thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk
November, 2020 Issue 42
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Have your say on South Gloucestershire Council Budget SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is inviting residents, council tax and business rate payers to have their say on its budget and council tax for 2021/22.This is your opportunity to comment on the council’s priorities, council tax and its proposals to improve services and increase efficiency.
Changes To ensure sustainable services that continue to provide value for money, the council is proposing to repeat last year’s council tax increase of 1.99 per cent. This will help cover increased costs in providing services, coupled with an expected adult social care precept of two per cent. This will help meet the continued growth in demand for services, particularly those that support the most vulnerable. These changes will mean an increase of approximately £61.58 per year in overall council tax bills (equivalent to £5.13 per month) for a Band D household.
Better value for money By the end of 2021/22, the council will have made cumulative savings of over £100m in annual spending through efficiency measures. Wherever possible, this work has prioritised protecting frontline services from spending reductions, while delivering better value for money to residents. The council is continuing to implement a Transformation and Savings Programme to help meet the budget challenges ahead but
even assuming the full savings plan is achieved, there is still a predicted budget gap of £22.5m by 2022/23. The council is identifying further potential savings to balance the books. It continues to make the case to Government for additional funding for areas of work where demand and costs of delivering those services are rising significantly.
View from the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage
Balancing the books South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Ben Burton, said: “Our top priorities are to deliver the best possible educational outcomes for all of our young people; to maintain and improve the places where we live; and to achieve the very best value for money. “We have been delivering millions in support to residents and to businesses who are impacted by Covid-19 and it will have an ongoing effect on our budget. This draft budget sets out how we would like South Gloucestershire to recover from Covid-19 and to continue to be such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. As demand for services needed by the most vulnerable, the young and the old increases, we need to deliver those services and ensure we get value for every pound we spend, and balance the books. This why each year we ask residents to have their say as we plan for the future.” Continued on next page.
WELCOME - We’re very proud to partner with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition. We bring you news on our budget and council tax and invite you to have your say. We have also included our new Council Plan and update you on support for those struggling with Covid-19. Unfortunately, coronavirus cases are rising here and if we are to avoid stricter measures, protect ourselves and our loved ones and keep South Gloucestershire safe, we must follow government guidance. Remember: Hands, Face, Space. Thank you all for your hard work so far and continuing support.
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
How to have your say on the budget: View the budget at www.southglos.gov.uk/budget and then send your comments by 3 January 2021: • By email: consultation@southglos.gov.uk • By completing a survey (available online or download from the council website: www.southglos.gov.uk/budget) • By writing to: Freepost RTXL-YJXJ-BXEX, South Gloucestershire Council, Corporate Research & Consultation Team, Council Offices, Badminton Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5AF • By telephoning 01454 868154. A full council meeting on 10 February 2021 will consider the consultation responses and decide the council’s budget.
Ambitious new Council Plan in place SOUTH Gloucestershire Council now has a new Council Plan for the next four years. The priorities and commitments the council is outlining in this plan will help to ensure our district remains a great place to live, work and visit. The plan offers a new means of demonstrating how the council is making a difference for you, delivering ‘real value for money’ services.
• Promoting sustainable inclusive communities, infrastructure and growth • Realising the full potential of people and delivering value for money.
Your feedback
Action Plans
The council ran a public consultation on the draft plan earlier this year. The feedback from this consultation has shaped a really exciting and ambitious new plan.
Key priorities Building on your responses, the plan sets out four key priorities: • Creating the best start in life for children and young people • Identifying and supporting those most in need and helping people to help themselves
Wash your hands regularly.
Delivering value for money, addressing the climate emergency and promoting equality of opportunity are ‘threads’ that run through the plan.
In November, the council will approve 20 commitments and associated Action Plans setting out how it acts on these challenges and how progress is measured. Firstly, it will work with its partners and communities to create the best possible start in life for children and young people. By focusing on outcomes such as raising educational attainment, the council can make the biggest long-term cross generational impact. The second priority is to identify and support those most
*Wear a face covering in all shops, indoor and hospitality venues, on public transport & taxis.
Keep your distance from others.
*Exemptions include: ● children under the age of 11 ● people with breathing difficulties ● people living with a disability
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in need, with a focus on helping people to help themselves. Thirdly, the council wants to promote sustainable, inclusive communities, infrastructure and growth. It has a significant role to play in shaping future places. It’s making real progress on a Climate Emergency Action Plan to ensure that growth ambitions are delivered whilst maintaining a strong commitment to protecting the environment. Fourthly, it has set a priority to realise the full potential of its staff and services, to keep value for
money front of mind. The timing of this Council Plan is important. It takes into consideration the significant challenges that were evident long before Covid-19. The council has also drawn on lessons learnt from the response to the pandemic such as keeping residents better informed, and working with those who have stepped up to help communities play an active role in finding answers to local issues. Find out more about the plan at www.southglos.gov.uk/ councilplan
Test and Trace Support Payment THE Government’s new national Test and Trace Support scheme makes payments of £500 to those who are struggling to self-isolate because of financial constraints. To be eligible, you will need to have received notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, started self-isolation on or after 28 September 2020, and meet certain other criteria. The scheme is here to ensure that people on low incomes selfisolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact, and to encourage more people to get tested. This will help reduce the transmission of Covid-19 and avoid further social and economic restrictions, including local lockdowns. To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, you must have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because you’ve tested positive for Covid-19 or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and be employed or self-employed and unable to work from home and will lose income as a result. You will also need to be currently receiving one or more of the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income based Employment and Support Allowance, income based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing benefit, or Pension Credit. To find out more, including whether you are eligible, and how to apply, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/apply-test-and-trace-supportpayment or call the South Glos team on 01454 434087.
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November, 2020 Issue 42
luke.hall.mp @parliament.uk
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FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
Helping children to fly high Honour for Ben
THE leader of a Thornbury choir has been honoured by the Queen for keeping people singing through lockdown PAGE 13
Hotel demolition PLANS to demolish an “iconic” hotel and replace it with 22 houses have been approved despite objections from residents and local politicians. PAGE 5 It's in a sorry state now but this section of an old Bristol-built plane could soon be transformed to help children at a village school. Full story: Page 7.
£16.7m revamp for schools A £16.7 MILLION revamp of the Thornbury area's secondary schools is going ahead, to end decades of underinvestment. The scheme would see the landmark former Thornbury Grammar School buildings in Gloucester Road sold off, as the
Castle School Sixth Form Centre relocates from them to a new three-storey building on the main school site. Money would also be spent to improve Marlwood School in Alveston, after the chief executive of Castle School
Education Trust, which runs both schools, told South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet the poor state of the buildings meant teachers and students were effectively “working with one arm behind their backs”. Turn to page 10
Hunt cancelled
THE annual Boxing Day meeting of the Berkeley Hunt in the centre of Thornbury has been cancelled this year due to coronavirus restrictions. PAGE 4
Beware of scam
BANK staff in Thornbury called in police after detecting a scam which is costing elderly victims thousands of pounds. PAGE 16
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December deadline Our December edition deadline is November 18.
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A previous meeting of the Berkeley Hunt in Thornbury
Hunt cancels Boxing Day meet THE Boxing Day meeting of the Berkeley Hunt in Thornbury has been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions. The hunt meeting in the High Street is a traditional sight in the town but is controversial, with a petition calling for the event to be banned raising more than 4,000 signatures last year. However the decision not to hold the meet this year has been taken in the light of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hunt issued a statement which said: "Due to the impact of coronavirus, the Berkeley Hunt would like to let supporters and residents know that they will not be able to conduct their usual annual Boxing Day meet at Thornbury but look forward to returning in 2021. "We have taken this step to comply with legislation regarding large gatherings, but primarily out of respect for local people. "We genuinely value the tremendous support offered by residents of Thornbury and the wider area over many years. The well-being of our local communities will always be our priority." Hunting is one of the activities which has been exempted from the government's 'rule of six' banning almost all social gatherings and the hunt is expecting to "follow a different format this year" A Countryside Alliance spokesperson said: “Subject to government guidance, trail hunting will still take place on Boxing Day, but like so many other leisure and sporting events, these will sadly have to take place behind closed doors. “Over a quarter of a million people usually support Boxing Day meets each year so we appreciate that seeing the hounds and watching the spectacle of the meet is often one of the highlights of the annual festive activities for so many in the local area." Other hunts in the region have also abandoned traditional public meetings, including the Beaufort Hunt's pre-Christmas meet in Chipping Sodbury.
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November, 2020
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n NEWS PLANS to demolish an “iconic” hotel where a pioneering aviator lived and replace it with a 22-home cul-de-sac have been approved. The outline proposals for Alveston House Hotel were granted permission despite objections from 40 residents and the parish council, and complaints that only two of the new semi-detached houses would be classed as affordable. It marks the end of a longrunning saga over the future of the historic building next to the A38, which is closed, following a series of previous applications, including plans to turn it into a retirement village. A blue plaque marking the former home of aeroplane designer and pilot Captain Frank Barnwell will be retained as a condition of the new development, between David’s Lane and Thornbury Road. The hotel was originally built as a private family home but later became a school for children with learning disabilities and then an academy for soldiers. It was also owned by Capt Barnwell, who built and flew the first aircraft in Scotland in 1910 and went on to be chief engineer at British Aerospace in Filton. Alveston Parish Council clerk Graham Smith told South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee on October 15 that a “great number of residents” had petitioned against the proposal. He said: “The council and residents are particularly concerned that the parish is on the verge of losing one of its iconic landmarks. “The council therefore proposes that all the modern additions to this 18th-century house be demolished and the remaining shell converted to affordable apartments. “The remainder of the land could then be used for housing development as proposed.” He said more traffic and parked cars could threaten the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, adding that the junction was “busy and often chaotic”. Severn Vale ward councillor Matthew Riddle told members: “This application has raised local anger that yet another landmark building in the village will disappear, following on from the demise of the Cross Hands pub. “It’s the sort of building that
Alveston hotel to be demolished for homes
The Alveston House Hotel when you drive past it on the A38, you know you're nearly home.” A representative of Prestige Retirement Living, which submitted the plans, said the proposals were for lower density housing than previously and that a hotel would generate more traffic than the new homes. A report to members said: “The proposal is afforded significant weight as it is appropriate development in a sustainable location. “The development will also result in less than substantial harm on a listed building. “Overall the application merits outweigh the perceived harms of the development.” Committee member Mike Bell (Lab, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield) said: “Affordable housing should be a priority to us. “It won’t be homes for the low-paid in Alveston. I shall be voting against it.” Fellow councillor Katie Cooper (Lab, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield) said: “I’ve got a problem with the social housing. The builders would have realised it wouldn’t be viable to build 35 per cent social housing when they bought it, but they bought it anyway, knowing they could negotiate on that policy. “We should discourage
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The plan for new semidetached homes on the site, with access from David's Lane that, because you’re asking a community to give up a house and a restaurant they cherish and you’re going to give them two affordable houses. “Our policy is 35 per cent, and to have it go down to less than 10 per cent is not supportable.” But Brian Hopkinson (Con, Charlton and Cribbs) said: “I can’t see any problems with parking or access and it produces some new homes for our area. “Alveston is quite a big development. It’s not just a village, it’s an estate as far as I’m concerned. “These homes will be appreciated by a lot of people wanting to stay in the area.”
Ernie Brown (Con, Stoke Gifford) said: “There is already a small development being built next door, and as it has already been agreed this building will be demolished, something has to take its place. “We need houses and this development would fit the bill.” Judy Adams (Con, Emersons Green) said the area would be improved if the hotel was demolished. Members agreed with officers’ recommendation to grant permission by five votes to two, with two abstentions. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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November, 2020
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Street marshals to patrol town at pub curfew STREET marshals are being introduced in Thornbury to enforce the 10pm curfew and persuade drinkers to act sensibly, as coronavirus cases continue to rise. South Gloucestershire Council says it intends to have the marshals, who wear uniforms and body cameras and are also on the lookout for problem drinkers, on the streets on Friday and Saturday evenings "as soon as possible", although the authority was unable to give a firm date for their arrival as the Voice went to press. But the need for intervention was shown on the night of October 16-17 when heavy planters placed on the High Street were overturned by vandals, tipping earth and plants onto the road and pavement. The council is expanding a scheme it first introduced in Kingswood and Chipping Sodbury over the summer to patrol 'hotspot' areas in Thornbury and Staple Hill with a concentration of pubs and other licensed premises. A council spokesperson said: “We have agreed to deploy marshals at Staple Hill and Thornbury on Friday and Saturdays evenings and we are working hard with our providers to have these in place as soon as possible." The spokesperson said an increase in
Thornbury High Street, including planters which were overturned by vandals on the night of October 16-17 demand for marshals meant that it might not be possible for them to be in place immediately but local policing teams were also planning high visibility patrols in the area. He added: “We are looking to support our night time economy by encouraging any groups to disperse safely following the changes made to hospitality closing times, while limiting any associated anti-social behaviour in our town centres.
"Chipping Sodbury and Kingswood have benefited from the presence of marshals.” "The marshals in Thornbury will be funded following a Government announcement on financial support being made available to help oversee Covid-19 social distancing measures.” The move comes as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the area continues to rise. The latest figures available from the Office for National Statistics as the Voice went to press showed that there had been 12 new confirmed cases in Thornbury during the week to October 13, plus another 6 in Alveston, Olveston and Oldbury, 9 in Almondsbury, Pilning and Severn Beach and 9 in Charfield, Wickwar and Iron Acton, which includes Tortworth and Leyhill. The total number of infections in South Gloucestershire since the start of the pandemic stood at 1,609 on October 18, an overall rate of 564.4 per 100,000 population. The total number of South Gloucestershire residents confirmed to have died with COVID-19 had reached 171 by October 2, although the most recent among those deaths occurred in the last week of August.
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November, 2020
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n NEWS
The plane which will help children to fly high A SCHOOL in Alveston is planning to save a section of a Bristol-built plane from the scrapheap – and turn it into a reading area for pupils and the wider community. St Helen’s Primary School hopes that the front section of the aircraft's fuselage will become a physical symbol of its vision statement for its pupils, which is 'Flying High’. Each class is named after famous planes which were built in Bristol, and there is a strong link with aviation in the village, as the aerospace designer Captain Frank Barnwell lived at what later became the Alveston House Hotel and is buried in the graveyard of St Helen’s church. Executive head teacher Andy Spens said: “We’re excited about the potential of this project, both in terms of being a symbol of our ‘Flying High’ ethos, but also as a fantastic reading resource for our community. "The first step for us is to gain planning permission and then it will be to fundraise the remaining total we need, which is around £10,000.” The plane, a BAe 146, was built in Filton in the early 1980’s and is currently in salvage at Cotswold Airport in Kemble, Gloucestershire. It will need to be fitted out as a library and
A refurbished fuselage section similar to the one planned for St Helen's Primary School
The BAe 146 under construction in Filton
transported to the primary school, which has been given a grant of £11,500 for the project by South Gloucestershire Council. The refurbishment will be carried out by apprentices at GKN Aerospace, who will also repair the bodywork and paint the words ‘Flying High’ on the outside. They are donating their time and their skills at no charge to the school. Additional fundraising will pay for the
electricity supply, furniture and books. The idea is that in future, staff and pupils will use the library during the day, and families will be able to take books out after school hours, making it a community facility. An architect has drawn a site plan, which shows the section of plane sited near the KS2 building and close to Greenhill Road. Planning permission is expected to be sought soon.
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November, 2020
n NEWS
New priest-in-charge is welcomed
Rev Joy Ludlow is welcomed as priest-in-charge at St Mary’s church.
Ruby O'Sullivan singing from the pulpit at Thornbury United Reformed Church
A NEW priest-in-charge for Thornbury's C of E churches has been welcomed at a special service. The Rev Joy Ludlow was licensed to be priest-in-charge at St Mary’s, St Paul’s, St Arilda’s
Church, Oxford as patron of both Thornbury and Oldbury), Archdeacon Hilary Dawson and Area Dean David Russell, together with a number of representatives of the churches of the United Benefice of Thornbury and Oldbury-onSevern with Shepperdine. Town mayor Jayne Stansfield also attended, along with Debbie Dix, the head teacher of Oldburyon-Severn CE VC Primary School, and Karl Joyce, head of St Mary’s C of E VA Primary School. Church wardens representative Paul Morrish said: "Many in Thornbury will already know the Rev Joy, as she spent over three years working as curate here, and now we wish her much happiness, and God’s blessing, in this new role." A recording of the service can
and Shepperdine at a service in St Mary’s Parish Church, Thornbury by Bishop Rachel of Gloucester. Also present at the service on October 7 was David Meara, representing Christ
be found on the St Mary's Music channel on YouTube or via the web shortcut bit.ly/2TbNBec. The service followed a welcome from Thornbury United Reformed Church for new minister the Rev Neil Thorogood. The service on September 26 took an unusual form due to coronavirus restrictions, with the reduced congregation of 30 in socially-distanced seats and individual refreshments. No congregational singing was allowed, but the church did reverberate to the sound of a solo from 13-year-old Ruby O'Sullivan, who sang Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen from the pulpit to maintain a suitable distance from the congregation. Neil was welcomed by town mayor Jayne Stansfield and Pat Wells, moderator of Thornbury Churches Together.
Rev Heather Pencavel, Pat Wells, mayor Jayne Stansfield, Rev Neil Thorogood and deputy mayor Chris Davey at Thornbury United Reformed Church
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November, 2020
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n NEWS
No debate for High Street petition, as markets are launched to tempt shoppers A PETITION calling for the closure of Thornbury High Street to be urgently reviewed will not be debated by South Gloucestershire Council. Supporters of the petition, which urged councillors to review the closure of the street to through traffic, have been told it fell short of the number of signatures needed to force a debate at a full council meeting. Clive Washbourne, the Thornbury resident who set it up, said it reached 1,955 signatures. But after the petition was handed in Clive was told by Kristy Spindler, who is managing the High Street closure project for the council, that some names had been duplicated between the paper and online versions of the petition, some could not be counted because there was no printed name alongside the signature and in any case, the number was below the threshold for a debate. Clive said: "I would have liked it to have been discussed by the council rather than by the employees. "I was hoping to have the decision to close it reversed or for it to be amended so that it would be a one way system, to give access to people using it day to day. "There is no doubt in my opinion that the petition is going to be completely ignored." A council spokesperson said: “We respond to all petitions
The first street market on October 10. Picture: Roger Gosling submitted to us in line with our official petition policy. "This particular petition was submitted in September and there were a total of 1,832 signatures included. "For a petition to be debated at a meeting of Full Council, 2,500 signatures are required. A full, written response was provided to the petitioner and it will be included as part of the overall consultation report.” The council banned through traffic in Thornbury in July to enable people to shop safely during the coronavirus pandemic by staying two metres apart. It originally put in place a temporary road closure, which was followed by an experimental traffic order that can run for up to 18 months before being made permanent if the move is judged
to be a success. The council has launched a series of Saturday markets, with the aim of bringing more people into the town. The first took place on October 10 and the next was due to be staged on October 31, with further markets planned on November 14 and 28. Sue Aitken, from Thornbury Garden Shop, said: “We had a really good day and there were lots of new people about.” The landlady of the Swan pub, Sandra Davies, said: “The feedback we had was that it was very well laid out; we were told by many people that it was a good idea to use the space. "We were busier than normal and the High Street had a more positive buzz.” For Liz Pell at Finishing
Touches, the cake shop in the St Mary Centre, the market didn’t have much impact. She said: “For me it was about the same level of trading; there were more people around, but as I’m a specialist shop, it was about the same as I would expect on a Saturday. "About 70% of my customers come from outside Thornbury so I’m probably not a typical shop.” A council spokesperson said the first street market was organised by a company called Green Tops, which also organises markets in Chepstow. The spokesperson said: “Street markets are a great way to encourage people to the High Street and we are keen to support local businesses and communities through these unprecedented times in a safe environment. “Street markets are planned on a trial basis this October and November at Thornbury High Street, with markets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. "Anyone can request a stall and seven local traders have indicated they would like to be involved in future markets.” Anyone who wants to take part in the consultation regarding the High Street changes but is not online can now find paper copies in many Thornbury shops or call 01454 866000 to request a form by post, which can be returned via Freepost.
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n NEWS From page 3 The council is providing most of the money, including proceeds of the sale of the sixth form centre site, which was the home of Thornbury Grammar School for almost a century until it transferred to the Marlwood site in 1972. A further £2.5million will come from CSET, while additional open space to extend the Castle School playing field has been pledged by developers as part of planning deals. CSET chief executive Will Roberts told councillors the current state of both Castle and Marlwood required money to be “poured into buildings that are beyond their lifespan”. The "very poor" state of the schools' buildings was highlighted in a BBC documentary two years ago. Mr Roberts said: “It is not an aspiring or appropriate environment for those youngsters and the cost of maintenance is beyond the scope we have available.
November, 2020
'Very exciting' plan will transform Castle and Marlwood schools “We have two schools across three sites, dating back to the 1960s and early 1970s. That was the last time of significant capital investment and we are now 50 years on. “It is sometimes like children and teachers are working with one arm behind their backs. “Over the decades various schemes have been floated and investigated but none have come to fruition.” He said the trust had worked with the council to find a sustainable solution, including removing temporary buildings and a low-energy new building for the sixth form. “It has taken several years of hard and determined work,” Mr Roberts said. “This proposal is very exciting because for the first time it will be in our reach to have
accommodation for education in this area that is fit for purpose and fit for a future generation.” At a meeting on October 5 members approved a master plan including a 14-form Year Seven entry, spread across both schools, with a possible expansion by a further two classes. It said a primary school could be created at a later date at Castle's Park Road site to provide an all-through school. Councillors welcomed the plan but said they hoped the schools’ playing fields would be made more accessible to the public outside school hours. Cabinet member for schools, skills and employment Erica Williams said: “I am extremely pleased to say we are now in a position to move significantly closer to implementation of
a project which will deliver educational benefits to the communities of both schools. “Feasibility studies and engagement with the communities served have determined that the preferred location for a consolidated sixth form is Castle School, as it is most accessible to the majority of pupils of the schools wishing to continue into post-16 education. “The investment in both schools will ensure that long outstanding condition issues are addressed, that the local authority creates sufficient places to meet the future demand for secondary places in the local area and that a high quality learning environment for post-16 education is available to the communities of both schools.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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01454 549265
12
n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
thornburyvoice
November, 2020
AutographscaptureFabFour'svisit tothePalace A SET of Beatles autographs which could only have been collected on one historic day were the star turn of the October sale at Stroud Auctions. There were several outstanding results in the ephemera section, defined as ‘collectable items that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity’ and including autographs, enamel advertising signs, postcards, tickets, leaflets and promotional items, programmes and posters. Beatles-related items continue to be extremely sought after, and lot 671 was no exception. The £6,000 price achieved was excellent simply because of the provenance – the story behind the autographs. Obtained on the day the Beatles received their MBEs at Buckingham Palace in October 1965, along with the famous four signatures was the addition of Robert Dougall, a newsreader popular in the 1960’s, who was another MBE recipient on the same day.
With so many fakes and copies around, the background to any autograph is vital, and in this case the story checked out perfectly. The auctioneer’s favourite lot of the 2,343 which went under the hammer over three days was the rugby programme for a match held at Kingsholm back in 1905, the year of a rugby tour still considered one of the greatest ever. Gloucester were beaten 44-0 on the day, but this programme, which sold for £2,100, is on its way to New Zealand, where the new owner definitely won’t feel bad about the result! The tour was famous for being the one where the All Blacks got their name – before this they wore white shorts, but swapped to black for the 1905/1906 tour, hence the nickname, which has definitely stuck. The surprise lot of the sale was a set of nine plans relating to Joseph Paxton's Crystal Palace, comprising three main floor plans, dated September 1900, which sold for £1,000. The October auction also
included ceramics and glass, stamps, books, pictures and paintings, vinyl records and furniture, and with a huge amount of interest online the prices achieved were very pleasing. The December auction (including specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches and coins) is shaping up brilliantly, in particular the fine wines and spirits section. The deadline for entries is November 6. Stroud Auctions are now accepting items for the January auction, so if you have anything you would like valued with a view to selling, including ephemera like the items above, please get in touch by phone on 01453 873800 or email at valuations@ stroudauctions.co.uk. Valuations are free and without obligation. Right: The Beatles signed these autographs during their famous visit to Buckingham Palace in 1965 to become MBEs.
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
Entries now invited for our January auction including toys, vinyl records, musical instruments, pictures & paintings, books, stamps, ephemera and Asian & tribal art Deadline for entries 5th December Vinyl Records
Asian Art
Toys
Pictures & Paintings
The Beatles Please Please Me LP Matchbox model ice cream Sold for £4600 van Sold for £150 Continental School oil on Chinese cloisonné enamel canvas portrait Sold for £6,900 lotus vase Sold for £6,200 FREE valuations at your home, by appointment at our saleroom every Friday 9-5 or alternatively why not email us images of your item(s) to valuations@stroudauctions.com We are regularly ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders
Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF
01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk
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thornburyvoice
November, 2020
13
n NEWS
Choir celebrates leader Ben's honour from Queen MEMBERS of Thornbury's Good Afternoon Choir are celebrating after their leader was awarded the British Empire Medal. Ben England's award in the recentlyannounced Queen’s Birthday Honours list acknowledges his work running online choirs and orchestras during the pandemic. Ben, who lives with his family in Bristol, was one of more than 400 people nationwide recognised for their work to help communities through the lockdown. The Queen’s Birthday Honours list is usually announced in June but this year's list was delayed until to enable people to nominate people for their contributions to society during the COVID-19 crisis. Ben said he was grateful to all of the choirs he worked with during the crisis for their "support, love and friendship". Thornbury Good Afternoon Choir usually meets at the town's United Reformed Church on Thursday afternoons. But since the lockdown began, and restrictions on group singing have continued, the more than 60 members have been singing via video online, as 'Self-Isolation Choirs'. Good Afternoon Choirs founder Grenville Jones said: "Ben is the charismatic leader of three of our Good Afternoon Choirs – Bristol,
Ben England leads the Thornbury Good Afternoon Choir at St Mary's church last year North Somerset and Thornbury. "When Lockdown came he led the way in introducing online choirs, which enabled hundreds of singers to continue with their beloved hobby. "The publicity he received for the SelfIsolation Choirs was recognised by media across the world and we are delighted that he is one of our popular weekly rehearsal leaders every Wednesday, with the Good Afternoon Choir Online singers.
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n NEWS
November, 2020
Delay in plans to build 80 new homes CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop 80 new homes from being built on fields on the edge of Thornbury have won a reprieve after a U-turn by planners. In September councillors voted by 5-4 to approve proposals for the houses and employment at Crossways, Morton Road. But the decision, made at a virtual meeting held via video link, was ruled invalid because problems with South Gloucestershire Council’s technology meant the public could not hear the debate online. So the strategic sites committee was re-run in October, when members instead voted 5-4 to make a site visit before making a decision – despite the chairman opening the meeting by saying site visits had been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic. Councillors will now see the area individually, accompanied each time by a planning officer. The delay has been welcomed by residents who want to protect the fields, which are popular with walkers and families. Colin Gardner, of campaign group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development, said: “We are very pleased see that common sense rules, and that members of the committee will have to come out and see the wonderful countryside surrounding the land that they are being asked to give permission to concrete over. “This decision appears to be on a knife-edge, but we are encouraged that committee members are
An artist's impression from Bloor Homes of how it believes the development would look. sufficiently concerned to refuse to be bounced by South Gloucestershire Council into approving this application.” On both occasions, officers recommended granting permission for the homes, 28 of which (35%) would be affordable, and one hectare of employment land. After the decision at last month’s initial meeting was declared null and void, Trapp’d raised £3,000 to gather more evidence and submitted a barrister’s opinion saying the development was not justified. Thornbury Town Council and 100 residents also objected on grounds including increased traffic and flooding, although officers told the reconvened meeting that neither were considered reasons for refusing the outline plans and that the benefits outweighed harm to two
Grade II-listed buildings. Applicants Bloor Homes told members the plans "would deliver an attractive and thriving addition to Thornbury". Representative Claire Hamilton told the committee: “The site has been previously accepted by the council for development. “The mixed-use development will deliver significant benefits, including a high-quality living and working environment, financial contributions towards schools and community facilities, provision of new open space, new construction jobs as well as economic benefits and transport improvements.” She said the developers had withdrawn an appeal to the planning inspectorate over a previous application for 100 homes at the site, because they wanted to work with the council
on an acceptable scheme. Thornbury ward councillor Maggie Tyrrell told the meeting: “The whole area has got something very special about it. Dotted around are little character cottages and we are very privileged to have that area in our midst. “It is a brilliant place to walk your children, because you can stop to look at the pigs and hens and the toad crossing. “In Thornbury there’s a general concern that the infrastructure isn’t keeping pace with the development. “By the time the current applications that have already been approved are completed, we’ll have 1,500 new homes in the last six or seven years and virtually no change to the services infrastructure in the town. “It’s just crazy, and you just keep throwing more people at us. “We are getting pretty desperate about the whole situation.” Committee member Roger Avenin (Con, Bradley Stoke South) said: “Even at this late stage, I still believe a site visit will be beneficial. “This is a very finely balanced and contentious application, and a site visit will be imperative. “It would demonstrate an even-handed approach to both applicants and objectors and show we’re not just sitting at home in our slippers looking at pictures on a computer but we’re actually going there to see the real thing.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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November, 2020
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15
n NEWS
Revolt over new housebuilding rules POLITICIANS in South Gloucestershire say proposed changes in planning rules could leave them with "completely unachievable targets" for new housing. The council's ruling Conservative group says it needs the power to assess individual applications on their merits and not be put under "extreme pressure" to meet targets. And Liberal Democrats say the government white paper, which is open to consultation on the Gov.uk website until October 29, is a “serious threat to a democratic and transparent planning system”. But one South Gloucestershire MP has criticised colleagues he says have "made a virtue of opposing muchneeded housing development" and accused them of a "failure of political leadership at the local and parliamentary level". In September's Voice campaigners from Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development said the reforms would require South Gloucestershire to build 51,000 new homes over the next 20 years – 23,000 more than under the current system. The council's Tory group says that while the proposed changes included "several positive steps" to modernise the planning system, rural areas faced being "slapped with an even higher annual housing delivery target than neighbouring Bristol". Cabinet member for planning Steve Reade said: “Many of our local communities are already facing massive unplanned
Jayne Stansfield: Proposals remove power from public
Steve Reade: Council could face "colossal targets" for new homes
Jack Lopresti: Politicians need to 'get a grip' of housing crisis.
expansions due to speculative developments succeeding through the appeal process after we turn them down and, if we are given completely unachievable targets to reach, this problem will grow exponentially, leaving us less equipped to manage the sustainable growth of our communities. “As a local authority, we need the power to assess applications based on their individual merits, and not be hindered by disruption to delivery timetables. "We would be under extreme pressure to preserve our beautiful rural area if we are being told to meet colossal targets that will benefit developers more than it will residents." South Gloucestershire's Liberal Democrats say the government's changes would "tear up" safeguards in the
current planning system. Thornbury ward councillor and town mayor Jayne Stansfield, who is the Lib Dems' lead on the council's planning management committee, said: “These proposals remove most of the power of local councils to decide what gets built in their area, they remove the power of the public to have a say on what happens near them, they will massively reduce the amount of affordable housing and vital infrastructure that gets built and they pay little attention to the climate emergency." However Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti has said it is time for politicians to "get a grip" on the shortage of homes being built for young people to buy. Writing in the Voice's sister paper in Downend, he said: "Too many of my colleagues have
made a virtue of opposing muchneeded housing development anywhere in our own areas. "They have graduated from NIMBYs to BANANAs, who want to Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anywhere. When did it become the fashionable thing to side with those who want to pull the ladder up, rather than put people on it? "I have witnessed colleagues rejoice as local housing supply plans for my local council area were consigned to the bin. These people seem completely oblivious to just what it is they have thrown out. This failure of political leadership at the local and parliamentary level will not do." The Voice asked Mr Lopresti's office if he could clarify which colleagues he was referring to, but did not receive a reply before going to press.
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16
n NEWS POLICE are urging people to be alert to a telephone con where scammers claim to be from a bank's anti-fraud teams. Officers were called to a bank in Thornbury on September 15 by staff concerned about a customer's transaction. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said the man had gone to the bank after fraudsters made a phone call to an elderly relative whose money he manages. A conman told him the accounts were compromised following an online purchase, and that he needed to transfer the money to a new account with another bank. The spokesperson added: "The conman then told the man to go into his local branch to arrange a further transfer, claiming he would be watching on CCTV. "The fraudster even said bank staff would tell him it was a scam but not to trust them.
November, 2020
Bank staff call police in after phone scam "Thankfully the bank staff realised something wasn't right and called the police – but the victim had already transferred a significant amount of money from the accounts." Police are calling on people to warn vulnerable elderly relatives and friends about this type of scam. The spokesperson added: "These fraudsters can be very convincing, but please don’t discuss your finances with anyone who calls you out of the blue, even if they say they’re a police officer or from your bank. "Genuine callers will be happy to make an appointment for you to visit them at a branch or police station. "It’s important to remember
that police and bank staff will never ask you to withdraw or transfer money or to hand over cash, your card or your PIN. "If you get this sort of call you should hang up immediately and report it, always allowing time for the line to clear before making another call." Anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a similar fraud should call 0300 123 2050. Reports can also be made online at www.actionfraud. police.uk, where there is further information about fraudsters and scams. Anyone with information about the Thornbury incident should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5220 209 507.
Bank staff are trained to spot the warning signs that suggest someone may have fallen for a scam and make an emergency call to the police. They made 3,250 calls in the first six months of this year, stopping £19 million of fraud, according to the latest figures from UK Finance. Banks are signed up to the Banking Protocol, a UK-wide scheme enabling bank branch staff to alert local police when they suspect a customer is being scammed. Police will then visit the branch to investigate. The scheme has prevented victims losing a total of £116 million and led to 744 arrests since it was first introduced three years ago.
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A COUNCILLOR has been nominated for a lifetime achievement award. Matthew Riddle, a former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, who has represented the Severn Vale ward since 2003, has been shortlisted in the Local Government Information Unit and Churches, Charities and Local Authorities 2020 awards. The Conservative councillor has also served as a cabinet member for community care and was involved in negotiations with the government to establish the West of Matthew Riddle England Combined Authority. He has been nominated alongside two of his colleagues, Pilning & Severn Beach councillor Robert Griffin and council leader Toby Savage, who have been shortlisted in the Covid-19 Hero and Leader of the Year categories respectively of the only national awards celebrating work of local councillors across the country. Robert’s actions to provide food and get help for an isolated and vulnerable elderly resident, after learning he had not eaten in two days and been cut off from support during the early stages of lockdown, earned him the COVID-19 Hero nomination. Longwell Green councillor Toby has been nominated for his role in overseeing every aspect of the council’s response to the pandemic. Council deputy leader Ben Stokes said: “I am proud that the efforts and achievements of Matthew, Robert and Toby have been recognised through being shortlisted for these prestigious awards. Councillors do not stand for election to win awards but the individual efforts of these three have had a tremendous impact on residents and communities across South Gloucestershire and that deserves celebration."
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
November, 2020
17
n THORNBURY CLINIC
A return to working from home
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. IF, like many people across the country, you have returned to working from home following the recent Government update – or have been working from home since lockdown and will be for
the foreseeable future – then you will want to ensure you have the correct desk set-up. Poor posture at your desk and extended periods in a sedentary position both significantly contribute to neck, back and upper limb musculoskeletal pain. According to NHS England, musculoskeletal pain affects 1 in 4 of the adult population and accounts for 30% of GP consultations. It also has a huge impact on quality of life and results in a loss of 10.8 million days at work. In our clinic we have certainly seen an increase in the number of patients coming in with musculoskeletal pain, which can be linked to time spent in a sedentary position with an inadequate desk set up. Given the lack of time companies had to prepare for employees working from home, it’s not surprising to hear that the dining room chair and table, sofa
and coffee table or even bed and lap have become makeshift office spaces. Regardless of what chair you’re sitting on and what you’re using for your desk, and whether you’re working from a laptop or desktop, there are a number of simple changes you can make to help get your work space as ergonomically correct as possible, to help prevent neck, back and upper limb musculoskeletal pain. 1. Chair height: Sit with your feet flat on the floor or a foot rest, and have a small gap behind your knees. 2. Sit back in your chair: Have good back support from your chair – if your back isn’t touching the back of the chair, or has no support, use a firm cushion or lumbar support. 3. Get under your desk/table: Make sure your chair can get under your desk/table so you can get as close as possible. If your chair has arms that stop
you getting close, take them off or lower them as far as possible. 4. Upper limb position: Your shoulders should be relaxed, with your arms by your side and your forearms parallel to the desk/ table. 5. Screen position: Your monitor should be roughly arm's-length away from you, with the top of the screen at eye level. Working from a laptop? Invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse and put the laptop in a raised position at eye level. To help prevent aches and pains, try to get up hourly and move around. Stretch whilst making a cup of tea or waiting for your lunch, and ideally eat lunch away from your desk. Given the uncertainty of how long everyone might be working at home for, if you do start to experience aches and pains, don’t leave them to get worse and become chronic.
4 Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HB
Facilitating Recovery, Preventing Injury
Shed fire is close to home for crew FIREFIGHTERS called in to respond to a 999 call found they could see the blaze from Thornbury Fire Station. A member of the retained crew took this photo from the station's yard as they arrived after a pager message calling them into action on the evening of October 16. Smoke and flames from the burning shed, on fire in a garden in nearby Swallow Park, could be seen rising into the air. The Thornbury firefighters, supported by crews from Patchway and Southmead, quickly brought the blaze under control before using a thermal imaging camera to monitor the temperature of two butane gas cylinders as they were cooled to make them safe. No one was injured during the incident, although the shed and a fence were damaged. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a freezer.
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Treatments we offer include: Sports injury treatment Injury assessment & treatment Sports massage • Relaxation massage Pregancy massage • Clinical Psychology
Tel: 01454 838 366
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thornburyvoice
18
n NEWS
Help is still on offer A SUPPORT group set up to help vulnerable people through the coronavirus lockdown is reassuring people that its volunteers will be there to help through the winter. The Thornbury I Can Offer (Covid19 Support) group formed in March as the crisis first began to transform lives and membership of the group quickly grew to around 750 people. With the prospect of further restrictions a possibility as infection rates increase, the group has said it will remain active during local lockdowns. Anyone who lives in or around Thornbury and needs support with essential shopping or prescription collections can contact the group by searching for I can offer (Covid19 Thornbury Support) on Facebook, emailing thornburyicanoffer@gmail.com or calling 07842 188 448.
November, 2020
Support for new mums continues through the pandemic
SUPPORT services for new mums with anxiety and depression are still being provided by a local charity despite the coronavirus pandemic. Bristol-based charity Bluebell says it adapted its services during lockdown so that they remained accessible to women, many of whom felt increasingly isolated as their usual baby and toddler groups were forced to close. They have since kept the changes in place to make sure that no woman misses out on support during their pregnancy and for up to two years after the birth of their child. Bluebell's 1:1 sessions that were previously held face to face are now taking place by phone, or outside in parks following COVID-19 guidelines. They are run by a ‘Bluebell buddy’, Victoria May, who has personally experienced depression and anxiety during pregnancy and birth. An 11-week therapeutic group called Mum's Comfort Zone moved from Thornbury Baptist Church onto video link using the platform Zoom during lockdown, and it worked so well online that another course is now underway. Debbie Hitchins, who runs the course, said: “Many women felt very isolated due to not being able to meet up with friends, and in particular their WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2020 17:08 Page 7
families. “The baby weighing hubs were suspended and even support from health visitors was only given over the phone. For some first-time mums, especially, this caused a great deal of anxiety. “Those with more than one child were also having to contend with home-schooling their children or having them at home when they would normally be in a pre-school setting, and many also had their partners working from home and/or were worried about possible reduction in hours or unemployment." One mum who attended the first course said: “It has been so lovely to have a lifeline outside the people we live with, as we were in the midst of lockdown.” Bluebell has been supporting women in Thornbury and nearby villages since the beginning of the year and is keen to hear from anyone else who might benefit. Women can be referred by their GP, health visitor or midwife, or they can contact the charity directly via jodi@bluebellcare.org or by phoning 0117 922 0746.
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November, 2020
19
n NEWS
Theatre group finds an Hunt for M5 crash driver online audience AN award-winning Thornbury theatre group has gone online to find audiences during the coronavirus pandemic. Journeyman Theatre Productions found themselves unable to perform to a live audience because of restrictions on A scene from Easywings gatherings. But the Avon Short Play Festival Competition winners have taken to other mediums to make up for their lack of stage time. In September, BBC Radio Bristol premiered their radio play, Help For Greek Heroes, and now they have released three ten minute video comedies, written by Tony Domaille, on YouTube. In Easywings, Icarus finds himself in trouble with the traffic police, in Camp David, a woman's husband is out to murder her during a trip out under canvas, and in Apocalypse Then? the end of the world isn’t going to plan. The plays can all be found together online at youtu.be/eyz_ ig6oGB8. Journeyman's Tony Domaille said: "We are determined to keep on finding ways to bring entertainment through the pandemic and have been delighted by the support we have received." Winter Voice ad.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2020 22:57 Page 1
POLICE are trying to trace a hit-and-run driver who fled the scene of a crash at the Almondsbury Interchange. The incident happened at around 6.20pm on October 7 on the northbound M5, between the A38 and M4 junctions. Avon and Somerset police say a blue Renault Clio was hit by a large white car, which failed to stop and would have suffered damage in the collision. The Clio was left facing in the wrong direction on the carriageway following the crash. Police say that although no-one was injured in the collision, they want to speak to the driver of the white car. They say it would have suffered damage to its front end and had blue paint left on its paintwork. Anyone who has seen a car with similar damage since the incident, believes they know the driver, witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage should call the police and quote the crime reference number 5220 227 728. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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November, 2020
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Stopping the virus is our personal responsibility IT has been over six months since coronavirus restrictions were introduced and I’m sure many of us are just as frustrated and concerned as we were back in March. It is important that we do not let our guard down. We all need to continue to play our part and follow the Government’s three tier regulations to prevent the virus transmission increasing any further in our area. We have seen how certain parts of the country are now facing increased restrictions and we must do all we can to avoid this from happening across Avon and Somerset. I know local people are concerned what will happen if a national lockdown is enforced, and how this will impact our lives, local businesses, workplaces and schools. Let’s hope it does not reach this stage and, if it does, it is not for as long as the lockdown in the spring.
Please continue to follow the rules and guidance to keep you and your family safe as well as protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. As I’ve said many times over the last six months, please take personal responsibility; you might not feel you are vulnerable to the virus but other people’s loved ones will be. We know that the transmission of this virus can be rapid, so we have to work as a collective to stop coronavirus and put an end to its disruptive nature. Last month, we marked National Hate Crime Awareness Week and it was an ideal opportunity to talk about the impact this crime has on many people’s lives. This year, the global conversation has shone a light on the grave injustices experienced by black people, people of colour, disabled people and many other communities as a result of coronavirus,
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the national lockdown and the criminal justice system. A brave victim of hate crime wrote about their experience, which was published on the PCC website. Despite living and working in the UK for 15 years, they were told they “didn’t belong here” as “this is England for English people” and was called a “foreigner”. The victim explained how the experience affected their well-being and why they believe others should report similar hate crime incidents to the police or services. Being targeted because of your age, race, sexual orientation, religion or any other reason is unacceptable. We must stand together united against hate crime. We need to reach out to victims of this awful crime and remind them they are not alone: there are organisations, services and individuals who are
With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens out there who can offer support, including SWAN (www.swanadvocacy.org.uk) and SARI (www. sariweb.org.uk). I want to reassure victims that if you report hate incidents to the police, you will be taken seriously. I know many survivors feel like they will be wasting police time if they report but this is not the case: you will be listened to and supported.
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November, 2020
21
n NEWS
South Glos COVID-19 testing centre opens A CORONAVIRUS testing centre has been set up for South Gloucestershire. The drive-through facility, which opened at the University of the West of England's Frenchay campus on October 1, was opened after concerns that residents were having to travel "lengthy distances" to be tested. The Frenchay Campus, off the A4174 Filton Road close to the Hambrook junction of the M32, is also host to UWE's exhibition centre, which was transformed into a Nightingale hospital to treat COVID-19 patients earlier this year, but has so far not been used. The testing unit, which will be open six days per week, is the first community testing facility to open in South Gloucestershire and will serve both residents and UWE students, who will have a self-contained "walk-through service". It is being managed by
finance and professional services company Deloitte on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care. Tests are by appointment only, for people with coronavirus symptoms. Bookings are made via the nhs.uk/coronavirus website, or by calling 119. Signs directing people to the centre, which is accessed via the campus North Entrance, off the A4174, are in place from the M32
and Abbey Wood roundabouts. Announcing the opening of the centre, South Gloucestershire Council, which requested that the unit be set up, said: "You must not turn up at the site if you have not booked an appointment. Anyone who turns up without an appointment will be turned away. "The council requested the additional capacity for South Gloucestershire as part of its
ongoing work with partners to monitor and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the district." The council say the facility is "self-contained", which means people arriving by car for tests will not need to mix with students using the centre on foot or go into university buildings. Council cabinet member for public health Ben Stokes and director of public health Sara Blackmore issued a joint statement, which said: “We are pleased to have additional testing facilities locally because people in South Gloucestershire were having to travel quite lengthy distances to be tested." UWE vice-chancellor Professor Steve West said: “As the centre is completely segregated, members of the public will not need to access any university buildings and students will not be required to leave our covid-secure campus to receive their free swab test."
Domestic violence service 'letting women down' A VITAL service offering support to victims of domestic violence is struggling to keep up with demand after incidents soared during lockdown. Next Link has 175 women on the waiting list for its Freedom Programme support group in South Gloucestershire after the usual number of referrals doubled between March and June. It usually runs eight support groups a year, each providing 12 weekly sessions for a group of eight women. But the incoming chief executive of Next Link has told South Gloucestershire’s multi-agency community safety partnership it would need to run another 15 to 20 groups this year, just to clear the backlog. Sarah O’Leary said: “I do feel like we’re letting these women
down. “The funding we receive, in all reality, is not enough to run the groups that we need to, even to cope with the waiting list, let alone the new people that are going to be coming through our service.” Next Link provides the Freedom Programme and other domestic violence support services via a contract with the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership. It received additional funding from the Ministry of Justice to help it cope during the coronavirus pandemic, but that extra funding was due to finish at the end of October, with no guarantee it will be renewed. Ms O’Leary said it costs £3,750 to run a support group, each of which requires two trained facilitators, two childcare
staff and the hire of premises for the 12 weekly sessions. The groups used to be held at children’s centres, but their forced closure during lockdown
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November, 2020
n LOCAL MP
We must tackle persecution across the world AROUND 260 million Christians are facing persecution in the countries that they call home, simply because of the religious beliefs they hold. That number has increased substantially just since October 2019, when I last used my Voice column to talk about the suffering being inflicted on Christians around the world. Alongside the global COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear that problem is getting worse. In 2014, the nonGovernmental organisation Open Doors listed only one country, North Korea, as ‘extreme’ for its level of persecution of Christians. In their 2020 report, that number has risen to 11. They also estimate that worldwide attacks on churches have risen by more than 500%, from 1,847 in 2019 to 9,488 in 2020. Just following the news over the recent months, it has been devastating to hear the stories of Christian women and girls
in Nigeria being abducted and often forcibly married by Boko Haram fighters; kidnappings and forced conversions by Islamist groups in countries like Iraq and Syria; bombings at a church in the Philippines last year, and a reported 50-70,000 Christians currently detained in North Korean labour camps. Here in the UK, we have always led the way in standing up for freedom and tolerance, and I passionately believe that we must continue to do so, at a time when religious minorities need our support more than ever. That is why the Foreign Secretary asked the Bishop of Truro, Reverend Philip Mounstephen, to conduct a fully independent review of the support the UK is offering for persecuted Christians, which was published in July 2019, and why the Government is fully committed to implementing his recommendations.
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In his final report, the Bishop made 22 recommendations on steps that the UK could take in order to improve its response. The recommendations have been divided into short, medium- and longer-term priorities, and ministers have already implemented a good number of them. This includes recently appointing a director general-level champion for freedom of religion or belief, and marking Red Wednesday in support of persecuted Christians and members of other minority groups. Work on implementing recommendations has already begun, but we must keep up the effort. I have previously written to all our local church groups and huge numbers of local people have contacted me to share their thoughts. I am engaging with ministers, sharing your feedback about what more can be done.
Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice
I am always keen to gain a deeper knowledge, and so if you have any personal thoughts on what steps the Government ought to be taking to tackle Christian persecution, and have not yet had the chance to get in touch to share these, I would be delighted to hear your views at luke.hall. mp@parliament.uk. We must tackle persecution across the world, and I look forward to following positive developments in the weeks and months ahead.
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n NEWS A COMPREHENSIVE guide to the variety of help available to people in need in Thornbury has been published. The 2020 edition of Sources of Help for Specific Needs in and around Thornbury has been put together by a team from Thornbury Volunteer Centre, who updated it during lockdown. The ninth edition of the booklet is bigger than ever, with more than 300 listings of statutory organisations, community interest companies and charities people living in and around Thornbury can turn to for expert guidance and help. Development co-ordinator Kim Webb said: "We have
November, 2020
Book shows where Thornbury people can turn for help thrown our net wide, adding contact details for national organisations to provide assistance where it isn't available locally. "Our volunteers have been working exceptionally hard to ensure that it is as accurate as possible but there may be inaccuracies. If you see anything that is wrong please let us know and we can amend the digital version."
Copies of the booklet are available from the volunteer centre's offices at Thornbury Town Hall: email mail@ volunteer-thornbury.co.uk to arrange collection. The guide, supported by a donation from Thornbury Lions, can also be downloaded from the centre's website at volunteer-thornbury. co.uk/bklt. The charity has also published its annual report, which features
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many "truly inspiring stories" of the work done by volunteer groups during the coronavirus lockdown. Thornbury Volunteer Centre has received urgent requests for three volunteer positions: a book keeper and finance manager to help a community interest company make the change to a registered charity, a social media volunteer to help improve an organisation's social media presence, including setting up Twitter and Instagram accounts, and a donkey welfare worker to help with tasks including feeding, watering and cleaning out. For more information contact Thornbury Volunteer Centre by email at mail@volunteerthornbury.co.uk.
Can you help group? THORNBURY-based music charity Thornbury Musical Theatre Group is looking for some help from a local scaffolding business. Geoff Kitchen, from the group's committee, said: "We have a valuable collection of costumes belonging to both the adult and junior groups, and they need to be brought together into a clean and dry environment to protect them. "One day we will be able to use them again and bring high quality musical theatre back to Thornbury. "We just need some scaffolding erected as the framework for a dry store and we will do the rest." Anyone who can help should call Geoff on 07855 300483.
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November, 2020
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n MOTORING
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second-hand Style
2012 Mercedes E Class convertible ‘A207’: The sweet spot
I LOVE large Mercedes convertibles. They may be the only convertibles I do like, actually. The brutalist elegance of the Bruno Sacco early 90s ‘W124’ E-Class remains a particular favourite. I’ll never buy one though – these old barges need oil changes every 6k miles and, sadly, they rust. As does the CLK that sort of replaced it, only that took corrosion to a whole new level. CLKs not yet scrapped are either garage queens or tragic rust-infested wrecks. Prices are low for a reason – walk away quickly. Mercedes never got the CLK right, and whilst the newer models introduced in 2002 didn’t rust (much), their engines did implode. The V6 petrol examples were the worst offenders: Mercedes got successfully taken to court in the US over the matter. At the other end of the price scale, nearlynew Merc soft tops always look far too expensive. I put this down to fashion. For a short window, say four or five years, demand tends to outstrip supply. A certain demographic desperately wants the newest car on their drive, and Mercedes know it. Prices stay high; supply is moderated to keep them that way.
So old Merc convertibles are either in classic car territory, or money pits (sometimes both) and new ones are fashionable and therefore overpriced. The sweet spot, in my view, is this month’s car. Mercedes brought the E Class badge back to the drop top segment in 2009, but underneath it is, like the CLK, based on the smaller C class. No matter – there’s plenty of room, front and back, and the boot is a decent size, even with the roof down. My test car was a 2012 E250 CDi, which translates to a 2.1 litre diesel engine with 200hp and endless torque. The colour is fabulous, and compliments the black leather. In fact, someone ticked every box (with one notable exception) when specifying this particular car. Toys that stood out as unusual in an eight year old car included lane departure warning (no thanks), blind spot monitoring mirrors (excellent) and heat scarves in the front headrests (lovely). There’s also an electric front air deflector and rear mesh guard, both of which reduce wind noise and turbulence in the cabin at speed. The doors feel heavy and clunky, like a Merc
should. A big improvement on the flimsy affairs from ten years previously. The roof goes up in 25 seconds, which seemed quick but won’t be in the rain. The diesel was almost silent on tick over, showing 62k miles on the clock. This engine powers nearly every taxi in Germany and will do ten times that mileage, with proper servicing. On the road it is rapid, by any standard, and returns 50 miles per gallon of diesel. Do fuel prices matter at the moment? Costs are down, annual mileages significantly reduced. Discuss. Regardless, I’d have the 250CDi over the much softer-tuned 220CDi. Same engine, more grunt. So, what’s not to like? Well, this is a heavy car (1.7 tons), so don’t look at it as anything other than a cruiser. Modest 17in wheels and that weight makes the ride fabulous though, with none of the compromises in rigidity you sometimes get from a convertible. What 99.9% of Mercedes buyers won’t like is the manual gearbox this example has. I suspect that the automatic option is the first box punters tick in the showroom, costing £2,000 extra. What we have here is a car less common than manure with rocking horse provenance. And I’m not sure why – the six speed gearbox is very good. It also perked up the performance and made me work a bit for my power. Or if I wasn’t in the mood, I just shifted early and rode the wave of torque. Why don’t more Mercs come specified this way? That’s back to the demographics of people who buy them new, and the perceived premium attached to a slushbox. Well, sorry - they’re all wrong. Mercedes make a good manual shifter, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Mercedes E250 CDi, 2010 – 2017. What to pay: £10k for a 2012 model, 60k miles
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Our purpose is leading improvement in policing, victim support and criminal justice services on behalf of local people.
ABOUT POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) are elected to be the voice of local people in policing and to hold the Chief Constable to account PCCs ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service while enabling the Chief Constable and police to operate independently The PCC works in partnership with a range of local and national agencies to ensure there is a unified approach to prevent crime, support victims and reduce reoffending
YOUR PCC Until the 2021 elections, PCC Sue Mountstevens will continue to focus on the following key priorities: - Protect the most vulnerable from harm - Strengthen and improve local communities - Ensure the police service has the right people, right culture, right capabilities - Work together effectively with other police forces and key partners to deliver better services to local people
As a result of the coronavirus, there are particular areas under those priorities that the PCC wants to focus on, including: - Overseeing the work of the Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) to tackle serious violence - Oversight of the efficiency of the CJS to ensure victims and witnesses are supported - Supporting local victim services with a particular focus on domestic abuse and sexual violence victims - Engaging with local communities to ensure they are supported during the ongoing health emergency
I want communities to know it’s their police service. It does not belong to any political party; it belongs to local people and they deserve to have a voice. My role is about being independent, open and compassionate.�
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THE PCC WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU Your voice counts in policing and you can influence how your police service works
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27
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Thornbury Rotary Club: People can’t work without tools THORNBURY Rotary Club, along with other Rotary clubs, has been supporting Tools for Self Reliance for many years. It is a UK-based charity working to help relieve poverty in Africa by renovating and sending redundant tools to them. They then work with local African organisations to deliver a programme of tools and training that brings about effective and sustainable change for carpenters, builders, blacksmiths, artisans and their communities. The primary countries they work in are Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zambia. Anyone who no longer requires their tools and is thinking of disposing of them can contact
Rotarian Robin Cole-Morgan on 01454 414281. At a pre-arranged time he will come and collect the tools and put them into the scheme. Often this is a big help to those who wish to de-clutter their homes and, ultimately, a huge help for people in Africa who urgently need them. Barry Williams, President of Thornbury Rotary Club, says he would be delighted if the club could receive more garden tools and workshop tools (for example, spanners, screwdrivers, chisels, planes, and hammers) to pass on to such an important cause. They can be hand tools or powered. Adrian Dennis
Tools donated to the Tools for Self Reliance charity
Lions pull together to help the community
Presenting the new blood pressure monitor to St Mary's Street surgery. THE pandemic lockdown in March, and the temporary closure of the Thornbury Lions bookshop in the town centre, has not stopped the club pulling together and actively supporting the community. Several members joined forces with other local Lions clubs to make scrub bags for NHS Southmead hospital. These were used by NHS staff to bring home their work clothes to avoid contamination. Around 200 bags were produced. A donation of £1,000 was given to Thornbury in Bloom. Funds were also donated to Southmead hospital to purchase 10 electronic tablets, so isolated patients could keep in touch with loved ones who could not visit them due to restrictions. These were gratefully received and have had a positive impact on patients staying in hospital. Although the temporary closure of the bookshop due to the pandemic has severely affected the club’s income, it has not stopped the club donating over £11,075 since March to several local charities in desperate need for assistance, such as Thornbury food
Scrub bags for NHS staff
banks. The club has also funded the installation of a waiting room blood pressure monitor for St Mary Street surgery, Thornbury. The monitor provides information direct to the medical team, saving practice nurses undertaking the time-consuming activity, so their time can be spent with other patients. The Lions Clubs International Foundation have also donated £160,000 to air ambulances across the British Isles for vital equipment for use in their battle against COVID-19. After being greatly missed by our regular customers, with the help of members and volunteers, the Thornbury Lions bookshop re-opened its doors in August. The shop is currently open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm. New members are always welcome. For more information contact membership secretary Colin Evans on 01454 414271, visit the bookshop in the St Mary Centre or look at the Thornbury Lions Facebook page. Les Jones
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Food in spotlight HOW can we best respond to concerns about the environmental impact of what we eat? One of the best ways is to buy local produce. But is local better than organic? What about all the plastic in a poly tunnel? Where does gin stand in the ethical lineup? Two local groups, Climate Action Thornbury and Surroundings, which is a part of Sustainable Thornbury, and the Thornbury and District Make Poverty History group, are coming together to organise an online celebration of local food and drink. The event will mark both One World Week and Ethical Consumption week, which are both towards the end of October and will aim to highlight the benefits of shopping locally, both for us and the wider international community. The event will take place on Zoom, on Monday November 2, from 7.30-9pm, and will feature local suppliers, producers and growers. After a short presentation from each, there will be time for questions and debate. All are welcome to join – if you'd like to, please email: danny_ bonnett@yahoo.co.uk Mark Wallis
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n SPORT
November, 2020
Thornbury Town continue unbeaten league start THORNBURY Town club officials say they are over the moon with the response of their supporters, and the community as a whole, after a Crowdfunder appeal launched because of Covid-19 raised almost £11,000. More than 100 individuals made donations. On the field, the first team have not yet hit the form of last season but remain unbeaten in the Uhlsport Hellenic League One West, having won 3 and drawn 3 of their league fixtures. A run of injuries has meant that they have rarely been able to field their first choice line-up but draws against Malmesbury and Newent were put in the shade by a fine home win against everyone’s favourites for the title, Malvern Town. In front of a crowd of 140, goals from Elliott Gardner and Marcus Wormwell sealed the 2-0 win. This season’s FA Vase campaign came to a premature
Craig Lancastle scores for Thornbury against Abingdon United end when a couple of late goals gave Abingdon United a flattering 4-1 win. The following week Town got back to winning ways when they twice came from behind at Hereford Pegasus to win 3-2. James Derosa and Brandon Benjamin both netted before Jacob Farthing’s last-minute winner secured all three points. Elsewhere, the Reserves' great start to their new season
continues, currently having a 100% record from their 5 league fixtures to date. Their latest wins included a 2-0 victory at Iron Acton, with Harrison Young netting both goals, followed by a 2-1 home win against a strong Sea Mills Park side, then a 5-1 victory at Tormarton, with Young netting 4 times and Danny Thompson scoring the other. Meanwhile the Thirds, having been promoted two divisions,
are now finding their feet at the new level having managed 3 successive wins. A 3-0 win at Crosscourt United was followed with a 1-0 victory at second placed Hanham Abbotonians. The run of results takes the A team into the top half of the table for the first time this season. The new Under-18 side have also made a good start to the season under new coach Alastair Foale. A narrow defeat in their first game to current league leaders Downend Saints was put behind them as they secured victories against Bromley Heath and Larkhall Athletic. Thornbury are looking for additional coaches to join the club, primarily to assist Alastair Foale with the Under 18s and also a coach to work with their newly formed U11 girls team. Anyone interested in joining the club in either of these roles can contact club chairman Pete Webber on 07732 466606.
News from Thornbury Library THORNBURY library has expanded its opening hours. The library is now open between 9.30am and 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, an hour and a half longer than when self-service borrowing returned in September. Saturday opening hours remain the same at 9.30am-12.30pm. The library is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays. Library users need to bring their library cards to use the selfservice machines, and a face covering, which needs to be worn unless you are exempt. People can order ahead using click and collect, picking up orders of up to 6 items at a pre-booked time, with staff choosing a selection. To use the click and collect service, complete a webform for the library online at sglibraries.eventbrite.com or call 01454 865022 from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm or Saturday between 9.30am and midday. People can use the same number to book a computer or Wi-Fi hotspot. Photocopying is also available. Parents are being reminded that every child aged 12 months and under is eligible for a free Bookstart Baby Bag to help you share stories, rhymes and songs. Content varies, but each bag includes two board books, a rhyme sheet and a booklet of tips and ideas for sharing books with children from a very young age. Parents who speak English as an additional language or have a baby identified as deaf or visually impaired can contact Bookstart@ southglos.gov.uk for additional free resources. For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges.
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November, 2020
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Responding to the Climate Emergency Working with residents, businesses and organisations across the district, South Gloucestershire Council is continuing to tackle the increasing challenges of climate change. As an area we are: • Reducing our carbon emissions to become carbon neutral by 2030 • Restoring nature • Adapting to the local impacts of a changing climate.
What is the council doing? The council set out an action plan and is delivering this work in partnership with others. You can read details of this plan on the council website. Current projects include an area-wide study of renewable energy opportunities, upgrading the energy efficiency of new school buildings, a study looking at rural needs for electric
3
vehicle infrastructure, trials of managing highway verges to increase biodiversity, and flood water risk mapping. Each December, the council will review progress and set out a plan for the next year. To deliver the 2030 goal, it needs to work with everyone in the area.
What can you do now? Sign the South Gloucestershire Climate Emergency Pledge here: www.southglos.gov.uk/ climatepledge Retrofit your home to save energy: The following schemes can support you: • Green Homes GrantVouchers for energy efficiency improvements or low carbon heating up to £10,000 • ECO Funding - Grants for insulation for those on low incomes • Warm Homes Fund – Grant funded scheme to install first time central heating • Renewable Heat Incentive - Payments for low carbon heating systems • Lendology - Low-cost council funded loans for energy efficiency and renewables. To find the right scheme for you, call Severn Wye who run our council-funded service on 0800 500 3076 or visit www. warmandwell.co.uk Support nature: Autumn and winter are a great time for planting trees, putting out bird food, and building insect and hedgehog homes. Your local Wildlife Trust has lots of useful tips and guidance. Visit www. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ or call 0117 9177270.
Making better choices today can have a big impact on your physical and mental health. One You South Gloucestershire is here to help you get healthier and feel better with free tips, tools and support. Whether it's moving more, eating more healthily or checking yourself, the One You team can help you make small, practical changes that fit in with your life. It’s offering services
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Rachael Hunt, next to one of the new solar powered bins on Kingswood high street
Climate emergency volunteering: Join the Conservation Volunteers who do amazing work in our area. Visit www.tcv.org.uk or call 01302 388 883. Be prepared for severe weather: In the South West, winters are likely to be considerably wetter and summers hotter. Check out the Met Office’s Weather Ready website for advice on preparing
for and coping with severe weather here: www.metoffice.gov.uk/ weatherready Join a climate emergency group: Our area-wide Climate Emergency Community Engagement group meets every three months. To sign up to this group email: www.climate. emergency@southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 868004.
Looking after your wellbeing such as courses online and advice on the telephone. The team is here and ready to help you take the next step in improving your health. To find out more visit www.oneyou.
southglos.gov.uk or call us on 01454 865337. For anyone who is choosing to shield at this time because you are clinically vulnerable to the effects of covid-19, you can still contact us for support on 0800 953 7778.
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Can you help?
Redundancy support The Covid-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for people and for many they are now facing the challenge of redundancy from their jobs. If this applies to you, there is support and information available to help you find a new job, look at training options available to you, understand what benefits you can claim and provide you with useful sources of information Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ redundancysupport Or call: 01454 868009.
Allie from Swagger Gifts wears a face covering and has made her shop Covid-secure. She’s doing everything she can to keep herself and her customers safe. Please be like Allie and do everything you can to Keep South Gloucestershire Safe.
Subscribe for the latest news Sign up to receive a weekly update on South Gloucestershire Covid-19 cases and advice, and council service updates including waste and recycling news. Register for our enewsletter at: www.southglos.gov.uk/covid19newsletter or if you would like a printed copy please let us know on 01454 868009.
Residents, you can help stop the spread of Covid-19 by sharing South Gloucestershire Council’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram messages on your own social media channels. If you are on the Nextdoor app, be sure to recommend it to your neighbours so the council can continue to grow its South Gloucestershire online community and share messages of specific importance to your area. Businesses and community groups will find images, posters and flyers to share online or download and print. Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ covid19resources