Thornbury Voice April 2024

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A stage full of stars

£160m Oldbury nuclear deal

THE government is buying back land near the former Oldbury nuclear power station, 15 years after selling it off.

A £160 million deal for the land at Oldbury-onSevern and another site at Wylfa, on Anglesey, was announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in March's budget.

The land will be bought by Great British Nuclear (GBN), which is described as a "government armslength body created to drive forward delivery of new

nuclear generating capacity".

Current owner Hitachi abandoned its own plans to develop the site when its subsidiary Horizon Nuclear Power ceased operations in 2020.

Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie hailed the decision as "a major step forward for the UK’s nuclear revival", adding: "We are bringing nuclear back to the historic sites of Wylfa and Oldbury – and with it jobs, investment and clean energy."

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Tributes to Scott

HUNDREDS of supporters and former team-mates gathered to pay tribute to a former footballer who died after an assault outside a Pilning pub.

PAGE 4

Bin changes coming

A raft of changes to recycling that will eventually see black bin collections every three weeks instead of two has been confirmed.

PAGE 5

Detox clinic plans are approved

AN unused children’s activity centre near Thornbury will be turned into a live-in detox and rehab clinic for addicts, despite more than 40 objections from neighbours

PAGE 6

Competitors in this year's Marlwood's Got Talent event played to a packed audience at the Alveston school. Picture: Paul Flack. Full

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Drugs and weapons seized

POLICE have arrested five people in a series of raids near Thornbury following a "complex investigation" into the supply of class A drugs.

Suspected cocaine, cash, weapons and "expensive" vehicles were also seized during the raids, which took place in the early hours of March 20 in Tortworth, Buckover and Wotton-under-Edge.

An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said a team of officers carrying out a warrant under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act arrested four men and one woman, all on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

Four of those arrested are also suspected of acquiring or possessing criminal property. The fifth was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm without a certificate.

A police spokesperson said: "The warrants follow a complex investigation into a group suspected of being linked with the supply of class A drugs across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Barnaby Mabbett said: "Alongside the arrests, officers seized six expensive vehicles, several thousands of pounds in cash and a quantity of suspected cocaine.

"They also seized a suspected imitation firearm and a crossbow and knife.

"We’re committed to cracking down on those who supply class A drugs into our area.

"Through listening to our communities, gathering intelligence and carrying out proactive operations, we’ll ensure our area remains hostile to those who want to engage in this illegal trade."

Police have called on anyone who suspects someone in their area is involved in supplying or using of drugs to call them on 101, report it via the police website or speak to a member of the local neighbourhood policing team.

BBQ causes bench blaze

THORNBURY firefighters have warned people against using disposable barbecues on park furniture, after a fire destroyed a picnic bench at the town's Mundy Playing Fields.

The incident was reported on March 23 and a team from the town's fire station had to attend and extinguish the blaze with a hose reel.

A member of the public lit a disposable barbecue on top of the bench, accidentally setting it on fire in the process.

The bench, which was made out of composite rubber, was destroyed.

Afterwards the firefighters posted pictures on the station's Facebook page and warned: "Please be careful.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is also warning people not to mix caustic soda and bleach when cleaning, after an incident in Yate when they released heat and harmful toxic gas, which led to one person being taken to hospital.

Service station manager and HazMat lead Chris Bengey said: "People often think that cleaning products will be twice as effective when mixed together but cleaning product cocktails can be a risky mix.”

A firefighter damps down the bench at Mundy playing fields. Picture: Thornbury firefighters/AFRS

Deal will 'bring back nuclear' to Oldbury

The news was welcomed by regional development partnership Western Gateway, which has been lobbying for new nuclear projects at Oldbury since the end of Horizon, including an unsuccessful bid for the site to host an experimental nuclear fusion reactor.

Oldbury is now in line to be a site for a small modular reactor (SMR): the shortlist of six firms invited to bid for what GBN describes as "potentially multi-billion-pound technology development contracts" includes GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International, a joint enterprise between the site's Japanese current owner and American giant General Electric.

The land around Oldbury was originally sold off in 2009, while the original power station was still generating electricity.

It was one of three sites sold for a total of £387m by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Horizon Nuclear Power was set up by EON UK plc and RWE Npower, who bought Oldbury and Wylfa, to develop new nuclear power stations.

In 2012 Hitachi bought Horizon for £700m but suspended operations in 2019 due to funding problems.

It abandoned its plans for the 170 hectare (420 acre) site, north west of the closed power station, the following year.

A GBN spokesperson said the Oldbury and Wylfa acquisition "includes the land previously sold in 2009 as well as additional land owned by Hitachi in the vicinity of the sites”.

GBN chief executive Gwen Parry-Jones said: "Each location

has a long history of hosting the UK nuclear industry and has experienced the enormous benefits that nuclear power can bring to their local and regional economies.

"We deeply appreciate Hitachi’s development of these sites and their work to date was one of the reasons why they were so attractive to us.

"We look forward to engaging with each community in what we hope will be a long and fruitful dialogue.

"As our thinking moves forward, we will update local residents and

their representatives in the Wylfa and Oldbury areas."

Hitachi executive vice-president Alistair Dormer said: "Hitachi has continued to maintain these sites over the years in order to guarantee their future in playing an important role in the UK energy transition for decades ahead."

Western Gateway, whose members include South Gloucestershire Council, said a single small modular reactor (SMR) could potentially power a million homes for 60 years.

Council leader and Western Gateway board member Claire Young said: "The site at Oldbury has long been identified in national policy as suitable for new nuclear, clean energy generation. This announcement of investment in making that a reality is very welcome.

"This will help our journey to net zero and we would expect this project to create significant numbers of high-quality education, training, skills and employment opportunities for local people in the construction, R&D and running of any new facilities."

Berkeley deal will complement Oldbury work

DEVELOPMENT partnership

Western Gateway is also celebrating an international deal to invest in the Berkeley Science and Technology Park.

The site of another former reactor, north of Oldbury, is also part of the group's Severn Edge Low Carbon Energy Park, focused on developing new skills to work in the industry.

A £10 million investment in the site by Chiltern Vital Group, working with Rolls-Royce SMR and Bristol University, aims to create a "world-first net zero and nuclear technologies campus".

Rolls-Royce SMR has announced a new partnership with Polish industrial group Industria S.A and Poland’s Central Hydrogen Valley to develop low carbon energy sources.

It says this will provide a "significant opportunity for new skills, jobs, export contracts and investment into the Western Gateway region".

Western Gateway vice-chair Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “It is great to see this international deal focusing on

Berkeley.

“This is exactly what the Western Gateway’s Severn Edge site was designed to enable. Our vision is of a site which can help develop new skills and clean energy jobs for our communities.

"Severn Edge is ready to be seen as a world leader in new SMR technology and we look

forward to working with the UK Government, Rolls Royce SMR and Chiltern Vital Group to deliver a new generation of low carbon energy.”

CVG Chief Executive Chris Turner added: "SMR technology can only be deployed on the scale required through long term public/private and international partnerships."

The land is close to Oldbury nuclear power station, which is being decommissioned. Picture: Western Gateway

An image of how a small modular reactor is expected to look

Tributes to footballer who died after assault

HUNDREDS of supporters and former team-mates gathered to pay tribute to a former footballer who died after an assault outside a Pilning pub.

Scott Hendy was injured in an incident in the car park of the Kings Arms pub, off Redwick Road, at 12.15am on March 2.

The father-of-three was taken to hospital but died the following day of his injuries.

Avon & Somerset police said a 29-year-old man from Pilning, George Baylis, had been charged with manslaughter after the incident in which Scott was fatally injured.

Scott, who was 46, leaves behind sons Lewis and Harvey, aged 24 and 14, and daughter Holly, 13.

After news of his death emerged, tributes were paid to the former central defender, who played for clubs including Mangotsfield United, Clevedon Town, Yate Town and Bath City.

A charity match in which Scott had been due to play on March 17 was transformed into a memorial event, more than £5,000 to support his family.

Scott, who was living in Pilning at the time of his death, played almost 400 times for Mangotsfield between 1997 and 2011.

After his death Mangotsfield United's board and committee

issued a statement describing the "devastation" of everyone involved with the club.

They said: "Scott was someone who was held very high regard within the club and his loss is felt by all who knew him and enjoyed watching him play.

"More than just a great player, he was a great person and was well thought of by fans, managers and teammates alike.

"Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are all with Scott's family at this difficult time."

Scott's friend and former team-mate Geraint Bater, who played alongside him at both Mangotsfield and Clevedon Town, organised a Gofundme donation page to support his family, which had raised more than £16,000 as the Voice went to print.

It can be found online at tinyurl.com/36b6mpaa.

Geraint said: "Scott was loved by everyone who met him; he was funny, genuine and the life and soul of any party. His sense of humour was legendary and his loss will be felt from all over Bristol, such was the reach of his infectious personality.

"I know the word legend is banded around a bit, but he comes firmly into that category."

Around 900 people, including 861 fans, were at Mangotsfield's Cossham Street ground for the memorial match between a Mangotsfield United Legends side and a Marc Ford/Louis Carey Charity FC team.

Scott had been due to play with Geraint in the Mangotsfield Legends side in the match, which had originally been planned as a charity game before his death.

Geraint said: "Everyone was looking forward to meeting back

up – I guarantee that 99% of the funny stories that would have been shared would have involved Scott."

Instead many of his former teammates, including David Seal, Ollie Price and Danny Greaves, took to the pitch in his honour for the match against a side including ex-Bristol City players Louis Carey, Scott Murray and Clayton Fortune, who has played for both clubs.

The match started with a minute's applause for Scott and a release of balloons in Mangotsfield's club colours by members of his family.

Among them were his parents Bob and Jen, from Pilning, who thanked all those involved in the event.

Jen said: "It's lovely and very heart-warming to see all the people who have come to the game. It's overwhelming."

Bob said: "I used to come and watch Scott play here and I've seen a lot of faces I recognise from those days.

"He was so well-loved here –this was his club."

The teams were led out onto the pitch by Scott's son Harvey and daughter Holly.

The match was won 2-0 by the Mango Legends side, with Harvey scoring the second goal.

A trophy for the match was donated by Bristol Showmen's Guild and there are hopes it may become an annual event.

Scott played seven games for Yate Town during the 1996-97 season.

The club issued a statement which said: "As a club, Yate Town are deeply saddened about the death of Scott and we will be helping with a donation to pass onto to his family."

Members of Scott Hendy's family release balloons at the start of the match Scott Hendy

Three-week black bin collections on the way

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has revealed a raft of changes that will be brought in to recycling and bin collections in coming years.

The council wants to eventually make black bin collections every three weeks instead of every fortnight.

Before this happens it wants to cut the amount of recyclable materials and food waste going in to black bins, which it says currently make up almost two thirds of their contents.

To start off, the council is extending a trial scheme for kerbside collections of 'flexible' plastics like bags and packaging, which currently account for over a quarter of the space taken up in the average black bin.

During May the soft plastics service will expand to include one in every five homes in the district, with a view to rolling it out everywhere by the end of next year.

The council is currently in negotiations over a new waste and recycling contract, which will see the running of Sort It centres brought in-house and a new firm appointed to replace current operator Suez.

A cabinet meeting in March heard bids would be submitted over the summer, before a decision is made in October on a new contractor to take over from August next year.

The new contractor will be expected to start collecting food waste from flats.

The council says black bin collections would initially stay fortnightly, but contract bidders are being asked to also submit costs for three-weekly collections.

Council cabinet member with responsibility for waste and recycling Leigh Ingham said: "Our aim is to make recycling easier for everyone and by doing

that, there will be less rubbish needing to go in people’s black bins.

"We will continue to talk and listen to residents about changes, and support is always available for those who need it, whether by collecting nappies or medical waste for a period, or through assisted collections for people with mobility issues."

The council expects moving to three-weekly black bin collections to save at least £1 million per year.

Residents whose homes join the soft plastic recycling trial will be given a pack of plastic bags to put them in, which then need to be tied up and put in green recycling boxes.

People can order new bags online, by phone or at One Stop Shops – there is no charge for them, or for any other replacement bins or containers.

An online survey on plans to bring in a booking system for anyone taking rubbish to one of South Gloucestershire Council's Sort It recycling centres was due to close on April 1.

As reported in March's Voice, the council says a new law means it has to limit how much DIY waste, such as rubble and plasterboard, people bring to recycling centres.

It says a booking system is the best way to do this and, despite launching a survey, says a booking system will be introduced this year

The council said: "This is an engagement exercise, not a consultation and your feedback will help shape how (not if) we introduce a booking system."

The survey can be found at tinyurl.com/yc3fxj3u

Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help in making a response.

MP column: Page 18

Detox centre approved despite concerns

AN unused children’s residential education activity centre near Thornbury will be turned into a live-in detox and rehab clinic for addicts, despite more than 40 objections from neighbours.

South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee granted permission by eight votes to one to allow a change of use for Beluga House.

Up to 36 self-referring clients will receive private treatment and stay for about four to six weeks at the centre, which is on an industrial estate in Whale Wharf Lane, Littleton-upon-Severn.

Planning officers said there would be no adverse impact, despite the building’s location in the Green Belt.

The activity centre has never been used as there were “no takers” to run it, the meeting heard.

A total of 46 residents and Aust Parish Council objected to the plans: concerns included flood risk, traffic, pedestrian safety and the prospect of people with a wide range of addictions, including drinking, gambling and pornography, in the village.

Parish councillor Julian Cooper said the report to the committee was “muddled, legally dubious, contradictory and in places superficial”.

He said it lacked any details of how the centre would be run or a response to the “valid mental health issues raised by medical consultants”, including the potential for suicide risk.

Mr Cooper said: “There is no assessment as to whether this proposal is safe or secure, either

for patients or for residents.

“This application demonstrates a lack of rigour, insufficient information, no proper operational description and an apparent refusal or inability to respond to simple and valid questions.

“The parish council and residents’ view is to refuse this muddled and ill-considered application.”

Calling on the committee to refuse the application, Severn Vale ward councillor Matthew Riddle said: "The two big issues are flood risk and transport, and there might be occasions when these overlap, for example when the road is flooded and people are trying to get out away from

The entrance to Beluga house

Julian Cooper at the meeting

Tree is a fitting tribute to Jerry

ONE hundred native trees have been planted at Thornbury Farm Wood in a special event to remember one of the site's great champions.

Jerry Dicker, who passed away last year, was the founding member of The Friends of Thornbury Wood Farm and was a key figure in the battle to save the woodland, formerly known as Vilner Lane Wood, from development.

He founded the Thornbury Composting project and also supported the Friends of Filnore Woods nearby.

The trees which were planted included an oak tree, which was dedicated to Jerry, together with hazel, crab apple, wild service and willows. The event was attended by Jerry’s wife and members of the Friends group who said it would be a lasting reminder of him.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council, said:

“Not only was Jerry incredibly knowledgeable about woodland management and wildlife, he was also a lovely man with a great smile and warm sense of humour.

"He was supportive of the Friends of Filnore Woods

Football stand is approved

THORNBURY Town Football Club has been granted permission to build a new stand for 100 spectators at the Mundy Playing Fields.

The permission to provide shelter for 100 standing fans ends fears that the club could be relegated from the Hellenic League Premier Division for failing to fulfil ground requirements.

Following recent progress on the field which has seen the club rise from the Gloucestershire County League to its current position in the ninth tier of English football, there were fears that lack of facilities for spectators would infringe FA rules if the plans were not passed.

Club Chairman Jake Shutler told the Voice: “We were a bit scared by the FA saying these facilities needed to be put in place by the end of March to meet the ground grading specification for covered seats.

"However, we have since been told that teams already playing at this level have until March next year to complete the work.

"We are almost at the end of the season now, so the plan is for the work to be carried out during the close season in the summer, ready for next season.

"We will have 100 covered seats and a capacity of 115 standing places.”

Although the team has struggled on the pitch at times this season, the club is confident that the new facilities will help continue its progress.

Jake added: "This is our third season at this level and what we are finding is that clubs with big budgets, like Worcester, are able to pay players, while we don’t have a penny to pay and as a result are always the plucky underdog.

"At the moment we are trying to stay in the league and then hope that the following season we can progress.”

South Gloucestershire Council received 33 comments in support of the application, with no objections.

The application was passed by officers using delegated powers.

over many years and was instrumental in helping to establish the new Friends group for the Thornbury Farm Woodland site.

"He will be a great loss not only to Filnore Woods but also to the Thornbury community as a whole.”

Friends of Thornbury Wood Farm members at the planting session

Jerry Dicker

Landowner fined for obstructing public footpath

A THORNBURY landowner has been told to pay more than £8,000 in fines and costs after being prosecuted for wilful obstruction of a public right of way by South Gloucestershire Council.

Mark Skuse, of Lower Morton, appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on March 18 after the council’s public rights of way team prosecuted him for blocking two public footpaths crossing his land.

A council spokesperson said Skuse was found guilty of obstructing the public right of way, contrary to the Highways Act.

He was told to pay a £5,000 fine, along with £1,155.60 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge – a total of £8,155.60.

The court was told that a member of the public contacted the council in February last year to report that the public footpaths had been blocked for several months.

The council said the property had been owned by Skuse since June 2021.

A spokesperson said: "The council’s Public Rights of Way team investigated and found that Skuse had blocked two public footpaths that crossed his land with Herras fencing and had put up a number of notices saying that the paths were temporarily closed, although a temporary closure had not been applied for.

"The team sent a letter to Skuse in May informing him that this was an offence, however this was ignored, and no attempt was made at any time to engage with the council regarding the offences.

"The council was left with no option other than to issue a court summons to Skuse for the unlawful obstructions."

Afterwards the council's service director of place operations, Mark King, said: "We’re pleased with this result, which is the first time the council has had to resort to a prosecution of this type.

"There are 783 miles of public rights of ways across South Gloucestershire and we have a responsibility for making sure that they are usable, safe, legal and enjoyable, in partnership with town and parish councils, landowners and the public.

“Hopefully this will act as a deterrent for anyone breaking the law with regards to accessing land. "Public rights of way are a legally protected right for the public to pass, giving access to the countryside and urban areas.

"They are classed as Highways and their obstruction without lawful authority is an offence that can result in up to 51 weeks in prison or an unlimited fine, or both."

The council is encouraging anyone who thinks a public right of way might have been blocked to contact its public rights of way team by email at rightsofway@southglos. gov.uk or call 01454 868004.

People can find more information about rights of way at www.southglos.gov.uk/ prow.

A picture supplied by South Gloucestershire Council shows fencing blocking the path, with signs telling people to keep out

Talent fills the Marlwood stage

SHOWCASE event Marlwood’s Got Talent has returned for a fifth successful year.

A packed school in Alveston watched 11 acts vying for the audience and judges prizes at the event on March 8.

There were performances from cello, French horn, guitar, drum and piano soloists, as well as vocal soloists and trios.

Melinda Evans of the Friends of Marlwood School (FOMS), which organises the showcase, said: "It is renowned for being a feel-good, glittery night filled with laughs, joy and happiness, and MGT 2024 did not disappoint.

"The team of judges, teachers Mrs Spring, Miss Wheeler and Mr Sargent had the impossible job of picking the winner."

Noah Squires won the Judges’ Vote, drumming his way through an impressive performance of The Beatles' Come Together.

He said: "I was shocked and amazed when they said my name.

"I’ve never played outside of my bedroom before, and it’s given me the confidence to go and perform more.

"Drumming is my passion and I hope to be a professional drummer one day”.

Caitlin Straw won the Audience Vote with a performance of I Don’t Know How To Love Him, from Jesus Christ Superstar - a last-minute

choice after a planned duet had not been able to go ahead.

Caitlin said: "I was so happy to be the audience winner of MGT this year.

"I've entered for the last few years and it was cool to win the competition when there are so many talented performers!

"I love musical theatre, so it was great that the audience liked my song as much as I enjoyed singing it."

Judge Selenna Wheeler said: "It was a truly incredible experience and Marlwood has so much talent. I can't wait to see them all become superstars!"

Melinda added: "It was wonderful to see students supporting and encouraging each other throughout the evening – it’s not easy to get up on stage and perform in front of

a packed hall. "Everyone went home buzzing with happiness and a smile on their face having witnessed yet another special MGT night."

There were also performances from 2023 judges’

winner Akira Paterson and 2022 audience winner George Penwarden, who both returned to their former school to support the event, and the Marlwood Samba band, which set the tone from the start with an impressive piece of drumming teamwork.

FOMS thanked the staff and supporters who helped make the event a success, along with local businesses who provided sponsorship.

Melinda added: "Thanks, too, to the pupils who supported Friends of Marlwood School backstage; they did an incredible job.

"MGT really is a fantastic community event, and all monies raised will go towards supporting the school."

For more information about FOMS visit the group's Facebook page or email marlwoodfriends@gmail.com.

Audience vote winner Caitlin Straw

Judges' vote winner Noah Squires

The judges get into the spirit of the event. Pictures: Paul Flack

“From

Firefighters welcome Gemma to team

A NEW member has been welcomed to the team at Thornbury's fire station after graduating from a course for oncall firefighters.

Gemma Tyrrell was one of 11 new recruits to graduate from the course at an official ceremony in Avonmouth in March.

Thornbury Fire Station is crewed by part-time on-call firefighters, ready to leave their other occupations to answer emergency calls.

Previously known as retained firefighters, they are paid staff who are paged to respond to incidents from their homes and workplaces.

Gemma works as a nurse for a healthcare company, giving patients care in their own homes.

She is also a rugby lover and, when not at work or tackling emergencies, she is "mostly found at Thornbury Rugby Club as spectator or playing for the Women’s team".

Asked why she had joined

Avon fire & Rescue Service, Gemma said: "The watch manager had been ‘suggesting’ I join for the past 12 years!

"It wasn’t until recently I moved closer to the station and

my life allowed me to be able to commit to the role; I was driving past and thought 'maybe now’s the time'!

"I have had the biggest welcome and so much support

from the crew."

Gemma also thanked her friends and family who had supported her through six months of on-call recruit training, saying: "I would not have been able to do it without them!"

The course provides new on-call firefighters with specialist knowledge and a wide range of practical skills including tactical firefighting, pitching ladders, breathing apparatus, road traffic collision safety and water safety and rescue.

Group Manager Russ Mitchell said: “It was a pleasure to attend the graduation of our newest on-call firefighters and welcome them into our Service.”

Russ added: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all that graduated today, and wish them all the very best for their service with us.”

Anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter can find out more at www. avonfire.gov.uk/careers.

Gemma Tyrrell (right) at her graduation ceremony

Greens unveil MP candidate for Thornbury & Yate

THE Green Party has announced its candidate to be Thornbury's MP at the next general election.

Alexandra Jenner-Fust, who grew up in the Severn Vale and has lived near Thornbury for 14 years, has been selected to take on current Thornbury & Yate Conservative MP Luke Hall.

She is one of four candidates the party announced in March to contest the district's four Parliamentary constituencies.

Alex works as a gardener and school secretary.

A mother of two children, she has worked in the charitable, private and public sectors, as a researcher, journalist and editor, volunteers with family support charity Homestart and is clerk to her local parish meeting.

Alex said: "I grew up here, in the rural Severn Vale, before going to university, travelling and working abroad and settling

in London for several years. I returned to live near Thornbury in 2010 and I believe it’s a wonderful place to call home.

"I am passionate about both climate action and social justice, without which we do not have a viable future or hope for a society in which everyone can flourish. I joined the Green Party last year because I have spent too much time grumbling about our current political arrangements without taking any action.

"We are the only party putting the climate first, but we’re about much more than that, with sensible policies to tackle the cost of living crisis, improve the way housing is delivered, prioritise public transport and build a fairer society for everyone.

"In my view politics should help deliver a fairer society without compromising the planet. To achieve this, we need structural change –starting with proportional representation, and to step away from point-scoring personality

politics."

The Greens did not stand a candidate in Thornbury & Yate at the last general election.

The party's candidate in 2017 came in fourth place, with 1.2% of the vote.

Current MP Mr Hall has held the seat for the Tories since 2015, when he beat Liberal Democrat Steve Webb, a minister in the Coalition government who had held the seat and its predecessor, Northavon, since 1997.

Mr Hall had a majority of more than 12,000 at the last two general elections.

Thornbury & Yate is a top target for the Lib Dems, who topped the poll in every council ward in the constituency in last year's local elections and have selected South Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young to contest the seat for a third consecutive time.

Council leader: I've had death threats

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young has revealed that she has received death threats during election campaigns.

The Frampton Cotterell ward Liberal Democrat councillor made the revelation during a discussion on the safety of politicians.

Cllr Young has been the leader of South Gloucestershire Council since May last year, when a Lib Dem/Labour coalition replaced the previous Conservative administration following the local elections, and will also stand for Parliament at the next general election, having been selected as her party's candidate for the Thornbury & Yate constituency.

In February the government announced that £31 million will be spent on extra security for MPs. Speaking to John Darvall on BBC Radio Bristol, Cllr Young spoke about the rising safety threats faced by politicians.

She said: “I have experienced threats in previous elections.

"It’s sadly something that you do face, but I would say on the whole I haven’t let them put me

off. I happily get out there, I’m out there every week meeting people.

“There are some people, who will pick up on whatever issue, who are predisposed to behaving in this way.

"Most people, however passionately they feel about something, are not going to do things like sending death threats. The vast majority of people don’t do things like that.

“People who make threats generally don’t follow through on them. We can’t let that stop us from taking part in democracy."

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Claire Young

Alexandra Jenner-Fust

Have your say on who runs police

VOTERS are being asked to decide who should be in overall charge of Avon & Somerset police for the next four years.

In just over a month's time, elections will be held across the region to vote for the next Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, or PCC.

Coming with a salary of £88,600, the PCC's role is to oversee the force, ensuring it is "efficient and effective".

The PCC's powers include:

● Hiring and firing the chief constable, and holding them to account for running the force

● Setting objectives for the area

Born in Taunton, has worked in TV news and for a coach company. Former deputy leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council. Male voice choir singer and hospital charity fundraiser.

The Lib Dem plan for the police:

Make policing more visible and community-orientated

Increase prosecution rates for serious and violent crime

Help police to work with integrity and without discrimination

Focus on ‘broken windows’ - small crimes that damage confidence and trust

Predict and provide policing to help tackle rural crime as well as urban crime

Help make sure offenders don’t do it again – most want to ‘go straight’

through a police and crime plan

● Setting the budget and determining the precept charge paid by council tax payers

● Contributing to national and international policing capabilities

● Bringing together community safety and criminal justice partners, to 'join up' local priorities.

● Funding crime prevention services

The current PCC is Conservative Mark Sheldon, who was elected to the role in 2021, in an election postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.

He took over from independent

I am a councillor in Bristol, and an Avon and Somerset Magistrate. Before that, I worked for twenty years overseas with the UN on child protection and violence against women.

As Police Commissioner, I will prioritise preventing crime, working with community to support youth services and tackle the social causes of crime. Knife crime in cities will be a focus, with more visible neighbourhood policing and greater services to victims and families. To address poor performance and prejudice within the force, I will enhance the independence of misconduct panels, while recognising the integrity of the vast majority of officers. Above all, we will police by consent; and I will work tirelessly with the Avon and Somerset Police to get closer to and re-gain the trust of the communities we serve.

Sue Mountstevens, who stepped down having been in the post since it was created in 2012.

Nominations for the PCC will close at 4pm on April 5.

The election will take place on Thursday, May 2. Polling stations will open at 7am and close at 10pm.

There are no other scheduled elections on that day in South Gloucestershire, with council elections having happened last year and the Metro Mayor election not due until May of next year.

The deadline for registering to vote is midnight on April 16.

Anyone voting in person will need to bring photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, or can

Clare brings rich experience, from her current role as CEO of a charity to her time spent working in No 10. She previously represented our region as an MEP Investing in neighbourhood policing – to build safer communities and help prevent and solve crime.

Supporting victims of crime – making sure victims are properly listened to, and get the help they need when they need it.

Prioritising reducing violent crime – The scale of violent crime, including knife crime and violence against women and girls, isn't inevitable but it needs focus and commitment to fix it.

Preventing crime – work with agencies across the public sector and civil society to prevent crime and build safer communities.

Restoring trust and confidence in the police – enabling the police to take pride in high standards.

apply to South Gloucestershire Council for a Voter Authority Certificate, by 5pm April 24.

People can apply for a postal or proxy vote (where someone else is allowed to cast a vote on a resident's behalf) via the council's website, by 5pm on April 17.

For more information on the election, visit the website www. aspccelections.co.uk.

As the Voice went to press, four political parties had already announced candidates.

The Voice has asked them to send a short biography and manifesto to outline their priorities.

They appear in the order they will be on the ballot paper:

Mark has over 35 years of experience of serving our country in the military and local government and has been your PCC since 2021. Resides in Bath with his family.

When elected, Mark pledged more police, a focus on tackling serious crime and to represent every community when holding the police to account. He has delivered. The constabulary has trained over 1,500 new officers, is the best force for illegal drug disruptions and has seen a 300% increase in rape cases reaching court by designing a nationally acclaimed investigation model. He appointed a courageous Chief Constable determined to restore trust in policing.

Mark will prioritise crime prevention, tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women. He remains committed to reducing re-offending, supporting skills programmes for prisoners and ensuring victims receive support.

Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats)

Katy Grant (Green)

Clare Moody (Labour)

Mark Sheldon (Conservative)

Plan for 32 homes thrown out

A DEVELOPER'S plan to build 32 homes on a field on the outskirts of Thornbury has been thrown out by South Gloucestershire Council.

Newland homes has applied for outline permission for housing on the site at Post Farm, north of Butt Lane, on farmland currently used for cattle grazing.

It is next to a number of new developments, but has open fields to the north.

In their planning statement supporting the application, agents Pegasus Group said the 32 homes "can be sensitively accommodated on-site, limiting the impact of the scheme in the wider landscape setting".

They added: "The layout also allows for the retention of important landscape and biodiversity features and provides sufficient open space with houses orientated to provide natural surveillance."

The agents said the homes would be "Net Zero Carbon", and 35% or 11 of them would be classed as 'affordable' - available for social rent or shared ownership schemes.

It was a third attempt to develop the site, with the same developers approaching South Gloucestershire Council in 2021 with proposals for up to 37 homes and an earlier planning application by Linden Homes to build up to 39 homes on the site rejected by the council in 2019.

A total of 38 residents objected to the plans, on grounds ranging from poor public transport and traffic issues to the presence of "multiple bat species" at the site.

Thornbury Town Council also raised objections, saying the scheme would have an adverse effect on nearby listed buildings and is on agricultural land that was "amongst the most productive in the country".

The councillors also said the homes would add extra pressure to local facilities,

including doctors, dentists and schools, saying: "Parents have reported that primary schools in Thornbury cannot offer places to children moving into recently occupied houses on the adjacent development, forcing them to travel to village schools such as Oldbury and Olveston."

They said building on the site was "unsustainable" and added: "Councillors noted the low density the developer is proposing and questions this, as there has been a proliferation of large detached houses built on the edge of town and there is a need for smaller, more affordable housing to meet the needs of the community."

South Gloucestershire council agreed, and the application was rejected using delegated powers on seven separate grounds where officers said it contradicted the council's core strategy, policy, sites and places plan and the Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan.

The council said: "The proposed development would have an adverse impact on the setting of Grade II listed Yew Tree Farmhouse, resulting in less than substantial harm to the asset.

"This harm is not outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme, and the proposal is therefore contrary to the South Gloucestershire Core Strategy.

"By reason of its scale and siting, the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the hamlet of Lower Morton, which is a nondesignated heritage asset.

"The erosion of the hamlet as a separate identifiable entity would be harmful to its existing character and identity, which is not outweighed by the benefits of the scheme."

They also said access to the site required the removal of a protected piece of public open space on a neighbouring site.

The developer has the right to appeal against the council's decision.

New school opens its doors

A NEW independent day school for children with special educational needs and disabilities has opened its doors.

Castlefell School opened in March at Rudgeway.

The specialist school charges fees of £98,827 to £130,751 per year, with placements funded by local authorities and supported by a child's education, health and care plan (EHCP).

It has been set up in a twostorey building on the site of the former Silverhill School, which left the site in 1992.

Since then it has been used as offices but has now been extensively converted to cater primarily for children with social, emotional and mental health needs, but also providing for children with autism who have moderate learning needs.

The new school is part of Witherslack Group, which runs more than 30 similar schools across the country.

Director Mark Bowes said: "We are delighted to have opened our doors to Castlefell School and have welcomed a wonderful first cohort of pupils, who have settled in brilliantly with our support staff teams.

"The school will cater for up to

50 pupils with special educational needs, between the ages of eight and 16.

"Castlefell School is a new geographical area for us and a great addition to the group."

Head teacher Wendy Yeo says she is delighted with the new facilities which the pupils are already enjoying.

She said: "We have invested £3 million in the school.

"The building has undergone a complete refurb, re-development and re-fit to enable our young people to learn in the most inspirational of environments.

"I'm particularly proud of our specialist facilities, including ICT and DT rooms, the science classrooms and a Cruyff sports

pitch.

"The whole building has been modified to a very high standard, with an air-source heating system throughout.

"This school is a place that children will enjoy attending, where they feel they belong and know that they are valued.

"Our supportive staff team will ensure that learning is engaging for pupils, shining a light on pupils' strengths and achievements, supporting them in overcoming barriers to learning by offering an empathetic approach that builds strong, trusting relationships.

"Our curriculum comes to life with the fantastic new facilities and surrounding woodland,

igniting curiosity and enjoyment, which will be at the heart of all learning.

"It will be a place of success."

The opening of the new school, following a pre-inspection visit by Ofsted in February, has created 60 new jobs for the area, including an experienced team of experts across clinical, education and support teams.

The school officially opened its doors on March 18, but the pupils have been introduced gradually, visiting with and without parents for short periods before starting full-time on March 20.

Ms Yeo said: “They have adapted really well to the new setting and staff have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming them.”

New academy on track for autumn

The new Two Bridges Academy at Alveston is being built in the grounds of Marlwood School, in joint project with provider Enable Trust, South Gloucestershire Council and Castle School Education Trust, with funding from the Department for Education.

It will have 112 places for pupils from nursery to 6th form, from across South Gloucestershire.

Built next door to Marlwood School, the school building and grounds will include access to specialist provision including physiotherapy, indoor and outdoor sports pitches, a hydrotherapy pool, and purposebuilt changing facilities.

The free school will teach pupils aged between two and 19 with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and children with severe learning difficulties and autism.

It will have around 90 specialist staff.

The school is expected to open in

Culverhill School in Yate.

Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall was given a tour around the school in March to be shown how work is progressing.

He met representatives of Enable Trust, the Department for Education, South Gloucestershire's strategic lead officer for SEND and the Academy’s leadership team.

The MP said he had pressured ministers to fund the school in 2018 and the council to approve the development, and had been "closely following" the project.

Mr Hall said: “This has been a real team effort between Enable Trust, ISG Construction, the Department for Education, the Council, our local education experts and the Academy’s future leadership team, who together have all helped to deliver this exciting new school.

September 2024, with an expected 40 pupils in its first intake.

Thornbury-based Enable Trust already runs New Siblands School in Thornbury and

"Many thanks as well go to Marlwood School and CSET for allowing the construction to go so smoothly, and I am delighted that we are on track to deliver this important facility for South Gloucestershire."

Castlefell School

Head teacher Wendy Yeo

A NEW school in Alveston for children with special educational needs and disabilities is on track to open in September.

MP Luke Hall with members of Enable Trust, builders ISG Construction, South Gloucestershire Council and Two Bridges School leaders

Mark’s record of achievement in Avon & Somerset

Mark SHELFORD

Your Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate

More Police officers in Avon and Somerset

1,500 newly recruited police officers which has delivered 500 extra officers to our communities.

More rape cases brought to court

3 4 5 6

A 300% increase in rape cases reaching the courts thanks to our radical new approach to investigations called Operation Bluestone –now rolled out nationally.

Increased focus on Rural Crime

Tackling drugs

Holding the Chief Constable to account with monthly live streamed accountability meetings. 1 2

A dedicated rural crime team with increased capacity to help isolated farms and communities.

Top performing constabulary in England for illegal drug disruptions for the last 18 months (as a result of a South West Conservative PCC partnership, Operation Scorpion).

Tackling anti-social behaviour

Over £1m investment in making our streets safer – tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls, thanks to Safer Streets grants from the government.

Greater Accountability

Manage a multi million-pound police budget

Set local policing priorities

Help deliver the Government’s plan to cut crime

Hold the police to account

Rising above the clouds

Charity's urgent plea for funds

THORNBURY charity Brain Tumour Support has launched an urgent appeal for funds to keep its vital services going.

For more than 20 years the charity has been providing unique specialist and individualised support for anyone affected by any type of brain tumour and their families.

But it says services are now at risk without an "urgent injection of funds".

A spokesperson said: "Despite having a big impact, Brain Tumour Support is not a big charity, operating on modest income levels with less than 1% of that from statutory funding.

"It relies on voluntary donations and fundraising to keep going, and whilst the last six months has seen a 56% increase in the uptake of services, the cost of living crisis has severely impacted fundraising income, leaving a critical funding gap."

Brain Tumour Support has launched an appeal called SOS – Save Our Support – in a bid to raise £200,000 of urgent funding.

Its services include free support from trained professionals for patients and families to deal with the physical, emotional, practical and social implications of a diagnosis.

The charity says that in the past year it has given 937 patients and their families regular one-to-one support, with thousands more benefiting from specialist information and the charity’s online forums that bring people

together.

Its welfare benefits service has also unlocked £163,000 of benefits that were due to patients but which they struggled to access without expert help over the past seven months alone.

One patient who has been helped by the charity said: "It's hard to come to terms with the diagnosis and how it can change your life. But what has massively helped this has been my referral by the hospital at Southmead to Brain Tumour Support.

"It's made a really positive impact on how I think, how I manage day to day, and helped me get through really challenging times."

Southmead hospital consultant

neurosurgeon Neil Barua said: "I have worked with the Brain Tumour Support team for over 15 years and have seen first-hand the positive impact the charity has on patients and families going through some of the hardest times of their lives.

"Brain Tumour Support's team is there to answer any question however big or small. Whether it’s for emotional support, family guidance, counselling or financial advice, the contribution that Brain Tumour Support can make to patients can never be underestimated.”

Brain Tumour Support chief executive Tina Mitchell Skinner said: "This is a critical time for us as a charity.

"The impact of brain tumours desperately needs more awareness and more money allocated to support the growing number of people living and dying with a brain tumour every day.

"There is an understandable and needed focus on research, but the people we support cannot wait. Their need is now, and we have to be able to be here for them."

"However, we cannot do that without more funding for the specialist skills and time needed to provide these lifeline services. So I urge everyone to please do all you can to help, and save our support.”

To find out more about the appeal visit www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/sos-appeal.

THIS spectacular image of the towers of the Severn Bridge rising above fog on the river was captured by a crew member of the National Police Air Service helicopter based at Almondsbury in March. Picture courtesy of National Police Air Service.

Members of a Brain Tumour Support group in Bristol

Politicians ordered to get along

THE government has issued a major warning to the West of England Combined Authority, and ordered its political leaders to get along.

A “best value notice” issued to the combined authority in March by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities directs it to set up an "independent improvement panel" to tackle a host of issues, from poor relationships between political leaders to “confusion” about what the combined authority does.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who heads the three-council organisation, insisted he would “redouble” his efforts.

The notice said one concern identified was “the poor state of professional relationships between the West of England Combined Authority Mayor and the representatives of the constituent members of the Authority, which is impacting partnership working and potentially limiting the authority’s ability to optimise

n LOCAL MP

strategic opportunities.”

Auditors Grant Thornton had previously warned in 2022 that strained relationships between the political leaders were a “significant weakness” and called on them to work together – but the government notice warned there had been “inconsistent action” on this.

There have continued to be a number of high-profile spats between Mr Norris the leaders of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset councils, including a row over who should pay for subsidised bus services.

Other concerns raised in the legal notice were the need to review the combined authority’s constitution and the lack of a “clear, shared narrative” about how it will operate for the benefit of the region.

It also warned: “The function and purpose of the authority has not been collectively understood and the roles, responsibilities and ‘powers’ of a combined authority are not fully grasped,

resulting in confusion between strategic governance and day to day transactional activity.”

At a WECA scrutiny committee on March 12, Mr Norris said he would “do a reset” when Bristol's mayoral system is abolished after May's local elections.

He said: "I think there’s a great opportunity now because we are clearly going to have a different political leadership in Bristol, irrespective of the outcome of the elections themselves."

Mr Norris and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees clashed over the feasibility of a London-style underground in Bristol, with Mr Rees's plans for the system vetoed by Mr Norris.

Mr Norris said the change to South Gloucestershire Council's administration last year, with a Lib Dem/Labour coalition taking over, was also a "great opportunity for...hopefully new relationships.”

He said there were "a lot of dysfunctional things

Soft plastic recycling is coming to Thornbury

OVER the past two years, I have been fighting to introduce soft plastic recycling collections at the kerbside to every home in South Gloucestershire.

Last year, following a debate in the House of Commons, I was thrilled to secure agreement from Government Ministers that South Gloucestershire could be a trial area for the kerbside soft plastic recycling scheme.

Several local villages, including parts of Alveston and Olveston, were included in the first stage of the trial, and it has proven to be a huge success.

Around 2,000 households participated in the first stage and since it started, more than three tons of plastic bags,

wrappers and various packets have been diverted away from landfill – the equivalent of over a million crisp packets.

Since then, I’ve been pushing for soft plastic recycling at the kerbside to be rolled out to every home across South Gloucestershire, and I am delighted to confirm that parts of Thornbury will be included in the next stage of the rollout.

Collection of soft plastics at the kerbside is planned to begin in May this year.

Suez waste collection will collect residents’ soft plastic recycling, such as plastic bags, fruit and vegetable packing, chocolate and sweet wrappers, cling film or crisp packets, and

going on" when he took over as Metro Mayor in 2021 and it was "interesting" that the government notice was being issued in a general election year.

However the chair of WECA’s audit committee, Conservative Bristol city councillor Geoff Gollop, said that the “issues of dysfunctionality” had begun in the autumn of 2021, shortly after Mr Norris was elected.

He said the government had "identified and shared exactly the issues that audit committee have been raising", adding: "I don’t want to make a choice as to who’s responsible, other than to say the political leaders, in the form of a committee, are the ones who can lead."

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

will provide the bags to put it all in. These bags will then be collected weekly, with the other recycling.

Residents will receive further information from the council shortly, about the types of plastic which will be collected and confirming all the final details.

I am so grateful to everybody who signed my petition, supported the debate in Parliament, and supported my calls for every home in South Gloucestershire to have softplastic recycling at the kerbside.

Together, as a community, we are making South Gloucestershire greener, reducing the amount of

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

plastic and household waste that is being sent to landfill and helping to protect our local environment for future generations.

As we roll out the second phase of the soft-plastic recycling scheme, we are delivering a key part of our positive plan for the environment, and keeping South Gloucestershire as the best place to live, work and raise a family.

'Great opportunity' Dan Norris

Young people on KRUNCH's babysitting course

YOUTH charity Krunch South West has run its unique developing babysitting skills course for an eighth year.

Attended by 14 young people aged 14-16, the interactive course gives lots of practical hands-on experiences, including caring for some interactive babies bought along by the Willow Tree Centre, a First Aid session and the opportunity to play with some real children!

The course covered many aspects of babysitting, including but not limited to, communicating with parents/carers, play skills, home safety, and how to safely advertise your services.

On the second day the young people ran a play session where parents in the community came along with their children. This gave the young people a chance to practice their skills and develop their confidence talking to parents and children.

The course is accredited by AIM Qualifications, and once the young people complete their workbooks, they will receive the level 1 accreditation and a certificate.

Over the past eight years Krunch South West have had 100 young people complete the course and this year we even had young

people drive down from Bracknell and stay in order to attend.

This year Krunch received funding from Thornbury and District League of Friends to help run the course.

If your child is interested in attending next year, please keep an eye out on the Krunch South West Facebook page and website.

We have a programme of activities during the Easter holidays for young people in school Years 6 to 11, aged ten to 16.

Funded by South Gloucestershire

Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme, there are four exciting sessions taking place.

On April 2, young people have a choice between a fantastic street dance and singing workshop with the Bristol Academy of Live Performing Arts (BALPA) or a brilliant bushcraft and outdoor cooking session with Steve England Outdoor Learning.

On April 3, Krunch South West is breaking out the disco balls for a roller disco at Thornbury Leisure Centre, followed by activities at The Pod.

The final activity is on April 10 – a trip to the Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Wild Place) to see bears, giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs and more.

Every session includes a healthy meal and all activities have funded places available for those in receipt of benefit-related free school meals, with a small cost to everyone else.

Places are limited so please head to eequ. org/experience/6782 for the booking page and further information.

You can also email liz@krunch.org.uk with any questions.

Liz Ball

Young people on KRUNCH's babysitting course

Severn Vale Art Trail 2024

WE are pleased to announce that this year’s art trail will be taking place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

Enjoy an afternoon, day or the whole weekend, from Thursday May 2 to Monday May 6, exploring the trail from Stinchcombe down to Alveston, discovering talented local artists displaying their art in their own studios or shared venues.

This year we will be hosting 68 artists in 31 venues representing a diverse range of work: paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass art, mosaics and much more!

Many of the venues have refreshments for sale or are located close to local coffee shops, and include interesting churches, working studios and community buildings. This is a great opportunity to support local artists and purchase original artwork and gifts, or simply to enjoy an inspiring day out!

For details of all the artists and venues, including accessibility, directions and opening hours, and to view the trail map, please visit our website www.severnvalearttrail. org or pick up one the printed trail guides from local shops and cafes.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @severnvalearttrail for all the latest updates.

Lynda Knott

Thornbury

Choral Society

THORNBURY Choral Society will be performing a concert of English music conducted by Steven Kings on May 11.

The programme consists of works by Benjamin Britten (Rejoice in the Lamb), two compositions by Vaughan Williams (Five Mystical Songs and Benedicite) and settings of Psalm 86 and 148 by Gustav Holst.

The soloists are Emily Wenman (soprano), Sacha Fullerton (alto),

Samir Savant (tenor) and Robert Pritchard (bass). The organist is James Drinkwater.

The concert will be held at St Mary’s Church in Thornbury at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £18 if pre-booked and £20 on the door, or £5 for students.

Tickets are available from members, from Horders Stationers after April 27 or by email at tickets@thornburychoralsociety. co.uk

For further information go to our web site, www. thornburychoralsociety.co.uk

Angela Hughes

Thornbury Art Club

FOR over 60 years our Thornbury Art Club has been a place for people who love to paint together and share experiences in a friendly atmosphere.

Our monthly events are a

perfect opportunity to meet local creatives while listening to accredited artists give talks, instruct and demonstrate their particular techniques. Tea and biscuits during the breaks are the best part, of course.

We have weekly studio groups where we can create, share, learn or just relax in the company of others.

We don’t always need to paint but might enjoy meeting for a coffee with like-minded people or maybe go out sketching.

If you think this might be for you then explore our brand new website www.thornburyartclub. co.uk

Then if you would like a taster without any obligation, come along to one of our evening demos or pop in to a studio group and see what we’re about. Whether you’re a professional artist or just like painting for fun, we’d love to see you.

Shirley Whyte

Phil's new marathon challenge

A

soldier from Yate whose

was saved by a heart transplant

the Covid lockdown is preparing to run in the Manchester Marathon as part of his pledge to raise money for the medical staff who gave him a new lease of life.

Phil Hardwell was just 29 when he was diagnosed with a rare and genetic form of heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in 2017.

After his condition rapidly deteriorated, he was admitted to the Royal Papworth hospital in Cambridge with severe heart failure to wait for a transplant and subsequently underwent successful surgery in April 2020.

Phil said: "It was a huge shock when I was diagnosed because I had no symptoms and there seemed to be nothing wrong with me. I couldn’t believe it for a few months because I felt fitter than I ever was.

“Being in the military I never considered my health and thought that I was invincible. Having something like that happen to you makes you feel a lot more grateful for what you have.”

Since then he has made a remarkable recovery, which has allowed him to enjoy the company of his young sons Reggie and Luca.

In 2021 Phil completed the Bristol Half Marathon and took part in a charity football match to raise funds for the Royal Papworth Hospital charity.

The following year he ran the London Marathon, and now he has his sights set on the Manchester Marathon on April 14, when he will be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Phil said: "I’m just hoping to enjoy the race as much as possible."

To sponsor Phil online visit justgiving.com/fundraising/philliphardwell2.

Ghost story is kids' favourite

A NOVEL telling the story of a boy who makes friends and takes courage from a ghost is this year's winner of the Concorde Book Award.

The literature prize run by South Gloucestershire schools and public libraries is one of the few in the country that involve children all the way through from choosing the longlist and winner, to making presentations and interviewing authors at the annual award ceremony.

This year's winner was ‘Ghostcloud’, by Michael Mann, who attended the ceremony at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, Emersons Green, in March.

Michael said: “I’m over the moon to have won the Concorde Book Award 2024.

"These awards mean so much to us authors, it’s so important to know you’ve connected with young readers – that’s what it’s all about for me. Ghostcloud is my first book and I’m on cloud nine!”

It was the first time the awards had been held since 2020, before the start of the covid lockdown.

Children from Castle School and Winterbourne Academy with winning author Michael Mann at the Concorde Book Awards at Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green

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Phil Hardwell with his two sons

Driving your car into the future

THE engines, motors and fuels of the future are being developed and tested at a new research centre at the Bristol & Bath Science Park. The Voice found out what's happening at IAAPS.

FROM the outside there's not much to see.

Aside from the sign spelling out its name, IAAPS is an anonymous-looking building, all grey panels and glass.

But what's going on inside could change the way the car you drive in ten years' time is powered, along with future generations of lorries, tractors, ships and even aircraft.

Engineers at the research and innovation centre in Emersons Green work with private companies and university researchers to turn new ideas and concepts into tested, working systems that can be made production-ready by a manufacturer.

On the day the Voice visited the £70 million facility, a new tractor engine was being put through its paces.

The hybrid diesel engine powertrain was sitting on a rig connected to a dynamometer, a piece of highly sensitive equipment that can record and analyse up to 5,000 channels of data from components, measuring variables including power, energy, torque, speed and temperature. It also replicates the voltage and current of a battery going into the powertrain.

Wires linked to controls and gauges that would be found on the dashboard of a working vehicle are spread across the testing cell, like a real-life exploded diagram.

Engineering director Professor Rob Oliver said the system on test started as a concept about three years ago, and is another three to four years from being ready to go into production in a vehicle.

Projects for the aerospace sector could be ten or more years from production.

Rob said: "We're an incubator, where one or two people with a good idea can get help to prove it is useful and can be put into

production.

"The real core of what we do is measuring an awful lot of data very completely and repeatedly in controlled conditions."

Robot drivers can be placed at the controls and replicate different driving styles, from aggressive to laid-back, while engineers measure how they affect performance.

Emissions testing devices sample exhaust gases before they are safely removed using a system which also captures heat – up to 90% of power used in the building is recovered and used again.

In another of the centre's 18 testing 'cells' was a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine big enough to power a truck; a third contained a smaller electric motor driven by hydrogen fuel cells.

All the hydrogen is made on site: 10kg per hour is produced by electrolysis, using electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.

As well as being used in testing, the hydrogen powers two of the centre's three heating boilers.

The oxygen is currently vented, as there is no economically viable way to recover it.

The centre has a 400KW solar panel array producing electricity to offset the "green mains supply" used to carry out electrolysis, as the panels can't provide a consistent current in all weathers.

IAAPS projects can benefit today's vehicles: when the Voice visited, a three-yearold Transit van was ready to test a new type of engine oil aimed at improving efficiency, fuel consumption and emissions in current diesel engines.

The ability to work across different alternative forms of propulsion – described by Rob as being "tech-agnostic" - means the centre embraces battery systems, fuel cells and alternative fuels such as methanol, as long as they bring transport closer to the goal of producing 'net zero' carbon dioxide emissions.

IAAPS, which held its official opening ceremony last September, is a wholly-owned

subsidiary company of Bath University.

As well as the testing cells it has workshops and machining rooms, meeting rooms and a large 'collaboration space' where people from its "partner organisations", from think tanks and start-ups to large corporate clients, can plug in laptops and work or discuss ideas.

IAAPS stands for Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, but the centre no longer spells out the acronym, as its focus is now "beyond automotive".

Executive director Professor Chris Brace said: "The strength of this place is its open, collaborative nature.

"We can be the interface between a large and a small company to integrate new technology into vehicles and give them access to state-of-the-art facilities and people that can make it work.

"You can go from an idea to being on the verge of manufacturing, all under one roof."

At the moment around 40 people work at IAAPS but this is expected to reach 120 permanent employees within five years, with up to 120 more university researchers and partner companies on site at any time.

Off-site work on projects developed at IAAPS is expected to make the eventual number of jobs supported around 1,900.

Electric cars are increasingly common on our roads but current limitations on power and range mean that hydrogen is seen as more practical in areas such as road haulage.

Chris and Rob say it's difficult to predict where the crossover between the two will be and whether battery or hydrogen-engined cars will eventually dominate but, with IAAPS working in both areas, Chris says: "Either way, we're happy."

Rob says that, after 80 to 90 years of mainly focusing on making petrol and diesel engines more efficient, propulsion research and development has now opened to technologies that weren't around five years ago.

He says: "It's a really exciting time to be working in this field."

Professor Rob Oliver in a testing cell at IAAPS

A car connected to a dynamometer in an IAAPS testing cell

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Thornbury Rotary Youth Speaks 2024

A PUPIL from Manorbrook Primary School has won this year's Youth Speaks competition, held in March.

Hattie Haines beat seven other finalists in the competition, organised by Thornbury Rotary Club and staged in the Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall.

The judges had a tough task in choosing the top three speakers.

This annual competition represents part of the Rotary Club’s involvement in serving the community where young people are helped to develop their confidence and potential, especially in the art of public speaking.

A witty observation was made that Thornbury Rotary had been running this competition for primary schools for so long that some of the early contestants were now teachers!

Hattie spoke eloquently about the plight of orangutans and the preservation of the rainforests.

She was awarded, on behalf of her school, the Ron Nicholas memorial trophy.

In second place was Henry Hollingdale, from Olveston

Primary School, who talked about Rugby Union, and in third place was Varvara Karelina, from Christ The King Primary School, who talked about her art portfolio and why she had chosen particular images.

Varvara is from Ukraine and has been speaking English for less than two years.

All the presentations were enthusiastically received by those present, including the contestants' families, teachers, members of Rotary and their partners, and members of

Thornbury Inner Wheel.

The prizes were presented by Rotary President Guy Rawlinson, the first three contestants receiving a cash prize; all finalists received a certificate as qualifiers.

The other five contestants and their subjects were Megan Kensley from Manorbrook (gymnastics), Sylvie Coyle from Christ the King (ecology), Rosie Hall from Stone and Woodford (dance), Sia Sim-Williams from Stone and Woodford (drawing) and Jack Harries from Olveston

Severn Vale Flower Club

OUR first demonstration of 2024 was given by Jenny York, with a floral demonstration entitled Out of Africa.

Jenny was our first guinea pig when we first moved to St Mary's Hall, so it was nice to welcome her back.

Jenny spent many years in the civil service working in the foreign office, also covering for holidays in the Middle East.

As oasis is frowned upon these days – one or two of Jenny’s arrangements were in sand.

In 1995 Jenny was in Africa when the 16-team Rugby World Cup was being played.

A Bristol Bears rugby ball was used in this arrangement, containing flowers from each of the countries taking part in the

tournament.

In February we held our AGM. Our chairman Sally Taylor gave her report, saying it was difficult trying to find demonstrators who were not too far away to keep the costs down, and flowers were getting more expensive.

She had however managed to find demonstrators for most of the monthly meetings. Sally thanked members for all their help and support. She also thanked Kathleen for taking the Monday afternoon practice classes which are getting popular.

Sheila Forsythe has volunteered to join the committee, and all the other committee members are staying on.

Winners of the trophies were Jo Whiteman and

Norah Bamfield.

The meeting was followed by a demonstration given by Sally, together with June Lyons and Jo Whiteman, entitled Love is in the Air.

Jane Smith, our president, thanked Sally and the committee for all their hard work in making the club successful and for members for continuing to support us.

As always, we looked forward to Sally entertaining us in March with her demonstration 'Not her Again'.

Our spring open meeting is on Monday April 15 at 7.30pm, with Liz Gordon. This will be held in the Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall. For tickets and information, call 01453 811089 or 01454 885213.

School (oceanic animals).

Guy expressed his delight with the result and commented on how impressed the judges were with the quality of the presentations.

The judges included Guy, with Angela Williams (president of Thornbury Inner Wheel) and Andy Bethell (deputy head of Castle School).

Everyone who attended had a most enjoyable evening. The excellent food and refreshments provided by Thornbury Inner Wheel were very much appreciated.

Rotary is looking forward to next year’s event and the dates for the school heats and final will be confirmed in due course.

The hope is that more schools will take part in 2025, commented the organiser, Rotarian Chris Fairhead, who was also master of ceremonies.

Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled for two years due to Covid and, since then, it has been a challenge to encourage some of the schools to rejoin the competition.

Adrian Dennis

Thornbury in Bloom

THORNBURY in Bloom are holding our annual bring and buy plant sale fundraiser in May.

It will be held in the usual space between the Town Hall and Costa Coffee, on Saturday May 18 from 9am until 12.30pm.

As per previous years, residents are asked to bring along plants they wish to donate whilst at the same time have a browse and purchase plants donated by others.

It’s always a well-supported and fun morning, so now is the time to plant your seeds (anything from flowers and shrubs to vegetables) in order to bring them on, ready for the day.

We very much look forward to seeing everyone there: please email thornburyinbloom91@gmail.com with any questions.

Kath Greenman

The finalists of the Youth Speaks competition, with winner Hattie Haines holding the trophy

n WHAT'S ON

APRIL

April 2

n THORNBURY ART CLUB, Tuesday Painting Studio Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road every Tuesday in April, 1.30-4.30pm. More details from 01454 414433. Also Thursday Art Club on April 4 and every Thursday, same time - call 0777 627 1010.

April 3

n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP AGM at the Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, 7.30pm. followed by talk: The Somerset Coal Canal (past present and future), by Derrick Hunt, Chairman of Somerset Coal Canal Society. Non members welcome - £2 each. more details at www.sgmrg. co.uk

April 6

n EVENT CANCELLEDARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP regrets to announce that two performances by children's entertainer Nutty Noah at the Methodist Church Lower Hall have had to be cancelled. Ticket holders should email AAGThornbury@ gmail.com or call 01454 850933.

April 9

n EASTWOOD GARDENERS CLUB MEETING, Turnberrie's, Thornbury, doors open 7pm. Talk by George Hargreaves, 'Gardens of Norfolk'.

April 13

n CONFERENCE TO MARK BICENTENARY OF BIRTH OF HANDEL COSSHAM, local colliery owner and MP. Turnberrie's Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury, 10am- 4.30pm. Book online at www.alha.org.uk, via Eventbrite or write to William Evans, 5 Parry’s Grove, Bristol BS9 1TT.

April 15

n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB spring open meeting, Olveston & Tockington Parish Hall, 7.30pm. Floral demonstration, 'Buds, Branches and Bloom' by Elizabeth Graham of Llanelli Floral Art Society, successful Chelsea Flower Show competitor and flower festival organiser. More information from 01454 885213 or 01453 811089.

April 16 and 30

n CIRCLE DANCING to music from around the world, traditional and modern. Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, 6.308.30pm. New dancers welcome, no experience or partner required. First session free. More details at vickislade1@outlook.com or call 07516 999384.

April 18

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by David Cuthbert on 'Colours of the South'. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.

n THORNBURY LIBRARY

THORNBURY Library is holding an Easter craft event for children during the school holidays.

The Bunnies in Space session promises "out of this world crafts", on Wednesday April 3, from 10.30-11.30am.

The event is suitable for children aged four and over.

Advance notice: the library will host an afternoon tea event with Joanna Toye, best-selling author of The Shop Girls and The Victory Girls, on May 11 at 2pm. More details next month.

Ukrainian storytime sessions take place every Monday at 4pm. Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher, shares stories, reading and more from Ukraine.

Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am – no booking required. Create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see.

Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10am.

Book group Have You Read…? meets on April 5 from 2pm-3pm: a book group for everyone with no set novel to read, just an hour of chat and refreshments.

A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 9.30am.

People can enjoy a free hot drink in the library every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 9.30am-4pm, use the computers or WiFi with your own iPad or phone, read a book, a newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax.

The library is open 9.30am-5.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday.

Open access is from 8am-7.30pm every day.

For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries

April 19

n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents The Ruins in the Woods, illustrated talk by Aaron Girdlestone on the exciting discovery of local medieval site at Hartygrove Brake, in Lower Hazel, as seen on Digging For Britain. St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Followed by tea and cakes. Tickets £7.50 from AAGThornbury@gmail. com or call 01454 850933.

April 21

n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR concert at St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 4pm. Hour-long concert followed by refreshments. Admission free, retiring collection.

April 24

n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Talk: The Clifton Observatory, by Mary Coward. Visitors welcome.

April 23

n THORNBURY ART CLUB floral still life oil painting demonstration with Lee Wright, professional artist, printmaker and tutor, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 7.15pm. Visitors or prospective new members welcome: £6 on the door. For more details visit www.thornburyartclub. co.uk or call 01454 414433.

April 27

n THORNBURY VOLUNTEER CENTRE spring table top sale and pop up cafe, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 10am-12.30pm. Community groups, charities and individuals selling goods, cards, produce, crafts, vintage items and more. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes, Easter raffle – raising funds to support local community groups and charities.

May 18

n THORNBURY IN BLOOM annual bring and buy plant sale, between the Town Hall and Costa Coffee from 9am-12.30pm. Residents are asked to bring along plants they wish to donate, have a browse and purchase plants donated by others. Email thornburyinbloom91@gmail.com for more details.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Monday in the month at 2pm in St Mary's Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury, for classes, demonstrations and competitions. For more information contact Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail.co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213.

Tuesday

n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Thornbury Town Hall Tuesday 10am-noon. No appointment needed.

n JUST SEW IT SEWING CLUB, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine & materials/pattern. Call Carrie 07753 236095.

n THORNBURY MEMORY CAFE

is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except August) from 10.15-11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. More information from Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 07800 776998.

n SUNBEAMS TODDLER GROUP, 1.30-3pm every Tuesday in term time, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall (off Castle Court). All families welcome, no need to book, £2 per family includes snack and drink.

n THORNBURY TOWN BAND

Friendly community brass band, rehearsals at Thornbury URC Tuesday evening's 7.30pm-9.30pm. New players very welcome. www. thornburytownband.com. email: info@ thornburytownband.co.uk. Turn up or call Anna for more information on 07960008843

Wednesday

n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, Coffee and Chat, second Wednesday of the month, The Swan, Thornbury High Street, 10-11.30am. All welcome

Thursday

n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Thornbury URC, Chapel Street, 1-3pm. For info visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.

Friday

n HAVEN MEMORY CAFE, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, first and third Fridays of the month from 10.15-11.45am. More details from Stuart Hill on 07913 241437 or Sue Walton 07794 370903.

Saturday

n THORNBURY PARKRUN, 9am, Mundy Playing Fields. Free.

n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION VETERANS Breakfast, second Saturday of the month, 9am at The Swan, Thornbury High Street. All welcome.

Sunday

n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Wheatsheaf pub, Chapel Street, noon.

Sowing the seeds of biodiversity

A WILDFLOWER seed sowing day at Chantry Playing Field in Thornbury was part of a plan to help turn the lawn into a wildflower meadow.

Organised by Thornbury Town Council on March 17, volunteers helped seed a roped off area that will have a mix of annual and perennial wildflowers, similar to those sown in the Mundy playing fields last year.

Thornbury Town Council climate and nature officer Ming Yan Cheung said: "The day was an absolute delight!

"People of all ages and backgrounds came together, getting their hands dirty and sowing seeds for change, making the day a big success.

"A big thank you to the enthusiastic volunteers who joined in, showing their love for nature. Their dedication is truly inspiring.

"A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the brilliant outdoor team from the town council, who made sure the site was ready for this activity.

"Transforming existing lawns into well-established wildflower meadows takes time, but each step is a positive one toward a more vibrant environment. So, enjoy the process.

"With wildflower seeds carefully sown and smiles all around, we're excited to see the field transform into a colourful and diverse area.

"It's a hopeful vision for a more sustainable and nature-friendly future."

People are invited to keep up to speed with the project on the town council’s website at tinyurl.com/39k3pe8k

Questions can also be sent to climateandnature@ thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk.

Compulsory purchase for cycle path land

SOUTH Gloucestershire

Council has approved the use of compulsory purchase orders to buy the land needed for a new off-road cycle path between Thornbury and Alveston.

A council cabinet meeting on March 11 heard the CPOs would only be used if land negotiations are unsuccessful.

Last month the Voice reported that the cycle greenway, part of a £4.8 million improvement to the main road connecting Thornbury to Alveston, had been given a mixed reception.

Cyclists have broadly welcomed the scheme, which will take riders off the “suicidal” B4061 Alveston Hill onto specially-built cycle lanes in fields nearby. But others have branded the project a waste of money and “virtue signalling”.

Construction is expected to start on the Alveston Hill Greenway in spring next year.

for part of the route it crosses through fields to the east of Alveston Hill for 600m to Thornbury Leisure Centre where it joins Vilner Lane.

Cabinet councillor for infrastructure Chris Willmore said: “I have horrors when I see pedestrians — never mind

cyclists, people in wheelchairs or with baby buggies — getting down Alveston Hill on that narrow pavement where the road twists and turns and a lot of the cars go really fast.

“For me, the most important thing above all else, is getting something that gives people the ability to get from Alveston to Thornbury safely, which they don’t have at the minute. We want to get our full business case this August, so that we can get something started on the ground next spring.

“It’s so important for the safety of residents of all ages, but particularly schoolchildren and some of the elderly residents of Alveston, who are currently taking their life in their hands walking down Alveston Hill.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Funding for High Street planting project

A PROJECT to brighten up Thornbury High Street has won a grant from South Gloucestershire Council.

The council will be providing Thornbury in Bloom with 10 new planters for the High Street.

The wards from the council's £32,000 Greening the High Street scheme will fund "sustainable, drought resistant plants".

Thornbury in Bloom chair Kath Greenman said the group would also plant in Rock Street, Castle Court and Gulwells bed along the same lines.

Projects given funding included plans to install planters instead of hanging baskets, proposals to nurture climateresilient plants, planting more trees and creating nature havens for wildlife and pollinating insects.

The scheme was funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and a total of 12 community-led projects have benefitted, with Winterbourne Parish Council and Yate Town Council also among the recipients of funding.

Council cabinet member for communities Leigh Ingham said: “We are delighted to support so

many community groups and town and parish councils to help our high streets buzz with life. "Urban settings such as town centres don’t have to be places where biodiversity and nature can’t thrive; this funding will help projects that support the local environment while making our high streets places people want to visit and spend their time.

“In order to become net-zero, we all need to play our part and work together to understand how street planting can impact climate change, improve air quality and provide vital wildlife habitats. I want to thank those who are putting the environment first and thinking of future generations.”

For more information on sustainable planting, including best practice and the best plants to choose, visit www.southglos. gov.uk/GHSG

The council continues to work with local chambers of commerce, trader partnerships, community groups and residents. Independent high street retailers can contact the council to find out what support is available by emailing the council’s high streets team at highstreets@ southglos.gov.uk

Volunteers planting wildflower seeds at the Chantry Playing Field

How the council says the path will look

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Time for action to end loss of young lives

THE recent loss of young lives across the West of England is a huge concern.

At my annual Schools Summit, students pitch ideas to me for new policies.

Sometimes it’s the environment, transport, or about skills. This year’s big theme turned out to be how to tackle knife crime.

Many young people are currently worried, anxious and unclear about what they can do to best avoid knife violence. But they know the awful toll of young lives only too well.

Mason Rist and Max Dixon – aged just 15 and 16 respectively – were stabbed in Knowle West back in January.

Darrian Williams, also just 16, was killed in Easton in February.

Another 16-year-old, Mikey Roynon, was stabbed and killed at a birthday party in Bath last June.

In 2022, Radstock teenager Charley Bates was another young victim. His killer was prosecuted last August.

Knife crime is impacting young people, who are changing their behaviour from fear, for example staying in more and not seeing their friends so frequently.

There is no single answer – far from it. But I do know we must act.

We need to invest in young people and the resources that help them. Real-terms reductions to local council budgets for the past 14 years have hit youth services very badly.

There is also a lack of mental health support for youngsters growing up in an ever more complex and fast-changing world. As a former NSPCC-trained child protection officer, this is something close to my heart.

Young people need mentors, to take part in activities that build their self-esteem. They also need access to first rate support from qualified professionals.

Sadly, young people are staying away from youth clubs and youth provision because they and their parents are frightened. That’s a vicious circle we need to break.

We also need to smash the myth that carrying a knife makes you safer. It doesn’t.

However secure it makes you feel, you’re actually more likely to be stabbed with your own knife than anyone else’s. By carrying a knife, you’re potentially arming your attacker.

The police are right to hold knife amnesties. But the fall in police numbers and prosecutions under this government is unacceptable. I also can’t fathom the reason to wait until the autumn to ban dangerous ‘zombie knives’ and

machetes. And when the worst happens, we need people trained to react.

At my schools summit, youngsters learnt from the brilliant anti-knife crime campaigner Leanne Reynolds how to use ‘bleed kits’, which contain everything needed to give first aid to someone rapidly losing blood.

So, here’s the deal: to tackle knife crime head-on, we need to get everyone on board – community groups, charities, businesses, police and especially young people.

It also requires political parties to work together, something as West of England Mayor I’m keen to encourage.

The senseless loss of young life is an utter and total tragedy. It’s time for action, so we can beat it – together.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Call to action for 4x4 drivers

A VOLUNTEER charity that enables 4x4 drivers to help communities and emergency services in times of need is on the lookout for new recruits from South Gloucestershire.

Wessex 4x4 Response is a charity whose members head out on the road to help in flooding, snow and other major incidents. They ensure essential workers such as NHS staff can make community rounds or get to shifts in the snow, and transport teams helping in police searches.

Volunteers' vehicles also provide logistical support at major events like Glastonbury Festival, Race for Life and the Somerset carnivals.

Driver and trustee Norman Dagger is encouraging other 4X4 owners to join him.

Norman, who puts his 2015 Land Rover Defender to use for the group, joined in 2012.

He has taken part in the response to several floods in Somerset, where Wessex 4x4 Response spent 90 days on the Levels in 2013, has helped transport district nurses on their rounds around Marshfield during heavy snow and transport search and rescue teams combing the Dorset countryside for a missing person.

He manages the Bristol team and also helps train other drivers.

Norman said: "I just thought it was a good thing to do, to put something in to the community."

Any type of 4x4 vehicle can be useful –members drive a variety of vehicles from smaller Suzuki Skoda and VWs with four wheel drive to Land Rover Defenders, Discoveries and Nissan L200 pick-ups.

Norman said: "As long as it's got four-wheel drive it can be useful – especially vehicles with

a low-ratio gearbox and 'diff lock' (locking differential).

"But you don't need to have a 4x4 to join up – we also have a computer-based control team, media, fundraising and training teams as well as support functions for the charity.”."

The group started in 2002 in Somerset and has grown to cover the whole of the Avon & Somerset police area, as well as Dorset and Wiltshire.

It is split into local teams – the Bristol and South Gloucestershire team has around 24 members, from a total of 226 responders overall.

They work with local resilience forums, which are partnerships involving the emergency services, councils, NHS and Environment Agency, to provide logistical support in emergencies.

Members are given training to help utilise their vehicles and build their own skills, and also hold social events to build team spirit and share their passion for 4x4s.

For more details visit www. wessex4x4response.org.uk, where there is a link to an application form.

Norman Dagger with the Land Rover Defender he puts to use in emergencies for Wessex 4x4 Response.

Funeral venue backs suicide charity

FUNERAL venue Bristol

Memorial Woodlands has announced a partnership with a charity supporting individuals and families affected by suicide.

The group is teaming up with Gloucestershire-based charity Sunflowers Suicide Support, which is dedicated to offering hope and assistance to families affected by suicide.

Bristol Memorial Woodlands will support the charity in various ways including hosting the annual ‘Glimmer of Light’ event in September.

Mireille Hayden, a grief and bereavement expert at Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: "We’re delighted to partner with Sunflowers Suicide Support, which does such wonderful and important work in the region.

"We have been thoroughly impressed with the services they provide as such a small team.

"We believe in the power of community and the importance

of standing together to support one another through life’s most challenging times.

"This partnership is a reflection of our commitment

to making a positive impact and providing a sanctuary for those who are grieving."

Sunflowers Suicide Support is dedicated to helping individuals and families bereaved or affected in any way by suicide.

The charity offers a range of services including providing training and qualifications related to suicide intervention, grief and suicide bereavement; raising awareness; and ensuring people affected by suicide have access to appropriate and effective support.

Sunflowers Suicide Support operations manager Chloe Webb said: "Teaming up with Bristol Memorial Woodlands is an incredibly meaningful step for Sunflowers Suicide Support.

"This partnership is a testament to the strength that lies in collaboration, as we join forces to offer compassion, understanding, and a beacon of hope to those affected by suicide.

"Together, we stand committed to creating a supportive community where healing thrives, and the annual 'Glimmer of Light' event becomes a symbol of resilience.

"Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Bristol Memorial Woodlands for embracing our mission, providing us with a beautifully serene location where we can mark World Suicide Prevention Day and remember those we have lost.

"We look forward to making a positive impact side by side."

Bristol Memorial Woodlands is a 100-acre nature reserve and burial ground near Thornbury, managed by a Charitable Trust an aiming to create a lasting woodland habitat.

For more information visit www.memorialwoodlands.com.

For details of the work of Sunflowers Suicide Support visit www.sunflowerssuicidesupport. org.uk.

Abbie Warren and Chloe Webb of Sunflowers visiting Bristol Memorial Woodlands

Big medal haul for martial artists

A MARTIAL arts team from Thornbury is celebrating after members won 13 medals at a national competition.

Students from Thornbury Taekwondo Academy, which caters for children as young as four, took part in the International Taekwondo Federation UK Spring National Championships.

The event, which was held at Hatfield in Hertfordshire in February, hosted a range of categories, including patterns and sparring for juniors and adults.

Instructor Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and World title holder, said: “I’m proud of everyone who competed or supported the event in any way –it was a great day.

“Competitions are a good way for students to challenge themselves, meet other practitioners of taekwondo and have fun.”

Several students from the team, aged 15 to 57, took part in the event.

Stuart Leppard, a sixthdegree black belt, along with his daughter, Grace, a first-degree black belt, took home gold and silver medals.

Grace, who is studying for a Master’s degree in building surveying at Northumbria

University, also won a bronze.

Esme McCarthy, a seconddegree black belt, who is studying law at London South Bank University and works part time as a legal assistant, won gold and silver medals.

Ben Turner, a second-degree black belt, won gold for sparring in the heavyweight category, as well as bronze in hyper weight

and silver for patterns.

Lilly Buxton, a first-degree black belt, achieved gold and silver medals.

European kick-boxing champion and Junior Taekwondo world champion Kieran McDermott was unable to compete due to illness.

Taekwondo emphasises fast kicking techniques and is said to promote physical and mental strength, including improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture.

Set up in 2001, the Thornbury club holds classes at Thornbury Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with Black Belt and squad training at Turnberrie's Community Centre every other weekend.

For more information about the club call 07866 685099, email info@thornburytkd. com or visit the website thornburytkd.co.uk

.

Angela Belassie

Chippenham defeat follows two great wins for Thorns

THORNBURY RFC are sitting fifth in the table after an understrength side was beaten 48-5 by Chippenham.

Although under the pump for most of the game Thorns were still in the match until Chippenham ran in three tries in ten minutes early in the second half.

Chippenham had only lost at home once – a narrow defeat to Royal Wootton Bassett –and had the additional advantage of regularly playing on the 4G playing surface which was somewhat alien to Thornbury.

Nothing went right for Thornbury. Although the first quarter had been scoreless and the half-time scoreline wasn’t unsurmountable, a poor third quarter removed any hope Thorns had of salvaging anything from the match.

Had it not been for an outstanding try from Mike Priday Thornbury would have been “nilled” as they never threatened to score.

The defeat followed two great wins for Thorns – a 35-26 away victory over Trowbridge followed by a 40-10 win over Chosen Hill., both of which saw Jack Pinker score 20 points.

Thornbury showed great pride in the shirt to return from Trowbridge with a memorable win against the odds.

With many players unavailable due to injuries and pre-arranged commitments for

this last-minute fixture change Thornbury went to deepest Wiltshire with a team unrecognisable from any that had taken the field this season. Yet they played with great heart and passion and demonstrated how total focus and collective will can earn the most unlikely of victories.

Thornbury then blew away the challenge of Chosen Hill in a blistering first half performance on March 16, which saw them score five tries and build an unassailable lead.

Having been in overdrive in the first half, they never got out of third gear in the second and allowed the visitors to gain confidence and outscore Thorns after the break.

Leading 37-0 at half time it was a game of two halves. The match was won at half-time, but Chosen Hill deserve credit for not giving up and for winning the second half when their experienced and lumpy pack enjoyed the majority of territory and possession.

Thornbury Ladies won 27-10 at Tewkesbury, through great commitment, continuity and excellent defence, scoring four tries in the process.

With the game tied at the break Thornbury pulled away with outstanding tries in the third quarter as they played with dynamism and pace which Tewkesbury were unable to deal with.

March also saw one of Thornbury rugby club’s great characters, Tom Gracey, pass away after losing a long and desperate battle with illness.

His playing career at Thornbury was considerable, first playing in the 1978/79 season and finally hanging up his boots in 1998/99.

In between he played in 545 recorded senior games, including 27 for the First XV. He also played for the Seconds, Thirds, Fourths, and Exiles but is perhaps most strongly associated with the Vandals, whom he played for on 216 occasions. Tom scored 47 tries.

Dave Fox

Thornbury Taekwondo Academy students had a successful trip to the latest national championships

Action from Thornbury's 35-26 win over Trowbridge. Picture: Dave Fox

Games come thick and fast for Thorns

GAMES for Thornbury Town came thick and fast during March following a series of postponements, with the first team having to play three games in six days.

Following a narrow 2-1 home defeat against top-of-the-table Corsham Town, a short trip to Brimscombe & Thrupp two weeks later ended in another close defeat, this time 1-0.

Town then faced successive games against two former Southern League sides chasing a play-off place.

Highworth Town were grateful to leave the Mundys with a point, following a 1-1 draw.

Thorns had taken the lead through top scorer Joe McLaughlin early on in the first half but the visitors forced an equaliser on the hour mark. Despite enjoying a lot of possession, Thornbury couldn’t find a winning goal.

Three days later Cinderford Town were the visitors, and a couple of mistakes saw them take a two-goal lead.

A strong second half performance from Thornbury saw them pull a goal back through skipper Nathan Sage, but they were unable to fashion an equaliser.

Two nights later the number of games was showing, as Hereford Lads Club secured a 2-0 win at the Mundys.

The Reserves have managed to play three games in the last month, but are still only halfway through their fixture schedule.

All three games ended 4-2, with the side beating Patchway Town Reserves and AEK

Boco A but losing to Shaftesbury Crusade by the same scoreline. Asher Budd and Harrison Young shared the majority of Thornbury's goals.

The side still has five or more games in hand on most teams in their league, so are still hopeful of making a push for promotion.

The A team's run of good results came to an emphatic end. After a 3-0 victory over Fry Club, a visit to Bradley Stoke saw them come away with a 3-1 win.

They were then awarded a walkover win against Oldland Abbotonians, when the visitors were unable to raise a side, but the

run ended with a 6-2 defeat to Longwell Green Sports.

The Under 18s have only managed to play one game in the last month, against top-ofthe-table Red Falcon Club. Undefeated in the league this season, the visitors showed their quality as they won 4-1.

The clubhouse extension has still not been “signed off” and is unable to be used on match days while minor issues are to be resolved.

However, as reported in the news section, the club has obtained the necessary planning permission for the installation of a new covered stand for 100 spectators, and hopes to undertake the work, along with other ground improvements, as soon as FA grants have been secured.

Club president Paul Wisbey, who now lives in Exmouth, was welcomed to the home game against Highworth Town. Before kickoff, Paul was presented with an FA award recognising his 50-year contribution to local football and 40 years' service to Thornbury Town.

We are grateful for all the volunteers who help run the club, but are always on the lookout for more.

If you are interested in helping out a National League System club with a strong junior section, please get in touch! Details can be found online at thornburytownfc. co.uk

Malcolm Carr

Club celebrates multi-talented players

VERSATILE John Rigby is a perfect example of a number of Thornbury Hockey Club members who participate in other sports.

Recently, he played for Thornbury Hockey Club in the morning, then rushed off to play for the rugby club's 2nd team in the afternoon.

He also regularly referees junior rugby matches at the local club and has refereed adult games when an official hasn’t been appointed.

Other dual sportsmen are Harry Collins and Rob Sherrard, who don the whites for Rockhampton Cricket Club in the summer.

Tiger Sherrard-Isles is another dual sportsman who, as well as playing for the men’s hockey side, is a promising slow bowler at Rockhampton.

Lewis Henderson is another who plays both hockey and rugby for Thornbury.

Thornbury umpire Dave Morgan recently returned from a hockey trip to Spain, where he was a playing member of

the Wales Dragons Over-60 B side – he reported the weather to be hot and sunny!

On the playing side, the league season is nearly over, and a full review of the season will be given next month.

The ladies 1s defeated Bristol University 3rds 4-3, making up for a 6-0 defeat in their first game.

Coz Deas scored a hat-trick, with Esther Jenkinson also scoring.

However, the team went down 3-1 against Lydney 2nds in their next game, with Coz Deas again scoring Thornbury's goal.

The young 2nd team shows improvement in each match, drawing 2-2 against South Glos 2nds, with Emily Board and Amelia Fitzgerald scoring, before narrowly going down 2-1 to Keynsham 3rds, with Zoe Ashfield scoring Thornbury's goal.

Thornbury men, under enthusiastic captain Pardip Bhogal, will end the season as runners up in Concorde 2, so will be promoted for next season.

Junior players Tom Board and Tom Allison made their senior debuts in the game against Old Bristolians, whilst Isaac Reid and James Mallinson gave player-ofthe-match performances in the game.

David Parry-Jones

Club president Paul Wisbey (left) is presented with his long service award from Malcolm Carr, who received the same award earlier in the season Thornbury's men's team are assured of promotion

THORNBURY and District Cancer Research UK Committee's Fish and Chips Quiz will be held at Manorbrook School in Park Road, Thornbury, on June 15 this year.

All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK.

Please arrive by 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets cost £15 per person and can be obtained from Gill Blackborough on 07866 580608.

Contactless will be available on the night and there will also be a raffle.

Our usual quiz master, Tony Flintoff, will be in charge on the night.

there's a maximum of six people per team.

Please bring your own drinks. We will provide glasses, cutlery and condiments

Lynfa Fisher

after someone? Or perhaps you know someone who does?

Families, friends and neighbours often provide crucial care for someone who couldn’t manage without their help.

You could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

Carers Support Centre runs monthly carers support groups for unpaid carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The groups are safe, confidential spaces to meet with other carers

to share information and provide support for each other.

We are currently running groups in areas including Downend, a special group in St George for those caring for someone with dementia and an online group for those who can't make it in person.

If you would like to join one of our groups, please contact CarersLine on 0117 965 2200

from Monday to Friday, 10am1pm or Monday to Thursday, 2-4pm, or email carersline@ carerssupportcentre.org.uk.

Carers

Adrian Robson

Support Centre