Thornbury Voice August 2020

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

August, 2020 Issue 39

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Hall will not reopen FIVE people have been made redundant as the trust in charge of the Armstrong Hall complex says it will not reopen for the foreseeable future.

PAGE 5

Saying goodbye – and hello A DAD is aiming to help make up for cancelled fundraising events at his children's school with a sponsored ride from Land's End to John o'Groats. Justin Warr is currently pedalling the length of the country. Full story: Page 9

Have your say on High Street A SIX-month public consultation will be launched to give people a say on the future of Thornbury's controversial High Street closure.

South Gloucestershire Council is set to announce details of the consultation soon,

as complaints continue about the effect of the ban on through traffic.

Traders claim the closure has turned the town centre into a "lifeless, soulless empty space" and there have also been complaints over road safety and

the effect on bus services.

But some people have benefited from the scheme, with pubs able to use the extra space to seat customers outside as they reopen following lockdown.

Turn to pages 2-3

SCHOOLS have had to find new ways to say goodbye to leavers – and their next challenge is how to welcome all pupils back in September.

PAGES 6 & 7

Fast food exclusion zone

AN exclusion zone for fast food takeaways near schools could be made part of the area's planning policy.

PAGE 12

Plug in

AN electric car charging point is set to be installed in a busy Thornbury car park.

PAGE 15

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August, 2020

n NEWS

Mayor's view on closure THORNBURY Mayor and North East ward town councillor Jayne Stansfield said the town council and its members had received a "considerable number" of comments both for and against the closure of the High Street by South Gloucestershire Council.

She said: "Initially neither Thornbury Town council nor the South Glos councillors for Thornbury were consulted about the measures being taken in the High Street."

Jayne said she and fellow ward councillors Maggie Tyrrell and Shirley Holloway had set up a Town Centre Partnership meeting to discuss the closure and hear views from traders as quickly as possible after finding out about the closure, have invited South Gloucestershire Council officers to explain the scheme at the last two town council meetings.

She said: "At first I was certainly sceptical about what was planned and whether

it would work.

"However, as it was going ahead anyway, whether I liked it or not, I decided to take a pragmatic approach and to see what actually happens over the next few weeks.

"As you can imagine, we have received a considerable number of emails since the scheme was announced.

"Many are against the idea for a variety of reasons, such as lack of disabled parking and negative impact on the prosperity of the High Street.

"Equally, there is a lot of support from people citing benefits such as cleaner air and a more pleasant environment, and space for businesses to operate during the Covid emergency.

"Suggestions from the public for the future of the High Street range from 'put it back to how it was', through 'implement a one-way system' to 'close if completely and put seating and ad-hoc open airperformances'.

"Despite the Thornbury Town Centre Strategy stating that 'pedestrian-friendly measures' should be considered, until now there has not been any real discussion on

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what that would look like, so it’s great to be getting such a wide range of interesting and imaginative ideas from the public.

"We all want to a see a thriving, successful High Street and applaud our local traders for coming through what has been a difficult time for us all." n What do you think of the High Street closure? Write to us at contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk.

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August, 2020

n NEWS From page 1 A petition against the closure has passed 650 signatures, and Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall has also launched a survey to gauge opinions.

Zoe Gilbraith, of Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, said traders "continue to struggle to get the council to listen" to any suggestions relating to the closure.

While the area closed has been amended to reopen the section between Chapel Street and the Close to traffic, Zoe said traffic signage was "at best confusing", and a lack of space to turn meant larger lorries making deliveries were having to go past 'no entry' signs to leave the area.

The council has employed a specialist traffic management company to manage the closure, including its one-way delivery system, from 6am to 6pm each day.

But Zoe said signs on roads approaching the High Street do not warn vehicles of the oneway route for deliveries – and that some cyclists were riding through the closed street at speed, leaving any pedestrians in the road at risk of being knocked down.

She said: "Most people are still walking along the pavements as there is no problem with social distancing, in fact the High Street is somewhat deserted most of the time.

"People have also commented to say that now the bus doesn’t stop in the High Street it makes visiting the town more difficult."

The chamber has issued a thank-you to residents who have

3

People will be given a say on High Street closure

The closure of Thornbury High Street to through traffic from June 8 has been heavily criticised by traders "made the effort to come into the High Street to support local businesses" and said that those who still feel unable to visit can call shops to arrange deliveries.

The chamber said: "We just want to let everyone in the town and surrounding area know we all have your well-being at heart and are trying to keep staff and the public safe.

"Most businesses are now up and running again and are happy to welcome you, we hope you feel safe to visit us as we miss you all. Shopping in Thornbury is a social event for many of you and we look forward to welcoming you back into our businesses."

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said the authority had not been able to carry out " a full consultation as we normally would expect" before the scheme was implemented. The council says this will be rectified soon, although exact details of the consultation had not been confirmed as the Voice went to press.

The spokesperson said: "The Government has issued statutory guidance which expects local authorities to make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians.

"The guidance also states that ‘measures should be taken as swiftly as possible, and in any event within weeks, given the urgent need to change travel habits before the restart takes full effect’.

"We all need to abide by the Covid-19 guidelines to protect each other, help to control the virus and save lives.

"Given these timescales, we have not been able to carry out a full consultation as we normally would expect to for a scheme of this scale before its implementation but we are providing as much information as possible and answering queries as quickly as we can.

"We discussed the proposals with local residents and business representatives where possible before implementing the changes.

"In Thornbury, we are launching a full public consultation soon, which will run for six months.

"This will provide everyone with the opportunity to answer a questionnaire about the scheme and lodge formal objections or register their support for the scheme."

The petition against the closure can be found online at bit.ly/2Ym7raf, while Luke Hall's survey can be found at bit. ly/3hiVdWo.

A 'soulless, empty space' - but there is more room to sit outside BUSINESSES have continued to voice their concerns over the closure of Thornbury High Street.

Jackie Riddiford of grocer LE Riddiford said trade was down by around 30% since the closure and, although this improved on Saturdays, "you cannot keep a business going on one day a week".

Christine Stone of hardware store Hawkins said: "The closure of the High Street has instantly transformed Thornbury from a busy thriving town into a lifeless, soulless empty space.

"Despite more businesses opening up, the footfall has reduced dramatically."

"Ninety per cent of our customers are totally against the full closure and hate what is happening and how the council did not consult anyone, and still do not seem

prepared to listen.

"I listen to my customers, and that is the reason I'm so concerned about what is happening to the High Street."

Jean Owen of florist T & J Owen said: "Thornbury is advertised as a 'historic market town' - the closure is taking this attraction away completely.

"If this continues, some shops will be closed and empty in less than 6 months' time."

Tina Stephens of LoubyLou Yarns said: "I still haven't had any customers in who say it's a good idea. I had a lady in yesterday who said she was wary of the cyclists coming down the road. I looked up the high street at about 1pm and saw three people. I've lived here since 1968 and never seen it looking so sad."

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For some businesses, however, the closure has given them the extra space they need to reopen in a new environment of social distancing.

Sandra Davies of The Swan has used the extra space to put an open seating area in the High Street outside the pub.

She said: “I really do feel that it can work being closed; we have done well out of the road being closed, as we have had people coming to use the front who have not been to the Swan before.

"We are also finding people that have been isolated and are now starting to come out have found the front particularly useful, as they do not want to go indoors, and they are reserving tables out the front as opposed to coming in."

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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August, 2020

n NEWS

Two weeks with no COVID-19 deaths NO deaths from coronavirus had been reported among South Gloucestershire residents for two weeks as the Voice went to press.

For the first time since March, the Office for National Statistics reported no deaths with COVID-19 among people in the district during the weeks ending June 26 and July 3.

None of the 40 and 29 deaths respectively during those weeks had the virus listed as a cause.

There had been one COVID-19 death in the previous week, ending June 19.

More recent figures for COVID-19 deaths in care homes notified to regulator the Care Quality Commission showed that none were reported in South Gloucestershire during the week to July 10.

The first three registered deaths of South Gloucestershire residents involving coronavirus happened in the week ending March 27 – the same week lockdown measures were introduced in England.

In the following week the numbers increased to 16, before peaking at 35 during the week ending on April 10.

The following three weeks each saw between 21 and 22 COVID-19 deaths, before numbers started to decline.

In total, 168 South Gloucestershire residents have died with the virus: 80 in hospital, 80 in care homes and eight in their own homes.

Last month the Voice reported official figures showing that the virus had claimed the lives of 24 people in Thornbury.

The in-depth breakdown from the Office for National Statistics, released in June, showed deaths from every area in the country which involved COVID-19 in March, April and May. The ONS divided the country into small geographic areas,

each with a population of around 7,500 people, and recorded how many people in each area died with coronavirus.

It found that 13 people died in the area the ONS calls Thornbury North, which includes roads off Gloucester Road and Morton Way, as well as villages to the north of the town including Falfield.

The area includes Beech House care home in Prowse Close, where 12 residents died.

Another 11 people died with COVID-19 in the area the ONS calls Thornbury South, which includes the High Street, Rock Street and roads off Midland Way, Gillingstool and Grovesend Road, as well as Tytherington.

Another care home in this area, Grace Care Centre in Whitebridge Gardens, had an outbreak of COVID-19 confirmed

by Public Health England in April, although neither the authorities nor the home’s operators have confirmed whether there were fatalities.

Eight people had died with the virus in the Alveston, Olveston and Oldbury area and there were a further three deaths in the Almondsbury, Pilning and Severn Beach area.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Gloucestershire was 747 as the Voice went to press, an infection rate of 264.3 per 100,000.

A member of the

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August, 2020

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n NEWS THORNBURY’S Armstrong Hall will stay closed for the foreseeable future due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

The charity which runs the Armstrong and Cossham halls in Chapel Street said the “severe negative financial impact” of the coronavirus pandemic and the “lack of further options for external funding” meant that the complex could not be run without a significant financial deficit.

The complex closed in March as the lockdown was introduced, and the Armstrong Hall Trust started a review of future funding.

Many regular users said they would not be able to resume long-term bookings and some redevelopment funding was withdrawn.

The trust issued a statement, which said: “It is with great regret that the Armstrong Hall Trust is announcing that they have taken the decision that they are unable to reopen the Armstrong Hall Complex in the near future.

“Despite a significant grant from Thornbury Town Council and a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant from South Gloucestershire Council, there has been a severe negative financial impact on the bookings income and there is a lack of further options for external funding."

The Trust said that as a charity it could not allow the complex to be run at a deficit, saying trustees "have therefore come to the conclusion that regretfully they cannot afford to reopen the hall for the foreseeable future, and they cannot continue to employ the staff”.

The trust said five people’s jobs had been made redundant, three of them part-time, with one job saved by being redeployed to the town council.

Armstrong Hall Trust chair and Thornbury mayor Jayne Stansfield said: “Unfortunately the trust could not have predicted this pandemic and have found ourselves in a difficult situation, with limited options.

“The trust would like to thank the staff and our customers for their commitment and loyalty and would like to express our deep regret with the route we have had no choice but to take.”

The trust has formed a working group to look at options

Five jobs lost as hall shuts indefinitely

for the way forward. Chair Clive Parkinson said: “The Armstrong Hall Trust will continue to investigate all possible options to create a venue that is suitable for the deserving community.

“We will continue with great effort; despite the hard and difficult climate we have all found ourselves in as a result of the pandemic.”

Meanwhile the Armstrong Arts Group, a group of volunteers who organise many of the events staged at the Armstrong and Cossham halls, says that all is not lost.

The group is continuing to raise money for the improvement of the complex, and hopes to stage an event – a concert featuring musical entertainer Michael Lunts – in December.

The group said in a statement: "The AAG has written, in strong terms, to the Armstrong Hall’s Charitable Trust about its decision to close the Armstrong Hall Complex for the foreseeable future.

"The letter presses the trustees to prioritise finding a solution to the current difficulties and to use whatever monies that can be found to make the hall safe and usable again for community groups.

"Please be reassured that the AAG is continuing to meet regularly and has a rolling programme in place, so that we are ready to go as soon as the Armstrong Hall opens for business.

"It is keen to ensure that

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

the Armstrong Hall Complex continues to fulfil its vital role in the life of the town and for the well-being of the community, as confirmed in the Council’s

The Armstrong Hall complex, including Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall, in Chapel Street. recent poll, which resulted in a clear preference that the complex must continue to be the community hall for the town."

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August, 2020

n NEWS

Schools are ready for a ‘new adventure’

After weeks in class 'bubbles', Christ the King primary pupils found a new sort of bubble to get in to at their leavers' party in this zorb game

Gillingstool Primary's leavers' picnic.

SCHOOLS have had to find new ways to say goodbye to leavers – and their next challenge is how to welcome all pupils back in September.

Traditional end-of-year events, from leavers' proms and discos to residential camps, had to be cancelled, with video messages and socially-distanced events taking their place for many of the Year 2, Year 6, Year 11 and Year 13 pupils completing their journeys through the Thornbury area's schools.

Having first opened only for keyworker and vulnerable

and equipment. The biggest changes will be that we will hold assembly and story time online, and dinners will be eaten in classrooms.

"However, it will be a new adventure and we are really pleased that our school community will be back together in the autumn.”

Castle School head teacher Joe Docherty told parents in the school's end of term newsletter that they will be using bubbles for year groups and pupils will access a full range of subjects, keeping things ‘very close’ to how

children, then limited year groups, staff have put hours of work into preparing for a "new adventure" in September when all children will be welcomed back to their classrooms – but separated into 'bubbles' by class or year group to try and minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus.

Gillingstool Primary School head teacher Caroline Carter said: “We are all organised and ready to go.

"Children will be working in class bubbles, each with its own dedicated play area

they were pre-lockdown.

Changes to the schedule of the school day will minimise contact between each bubble, with staggered break times, arrival and leaving times, and separate entrances for different year groups arriving at the same time.

Mr Docherty told parents: “Each year group will be allocated a zone within which to take their break and they will be strongly encouraged to be outside.

“Staggering the breaks will ensure the bubbles can remain

Recovery programme will stop children being left behind A PROGRAMME has been launched to ensure vulnerable children going back to school in South Gloucestershire after lockdown are not left behind.

The council is the first local authority in the country to adopt a “recovery curriculum”, which involves about 100 schools and experts in health, inclusion, early years and community learning.

It has drawn on examples around the world where academics have managed the return of pupils after a crisis, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.

The recovery curriculum, developed in the UK by mental health expert Professor Barry Carpenter and Worcestershire college principal Matthew Carpenter, focuses on youngsters’ loss of routine, structure, friendships, opportunities and freedom during the Covid-19 pandemic.

South Gloucestershire Council is working with Prof Carpenter and other

experts to connect with disadvantaged pupils who do not have adequate support at home, to support head teachers and staff and to gather information on the impact the coronavirus has had on communities, particularly the most vulnerable.

There are also teams focusing on the transition years, such as early reading and phonics, and how classes need to be adapted to meet the needs of struggling pupils.

All maintained schools in the district and the Olympus and Cabot Learning Federation academy trusts have signed up.

Council papers outlining the initiative say: “The recovery curriculum recognises the change globally because of the pandemic and within it the losses that a child or young person will experience.

“Any pandemic will create levels of anxiety and this is not conducive to effective learning.

“If the losses and the impact of the

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losses are not recognised then this will lead to a detrimental impact of both educational standards and well-being.

“South Gloucestershire Council has been praised for being the first local authority that has worked strategically with the recovery curriculum model."

The initiative was revealed by cabinet member for schools Erica Williams at a council meeting in July. She said: “We have initiatives we have been working on since May, because I felt even in the early part of lockdown that we should always look ahead for the worst scenario."

Cllr Williams said some children could be brought into school for the summer holidays.

A council spokesperson said the “cutting-edge” project had sparked interest from other councils and would continue for at least the autumn term.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

August, 2020

thornburyvoice

7

’ when pupils return in September

Sheiling School leavers separate in different areas of the school, ease pressure on the canteen and toilet areas and allow cleaning to take place.”

Journeys to school will also be different, with pupils being advised to avoid public transport and, if this is not possible, use a South Gloucestershire school bus rather than a scheduled public service.

At primary schools, where the usual transition days to secondary schools were postponed and the traditional end of Year 6 celebrations had to be scrapped, staff worked extremely hard to send their leavers off in style.

Christ the King Catholic Primary School held a fun day.

While staying in their separate teaching bubbles, the pupils had the chance to step into real bubble as they played zorb football on the field, along with

Christ the King primary pupils enjoy ice cream at their leavers' event tag archery, dodgeball and team games.

Hollie-Jane Lewis, aged 11, said: "On the magnificent Fun Day, the zorb balls were my absolute favourite because we kept falling over, so we were all in hysterics and it was a great way to say goodbye!"

James Cullyer, 10, said: "The Year 6 Fun Day was awesome!

It was the best thing a teacher could have planned for us at this time!"

Year 6 teacher Hannah Whitfield also let her class take ownership of their last few weeks to mark the end of an era.

She said: “They chose most of the activities that we have undertaken. Memorable highlights include a talent show, making and exploding papier mache volcanoes, painting, junk modelling, a pyjama and film day, clay modelling, a Sports

Day and even performing a TikTok dance which the whole Year 6 team participated in, staff included!”

She added that the “phenomenal resilience” shown by her pupils throughout lockdown, would “stand them in excellent stead” for their transition to secondary school.

At Gillingstool, a sociallydistanced “fond farewell” for Year 6 pupils was held on the field.

Mrs Carter said: “They were presented with an achievement certificate, a memories movie and a Gillingstool pencil and pen set. We finished off the afternoon with a visit from the local icecream van and a celebratory 99, with ice cream for every child.”

At the Sheiling School, which had to close temporarily in May when two members of staff tested positive for COVID-19,

administrator Laura Jane-Mann put together a yearbook despite the lockdown.

Head teacher Dean FrancesHawksley said: "It's been one of the most challenging years I can remember for Sheiling School. The build-up to Ofsted was incredibly intense, and then literally two days after the inspection the Covid crisis hit.

"But for all that staff have had to really dig deep to get through this year, it's important to reflect on the success of the Ofsted inspection, and the further success of managing to keep the school open and functioning for a large percentage of pupils almost throughout this last four months.

"And that we've still managed to get so much done in terms of supporting pupils at school as well as those who stayed at home, is quite amazing.”

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n NEWS

August, 2020

Cautious reopening for lockdown-hit businesses

Guy Oldring of the Thornbury Clinic AFTER weeks of enforced closure, home working or emergency appointments, businesses in many of the sectors worst affected by the lockdown are reopening.

Coronavirus measures are in place with new rules, timed appointments and personal protective equipment becoming normal.

Eastwood Park, a venue known for holding conferences and social events, is now able to hold wedding viewings and 'micro-ceremonies' can go ahead.

It has also hosted residential training courses for keyworkers.

NHS engineers were able to attend technical training in reduced numbers and had to follow measures such as social distancing, using separate entrances and exits and a oneway system inside the building which has also been cleaned more frequently.

A spokesperson said:

Eastwood Park “Although it is unknown now when conferences and large ‘social gatherings’ will be allowed to take place once again, when this day does come, Eastwood Park will be somewhat ahead of the game having already been through comprehensive preparations for its NHS guests.”

The venue has been awarded the We’re Good to Go certificate

by Visit England because it meets the COVID-19 requirements for the hospitality industry.

In Thornbury town centre, Debra Caherty manages Style Shoes on the High Street, which opened last year but had to close during the ban on non-essential shop openings.

She said: “We have been very pleased to see familiar faces returning to our store and would like to thank all our customers for their support during these strange times.

"Our store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and all

government guidelines are being followed, sanitiser is provided along with gloves if required.

We are still able to provide that personal experience as we allow a maximum of three people inside at a time.”

At the Thornbury Clinic, staff disinfect rooms between patients and wear full PPE. There is no receptionist, and with staggered appointments clients sit in the reception area alone. Towels are put in a separate bag and sent off to be washed at over 60C. The clinic was initially only able to hold emergency appointments, but more recently has been able to offer all appointments including massage.

Clinical lead Guy Oldring says he is “blessed” that his staff are “passionate about that they do”.

Thornbury’s independent estate agent, Bonds, is now offering timed appointments in the office in the morning only,

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Owner Rowena Moncrieffe said: “We haven’t got a massive office, we have literally taken desks and chairs out to maintain social distancing.”

Property viewings are now possible with distancing measures in place.

Rowena said: “We’ve got PPE and if a property is occupied, we say we have it and we tend to put it on, but we will also ask them to go out.

"We ask people we’re showing round not to touch anything.

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August, 2020

thornburyvoice 28

9 thornburyvo

n NEWS

■

Fo m op

ANYO is inv Thorn Th last y mem W repea Thurs

Justin's ride for Castle A THORNBURY dad is riding the length of the country after fundraising efforts for the Castle School ground to a halt.

Justin Warr is the vice-chair of the Castle School Friends group, which normally organises fundraising and maintenance events to help the secondary school.

But after the coronavirus crisis put a stop to regular fundraising, Justin decided to get on his bike and generate some money under his own steam, by cycling almost 900 miles from Lands End to John o'Groats.

Justin, described the challenge as a ‘leap into the unknown’.

He said: “I think, given the year we've had, that I just wanted to do something a little uplifting and raise some cash for charity (while keeping at bay my middle-aged waistline).

"It's something of a personal challenge as I love cycling and I'm a keen member of Thornbury Cycling Club, though unsurprisingly I have never tried to ride this far before – especially as it's all uphill going from south to north!”

Justin says he will be following government guidelines on COVID-19 throughout the duration of his journey, which he hopes will take him three weeks at 50 miles every day.

Setting out from Land's End on July 11, Justin's wife Kate and two daughters, who are Castle School pupils, joined him on two wheels for one of the stages and are following him in a motorhome for the rest of the journey as his support team.

Speaking to the voice as he approached Preston on his way to the Lake District, he said: “It’s proving a gruelling but wonderful challenge so far.

"I’m delighted to have found a way to support The Castle School while keeping fit, the legs are tired but spirits are high. Thank you to everyone for your support – it really does help me keep the pedals turning.”

Every day Justin records his travels on his fundraising page, to encourage people to support him.

Justin is passionate about raising money for the CSF. He said: “I want to help out Castle School Friends which is a great local charity run by volunteers raising much-needed funds to support students and staff at our much-loved school in Thornbury.”

The head teacher at The Castle School, Joe Docherty, wrote about his trip in the end of term newsletter to parents, describing him as an ‘inspiration’.

Justin's fundraising target is £1,000 and as the Voice went to press he was already over half-way there.

You can catch up with Justin’s diary and donate online at gofundme.com/f/justins-ride-for-castle-school-friends

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n NEWS

August, 2020

New rules as town play areas reopen NO fist-bumps or high-fives and no dangerous tricks – these are just two of the new rules young people in Thornbury need to adapt to after lockdown.

Town council-run play areas, the skatepark and outdoor gym reopened on July 17, after a delay while risk assessments were carried out.

But new rules aimed at stopping coronavirus being spread at the parks have had to be introduced, and signs have been put up to encourage people to respect social distancing, stay safe and hygienic.

The new rules include giving way to people entering and leaving play areas, using sanitiser or gel to clean children's hands before and after using play equipment, not consuming food or drink and only having one family member per child in play areas, unless the child needs extra support.

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The Skateboard GB advice includes a ban on fist-bumps, high fives and hugs the council has posted the Skateboard GB #SkateSafeStaySafe advice, which includes no fist-bumps or high fives, cleaning boards

before and after skating, and having no more than one person completing a run at a time.

Announcing the opening on its website, the town council said: "Thank you for bearing with us while the necessary risk assessments were carried out and some pieces of equipment

safely removed to allow visitors to follow social distancing guidelines.

"We would ask you to read and adhere to the temporary signage that has been placed in or near each area."

The council is also asking families to adhere to current social distancing guidelines and to consider coming back at a later time if play areas look too busy, having discussed the possibility of having to do this with children beforehand.

Some pieces of play equipment have been removed to make it easier for people to socially distance.

The town council is responsible for the Mundy Fields, Chantry, Eastland Avenue, Osprey Park and Streamleaze play areas, as well as the outdoor gym and the skatepark behind the leisure centre.

For more details about the new safety advice, visit the council's website at thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk.

Facebook joke was not misconduct, say police

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AVON and Somerset police say a Facebook post by a Thornburybased officer which contained a joke about a missing girl does not constitute misconduct.

The force said it had been made aware of a post by Thornbury beat manager PC Paula Manos, which contained a joke about going on holiday with the family of Madeleine McCann, the toddler who disappeared in Portugal in 2007.

The joke was posted in March, more than two months before it emerged that a new suspect in the case had been identified by German prosecutors, who said they believed Madeleine had been murdered.

After examining the post the constabulary issued a statement in July, which said: "This matter has been assessed by the Professional Standards Department and does not meet the threshold of misconduct.

"However it does fall short of standards of behaviour expected by the public and police and will be dealt with under the 'practice requires improvement' process.

"The officer is expected to engage with a review process in which they are encouraged to reflect and learn from the issue.

This will be reviewed as part of their annual assessment."

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thornburyvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS

Real living wage bid fails after row AN attempt to get South Gloucestershire Council to adopt the “real living wage” for its staff has failed after an emotional debate.

The council's Labour group tabled a motion seeking the change that would have seen a pay rise for the council’s lowest paid workers.

Instead, the Conservative-led council voted through an amended motion promising to consider the real living wage as part of the process for setting next year’s budget.

The Real Living Wage is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation based on the cost of living and is currently £9.30 per hour. It is higher than the National Living Wage introduced by the government in 2016, which takes affordability by employers into account and is currently £8.72 per hour for people aged 24 and over and £8.20 per hour for those aged 21 to 24.

At a full council meeting on July 15, Labour Staple hill and Mangotsfield ward councillor Ian Boulton said adopting the real living wage would mean a pay rise for 161 council and school staff and would cost about £63,000, and would show the council “genuinely values” those staff who “put their lives on the line” during the coronavirus pandemic and who continue to “suffer the indignities of in-work poverty as the echoes of our doorstep applause fade.”

But members of the Conservative group said the Labour motion was an attempt to “score political points” and would actually cost £1.5 million per year.

Council leader Toby Savage said: “I’ll keep on clapping for our staff and when I’m not clapping I’ll keep on working alongside my fellow Conservative members, council officers and our residents to make sure we can afford the most generous pay packages that we can, alongside the important front-line services that residents need.”

The majority Conservative group voted in favour of the amended motion, branded a “wrecking motion” by Labour members, which committed the council to “continue consideration of the RLW as the budget process develops, giving an opportunity to consider all financial commitments and the cost implications on residents through council tax and impact on the frontline services”.

Most opposition members abstained from the vote, with three opposing it.

Liberal Democrats criticised Tories for refusing to accept an amendment proposing that the council ask the Prime Minister to ensure all key workers were paid at least the Real Living Wage and to ensure that local authorities and the NHS were funded at a sufficient level to afford such a pay increase.

Thornbury councillor and Lib Dem deputy leader Maggie Tyrrell said: “Hand clapping and fine words, or even medals, may boost morale but they don’t put food on the table.”

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

July, 2017 Issue 4

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Campaign group joins opposition to proposed housing estate COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have added their voice to opposition against the latest large-scale housing plan for Thornbury.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has submitted an objection to the plan by Bovis Homes to build up to 370 homes on the north side of the town off Gloucester Road.

If the outline scheme is approved, it will extend housing out of the town towards the A38 across nearly 60 acres of agricultural land from Upper Morton to Crossways Lane at The Knapp.

It will also add even more homes to the many hundreds already built recently or which have been granted planning permission.

A large number of objections to the plan have been posted with South Gloucestershire Council, including from the residents action group TRAPP’D and the CPRE, as well as individual residents of the town.

The CPRE said the Bovis site, alongside the B4061, had not been identified in the local core strategy. Full story page 3.

Green light for homes on council office site Go ahead given for retirement complex on Castle Street PAGE 2

Big dig gets underway in Oldbury Work starts at Iron Age camp PAGE 5

Pieces fall into place for Jigsaw Charity moves into new Thornbury HQ PAGE 8

In the swing Having a blast: Firefighters in Thornbury sign up some young recruits.

Find out more in our community news, Page 7.

Tennis club enjoys a good start to the season PAGE 30

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www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

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11

Five crews at garage fire

Picture courtesy of Thornbury firefighters/Avon Fire and Rescue Service THORNBURY firefighters were joined by three other crews to tackle a blaze at a garage on the A38.

Both appliances from the town plus three other crews, including a turntable ladder from central Bristol, were needed to tackle the fire at Grovesend Garage in Gloucester Road on July 7.

Traffic was held up as fire crews worked to put out the blaze, which happened after the garage had closed for the night.

Despite some damage to the building the fire was contained and the garage was able to open for business the next day.

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August, 2020

n NEWS

'Deplorable' ban on residents' views to stay RESIDENTS will continue to be prevented from speaking during council visits to contentious planning sites, despite pleas from parish councillors.

Site inspections allow members of South Gloucestershire Council planning committees to become better informed before deciding on a planning application.

Until 2018, residents and developers were able to have a say at these visits.

But they were excluded under a raft of changes to the planning system introduced by the Conservative-led council in September of that year.

A review of the current system found developers broadly supported it – but parish and town councils felt it limited residents’ opportunity to influence planning.

Pucklechurch Parish Council told the review: “On the face of it, the system appears to have been to deliberately set up to deny ordinary people the opportunity

to speak in person, and this is to be deplored.”

Members of South Gloucestershire Council agreed to make six changes to planning processes based on the review – but changing the arrangements for site visits was not one of them.

Stoke Gifford parish councillor Andrew Shore said the new changes were a step in the right direction but continued to “favour the interests of developers”.

Residents’ contributions at site meetings can be “invaluable”, the Conservative member told a virtual meeting on July 15.

Opposition members of the council argued it was “crucial” to allow members of the public to speak at site visits, as it was one of the only ways for people without computers to get involved in the planning process.

But council leader Toby Savage said site visits were a “phony opportunity”, as they came too late in the process

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and earlier opportunities, such as at parish and town council meetings, were a more “meaningful” way for the public to participate.

A report to the meeting noted no other local authorities in the region allow the public to speak at site inspections and the Local Government Association said site visits “should not be used as a lobbying opportunity”.

Cabinet member for planning Steve Reade said the review showed the changes made in 2018 had been a “success”.

Since then, the number of site visits had fallen by 56 per cent, and 45 per cent fewer planning applications had required a decision by a planning committee.

The annual number of planning meetings rose from 24 to 25, but the increase was due to extra meetings to establish three new planning committees to replace the two area planning committees that previously existed, according to the report.

Under the current system, decisions made by the development management and strategic sites delivery committees that go against officer recommendations are automatically referred to a higher committee, the spatial planning committee, for fresh deliberation.

From next month, when the new changes are adopted, decisions on applications for minor developments – those with nine or fewer homes – will no longer be reconsidered by the higher committee if they conflict with officers’ advice.

The council has promised to provide more advice for residents on its website about how to engage earlier in the planning process.

Parish and town councillors will also have their own fiveminute speaking slot at planning meetings so members of the public have more time to speak.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Move to ban fast food openings near schools FAST food 'exclusion zones' could be set up in South Gloucestershire to stop new outlets opening near schools.

The council's Conservative administration says it intends to fast-track rules in the area's new local plan which would restrict development and licensing of new fast food outlets within at 400m of any school in South Gloucestershire.

Concerns were raised earlier this year when a new takeaway in Staple Hill was given planning permission, despite objections from ward councillors and 112 residents, and a McDonald's in Bradley Stoke was approved by a planning inspector on appeal.

Now a proposal to impose limits across the district, made in a council motion by Bradley Stoke South ward councillor Roger Avenin, has been picked up by Tory colleagues in the cabinet for inclusion in the local plan, which sets out long-term policy for the future.

Mr Avenin said: “With so many leading national public health bodies pointing to a causal link between the growth of fast food outlets and childhood obesity, there is a clear need to act and where we as a council can help by thinking outside the box and using powers within our gift, we should.”

Council leader Toby Savage said: “By introducing these restrictions, we can help schools, parents and carers to ensure young people are more likely to benefit from a balanced diet."

News? contact@ thornburyvoice.co.uk Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

August, 2020

13

n THORNBURY CLINIC

Trying out clinical hypnotherapy

Megan Miller-Zutshi is the lead physiotherapist at the Thornbury clinic.

With 13 years’ experience working in private practice, professional sports teams and with youth athletes, Megan has a wealth of experience.

ALTHOUGH I am a clinician myself, I had no prior experience of clinical hypnotherapy. So when I was asked to be a guinea pig for the clinic I jumped at the chance, for my own personal interest to see

what it was all about, but also from a clinical perspective.

Like many of us who have no first-hand experience of hypnotherapy, we base our ideas on what we have seen previously, and my preconceptions were purely based on what I had seen on television. I’m pleased to say my session was nothing like this.

Prior to my appointment I had a number of forms to complete, including a specific form about the problems/concerns/issues I wished to address in the clinical hypnotherapy sessions. Being as detailed as possible in these forms really helps, as it just starts to focus your attention on the problem and gives the practitioner as good insight into the issues you want help with.

During the initial part of the session I was given a background to clinical hypnotherapy and an explanation of what the sessions will involve, including reassurance that I was not going to be made to do anything I didn’t want to, be out of control or unaware of what was going on. I didn’t even get to lie down!

The session then moved on to a fairly in-depth chat about the

forms I had filled in, and there were some probing questions into my thoughts and feelings surrounding the problem that I had mentioned.

We then did a couple of quick imagination exercises to get a sense of what type of imagery I use: apparently I’m more of a physical imagery person than a visual imagery person. Once we had done this we moved onto the relaxation part of the session. This was an active relaxation, so still no lying down, which went on for around 15 minutes, and by the end, even though I was sitting, I had lost nearly all awareness of my legs and feet. As I was bought out of the relaxation I expected to feel quite tired and maybe a bit groggy, but I was actually quite alert.

During my introduction to hypnotherapy I was given some very useful relaxation tips and techniques that I could immediately put into practice.

As someone who has never

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participated in any form of talking therapy before, I was a bit apprehensive about sharing my thoughts and concerns with a stranger, but the session was very relaxed and Penny was very reassuring and easy to talk to. She even managed to quiet my very busy mind, which is something I have never managed to achieve before in an awake state!

If you do have any worries, concerns or problems then clinical hypnotherapy is definitely worth a try. It is very different to what you might expect. Go with an open mind and be prepared to relax, but not lying down!

For more information on clinical hypnotherapy or any of the other services offered by the Thornbury Clinic, visit the website www. thethornburyclinic.co.uk or call 01454 838366.

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14

August, 2020

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Monthly sales are back with a bang AFTER three months of closure, Stroud Auctions monthly sales are back with a bang.

A record 2,402 online bidders took part in the July sale, resulting in excellent prices across the board for the 1,627 lots.

One seller in particular had a very pleasant surprise when a group of four miners' lamps sold for £2,300, because the buyer had spotted in the online catalogue that there was a rare lamp in the lot. A great example of the power of online bidding!

The highest price achieved was for a collection of ephemera relating to musician and former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel, which sold for £8,500.

And our favourite lot was another piece of music memorabilia, a promotional poster for Pink Floyd's 1967 single See Emily Play, which sold for £750.

The next auction will be on August 5 and 6, and includes guns and weapons, medals and militaria, sporting and taxidermy items, cameras and binoculars and an

extensive toy section of over 700 lots, including a rare Hornby Dublo articulated coach.

In the specialist section of over 300 guns we have a number of good quality modern sporting guns, among them a Beretta Silver Pigeon and three Brownings, including a B2 and B25. Along with the modern guns we have a selection of rare and unusual antique guns, some of which are the only ones of their type known to exist. Also included are over 100 air weapons, including a single owner private collection of pistols and rifles. The catalogue for the August sale will be online from July 29.

If you have something you would like to have valued by one of Stroud Auctions’ specialists, contact us by phone on 01453 873800 or email valuations@ stroudauctions.co.uk.

We are accepting entries for all upcoming auctions, including the September sale of jewellery, silver, coins, watches, clocks and Asian & tribal art.

This rare Hornby Dublo articulated coach will go under the hammer in August

This promotional poster for Pink Floyd's second single, released 53 years ago, sold for £750.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on October 7th & 8th Including specialist sections of ceramics, glass, books, ephemera, stamps, musical instruments, vinyl records, pictures & paintings

Contact Nick Bowkett Four Beatles autographs.

Sold for £3,500

Contact Mark Rozelaar (BA Hons) Alfred de Breanski painting. Sold for £5000

David Lord (Bsc) A collection of mainly George VI stamps Sold for £1,700

FREE valuations every Friday (9am-5pm) at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph to valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

August, 2020

thornburyvoice

15

n NEWS

Electric car charging point for car park A NEW electric car charging point in Thornbury will form part of a network to make it easier for drivers to make the switch to the new technology.

The fast charger in the St Mary Street car park is expected to be able to charge a typical electric car in between one and six hours.

Work started in July to add 14 charging points to South Gloucestershire Council's network of facilities available for all electric car drivers.

The showpiece hub will be at the Bristol & Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, where five rapid chargers of 43kW or more, which can charge electric vehicle batteries in between 20 minutes and an hour, will be installed along with one 7kW to 22kW fast charger.

Two charging points, including one rapid charger, are being installed at Yate Shopping Centre West car park, with other fast chargers to go into Cecil

Steve Reade at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, where an electric vehicle charging 'hub' will be built.

Road car park in Kingswood, Haynes Lane in Staple Hill, Laburnum Road car park in Hanham and The Parade, Epney Close in Patchway.

All 14 are due to be up and running by the end of March next year.

The facility at Emersons Green, described by the council as a "flagship West of England charging hub", will also feature

a solar canopy to generate electrical power. The council plans to eventually install 12 charging bays there.

Council cabinet member for transport Steve Reade said: “We want to encourage greater use of electric vehicles and will be continuing to implement new schemes to upgrade and enhance the public charging network, REVIVE.

“It’s hoped that these improvements will give residents and businesses the confidence to invest in electric vehicles over the coming years and in turn to help lower carbon emissions.

"There are a range of benefits from electric vehicles, including improved air quality and economic benefits."

The REVIVE network will involve creating 40 recharging bays across South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES, with funding given to the Go Ultra Low West partnership by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

The council says it plans to support charging points in other areas including Mangotsfield, Cribbs Causeway and Frampton Cotterell and is working with the private sector to increase coverage.

More information about the scheme can be found online at bit.ly/3jn8j6M.

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thornburyvoice

August, 2020

17

n NEWS

Independent school closes, with loss of 55 jobs AN independent school is closing down, with the loss of more than 50 jobs.

The couple who run Silverhill School, Jenifer and Julian Capper, blamed the deteriorating economic outlook for their decision.

The preparatory school and day nursery were also both given scathing reports after inspections from the schools regulator Ofsted, which rated them inadequate after a visit in February. The Cappers lodged formal complaints against the inspections, which followed a previous outstanding rating for the school and good rating for the nursery.

The school first opened more than 70 years ago in Rudgeway, in 1949. It moved to its current site in Winterbourne in 1992.

Mrs Capper, the school's headmistress, and her husband, who is the principal and bursar, said they had been “working tirelessly” to secure the future

Jenifer and Julian Capper

of the school, which has 220 children aged from three months to 11 years, but it reluctantly decided that it “cannot continue as a going concern.”

The school buildings, which sit on a 9.5 acre site off Swan Lane, will now be sold.

The Cappers, who have run the school for 14 years, say they are now working with other local schools and South Gloucestershire Council to

find alternative provision for Silverhill pupils.

They say they are also helping the school’s 21 full-time and 34 part-time staff find new jobs as they are made redundant.

Mrs Capper said: “The school is operating with reduced pupil numbers across all year groups and the impact of Covid-19 means that there is no realistic prospect of recovery in the short or even medium term.

“For two years we have been working tirelessly to secure the future of the school and have held discussions with two potential school operators during the Covid-19 closure.

"We were hopeful up until very recently, but unfortunately the last of these discussions has ended and it is now clear that the school cannot continue as a going concern.

“We are sincerely sorry that this is the case and that we have had to make this announcement so close to the end of the school term."

Ofsted's report on Silverhill, published shortly before lockdown in March, included criticisms of health and safety procedures, maintenance and safeguarding procedures.

When the report was published Mr Capper described it as a "brutal, inhumane inspection" and a "catalogue of misrepresentation of the school", which had left staff in tears.

Thornbury library reopens Online quiz will help Thornbury charity with click and collect THORNBURY library has now reopened – but at the moment is offering limited services, by appointment only.

The library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10am and 4pm for pre-booked click and collect, computer and Wi-Fi appointments.

People can order up to six items to collect at a pre-booked time, including books, DVDs and audio books.

Times can be booked by completing a click and collect webform online at sglibraries.eventbrite.com or by calling 01454 865022 from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm or on Saturdays from 9.30am to noon.

All stock has been automatically renewed until September 1 but anyone who would like to return books before then can put them through each library's letterbox.

They will be discharged from cards after being quarantined for 72 hours.

Full details can be viewed online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ librarychanges or at the South Gloucestershire Libraries page on Facebook.

Lets us know your views Email:

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AN online fundraiser is being held to help a Thornbury charity which needs funds urgently.

The Voice reported last month that Brain Tumour Support was facing a struggle to survive after the coronavirus crisis saw its income from fundraising plummet.

James Ashton, an actor and quiz master whose family has been affected James Ashton by a brain tumour diagnosis, has designed a unique virtual quiz with all proceeds going to Brain Tumour Support.

In return for donations, participants get to vote on what categories they would like to see in the quiz, which is due to take place on July 31 at 7pm.

James, an experienced quiz master who has been hosting socially distanced quizzes for his neighbours during lockdown, said: "This year I turn 40 and to celebrate I want to raise vital funds for a charity that is close to my heart, all while having a lot of fun at the same time."

To take part, search for James Ashton's Brain Tumour Support Build a Quiz at website GoFundMe.com and follow the instructions.

Nadya Anscombe, of Brain Tumour Support said: "The funds raised by James and his supporters will help us ensure our charity survives this challenging time.

"With traditional fundraising events such as marathons, skydives and cake sales not taking place, our income has plummeted.

"So it is wonderful to see our supporters finding new ways of raising funds, having fun and above all, bringing people together."

Brain Tumour Support has launched Together We Are Stronger, a major appeal to ensure the charity's survival so that it is able to support more brain tumour patients and families in the future.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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Throughout the summer we will be offering tours of the School and Nursery plus 1-2-1 video tours and calls with our Headmaster.

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thornburyvoice

August, 2020

19

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style Here I go again: Mazda MX5 Mark 2 LAST year I waxed lyrical about the Mark 1 Mazda MX5, and have been meaning to get into a Mk2 ever since.

Now I want to drive them all – there are four generations to choose from – because the 2001 mean green 1.8 I drove this month was absolutely cracking.

What’s changed from the Mk1? Well, the popup headlamps have gone, which is a shame, but I still love the looks. The engine is up 10hp on the Mk1, to 140hp, and although that difference doesn’t sound much (and wouldn’t be in a heavy car) because the MX5 is so light, you really notice the difference.

Critically, though, this Mk2 hadn’t been messed around with, unlike the lowered, customised Mk1. That meant a nice compliant ride, easily controllable rear-drive handling, with no extra wide tyres to rob it of feel and that lovely, unmatched Mazda manual gear change.

In this car, you use the gearbox for fun. It’s so precise, quick and the ratios are perfectly matched to the engine. It made me regret not holding out for a manual option on my current car, but beggars can’t be choosers I suppose.

The engine itself has a hair-trigger throttle – response is immediate and, whilst still not quick

by modern standards (0-60 in 8 seconds), it is more than enough for a small convertible. It also revs up to 7,000rpm, which encourages hard driving.

So what to look out for? Well like the Mk1, the Mk2 also rusts. The sills are a problem, as are the arches and lower lips on the doors. The engine is trouble-free as long as you keep changing the oil and give it a bit of time to warm up before thrashing it.

The good news is that Mk2s are much more plentiful than the Mk1, and still cheaper.

So there are lots around, and you don’t have to settle for a dog, because prices are so low.

Usable cars start at £1,500; £5k buys you the best around and you should also get a hardtop included at that price.

My test model benefited from the facelift that Mk2s had in 2001, and had a not-unreasonable 85,000 miles on the clock.

Everything still felt tight and accurate, and there was noticeably less rattle and hum compared to the rather tired Mk1 from last year.

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vintage doesn’t?) but it all still worked and showed no real signs of wear. Today there would be aluminium trim all over the place, which looks great new – but after 20 years? I’m not so sure.

Something odd, neither pleasant nor unpleasant, was the smell. The turn-of-thecentury Mazda smell, as it happens. Coming out of the vents was the exact same odour that our 1997 Mazda 323 emitted. Immediately recognisable, redolent of a simpler, less complicated – oh stop it, this isn’t a Proustian dream sequence, it’s a Japanese sports car.

In fact, it is the Japanese sports car. The owner barely uses it, and has a Mk1 wreck to restore as well, so he’s got his work cut out when it comes to MX5s.

As I mentioned last year, parts are cheap and the lack of complexity means that the home mechanic can do a lot of the work him or herself. Given that this particular car is garaged the entire time, I see no reason why it won’t be working perfectly in another 20 years.

Other running costs are almost an irrelevance: think 35mpg, minimal tyre costs because the wheels are so small (15 inches, some came with lovely looking 16s that then corroded badly) and servicing that any local garage can do. No reason to pay main dealer prices on such an old and basic car. Tax is £270.

I’ll find a Mk3 to test for this time next year (the best looking in my view, but also the ‘chubby’ one with unfortunate middle-aged spread).

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thornburyvoice

20

August, 2020

n LOCAL MP

Car charging points will help hit zero carbon target

A

S a community we should be immensely proud of the sacrifices that have been made by local people. After months of lockdown, our economy is reopening for business, and we have put in place new health protections and improvements needed as we all stay vigilant to help prevent a new coronavirus outbreak.

This means that, as we begin to rebuild and recover from the pandemic, we can start to work on improvements needed in our community, such as upgrading the number of electric vehicle charging points available.

I am therefore delighted to inform you that, following our hard-fought campaign, South Gloucestershire Council have confirmed they will be installing

rapid and fast electric car charging points in Frampton Cotterell, Thornbury and Yate.

Installation of the first batch of these charging points has already begun and the full total of 14 will be operational by the end of March 2021.

This will mean that residents in the neighbouring villages and hamlets will be able to access a car charging point near their home. This is, however, only the first phase of the council’s roll-out of EV charging points, with future plans for a number more in towns such as Marshfield.

We all know that electric vehicles emit a fraction of the emissions compared with petrol and diesel vehicles, but many motorists understandably feel that there are simply not enough electric car charging points in our

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area at the moment to be able to make the switch.

These charging points will help to give residents and businesses the confidence to invest in electric vehicles, improving the air quality along busy local roads with high congestion, such as Badminton Road.

Electric vehicles will also play a crucial role in helping the UK to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As we have brought forward the date from which no new petrol or diesel cars will be allowed to be sold in the UK to 2035, the importance of ensuring that South Gloucestershire has the necessary infrastructure for electric car users has never been greater.

This has been a key pledge in my Positive Plan for Protecting Greenspaces and

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

the Environment, alongside protecting our green spaces and fighting poorly planned housing development. I am delighted that we have seen success for this campaign, and I will continue to press for more readily available electric vehicle charging points in our community.

If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to drop me an email at luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk.

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August, 2020

thornburyvoice

21

n SPORT

New captain and new facilities for rugby club THORNBURY Rugby Club have unveiled a new captain for the forthcoming season.

Sam Poustie takes over the role from Sam Evans, whilst Rich Jones takes charge of the second team.

Stu Adams continues to lead the third XV, and Laura Panting stays as Ladies team captain.

The club has also announced that additional changing rooms and a medical room are to be built.

The new facilities are designed specifically to benefit the club’s growth plans for women’s and girls' rugby, as well as providing a state-of-the-art medical facility for all players.

The money comes from a levy on the builders of the Post Farm Development and has been granted by South Gloucestershire Council. Construction work is due to start in August.

Chairman Geoff Sprackman said: “We are excited that the club is set to receive this valuable

An artist's impression of Thornbury Rugby Club's new changing rooms and medical facility funding which will have a big impact in allowing us to grow our inclusive sporting community.

We want to thank the Council and the Administration for its support.

“Thornbury Rugby Club is proud to already have successful men’s and junior squads and are keen to continue developing our levels of female participation following a real surge in recent years.

“This funding, by improving and expanding our changing rooms, really gives us a chance

to get more teams of all ages and genders out on pitches at the same time and grow as a club.”

South Gloucestershire councillors Matthew Riddle and Keith Burchell, whose Severn Vale ward includes the rugby club's home, said: “Thornbury Rugby Club has been an important part of our local community for many years, offering the fun and inclusivity of team sports for people of all ages and so we are pleased this funding will be going towards new facilities that will help meet

the growing demand.”

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall added: “I am delighted that we have managed to secure this much needed funding for Thornbury Rugby Club to continue the expansion of their women’s and youth membership.

"This club has been so important to our community for nearly sixty years and we should be immensely proud to have one of the best local rugby clubs in the South West right on our doorstep.”

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August, 2020

thornburyvoice

22

n SPORT

Town still waiting for green light THORNBURY Town's committee, players and supporters continue to wait to find out the new football season will start.

Usually by now the club would be playing pre-season friendlies, with an early August start to the league season in sight. However at the moment everyone is waiting for advice as to when, and in what format, non-league football can resume.

In preparation for a possible restart at the end of September/ early October, the club’s senior sides and some of the junior section teams have commenced pre-season training, all being carried out in accordance with the guidelines set out by the FA. The first team are awaiting confirmation of the constitution of the Hellenic League Division One West next season. It is expected that Thorns will be playing all the sides they met last season, with the exception of New College Swindon, who have withdrawn. The Reserves and A team promotions to the Bristol & District League Division One and Three respectively have been confirmed.

The Under 18s side have been accepted into the Bristol U18 Football Combination, but again are awaiting confirmation of their opponents. The nucleus of the squad will be last season’s successful U16’s side. This looks to be a promising squad, and the club continues to look for a manager and assistant/coach to support the youngsters. Anyone interested, ideally with coaching experience, should contact chairman Pete Webber on 07732 466606 or vice-chair Graham Smith 07580 212496.

The girls' section is also

flourishing, with good numbers attending Saturday morning training sessions: the club is hopeful of being able to run U-13 and U-11 teams next season.

Any girls wishing to get involved should call Jack HarrisonBond on 07539 471637. Once the leisure centre reopens fully the club hopes to re-start SSE Wildcats introductory sessions for girls aged 5 to 11.

Off the field, the club is now trying to raise sufficient funds to complete the installation of the new 50-seater stand on the far side of the pitch, together with

the repositioning of the current stand alongside it.

The club has always been financially self-sufficient, but the covid situation has had a big impact on its income.

Coupled with bad weather at the start of the year which meant that only 2 home first team fixtures were played from the end of November, all matchday revenue was lost and lucrative fundraising events have been cancelled, leaving the Club’s income in the past season is more than £10,000 short of expectation.

Thorns are in the process of launching a crowdfunding initiative to generate donations from supporters, members, families, friends and the town as a whole. Town hope to be approved for a Sport England fund-match, which will effectively double whatever we raise, up to a maximum of £10,000. Please keep an eye out for an announcement on the club’s website, Facebook or Twitter accounts for the launch of the appeal and how you can get involved.

Malcolm Carr

TH

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August, 2020

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