Yate & Sodbury Voice July 2025

Dancing in the street

Crash claims three lives

MEMBERS of Yate & Sodbury Scooter Club have been left devastated by a crash which has claimed the lives of three members.

Rob Best, Marie Carol Jones and Tim Davis, all long-standing members of the club, who were on a ride to Normandy when

they were fatally injured in a collision with a car on the A36 in Wiltshire on May 31.

Rob, 62, of Bradley Stoke, died at the scene. Marie, of Yate, and Tim, of Sharpness, died later in hospital. They were both in their 60s.

Club co-founder Andy Davis

said: "Five scooters were going to Normandy – three with pillion riders, so eight people in total; the group had been planning the trip for some time, going for a few days, doing D-Day beaches."

Turn to page 3

MBE for Julie

YATE mental health and community campaigner has been honoured by the King for her work.

PAGE 9

Big bin changes

BIG changes to bin and recycling collections in South Gloucestershire will begin in August, the council has said.

PAGE 4

Bank quits town

BANKING giant NatWest is closing its Yate branch later this year.

PAGE 5

E-scooters on the way

LEGAL e-scooters for hire will be coming to the streets of Yate and Chipping Sodbury soon.

PAGE 11

Members of Street Cred dance school, which runs classes in Yate and Chipping Sodbury, were among the acts entertaining the crowds at the Music in the Street event, part of Chipping Sodbury Festival in June. Picture: Rich McD Events round-up: Pages 6 & 7

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n NEWS

Cyclist seriously injured

A CYCLIST was seriously injured after the electric bike he was riding was involved in a collision at Wickwar.

Police say the rider, who was in his late teens, remained in hospital with "potentially life-threatening injuries" following the incident on the B4060 Station Road, near George Osmond Archfield Nurseries and the railway bridge, on June 9.

Officers have appealed for witnesses, including the drivers of four cars captured on CCTV nearby, to come forward if they have information or dashcam footage.

The teenager was found at about 7.10am on the outskirts of the village, near George Osmond Archfield Nurseries and the railway overbridge. He had been travelling south towards the centre of the village.

He was given first aid by members of the public before emergency services arrived and took him to hospital, where he was said to be in a "stable" condition.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers have yet to trace any witnesses to the collision and it's unclear whether any other vehicles were involved.

"Initial CCTV enquiries have established several cars passed the scene at around the relevant time and officers hope they may have dashcam footage or information which could help the investigation.

"These vehicles include a white Jaguar F PACE, a white Nissan Leaf, a grey Nissan Juke and a white Ford Kuga."

Anyone who has information they believe could help the investigation should call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5225 159 875.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or online.

Bridge foundation work starts

WORK to build the foundations of the new bridge linking the main road from Yate to Bristol is underway.

National Highways says the tall machinery visible next to the M4, on the north side of the Badminton Road bridge site is carrying out piling work to drive in the new bridge’s foundations.

The piling rig arrived in June along with steel piling cages, which are used to strengthen the concrete columns that will support the bridge.

The work is expected to take several weeks to complete.

A National Highways spokesperson said at least one more full closure of the M4 would be needed install the new bridge beams.

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Yate & Sodbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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No date for the closure has been announced, but the governmentowned road operator says the project is "on programme" and due to open to traffic in early next year.

The old bridge, which carried the A432 across the motorway next to the Wick Wick roundabout, was demolished in March after being declared unsafe in July 2023.

The same contractor responsible for the demolition work - Taylor Woodrow - has now been appointed to deliver the new bridge, which has already been designed and is expected to cost about £20 million.

Four injured in crash

FOUR passengers were injured when a car travelling from Chipping Sodbury crashed into a ditch.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident, which happened on Sodbury Lane towards Pucklechurch, to contact them.

The grey VW Polo car left the road some time between 11.20pm and 11.40pm on June 6.

Police say no other vehicle was involved.

A spokesperson said the four passengers sustained "significant injuries", but none were life-threatening.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage should call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5225 158 221.

Club is devastated after fatal crash

From page 1

Three of the scooters were involved in the collision with a red Toyota Prius car.

Rob and Tim were riding their scooters while Marie was a pillion passenger. Her husband Gary was seriously injured and taken to hospital but is now at home.

Andy said: “Gary is recovering, with a few broken bones.

"The others at the front and rear were not injured but are feeling traumatised from what they’ve seen.

"They were all big parts of the club, three regular members; all people we knew from growing up from school days, particularly Marie and Gary."

Rob's family said: "Rob was loved and adored by all who knew him. He dedicated his life to being a good husband, father, son, brother and friend.

“He leaves behind his extensive family and friends, all of whom are devastated by his loss."

Marie's family said: "Our

cherished daughter, wife, mother, sister and nanny passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. As we navigate this time of deep sadness, we are profoundly grateful for the love, support and kindness shown by so many.”

The club paid tribute to Tim, saying: "Our dear friend, you had a way of making us laugh even on the darkest days, your warmth, humour, and spirit will be deeply missed.

"Our club is more than just a group of scooter enthusiasts –

EAR WAX REMOVAL

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we are a close-knit family bound by friendship, shared passions, and the joy of the open road.

"The individuals we have lost were not only valued members of our club, but dear friends whose presence, laughter, and kindness will be deeply missed by all of us.

"This loss has shaken us all, but we will continue to stand together — as a community, and as a family.

"Ride in peace our brothers

and sister."

Andy co-founded the club with his brother-in-law Kevin Milford nine years ago.

He said the three friends who died had been members “pretty much from the beginning".

As a result of the tragedy the club, which has raised more than £11,000 for charity with its events, cancelled its summer festival, Back 2 Bedrock 4, which had been planned for Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club on June 13 and 14.

Members of the club and the wider scootering community have been sending messages of support, as well as raising funds for the three regional Air Ambulance charities that responded to the crash –Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and Great Western Air Ambulance.

An online donation site at bit. ly/4kLTkTd set up by Andy had raised £14,000 as the Voice went to print.

Yate & Sodbury Scooter Club members met up following the tragic loss of their friends

Rob Best and Marie Jones

Big changes to bin rounds

BIG changes to bin and recycling collections in South Gloucestershire will begin in August, the council has said.

Most residents will have a new collection day for black bins and some will have green and black bins collected on different days.

The changes are part of a new eight-year waste contract agreed with private operator SUEZ last year, which will lead to black bins being collected every three weeks instead of every fortnight.

South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed that the three-weekly black bin collections will begin in May next year.

The council says that around 85% of residents will have a new collection day for black bins and recycling from August.

It will post a printed guide to households this month, with details of the changes and the new collection dates.

A council spokesperson said: "A new monitoring system will track how the service is performing.

"A new council app will help residents check their collection calendar, get recycling advice and set collection reminders.

"Residents who use Alexa devices will be able to 'ask Alexa' to find out more about

their collections."

The council voted to move to three-weekly black bin collections last November.

When they start next May, soft plastic recycling, which includes wrappers and plastic bags, will also be rolled out to all households.

Some homes in Chipping Sodbury have had soft plastic collections since 2022, when a pilot scheme was launched. Others in the town, as well as in Yate, Horton, Little Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Westerleigh and Wickwar, were among 20,000 added when the scheme was expanded last year to cover around one in every five homes in the district.

Recycling and food waste will still be collected weekly, with food waste collections extended to include flats.

A free fortnightly subscription collection service for nappies and other absorbent hygiene products will also be launched.

The new contract will also see new black bin vehicles introduced in a bid to reduce carbon emissions on rounds.

Sort It recycling centres and waste disposal will be taken back under council control.

The authority says the aim of the changes is to "improve the efficiency and value for money of collections".

Council cabinet member for recycling and waste, Sean Rhodes, said: "Our waste contract has changed, and with this change comes increased recycling options, more

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efficient and environmentally friendly collections, and ultimately better value for money.

"By taking over the Sort It centres and disposal facilities, the council will be able to retain more of the income from reclaimed materials, helping to offset some of the costs of waste collection.

"As we change over to the new system, this will likely mean changes to collection days.

"We understand that change can be challenging, so to help residents manage their waste during the transition, we’re producing a handy guide which will explain the changes and include the new collection dates.”

For more information visit www. southglos.gov.uk/recycling.

The council is planning to bring in new black bin vehicles

A sign was put outside the branch announcing the closure

Bank to leave Yate

BANKING giant NatWest is closing its Yate branch later this year.

The company, one of the 'Big Four' traditional UK high street banks, announced in June that its branch in Yate Shopping Centre's North Walk will shut on September 25.

It is one of 55 closures announced by NatWest - just over a week after it returned to full private ownership when the government sold its final shares at the end of May.

Thornbury and Yate MP Claire Young said the decision was "incredibly disappointing", and would leave only Lloyds, Halifax and Nationwide in the shopping centre.

NatWest is recommending customers who want to continue banking in person use its Filton branch, which is nine miles away, its Kingswood branch, which is nearly ten miles away, or its Bristol city centre branch, which is more than 11 miles away.

The company said: "Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services, as our customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank. "Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously.

"We know it can affect those less confident with alternatives we offer."

NatWest says the number of personal banking customers using the Yate branch has fallen by 61% in the past five years, and it is used by an average of 123 personal and 61 business customers each month.

It says 73% of Yate branch personal banking customers also use online banking or its mobile app.

The Voice asked NatWest how many personal and business customers are registered at the branch, how many members of staff are employed and whether there would be any redundancies but the bank refused to reveal the information.

It has sent a guide for Yate customers affected by the closure, offering details of alternatives.

These include the town's main post office, which also has an uncertain future after Post Office Ltd announced plans to transfer it to a franchisee.

Ms Young said: "It is incredibly disappointing to hear of yet another bank branch closure in Yate.

"It leaves customers with a long journey if they want to go to a NatWest branch, which will particularly affect their older and more vulnerable customers.

"Although using the Post Office is an option for banking, we are yet to hear what the plans are for Yate post office. NatWest’s decision makes it all the more important that it stays in Yate Shopping Centre."

Barclays and HSBC closed their Yate branches in 2021, while NatWest closed its Chipping Sodbury branch in 2018.

In 2008-9, the government pumped £45.5 billion of taxpayers' money into NatWest's then parent group, RBS.

The government says the move saved RBS from collapse, protected its 40 million customers around the world and "prevented the UK economy and financial system from going over the edge".

When it announced the sale of the government's final shares, the Treasury said £35bn had been recovered through share sales, dividends and fees.

THOUSANDS of people danced, sang, ate, learned and socialised as Yate and Chipping Sodbury staged a series of free community events during June.

First up was the 1980s-themed Big Lunch, a free community picnic and party in Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury on June 1.

People were entertained by Sodbury singer Yasmine Kabbara-Dolby, dancers from Street Cred and performers Liam Palmer, Mini Concerts and Back to the 80s.

Co-organiser Ali Arnall said: "We were very pleased with the turnout and the weather held off for us after a windy start!

"The 80s theme was a big hit and we always enjoy seeing the efforts of those who attend - some in full shell suits and costumes this year!"

There was more celebration in the town Chipping Sodbury Festival took over, celebrating its 40th year with a series of events including quizzes, trails, tours, a Music in the Street open air gig and Picnic in the Park, in Jubilee Park.

Committee chair Kate Cox said: "The Cabelleros played wonderfully on Music in the Street - nothing like people dancing in the road!

"Streetcred also danced and Chris P Tee provided children's entertainment.

"We had over 1,000 people visit on the Heidelberg Materials Quarry open day.

"Picnic in the park was a great success , Dodington Brass Band played, The Loud Crowd choir sang and Jo Jos painted children!"

The festival weekend also included Chipping Sodbury Carnival, organised by the Lions Club of Chipping Sodbury, Yate & District.

Organisers estimated around 2,500 visitors watched around 300 participants in the parade.

Kate Saunders, from the Lions, said: "The crowd enjoyed mostly fine weather and excellent musical performances,

including those from the Avon Fire and Rescue Band and the U3A Ukelele Band.

"Raysfield School and St. John’s Mead School both provided stunning decorated floats, with children and adults in fantastic masks and costumes. Every participant was a star!

"In a very close contest, the prize went to Raysfield School.

"As well as being an important annual Community event for all the family, the Carnival provided a platform for local charities and community groups."

The Lions are seeking corporate sponsors for next year’s event.

Email chrisdodd47@hotmail. com or call 01454 882655 for more details.

The weekend of the 21st and 22nd saw the focus move to Kingsgate Park in Yate, where Yate Rocks! In the Park, hosted by Yate Town Council, was held for its 19th year.

It included local bands Alex Comaish, Doc Rock, The Radio Makers, 52nd State, Elevation, Uncle Buck, Low Flying Pigeons and The Shanks.

On Sunday the Praise in the Park morning service was followed by the Great Choir Showcase, with Raysfield School Choir, Junior Fascinating Rhythm and Woodlands Primary School Choir among the performers.

Around 3,500 people attended across the two days.

Yate Mayor Aziz Chowdhry said: "We were fortunate enough to have been able to enjoy warm and sunny weather, fabulous singers, bands and dancers, and to watch families and friends coming together to dance, relax and enjoy picnics and some of the freshly prepared foods from across the world that was available throughout the day.

"I’d also like to add a huge thank you to everyone who participated and to the teams who worked so hard to make the day a success."

Month of festivals

A young Indiana Jones at the big Lunch . Picture: Rich McD

Getting into the 80s spirit at the big Lunch . Picture: Rich MdcD

Yasmine Kabbara-Dolby sings at the big Lunch. Picture: Rich McD

The Barking Mad team won the festival quiz. Picture: Kate Cox

Dancers perform at Yate Rocks. Picture: Alan Monaghan

More than 1,000 people took the chance to visit Chipping Sodbury Quarry as part of the festival. Picture: Alan Monaghan

Rock Choir sing at the Great Choir Showcase. Picture: Alan Monaghan

Picnic in the Park. Picture: Kate Cox

The Raysfield School float. Picture: Rich McD

Chipping Sodbury Yacht Club at the carnival. Picture: Rich McD

Library is fitting tribute to Tony

A YATE special school has opened a library dedicated to the memory of its much-loved caretaker.

Tony Windsor, who died earlier this year, was caretaker at Culverhill School, in Kelston Close, and also known to many in the community through his long-standing involvement with the town's rugby club and Yate Academy.

In June Culverhill held an official opening ceremony for the Windsor library.

Head teacher Chris Walker said: "Tony was a familiar and

friendly face to generations of pupils, staff and families.

"His dedication to the school went far beyond his role – always ready with a helping hand, a kind word, and a warm smile.

"The Windsor library, named in Tonys honour, stands as a fitting tribute to a man who embodied the spirit of care and community.

"The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by pupils, staff, governors, and members of Tony’s family, who shared heartfelt reflections on his time at Culverhill School.

"We also had time for a cup of tea and Tony’s favourite cakes, Victoria sponge and Lemon Drizzle!

"The new space has been carefully designed to inspire a love of reading and learning in all its forms. With bright,

comfortable reading areas and a wide selection of books chosen to reflect the interests and needs of Culverhill’s pupils, the library will provide a calm and engaging space for enrichment and discovery for years to come."

The school is currently looking for volunteer governors to help it make an impact on pupils' lives. For more information visit the school website or email Frances. McMillan@enabletrust.org.uk.

School could end sixth-form teaching

A SHAKE-UP of post-16 education in Yate and Chipping Sodbury could see the area's current sixth form provision, Cotswold Edge, run by a single school on one site.

Cotswold Edge Sixth Form is currently run jointly by Brimsham Green School, Chipping Sodbury School and Yate Academy.

That will change from this September, when Yate Academy opens its own sixth form on its site in Sundridge Park, operating independently of Cotswold Edge.

Now Chipping Sodbury School has launched a consultation on plans to end sixth form teaching altogether at its site in Bowling Road, and change its official age range to

This would mean all Chipping Sodbury pupils leaving after their GCSEs.

It would also mean Cotswold Edge Sixth Form would be based entirely at Brimsham Green School, in Broad Lane.

Brimsham Green says it is "fully committed" to the sixth form, which currently has 252 students.

Cotswold Edge would continue to be open to students from all three schools, and from further afield.

In a joint statement Chipping Sodbury School head teacher Rob Skipp and Athelstan Trust chief executive Dr Tim Gilson said: "There have been consistently low numbers of

students from Chipping Sodbury School choosing to study in The Cotswold Edge sixth form and the funding for post-16 education has been consistently declining for many years.

"In addition, the costs of running the provision have continued to rise. This means that the sixth form is not financially viable for Chipping Sodbury School.

"This is clearly a very difficult process and a number of members of our community are disappointed and concerned by this consultation process."

A 'briefing note' shared on the school website said its sixth form deficit was more than £100,000 this year and expected to rise to more than £130,000 next year.

It said ending sixth form provision at Chipping Sodbury would free up staff, space and leadership capacity.

Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young says she is "very concerned" that sixth form provision at Chipping Sodbury School could end, and has asked for meetings with Mr Skipp and South Gloucestershire Council.

A final decision is expected to be made in October.

The change would take effect for students starting courses in September 2026, who are currently in Year 10. It would not impact current Year 12 students or Year 11s who have applied to

Cotswold Edge, with both schools jointly delivering courses for them.

Brimsham Green School currently hosts most of the courses offered by Cotswold Edge Sixth Form.

The school's head of sixth form, Ross Brown, said that from this September, 17 of the 25 Cotswold Edge courses would be offered at Brimsham Green, rising to a total of 30 A-level and vocational qualifications next year.

He said: "While we are naturally disappointed to be ending our long-standing partnership with Chipping Sodbury School, we are optimistic about what the future holds for our Sixth Form and our students.

"Our key message is that Brimsham Green’s Sixth Form will continue to flourish and serve the local post-16 community of Yate, Chipping Sodbury, and beyond.

"The Sixth Form is central to our school's culture of aspiration and achievement. The school ensures that its Sixth Form provision is financially secure, well-resourced, and focused on enabling students to excel academically and personally."

People who want to respond to the consultation should email Sixthform.Consultation@ chippingsodburyschool.com.

Culverhill School's new library is opened

'Superhero' mum honoured by King

YATE mental health and community campaigner Julie Oakley has been honoured for her work.

The founder of local groups Bullywatch and Project Dragonfly was made an MBE in June's King's Birthday Honours list "for services to Youth Mental Health and to the community in South Gloucestershire".

Julie said: “I was stunned and felt deeply honoured. Although I have worked in the community for years, you never think such a great honour would be given to you.

“To be recognised for your work is amazing and I was completely gobsmacked!”

Julie’s daughter Samantha Oakley was among those who nominated Julie for official recognition of her work.

Samantha said: “What can I say about my wonderful mum? She has spent many years helping others, especially the young people of South Gloucestershire, and the honour she has now received is just a small token of gratitude from all those who she has aided.

"She has volunteered many hours of her own time to ensuring no one suffers in silence and has dedicated herself to supporting others through their times of need, even when in poor health herself.

“She really deserves this recognition and,

although she doesn’t always believe it, she is South Gloucestershire’s superhero!”

Julie founded Bullywatch in Yate around 2001. She won an ITV West Pride of Britain Award for her work in 2011 but two years later had to stop the work after being diagnosed with cancer.

After she finished her treatment she set up Project Dragonfly, a not-for-profit community interest company (CIC), which works with children aged from four to 16, supporting them with emotional issues including anxiety and bereavement, confidence and selfesteem.

Children can be referred by schools, youth workers or family members.

Julie said: "We are dedicated to supporting all children, young people and their families with their emotional wellbeing."

Project Dragonfly offers three groupsChatterbox, a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) support group, and Mindful Makers.

Julie said Chatterbox is for one-to-one sessions addressing topics like mindfulness, emotional resilience, and bullying; SEND support group is for parents, meeting every Wednesday from 9am-noon in the Tesco Yate

Julie Oakley with her husband, daughter and granddaughters

community room; Mindful Makers meets on the first Saturday of each month from 10.30-11.30am, also at the Tesco community room, to offer a sensory experience with creative activities for SEND families in a safe environment.

She has also set up an SEND friendship club for children aged over eight and previously worked with children at Chipping Sodbury School.

Project Dragonfly is looking for a new permanent home for its work. anyone who can help should email julie@ projectdragonflycic.co.uk.

To book please call 01454 513 106 or email

Wednesday 23rd July, from 3pm

Meet Ed Perry, Branch Manager and Personal Banker and Nigel Maggs from Natwest Bristol City Centre branch talk about scams and frauds in the home and online.

Dementia café

Every Tuesday, 1pm - 3pm

Aimed at those living with dementia and their loved ones, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other people, share experiences, and get advice and support.

Love to move

Every Thursday, from 11am Join us for age and dementia friendly seated exercises proven to transform the lives of people living with dementia.

daniel.glover-winfield@careuk.com

E-scooters

are on their way

LEGAL electric scooters and e-bikes will arrive on the streets of Yate and Chipping Sodbury by the autumn as a regional hire scheme expands into the area.

South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Combined Authority are finalising sites for parking the vehicles, which can be hired by the minute, by ride or by the month using an app.

People living in Frampton Cotterell, Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath can expect to see the distinctive light turquoise Dott vehicles from as early as July 7, when the three villages are added to the network.

E-bikes and e-scooters have been widely used in Bristol and Bath since launching in 2020, and almost 10,000 rides are already made every day.

Metro Mayor Helen Godwin joined South Gloucestershire Council cabinet councillor Chris Willmore and Iqbal Ahmed from operator Dott in June to announce the news of an expansion of the WESTscoot and WESTbike hire scheme in South Gloucestershire.

After it gets up and running in Coalpit Heath, Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne, the intention is to expand further to

Yate and Chipping Sodbury, later in the summer or in the autumn.

Ms Godwin said: "E-bikes and e-scooters have quickly become a big part of our transport mix in Bristol and Bath, and parts of South Gloucestershire, helping to reduce congestion on our roads and improve air quality."

Cllr Willmore, South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure, said: "We are very pleased to see e-bikes and e-scooters expand to cover more areas in South Gloucestershire, offering communities another sustainable option for travel.

“As part of our climate and nature emergency aims, we are committed to reducing dependence on cars by encouraging the use of lowcarbon, convenient ways to move around the area.

"Making small changes in the way we travel can help reduce congestion and improve air quality, bringing improvements for everyone."

The scheme is still officially a trial, and hiring an e-scooter via the app, after uploading a driving licence, is the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on a public road - although privately-owned scooters being used illegally on roads and paths are a common sight across the country.

Cllr Willmore, who represents the Yate North ward, said part of the rationale behind the expansion was to convert e-scooter riding "from illegal to legal".

She said: "People have voted with their feet, and have been using illegal ones.

"We've been pushing for the Yate area to be included because we've been seeing people on scooters everywhere, and I would much rather they had legal, safe ones than illegal ones being driven dangerously by underage people."

Dott head of public policy Iqbal Ahmed said the hire scooters and bikes were also safer because their batteries were charged by the company, rather than in people's homes.

Overnight charging of private scooter and bike batteries has been linked with several fatal fires, including one in a Bristol tower block in 2022.

Marked parking bays for the scooters and bikes in the Frome Valley villages were still being finalised as the launch event took place.

Cllr Willmore said: "We're going from 0 to 60 in places like Frampton, Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath, and if we go live with the wrong location it won't work."

The latest expansion has also brought Lyde Green, Cadbury Heath, Longwell Green, Oldland Common and Warmley into the scheme, adding areas where around 40,000 people live.

Thornbury will also be added to the network but not until a cycleway on the A38 is finished, probably in early 2027.

The total size of the West of England fleet of e-bikes and e-scooters is now almost 4,000.

More details about how to hire the bikes can be found at the travelwest.info website.

Y8 extension will restore Wotton-Under-Edge link

A PROPOSAL to extend a bus route to include Wotton-Under-Edge has been welcomed by campaigners and local politicians.

The Y8 currently serves Charfield, Cromhall, Wickwar, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Horton, and Hawkesbury Upton.

New plans would see the Yate Link extended to Wotton, in neighbouring Gloucestershire, which was previously served by the 84/85 bus.

The Y8 currently only goes as far as in Charfield, just three miles from Wottonunder-Edge, because it could only be subsidised within South Gloucestershire.

The news comes following talks between the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and South Gloucestershire

Council.

The move, set to start on August 31, is subject to final approval and will be funded using some of the £13.5 million of Bus Grant funding secured from the Department for Transport by WECA.

The 525 bus, which started in 2023 and links Yate to Emersons Green and Pucklechurch, will also be re-routed to connect the Birds Estate with Yate Shopping Centre.

Metro Mayor Helen Godwin said: “People’s lives don’t stop at council borders, so neither should their buses. Reconnecting communities in South Gloucestershire to Wotton-under-Edge and other villages is long overdue. It’s time for some common sense, as we work together

to deliver the better buses that people across the West of England deserve.”

South Gloucestershire Council leader Maggie Tyrrell said: “We are delighted the Y8 service is to be extended and will reconnect our rural communities in the north of South Gloucestershire with family and friends, work, education and healthcare in Wotton-under-Edge.

Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young MP said: "The news of changes to the Y8 and 525 buses shows real progress when it comes to fixing our threadbare local bus network.

"For too long we’ve seen services gutted or scrapped, leaving many without a regular and reliable service."

Dott UK's Iqbal Ahmed with Metro Mayor Helen Godwin and council cabinet member Chris Willmore launch the expanded scheme

n NEWS

RESIDENTS are celebrating after quarry operator

Heidelberg Materials was refused permission to build a temporary road across a beauty spot to link two quarries.

The company's predecessor, Hanson, applied for planning permission to build the "haul road" linking its Brinsham West quarry just north of Yate to the main Chipping Sodbury processing plant at Southfields.

The road was proposed for a site about 300 metres from Yate Rocks hamlet, crossing two country lanes and a field between them, and involved felling trees.

Almost 200 local people objected, saying they were “horrified” by a plan that would have caused "significant and permanent damage to a very special environment, heritage, and ecology".

Three years after the plans were first submitted, South Gloucestershire Council has thrown them out.

In a statement announcing the decision on its planning website, the authority said:

Quarry road plans thrown out

"The haul road, associated engineering works and loss of trees and vegetation would have an adverse and detrimental impact upon the landscape of the area and expand the extent of quarry associated activity into the wider area."

The council said this was against its current Local Plan.

It said the road would also harm nearby heritage assets Little Brinsham Farmhouse and the Holloway, by virtue of changes to the landscape and the "degradation of environmental conditions" resulting from the increased activity associated with the haul road.

The application was for permission to use the road for 15 years while moving 11 million tonnes of limestone rock from Brinsham West across Gravel Hill Lane and Brinsham Lane, with between 126 and 400 lorry movements

a day using dumper trucks that can weigh 100 tonnes fully laden.

The company already had permission to move the crushed rock to Southfields through tunnels under Wickwar Road, via its Brinsham East and Hampstead Farm quarries, but claimed the new route would have reduced the environmental impact of its operation.

Local politicians joined residents in opposing the plan, including now-MP Claire Young.

After the decision to refuse the application was revealed in late May Julie Reed, one of the residents who fought the plans, said: "The residents of Yate Rocks along with all the people who enjoy the peaceful amenity of this beautiful hamlet are delighted that this ill-conceived proposal has now been refused by South Gloucestershire Council.

"It has been a long, hard-fought campaign with the support of councillors, residents, the general public and various stakeholders who have rallied behind getting this application refused.

"The loss of habitat for our wildlife and amenity for everyone who visits Yate Rocks along with the destruction of the countryside, was always something we found impossible to wrap our heads around when Heidelberg Materials already had an agreed solution for a tunnel to move their quarried stone.

"The impact this haul road would have had was difficult to contemplate and we want to thank absolutely everyone who supported us throughout the last three years”

The Voice has asked Heidelberg Materials if it intends to appeal.

Taproom Licence approved

A YATE microbrewery has won permission to open up a taproom at its base on an industrial estate, despite concerns from Yate Town Council that it could become a "party venue".

South Gloucestershire councillors granted Tangent Brewing Company a premises licence, but cut the requested last orders time by an hour on the two days a week it will be open to the public.

It means it can open its doors to customers in person from 5pm to 10.30pm on Fridays and 11am to 10.30pm on Saturdays.

The business was founded in 2023 by three friends with a passion for craft beer and brews in Waverley Road on the Beeches Industrial Estate.

Police did not object and Tangent co-owner Craig Leaver told the South Gloucestershire licensing sub-committee in June: "Our clientele are very much into craft beers - they’re not looking to come and get drunk."

The venue will have a capacity of 60 people.

Theft leaves David stranded

RESIDENTS are rallying to support a wellknown Yate resident after thieves took his beloved electric bike.

David Newbold, who has a learning disability, had his bike and trailer stolen while visiting his allotments next to Badminton Road in Old Sodbury on June 5 at about 9.55am.

Mike Lusby, who has known David for about 10 years, said David, who is in his 60s, has been "devastated" by the theft.

He said David, who can’t read or write and struggles with speech when he is agitated, had saved up for months to buy an electric bike that "helped him enormously to get about each day”.

It and the trailer cost around £600.

Mike said: "He was tickled pink with it and it was quite something for him to lose it."

Memory Lane

David described a "big guy" who threw the bike and trailer in the back of "a white van with a red stripe along the bottom" before driving off.

Mike added: "David is something of a local celebrity, cycling around with his high vis jacket on – he seems to be known by everyone in the area and is more than happy to help people.

"He has a heart of gold. He even buys treats for dogs who recognise him from a distance."

David has a routine visiting local shops and allotments, and gets "very agitated" if it is interrupted.

Mike said: "He is clearly devastated and he doesn't think he will get his bike and trailer back. He says he will just have to start saving again."

David rang the police and gave them the serial number, and a witness has passed a photo taken of a van near the allotments to the police.

A police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating after an electric power-assisted bicycle was stolen from the roadside in Old Sodbury.

“The black-framed Azub bike, which has a handmade square metal trailer, was loaded into a van at the roadside.

“Officers are following up positive lines of enquiry, however if anyone has any information or dashcam or other footage which could help the investigation, or lead to

the recovery of the bike, please call 101 and give the reference 5225 156 361."

People can also give information anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Mike has set up a GoFundMe online donation page to help David raise funds for a new bike, which had raised more than £1,400 as the Voice went to print, from more than 100 donations.

Anyone who wants to donate can find the page at gofund.me/6ca9d7be.

“ It’s hard losing someone. The pain doesn’t really ever go away. But the setting here is so lovely and green, calm and peaceful, it helps. We can’t bring them back but when we’re among those trees they feel less far away.

And knowing that we’re helping create a woodland for future generations... that’s solace” Chris, Bristol

David Newbold

'Lifeline' college can stay at farm

THE owners of a farm near Chipping Sodbury have won permission to continue operating an animal care college.

South Gloucestershire councillors were told that Peopleton Brook Farm provides a “lifeline” education for teenagers with special educational needs and disabilities, offering post-16 qualifications in animal care and life skills lessons.

But the site only had permission for agricultural use, so the owners made a retrospective planning application to the council to use the site as a “care farm”.

It led to a row over road safety on Mill Lane, a narrow country track with few passing places, large potholes and frequent floods which is the only access to the site.

One resident told the council's development management committee today that he had been threatened with legal action for objecting to the

plans, while the farm's manager said neighbours hadn't shared their concerns with him.

To assuage concerns the farm's owners will install a new passing place, run minibuses and cap student numbers.

Neighbours objected to the plans because of a “traffic explosion” since the pandemic.

They claimed there had been car crashes and road rage along Mill Lane.

Speaking to the committee, local resident Chris Wood said: “The only contact we’ve had were threatening letters from the applicants’ solicitor, demanding that we remove our complaints from the [council’s] planning portal or face legal action. The lane is narrow with blind bends and only one official passing place.

“It’s not suitable as a primary access route to an education facility. Visitors to the site are clearly not familiar with country lanes and are unable to complete

the manoeuvres required. There have been two recent crashes on the lane. PBF is in the wrong location.”

He said councillors visited the site during half term, so didn’t see the full impact of the traffic.

Mr Wood also raised concerns that, as the council uses the college to educate some children in South Gloucestershire, there was a conflict of interest in granting planning permission.

The farm provides an education for teenagers with special educational needs and disabilities, and was described by parents as a “vital lifeline”.

Around 25 pupils are taught there at any one time.

Had councillors refused permission, it could have lead to the farm having to shut down or relocate.

Farm manager Jake Payne said: “We’ve listened carefully to the concerns raised by local residents, even though these weren’t shared with us directly.

"In response we’ve taken several steps. The local authority has resurfaced the road and cleared the ditches.

“A passing place will be installed on our land. Student numbers will be capped at 25.

"From September we will also run two 15-seat minibuses to further reduce vehicle movements along the lane.

"We’re not looking to grow beyond our capacity - we simply want to continue delivering the work that we do in a safe, regulated and respectful way.”

Councillors voted eight to one in favour of granting retrospective planning permission in June.

They noted that the council’s transport department was responsible for maintaining the roads, rather than the farm, but there is a lack of cash to maintain country lanes across the district.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Gromit locations revealed

FANS of Wallace and Gromit will have to leave Yate and Sodbury to visit statues on this year's Gromit Unleashed 3 trail - but they won't have to go far.

The trail launches on June 30 and will run all summer to raise funds for the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children's Hospital. Ahead of the launch the Grand Appeal revealed details of the locations and a sneak peek at some of them.

A Gromit called Once Upon A Time will stand outside the Beaufort Arms in Hawkesbury Upton, which is sponsoring the statue, until August 31. It has been created by artist Freya Hartas.

Fisherman's Friend, featuring Wallace sitting on a bench, will

be at the West Country Water Park in Trench Lane, Frampton Cotterell.

The statue has been painted by artist Elaine Carr and features Wallace in a fisherman's jumper, striped shirt, yellow dungarees and wellies, holding a cup of tea.

It also includes a tattoo of the word Edam on Wallace's hand, referencing the beloved Aardman Animations character's love of cheese.

The statue has been sponsored by West Country Water Park and the bench will give people on the statue trail a chance to take a breather while they bag an all-important snap with Wallace.

The other local statues are Austentatious, a sitting Gromit decorated by artist Agrumi at sponsors the Kendleshire golf club in Coalpit Heath, and Rosebud, a standing Gromit outside sponsors AJ Homes in Winterbourne, painted by artist Tanith Gould.

Since the first Gromit Unleashed trail in 2013, followed in 2015 by Shaun in the City, then Gromit Unleashed in 2018,

Nick Park with Love, Actually, designed by Richard Curtis, and Yellow Submarine, designed by Sir Paul McCartney

the events have raised £20 million for the charity, which supports Bristol Children's Hospital.

Grand Appeal director Nicola Masters said the locations stretch "from College Green to Cheddar Gorge, Warmley to The Wave and Puxton Park to Pucklechurch".

She said: "We can wait to get all these incredible sculptures onto the streets of Bristol and beyond."

Each sculpture is uniquely designed and among those who have produced one this year is Sir Paul McCartney, who has designed one based on The Beatles' Yellow Submarine at The Wave in Easter Compton.

More details of the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail can be found at www.gromitunleashed.org.uk and Grand Appeal social media channels.

Wills Davis Atwell

Student Grants

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?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to all of the above, then you can apply for a g rant to help with your studies!

Scan the QR code to find out more about the charity and how to apply!

Fixing a broken system

I RECENTLY got to ask my third question at Prime Minister’s Questions since becoming your MP last year.

This time, I used the opportunity to press Keir Starmer about the challenges facing parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We are in a perverse situation whereby if your child is persistently absent from school because the school cannot meet their needs, you are at risk of prosecution, fines, and even potentially prison time. This is outrageous and needs to change.

Some parents feel they have no choice but to ‘off roll’ their children, by pulling them from school and educating them as best they can at home, because they can see no other way to avoid prosecution by an inflexible system.

My question seemed to hit a nerve with other MPs, many of whom spoke to me afterwards

and were very supportive.

But the buzz around Westminster was nothing to the reaction on social media, with hundreds of parents commenting and sharing my question, saying they were glad to be heard at last.

Sadly, the Prime Minister did not fully address my question or

agree to meet with me to discuss the issue further.

Instead, he simply claimed that he felt the "right balance" was being struck. This is clearly not the case, with so many parents at their wits' end and being punished for the failings of a broken system.

I believe that children with SEND or emotionally-based school avoidance deserve an education, as all children do.

Our aim should be to create a system that provides them with the help they need for that to happen, in whatever form it takes.

In the meantime, I have been working on an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill with Lord Storey, who is the Liberal Democrat education spokesperson in the House of Lords.

It aims to stop the injustices happening now while a fuller solution is developed through the Government’s promised SEND review.

What matters most is learning, not where it takes place.

There is a long way to go to fix our broken SEND system, but I will keep pressing the Government to work with parents on an issue that too often becomes a battleground.

New

Claire Young questions the Prime Minister

n NEWS

Children imagine a greener future for Yate

A NEW project is using the imagination of Yate's youngest residents to "rekindle" its connection with nature.

The Rewilding Yate project has seen Yate Heritage Centre, part of Yate Town Council, lead a series of hands-on workshops for children from schools.

Pupils from Broadway Infants School, North Road Primary School, Rangeworthy Primary School, Raysfield Primary School, and St Paul's Catholic Primary School have taken part in creative and educational sessions exploring how the town’s green spaces have changed over time.

Using historical artefacts, maps, and photos from the heritage centre’s collection, they examined the town’s transformation from farmland and woodland to streets and shopping centres.

Funded by Museum Development South West, and with support from Arts Council England, the project has also shown children how the town’s growth has impacted biodiversity, and how they can help bring nature back into urban spaces.

A town council spokesperson said: "The workshops encouraged children to think critically and creatively about biodiversity.

"Activities like making seed

bombs and planting wildflowers helped children contribute directly to local biodiversity in a fun, hands-on way."

A second round of workshops saw children walk from Yate Heritage Centre to Stanshawes Court to observe plants, animals,

Antisocial behaviour a 'big problem'

A COUNCILLOR has warned that Chipping Sodbury is being plagued by antisocial behaviour.

Becky Romaine, who represents the Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge ward on South Gloucestershire Council, told a cabinet meeting in June that the axing of the town's street marshals, who patrolled at weekends for more than a decade, meant there was no longer a "visible presence" on the street to deter bad behaviour.

Cllr Romaine said: "Antisocial behaviour in Chipping Sodbury is bad and it’s a big problem.

"I’ve been around to all the publicans again and I’ve spoken with residents.

and think about how the urban and natural worlds affect each other.

They then worked with an artist to create prints using leaves, flowers, and natural textures, which toured the schools in June and will be on display in a special exhibition at Yate Heritage Centre from July 8

"I know it’s not been reported to the police, unfortunately, therefore it hasn’t gone to South Gloucestershire Council.

"However, there is a major problem, not just with antisocial behaviour but, when the pubs kick out, there is drunken behaviour which did stop with the marshals there.

"For instance, people are urinating on people’s business walls, people are shouting, it’s noisy. It’s not just young people.

“The significant part the marshals played was to stop an incident from happening simply from being visible in the community and this is an approach that needs to be replicated.

“I appreciate funding has stopped and I’m not blaming anyone for that, I just want this matter sorted out for the community."

She has launched a petition, signed by 67 people, urging the council to take action.

Cabinet councillor Sean Rhodes said

to August 30. The spokesperson added: "The project has sown the seeds—both literal and figurative—of a new generation of environmental stewards."

For more information about the exhibition and heritage centre, visit yatetowncouncil. gov.uk/heritage-centre.

upgraded CCTV systems in the town, with high-resolution cameras, had recently been installed.

He said: "We’re working with Chipping Sodbury Town Council to address a specific issue in relation to vandalism of the public toilets and we’re in discussion around the possibility of additional temporary CCTV as a tool to combat this."

After the meeting a council spokesperson said officers had met with members of Sodbury Town Council to discuss targeted anti-social behaviour work over the summer, and the council was carrying out youth work in the area.

A police spokesperson said the force had not received an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in Chipping Sodbury since April and the neighbourhood inspector has not been contacted by residents or businesses raising concerns, but the area

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A Rangeworthy pupil showing off her artwork

A pupil from St Paul's with her sketch of the local area

Pupils from North Road showing off their prints

The Heathers Nursing Home

Our aim is to give a high standard of nursing and personal care in a traditional, homely and friendly environment. The Heathers is a home of great character and charm. The interior architecture, with many of its original features, gives a perfect setting for the home comforts we aim to provide.

The Heathers Nursing Home is a privately owned, Grade 2 Listed Georgian manor house, situated within walking distance of the town centres of Chipping Sodbury, and Yate.

First Class Facilities and Support

• A history of providing 24 hour, high quality care in South Gloucestershire

• Each resident is unique to us and treated as such

• The home is small and family run, offering a highly personalised service

• Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene

• Respite, residential care and day care available

• Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs

Get in touch and speak with our team, or arrange a viewing to see our facilities for yourself.

Aneesh – Registered Manager • Julie – General Manager

n NEWS

n ADVERTORIAL

Bootcamp women's world record bid

A GROUP of Yate fitness enthusiasts are waiting to see if their latest fundraising challenge has won them a world record.

Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals

The 26 Commando Bootcamp members, led by their personal trainer and ex-Marine Commando Lee Ralph, hauled 1.6 tonnes of gym equipment to the summit of Welsh mountain Pen y Fan at the end of May, supported by over 180 friends and family.

Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.

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.

The Climb Together world record weight haul attempt was the latest challenge carried out by the group, which includes Lee’s wife, Debbs.

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”.

Whether the record is confirmed or not, so far the climb has raised more than £9,500 to support families of babies in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of Southmead Hospital and Bath's Royal United Hospital, who "know what it means to fight, every single day".

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.

Every challenge has a military feel, as a nod to firefighter Lee’s former career in the Royal

Marines.

Last September, the boot camp team completed a half marathon from Yate Park & Ride to the centre of Bristol, carrying fridges, washing machines, microwaves and cookers on their backs.

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

The latest event aims to break a Guinness World Record for the heaviest amount of equipment carried up a mountain, with the target set at one tonne.

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

The Commando Bootcamp team at the top of Pen y Fan

reaching the summit, all weights were officially recorded, and the group confirmed a total of 1,683.5kg, smashing their target.

“They are now awaiting confirmation from Guinness World Records to see if their achievement has been officially recognised as a world record."

from rowing machines, military logs and bar bells, to stretchers and kettlebells.”

The close-knit group meets every Monday on Goose Green on a large area of grass outside Debb and Lee’s home.

you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”

They came up with the idea in lockdown when households were allowed to mix for exercise in ‘tiny groups’, evolving from a “sociable get-together" to largescale events.

And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.

Debbs told the Voice: "We are sending £3,000 to Bath NICU and the remaining will be on the JustGiving page for Southmead NICU.”

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.

Despite high winds and heavy rain, spirits remained high.

A spokesperson for North Bristol NHS Trust, speaking on behalf of the Southmead Hospital Charity, said: "After

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

Abigail Base, one of the organisers, said: "The day went amazingly well, with no hiccups. Over 180 people arrived at the foot of the mountain with weights in their possession –

for a FREE no obligation quote from the ONLY company in the South West & South Wales in the final of the industries Prestigious G24 Awards!

01392 642 634

Abbot: 01626 932 964

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.

Following the mountain challenge, the team hosted a family fun day at Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club, with bouncy castles, slip-and-slides, an ice cream van, games and bake sales – bringing the community together to continue the celebration and fundraising efforts.

The donation page is open at bit.ly/4epe3Ku.

A soup for hot - and cold - summer days

I DON'T know about you, but I am finding this summer’s weather very difficult to work with.

One day it’s steamy hot and the next it’s really chilly.

That can play havoc with your appetite.

But I have the perfect answer - a soup that’s particularly good chilled, but also works well served warm.

Serve with some crusty bread and perhaps a small cheese board and you’ve got an easy, but tasty lunch.

By the way, if you are a fan of gazpacho chilled Spanish soup, but want to give yourself an easy option, Waitrose sell one that tastes

just like home-made. Then all you have to do is finely chop some cubes of cucumber, tomato and onion to garnish.

You can buy croutons or pop cubes of bread, drizzled with olive oil, in the air fryer for about six minutes at 200C.

Let’s hope the weather stays sunny enough to enjoy this soup chilled!

Pea, mint and lettuce soup with Parma ham

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 slices of Parma ham, finely shredded

Large handful of mint leaves

500g peas (fresh or frozen)

100g crème fraîche

1 baby gem lettuce, chopped

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Images

Here’s what you do:

Sprinkle the Parma ham with black pepper and dry fry over a high heat until golden brown and crisp,

Loft Boarding & Insulation

turning once.

Place on kitchen paper and dab to remove all excess oil.

Add the mint leaves to a medium saucepan of boiling water. Add the peas and bring back to the boil, by this time the peas should be just tender and still bright green. Check, cook for a few more moments if peas are a little hard, especially if you’re using fresh peas. Add the lettuce and cook for a further 30 seconds. Drain, reserving the liquor.

Tip the peas and mint into a blender and a touch of the hot liquor to cover and whiz to a smooth purée.

Add enough of the liquor until a thick creamy consistency has been reached. Either return to the pan and reheat until hot or chill in the fridge if wanting to serve cold in the Summer.

Stir in the crème fraiche Pour the soup into bowls and top with the Parma ham. Serve immediately with crusty bread or wheaten soda bread.

n LOCAL HISTORY

DAVID Hardill revisits the life of a Tudor noble who left a lasting legacy at Acton Court.

THE nobility and gentry of past centuries who dominated the Yate area may, at first sight, appear shadowy and remote figures to us.

Nicholas Poyntz of Acton Court, however, certainly doesn’t fall into this category.

Familiarity with Poyntz is admittedly slightly easier than with other historic figures, since we can appreciate his physical legacy at both Acton Court and Newark Park.

Poyntz created much of what we can see today at those sites. The impressive east wing of Acton Court was erected to accommodate and impress King Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn on their progress through southern England in 1535. Ironically, this building was designed to be temporary: here we are in 2025 and it still stands proud today.

So who was Nicholas Poyntz? He was not merely a builder. His life reflected the times in which he lived.

In terms of patronage and prestige, the earlier 16th century was a golden era for the Poyntz family. Grandfather Robert had already held the esteemed position of Chancellor to Catherine of Aragon. Nicholas, knighted by Henry VIII in 1535, received the favour of Henry’s chief mover and shaker Thomas Cromwell, right up to Cromwell’s execution in 1540.

In the late 1540s, Poyntz also enjoyed the patronage of the Duke of Somerset, Lord Protector in the earlier part of Edward VI’s reign. Poyntz also lived through a period of great religious divide and strife.

Henry VIII’s Reformation made the monarch the new head of the Church of England, thereby separating the country from Rome. This created a split between traditional Catholics, who were unable to accept this change, and new reformers keen to introduce new forms of worship under Henry.

Nicholas Poyntz nailed his colours to the Reformation mast. As a follower of Thomas Cromwell, he supported the new political changes, including the dissolution of the monasteries. Indeed, he benefitted directly from the dissolution of Kingswood Abbey, stone from which was to adorn buildings at both Acton Court and Newark Park.

The religious divide also played out locally.

The Berkeley family at Yate Court, under Ann Berkeley, remained ardent Catholics. An instance described by the Berkeley historian John Smythe later in the century described Poyntz’s chaplain as a “red hot gospeller” (and therefore protestant reformer), who exposed a Berkeley man playing tennis on the Sabbath, clearly implicating Catholicism with religious laxity.

The fortunes of both Poyntz and Berkeley families ebbed and flowed subject to who ascended the throne in this troubled period. Nicholas Poyntz had done well for periods during the reigns of Henry VIII under Cromwell and Edward VI under Somerset.

The reign of Mary Tudor put paid to any

Who was Nicholas Poyntz?

future Poyntz advancement at court. As a devout Catholic, she favoured the Berkeley family, who had many of their family lands restored from the previous century.

The Poyntz star was in the descendant. This

is borne out by the differing reactions of the Wyatt rebellion in 1554, sparked by opposition to Mary’s plan to marry Philip of Spain.

Henry, Lord Berkeley, offered men to support the monarch, while Poyntz offered support for the rebels.

While there was a religious divide between the Poyntz and Berkeley families, the rift was as much about land and power.

Both Poyntz and his arch-enemy Ann Berkeley were dead set on extending their influence in the area. Poyntz could certainly be ruthless: in 1534 he colluded with another member of the Berkeley family, Maurice, to plan arson at Yate Court to get Ann Berkeley and her infant son Henry off the property. Fortunately for Ann, poachers also on site raised the alarm, and any arson was averted.

Ann fiercely defended the Berkeley inheritance for her boy.

Although Poyntz was married to Joan Berkeley, feuds continued between the families throughout the 1530s. In 1540, Ann also offered a £100 bribe to obtain possession of Kingswood Abbey, later rejected.

The simmering family feud culminated in Poyntz’s imprisonment in 1541.

Of course, by this time Poyntz was shorn of any protection from Thomas Cromwell – it was all happening around Yate at this time!

Nicholas Poyntz

Acton Court

Join the Relay for Life

FUNDRAISERS are preparing to take part in Yate's Relay for Life.

The event will take place again July 5 and 6 at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex.

During the event, relay

team members take it in turns to complete laps round a track during the 24-hour non-stop event.

It’s free to enter – people are asked just to raise as much as possible.

Volunteer Rebecca Craddock said: "In the run-up to the event, anything from sponsored paddle boarding, to head shaves or taking on a cycling or running

challenge could help to raise vital funds to fight more than 200 types of cancer."

Cancer Research is aiming to raise at least £30,000 through the event and is on track to beat the £22,000 raised last year.

There will also be a wide range of activities to enjoy for spectators and resting team members, including food stalls and a variety of music from local

Windows, Doors, Fascias, Conservatories and Roofs

performers.

Special candle bags decorated with touching messages in memory or celebration of loved ones will light up the evening during the Candle of Hope ceremony.

For more information about Yate Relay For Life and to enter a team, visit www. yaterelayforlife.org.uk

Petrol station wins licence

PETROL station owners in Old Sodbury have won the right to sell alcohol from their village forecourt’s convenience store, despite objections from neighbours.

South Gloucestershire councillors limited the sales at Cotswold Service Station to 6am-10pm daily instead of the requested 11pm closing time.

Six residents objected to the application by Niza Southwater Ltd on the grounds it could "attract undesirables", raising concerns about alcohol-related antisocial behaviour, noise and traffic.

But one villager wrote in support, saying it was the only local shop, and there was no opposition from the authorities such as the police and environmental health.

Niza Southwater’s agent Keith Walmsley told the licensing sub-committee on June 11: “We are proud to say we operate without any licence reviews or complaints.

“We fully respect and understand the views of residents who have objected.

“We have listened carefully and we do not dismiss their concerns.

“Our aim has never been to cause disruption or worry, only to provide a well-managed, convenient local service in keeping with the character of the area.

“Above all, we want to be a good neighbour."

He said traffic was not expected to increase much because the off-sales alcohol would be sold alongside regular groceries.

Conditions include a ban on the sale of single cans of beer, lager or cider and no sales of high-strength alcohol above 6.5 per cent unless it is a premium or craft product.

Dementiafriendly Sodbury

WORK to make Chipping Sodbury High Street more dementia-friendly is being carried out by town business leaders.

An internationally-recognised initiative called the Purple Angel Campaign is helping efforts to make the a "safe, understanding, and inclusive place" for people living with dementia and their families.

The work in Chipping Sodbury is being driven by photographer Rich McDonagh, co-chair of the Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, and Emma Doney, founder of companionship, respite, and support organisation Best Life Companions and Best Life Day Clubs.

Rich and Emma are rallying local businesses, community groups, and residents to

participate in dementia awareness training, display the Purple Angel logo to show they are involved with the project, and make practical changes to ensure shops and spaces are more navigable and welcoming to all.

Emma said: "We want Chipping Sodbury to be a place where everyone feels they belong.

"This is about small changes with a big impact, from clearer signage and quieter shopping times to staff who understand how to support someone living with memory loss."

The Purple Angel Campaign was launched by Devon man Norman McNamara, who was diagnosed with dementia at age 50. Now a global movement, it aims to help communities break down stigma and build awareness, "one street at a time".

Rich said: "Our High Street is the heart of this town.

"By embracing this campaign, we’re not only supporting our older residents and carers but creating a more compassionate community for everyone."

New map of town

CHIPPING Sodbury Chamber of Commerce has launched the latest version of the popular town map.

This year it has a new design at its centre, based on the map used by South Gloucestershire Council for the new waymarking High Street signs visible about town.

Chamber co-chair Rich McDonagh said: "Having picked up our 2025 Town map at local motorway service stations and

hotels, the first thing visitors to town will see is the same map that's on the High Street signs, giving a joined-up approach.

"We would like to thank South Glos Council, Sodbury Town Council, 29-Design, plus many others who have helped and supported the project.

"The Map looks great and we really hope it will encourage visitors to come to our great town."

Traders with the new map of Chipping Sodbury, which is in the same style as the new maps on the streets

(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)

July 4

n MASH IN THE MEADOWS, Iron Acton. Festival featuring top tribute acts Not the Rolling Stones, Madness tribute act One Step Behind and Winterbourne singer-songwriter Rhiannon Paige. Bar, hot food stalls. Gates open 6pm. tickets in advance only from actonaid.org.uk.

July 8

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY practice class at the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Create a hand-tied bouquet. Floral demonstration with Christine Ramsay, 'Flower Power', July 22 at same time and place. Visitors £5. More details from rosemary.cummins2@gmail.com.

July 12

n 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF TYNDALE'S NEW TESTAMENT, Grace Church, Station Road Yate, 7pm. Free event, followed by refreshments. Author Brian Edwards will be presenting the gripping account of how the Bible was translated into English.

July 19

n CHIPPING SODBURY BOOK FAIR, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 10am-4pm. A day dedicated to books, authors, and community. Local author signings, businesses, second-hand bargains sold for charity. Free entry – donations welcome.

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

Library news

YATE Library is hosting two afternoon tea events with authors this month: M J Arlidge on July 5 and Lesley Pearce on July 19, both at 2pm.

Tickets cost £5, including refreshments, and are available from sglibraries.eventbrite.com or Yate Library.

The Story Garden annual Summer Reading Challenge starts on July 5. Families can pick up a free activity bag from July 5 and children have until September 13 to finish the challenge.

Storybuilders family friendly story and Duplo session for pre-school children is on Tuesday mornings at 10.30am.

Stay & play Duplo and trains is on Thursday mornings at 10.30am, term time only.

Wriggle & Rhyme: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers, is on Friday from 10.30am.

Computer support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturdays & Tuesdays from 10am-noon – book in advance.

Vision West of England information, advice and support drop-in every second Thursday, 10am-noon. Contact Marc on 0117 322 4855 or marc.gulwell@visionwofe.org.uk

Legal advice with Wards Solicitors on first Thursday of the month, 10am-noon; Bevan Evemy, Saturdays by appointment.

Staffed times are 10am-5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9am-12.30pm on Saturday.

Open Access, at times when the library is unstaffed, between 8am and 7.30pm daily.

For more information call 01454 868006, enquire at the library, email yate.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries.

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

DAY TRIPS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, DISABLED PEOPLE AND FRIENDS

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

support church heating.

Thursday

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

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.

Team saves 500 from debt

25% OFF during Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) Month

February 2025 is LPA month at local experts Simpson Solicitors. Call their friendly Kingswood Team on 0117 960 8594 and quote LPA25 and our readers get a fantastic 25% off their full cost. A Will covers your wishes when you die. An LPA is how you make sure your wishes are followed when you are alive. It is how you appoint those you trust with your finances and decisions about your health and treatment.

(OPG) and providing solicitorcertified copies.

n LIONS CLUB OF CHIPPING SODBURY, Yate & District meets 2nd Thursday of the month (not August or December) at Cross Hands, Old Sodbury, 7.30 p.m. For more information on volunteering/membership email chris.dodd47@hotmail.com or call 01454 882655, Facebook: Lions Club of Chipping Sodbury.

A TEAM of debt experts who have helped South Gloucestershire residents write off more than £1.5 million of debt in a year have won a national award.

n YATE COMMUNITY CHOIR, Ridgewood Community Centre, Station Road, 7.30-9pm. More details from nicelizmartin@yahoo.co.uk.

n CHIPPING SODBURY LIONS CLUB meets 2nd Thursday of the month at the Cross Hands, Old Sodbury, 7.30pm. For more information on volunteering/membership email chris.dodd47@hotmail or call 01454 882655.

n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET

• Aftercare: No one want to be a burden, so their service also includes support to your Attorneys in activating and using them when the time comes.

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.

make it easy for you and those you appoint. For example your Attorney is likely to need a copy of your LPA certified by a solicitor. Being a firm of solicitors this is not extra hassle for them - we can just provide it when needed.”

The Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire specialist debt team is based at the charity's Yate headquarters, runs outreach sessions, and also offers advice by phone, email and at the charity's headquarters in Yate.

• Peace of mind: With Simpsons there are no long forms for you to complete. Their Complete Service covers so much more than paperwork. It includes Certifying your mental capacity and registering them with the court

Powers of Attorney are so important. Arguably even more important than Wills. Go quickly. I don't care how old you are. I got mine at 35. It's always best to go through solicitors

Friday

n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE

Or

Money Expert MARTIN LEWIS on ITV’s THIS MORNING

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

SOLICITOR CERTIFED COPIES:

John at Simpsons says, “We just

The team of four - Yvonne Parks, Eliza Hirst, Linda Mullholland and Angus Macdonald - helped more than 500 people last year.

Yvonne said: "We deal with all types of debts from mortgage and rent arrears, bailiffs, council tax, credit debts and all forms of court work including County Court, Magistrates Court and High Court."

LPAs are essential protection in case you need help paying bills, managing money or deciding on treatment options. It is not just about dementia but - perhaps due to severe stroke, illness, injury, an operation going wrong or just old age.

The award was made just before Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire moved from its home of more than 30 years next to Yate Leisure Centre at Kennedy Way to a larger space in nearby Station Road.

So contact Simpson Solicitors today. They are opposite Costa Coffee in the Kings Chase shopping centre. Quote LPA25 for 25% off the full cost!

From now on anyone who wants to get advice in-person should come to Unit 1 Badminton Court, Station Road.

For more information on Citizens Advice visit southgloscab.org.uk or call 0808 278 7947.

Free Will Review

“We were made to feel very welcome and cared for”

“You

Yvonne Parks, Angus Macdonald, Linda Mullholland and Eliza Hirst.

Civil Service Retirement Fellowship

CIVIL Service Retirement Fellowship chief executive David Tickner visited the Yate & District CSRF Group to present them with a Diamond Group Award recognising their support of the CSRF’s charitable services.

The group hold regular monthly meetings at the Yate Parish Hall in Station Road on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1.30pm-4.30pm.

The CSRF is a national charity that provides friendship and support services to former civil servants and their dependents, and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

The CSRF Yate & District Group has had a presence in the area for many years and regularly holds a friendship forum for local retirees.

The Diamond Award was accepted by Group Chair Val Gannaway (pictured centre with the award).

For more information on the group visit csrf.org.uk/group/yate-district

Yate & Sodbury u3a

DAVID Hardill from Yate Heritage Centre recently spoke to History group 1. He explained how sparse the physical evidence is of how our local area evolved during the period known as the Stone Age, up to the time when Homo Sapiens acquired the ability to begin working metals.

The establishment of hill forts such as Sodbury Camp, which overlooks the Severn estuary, was a significant development, marking the time when metal tools and weapons were becoming available.

David explained that the discovery of stone hand axes plus a few butchered animal bones was indicative of how occupancy patterns were closely dependant on climate fluctuations.

Nothing substantial has yet been discovered to overturn the theory that it wasn’t until Roman times that townships became established in the area.

Local communities then had access to raw materials that were needed to allow metal alloys to be fused, to initially produce the bronze tools, which in turn allowed wholesale clearance of woodlands and facilitate the switch from hunter gathering to settlements with farmers engaged in agriculture.

For more information about u3a courses see yate-sodbury.u3asite.uk. Jenny Smith

Chipping Sodbury WI

AT our June meeting Stefania Hartley gave us a lovely account of 'Growing up in Sicily'.

She has written several books, stories that are inspired by her family.

In July we have our members' summer social evening.

A light meal and time to chill out, and enjoy the company. Once a month we have a craft evening.

With August just around the corner we look forward to the Group Meeting: a chance to meet members from other local WI groups in our area, with music and a retro-style afternoon tea.

We are a friendly group of women who meet on the first Thursday of every month, at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, at 7.30pm. Visitors are more than welcome.

Barbara Kemp

Val Gannaway (centre) receives with the award

Friends of Kingsgate Park

THE Friends of Kingsgate Park in Yate have added a double wheelchair-accessible table and their own notice board to this wonderful park, situated in the centre of Yate.

The wheelchair-accessible table was purchased from the sale of the duck and swan feed which was sold in the Vintage Birdcage Cakery, and with a grant from South Gloucestershire Council. It is set on the south side of the pond, which is slightly quieter and

has a different view of the lake. A recent user commented that it was great to have another accessible table in the park, to sit and eat lunch and watch the antics of the wildlife on the lake.

We have bought our own noticeboard to advertise events in the park.

This again was purchased from the sale of bird seed at the Vintage Birdcage Cakery: a big thank-you to VBC for supporting us over many years.

So now you are aware of any events we organise in the park; we have many ideas but would love

your ideas and comments as well.

Why not come along to our quarterly meetings, which are advertised on the notice board?

We are a small group of people and welcome volunteers to FOKP.

Hope to see you at the next meeting.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sue Swanborough

Upper Frome Friends

GET your stomp on!

Our regular Wednesday sessions of Balsam bashing have begun.

It’s great fun, and a fantastic way to spend an hour or so by the river, in the fresh air in the late afternoon or evening.

The best removal method for Himalayan Balsam is by pulling the roots up, cutting the plants and stamping on the stems – a great way to get rid of any tension that has built up!

You’ll also be with a friendly group of people, who are working

to enhance our river.

We need as many volunteers as possible to clear the balsam now and in the next couple of months, so that the seeds do not set and travel downstream.

Look out for details of a full day of balsam bashing on July 6 (come for as long or as little as you like!).

Don’t forget that regular river cleans are still happening on the first weekend of every month.

Unfortunately, we are still having to clean rubbish out of the river –this month’s ‘haul’ included an old lawnmower head and a wheelchair.

Do let us know if your employer allows you to use a day or two of work time for community projects – we could organise a working party at a convenient time if there is sufficient interest.

Information about times and where to meet for our regular events are posted on the Upper Frome Friends Facebook group page.

If you aren’t on Facebook, and would like more information, contact riverfromereconnected@ southglos.gov.uk

Jane Davies

QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS

› Up to 50% less than a new fully fitted kitchen

› Replacement kitchen doors

› Cost effective made to measure solution

› Worktops and appliances

› Quick installation in 2-3 days by local professionals

Friends of Kingsgate Park Tony Davis, Gaby Davis, Judith Cameron, Alex Swatton, Alan Monaghan, Sue Swanborough and Sandra Ems

YOUR BIN DAY IS CHANGING

From 4 August 2025, your recycling and black bin collection day is likely to change.

This is to make our collection routes more efficient and to provide better value for money.

To help you adjust to this day change

y If there are more than 14 days between your black bin collections, you can put out one extra waste bag on your first new collection day

y Some households will receive an extra one-off black bin collection

y Green bin subscribers will be contacted by post or email if their collection day is changing

y You’ll receive a recycling and waste services guide in the post with more information about this and other upcoming changes

Look out for your guide in the post for more details

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club

THE club held its President’s annual lunch in June at Kendleshire Golf Club.

Over 40 members and guests attended to mark the end of Ian Hodgson’s year as President.

At our business meeting we were joined by the Rotary District Governor elect, Anne Bartholomew, who acknowledged the very active and successful year the club has had, whilst increasing its membership when many other clubs are experiencing dwindling numbers.

We were also joined by Rotarian Ken Kinsey, a member of a very large club in the state of Iowa, USA.

At the same meeting the club approved a significant donation to the Alzheimer’s Society, made possible by the generous collections from attendees at the latest season of tea dances in the town hall.

The club also made a donation to St John’s Mead PTA to contribute to a project to improve the school’s play equipment, especially the trim trail.

Our club once more supported the annual Rotary ‘Kids Out’ event at Cattle Country Park, Berkeley, where 470 students with learning difficulties gathered for a day of fun in the sunshine.

The club also invited 18 students and teaching staff from Culverhill School in Yate, with four members of our club present to help on the day.

Members recently enjoyed an informative presentation from Andy Reynolds of Airbus UK on research underway in pursuit of the first zero emissions propeller driven

Easter rabbits from a knitted/ crochet square, a very interesting talk from one of our very own ladies on her 60+ year journey with the girl guides and, recently, a lovely lady bought along some of her saris and gave us an interesting talk on how they are made and worn, even allowing those who wanted to try them on.

If you would like to find out more, why not come and meet us?

We meet on the second Monday of the month at 7pm for 7.30pm start at Poole Court in Yate.

Our committee works hard to ensure that we have a variety of activities, from speakers to quizzes, games and demonstrations.

If you would like to join us, you will be assured of a warm welcome.

Old Sodbury WI enjoyed serving refreshments at the Old Sodbury Village Day on June 7. The wet weather did not stop anyone from having fun. We are looking forward to the Hawkesbury Fayre in August.

We have lots of planned visits, including Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park, the Guide Dogs National Centre, Organic Blooms and Old Sodbury Tree and Plant Nursery.

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at Old Sodbury Village Hall at 7.30pm: in July we will be welcoming Sarah Harris, who will be presenting on ‘Marie Antoinette’s Guide to Farming’.

Samantha Newick

commercial aircraft.

Several club members acted as volunteers at the recent and highly successful ‘Good Times’ music and comedy event on the Ridings.

Club members continue to support the activities of the PhysioNet charity and those of the Upper Frome Friends Group.

Stuart Fraser

Chipping Sodbury Morning WI

OUR speaker in June was Ian Malton, taking about the SS Great Britain.

Most of us have visited the ship at some time, but Ian really brought her story to life. And what a life she had, travelling one million miles, including trips to Australia, and even spending her last years as a floating warehouse.

Next month our speaker will enlighten us about Jane Austen.

We are a friendly group of ladies who enjoy meeting up, having a chat and learning something new over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.

We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 10.00am in the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury. The building is fully accessible with plenty of parking. We also have a monthly lunch club visiting local venues.

Why not pop along and join us? Please call 07809 534 107 if you would like to find out more.

Sue Bird

Yate WI

WE have had an interesting few months.

We have learnt how to make

For more information email us at yatewiavon@gmail.com, or just come along to our next meeting at Poole Court.

Sharon Bower

Old Sodbury WI

AT our June meeting we welcomed Sophie and Rob Wheeler, who provided us with a talk on the History of Graffiti Art, from New York to Bristol.

This was a fascinating look at the history of street art and the present-day beautiful murals painted by Botanical Vandals and the muralist Wing of Graft.

Rob and Sophie weave together elements of local flora, fauna, history, and cultural heritage into ornate, organic, and very colourful patterns, all the while staying true to their graffiti heritage through their use of the spray can.

Our skittles team are through to the finals on July 22 in Clevedon: we wish them lots of luck. Well done, ladies!

Town and Country Ladies

WE became Town and Country Ladies six months ago and we are proving to be a very popular, friendly and welcoming group.

Our monthly meetings have interesting and entertaining speakers or maybe a fun quiz .

We have already celebrated with an afternoon tea at Eastwood Park, with fantastic entertainment enjoyed by all.

Several really lovely trips are already planned .

We have a Board Games Group, Craft Group, Gardening Group and Lunch Club.

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 9.45am at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

Why not come along and meet us? You will always be given a warm welcome.

Christina Shinton

President elect Ian Joseph, Kris Kinsey, Anne Bartholomew, Ken Kinsey and Ian Hodgson. Picture: Doug Lodge

WI members at Old Sodbury Village Day

Bluebells build squad for new season

Manager Darren Mullings

has been working hard to build a squad for next season in the Southern League South Premier Division, following their promotion as champions of the Southern League Division One South.

The final home game against Didcot Town was watched by over 1500 people and the club will be looking to build on that support in a higher division.

Despite a short period of off-the-field distractions, which have been resolved, the club is

working full steam ahead in its preparations for next season under the guidance of chairman Mark Thorne.

Will Writing

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Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.

Darren Mullings has made key signings, bringing in the experienced Dan Bath (ex-Bristol City, Bath City, Taunton Town and Gloucester City) in defence.

Into midfield comes Daye Grubb, who has had Football League experience with Forest Green Rovers; Rex Mannings signed from Chippenham along with last season’s Tiverton Town captain, Matt Britton.

Forward Dave Sim-Burgess has returned to the club.

Already retained from last season are captain Joe Guest, Will Larvin, James Taylor, Lewis Hall, Lucas Tomlinson and Marlon Jackson.

With other players reporting for training on June 25, more may well put pen to paper.

Departing are Will Christopher, to Melksham, Ewan McMillan to Larkhall and Jamie Adams, to Portishead.

Seven pre-season friendlies have been arranged.

The Southern League fixtures

Caption: Dave SimBurgess has returned

are out around July 14 and the league season starts on Saturday August 9.

Commercial manager Stewart Thomas is working hard to bring in new sponsors, with much success, and the club will be announcing these shortly.

Stewart can be contacted at sales@yatetownfc.co.uk if you wish to become involved.

For all the latest information about what is happening at Yate Town FC please visit the club website at www.yatetownfc. co.uk. Bob Chester

Pre-season fixtures:

July 12, 3pm: Mangotsfield Utd (away)

July 14, 7.30pm: Corsham Town (away)

July 18, 7.45pm:

Bristol Manor Farm (home)

July 22, 7.45pm: Bristol City u18s (home)

July 26, 3pm: Barry Town (home)

July 29, 7.45pm: Bristol Rovers (home)

August 2, 3pm: Frome Town (home)