted to a total of over £101,000, which was taken from 19 customers of Brown’s companies during 2018 and 2019 and then again during 2023 for work that wasn't finished, often leaving them unable to use their kitchens.

STUDENT GRANTS STUDENT GRANTS

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Are you aged 16 to 21? Live in Ya te? Are cur rently a ttending or will be a ttending University or doing an apprenticeship?

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Action under the Proceeds of Crime Act is ongoing, including securing a restraint order over Brown’s £450,000 family home.

Councillor Sean Rhodes, said: “We’re really pleased to see this case conclude and a jail sentence handed out.

YOUTH FESTIVAL

Inspector James McKenna

n LOCAL MP for Yate

A year of service to you

SINCE I last wrote for the Voice, I have marked one year since I was elected to serve as your Member of Parliament.

So much has happened in the last year, but throughout it I have always felt the real honour and privilege to be able to speak up for you and be your local champion in Westminster.

The reality of life as an MP certainly came at me fast. Just hours after leaving the count in the early hours of the morning, I was in an urgent meeting with Beko to discuss the closure of its Yate factory and how we support the workers affected.

The pace hasn’t really slowed since. I’ve spoken over 100 times in Parliament – a total that includes three Prime Minister’s Questions.

I was delighted to secure the money promised for Thornbury Health Centre at a time when the new Government has scrapped so many NHS building projects.

I also got a commitment to fund the design of additional flood defences near Severn Beach.

In my short time as an MP, I’ve continued to fight for more money for South Gloucestershire schools and for better provision for children with Special Educational Needs. I’ve been

making the case for investing in clean energy projects in our area – and making sure local people can benefit from the jobs that come with them.

I’ve been able to raise more specific local issues directly with ministers, such as the ongoing saga of the Badminton Road

bridge over the M4 and the closure of the original Severn Bridge to HGVs.

Being able to spend time out and about locally is just as important for me.

I have met so many wonderful people and organisations who do great work, day in, day out.

Ours is a big and varied constituency, and I do my best to get around every corner.

I have a great team in place that help me support you. In the last year we have had over 8,000 pieces of individual casework.

We have also held around 40 advice surgeries right across our towns and villages, where people can discuss their problems with me face-to-face.

As we look to the future, I promise to keep being the strong, local voice our communities deserve and to do all I can to ensure your voices are heard in the corridors of power.

Claire Young asks a question to the Prime Minister

Dancer is ready for big stage

A YOUNG dancer from Yate has been picked to work alongside professionals in a fulllength production of classical ballet Coppélia.

Freya Coventry, aged 15, will join a cast of 75 performers in the English Youth Ballet show at the Playhouse Theatre in WestonSuper-Mare.

Brimsham Green School pupil Freya trains at Stapleton School of Dancing, which is based at Ridgewood Community Centre in the town.

She was chosen after a competitive auditions process to join the cast, working with English Youth Ballet principal Ann Wall and other professionals in rehearsals ahead of performances on August 15 and 16.

Freya said: "I started dancing at the age of three.

"Ballet and dance in general is a beautiful art form of self expression and I love being a part of that.

"The best feelings are getting to watch

the people I admire dance and dancing with them. I also enjoy overcoming the challenges.

"Whilst at EYB, I am hoping to see how far I can push myself with what I love, and develop my technique.”

Former English National Ballet and Ballet Cymru dancer Ann, who plays the lead role of Swanhilda in the production, said: "Teaching the young dancers is incredibly rewarding, as I get to see them learn new steps and grow in confidence. It is magical to see how they progress and blossom on stage and it brings me great joy to dance alongside them."

Tickets for the production are available by calling 01743 281281 or at tinyurl. com/35pw3m7r.

Freya is the latest Brimsham Green pupil whose talent has taken her onto the stage.

Some of the school's previous students who started their performing arts journey there are now pursuing professional careers.

Olivia Cowell, who studied music, now performs under the name Olivia Rose and has over three million streams and downloads.

Louis Cowell, who starred in a spectacular school production of Les Miserables in 2018, is now a touring actor with Pitlochry Theatre Company, while Ella Bryant, who appeared in the same production, is also picking up stage and screen roles.

Head of drama Katie Hitchcock said: "We are so lucky to work in a school which really recognises the importance of performing arts and champions the creative subjects within the school curriculum."

Freya Coventry. Picture: Ben Garner

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

The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.

Mash brings in charity cash

Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals

you know what? It is so easy to be

Must Be Love.

The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.

MUSIC lovers helped raise funds to support good causes at this year's Mash in the Meadows at Iron Acton.

From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.

Around 800 people attended the 12th Mash, an outdoor festival organised by volunteerrun community interest company Acton Aid to raise funds for local good causes.

Acton Aid spokesman Richard Hunter said: "The evening started with local rising star, Rhiannon Paige and her band, who played many of the songs written by Rhiannon, together with covers that she performed with her own arrangements.

In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.

"Next on stage were One Step Behind, who are the leading and longest-established Madness tribute band.

Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.

"They also played a brilliant rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's Cecilia, which is one of (Madness singer) Suggs' favourite songs.

"Top of the bill was Not the Rolling Stones, who look and sound like their heroes. Songs played included Paint it Black, Satisfaction, Wild Horses and many more."

"Over half of the audience were on their feet dancing to many classics, including Our House, Baggy Trousers and It

into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.

“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone

“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And

A charity bucket collection on the night raised more than £1,500 for the Bristol Misfits charity, which supports people

company in the South West & South Wales in the final of the industries Prestigious G24 Awards!

Bristol: 0117 3134 862

Exeter: 01392 642 634

Newton Abbot: 01626 932 964

stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.

with learning disabilities.

That was on top of the funds generated from ticket sales and other income, which will go towards Acton Aid's support of local good causes.

The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.

Among those in the crowd were the four winners tickets to the event who took part in a competition in June's Voice.

In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.

For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.

The next Acton Aid event is an annual beer festival on Saturday September 13 in the Iron Acton Parish Hall gardens. More details and tickets are available at actonaid.org.uk.

Winterbourne singer-songwriter Rhiannon Paige

Not the Rolling Stones

How Yate marked the end of the war

DAVID HARDILL looks at how Yate marked VJ Day in 1945.

ON AUGUST 15 we will be marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on VJ Day.

This year there will be an official two minutes silence.

From oral history we know that VJ Day was a relatively muted affair in Yate, compared to the outpouring of joy that was VE Day on May 8, 1945.

Interviewing people when I worked at Yate Heritage Centre, many could recall in great detail the food and format of VE Day street parties but struggled to recall anything beyond that day. So what did happen?

After the initial elation at VE Day, people had to confront reality immediately. Money was tight. Rationing continued apace. Resources were in short supply.

Joan Davis of Yate recalled how shabby all the shops and streets in Sodbury and Yate looked at this time.

Additionally, for many children the exciting elements of wartime were becoming a distant memory. American soldiers had left for D-Day in June 1944. Arguably, many local volunteers lost a sense of purpose following the disbanding of the Home Guard that December 1944 and Air Raid Precautions in May 1945.

But the war hadn't ended. As a nation, we often look upon the Second World War as a European conflict, which is reflected in our national marking of Dunkirk, D-Day and VE Day.

Yet the conflict remained very real for many, including those left wondering whether they would be called upon to fight in the Far East.

Indeed, a number of local families had already lost men fighting the Japanese army. Half of those on the Chipping Sodbury World War II Memorial perished in the Eastern conflict.

Many other families still had men embroiled in the conflict in the Far East.

The husband of Joan Davis flew out to India in early 1945 and then to what was then

Loft Boarding & Insulation

called Burma as part of a Mosquito squadron. Clearly, this was a time of great anguish the families concerned.

Joan, who served in the RAF, recalled colleagues celebrating VE Day while she herself resolutely stayed in the office, declaring: “War is not over.”

Another family riven by the conflict was the Waters family.

Roger, son of Claude Waters, the longstanding headmaster of Chipping Sodbury Grammar School, was shot down by Japanese gunfire over Burma on May 15, 1945 - a grim reminder of an ongoing conflict if it were needed.

By VJ Day, at least everyone could mark the end of war, albeit with mixed emotions. Many service personnel were yet to return from abroad.

Joan Davis, however, was able to celebrate VJ Day with her husband, and was pleased to make the most of it.

Les Walter, of Yate, also recalled a VJ event at Moorland Road, which was held on a Saturday.

He said: "VJ Day we had a singsongdancing in the streets, bawling kids enjoying themselves.

"They said on Saturday, we must shut up at midnight, because Sunday was the Sabbath. They were very hot on that and wanted to catch us going into the Sabbath.”

n LOCAL HISTORY

AS the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on VJ Day, the Voice met a South Gloucestershire veteran of the campaign in Burma, where fighting continued after the guns fell silent in Europe.

COMMUNITIES around the country held events earlier this year to commemorate 80 years since VE Day.

The date - May 8 1945 - is seared into the national memory as the day when a nation marked the final victory over Germany's Nazi regime.

But the Second World War didn't end then. Furious fighting continued for more than three months in Burma, China and across the Far East and Pacific until the dropping of American atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced the retreating Japanese empire to surrender.

Celebrated joyously then - but perhaps less well remembered now - August 15 was declared Victory over Japan or VJ Day, marking the final end of the Second World War.

Harry Francis fought in Burma - and does not have fond memories.

Not only was fighting in the jungle "hell", the last of his many encounters with Japanese forces left him close to death, after being stabbed in the stomach with a bayonet.

Harry, who has just turned 100, now lives in Soundwell, near Kingswood, with his wife Gwen.

Before the war he lived in the village of Barford St Martin, near Salisbury.

Frustrated at seeing colleagues at the bus depot where he worked being given deferments when they received call-up papers, Harry lied about his age to volunteer in 1942, joining the Royal Navy when he was still 16.

He joked: "I've been a fool all my life!"

After training at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall, he joined the crew of destroyer HMS

VJ Day - a veteran remembers

Brecon, based in Liverpool.

HMS Brecon hunted U-boats and escorted convoys in the Atlantic, before being deployed to Malta in the Mediterranean.

At this point Harry volunteered for the Royal Marines, as he wanted a more 'hands on' role in the war. He went through an unforgiving training programme at the renowned Achnacarry Commando Training Depot in the Scottish Highlands.

One of the first recruits in 1943 to what would become known as the Special Boat Service (SBS), Harry fought in Sicily and Italy during the Allied invasion and took part in raids on Lebanon, which was run by the Vichy France government.

He was also sent on a mission to German-occupied Yugoslavia as a bodyguard for commando officer and MP Fitzroy Maclean, who had been sent as an envoy by Winston Churchill to meet partisan leader Tito.

During the visit Tito - later Yugoslavia's presidentpresented Harry with a medal, from a bunch that he kept in his pocket to present to soldiers.

Harry no longer has the medal but it is believed to have been the Yugoslavian equivalent of the Military Medal.

Soon afterwards Harry and his comrades were given new orders to go to the Far East.

He said: "A few miles from Rome we got pulled back.

"We were told 'you made such a good job of this one, you'll make an even better one over there'."

Harry and his comrades in No. 2 SBS sailed to Ceylon - now Sri Lanka - and from there were sent to the Andaman Islands, between India and Burma, for their first experience of fighting the Japanese.

Harry's unit then went to Burma, operating as part of South-East Asia Command's Small Operations Group, and he admits being "frightened to death".

Fighting in the jungle, often at close quarters, and shooting snipers down from the trees, Harry says the enemy soldiers were "crafty" and refused to

Harry in his Royal Navy uniform after volunteering in 1942. No pictures survive from his time in the SBS.

surrender.

He said: "It was either you or them.

"We had a bloody hard time out there.

"It was bad enough fighting the enemy but when you've got to fight the jungle as well, it's hellit was a bloody horrible place."

Harry and his comrades would swim up on paddle boards to carry out reconnaissance on Japanese units.

Operating around the Irrawaddy river, they carried out lightning raids, going in and "getting out quick".

Harry said: "I was a mad sod, who went in all guns blazing. We'd do whatever we had to and get out."

Harry completed six missions, often returning and having a day to "get cleaned up and be off out again".

On his seventh reconnaissance mission Harry's group was ambushed. Two of his comrades were "shot to pieces" and, as Harry ran to help, he had "the biggest bayonet I’d ever seen" thrust into his stomach.

His best friend Slim Fenton killed the Japanese soldier who stabbed him. After their attackers were wiped out he was carried back to an outpost, "bleeding like a stuck pig".

Harry said: "I remember laughing, and them saying 'you should be crying'. I said, 'I'm laughing cos I shan't be back

here again!'"

He lost consciousness and the next thing he remembers is "waking up in a nice bed with white sheets" in Ceylon.

Transferred to the UK, Harry was treated at Haslar hospital in Gosport for peritonitis, a potentially-fatal infection caused by the wound, then sent to recuperate at Netley camp in Hampshire.

He was in the UK on VJ Day, when the war finally ended on August 15, 1945.

Once he was back on his feet Harry helped to train others until he was demobbed about a year after the war.

He worked as a labourer then a painter and decorator until he retired. He moved to Bristol around 40 years ago.

Harry stayed in touch with some of his comrades, sometimes meeting up for a drink, but almost all of them have now passed away.

Even at the end of the war, Harry says "no-one wanted to know" about the conflict in the Far East, and few people have any idea about it now.

He said: "They don't know what we went through. They say 'we will remember them' but noone ever bloody does!

"People should remember. But don't say that I'm a hero, because I'm not - I'm just one of the boys."

Harry Francis at his 100th birthday party in July

Art event celebrates creativity

YATE Heritage Centre is to host a new free exhibition described as a "vibrant celebration of local creativity, expression, and community spirit".

The Celebrating Creativity: Yate Art Open event starts on September 10 and promises to "transform the space into a dynamic hub" featuring a diverse selection of work from emerging and established artists alike.

The town council, which runs the heritage centre, is inviting artists working in a variety of mediums to apply to take part online at tinyurl.com/4x47vetu by August 3, with a panel choosing the works to go on display over the following week.

It says visitors will be able to buy some works directly from the artists.

Town council vice-chair Alan

Monaghan said: "This event is about more than just viewing art - it’s about building community.

"Whether you're an artist, collector, or someone who just loves being surrounded by creative energy, the Art Open is a place to connect and be inspired.”

Festival gets better with age

YATE Ageing Better Festival has returned for a fifth time, and was bigger than ever, say organisers Yate Town Council.

More than 50 stallholders and a "lively crowd of visitors" enjoyed the event in July, with performances from local choirs and musicians and free activities.

People were able to pick up tips on living well at the event's stalls and enjoy some alfresco dining at the Pop Inn Café!

The annual free event is organised by Yate Town Council to highlight the opportunities in the community to help everyone live and age well.

Stalls had advice and information on areas including health and well-being, volunteering, social clubs, community activities, arts and crafts, mobility, sustainable travel and personal safety.

Mayor of Yate Aziz Chowdhry, who officially opened the event, said: "It was great to see Yate Ageing Better return for its fifth year, and it's biggest one yet.

"The festival is always a highlight in the community calendar, and I would like to say a huge thank you to our partners in organising this event, and to all the stallholders, volunteers, performers and visitors, for making it a fantastic day.”

The town council thanked Yate Shopping Centre, Yate Active Lifestyle Centre, and the volunteers at the Pop Inn Café for making the event happen.

For more information, follow Yate Ageing Better Health and Wellbeing on Facebook, visit www.yatetowncouncil.gov. uk, call 01454 866512 or email info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk.

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Time to cool down

In the summertime when the weather’s hot, I sometimes feel I just don’t know what I fancy to eat. This is particularly so with desserts.

Added to that, I don’t want to spend a long time in a hot kitchen prepping and cooking, which is why I love this Italian ice cream, made with light and airy ricotta soft cheese.

It’s quick to make, and you don’t need an ice cream maker.

Just pop it in the freezer, preferably overnight, and hey, presto! You have a sophisticated dessert with very little effort from you.

Naturally, a glass of your favourite sparkling wine goes well with this.

Italian Ricotta Summer Ice Cream

Serves 2

1 tub (250g) – ricotta soft cheese

200ml whipping cream

2 egg yolks

50g (2oz) caster sugar ½ tsp vanilla essence 1 tbsp fresh orange juice

Additional ingredients for you to choose from:

250g punnet of either blackberries, strawberries, raspberries or a mix of the 3 fruits.

Amoretti biscuits to decorate

Put the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and whisk until very thick and creamy. Leave to one side. Whisk the cream until it stands in soft peaks. Leave to one side. Fold the whipped cream and eggs into the ricotta. Stir in the orange juice and vanilla essence into the ricotta.

Add the chosen fruit, saving a few berries for decoration.

Pour the mixture into 1 litre container, level the top and cover with more cling film. Freeze until firm (at least for several hours or preferably over night). To Serve – place scoops of the ice cream in individual dishes.

Decorate with your chosen berries, crushed Amoretti biscuits and mint leaves.

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.

BITES

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

SORE THROAT

(adults and children aged 5 years & above)

SHINGLES

(adults aged 18 years & above)

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

(women, aged 16 to 64 years)

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

(children aged 30 days to 2 years)

IMPETIGO

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

Find us at:

Abbotswood Pharmacy 38 Abbotswood, Yate BS37 4NG 01454 313193

www.pharmacyfirstyate.com

July 26-September 2

n SODBURY SUMMER SEARCH, Chipping Sodbury town centre. Family quiz trail celebrating community helpers. Maps from tourist information centre and shops. More details at sodburychamber.co.uk.

August 9

n FUNDRAISING QUIZ for Green Community Travel, Old Sodbury Village Hall, 7pm. Teams of 6, £2 per person. Prizes for the winning team plus raffle. Book through the GCT office on 01454 228706 or admin@ greencommunitytravel.co.uk. Meet the team and volunteers.

Saturday 6th September

n CRAFT & GIFT FAYRE!

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 10 am to 4 pm We will have 35+ Stalls of beautifully handmade Crafts & Gifts, amazing cakes, tea / coffee, refreshments & More! Voluntary Entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Cotswolds Cats & Dogs Home Email bythewoodsfayres@hotmail.com for more info.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n 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.

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 YATE AND DISTRICT BOWLS

CLUB Monday club nights, Sunnyside Lane Playing Fields, end of Moorland Road, Yate, 5.30pm. Friendly matches amongst our members. All you need to start is a pair of flat-soled shoes. More details from secretary.yatebowls@gmail.com.

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.

Tuesday

n YATE POETRY GROUP meets every Tuesday morning. Small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems. For details and to learn more about the venue, contact Tony on 0770 4140682 or email yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com.

n SERENGETI BRASS BAND, small band for improvers, meets every Tuesday from 9.45-11.45am at Yate Methodist Church in Moorland Road. Straightforward pressure-free music making in good company. For more information email SerengetiBrassClass@gmail.com or phone Paul on 07851 239500.

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

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 NEW ENGLISH CLASSES coming to Chipping Sodbury this June! English teacher with full DBS, over 17 years of teaching experience and both professional and personal experience of supporting neurodiverse kids and teens.

Tuesday sessions:

4:00pm-5:00pm - Year 9 English

5:10pm-6:10pm - KS3 English

6:20pm-7:20pm - Year 8 English

7:30pm-8:30pm - GSCE English Zoom tuition also available. Message Zoe on 07891848740 to book a space. All classes held at St Lawrence's Parish Hall, 71 Broad Street, BS37 6AD

n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET

CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath, with players at all levels. Learn how to play; club equipment available. For more details contact sunridgecroquetclub@gmail.com 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 PUCKLECHURCH FOLK DANCING CLUB, Pucklechurch Community Hall, Abson Road, every other

Tuesday from 7.30-10.15pm. All welcome, with a partner or solo. Call Alan on 07812 508396 or Linda on 07843 240414 Wednesday

n 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 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 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.

Thursday

n LIONS CLUB OF CHIPPING SODBURY, Yate & District meets 2nd Thursday of the month (not August or December) at the Cross Hands, Old Sodbury, 7.30pm. For more information email chris.dodd47@hotmail. com or call 01454 882655.

n CHIPPING SODBURY LADIES PROBUS CLUB, Charter Suite, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, Last Thursday of the month 10am-noon. 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

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.

Friday

n CHIPPING SODBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR, 10-11.30am, Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury High Street. More details from nicelizmartin@yahoo.co.uk.

Send details of your events and activities in the following format: WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words. Send by email, with 'what's on' as the subject, to contact@ yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

Students enjoy Barcelona

YEAR 10 and Year 11 students at Yate Academy were able to practise their Spanish in authentic everyday situations during a trip to Barcelona.

As well as improving their language skills, ordering meals and navigating the city, the 40 pupils students soaked up the culture and history of the Catalan capital, visiting iconic cathedral La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter.

The school is holding a memorial for former colleague Tony Windsor at 3pm on September 2.

Tony, who died earlier this year, was the school's caretaker for 20 years and the auditorium is being named in his honour.

The school is preparing to launch its new sixth form, with enrolment days on August 21 and 22 from 9am-1pm, and more details on its website.

Careers day inspires

A YATE primary school showed it's never too early to have a dream job by holding a careers day before the end of term.

Woodlands Primary School hosted a variety of guests from many jobs and sectors, sharing their real-life experiences from the world of work.

Early Years teacher Charlene Turner said: "From early morning starts to surprising career changes, the day was packed with engaging talks and lively Q&A sessions, with children eager to learn more about the many different paths they could take in the future.

"One visitor shared their own journey through a variety of roles, delivering the key message that 'it’s okay not to have it all figured out, and that you can still find a job you love'.

The Greenprint Project: cutting grass, cutting carbon

We’re turning everyday grass cuttings into green energy – and helping the planet while we’re at it.

The Greenprint project is testing new ways to manage selected green spaces and roadside verges across South Gloucestershire. By mowing less often and collecting the clippings, we’re making our green spaces better for the environment, our communities, and the local economy.

In seven town and parish council areas across South Gloucestershire, we’re trying something new. Instead of leaving the grass cuttings on the ground, we send it to anaerobic digestion plants, where it’s turned into biogas – a renewable energy source made from methane and carbon dioxide.

This renewable gas, made of methane and carbon dioxide, can be used to generate electricity and heat, or even converted into biomethane for the national gas grid or as vehicle fuel – which is what the lorry that collects our grass cuttings runs on. This means

less reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and potential cost savings for councils and communities.

Last year, in South Gloucestershire, we cut and collected 144 hectares of grass – equivalent to more than 201 football pitches.

In Yate alone, we cut and collected over 111 tonnes of grass, from an area which is about the size of 18 football pitches.

Greenprint is part of ADEPT Live Labs 2, a £30 million, UK-wide programme funded by the Department for Transport. It’s all about finding new ways to decarbonise local roads and make our infrastructure more sustainable.

Learn more about the project at:  www.southglos.gov.uk/ greenprint

Careers day guests at Woodlands Primary

Yate Choral Society

WE recently gave our Spring into Summer concert at St Paul’s RC Church in Yate.

The concert was of mainly classical music and was given in joint memory of the late Geoff and Hazel Wickham.

We were very pleased to welcome our local MP, Claire Young to this performance.

Geoff Wickham was our conductor for over 50 years until his unexpected death in 2023. His wife, Hazel, was our accompanist until she died in 2019, in her 49th year of service.

The concert opened with a piece by Vivaldi, “Laetatus Sum”, and the violin part was played by Geoff and Hazel’s daughter, Carol.

This was followed by Schubert’s Mass in G, with the movements interspersed with other pieces such as Elgar’s Ave Verum Corpus.

The second half opened with the Mr Bean theme, sung in Latin, followed by John Rutter’s Look at the World and ended with Bizet’s Te Deum Laudamus.

In her letter of thanks to the society, our MP said how much she had enjoyed the performance

Our next concert is provisionally titled Thank you for the Music and will feature music from the 1960s to the 1990s, including the Abba song that gave us the title.

The concert will be on Saturday October 25 at, 7.30pm at St Paul’s Church, Yate and will be compered and conducted by our own Graham Coatman, together with Nick Sherwood the choir accompanist. Tickets will be on sale at £12 after the choir’s summer break.

We are a mixed voice choir - sopranos, altos, tenors and basses - of about 40 members who enjoy singing and the company of their fellow singers.

We sing a variety of different music and rehearse on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at St Nicholas Church, Abbotswood.

You don’t have to be a musical expert to join us, just someone who enjoys singing. Come along to one of our rehearsals and try it for yourself.

Michael Stephenson

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n COMMUNITY NEWS

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club

Caption: Ian Hodgson and Ian Joseph. Picture: Doug Lodge

AT our club handover meeting in July, outgoing president Ian Hodgson inducted new club member Andy Grotzke before handing over the chain of office to Ian Joseph, who will lead the club over the next year.

Our major fundraising event of the year, the Rotary annual Classic Run, was held on June 29 (see separate story).

Activities on the club youth front have been particularly busy, first with the Rotary Young Innovator competition where 51 students representing all three secondary schools, competed to a very high standard across a range of design and make categories.

At the Chipping Sodbury School awards and farewell evening on June 25, club member Tony Woodburn presented the annual Endeavour Award to Daniel Cawsey, in recognition of the outstanding progress he had made during his time at the school.

In July we staged our annual Rotary Young Chef competition, attracting several students from Brimsham Green School who all provided high quality dishes, judged by Voice columnist Ann

(or, in exceptional circumstances, individuals) benefiting local young people. The money awarded for deserving causes could help to get the organisation started or build on their existing work.

To apply for the higher awards, contact richardcole129@hotmail. com or 01454 882655, for more details. The closing date for application forms is September 26.

If your organisation wishes to receive a £100 award, please provide brief details of how this money would be used.

The Lions would like to thank all those who kindly contributed to a very successful Chipping Sodbury Carnival Day in June.

We are seeking corporate sponsors for next year. Enquiries about taking part in next year’s procession, or as stall holders, are also invited.

The Lions also wish to thank all who kindly contributed to the recent collection for Yate Food Bank in Tesco, which raised around £450.

equivalent cost of your morning coffee or your evening beer, send a contribution via our website www. yategenierilink.org.uk or contact chairman Marian Gilpin on 07837 588362 for more information.

Yate has been linked with the small rural village of Genieri for more than 30 years.

Marian Gilpin

Chipping Sodbury Morning WI

WE had a very informative and amusing talk in July from Adge Secker: Jane Austen - a Man's Perspective.

We learnt that curry, cider and ruby-loving men can also enjoy dressing up in Regency costumes and have a lifetime love of Austen, her books and life.

Murray.

Nineteen club members and partners visited La Spezia in Italy to enjoy a programme of activities hosted by the local Rotary club, in conjunction with our colleagues from Toulon and Mannheim.

At the recent Sodfest event on the Ridings several club members served beer and cider with our very own Nick Cragg acting as the MC throughout the day.

We are keen to attract new members from all backgrounds. If you would like to know more about Rotary, contact us at csrotaryapplication@gmail.com.

Stuart Fraser

Lions Club

CALLING all youth organisations working in Chipping Sodbury, Yate and the surrounding area!

The Lions Club of Chipping Sodbury, Yate & District invites you to apply for the fantastic Lions Youth Organisation Awards, with a first prize of £1,500, a second prize £1,000, and third prizes of £500, down to a minimum award of £100.

The awards will be held on October 8 at the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury.

There will be a Dragons Dentype format, known as 'Lions Den', with a distinguished panel of judges.

Applicants should be voluntary or community groups

For more information please contact chrisdodd47@hotmail.com, call 01454 882655, or message us through Facebook.

Kate Saunders

Yate-Genieri Community Link

IT is the wet season in The Gambia, when the number of people who suffer from malaria is at its highest.

This year the effect on the population is as usual, with several cases among the children of the village.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease. Symptoms include intense headaches, very high fever, vomiting and muscle pain with possible life-threatening complications including organ failure and anaemia.

The Link has sent money during the year for mosquito nets in every household, but a medicine called Coartem is needed to give immediate treatment to those affected. The cost is £10 for an adult and £5 for a child – some villagers can afford this but most cannot.

Pilot programmes for vaccination against malaria are under way, but the vaccine is not yet approved by the World Health Organisation for world distribution. We hope for speedy progress.

Please, if you can spare the

We also managed an afternoon trip out to Wolfridge Alpaca Barn to meet the alpacas and have a tasty treat to eat.

Although we don't have an official meeting in August, we will still get together on the 19th for a summer lunch.

We have our next official meeting on September 16, when we will learn about walking the coast of Great Britain. There is also a day trip to the RNLI centre in Poole.

Please call 07809 534107 if you would like to find out more.

Sue Bird

Chipping Sodbury WI

AT our Summer Social Evening we had a traditional game of beetle and a quiz, a nice glass of bubbly (non-alcoholic of course), an excellent buffet, and good company.

In August we have a trip planned to Chew Valley Lake, followed by a fish and chip supper at Salt and Malt.

But it's not all about food in the WI: we have interesting speakers on different subjects and time to become creative at our monthly craft evening's.

Our next monthly meeting is at The Town Hall, Chipping Sodbury, on August 7 at 7.30pm. The topic is Medical Detection Dogs and the speaker is Neil Smart.

Visitors are always welcome.

Barbara Kemp

Ian Hodgson and Ian Joseph. Picture: Doug Lodge

Friends of Kingsgate Park

THERE is always someone in our park - I am never on my own.

People can be walking through, to home or shops, on their way to work, sitting and having a rest, letting the children play, playing football, basketball, just running around or taking part in my favourite pastime - watching the world go by.

We now have a drinking station, so you can fill your water bottles or dog bowls. It is down by the car parking. Thank you to Bristol Water and South Glos councillors' member-awarded funding for funding this project.

We have had lots of concerns over the health of our male swan. Swan Rescue visited the park and told us that he was fine, and was just finding the moulting process heavy going.

While the swans moult they are not able to fly, and are low on energy. This is why he has been allowing children to approach him but please don't, as when he is back to fitness I am sure he will return to his old aggressive stance!

We are aware he doesn’t walk as well as usual, however this is

n SPORT

Heat and hot hatches at Summer Spectacular

SUNSHINE and scorching hot temperatures awaited fans and drivers for the third race meeting in Castle Combe’s 2025 season.

Six different series racing on the day guaranteed plenty of variety and action around the circuit for Castle Combe’s Summer Spectacular.

Yate-based Steve Andrews took part in the Castle Combe Hot Hatch championship, which saw its biggest turnout so far this year, with 24 drivers qualifying for their first race of the day.

Andrews qualified his Citroen Saxo in 21st place overall and fifth in class C, for cars using a 1.4-1.6 litre engine.

probably due to his age and as long as he is eating, caring for his family and swimming, he will be fine. This is wildlife in action.

Please remember - no BBQs in the park. It always seems a good idea for a picnic, but not in our park: it is a disaster waiting to happen.

One of the new tables has already been damaged by a BBQ. Please cook at home and bring to the park.

August will bring storytelling sessions to the park. Watch out for posters confirming the dates

on Facebook, Instagram, and our notice board.

Sue Swanborough

Upper Frome Friends

A HUGE thank you to the 40 volunteers who came out to support the Balsam Bashing Marathon on July 6.

It was lovely to see so many people of all ages, including families, joining in and enjoying the day. There was even delicious

The first race of the day saw Andrews take the chequered flag in 19th place, just 0.9 seconds behind the next driver, which would have earned him fourth place in his class.

For the second race of the day, Andrews would start from 19th with the aim to move forward yet again. The Yate driver started to get through the pack quickly and gain positions, crossing the line to finish 14th at the flag.

Sam Skellet has been lighting up the Castle Combe Formula

cake, made by James from Bristol Avon Rivers Trust!

Because there were so many people working together, three kilometres of riverbank was cleared – from Tubbs Bottom Weir in Iron Acton to Frampton Cotterell.

It has made a massive difference, especially at this time of year, before the seed is set. Volunteers also cleared Balsam from the minor watercourses that feed into the river, to ensure that the main river remains clear.

Having so many volunteers from across different groups has meant that we have been able to develop a coordinated approach to the eradication of the Himalayan Balsam along the Frome.

Although it is concerning that the water level in the river was so low, it did allow easier access to the bank to clear the Balsam safely.

Next year’s plan is to have another day event, going downstream from Frampton Cotterell.

For more information, visit the Upper Frome Friends Facebook group or email riverfromereconnected@southglos. gov.uk.

Jane Davies

Skellet was dropping back from the three-car battle for Class B honours and was 5th.

However, two of the drivers in that fight tangled on the last lap, which allowed Sam to pick up the scraps and take third place overall and second in his class - a first Formula Ford trophy.

More success would come in the second race too. Racing from 5th once again, Skellet was involved in the battle early but started to drop back again.

Ford 1600 championship since his debut at the start of this season.

The Wick-based driver races with the Swift Cooper team, who have seen plenty of success in Formula Ford racing nationally in the past. Out of Castle Combe’s four classes for Formula Ford, Skellet races in Class B, for cars made in 1990-1995.

Skellet qualified for the first race of the day in 5th position, right behind his Class B opponents.

At the start of the first race,

However, on the penultimate lap, one of his competitors pulled into the pits with mechanical troubles, which saw Sam inherit fourth place overall and another podium finish in his class.

Attention will now turn to the next race day, on August 25, for the Combe Countdown event, which is the penultimate race day of the season.

All four of Combe’s home championships will race, along with the MG Owners' Club and Classic & Modern Motorsport Club Silhouette racing series.

Alfie Gendall

Steve Andrews in his Citroen Saxo. Picture: Alfie Gendall

Bristol Water made a £500 donation for the new drinking station

Bluebells prepare for step up

YATE Town's big kick off for the new season will be at home on Saturday August 9 against former FA Vase winners, Sholing.

Pre-season friendlies are underway as manager Darren Mullings prepares his squad for the step up to the Southern League Premier South division.

Training started on June 28 and, as a bonding session, the players walked up Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, on what turned out to be a rare wet and windy day this summer.

The friendlies started with a game at Hellenic Premier League side Corsham Town, where the Bluebells were well in command before a raft of substitutions saw the game end with a 2-1 win for the hosts.

This was followed by a 0-0 draw against a Melksham

side that included former Bluebells Olie Mehew and Will Christopher.

Despite dominating much of the game against their Southern League Division One South hosts there were no goals, with a disallowed effort by Marlon Jackson, but the crowd of 247 were well entertained.

In both games Darren Mullings fielded a number of trialists as he starts to finalise his squad following on from promotion at the end of last season.

Further pre-season friendlies were all scheduled for the South West Interiors Stadium, starting with a 2-1 win against Bristol City U18, with Yate's goals coming from Lucas Tomlinson and Joe guest.

The Bluebells were due to take on Portishead Town on July 25, a Bristol Rovers XI on the 29th and Frome Town on August 2 before the start of league action.

Season ticket sales have gone well so far; all details about purchasing one are available on the club website and the club shop has plenty

of club merchandise, including Championship mugs and replica shirts.

Commercial manager Stewart Thomas is working hard to bring in new sponsors and advertisers, with much success. Anyone who wants to become involved can contacted sales@yatetownfc. co.uk.

For updates about what is happening at Yate Town FC visit the club website at www. yatetownfc.co.uk.

League and cup fixtures:

August 9: Sholing (home)

August 12: Taunton Town (away)

August 16: Hanwell Town (A)

August 23: Chertsey (H)

August 25: Hungerford Town (A)

August 30: FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round (TBC)

Fielder Tess makes club's honours board

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THE tireless work of Tess the dog at Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club has been recognised in unique fashion.

The 13-year-old English Springer Spaniel is a well known presence on match days at the Ridings where she sits patiently on the boundary, waiting to be called into action.

Chair Jim Kendall said: "We have a thick hedge at the bottom of the main ground and it swallows up balls that players and spectators often have no chance of retrieving.

"But Tess will always succeed where humans fail, diving straight in and quickly coming back out with the match ball.

"She’s saved us a countless amount of money over the years, so we thought it was time to recognise her fantastic work and commitment with a place on our honours board, alongside other well-deserving club members."

Owner Brian Langhorn said: "Tess loves coming up for cricket, she watches what goes on and really enjoys it when she’s needed.

"Only last week she found one lost ball - and also came out with another one from a different game!"

Marlon Jackson saw this goal against Melksham disallowed

Yate Rugby welcomes everyone

LOOKING for a fun, friendly and active way to get involved in your community?

Yate Rugby is inviting you to join their vibrant rugby family — and the best part? It’s completely free!

Yate Rugby’s men’s 1st and 2nd XV sides are both riding high in their leagues, and the thriving Vets team plays regular charity matches. Whether you’re an experienced player or fancy lacing up your boots again, training runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8pm at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex in

Broad Lane.

The Yate Ladies team, competing in NC3, is always ready to welcome new players of all abilities. It’s a fantastic way to keep fit, meet new friends and be part of something special. Training is Wednesdays, 7-8pm at YOSC.

Yate Rugby Academy offers boys and girls the chance to learn rugby skills, keep active and have fun. Sessions run on Sundays from 10-11am at YOSC, young players of all levels.

Looking for a social run-around? Tag rugby for all ages happens on from Mondays, 6-7pm, followed by T1 Rugby (adults only) from 7-8pm: a great way to stay fit and enjoy the game in a non-contact format.

Walking Rugby is ideal for all ages

and fitness levels. Join in Tuesdays, from 6.30–7.15pm for gentle exercise, laughs and great company.

Yate Rugby loves to bring people together, and we run free Halloween and Christmas parties.

All sessions take place at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex and are run by welcoming coaches in a fantastic, friendly atmosphere. There are no fees and no fuss — just turn up and play.

Come down, give it a try and discover why Yate Rugby is a great rugby community.

For more information, visit our social media pages or just pop along everyone’s welcome. Stewart Stacey

07930 344943 info@sodburyroofing. co.uk www.sodburyroofing. co.uk