Thornbury Voice January 2024

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

January, 2024 Issue 80

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

David completes novel trilogy

A RETIRED Thornbury head teacher has completed his third novel in just over a year.

PAGE 7

Panto knights are here!

Freya Davies Mouncher, John Thompson, Ian Cornes, Sam Stillman and Tony Mohammad are among the members of Octopus Drama Group ready to entertain Thornbury audiences with their production of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Arts: page 13

A new chapter for Marlwood A SECONDARY school "can start a new chapter" after inspectors from the education watchdog declared it a 'good' school.

Ofsted visited Marlwood School in Alveston in November and their report, published in December, said the school is now good in all areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.

It comes six years after the school was rated as 'inadequate' and placed in special measures by the regulator, following a damning inspection in 2017.

The struggles of the school, in Vattingstone Lane, featured heavily in the BBC TV series School, which was being filmed at the time and was broadcast the following year.

Turn to page 3

Three options for Armstrong Hall

THREE alternative visions for the future of Thornbury's Armstrong Hall - including rebuilding it have been laid out to residents.

PAGE 5

School must improve A THORNBURY infant school has been told it 'requires improvement' after an inspection.

PAGE 2

Lidl plans in

DISCOUNT supermarket Lidl has submitted its plans for a new supermarket in Thornbury to South Gloucestershire Council.

PAGE 4

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January, 2024

school told it thornburyvoice Infant must improve n NEWS

February deadline

Our February edition deadline is January 17.

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A THORNBURY infant school has been told it 'requires improvement' after an inspection.

But regulator Ofsted said the new head at Crossways Infant School, who was appointed a month before October’s inspection, had made some positive improvements.

Inspectors Liz Geller and Martin Greenwood said the school, in Knapp Road, was “emerging from a turbulent time".

They said: "Significant changes to leadership mean that expectations over time have not been consistently high."

The school was rated as requiring improvement in three out of five areas: quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision.

It was rated as 'good' for behaviour and attitudes, and personal development.

The inspectors said a previous short visit in June 2022 had indicated that, because of changes in management, the school might not retain its previous 'good' rating if given a longer, 'graded' inspection.

Since then, they said, the school had made some positive improvements to the way that pupils behave and to their personal development.

But the report said: “An ambitious curriculum is not yet securely embedded across the school. As a result, the quality of education that pupils receive is not yet good."

The inspectors said pupils behaved well and were "inquisitive and engaging", adding: "They know the school rules to be ‘Ready, respectful and safe’ and understand why it is important to treat everyone fairly."

The inspector said the school had begun work to make improvements to how well pupils learn, but there is still “significant work” to do to ensure that pupils benefit from this.

They said the curriculum is "either not fully developed or implemented as intended" in some subjects and assessment did not identify whether pupils had learned it as intended. This means "gaps in pupils’ understanding are not identified and rectified".

The inspectors said: "Staff in the Reception classes know children well and support them to develop new skills. Recent improvements mean that there are well-resourced and effective activities for children to engage with.

"However, children do not learn well in all areas that are important to their development. They are, therefore, not well prepared for Year 1."

The inspectors praised the school's work with external agencies to support pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, which was "particularly successful in meeting pupils’ emotional and social needs".

They also said the senior leadership team, led by new head Jo Geoghegan, and the governing body have the "necessary expertise" to improve the school.

The inspectors said: “Their actions have begun to have some positive impact on pupils’ experiences at the school. However, there is more work to do to ensure that pupils benefit from a good quality of education.”

Mrs Geoghegan, who was appointed in September, said she was confident the school would continue to improve.

She said: “I am proud of our school and the work we are doing to ensure it is a great place for children to learn and develop.

"We are pleased that inspectors saw how brilliant our children are and that their behaviour is good.

“We are also pleased that our work on pupil development was recognised.

"As a team, we know that there is work to do to improve the school and we continue to do this with energy and positivity."

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January, 2024

n NEWS

3

Inspectors praise Marlwood after turnaround From page 1

Following the 2017 report Marlwood was subjected to a series of “monitoring visits” by Ofsted, as a new head teacher Del Planter, worked to address Ofsted's criticisms.

In December 2019 the school was finally taken out of special measures.

Current head teacher Seema Purewal said the school could now "start a new chapter", after a journey which "has not always been easy".

Miss Purewal took over in September 2021 and set about finishing the job of reshaping the school.

After Ofsted's most recent visit a team of three inspectors said the school had made significant improvements to the curriculum.

Their report said: "The curriculum is now broad and ambitious for all pupils. The essential knowledge and vocabulary that pupils need to learn has been identified."

The inspectors observed that most pupils

behaved well, and said: "Pupils enjoy their time at Marlwood School. Staff know pupils well and build positive relationships with them."

The inspectors also praised the Castle School Education Trust, which runs the school, saying: "Expertise from the trust has had a demonstrable impact on the curriculum and pupils’ behaviour and attendance.

"Staff have the expertise they need.

Consequently, most pupils achieve well."

The report found that teaching includes opportunities for pupils to revisit learning, build on what they know, and allow teachers to close gaps in learning and "correct misconceptions".

The inspectors said: "Most pupils read widely and often, helping them to become more confident readers and expand their vocabularies."

They said pupils with special educational needs or disabilities get the extra support they need to meet the high expectations of them.

In order to continue improvement, the inspector recommended that CSET should ensure the curriculum enables pupils to "consolidate and apply their knowledge over time and in a variety of contexts".

They also said the school should use the information it collects about pupil behaviour and personal development to "address the root causes of issues that affect groups of pupils".

Marlwood head teacher Seema Purewal says the school has finally turned a corner and become a place the community can be proud of.

Miss Purewal faced some criticism after joining in September 2021 as she insisted on improved discipline and behaviour to drive up standards.

Now she says she hopes the pupils, parents and whole community can see it has been worth it.

Miss Purewal said: "We have been on a journey, which has not always been easy.

"This 'good' Ofsted accolade means Marlwood can start a new chapter, and take its rightful place in the community."

She said the previous report in 2019 showed the school was on the right track – but the pandemic brought setbacks.

Miss Purewal said: "As a small school with a family feel, it has been a real team effort.

"The staff are very much on side – it’s been

important that we all pull together to get this result.

"The staff have been working very hard for the last two years, helping get the curriculum right and ensuring our school ethos works for all.

"As head teacher, it has been my job to drive the improvements, so I have had to make tough choices, which were sometimes not popular with children and parents.

"But I hope now the community can see that as well as being a caring school, we have to be on the right track with uniform, discipline and behaviour.

"We have high expectations of all our pupils, not just academic, but also how they conduct themselves and maintain the school values."

Miss Purewal introduced a school ethos based on “Respect, Responsibility and Resilience”.

She said: "I believe this is very important for the school, and for the community. We need to respect others, including different cultures and ways of life.

"It’s also important not to blame – but to take responsibility for our actions, and for our part in life."

Miss Purewal hopes the school will now go from strength to strength.

Pupil numbers have risen from 460 in 2019 to 550 now.

She said: "This growth shows we are attracting children whose parents want to choose Marlwood.

"Pupils come from many of the villages around Alveston, and increasingly from further afield. We hope numbers will grow as the good news spreads and we become more popular.

"I hope from now on pupils, staff and parents can be proud of Marlwood and its emerging new identity."

Marlwood School head teacher Seema Purewal with pupils.

'A real team effort' to improve school

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January, 2024

Lidl submits Thornbury supermarket plans DISCOUNT supermarket Lidl has submitted its plans for a new supermarket in Thornbury to South Gloucestershire Council.

The retailer wants to move on to the site near Midland Way currently occupied by clothing provider Alexandra Workwear, which has been based in the town for nearly 30 years.

Lidl says the store would have 95 parking spaces - 25 fewer than currently on he site.

They would include parent & child and accessible bays, and would also have rapid electric vehicle chargers. Ten cycle parking spaces would be included.

The German retailer says up to 40 new jobs would be created at the store - 20 full-time and 20 part-time.

It would have a new pedestrian access from Midland Way, as well as a main vehicle and site entrance off Whitebridge Gardens.

In a statement supporting the application, agents Planning

An image of the proposed store submitted with the plans. Picture: SMR Architects Potential said that as a "limited assortment discounter" with a restricted range of goods, Lidl should be treated as a special case when compared with conventional supermarkets.

The statement said: "Lidl operates a particular business model that sets it apart from other main food retail outlets (with the exception of Aldi) and that is highly relevant to the

consideration of its foodstore proposals against the wellestablished policy tests relating to new retail development and centres."

The agents said not stocking goods such as tobacco, individual confectionery sweets and limited pre-packed fish and meat, meant it was also "in a different market from most independent retailers" and said "the usual retail policy tests for non-town centre retail proposals should not be engaged".

They said an online consultation carried out before the application showed "significant public support for the application proposals".

As the Voice went to press, 12 comments had been made on the plans by the public - eight against, two for and two neutral.

Among those objecting was St Mary Shopping Centre manager Alan Cole, who said: "The vitality, sustainability and commercial future of the town centre will be irreparably damaged through the introduction of another national food retailer.

"Lidl's assertion that they are confident that a new store will have no significant impact on town centre retail and that they do not compete with any other town centre retail, is simply nonsense.

"Any shopper that visits one of

their existing stores will have noted the myriad of weekly offers in the middle aisles, which will compete directly against many of the town's independent retailers."

Mr Cole said the Tesco store in Midland Way had already "damaged town centre retail" and the Lidl store would divert more people away from the High Street and shopping centre.

He said the new store would also increase road traffic and hinder traders' recovery from the effect of the pandemic.

Thornbury chamber of commerce vice-chair Jonathan Broughton said: "We have enough supermarkets in Thornbury, no need for another.

"With the lack of footfall in the town this would take more away.

"I find it ludicrous that this is even being looked at, together with the parking charges going ahead.

"We haven't had a chance to regenerate since COVID, like any other South Glos town, due to the High Street fiasco.

"Thornbury, I can guarantee you, won't sustain any of this and is already at breaking point."

Other objections have been made on grounds of retail use being contrary to council planning policy for the site, road safety, and the entrance being from Whitebridge Gardens rather than Midland Way. Lidl says there would be new landscaping around the supermarket, including tree and shrub planting "to aid biodiversity", and solar panels on the roof.

Dr Fred Pollard said he would "generally support the application" but called on Lidl to improve the landscaping, plants and access.

The plans can be viewed on the planning section of South Gloucestershire Council's website, by searching for application P23/02925/F.

What the site looks like now

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January, 2024

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Three options for future of Armstrong Hall THREE different visions for the future of Thornbury's Armstrong Hall have been laid out to residents.

The Armstrong Hall Trust, which owns the complex in Chapel Street, called a public meeting in December to outline the options which groups of volunteers, from the trust, performing arts and residents groups, have been working on.

The trust is looking for the public to have an input on the plans, before it decides the way forward for the Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall, which have been closed since the pandemic.

Around 80 people attended the public meeting at Thornbury Baptist Church to hear about the work that has been going on behind the scenes, and how the three different options could work.

Rebuild The first option, known as Option A, is to rebuild the Armstrong Hall or undertake a major modernisation, leaving Cossham Hall and Thornbury Museum largely unaltered.

John Reynolds, who is leading the group looking at that option, said the cost of the project would be somewhere between £6.1 and £7.3 million for a full rebuild and up to £4.2m for a major refurbishment.

The scheme would include an extension to create a new two-storey entrance foyer and changing rooms, and would take up to 27 months, after planning permission was received.

A full rebuild would create an auditorium with seating for 402 people at Armstrong Hall, with 100 at Cossham Hall, and require some refurbishment of Cossham Hall so it could reopen as soon as possible to provide income towards the work.

Refurbishing Armstrong Hall without the extension would create an auditorium with seating for 342 people.

Both options would include retractable, tiered seating in the Armstrong Hall.

For the project to work, John said: "There must be a substantial commitment and contribution form Thornbury residents, and a willingness to use the facilities."

Armstrong Hall Trust member Danny Bonnett addresses the public meeting Reopen Cossham Hall The second option, known as Option C, is to reopen the Cossham Hall "as quickly yet as efficiently as possible, with a clear eye on the long-term future".

Once it was up and running the refurbishment of the Armstrong Hall could be carried out as a longer-term project.

Jill Dimond, who led the group looking at the option, said: "The Cossham Hall building is substantially structurally sound and it is likely it could be reopened relatively quickly.

"The Armstrong Hall will need further structural investigation and will take longer to reopen."

Like the rebuild option, the plan would involve making more use of the foyer area.

New hall at Turnberrie's The third option, known as Option T, involves selling off the Armstrong Hall complex and using the money to build a new hall with the same capacity as Armstrong Hall alongside Turnberrie's Community Centre in Bath Road.

Fiona Deas, who leads the group looking at the option, introduced her speech at the meeting by acknowledging the public feeling for Armstrong Hall by saying: "I know it's pantomime season but don't boo me!"

She said Thornbury currently has "more halls than you could reasonably expect in a town of this size" and reopening the Armstrong Hall complex could affect the viability of some of the others.

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What was missing, however, was a multi-use space with an auditorium the size of the Armstrong Hall, and changing facilities.

Fiona said: "There's enough room on the piece of land by Turnberrie's to fit a hall.

"Turnberrie's was built with the future in mind and is already a flexible space."

A series of issues would need to be settled before this option could go ahead, including how money raised by the sale of the Armstrong Hall, which was donated to the town of Thornbury, would be used on a South Gloucestershire Council-owned site, whether the Armstrong Hall Trust would become a part-owner of the expanded Turnberrie's centre and how long the lease on the land would last.

One resident at the meeting pointed out that groups which used the Armstrong Hall had raised thousands of pounds

themselves to improve its facilities.

New hall must pay for itself Armstrong Hall Trust member Danny Bonnett told the meeting that before the hall was shut in 2020 it "wasn't washing its face" and relied on a grant from Thornbury Town Council, which is legally the sole trustee, to keep going.

But that situation cannot continue, whichever option the trust chooses in future.

Trust vice-chair James Murray said: "We're trying to look at the big picture.

"The Armstrong Hall wasn't used for enough functions beforehand.

"For this to work, all buildings need to be used at all times of day - it needs to tick a lot of boxes to make it a success.

"It has to be economically self-supporting, draw people into Thornbury and be an accessible space.

"This is a big project to recreate vibrant spaces for Thornbury."

The trust is now going through the three separate dossiers produced by the three working groups and will then hold a public consultation, expected to start in late March, to collect public input on the project before making a final decision.

Danny said: "The most sustainable option might not look exactly like what we had before it might not look like Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall, or Turnberrie's with an extension."

More information on the options for the future can be found at the trust's website, armstronghalltrust.co.uk.

The Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall, to the right, have been closed since 2020

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January, 2024

Have your say on where thousands of homes will go in Local Plan PEOPLE are being urged to have their say over where thousands of new homes should be built over the next 15 years.

The 'preferred' version of South Gloucestershire Council's Local Plan, a blueprint for future development, proposes allowing 222 new homes to be built on fields around Alveston by 2040.

Another 1,315 could be built in and around Almondsbury, mainly on the site of the Woodlands Golf Course- but only 55 around Thornbury.

The council is holding a series of meetings in January, to explain why it believes it has to build on greenfield sites and to listen to residents' ideas.

It has also produced a series of alternative views of where homes could go if it pursued a different strategy - including a 'no Green Belt loss' vision that would involve allowing more than 4,800 homes to be built between Thornbury, Falfield and Charfield, including 2,250 at the proposed Buckover Garden Village development.

A public consultation is now underway and the council wants as many people as possible to comment on the proposals before it closes on February 7.

The council says it has to find new sites for 9,260 new homes to help meet a target of 20,490 homes in the district between 2025 and 2040.

Leaders believe at least 7,813 new homes will need to be built on greenfield land outside the existing urban area and towns, "some of which is currently designated Green Belt".

A further 8,080 homes already have planning permission and 3,150 will be built on small sites not included in the plan.

The council has posted a series of maps and web pages explaining the thinking behind its 'emerging preferred strategy', which includes 40 homes in Thornbury on a field west of Bristol Road, between Loverose Way and Midland Way and 15 homes west of Park Farm.

At Alveston, 60 homes would be built on a field between Alveston Hill, the cemetery and Thornbury Golf Centre, 100

(Left) More than 1,000 new homes (marked in blue) would be built near Almondsbury under the council's preferred scheme. (Right) The Buckover development near Thornbury appears (marked in blue) in an alternative 'no Green Belt loss' plan between Strode Common and Vattingstone Lane, 46 off the A38 between the Greenhill and Hazel Lane junctions, and 16 on a site between Thornbury Cricket Club and the A38, north of Berkeley Vale Motors.

Charfield would see 775 homes built and Cromhall 152 under the strategy, while 20 homes would be allowed at Vicarage Lane in Olveston.

The biggest change would be to Almondsbury, with 800 homes built at Woodlands Golf Course, possibly rising to 1,230 after 2040, and 430 on fields between the A38 and the M4/M5 Almondsbury Interchange, with another 80 on two other sites.

The council cabinet member with responsibility for the new Local Plan, Chris Willmore, said it has to "tackle several challenges", including where and how the next generations live while preserving the area's "wonderful environment".

She said: “The ideas we are putting forward in this consultation are our emerging preferred strategy. That means the council hasn’t made any decisions yet, but we want to talk with our communities about these ideas and to hear theirs.

"We are still open to hearing more ideas. We want to know where people think this draft plan is right and where it can be improved."

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The online consultation includes three alternative views, called 'lenses', which show other ways the housing could be planned.

One is called 'No Green Belt Loss', and would involve building 2,250 homes at the proposed Buckover Garden Village development, 170 at Spring Farm, 727 around Falfield, just over 1,300 at Charfield and 168 at Cromhall.

Another is called 'Urban Edge' and would concentrate new development in Green Belt land next to existing built-up areas: it would involve building at Almondsbury but no new development around Thornbury.

The third, called 'Transport corridors', would involve building homes on greenfield sites near main roads, including around 3,000 near the A38 between Almondsbury and Thornbury.

Campaigners welcome plan CAMPAIGN group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly-Planned Development (TRAPP'D) says the council's 'preferred strategy' is "relatively benign for Thornbury" and "is one that we support because it gives the town a chance to complete and assimilate the huge numbers already approved and catch up on infrastructure".

But the group says there are "three major battles" ahead: to ensure the preferred strategy

is the one that goes forward to government inspectors; to convince the inspectors the area should not "shoulder the burden of taking Bristol’s unmet housing need", with the city 23,000 homes below its government target; to ensure the plan can be defended against developers using "legal planning loopholes" to build homes on areas not earmarked for housing.

A spokesperson for the group said: "Expect a lot of feathers flying, but in the end the planning logic for the 'preferred strategy' is strong, and the council is trying to do the right thing."

How to find out more THE council is inviting comments on the Local Plan until February 7.

Full details have been published online at www. southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan.

People who are not online can call the council on 01454 868009.

It is organising a series of meetings, including one at Charfield Hall on January 12 from 4pm to 7pm, one at Almondsbury Old School Hall on January 23 from 4.30-7.30pm, and one at Turnberrie's Community Centre in Thornbury on January 29 from 4-7pm.

Online events on January 10 and 16, from noon to 2pm and 6.30-8.30pm can be accessed via the plan's web page.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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January, 2024

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7

Author completes allotments trilogy RETIRED Thornbury head teacher David Beeley has published his third crime novel in just over a year – and says a fourth is on the way.

David, who is 73, and lives in Thornbury, says he started writing as a child, but turned to serious novels during the pandemic.

His first novel, Secrets, Lies and Rhubarb Pies was inspired by his experiences as chair of his local Filnore Allotments committee in Thornbury.

It centred on the intrigues of allotment holders trying to defend their patch from a housing development.

He went on to write a sequel, Secrets Lies and Two Leg Byes, about a village cricket club, and has now finished a final instalment in the Wath Mill Allotments trilogy: Secrets, Lies and Seagull Cries.

David said: "I wasn’t planning a trilogy, but one of my

David Beeley with his latest book granddaughters, Nora, asked for a third book to be written with her as the main part.”

Nora, 11, shares her name with a character from the series called Nora Noodles, who plays a key

role in the latest book.

The plot involves mysterious goings on, including kidnap, ghosts and an escaped prisoner – all linked to a school trip to Yorkshire.

Before retiring David was deputy head at Crossways Junior School Thornbury, then head at Trinity Primary School, Acton Turville and The Ridge Junior School in Yate.

He says the books are intended to be heart-warming and humorous.

David said: "I started writing when I was aged 11, about Vikings and battle axes, but I had no experience. Now I have experience enough to write about life, death, loss and grief.

"A lot of the stories are based on things that have happened to me or people I know, and people who know me well will recognise some of them.

"But I have changed the details and the names, to protect

the guilty!"

David says being a Yorkshireman and a former head teacher has made him disciplined in his work – he often gets up at 4.30am and writes 1,000 words.

He said: "I like that time, when my mind is clear and I can write."

The latest novel is described as a book featuring “a time of joy, of young love, humour, divorce, and new beginnings" as well as "death and deep sadness".

The Wath Mill Allotment trilogy may be complete but David is far from finished with writing.

At the request of his second granddaughter, Willow, he is now writing a stand-alone novel, which should be finished shortly.

All David’s books are self published in paperback and Kindle.

They can be found by searching for the titles on amazon.co.uk.

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8

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Pothole emergency A WINTER emergency could be declared in South Gloucestershire as the road network suffers from record high levels of potholes.

The council has warned “extreme weather” over the next three months could mean the roads would deteriorate much faster than they can be fixed, with potential restrictions put in place.

In a worst case scenario, drivers could be restricted from using certain roads on safety grounds until they can be repaired, according to a report to the council's December cabinet meeting.

Officers said: “Over a number of years there has been insufficient investment made into the local highway network nationally, and locally we estimate that our current core spend is approximately a third of what is required to keep steady state.

“The impact of climate change and increasingly extreme

weather events, combined with the insufficient investment, has meant that it has become impossible to maintain the local network in a steady state condition.”

Last winter was a “key turning point in the state of the network”, according to council data, and roads in South Gloucestershire have not recovered since then.

About 100 reports of potholes are normally received in October, however this October the council received 900.

This year reported defects peaked in South Gloucestershire in April, at over 2,000. A winter emergency would be declared if the council can’t repair a “significant percentage” of potholes fast enough, and would mean extra funding put in to boost the teams on the roads.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

January, 2024

130 arrests in crackdown POLICE arrested 130 people during the first two weeks of the winter drink and drug-driving enforcement campaign Operation Tonic.

Avon and Somerset’s roads policing team promised to be "out in force" until the New Year, carrying out roadside checks and talking to motorists about the dangers of drink and drug driving.

They have called on members of the public to contact them if they suspect someone is driving while intoxicated, so officers can use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and CCTV information to look for them on the roads network.

Drink and drug driving was a factor in a third of road traffic collisions in 2021, leading to the deaths of 12 people in the Avon & Somerset force area.

Roads policing lead Inspector Rob Barker said: "If you know someone that regularly drinks or takes drugs and gets behind the wheel, then your action - or inaction - could make a real difference to the well-being of

other road users.

“Your report could prevent serious consequences by helping us take a dangerous and irresponsible driver off the road before they can cause harm."

Police said each of the people arrested at the start of the operation - 61 in week one and 69 in week two - "will now face serious consequences".

Charity Crimestoppers UK, which allows people to report crime anonymously, says it received more than 34,000 reports nationally between January and September 2023 about people who regularly drive under the influence of drink and drugs – a 25 per cent increase on the previous year. Some of the tipoffs led directly to arrests.

Police are calling on anyone who suspects someone drives under the influence of drink or drugs, to call 101, report it online via the force website or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

People should call 999 if the suspect is on the road at the time.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

January, 2024

thornburyvoice

9

n NEWS

Schools announce link-up

Children from Clifton College and Tockington Manor together at a sporting event AN INDEPENDENT school near our pupils.

Thornbury has joined forces with "This is the next step in a prestigious near neighbour. a shared mission to provide Tockington Manor School, an outstanding education to in Tockington, has announced our pupils; support them to that it is now part of the Clifton develop their talents; provide College Education Group. extracurricular opportunities so The move, which has been they can make the most of every discussed for more than two moment; and prepare every years, is described by the schools pupil for the rapidly changing as "a significant milestone for modern world.” the continued success of both Mr Symonds added: “We have highly respected and successful never been in a stronger position, educational establishments". thanks to solid leadership and The schools said their good governance. "coming together brings "Since 2013, Tockington strength, stability and Manor School has seen growth opportunity", while still of over 80%, giving pupils access celebrating their individuality. to better facilities and more Tockington Manor has 273 opportunities whilst retaining pupils aged from two to 13 on our small class sizes and family its roll, divided into a nursery feel. section for two to four-year-old "Joining the CCEG is a great children, a lower school for opportunity for the school, pupils aged four to seven and colleagues, pupils and parents an upper school for those aged to benefit from collaborative seven to 13. expertise, enhanced facilities and Clifton College, in Bristol financial strength for the future." is a boarding and day school The schools said they for pupils aged 13–18, with a "recognised the tremendous preparatory school spanning opportunities for both schools Years 4–8. mutually to benefit from the In a joint statement head expertise, facilities and support of Tockington Manor Stephen brought by coming together" in Symonds and head of Clifton 2021, and discussions have been College Dr Tim Greene said: underway ever since.

"Clifton and Tockington have Dr Greene said: “We are been linked for generations: as delighted that Tockington Manor Bristol based schools; as match will be together with us on this day opponents; as a Senior journey and we look forward School destination; as classroom to our all benefiting from the pen pals; as charity fundraisers; growing expertise, facilities and as supporters of the Arts; and resources of the Clifton College in our shared approach to the Education Group." educational and pastoral care of

News? - Email us at contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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10

n NEWS

January, 2024

Crews rally against fire cuts FIREFIGHTERS protested outside a meeting of Avon Fire Authority against planned job cuts and a "dangerous" reduction to fire engine crew sizes.

The authority, which oversees Avon Fire & Rescue Service, approved proposals to cut 40 full-time firefighter posts and reduce crews from five to four for most fire engines in October.

The authority insists the changed crews will still be safe but at its December meeting, Fire Brigades Union chair Matt Senior said frontline cuts would increase response times, which was a "public safety concern".

He said cutting the size of crews could mean sending firefighters into burning buildings without safety monitoring from outside, adding: "It is categorically not a ‘safe system of work’, and we condemn any attempt to deliberately convince you that it is.

"We stand by our previous words – these cuts are dangerous."

The cuts, which would be achieved through non-replacement of retiring staff rather than redundancies, are part of a package of cuts aimed at meeting a £2 million budget shortfall over the next three years.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said

Firefighters protest outside the meeting of Avon Fire Authority. Picture: FBU the cuts were a “least worst scenario” but insisted: "Response times and service provision can still be met."

'Serious concerns' over fire response AVON Fire & Rescue Service is “inadequate” at responding to emergencies – the worst possible rating - according to a damning report.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services says it has “serious concerns” about how the service keeps people safe from fire and other risks.

A report said its mobilisation system, which records information and dispatches firefighters to incidents, “isn’t reliable and crashes during 999 calls, which results in the public receiving a slower response to emergencies”.

On one occasion it crashed during a request for help from the ambulance service following a serious road traffic collision.

Crashes had been reported 20 times in a year but had "happened many more times", with some workers no longer formally reporting them.

In her report inspector Wendy Williams said the service does not have an effective system to record up-to-date risk information, including details of tower blocks.

She raised concerns about fire prevention work after finding that residents at greater

risk were not prioritised for home safety visits, which were decided instead on location and convenience.

Ms Williams also raised concerns about service culture and said staff in some teams demonstrated “unacceptable behaviours, such as using sexist or inappropriate language and disguising this as banter”, adding: "Worryingly, some staff don’t have the confidence to report these issues."

The report was published days before an employment tribunal found a female firefighter based at Avonmouth fire station had been subjected to sex discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissal.

The government watchdog assessed how well AFRS performed in 11 areas and rated it as inadequate in four – understanding fire and risk, preventing fire and risk, responding to fires and emergencies, and promoting values and culture.

Five others "require improvement" and two were rated "adequate", with none “good” or "outstanding".

The inspectorate has placed the service in an enhanced level of monitoring to help it address “causes of concern”.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton admitted

that the report "makes for uncomfortable reading".

He said: "I’m sorry if local people feel let down.

"I accept these are the Inspectorate’s findings, and I want to reassure our local communities we have already put plans in place to address some of the concerns raised.

“However, I feel strongly that the findings do not represent who we are as a service.”

The inspection took place in the summer; the service is now due to be reinspected to review progress.

In respect to the employment tribunal, Mr Shilton said it was "deeply regrettable" that the female firefighter had experienced "inappropriate and unwanted behaviour".

He added: "The individual who displayed much of these inappropriate behaviours... no longer works for the service and hasn’t for a period of time, after robust action was taken to dismiss him following an internal investigation."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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January, 2024

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11

n NEWS

Engineers hit the heights on bridge A TEAM of Royal Engineers went to the top of the Severn Bridge as part of a training day to help them learn about "significant highway infrastructure".

The group of 14 engineers from the Combat Ready Training Centre and 32 Engineer Regiment took part in the day as part of Exercise Wessex Storm, a four week training exercise.

As part of the day, the group were given a presentation on suspension bridges to better understand their structures and capacities.

They also took a tour of the M48 Severn Bridge, visiting the bridge's anchorage, the top of a tower and inside the bridge deck.

National Highways programme delivery manager Chris Pope said: “It was a delight to welcome the Royal Engineers to the M48 Severn Bridge and give them a better understanding of how the structures work.

“These mammoth structures are key to keeping the country

The Royal Engineers group on top of the Severn Bridge moving, so it was a pleasure to help them understand better what goes into keeping the bridges safe, and also demonstrating the science behind them.”

Captain Jo Ellett-Swiggs

of the Combat Ready Training Centre said: “We were extremely grateful for the team at National Highways for hosting us and passing on valuable knowledge on several highway structures.

“This was a fantastic

opportunity for the training audience to apply their current knowledge to national infrastructure and develop specifics which apply to cablestay and suspension bridges.”

As part of the training programme, the Royal Engineers from Reconnaissance Troop worked with the The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Battlegroup, who specialise in reconnaissance.

Andy Wood, Principal Operations Manager for maintenance contractors Amey, said: “We were thrilled to have been involved with the Royal Engineers visit.

“Our teams of dedicated bridge inspectors and maintenance engineers play a pivotal role in keeping the Severn Bridge safe and serviceable.

“It was a huge privilege for us to be able to share our expertise with the Royal Engineers to enable them to make rapid assessments of the serviceability of major bridges."

Tributes to former council leader FORMER South Gloucestershire Council leader Ruth Davis has died, following a short illness.

Politicians from all parties on the council have paid tribute to the former Yate Central ward councillor, who stepped down at May's local elections and was made an honorary Alderman

Ruth Davis

in July in recognition of her 32 years of service.

She passed away on December 2.

First elected to the predecessor Northavon District Council in 1991, Ruth was a founder member of South Gloucestershire Council in 1996 and went on to be the council's leader between 2005 and 2007.

She served as chair - the council's equivalent of a mayor from 2021 to 2022.

Ruth led the council's Liberal Democrat Group for 13 years and is said to have "supported a strong theme of partnership working" during her time as a councillor.

Current council leader and fellow Lib Dem Claire Young said: "Ruth made a huge contribution to our communities over the 32 years she served as a Councillor, including as Leader and as Chair.

"She was always incredibly generous when it came to helping others and I know many of us will greatly miss her friendship and wise counsel."

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Council co-leader and Labour councillor Ian Boulton said: “Ruth epitomised the way we have long tried to work in South Gloucestershire, as someone who worked for the benefit of our community regardless of any political differences.

"She encouraged, supported and provided respected advice to many of us and, while we

have lost a political opponent, we have also lost a friend."

Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley said: "Ruth was a very able and hard-working councillor and former leader of the council, and was respected by colleagues from all parties and by members of the wider community."

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

12

thornburyvoice

January, 2024

n LOCAL MP

Making 2024 the year of the health centre I HAVE made one New Year’s resolution this year: to secure the funding we need to get Thornbury Health Centre built, and ensure that 2023 is the last year when people asked: “Will the redevelopment of Thornbury Health Centre actually ever happen?”

After securing the first 10% of funding needed to rebuild Thornbury Health Centre, in November, I have now met with the new Secretary of State for Health, Victoria Atkins MP, to discuss how quickly the redevelopment can begin once and for all.

The funding we have been awarded, of £1.3m, follows a decade-long campaign, a debate in Parliament on

Thornbury Health Centre, which I led last year, and a petition calling for an upgraded health centre, which proved community support.

Local NHS officials are now using this money to work on the final details of exactly what the new health centre will look like, which health services will be available on the site and setting out how long the rebuild will take once we get the full amount of money.

This work should pave the way for us to secure the remaining sum of £13m to get on with the redevelopment.

When I met the Health Secretary recently, I explained that the new health centre would massively enhance

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

outpatient services, mental health support and increase GP capacity in the area – all of which are under strain.

I have also made it clear that the remaining preparatory and background work should be sped up, so the rest of the money can be agreed without delay.

We cannot lose this momentum and, entering 2024, I will be working on this issue every single day.

The progress we have made locally follows the publication of the Government’s Urgent and Emergency Care Plan, alongside an investment of £1 billion to deliver 5,000 more hospital beds than planned, and to put over 800 more ambulances on

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

the road.

This will speed up discharge from hospitals, free up beds for patients needing urgent and emergency care and, ultimately, reduce pressures on hospitals.

It’s been a long road, but we are another step closer to delivering a new Thornbury Heath Centre. My resolution is to get the money we need and make this happen, and I won’t stop fighting until we have finally secured the health services that our community needs.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

January, 2024

13

n ARTS

Panto heading towards sell-out Olveston Parish Players THORNBURY'S Octopus Drama Group is aiming to sell out its run of its January pantomime King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

The group's two Saturday performances sold out within 24 hours and its Friday performance followed soon afterwards.

As the Voice went to press tickets for the group's Wednesday and Thursday performances were still available.

Performances take place in Christ the King Church Hall, in castle street, from January 10 to 13.

The group describes the panto as a "real gigglefest", written especially for Octopus by group member Peter James, who is known for his comedic performances in previous shows and has a "strong sense of the ridiculous".

The show follows King Arthur and

OLVESTON Parish Players’ are hard at work on their 2024 production of Brigadoon, at Olveston Parish Hall in Tockington.

Performances take place during February half-term, from Wednesday to Saturday, February 14 to 17, at 7.30pm.

This captivating musical, set in the Scottish Highlands, is a tale of romance and suspense that is sure to fill your winter evenings with colour and light. As well as Ian Cornes plays King Arthur and Astrid Della Porta is Guinevere in Octopus Drama Group's production of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

the uplifting harmonies that The Parish Players are renowned for, you can look forward to lively Scottish dancing from our team of accomplished teenage dancers.

Tickets go on sale on January 13: call the Box Office on 01454 202011 and find out more at www.facebook.com/ OlvestonParishPlayers.

Caroline Brewser

The Parish Players in rehearsal

his Knights through several quests to rescue Guinevere from panto villain Milton Keenes, meeting witches, elves and many more characters on the way.

Thornbury Orchestra THORNBURY Orchestra's next concert will take place on Sunday, January 14 at 3pm in Marlwood School, Alveston.

Tickets, available on the door, are £10 for adults, with children and concessions free.

Music will include the Shostakovich Jazz Suite No 2, Bernstein's Overture to "Candide", Gershwin's An American in Paris, the Hoe-Down and Buckaroo Holiday by Copland and Don Gillis's Symphony No 5-and-a-Half.

The concert is in aid of the Hatch Camphill Community, a local charity supporting adults

with learning disabilities to live independent lives.

For more details, contact info@ thornburyorchestra.org.uk.

The orchestra was founded in 2002 and draws players from across South Gloucestershire and beyond.

We rehearse regularly in St Helen's, Alveston and are always keen to hear from interested players and currently have a number of vacancies.

For more details, visit our website at www.thornburyorchestra.org.uk.

Richard Kenchington

St Mary’s Music SOME readers will remember that, prior to the pandemic, regular Sunday afternoon concerts were held at St. Mary’s Church in Thornbury.

We are delighted to announce that these concerts will be reinstated in the New Year. They will take place on the third Sunday in the month at 4pm and last approximately an hour.

Light refreshments will follow.

The performers will be drawn from the local area and there will be singers, instrumentalists, choirs and instrumental ensembles – in

fact , something to suit all tastes.

Admission is free, but there will be a retiring collection, with all profits going to the Music Fund of St. Mary’s Church.

The first three concerts are: January 21, Chris Hall (bassbaritone) & Robert Burgess (piano), February 18 Nigel Davies (organ) and March 17, Harlequin Singers.

Up to date information can be found on our website: www. stmarysmusic.org.

Angela Hughes

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Armstrong Arts Group ARMSTRONG Arts Group presents Where Is Mrs Christie? starring Liz Grand, in February.

A one person play written by Chris Jaegar, it reveals the amazing story of Agatha Christie’s own mysterious disappearance.

Agatha Christie was one of the greatest thriller writers of all time and certainly the most prolific.

In 1926, she was at the centre of a mystery as perplexing as any of her fiction, a series of events which sparked one of the biggest and most extensive police hunts in history.

Her crashed car was discovered in Surrey and the famous author was missing, presumed dead by many, for eleven days.

She was eventually found at a luxury hotel in Harrogate, claiming then, and for the rest of her life, that she was suffering from amnesia and remembered nothing.

Neither the press nor the police believed her.

Actor Liz Grand's one-woman show asks: Did she suffer from amnesia? Was it a publicity stunt?

Or was there a darker secret

involved?

All aspects of Christie’s life as author, mother, daughter, wife and literary celebrity are explored with waspish wit. In true thriller style, all will be revealed.

The performance takes place on Saturday February 24 at 7.30pm in Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street.

Tickets cost £15 from AAGThornbury@gmail.com.

Jane Parfitt Liz Grand as Agatha Christie

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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thornburyvoice

January, 2024

15

n NEWS

Mayor's bus advert was 'unlawful' COUNCIL leaders say Metro Mayor Dan Norris unlawfully spent £10,000 of taxpayers' money on a bus advert for political gain.

A West of England Combined Authority committee comprising the leaders of South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset councils accepted the findings of a top WECA legal officer that the spending was “clearly” unlawful and that the bus “wrap”, which included photos of Mr Norris and his dog Angel, broke local government rules because it amounted to political self-promotion.

But because Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees refused to attend an emergency meeting on the issue on December 14 - branding the meeting “improper” and questioning whether it was itself lawful, the two other council leaders made no formal finding, did not place blame or order any sanction.

Mr Norris has denied any wrongdoing, insisting metro mayors are “meant to be visible”, and says he was not given the opportunity to be interviewed by the official carrying out the investigation.

A First double-decker was covered with a design featuring three pictures of Mr Norris, one measuring 3m (9ft 10in) high and the other

The advertising bus 'wrap' which cost £10,000 two 2m and 1m, and two images of his dog Angel, with a message on each side.

It included promotional messages for the Birthday Bus scheme and a bus driver recruitment campaign.

The advert was pulled by WECA chief executive Richard Ennis when he found out.

A report to the committee said Mr Norris issued a “direct instruction” to staff in the combined authority’s mayoral office to spend government money on the ad.

With Mr Rees’s absent and fellow Labour mayor Mr Norris required not to be in the room during the debate, the committee comprised

only South Gloucestershire leader Claire Young and B&NES leader Kevin Guy, both Lib Dems.

Announcing their decision, Cllr Guy said: "The committee is of the view that this expenditure was clearly unlawful, for the reasons set out in the report.

“However, we will not pass a formal resolution to that effect because we feel very strongly that a representative from Bristol City Council should have attended this meeting to contribute to the debate and the vote.

“Therefore we resolve to conclude the meeting having made no formal finding on unlawfulness."

The two leaders made a series of directions to WECA officials, including inviting external auditors to look into the episode, bringing in a code of practice for future mayoral marketing and making a detailed report on mayoral spending.

WECA's £675,000 mayoral budget is separate from its main budgets and covers the mayor's costs, office expenses and support, and funding four-yearly mayoral elections.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Smokers offered free vape kits to help them quit ALMOST half of all smokers in the Bristol region will be offered free vape starter kits on the NHS as part of a “world-first” drive to help people kick the habit.

The local health partnership has successfully bid for £2.2 million from the Government to pay for 60,000 devices.

The aim is to help smokers switch from cigarettes to vapes, which are considered much safer, the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Integrated Care Partnership board heard.

There are an estimated 144,320 tobacco users across the area, with 60 per cent of these in the city.

BNSSG has set itself a target to be “Smokefree” - which it defines as smoking rates of under 5% of the adult population - by the year 2031.

But this requires about 24,000 smokers to quit every year until then, the BNSSG board meeting was told on November 29.

The pioneering free e-cigarettes initiative, called Swap to Stop, was announced by the Government in April and the partnership's bid has just been approved.

Public health consultant Samuel Hayward told board members that Bristol had the highest smoking rate in the South West, caused partly by the legacy of the tobacco industry.

He said: “The evidence is clear that, for smokers, nicotine vaping is a far less risky option and poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking in the short and medium term.

"Vaping should be offered as an alternative for smoking but not as an activity which is appealing to the wider non-smoking population.

"Vaping is not for children – we need to reduce the uptake of vaping and the number of young people accessing vape products."

Mr Hayward said the vapes would be given out by existing

Reusable vapes like the one pictured will be offered to current smokers under the NHS plan. Picture: LDRS/Pixabay specialist stop-smoking services. said: "This is excellent and is really Director of public health Matt about what we have been trying Lenny said: "This is a significant to do." opportunity for us. We really welcome the change in policy and

By Adam Postans, Local investment in services."

Democracy Reporting Service Board chairman Jeff Farrar

News? - Email us at contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

16

n NEWS

thornburyvoice

January, 2024

Crew turns out for charity's shop opening A HELICOPTER crew joined staff and supporters of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity as it opened its new shop on Thornbury High Street.

The charity, which depends on public support for funding, started last year with four charity shops in the communities it serves but by mid-January it will have doubled its high street presence to eight.

The Thornbury shop joins branches in Westbury-on-Trym, Yate, Cheltenham, Cinderford and two in Gloucester, with another opening in Bath in January.

Since opening its first shop in Westbury-on-Trym in 2020, the charity says its shops have become "an important income stream".

A spokesperson added: "But with a growing upward trend in the number of call-outs the crew attends - 2023 is looking like it could be the busiest yet - the charity needs to work even harder to bring in funds to make sure it can be there for people in urgent need of critical care."

The Thornbury shop opens daily from 9am to 5pm and will house a recycling bank for items that are "too tatty for re-selling".

n WHAT'S ON January 4 THORNBURY ART CLUB Thursday Painting Studio Group at St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, every Thursday from the 4th, 1.30-4.30pm.

Also Tuesday Painting Studio Group, every Tuesday at St Mary’s Church Hall from 9th, 1.30-4.30pm. Also Evening Painting Studio Group every Wednesday from 10th at Alveston Methodist Church Hall, 7-9.30pm. Call 01454 414433 for more details.

January 8 THORNBURY CHORAL SOCIETY rehearsals begin at the United Reformed Church at 8pm for May's spring concert. For more details about membership and future events visit www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk.

January 10-13 OCTOPUS DRAMA GROUP presents King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Christ the King Church Hall. Wednesday to Friday performances 7.30pm, Saturday 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets available at Rosie and Rex gift shop, Thornbury High Street.

Adults £8, children £6.

January 14 THORNBURY ORCHESTRA concert at Marlwood School, Alveston, 3pm.

Tickets £10 on the door for adults; children and concessions free. Music from Shostakovich, Bernstein, Gershwin, Copland and Gillis. In aid of the Hatch Camphill Community, supporting adults with learning disabilities.

More details at info@thornburyorchestra.org.uk.

January 18 ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP meets at Bradley Stoke Community School, 7pm. Illustrated talk by Matthew

Haydn Jeanes, 'My Work as an Artist'.

January 19 ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents the Severn Whalers at The Ship, Bristol Road, Alveston, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from AAGThornbury@gmail.com.

January 21 SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT, St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 4pm. Chris Hall (bass-baritone) & Robert Burgess (piano). Hour-long concert followed by light refreshments. Free entry, retiring collection for St Mary’s Church music fund. For more information visit www.stmarysmusic.org.

January 22 ST PETER'S HOSPICE SEVERNSIDE SUPPORT GROUP Winter Warmer lunch, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 1pm. Cottage pie and crumble with vegetarian option, tea/coffee.

Tickets £10 per person from the St Peter's Hospice Shop, Thornbury High Street, from January 5, or pay on the door.

January 23 THORNBURY ART CLUB monthly club night, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 7.15pm. Watercolour painter Catherine Beale demonstrates wet-in-wet technique to develop atmospheric valley mists. Visitors welcome. Non-members £6. Tel. 01454 414433 for further details.

January 24 ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Talk: History and development of coal mining in the Bristol Area, by Steve Grudgings. Visitors welcome.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

February 14 to 17 OLVESTON PARISH PLAYERS present Brigadoon at Olveston Parish Hall, Tockington, 7.30pm. Tickets on sale from January 13 from the box office on 01454 202011. For more information visit www.facebook.com/OlvestonParishPlayers.

February 17 SEVERN VALLEY QUILTERS EXHIBITION, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, 9.30am4pm. Fabrics stall, book sales table, tombola, refreshments. Proceeds to Cancer Research UK. Parking available nearby; disabled Access. Admission £3 (accompanied children free). For more information email severnvalleyquilters@gmail.com.

February 24 ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents Where Is Mrs Christie? starring Liz Grand, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, 7.30pm. One person play written by Chris Jaegar on the story of Agatha Christie’s mysterious disappearance. Tickets £15 from AAGThornbury@gmail.com.

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 10.15am until 11.45am.

Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. For information contact Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 01454 260371. 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.

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.

Sunday n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Black Horse, Gillingstool, Thornbury, noon.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

January, 2024

17

n NEWS

Inspector throws out ‘car dependent’ housing A PLANNING inspector has dismissed an appeal by developers over plans to build 180 homes in a South Gloucestershire village.

More than 600 people objected to Bloor Homes’ proposed housing estate on four agricultural fields west of Sodbury Road in Wickwar.

South Gloucestershire Council opposed the application but the company lodged an appeal, prompting an eight-day public inquiry in October and November, which began with ward Cllr Adrian Rush presenting an 800name petition against the plans.

A government-appointed inspector has now thrown out the scheme because it would be car dependent and cause visual harm to the landscape and a nearby Grade II-listed farmhouse.

In his report, inspector David Prentis said: “My overall assessment is that the adverse effects of this appeal proposal would significantly

and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

Council leaders have welcomed the decision and said it “protects a vital green space”.

Mr Prentis’s report said the development would “fail to preserve the setting” of the listed South Farmhouse and would “result in harm to its significance”.

It said that it was doubtful that a proposed local convenience store would be created and that the new residents would still travel elsewhere for shops, jobs, education, health services and leisure facilities.

The report said that despite investment from Bloor for a bus service, it would be loss-making and require a “significant level of public subsidy”, even if it was more frequent and had a more direct route.

Mr Prentis wrote: “The great majority of trips outside the village made by future residents of the appeal site would be made

by car.

“I conclude that the appeal proposal would not contribute to the objective of limiting the need to travel.

“Nor would it offer a genuine choice of transport modes for destinations outside Wickwar.

“The proposal would be almost entirely car dependent, such that there would be no meaningful sustainable transport solution.”

His report said the development would “radically change the landscape character of the site” and have a “significantly harmful effect” on the Wickwar Ridge and Vale Local Character Area.

Mr Prentis judged that the council did have a five-year supply of land for housing, which previous planning inspectors have disagreed with when upholding recent appeals.

South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member with responsibility for planning Cllr

Chris Willmore (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: “This is brilliant news for the community – it protects a vital piece of land.

“I sat through much of the inquiry and saw the level of argument the developers were putting, and officers really did well.”

Cllr Rush (Lib Dem, Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge) said: “In winning this appeal we’ve protected a vital green space and the village.

“I would like to thank all the residents who campaigned alongside me to deliver this result.”

Bloor Homes’ barrister told the inquiry that consent should be granted because the local authority had failed to provide enough homes or affordable housing and that there was no prospect it would do so.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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thornburyvoice n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

18

Credit where credit’s due

MANY of us enjoy a bit of television at this time of year.

Indeed, during the festive break, you might have seen one of the BBC’s headline offerings: Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster.

Like so many shows about animals and plants, David Attenborough’s was made right here in the West of England - to be precise, at Bristol’s world-renowned Natural History Unit.

Unlike in years past, today it has become difficult to know which are Bristol’s fantastic TV and radio productions from actually watching or listening to the programmes themselves.

Only those “in the know” are aware.

Why? Because, sadly, the BBC has erased its mention of Bristol from the end credits of such shows.

Remember when they used to proudly state “BBC Bristol”? Not anymore.

I think that needs to change. It’s time to credit Bristol again. From the

start, the credits showed Bristol back in 1957 when the unit was set up.

Its roots were formed in radio.

Because the BBC’s West Region in Bristol produced a popular radio series for the Home Service called The Naturalist, the city was well-placed to produce nature TV too. Bristol therefore became the obvious place to set up the Natural History Unit.

The rest, as they say, is history.

I certainly felt proud seeing Bristol mentioned in the credits of some classic programmes.

Think of shows like Animal Magic, which ran from the 60s through to the 80s. Natural history has always been an important part of children’s TV, sparking the imagination of so many. Chris Packham, who I know through my animal welfare work, saw his career launched in Bristol on The Really Wild Show, which ran for two decades.

David Attenborough is today a national, and global, treasure. But

January, 2024

back in the 50s, it was the Natural History Unit that allowed him to innovate to become that world pioneer in television.

The natural history made in the West has entertained, engaged, and enthralled audiences. We’re globally successful and multi-award-winning in this area.

Nowadays it’s not just the BBC but Channel 4 and even Disney who call the West of England home. In fact, 35% of all natural history content globally is made in our part of the world.

I have written to the BBC Director General to ask why the BBC decided to sever links with a region which was the birthplace of the Unit.

We’re more creative than ever but we’ve been erased! Why, when places like Cardiff and Salford are mentioned by the BBC so often, do they seemingly appear ashamed of Bristol when running their credits?

I want our great region to be recognised nationally and across the planet.

The Natural History Unit is

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for The Voice responsible for some of the most globally successful factual content of the past 60 years. That’s something to be proud of.

So, if you agree, please get in touch. Visit my website www. votedan.uk/creditbristolagain and tweet to @bbc #creditbristolagain to call for ‘Made in Bristol’ credits to be reinstated to all the BBC’s programmes made here.

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19

n COMMUNITY NEWS News from Castle School IT has been an exciting term at The Castle School.

As a newly-arrived head teacher I have been busy getting to know the students, staff and parents - and am regularly amazed at the range of activities and talents within the student population.

In November, Economics students attended the Bristol Festival of Economics, and were able to meet Tim Harford, a leading economist, writer and presenter.

In December, Physics students travelled to Oxfordshire to visit JET, the Joint European Torus.

This major experimental site is run by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and is world-leading in exploring nuclear fusion.

Our Dance Department also hosted a 2-day workshop for students, run by Swindon Dance Academy.

In the lead-up to Christmas our music department held their

Jessica Lobbett traditional December concert, with massed choirs, orchestra, various musical groups and soloists.

We were also delighted to have a number of ex-students returning from universities to join in - so good to see them wanting to stay involved and inspire our younger performers.

We had two nights of our Xmas Dance Show, with almost 100 students performing.

All of our Year 7 students took

part in an extra-special Christmas event, held in St Mary's Church in December, with parents also in attendance.

As well as carols in French and German, the event celebrated diversity and culture in support of one of our key student themes this year, which is anti-bullying.

As well as music, there was dance, drama, literature and student presentations on seven major religions.

All Year 7 students learnt an antibullying song in their music lessons, which they performed together.

We are very grateful to St Mary’s church, who were so wonderful in supporting us with this endeavour, and helping us to livestream it to other students back in the school.

Meanwhile, students at the other end of school, in the Sixth Form, have been very busy with applications for university and apprenticeships.

The other very obvious process within school this year is the ongoing work to build our huge new maths and science building, with 20 brand new classrooms/laboratories, and

create our new Post-16 Centre.

Work is moving very fast, and is on course to all be open for the start of the new school year in September.

We’re very grateful to so many people who are working so hard to make this long-held plan a reality.

Finally, I must praise the work of the Castle School Friends.

These volunteers - parents, staff and other members of the community - give up their time to put on events, apply for grants and raise funds - and in the last five years they have raised over £30,000 to support school life.

A number of our stalwart organisers are coming to the end of their time involved, as their younger children are now ready to leave school, so we would really welcome more volunteers.

If you think you could offer some time, we’d love to hear from you email cas-enquiries.tcs@cset.co.uk.

Jessica Lobbett Head teacher

At Beech House care home in Thornbury, the safety, care and well-being of our residents are at the centre of everything we do.

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thornburyvoice

20

n LIBRARY NEWS SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's consultation on options to save money on the libraries service closes on January 10.

The proposals presented in the consultation will have an impact on the way libraries in South Gloucestershire operate and people are being asked to suggest where changes to opening hours, for example, would have the least and most impact.

In Thornbury there are proposals to reduce opening hours to 10am-5pm, from 9.30am-5.30pm currently.

Please spare five minutes to pop into your local library to fill in a consultation form, say what your local library means to you and how you prefer to use the library services.

Alternatively you can read all the details and submit your response online at librarysavings.commonplace.is.

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.

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

Book group Have You Read…? meets on January 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.

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n SPORT

Thornbury Rotary Swimarathon 2024 THORNBURY Rotary Club is calling for more teams to take part in the Thornbury Swimarathon at the Leisure Centre, which is being held on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2.

Whilst there is already a promising number of teams taking part, there is still a long way to go, so a big push for more swimmers has been launched.

As previously reported, the event organiser, Rotarian Bernard Amos, has confirmed that the event is free to enter and open to all ages (8 to 80 and beyond).

Each team can have up to six people taking it in turns to swim a length.

Anyone interested in contacting Bernard can do so by emailing RotarySwimarathon@ icloud.com. More details and application forms are available on Rotary’s website, www. thornburyrotary.org.

For 2024, one of the principal beneficiaries from the event will be St Peter’s Hospice, with many other local charities and good causes benefiting.

Every pound received through the sponsorship of teams will be donated.

Rotary is keen to hear from people who might be able to represent different sports clubs, companies, charities, schools, cubs, brownies, youth groups, and other organisations.

The event is not designed as a race, or an endurance test, just a fun way to raise funds for important causes, swimming to the Caribbean sounds of Thornbury’s Panache Steel Band.

Thornbury Rotary members would like to express their gratitude to the corporate sponsors for their support.

They are particularly grateful to Perennial Wealth for their generous support early on.

Adrian Dennis

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21

n COMMUNITY NEWS JIGSAW Thornbury WE are appealing to you to help us make our home a warm place today and throughout our 'Give the gift of warmth' campaign, running until January 20.

We urgently need your support to repair our heating system, estimated to cost £2,000, and help towards increased energy costs that are adding an extra £41.22 every week to our bills.

Your donation will help us to provide a safe, warm space for children and young people with additional needs or disabilities, and their families, to connect, fit in, and thrive.

Life can be extremely challenging for the families we support. You have described to us feelings of loneliness, disconnection, guilt, and isolation, all of which impact your well-being. Our venue provides a space for the whole family to join in with activities and connect with others.

"There are so many areas of life

You can read more about our fundraising campaign on our latest blog, at the jigsawthornbury.org.uk website.

Please donate what you can to give the gift of warmth and help us make our home a warm, safe space for JIGSAW families. You can donate via our JustGiving page at tinyurl. com/bdzjj4e2.

Hattie Clayton JIGSAW Thornbury is fundraising to fix its heating system that are difficult for Hugo but at JIGSAW he just fits in and can be himself completely. I feel so relieved and grateful to have found JIGSAW," says Kayleigh, parent carer.

We’re working hard applying for grants to help cover these additional costs and are very grateful for donations received so far from the Thornbury Lions, for £250, and an anonymous donor of £500.

However, this support alone is not enough for us to reach our fundraising target and carry out the work required.

Thornbury in Bloom THE Thornbury in Bloom AGM was very encouraging, with some new life added to the committee, and lots of new ideas and opportunities floated.

We will continue with the local projects and focus on perennials where possible.

Our new chairman, Kath Greenman, invites anyone interested in joining the team or anyone who might prefer volunteering with hands-on tasks

A Thornbury in Bloom display to contact us or join us at our next meeting on Tuesday January 16 at The Swan, at 7.30pm.

Our future success depends on financial support from our local businesses and engagement with our community (you)!

Let us join together and keep the successes coming.

Our email address is ThornburyinBloom@yahoo.co.uk or you can contact us at T&J Owen on The Plain, or via Facebook.

Vicki Williams

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Have a say on your policing bill I HOPE you have been having a wonderful festive period.

I would like to start the New Year by thanking all the officers and emergency services staff who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe over this time.

The Police Funding Survey is now live online.

I encourage every resident to give their thoughts on my proposal to increase the policing part of the council tax, known as the precept, by £10 a year (that’s the equivalent of 83p per month) for the average Band D household. The survey will close on January 22.

Local policing is funded by a combination of people’s council tax (the precept), Home Office funding, and other grants.

The precept makes up 41% of police funding and I, as your PCC, am responsible for setting the amount of money residents

contribute to local policing through the precept.

You can access the link to the precept survey on the OPCC website, www. avonandsomersetpcc.gov.uk.

Last month, my office launched a new volunteer recruitment campaign, looking for members of the public from all backgrounds and walks of life to visit people in one of three custody centres we have in Avon and Somerset, in Keynsham, Patchway and Bridgwater.

These volunteer roles are called independent custody visitors, and they perform a vital role in ensuring people who are detained in custody following arrest are aware of their rights and are receiving what they are entitled to.

If you can spare two hours per month, at a time to suit you, to partner with another custody volunteer and undertake a visit,

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

please apply before 18 January.

No experience is necessary, just a commitment to seeing fair, efficient and effective policing in our communities.

Visit our website and go to the ‘Get Involved’ section to sign up.

I urge people to be extra careful when shopping online at any time, but particularly this time of year, as we see online shopping increase in the annual January sales. Many people are looking for bargains after the Christmas period and I warn shoppers: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

To protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime, I advise everyone to follow advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign: Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

With police and crime commissioner

Mark Shelford

Challenge: Could it be fake?

It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online, at actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

22

n SPORT

January, 2024

Valuable points for Thornbury Town THORNBURY Town picked up four valuable points in a month hit by a series of postponements due to waterlogged pitches.

A trip away to Toolstation League side Cadbury Heath in the County Cup saw Thorns come away with a deserved 3-2 win.

Midfielder Fraser Moss opened the scoring but Heath equalised before the break.

Minutes after the break Town regained the lead when Marcus Wormwell latched on to a Stan Wyatt through ball and fired home.

Moss then scored again and although the hosts scored a second Thorns were well worth the win.

The next game saw Thornbury clinch their second away league win of the season at the impressive 12,000 capacity Sixways stadium, defeating promotion candidates Worcester Raiders.

The home side took an early lead, but goals from Luke Franklin and Harry Brock put Town 2-1 ahead. Just before the break goalkeeper Adam Clark made a stunning save to keep out former Walsall attacker Jordan Murphy’s free kick.

Goalscorer Luke Franklin in action against Worcester Raiders A stop-start second half saw few chances at either end, with Thorns deservedly holding on to claim all three points, the home side's cause not being helped following two red cards in the dying moments.

A midweek trip to Corsham in the League Cup saw the top of the table side progress to the next round with a 3-0 win over a Thorns side missing a couple of

key players.

After two more postponements at the start of December Thorns entertained Hereford side Westfields, picking up another precious point from a 1-1 draw.

On a very heavy pitch, which was borderline playable, chances for either side were few and far between.

However Thorns took the lead from the penalty spot, when Jim

Brock gave the visitors' keeper no chance.

Westfields equalised from a corner, in what was Thornbury's first game at the Mundys in two months.

The Reserves have only played one game in the last month, an excellent 2-1 win away at Hambrook, with George Huke and Harrison Young getting on the scoresheet. They are already facing a fixture backlog, having three or four games in hand on most of the other teams in their division.

Meanwhile the A team maintain their mid-table position following a 6-1 win away at Patchway Town A, but this was followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat against Longwell Green Sports B. The Under18s, like the Reserves, had only played one game in the month before the Voice went to press, a 6-1 defeat against unbeaten league leaders Red Falcon Club.

The scoreline flattered the hosts a little, scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes, with the youngsters' strike coming from George Saunders.

Malcolm Carr

Bonus point win at Drybrook for Thorns THORNBURY Rugby Club have had a frustrating month, with bad weather, opposition cry-offs and the vagaries of the competition calendar accounting for a string of blank match days for the senior teams.

Despite that, the First XV travelled to the Forest of Dean and returned home following a 29-19 win over Drybrook, with Alfie Richardson, Mike Priday, Sam Garbett and Chris Perrett scoring the tries that ensured Thorns had a maximum points victory.

It also ended a string of poor performances away from home.

The Second XV have been frustrated and have not played since mid October, whilst the Ladies team have also had games scratched.

However the Colts have been able to play,

and amongst a string of good performances was an outstanding 53-10 win at Old Redcliffians.

The highlight of December’s rugby is the annual Christmas charity match between a Thornbury XV and the PROPS Barbarians raising funds for children and young adults with learning difficulties.

The day is always great fun and was due to take place at home on December 27.

The New Year begins with the First XV travelling to Keynsham on January 6, the same day as the Second XV play Bristol Barbarians at home.

The following day the Ladies host Tewkesbury in a keenly-anticipated match at the same time as Thornbury Colts entertain Minchinhampton Colts.

Let’s hope the weather will have settled down by then!

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Sam Garbett emerging from the gloom to score a try at Drybrook. Picture: Dave Fox A healthy 2024 from everyone at Thornbury Rugby Club.

Dave Fox

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

January, 2024

thornburyvoice

23

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Thornbury Volunteer Centre WITH Christmas gone and the long dark nights stretching out in front of you, why not resolve to help others this New Year?

By volunteering in your local community, not only will you improve your health and happiness but giving just an hour a week of your time will make a huge difference to those that you help.

There are many reasons why people volunteer. For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change.

For others, volunteering is a chance to meet new people, make new friends and make a difference to the lives of others.

Thornbury Volunteer Centre can provide you with information and support on volunteering opportunities in the local area which best suit your needs, skills and time available, whilst making sure that you find volunteering an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

We are contacted regularly by groups and organisations that are seeking to recruit volunteers from all walks of life, levels of

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expertise (from none to highly skilled) and time available.

Age, gender or disability is not a barrier to volunteering. Anyone, who is able to spare some time, from an hour a week to once a month or just on a one-off basis, would be warmly welcomed by someone in the community.

Volunteering is a valuable experience that benefits all parties.

To find out more please contact Thornbury Volunteer Centre on 01454 413392, email mail@volunteer-thornbury.co.uk or visit our website at www.volunteer-thornbury.co.uk.

We are also on Twitter and Facebook.

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