A HUGE donation has been handed over to a charity supporting the hospital where a Chipping Sodbury girl is being treated for leukaemia.
PAGE 3
Extra homes blueprint
MORE than 2,000 new homes south of Westerleigh and 1,300 on sites around Yate and Chipping Sodbury are included in the latest planning blueprint for South Gloucestershire.
PAGE 8 & 9
Demolition date
THE average council tax bill for residents of Yate will be more than £2,500 for the first time this year.
People living in Band D homes in areas covered by Yate Town Council and Dodington Parish Council will pass the unwanted milestone figure due to a combination of increases in charges from public bodies.
Residents who live within the borders of Sodbury Town Council will see their bills stay just under £2,500 in Band D.
The increases are a combination of above-inflation increases in charges from South Gloucestershire Council, the police, fire service and town or parish councils.
Dodington Parish Council's
precept charge is rising by more than 28.1%, as parishes are not subject to government limits on tax increases.
It comes as a Yate councillor said South Gloucestershire's budget was "terrible", and offered the majority of residents "very little from their council tax".
Full story: Pages 4&5
NATIONAL Highways has confirmed the date that the M4 will close to demolish the condemned A432 Badminton Road bridge.
PAGE 2
Road's screen role
YATE'S Road to Nowhere has chalked up another credit as a TV location.
PAGE 13
PUPILS at Yate's Brimsham Green School put on a "phenomenal" production of musical Annie, which has been nominated for a national award. More pictures: Page 7
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Bridge to come down
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NATIONAL Highways has confirmed the date that the M4 will close to demolish the condemned A432 Badminton Road bridge.
The motorway will shut between the Bristol and Bath junctions, at Hambrook and Tormarton, from 7pm on Friday March 21 until 6am on Monday March 24, while the bridge is taken apart and removed.
The closure will happen weeks after the start of work on an 'active travel' project to install new foot and cycle paths along the A4174 between Emersons Green and Abbey Wood, which will involve narrowing lanes and closing the 2+ lane on the ring road - part of the official M4 diversion - for almost a year.
The motorway bridge will close to pedestrians and cyclists from March 7, so engineers can remove asbestos pipes from inside.
During the M4 closure the edges of the bridge will be removed, before it is allowed to collapse onto a protective mat covering the carriageway. The rubble will be crushed by machines brought onto the motorway before being taken away for recycling as aggregate and steel.
National Highways says there will be an "exclusion zone" around the bridge for safety and is calling on people not to try to access the site, adding: "There will be very few places where you can safely watch the demolition.
health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk
"We will be filming our work and will share footage on this page and our social media channels."
The official traffic diversion route using the M32, A4174, A420 and A46 will be the same as for last October's closure, when the motorway was dug up to build a new culvert for utilities from the bridge.
Back then many drivers tried to use other roads, causing jams on Westerleigh Road.
There will be further closures later in the year, for parts of the new bridge to be lifted into place. It is expected to be ready in a year's time.
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National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge, closed it in July 2023, severing the main road between Bristol and Yate, after engineers found "accelerated deterioration and cracking" in the steel reinforced concrete, which made it unsafe to carry vehicles.
Route manager Sean Walsh said: "This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the South West, which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible so they're able to plan their journeys well in advance.
"Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can – if that's not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes, and expect delays."
A diversion for cyclists and pedestrians while the bridge is being replaced will be through Moorend, via Down Road, Bury Hill and Church Lane. It will take pedestrians an extra 20 minutes and cyclists an extra five to cross the motorway.
South Gloucestershire Council began work in February to install new foot and cycle paths, bus stops and a 40mph limit along the westbound ring road between Downend and the M32.
A council spokesperson said there were no plans to remove or adjust the narrow lanes on the ring road while the M4 is closed.
No help for traders: Page 12.
Aerial view of the Badminton Road bridge.
Sienna inspires huge total for charity
FUNDRAISERS inspired by a Chipping Sodbury girl's battle with cancer have handed over more than £13,000 to a hospital charity.
Sienna Mullins was diagnosed with leukaemia in April last year, at just two years old.
Her situation moved Hollie Dennis & Clare Saphier, the owners of Sienna’s nursery First Steps in Chipping Sodbury, to start raising money for the Grand Appeal, the charity of Bristol Children's Hospital, where Sienna has been treated.
The Grand Appeal team visited First Steps on February 25 and were presented with a cheque for £13,888.76.
Sienna's mum, Jo, said: "Our nursery owners wanted to support in any way they could [and] they knew what a life-line they are to children in hospital."
An initial target of £1,000 was reached with a few weeks at the start of the fundraising.
Hollie and Clare set
challenges and held events including a raffle with prizes including tickets to Alton Towers and a silent auction to help raise funds.
Jo said: "The whole nursery team got on board, with bake sales, bike rides to the children’s hospital and dress-up days at the nursery.
"They have all been an incredible support to us as a family but for the charity as well."
The nursery's donations had reached £11,565 by February and, with gift aid, the grand total stood at £13,889.
Jo said: "The Grand Appeal have never had an amount like this raised by a nursery.
"It's truly incredible and we are so proud and lucky to have the community support First Steps has provided through such a difficult time."
Jo said Sienna, who has just turned three, is doing well, but remains on chemotherapy
EAR WAX REMOVAL
treatment until June next year.
She said: "Sienna has done so well. There are harder days and still many trips to A&E when she spikes a temperature, but overall she’s been a superstar.
"She has been able to return to nursery this month and has been thrilled to have returned with her friends and key workers.
"We would love to recognise this achievement by the First
Steps team and also thank the readers of the Voice, who supported us with donationsour story helped create a lot of awareness."
Sienna's story also inspired other fundraisers, a 'Vile Mile' run at Chipping Sodbury Football Club last year raising around £2,300 for Young Lives vs Cancer last September.
Nursery families and staff gather for the handover
Sienna with brothers Louis, aged 7, and Joshua, 5.
Average council tax bills rise by up to £153
COUNCIL tax bills for typical Band D householders in the Yate and Sodbury area will rise by between £110 and £153 in April.
When the increases in charges from South Gloucestershire Council, parish councils, the police and fire services are added up, Band D householders living within the area covered by Yate Town Council are set to pay an extra £121.50 or 5.01% this year, with their total bill now £2,545.34 - passing £2,500 for the first time.
Charges vary according to property values, with this year's overall charge in Yate ranging from £1,696.90 for Band A householders to £5,090.68 for people with homes in Band H. South Gloucestershire Council approved a 4.99% increase – the maximum allowed without calling a referendum – at its meeting in February, to take the authority's main charge to residents with homes in the average Band D tax bracket up by £90.54, from £1,814.37 to
£1,904.91.
The council also makes a separate 'special expenses' charge, which varies between parishes, for neighbourhood services, such as parks and open spaces that it maintains.
The rest of the increase in overall bills comes from other public bodies.
Avon & Somerset police and crime commissioner Clare Moody is raising charges for a Band D tax payer by £14 (5.01%), from £279.20 to £293.20.
Avon Fire Authority is raising its annual charge by £5 or 5.85%, from £85.43 to £90.43, in Band D.
However the final amount paid by people living in different areas also varies because of precept charges for services provided by parish councils, which do not have a governmentimposed cap on increases.
In the Yate and Sodbury area, Yate Town Council has the highest precept budget and charge, to pay for the buildings,
parks and services it maintains, and as a result the overall Band D council tax bill is higher than in neighbouring parishes.
Yate's £222.88 Band D precept charge is up £10.01 or 4.7% on last year - and the £33.92 special expenses charge for local services provided by South Gloucestershire is up £1.95 or 6.1%.
The overall parish precept budget is going up by £125,812 or 6.9%, from £1,823,268 to £1,949,080.
Dodington Parish Council, which covers southern parts of Yate and Sodbury, is responsible for the biggest precept rise in the area this year: it is raising its Band D charge by £38.63 or 28.1%, from £137.50 to £176.13.
Its precept budget is going up from £328,905 to £420,599, a rise of £91,694 or 27.9%.
Another £65.70 in special expenses - a £4.77 (7.83%) increase - is also added to the bill.
It means the overall Band
D charge for taxpayers in Dodington has risen by £152.94 (6.43%) to £2,530.37, making it the second parish in the area to pass the £2,500 mark.
Sodbury Town Council has raised its Band D charge by £30 or 21.2%, from £141.33 to £171.33.
Its budget is up by 23.7% or £73,470, to £383,266.
Special expenses are up by £1.58 (6.02%) to £27.80, and the total bill for Sodbury Band D taxpayers will be £2,487.67, up £141.12 (6.01%) on last year.
Special expenses are up by 5p (1.02%) to £4.94, and the overall increase for Band D taxpayers is £110.27, up 4.91%.
Elsewhere, variations in parish and special expenses charges mean total bills are up by £111.31 (4.93%) in Cromhall, £113.85 (5.12%) in Horton, £117.91 (5.14%) in Iron Acton, £110.12 (4.92%) in Rangeworthy, £110.27 (4.91%) in Westerleigh and Coalpit Heath and £115.39 (5.1%) in Wickwar.
Cuts mean a 'terrible' budget for residents
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's leader has warned more cuts are likely in the future as the authority struggles to keep up with rising costs.
Councillors passed a 4.99% rise in the authority's share of the council tax at a meeting in February.
One long standing Yate Liberal Democrat councillor described the budget as "terrible" and said it offered the majority of residents "very little from their council tax".
The budget includes charges for drivers in council-owned car parks, which were first agreed last year but have not yet been implemented, raising garden waste collection fees from £60 to £70, and less money for maintaining public toilets and playing fields.
They also include new support for young people who need help getting their lives back on track; for older people who want to live independently; and for South Gloucestershire's Armed Forces veterans' community.
But council leaders said that while demand is rising for social care, government funding hasn’t kept pace, which means both budget cuts and increased bills will be inevitable in future.
Council leader Maggie Tyrrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said: "People recognise we simply, sadly, cannot afford to keep doing everything we always have done in the same way, because our spending power has not kept up with rising costs.
“We are pleased to have been able to present a budget that will balance the books over the next two years by making some prudent, if sometimes difficult, choices. However, further ahead, there are clear shortfalls in our projected funding.”
Co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said the budget included new support for survivors of domestic abuse, and help for people to live independently in their own homes.
He said: "We know too well the financial black hole the last government left and the difficult financial situation the country finds itself in. This budget proves that you can be both fiscally responsible and still provide a high level of services for residents."
The Tories had called for more money to be spent on fixing potholes, installing acoustic cameras to catch excessively noisy drivers, and supporting a community farm in Kingswood, with cuts to council communications staff.
Group leader Sam Bromiley (Con, Parkwall and Warmley) said: "It is deeply regrettable that the joint Lib Dem-Labour coalition failed to support us, refusing to take action to fix potholes and invest in our roads."
A debate on which political party was to blame for the council's dire financial straits went on for an hour and a half, with petty insults and repetitive arguments.
Yate North ward member Mike Drew, who has been a member of the council since it was formed, said: "I think this is a terrible budget to be honest, because we have to make cuts as we’ve inherited a bad financial situation from the Conservative government and we’re not getting much better from the Labour government.
"We now have a system where the majority of council spending is spent on a small proportion of the people in our council area, the same as all the other councils. The majority of people get very little from their council tax.”
Cllr Tyrrell said the "vast majority" of spending was on adult care and children’s services, including "ever-increasing demand" for education and healthcare plans for children with special needs.
By
Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Mike Drew
A NEW dance music festival north of Chipping Sodbury has been granted a premises licence, allowing the event to come back each summer.
Nowadaze will run from July 17 to 20 with a wide range of genres and "affordable" ticket prices.
The festival’s organisers, Pow Soundz Ltd, were given the licence by South Gloucestershire Council during a licensing hearing on February 24.
But people living nearby complained to the council about the “unbearably loud” events that have previously happened on the site.
The festival is held on Oxwick Farm, between Chipping Sodbury and Wickwar, which has also been used for other events.
Council staff said it was unclear whether the complaints from neighbours related to other events, or the previous two times that Nowadaze was hosted there under temporary event notices.
Speaking at the hearing, Matt Davies, Nowadaze organiser, said: “Our aim is to create a festival experience with high quality production, a friendly
Dance music festival wins licence
community and inclusive pricing.
"Over the course of two full days and nights, attendees will get to experience a range of live music, DJs, educational talks, creative activities and fantastic food.
“Having run Nowadaze for two years at Oxwick Farm, we’re continuing to fine-tune our noise management and public safety measures.
"We fully acknowledge objections and complaints made against this application.
“We want to demonstrate that the concerns will be listened to and that we can meet the requirements to remediate them.
"While other events at the site have proven to impact the public, our current track-record demonstrates our ability to run a well-organised event with minimal nuisance.”
The music will go on until 2am on Friday and Saturday night, and the event will be capped at 1,000 ticket holders.
The festival will be held on a 20-acre farm off Wickwar Road. Several neighbours wrote to the council objecting to the application, however none attended the hearing to speak about their concerns.
One neighbour said: “The last festival they ran was unbearably
loud and lasted all day until the early hours. This venue is far too close to residential properties and shatters our peace and tranquillity.”
Another said: “The music is loud and does not stop until the very early hours. It’s ruined past weekends by keeping my young family up, and I am completely helpless to do anything about it.”
Granting a premises licence means the festival can come back each year, without having to apply for a temporary event notice each time.
A licence also means the council and police can better monitor the festival, checking on issues like noise levels and litter.
Chairing the hearing, Chris Davies (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said: “The landowner has let the land for several events, which were organised by various individuals and companies.
"The objections didn’t necessarily relate to the events organised by Pow Soundz Ltd.” By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Oxwick Farm
School show is up for national award
A PRODUCTION of hit musical Annie by staff and students of a Yate school has been nominated for the National School Theatre Awards
Around 100 children at Brimsham Green School played to sell-out audiences over five shows in February, including families and primary schools, who saw the dress rehearsal.
Producer and director Katie Hitchcock, the school's head of drama, said the show was "phenomenal".
She said: "The show included 100 students from all year groups, not only as performers but in the band, controlling the lighting and sound and taking responsibility for choreography.
"The show was a massive success - and we performed to sell-out audiences amounting to 1,000 people over five shows.
talent and professionalism of the show, and the incredibly high standard of the event - with many remarking that they could not believe it was a school show.
"Brimsham Green School has a long history of outstanding school productions, and this was no exception.
Cyber award
BRIMSHAM Green School has been recognised for its commitment to developing cybersecurity education and providing a safe and secure digital learning environment.
The Silver CyberFirst School Award assessed the ongoing work being done by the dedicated computer science team at the school to provide students with essential cybersecurity skills and to promote digital safety.
"This has been an absolute highlight of our school year, the students have excellent themselves with their talent, confidence and dedication to the show."
"The audience were absolutely blown away by the
We
The school will find out if it has won an award in June.
Teacher Josephine Kulandairaj said: "While cybersecurity education is predominantly delivered through the Computer Science curriculum, elements of it also tie into wider core skills that are necessary for digital literacy and personal safety, which are emphasised across the school."
FRAMPTON GARAGE
on: 01454777841 or Yate on: 07393730774
and
Scenes from Brimsham Green School's production of Annie
Last chance for a say on planning blueprint
PROTESTERS voiced their anger at the proposed “decimation of the Green Belt” as councillors approved a 15-year blueprint for the future of South Gloucestershire.
The Local Plan, which allocates land for 22,500 homes and thousands of jobs between 2026 and 2041, is going out to a final round of public consultation before being sent to a government planning inspector for a public examination next year.
The council's Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors voted in favour at council meeting in February.
The joint administration insisted that although some decisions had been painful, it would provide new homes that could be supported by infrastructure such as schools, GP surgeries, employment, roads and public transport.
They said that if the plan was not published by March 12, new government housing targets would apply, and mean having to
**Limited number of Easter eggs available**
add an extra 5,000 homes.
Campaign group Save
Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG) criticised the authority for allocating huge swathes of the greenbelt for development, and opposition Conservatives voted against it and demanded changes.
Public speakers at the packed meeting also spoke out.
Siston Parish Council chair Andrew Stacey, whose village could be surrounded by developments of more than 2,300 homes under the plan, told councillors residents are "extremely angry" at the plans
to "decimate a major part of the Green Belt within the parish".
Tory group leader Sam Bromiley said the administration had not listened to residents’ worries.
He said: “The anger is clear. We’ve heard the very real stories of how this plan will affect people whose lives will be ruined."
Roger Hall, of Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development (TRAPP’D) said he largely welcomed the document but added: “Disappointed landowners and their developers are lawyering up, as I speak, to attack this plan, if and when it
gets to examination stage.”
Cabinet member for planning Chris Willmore (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: “Without a Local Plan we have been at the whim of developers putting in speculative planning applications and getting consent on appeal.
“That has to stop. The only way to do that is to get a plan in place, otherwise we might as well go home and let the market rip.
"This plan has a crystal clear vision. The idea is to reduce the need for people to travel as far to work, to reduce unsustainable trans-greenbelt commuting."
She said proposals would also include wind turbines delivering energy, make new homes cheaper to heat and more planet-friendly, and provide new affordable homes for rent in rural communities.
Cllr Willmore said "nationally groundbreaking" proposals for age-friendly housing would ensure "we do not ghettoise and shut away older folk".
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Protesters from SOGS-SG outside the council offices in Kingswood.
Thousands of extra homes in new plan
MORE than 2,000 new homes south of Westerleigh and 1,300 on sites around Yate and Chipping Sodbury are included in the latest planning blueprint for South Gloucestershire.
The development of 2,050 homes and 18 hectares of employment land has been named North Lyde Ecotech Village, and is included in the final version of the council's Local Plan, which opened to public consultation on February 28.
As reported in February's Voice, the plan also proposes provision for 150 homes at Yate's former tumble dryer factory,
which closed last year, plus 200 in the town centre and 370 at Engine Common.
The plan also proposes allowing 300 homes to be built at Barnhill Quarry in Chipping Sodbury, along with sports pitches and "small scale employment" provision.
After the consultation the Local Plan, which allocates land for 22,500 homes and thousands of jobs between 2026 and 2041, will be sent to a government planning inspector for a public examination next year.
The North Lyde Ecotech Village site is south of Westerleigh and the Kendleshire golf club, bounded by the M4, Westerleigh Road and the railway line serving the Westerleigh fuel depot at the eastern edge of the site.
Much of it is currently farmland but it also includes the Windmill Leisure Golf and Activity Centre, Windmill Fishery, South Gloucestershire Showground and Tulip abattoir.
A total of 2,050 homes have been proposed for the site; between 1,050 and 1,350 would
be built before 2041 and the rest afterwards.
The development would include shops and cafes, a community centre, nursery, primary school, library, GP surgery and a central play park, with buildings up to six storeys tall.
The development has been named North Lyde as it is on the opposite side of the M4 to the Lyde Green estate, which is still being built.
The Station Road site of the former Beko Europe factory is earmarked for 150 homes. South Gloucestershire Council bought the site from Whirlpool in 2021 for just under £10 million, describing it as "of strategic importance for the town of Yate and South Gloucestershire".
The latest version of the plan also says that another 200 homes can be accommodated in Yate Town Centre, with space for another 140 at Ladden Garden Village, 162 to the north of the new estate, and 10 at Cranleigh Court.
Just outside the town, sites either side of North Road
towards Engine Common are earmarked for 370 homes, with a further 20 proposed at Holly Hill Farm, Iron Acton and 19 at Berrows Mead Rangeworthy.
Four sites in Cromhall, where 106 homes were proposed, have been removed, as have four sites in Rangeworthy, where 178 homes had been proposed
The final draft of the Local Plan was set to open for public comments on February 28.
Full details will be found on the plan website, sgcouncilplan. commonplace.is
Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
North Lyde Ecotech Village
Ladden View care home, Yate
Memory 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, take part in our fun activities and get advice and support. We will have complimentary refreshments on hand, including freshly baked cakes.
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Experience quality dementia care, led by experts
At Care UK’s Ladden View care home in Yate, our team is passionate about supporting your loved one to maintain independence and make choices, whilst receiving the very best dementia care in a place they can call home.
Care you can trust
We work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to ensure we stay up to date with the latest approaches to dementia care. We have worked closely with the Association of Dementia Studies to create bespoke programmes of dementia training. Whilst Dr Nori Graham - a renowned dementia expert and Vice President of Alzheimer’s International – supports the development of our dementia strategy with Suzanne Mumford, a Queen’s Nurse and Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia at Care UK.
Living well with dementia
Our dedicated team will work with you and your loved one to deliver a care and lifestyle plan entirely tailored to their unique needs and preferences and our busy activities schedule is always packed with meaningful activities that support them to live life to the full.
Recently, residents have enjoyed making pizzas with our talented chefs and enjoying group singing sessions.
Purpose-built facilities
At our purpose-built home, everything from colour schemes, signage, and furniture to the design of our crockery, has been carefully chosen to support residents living with dementia to be as independent as possible.
Each floor at Ladden View is divided into smaller suites that create a calm atmosphere, keeping hustle and bustle to a minimum.
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for loss of earnings due to temporary road works."
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
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.
A CALL for taxpayer support for businesses hit by the closure of the M4 Badminton Road bridge has been rejected by the government.
The bridge was being used by around 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed to motor traffic in July 2023, severing the A432 between Yate and Bristol.
Among those hit hard is Kevin Brewer, owner of The Bigger Eater food van, who has had a pitch in a lay-by next to Badminton Road in Coalpit Heath for 32 years
He said: "It’s diabolical - trade is down a good 50-60% since the closure.
Kevin's business relies solely on passing traffic, including the lorry drivers for whom it was a “lifeline”.
He said: “It was a layby to have a rest or a chat, a proper little hub. I played the agony aunt as well.
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.
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young made the call, for payments similar to those made during the lockdown, during a parliamentary debate she initiated to discuss the closure.
"It's a no-go now for lorries - lorry drivers just don’t come in now.”
"Financially it has crippled me. I'm looking at three years without any funding.
stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
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”.
But local transport minister Simon Lightwood said the traders would miss out on any payments because the closure, which is set to last more than two and a half years, is "temporary".
He said: "National Highways provides compensation as required by legislation across its projects and schemes.
"I’d like some [financial] help, but it depends what it is. I would hope to be compensated for loss of earnings.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
“I do feel depressed and down about it a lot but there are a lot of people struggling with it."
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
"The compensation arrangements generally cover permanent adverse impacts, and the generally held principle is that the public purse does not compensate businesses
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.
Nearby Viaduct Café owner Grace Roddick said she and her mum Debra, who opened a deli on the site just four days before being told the bridge would shut, have been severely impacted.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
final
Grace, who has owned the café for around two years, said: “I am about 70% down in takings; all me and mum can do is survive it. And the deli was cut off before it started.
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.
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.
“It’s gone really, really quiet – I’ve lost around 60% of customers, and there are now no walk-ins.
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
"I’ve had to let at least four people go. I used to have two people on each day and now it’s just me and my mum, and sometimes a third person Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
“It is what it is; we just have to try to get through it.”
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
Kevin Brewer at the Bigger Eater
Boarders take the Road to Nowhere
YATE'S Road to Nowhere has chalked up another credit as a TV location.
The 400m road at Yate Common, between Westerleigh Road, Rodford Way and the railway, was started in the 1970s.
It was meant to link with Culvert Avenue on the Badminton Road trading estate, but was never completed.
Now it is promoted by South Gloucestershire Council as a filming location and its latest appearance is in the second series of the popular comedy drama Boarders.
Boarders, which is being screened on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer was created and written by BAFTA-nominated actor Daniel Lawrence Taylor, who also co-stars in the series as Gus. Interior sets for the characters’ London homes were built at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, and there are several sites in the city, including Clifton and the Dove Street estate in Kingsdown, which are used.
Filming also took place at Badminton House Grounds and Badminton village, Berwick Lodge near Cribbs Causeway, and Brean Leisure Park in Somerset.
A council spokesperson said: “In the last five years we have approved 15 permits for filming at the location.”
“Any production company can apply via an application found
on the South Gloucestershire Council website.
"They are required to hold all the necessary Public Liability insurances and carry out risk assessments. As common land they are also required to manage the security of the site.”
The money generated from site filming fees and administration is being ploughed back into the local economy
and is used to “maintain our Common Open Spaces”, said the spokesperson.
The most famous scene filmed on the road was a huge petrol tanker explosion filmed for BBC One drama Casualty in 2018.
The following year the then council leader Toby Savage unveiled a study into a new road that would finally connect the dual carriageway to the network but plans were later dropped.
Around 90 people worked on Boarders per day, and over 70% of the crew were local to the region.
Executive producer Madeleine Sinclair said: "The Studios and Film Office were very accommodating and helped facilitate the shoot in every way possible.
"Bristol is an incredible place to film, and we were very pleased to engage with the skills work at the (Bottle Yard) Studio to bring forward local crew talent. We always try to offer as many local opportunities as possible."
GODWIN HELEN
Aruna Jalloh and Michael Salami in a scene filmed on the Road to Nowhere
n LOCAL MP for Yate
Tide of closures must be turned back
THE Post Office dates back to the 1600s.
It is an institution that by its very venerability is steeped in our life and experience. For generations, popping to the post office was a regular affair for anything from stamps to pension pick ups and travel money.
It is still a bedrock for many people’s lives. But with the digital age, the Post Office has struggled to stay relevant to modern lives. For many digital natives, visiting it is an alien experience.
However there are still many people who rely on the organisation. For those without their own transport, especially in rural areas, there’s a likelihood they will be unable to access key services. This is because the Post Office has announced a raft of closures, affecting both urban and rural communities.
The Post Office is considering closing all its directly-owned branches, including the main Post Office in Yate. At the same time, they’ve announced the closure of
several smaller post offices and outreach services locally.
Cromhall’s post office is to close, and with it the outreach service in Tytherington. Hard on the heels of this was news of the closure of Doynton's outreach post office, and also of the service provided in Badminton.
Sub-postmasters are supposed to underpin the service, and yet closures such as these are still happening, leaving many without a local post office branch.
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It’s not just the Post Office that is in retreat from the high street. Banks have been closing dozens of branches over the last few years.
The latest casualty is Lloyds Bank in Thornbury. The closure is due to take place at the end of February next year, and will leave the town without a local bank branch.
In the last six years, Thornbury has lost branches of HSBC, TSB, Nat West and Barclays. The nearest
Lloyds after the closure will be in Yate, 10 miles away.
If Lloyds does close its Thornbury branch then the aim is to establish a new ‘banking hub’. The hub would, rather ironically, be run by the Post Office and host a number of high street bank outlets.
I am campaigning hard to halt the current slew of bank and post office closures, and I am meeting with those who are behind the plans.
You can have your say about the post office closures on their website, postofficeviews.co.uk.
I am also running petitions opposing the closures of Lloyds Bank in Thornbury and the main post office in Yate.
I would urge the Post Office to halt their plans to cut our local services, focus on supporting existing outreach services, and actually listen to the sub postmasters, who are working hard on the frontline and know how to make their services better.
Claire Young outside Yate's main post office
Community heroes honoured
A BADMINTON coach working in Yate has been named one of the community's heroes for her dedication to the sport.
Penny Shears is one of ten individuals and groups to be presented with one of this year's South Gloucestershire Community Awards by council chair Franklin Owusu-Antwi.
Penny first started coaching in 1987 when her children played at a club at Downend School. The club later moved to Yate, and is known as Yate Racketeers Junior Badminton Club.
Penny also volunteers with the Henleazebased Beaufort Badminton Club's junior section and works part-time as a paid coach for adults and children.
Her citation read: "Penny is a very good badminton player herself (winning medals at both World and European Senior Championships), so understands how competitive sport can help children strive to do better.
"Penny’s dedication has done more than just improve physical and mental well-being - her club and her drive have changed the
course of people’s lives.
"Her inspiration is infectious, and she has encouraged many others to volunteer and support their local community."
Also given awards were Denise and David Beddow, for their work with the Sodbury and Yate Clean Up litter picking group and Upper Frome Friends.
Their citation said: "The amount of work and time David and Denise have given to help their local community is utterly inspiring."
The couple have been volunteering service since 2019 through various local groups including the Sodbury and Yate Clean Up
litter picking group.
David and his wife Denise have both gone out daily to litter pick in their area, clearing huge amounts of waste, while encouraging others through the groups.
Several groups have also been given awards, including Southwold Ramblers Maintenance Team and .E.A.K Parenting Empowered Autistic Kids.
Cllr Owusu-Antwi said: "Looking through the nominations has been a real privilege and in many cases I could feel the warmth behind the words towards the individuals and groups being nominated."
The South Gloucestershire Community Awards winners
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Rustle up a little sunshine
ALTHOUGH officially Spring starts on March 1, the weather in March doesn’t always feel bright and cheerful.
On those often jolly cold days, I want a main meal that is warming, bright and filling, but titillates my taste buds, too.
This Moroccan lamb pie ticks all those boxes.
It’s a twist on a tagine. I love the pairing of the lamb with the other traditional Moroccan ingredients.
And on a dull, chilly day this recipe will bring you a little sunshine.
Once you’ve tried it, I guarantee you’ll be trying it out on all your friends and family.
Moroccan Lamb Pie
Ingredients:
1 pack filo pastry sheets - thawed
50g butter
500g lamb steaks -cut into medium sized dice, or lean minced lamb if you prefer
Generous pinch of saffron threads
mixed with 2 tablespoons of warm water
1 tablespoon plain flour
2 red onions - chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp coriander
1 lemon juice and rind
50g flaked almonds
150g dried apricots roughly chopped
3 tablespoons Greek style natural yoghurt mint parsley
Salt & black pepper
Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Yate & Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.
Here’s what you do:
Preheat oven to 190ºC (170ºC fan assisted) 375ºF/Gas M5
Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently sauté the onion together with the spices for 5-7 minutes until onion is just beginning to become tender.
Add the flour, stirring all the time, into the onion mixture. Cook through for a couple of mins.
Stir in the saffron mix and 200ml of water. Leave to one side to cool.
In a separate pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Add the lamb and continue cooking, stirring all the while until the meat is browned on all sides.
Stir in the lemon juice and rind, the apricots, yoghurt and lastly some of the chopped herbs. Mix well, remove from heat and place in the base of a shallow,
ovenproof dish and allow to cool. Scatter the almonds over the top.
To form the lid of the pie, melt the butter and add a few of the remaining chopped herbs, open out the filo pastry and cut the stack of sheets in half across its length to give two stacks of rectangular sheets. Lightly brush one piece of filo with the herb butter and ‘scrunch’ it lightly, then place on top of the filling. Repeat with remaining pastry and butter until all filling is covered.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25mins, until the pastry is golden brown. Just before removing from oven, brush again with remaining butter and scatter with remaining chopped herbs, return to oven for 2-3 minutes to just ‘set’ the herbs.
Serve hot with vegetables often served with Moroccan dishes, like couscous, turnips, courgettes, carrots.
n LOCAL HISTORY
Photos shed light on a piece of history
PHOTOS from an undeveloped roll of film in an antique camera have been identified as being of an event in Chipping Sodbury that made national headlines, more than 75 years ago.
The film was discovered inside a 100-yearold Kodak camera up for sale in an antiques market in Salisbury, by local enthusiast Oliver Barnes.
Oliver, aged 20, had the film developed and said he was shocked to find that pictures had survived.
He told the BBC: "I was so worried I had exposed the film because they are very, very light-sensitive.
"They're really good quality for how old they are. I wasn't really expecting anything."
The pictures showed an event that had drawn a crowd to the Portcullis Hotel in Horse Street.
Oliver identified the location online and, guessing it had happened between the 1930s and 50s, started sharing the pictures in local Facebook groups in December last year, to see if anyone had any ideas about the event.
The story was also shared via the BBC and in February, an answer to the mystery was found.
Residents said the event was a homecoming event to welcome quads who had been born to the Good family, from Westerleigh.
The girls - Bridget, Frances, Elizabeth and Jennifer - were the world's first quads to survive a Caesarean section birth, in June 1948.
Crowds lined the streets on their way home from Southmead Hospital and locals were given a day off.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror of September 16 that year, the Goods were presented with a key to their new home –"two council houses knocked together" - in
Westerleigh, and the street was renamed The Quadrangle by the council.
One of the pictures showing a crowd outside the
The same view today.
They were also given a washing machine at the homecoming event.
One of the sisters, Bridget, died in 1984 but Jennifer and Frances were living in Chipping Sodbury when they reached their 70th birthday in 2018, while Elizabeth was living in Hampshire.
Do you remember the homecoming event? Email the Voice at contact@yateandsodburyvoice. co.uk
Picture: Rich McD
Portcullis. Photographer unknown.
New acts for Good Times festival
ORGANISERS of the Good Times festival which has brought thousands of music and comedy fans to the area have announced more headliners.
The full line-up for the May 2025 concerts, taking place at The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury, now includes Billy Ocean, Craig David, Natalie Imbruglia, Sister Sledge and Gabrielle.
They have been added to a bill that already included Will Young and Jools Holland.
Organisers have also switched the headliner for the comedy gala at the end of the festival on bank holiday Monday May 26.
Katherine Ryan has replaced Bath-born comic Russell Howard, who will now perform at next year's event.
She will be supported by Henning Wehn and local host Cerys Nelmes.
Lead organiser James Murden told the Voice: “This is the third time we’ve brought
Good Times to the area and we’re thrilled with this year’s line-up.
"We have something for everyone and can’t wait to bring the party to BS37 once again!”
Event producer Tom Campbell added “The scale of the productions are huge.
"We have a large orbit style stage along with video screens and epic light show with world class PA system, audiences are in for a treat!”
The week of shows also includes a bank holiday Monday family daytime show.
After two years at Yate Town Football Club, the festival is moving to The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury for improved access.
Good Times was first staged in 2022 with a number of tribute acts as the headliners. Last year it stepped up a gear with McFly, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting for Girls.
This year's headliners at eight different shows also include 90s rockers Skunk Anansie and Republica, and Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Tickets are all on sale now from GoodTimesLive.co.uk
Billy Ocean
Craig David
Free wills help Jessie May
CHILDREN'S hospice at home charity Jessie May has teamed up with experts at ELM Legal Services to offer supporters a chance to have their will written free of charge.
Around 60% of adults in the UK don’t have a will, leaving loved ones potentially exposed to legal headaches on their death, particularly those with unmarried partners or step-children.
To encourage everyone to write a valid will, Jessie May, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families, has partnered with the Fishponds-based specialist wills, probate, and trusts provider to offer free will writing, in return for a pledge to the charity.
Kath Jones, individual giving manager at Kingswood-based Jessie May, said: "Gifts in wills have a profound impact on the work we do. It’s always incredibly meaningful when we see that someone has chosen to include Jessie May in their will.
"Their generosity ensures that we can continue providing essential, specialised nursing care to families facing unimaginable challenges. We are deeply grateful to those who make this extraordinary choice.
"Their legacy will be to give our families the chance to make happy memories together while they can."
ELM Legal Services managing director Jim Emsley said: "Our mission at ELM Legal Services is to make will writing simple and accessible for people throughout England and Wales.
“We’re also committed to supporting causes that echo our values and make a profound difference in the lives of others. We're proud to partner with Jessie May, enabling their supporters to plan for the future while also giving them the opportunity to support a charity that makes such a difference to families in need.”
Supporters can visit tinyurl.com/bdht5yux to begin the process and learn more about how their legacy can help Jessie May’s work.
Bridle maker's award
A CHIPPING Sodbury bridle maker has won a prize in a prestigious national contest.
Issi Russell, who runs her own business, IR Bridles, was runner-up in the Society of Master Saddlers annual Saddle, Bridle and Harness Competition at Saddler’s Hall in London in February.
Issi, a Master Bridle Maker, had to make a miniature piece of tack to half scale and her entry, a Stallion In Hand Show Set, took around 80 hours to finish at her workshop in the town.
She narrowly missed out on top spot to the current Master Harness Maker at the Royal Mews in Buckingham Palace.
Issi first started making saddlery in 2000 and began specialising in bridles from 2004.
A keen horse-rider herself, her love for animals led her to “join the only full-time saddlery college in existence, Cordwainer’s College in Mare Street, Hackney.
Her dad was lucky enough to receive an invitation to the Saddler’s Company the following week.
Issi said: "It was life changing for me. I wanted so desperately to just learn enough to even enter, let alone years on be winning prizes!”
Issi has won many prizes for her entries before and is already planning what to make next year.
info@irbridles.co.uk www.irbridles.co.uk
Issi with her entry
Librarian takes her place in history
A LIBRARIAN from Yate is one of 250 women from Bristol's history featured in a new book.
Jean George's story is told in Volume Three of The Women Who Built Bristol, which is published on March 3 ahead of International Women’s Day, five days later.
The new book follows two previous volumes, each containing the life stories of 250 different women from Bristol’s past.
Author Jane Duffus said: "When I give talks about my work with ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ project, I am guaranteed to be asked two questions.
"One is where I find the women about whom I write. The other is if I will ever run out of women to write about. The second question is easier to answer than the first.
"So, where do I find the women I write about? In short: from everywhere.
"I have ended up finding extraordinarily interesting women to research from street signs, building names, plaques on
church walls, newspaper archives, or when somebody emails to suggest somebody to me.
"A quicker question to answer is will I ever run out of women to write about. And the short answer is no.
"If you think that the books cover roughly a 1,000 year period, then that’s not even one woman a year. There are still thousands of women out there just waiting to have their stories shared."
All books in ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ series can be ordered at janeduffus. com.
Jean George (1953-2016)
ORIGINALLY from the Lake District, Jean Dixon was only 15 when her mother died, and young Jean quickly took on the domestic burdens of shopping, cleaning and running the family home alongside her school work.
Clearly adept at multitasking, Jean excelled at school and went on to study German at Exeter University, as well as completing her PGCE the following year.
At university, she met her husband Robin George and their first years of married life were spent in Preston, where Jean worked as a teacher.
However, by 1977 they were living in Yate and Jean found a job at the Bristol Evening Post as a Library Assistant. It was in this way that she discovered her passion for library
Wills and Probate without the mystery
How do I choose the right executor of my will? I’m worried about putting a burden on someone or making the wrong choice that will have a negative effect on my children. Your Executor is the person who is going to handle all your affairs after you pass away.
Typically, your Executor should possess two essential qualities: they know you very well, and they are good at managing paperwork. In addition, they should also be someone who is willing and able to give up some of their time to actually administer your estate and distribute your assets as indicated. Going through probate or the administration of an estate can be complex. Knowing this, it’s best to pick someone who has the capacity to take on such a responsibility and is good in these types of situations.
work and completed a postgraduate course in librarianship.
This qualification led Jean to a role at the University of Bristol’s library, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become Chief Cataloguer in 1986, a post she held until her retirement in 2011.
Even after retirement, Jean chose to stay busy and took a voluntary role at the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre, entering thousands of wildlife records into a new database.
Will Writing
Many people pick a trustworthy family member or a close friend to be their Executor, but that isn’t the only option. I recommend that you choose someone who will get to know you well, earn your trust and whom is also a professional.
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A professional Executor can also be an excellent choice for those who are worried about putting the burden on a family member or friend during a time of grief. They are an excellent option whose only stake in the situation is to do their job.
Jim
Probate Services
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Emsley
Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristol-based ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates?
Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.
Author Jane Duffus
New head hails 'positive steps' at village school
THE head of Iron Acton Primary School has taken charge of a third small village school.
Mike Riches took charge in January at Rangeworthy C of E Primary School, which was previously put into special measures after regulator Ofsted
said it was 'inadequate'.
Mr Riches says there have been "many positive steps" to take the school forward since the regulator's criticisms, in a report published in late 2023.
He remains in charge of both Iron Acton and Hawkesbury
primary schools.
Mr Riches said: "It is a pleasure to join such a dedicated team at the school; it has been wonderful to get to know the children and families.
"I come to this role with 10 years of experience as a head teacher and 18 years in education overall.
"I have worked as part of the team at local small schools Iron Acton and Hawkesbury, so I am very familiar with the area and with the way small schools operate.
"I also have a good understanding of the importance the church plays in the life of the school."
Ofsted's critical report said the school had undergone “significant staff turbulence” since a previous inspection rated it as 'good' in 2018.
The inspectors said it was "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education"
They said leaders at the school, which had 53 pupils aged from five to 11 on its roll at the time, had been "slow to sort out the widespread weaknesses".
Pupil numbers at the school, which has a capacity of 70, had declined to 43 by last summer.
As part of the improvement plan the school became part of the Severn Federation Academy Trust, which runs six other primary schools, in the Forest of Dean, in September last year.
Mr Riches said: "It has been fantastic to see just how far the school has come over the last year following its inspection – many positive steps have been taken to move the school forward.
"Since joining the Severn Federation Academy Trust, the school’s improvement journey has accelerated further still.
"I am excited to be a part of this journey as the school continues to move forward.
"At Rangeworthy, our vision is to ‘Let our lights shine’. This is something we as a school community are striving to do in all aspects of our work and something that permeates through all our decision making.
"Over the coming weeks and months I look forward to getting to know the school and its community better and working together to build on the strengths that exist at the school."
Mike Riches
Dodington Parish Band
DODINGTON Parish Band is a community brass band based in Chipping Sodbury that was formed in 1996 with the support of Dodington Parish Council.
Our weekly rehearsals are friendly and enjoyable, with a relaxed atmosphere, and we regularly perform around the local area.
We perform a wide variety of music, from traditional to modern day, at community events, on bandstands and at concerts.
We are always keen to welcome new players to join us, whichever brass instrument they play and whatever their age.
Our current membership of 22 players spans seven decades. Some are learners, some have returned to playing after a break, and some
G U N W E L L ?
have made the transition to a brass instrument after playing other instruments.
We are particularly keen to hear from cornet players and a percussion/kit player.
We rehearse on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at Dodington Parish Hall in Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury.
If you'd like to join us, please contact mail@ dodingtonparishband.co.uk.
You can find out more at www. dodingtonparishband.co.uk, and you can see and hear us in action on our YouTube channel!
Vicki Sims
Upper Frome Friends
WE were very sad to hear of the death of Kevin Baker, who died after a short illness at the end of January.
He was an enthusiastic member of the group, attending meetings and regularly joining river cleans. Kevin loved the challenge that retrieving trolleys presented and was a keen observer of wildlife in and around the river. He was a great friend to the river and will be much missed.
As spring shows signs of arriving, we have been delighted to see new volunteers joining us.
If you enjoy being outside and helping the environment, then come and join us!
River cleans are very satisfying, and soon it will be time for balsam bashing. They usually
&
& ABOVE) BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS (CHILDREN AGED 30 DAYS TO 2 YEARS)
happen on the first weekend of each month.
We’d like to say a huge well done and thank you to David Beddow, one of our founder members, who has just won a Yate community award. David works incredibly hard for the group, organising events and doing all he can to improve the river environment. We all benefit from his drive and enthusiasm and those of us who join river cleans appreciate his friendly welcome.
You can find out more details about river cleans and balsam bashing, on the Facebook Upper Frome Friends group page, or contact riverfromereconnected@southglos.gov.uk.
Jane Davis
Yate WI
WE have had a brilliant start to the year, with a fantastic speaker, Zentangle art demo and practice. We have lots more exciting plans for the rest of the year.
Yate WI meet on the second Monday of the month at 7pm for 7.30pm start at Poole Court, Yate.
We always enjoy a hot drink, biscuits and chit chat. We meet in a small cosy room which means no-one is left out, making friends is our aim.
For more information email us at yatewiavon@gmail.com, or just come along to our next meeting at Poole Court.
Sharon Bower
n COMMUNITY NEWS
WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club
THE fourth in the latest series of tea dances in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall was very well attended.
Shelter and Andysmanclub, a suicide prevention charity. For further information on entries and sponsorship, please contact Ian Joseph at bigjos1953@gmail.com. Stuart Fraser
Sodbury.
For more information email chris.dodd47@ hotmail or call 01454 882655. Kate Saunders
25% OFF during Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) Month
Old Sodbury WI
Some 80 people were present for an afternoon of music, dancing, a free raffle and light refreshments provided by the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club.
A record sum of £324 was received in donations, all of which will go to dementiarelated causes.
Chipping Sodbury Lions Club
LOOK out for giant Easter eggs appearing in 24 pubs locally!
OUR February meeting saw us given a wonderful insight into the middle stage of Queen Victoria's life, and her marriage to Albert.
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.
(OPG) and providing solicitorcertified copies.
Recently the club agreed to make donations and pledges to seven local schools, for a range of projects and events.
We also made a donation to Children’s Hospice South West, following a very moving presentation from fundraising officer Amanda Leonard, and Yate-based Citizens Advice South Glos, to assist with training costs for its volunteers.
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.
These raffle prizes are provided by the Lions Club of Chipping Sodbury, to raise funds for good causes.
In the last year, the club has provided around £1,500 for Yate Food Bank and awarded £6,500 to local youth organisations.
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Powers of Attorney are so important. Arguably even more important than Wills. Go quickly.
The club made a financial donation to ‘Sand Dunes Worldwide,’ a charity that supports people living in dry lands to build dams, grow food and provide clean water.
We have helped with supermarket collections for Marie Curie Cancer, organised the Santa Sleigh Christmas street visits, organised (with Chipping Sodbury Towns Land Charity) a free Christmas Concert, supported Paul’s Place and Warmley Wheelers with hampers to raffle, and gave grants to other local applications for support. The club also made up 48 Christmas boxes for delivery to Romania.
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.”
We welcomed back Susan Symons for an interesting presentation on her book, 'The Colourful Personal Life of Queen Victoria - Part 2'.
John Baden-Daintree
Susan provided an interesting insight into their relationship, Albert's 17-year struggle to obtain a royal title and their 19 children over 17 years.
I personally bought Susan's book 'Victoria's Daughters' and I'm looking forward to learning more.
Our WI team is doing well in the 2025 skittles tournament, and our wonderful book club is reading ‘Six Years’ by Harlan Coben.
I don't care how old you are. I got mine at 35. It's always best to go through solicitors
A few club members joined the Upper Frome Friends group in February along two stretches of the River Frome, collecting an enormous amount of litter and larger items.
Money Expert MARTIN LEWIS on ITV’s THIS MORNING
The club's annual charity golf day will be on May 23 at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club. Proceeds will be shared between the Julian Trust Night
• 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
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 club also organises the collection of unwanted glasses and sunglasses which are recycled to help those in need. They can be donated at Boots Opticians in Yate or Blue Cross shops in Chipping Sodbury and Yate.
We welcome new volunteers and members.
SOLICITOR CERTIFED COPIES:
John at Simpsons says, “We just
We are hosting a craft fayre and coffee morning on Saturday March 8, from 9.30am1pm. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome.
Michelle Baden-Daintree
We meet on the first Wednesday of every month. Our next meeting is on March 5 at Old Sodbury Village Hall, and we have a talk on medical detection dogs.
So contact Simpson Solicitors today. They are opposite Costa Coffee in the Kings Chase shopping centre. Quote LPA25 for 25% off the full cost!
Meetings are on the second Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm, at the Cross Hands, Old
Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood 0117 960 8594
You would be most welcome to attend one of our future meetings.
message@simpsonslawuk.com
Sam Newick
Free Will Review
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Get in touch: message@simpsonslawuk.com
Or visit our ground
“We were made to feel
“You
n WHAT'S ON
March 1
n SODBURY VALE MRC 38th Annual Model Railway Exhibition, Yate Parish, YMCA and Community halls, Station Road, Yate, 10am-4.30pm. Adults £7, accompanied under-16's free.
March 3-9
n THE GREAT BOOK HUNT IN KINGSGATE PARK. Week long event for World Book Day. Explore our park and find hidden books each day that have been tucked away. Find them, read them and pass them on. Organised by Friends of Kingsgate Park.
March 3
n FRIENDS OF KINGSGATE PARK COMMITTEE MEETING, Poole Court, Yate, 7pm. All welcome.
March 4- 29
n BATH TEXTILE ARTISTS EXHIBITION: Pieces of Yate 2 at Yate Heritage Centre, Church Lane. Exhibition inspired by the history, buildings and landscape of Yate. TuesdaysThursday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm. More details at www. bathtextileartists.com.
March 11
n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC SOCIETY presents Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Tuesday, 7.30pm. Tickets £18 on the door; school-aged children free.
March 11
n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY Annual General Meeting, the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Also spring basket practice class on 25th March, same time and venue. Contact katebryant186@gmail.com for more details.
March 11
n GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY BRISTOL GROUP meeting, BAWA, Southmead Road, Bristol, 7.30pm. Talk: Tunnel Vision - The Story of the Metropolitan Railway, with Colin Brading. All welcome, no admission charge: suggested donation of £3. More details on 07947 246259.
March 15
n COME AND SING WITH YATE CHORAL SOCIETY at St Paul's Church, Sundridge Park, 10am-4pm. Workshop open to all singers led by conductor, with music including Bizet and Schubert. More details and bookings from yatechoralsociety@ gmail.com or call 07833 597114.
March 19
n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP AGM at the Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, 7pm. Talk: The first 25 years and the next 25, by the
three group chairmen. Non-members welcome - £3 each.
March 20
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by David Cuthbert on English artist Matthew Smith. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.
March 22
n CRAFT & GIFT FAYRE!
Chipping Sodbury Town Hall
Saturday 22nd March 10 am to 4 pm We will have 35+ Stalls of beautiful, Locally Handmade Crafts & Gifts, amazing cakes, refreshments & More!
Voluntary Entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Cotswolds Cats & Dogs Home
Email bythewoodsfayres@hotmail.com for more info
March 23
n ED BYRNE: TRAGEDY PLUS TIME, comedy at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets from edbyrne.com/live-dates.
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 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.yogain.co.uk or call 07804598353
n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm
at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412.
Tuesday
n YATE POETRY GROUP meets every Tuesday morning. Small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems. For details and to learn more about the venue, contact Tony on 0770 4140682 or email yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com.
n SERENGETI BRASS BAND, small band for improvers, meets every Tuesday from 9.45-11.45am at Yate Methodist Church in Moorland Road. Straightforward pressure-free music making in good company. For more information email SerengetiBrassClass@gmail.com or phone Paul on 07851 239500.
n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. To find out more contact croquet@wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.
n SOUTH COTSWOLD PROBUS GROUP meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Masonic Hall Sodbury, 10am. Contact Pete Chaplin for details. 01454 324956.
n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY rehearses at St. Nicholas' Church Centre, Chargrove, Yate, 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. For details call 07833 597114
n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK 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 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 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 CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's
Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating.
n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am (term time). Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353
Thursday
n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.30-11.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details.
n LIONS CLUB OF CHIPPING SODBURY meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Cross Hands, Old Sodbury, 7.30pm. More information from chris.dodd47@hotmail, call 01454 882655 or via Facebook.
n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET UP occurs every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For further info contact volunteering@coeliac.org.uk.
n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Back Care Yoga 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353
n 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.
Friday
n CHIPPING SODBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR, 10-11.30am, Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury High Street. More details from nicelizmartin@yahoo.co.uk.
yate & sodbury voice
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Yate & Sodbury u3a
WHAT made over one hundred U3A members in our area attend one of a series of six-week Artificial Intelligence courses in the past year?
Having done so, what use did they make of their hard earned knowledge?
Yate and Sodbury U3A have been reviewing the experiences of the first year, as they prepare the next set of free AI courses.
The top reason for attending turns out to have been simple curiosity. Nevertheless, before long most attendees had installed ChatGPT onto their phones or tablets and were using other tools to create AI music and AI art.
The moral and ethical questions involved were also of great interest, not least the effects on education and employment for family members still in school or the workforce.
What are course members most looking forward to? Self-driving cars are second on the list, although they cannot compete with the potential of humanoid robots.
People are divided as to whether they want one at home to help with housework and cooking. Will you want one?
For more information on u3a courses visit yate-sodbury.u3asite.uk. David McAll
Chipping Sodbury Morning WI
IN February we visited Yate Heritage Centre to see the Parnall/Jackson exhibition.
What a surprise for one of our lovely ladies, who recognised herself in a photograph! We were surprised how much the WI featured in factory life over the years.
Our February speaker gave us a very amusing talk about their time as a tour guide: not a job for the faint hearted.
In March our talk is called 'Jane Austen Made Me Do It'. The question is, what did she make you do?
Our programme for the year will include a day trip to Poole to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College, and some small local trips.
We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 10am in the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury. The building is fully accessible and has parking.
You would be made very welcome if you came along to meet us.
For more information please call 07809 534 107. Sue Bird
Library news
YATE Library is hosting two author events in March, with appearances by Veronica Henry on the 1st and Claire Douglas on the 15th, both at 2pm.
Family theatre shows take place on March 8 at 11am and 2pm (Along Came a Magpie) and March 29 at 10.30am and 1.30pm (Tiny and Tall).
Tickets for all event cost £5 and can be booked at sglibraries.eventbrite. com.
Special Storytime to celebrate World Book Day: listen to a story and meet The Dinosaur that Pooped, March 3 & 8, 10.30am.
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.
Lego Club is on March 8, 10.30-11.30am and March 14 & 28, 4pm. Dropin sessions. Suitable for children 4-10 years, must be accompanied by an adult.
Reading group ‘Have You Read’ takes place on March 28, from 10.3011.30am.
Craft Group meets on March 8 & 22 from 10am-noon, for knitting, sewing or crochet projects.
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.
Legal advice with Wards Solicitors: March 6, 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.
Memory Lane
Volunteers rewarded
SODBURY Tennis Club is celebrating winning the Club of the Year title at the LTA Lexus Avon Tennis Awards for the second time.
The club, based at the Ridings in Chipping Sodbury, also won the Competition of the Year award for its competition team of Kathy Ryan, Andrew Jones and Nic Webber, while Elliot Barraclough was highly commended in the Aspiring Young Person of the Year category, and Gavin Howell won an Unsung Hero award for his dedicated efforts behind the scenes.
The Club of the Year award recognises that the club is its members, from chair Kathy Ryan and members of the volunteer committee, to the members maintaining the clubhouse, bar and facilities in excellent condition.
The award recognised the club's facilities, comprehensive programme of tennis activities, including Avon Tennis and LTA National competitions and tournaments, with the highest participation of any club in the county, and professional coaching team led by Pete Caseley that give members aged four to 80 inclusive opportunities to play.
The competition team was recognised for organising year-round events, ensuring internal competitive tennis for all members, which also serve as social fundraising initiatives for the club charity Make a Wish, raising £1,500 over the year.
Elliot Barraclough was commended for his contribution to coaching and club engagement. Having attained the Junior Leaders Award, he volunteers in mini coaching and matches, proving invaluable support during coaching sessions, and is the club's young persons' welfare officer.
Gavin Howell, already voted Club Volunteer of the Year by members, was honoured with an Avon Tennis Unsung Hero award for his role as a dedicated committee member for three years, overseeing health and safety and leading club maintenance. Jan Belcher
“ 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
Six in a row for Yate
YATE'S first team continued their sensational run of form with a commanding 35-12 victory over Bishopston 1s, marking their sixth consecutive win in the league.
The visitors delivered a clinical performance, combining attacking flair with defensive resilience to overpower their opponents.
The tone was set early on, as Yate surged into the lead just three minutes into the match.
Chris Moore’s pinpoint penalty kick gave Yate an early 3-0 advantage, setting the stage for a dominant first-half display.
Yate maintained the pressure with relentless attacking phases, showcasing slick handling and smart offloads. Their forward pack controlled the set-pieces, providing a solid platform for the backs to exploit space out wide. The pressure soon paid off, as Yate crossed the try line twice before half-time, extending their lead and leaving Bishopston struggling to keep pace.
Bishopston fought back admirably, showing glimpses of their attacking potential with two well-worked tries, but Yate’s defence stayed resolute, absorbing the pressure before counter-attacking with precision. Chris Moore dictated the game with his tactical kicking, keeping Bishopston pinned in their own half.
The second half saw Yate turn up the intensity, scoring three more tries to put the result beyond doubt. Their backline displayed exceptional pace and vision, breaking through Bishopston’s defensive lines with ease. The team’s cohesion and discipline were evident as they controlled possession and territory, denying Bishopston any chance of a comeback.
Afterwards Yate’s captain Jordan Hawker, praised the team’s "fantastic effort".
Yate Rugby is free for all, for men’s, ladies, children’s, tag and walking rugby. For more details visit www.yaterugby.com.
Stewart
Stacey
Baps chalk up cracking wins
BADMINTON & Pucklechurch Ladies Hockey team have been having an action packed season.
A cracking game against Yate 3s ended in an impressive 3-2 win for the team, known as Baps.
This was followed by another away victory, 3-0 over Westberries, then a 3-0 defeat to a strong, quick and organised South Glos side. Despite only having nine players away to Keynsham development team, the girls in teal won 10-0, with youngster Naomi Bailey scoring her first hat-trick.
A close 1-0 win over Wick Ladies, thanks to a screamer from Nicki Trueman, was followed by another cracking win, 4-0 against Hanham at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex.
A 3-2 defeat away to Dursley Ladies, with the winner scored from a controversial short corner, was followed by a 4-2 win away to Knowle 2s.
We are always on the lookout for new players: come to training on Mondays at 8pm and home matches on Saturdays at 10am, at YOSC. Lisa Rigby
The Badminton & Pucklechurch team
New signings make instant impact
YATE Town have made some key signings, who have made an immediate impact on the club's promotion push.
A resounding 4-1 win at Cribbs saw returning forward Nick McCootie score twice. Fellow new signing King Baidoo also scored, having opened his account against Larkhall in January. Will Christopher was the other scorer for the Bluebells.
This was followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Bideford, where Lucas Tomlinson scored Yate's goal, and an excellent 2-1 win against Falmouth Town. King Baidoo was on the scoresheet again, along with Wayne Nderemani, as the Bluebells ended Falmouth's six-game winning run at the South West Interiors Stadium.
The Bluebells Budget Booster, a ring-fenced amount raised by
fans and businesses to support the playing budget, has raised over £10,000 this season.
Justin May, from shirt sponsors Graphic Packaging International, was thanked by manager Darren Mullings for the company's contribution which helped support the recent signings of Baidoo and McCootie. Details about the Bluebells Budget Booster can be found on the club website.
At the Falmouth game the club presented a cheque for £578.99 to their charity of the season, St Peter’s Hospice, and a further £143.27 was raised in a bucket collection.
A fine 3-1 win at Thatcham
Returning forward
Nick McCootie scores against Cribbs
saw another new signing, Jamie Adams, involved.
Ross Stearn, just three appearances away from his 600th senior appearance, was among the scorers in an excellent second half performance, as Yate came back from 1-0 down at half-time.
McCootie, with a penalty, and Baidoo got the other goals.
With 12 games to go, Yate Town are 7 points clear at the top of the Southern League Division One South table, with a game in hand before their game against Westbury United, which was postponed on February 24 due to a waterlogged pitch.
The club is running a
GRANTING GROWTH
supporters' coach to Evesham for the top-of-the-table clash on March 8, and is looking for the public to come out in force to support the team in the final stages of the season.
The Under-18 teams continue to make good progress and the Western Counties Floodlit League team would appreciate as much support from local fans as possible for their Tuesday night home games.
For details of all the sides' fixtures and reports and other updates visit the club website at www.yatetownfc.co.uk and social media channels.
Bob Chester
Upcoming fixtures:
March 1:
Shaftesbury (Home 3pm)
March 4:
Willand Rovers (H, 7.45pm)
March 8:
Evesham United (Away, 3pm)
March 15:
Melksham Town (H, 3pm)
March 22:
Bideford AFC (A, 3pm)
March 29: Bemerton (H 3pm)
The success stories behind new high street businesses
Three previously empty shops on Chipping Sodbury’s high street are now home to new businesses, thanks to South Gloucestershire Council’s Vacant Unit Grant Scheme.
A run-down building on Horse street has been fully renovated by J D Benton Developments Ltd. to bring it back to life. Developer, Jack Benton said, “The grant allowed work to be carried out quicker and it is great to see the Willow and Fig Cafe open and providing further choice for people eating out in Chipping Sodbury.”
FD Cummins Financial Planning also benefited from the scheme, moving from Fishponds. Owner Fergal, Denise and team explained, “Being on Chipping Sodbury High Street means people can just walk in to talk to us or book a free financial review, making financial advice affordable and accessible to all. We feel part of the community.”
Lunar Studios, offering hairdressing and other beauty treatments, opened in Mitre Mews using the grant. Owners Lucy and Charlotte are delighted to start their new venture saying, “We are so pleased to be running our own business and have already welcomed many customers.”
Councillor Ian Boulton, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, Employment, and Business, said, “It is fantastic to see these new businesses opening on our high streets, in what were previously empty units. Having a range of services and shops available on residents’ doorsteps is
hugely important in creating the sort of prosperous, bustling high streets South Gloucestershire needs.”
The Vacant Unit Grant Scheme, funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supports landlords in bringing vacant units back into use and helps new businesses move into these spaces.
To learn more about business support opportunities in South Gloucestershire, visit: www.southglos.gov.uk/ investsouthglos
Willow and Fig Cafe
FD Cummins
FD Cummins
Lunar Studios
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
