Thornbury Voice October 2023

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

October, 2023 Issue 77

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New head starts A NEW head teacher has started work at the Castle School in Thornbury.

PAGE 9

Police misconduct A POLICE inspector faces misconduct proceedings after being accused of having sex with an "intoxicated" person without their consent.

PAGE 2

10 years of Krunch Krunch South West youth workers and volunteers at a celebration event to mark the Thornbury charity's tenth anniversary. Full story: Page 7

Ex-prison officer jailed for abuse A FORMER prison officer has been sent to jail himself after being convicted of abusing boys at a former juvenile detention centre near Thornbury.

Patrick Devaney was found guilty of misconduct in public office for repeatedly assaulting teenage boys in his care at Eastwood Park over a 13-year period.

A judge told the 81-year-old pensioner he was

"a cruel man, who derived sadistic pleasure from routinely abusing the boys for whom you were responsible".

Some of Devaney's victims came to court to see him sentenced and afterwards described the effect of his abuse on their lives.

Turn to page 5

Care home slammed A PLANNED new care home for Thornbury has been criticised by the town council.

PAGE 4

Show time THORNBURY Musical Theatre Group is preparing to stage its latest blockbuster production the feel-good musical comedy Sister Act. PAGE 13

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Thornbury Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Thornbury Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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October, 2023

n NEWS

Police inspector faces misconduct hearing A POLICE inspector based in South Gloucestershire has been accused of having sex with an "intoxicated" person without their consent.

Inspector Clive Summerill, who has been a neighbourhood inspector in charge of Thornbury's police team, was due to face a police misconduct hearing at Avon & Somerset Constabulary's headquarters in Portishead at the end of September.

A publicity notice on the force website said a criminal investigation was carried out, resulting in no further action, but that the officer then reportedly identified the alleged victim to others.

He is accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour for police in terms of honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct, confidentiality, and authority, respect and courtesy.

The notice said: “It is alleged that in October 2021, whilst off-duty, Insp Summerill had sexual intercourse with an individual without their consent, and the individual was vulnerable due to intoxication.

“A criminal investigation was carried out by an independent police force which was concluded with no further action being taken.

“It is also alleged that, following the criminal investigation, Insp Summerill discussed the investigation and identified the individual to others.”

The notice said Insp Summerill was currently suspended from duty.

It added: “It is contended that (if proven) the allegations amount to gross misconduct.”

The hearing was due to begin as the Voice went to press.

It was being chaired in public by an independent 'Legally Qualified Chair' and was expected to last five days.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Car wrecked in fire on A38 FIREFIGHTERS say a fire which engulfed a car on the A38 at Alveston probably started accidentally.

Crews from Patchway and Southmead were called to reports of a vehicle fire shortly after 12.30pm on September 3.

They arrived to find the car "well alight", with the fire also spreading to a nearby verge and hedge.

Police attended to direct traffic during the incident.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said one firefighter wore breathing apparatus as crews tacked the blaze with a jet and a hose, using thermal imaging cameras after extinguishing the blaze to check for hotspots.

A spokesperson said: "The cause of the incident is thought to have been accidental ignition."

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October, 2023

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n NEWS

New life for former service station A CHARITY which helps children with disabilities access regular play, exercise, and friendship is set to turn a former motorway service station building into a state-of-the-art leisure centre for disabled children.

Gympanzees has secured £3.3million to buy the old Aust Services off the M48 next to the Severn Bridge.

The new centre will be the first of its kind in the UK and the charity expects it to have more than 200,000 a year when it opens in 2026.

The 14-acre site includes a 43,000 sq ft building with seven acres of green land, woodland and 500 parking spaces.

It is next to the current Severn View services, and was previously occupied by insurance company Brightside.

The Bristol-based charity has bought the site with support from Triodos Bank, the Nisbet Trust, Rockcliffe Charitable Trust, the Sunrise Foundation, BOM IT Solutions and individual donors, and was also helped by professionals working on the sale who waived £200,000 worth of fees.

Until now, Gympanzees has been running 'pop-up' events in special schools during the holidays, which have entertained 21,000 visitors over the past five years, with some families making six-hour round trips to take part.

The charity says there are 66,000 disabled children and young adults aged under 25 within an hour's drive of Bristol, and more than three quarters of them cannot regularly access

Gympanzees families outside their new home at Aust leisure facilities, with two-thirds of parents saying they feel isolated some or all the time as a result.

It says families who have taken children to the pop-up sessions have seen "incredible health and well-being benefits", including a 12-year-old girl who slept through the night for the first time in her life after a session.

Others have made new friends for the first time while playing.

Having secured its new home, the charity is launching a further appeal, named Project Home, to raise £10.8m to refurbish and fit out the services building with ten different specialist exercise and activity rooms and spaces, therapy rooms, exercise studios and a community cafe.

Their 'Project Home' appeal aims to raise £8m in phase 1 and a further £2.8m in phase 2.

Founder and chief executive Stephanie Wheen said: “We

have achieved this mammoth first step in fundraising and purchased the building - now we need to fit it out and deliver this much-needed centre for disabled children and their families.”

The Gympanzees centre will be designed to cater for a range of children and young

people, from those with severe physical disabilities who require support for all their needs and movements through to children with autism and ADHD who can be incredibly active.

To find out more or donate to the appeal, visit www.gympanzees.org/appeal.

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n NEWS

October, 2023

Town council slams care home plans A PLANNED new care home for Thornbury has been criticised for being “institutional” in design and failing to take into account the natural environment.

The 66-bed home has been proposed for land at Morton Way, as part of a wider development of up to 350 homes which was granted outline permission after an appeal in 2018, some of which has already been built.

Current plans for the two-storey building submitted to South Gloucestershire Council are described by LNT Care Developments as comprising a red brick building with dark grey/black weatherboard cladding and a smooth anthracite roof.

LNT, from Leeds, says it will offer 40-50 full time equivalent jobs for care workers, catering staff and care assistants.

But some local people have lodged objections on the council's planning portal, saying it will create "unacceptable" noise and pollution levels for neighbours, and Thornbury Town council has opposed the plan.

The town council’s submission says the design should be adapted to reflect the look of nearby homes.

Councillors said: "The design is of poor quality, is institutional in style and does not

How developer LNT says the care home will look

relate well to the new or more established residential housing in the immediate vicinity.

“The landscaping plan does not comply with guidelines on biodiversity and it appears no effort has been made to do so.

“The ornamental trees and shrubs described are not suitable. These should be replaced with carefully selected native species that add to the natural environment and biodiversity.”

Resident Karen Carr said she was concerned the building work would mean more noise nuisance, from delivery vehicles.

Lesley Sackett said ongoing noise levels from traffic, as well as the home's laundry, kitchen and solar panel battery store would be “unacceptable in the vicinity of the existing properties on Morton Way”.

LNT Care Developments says in its

application that the building will provide 66 single-rooms with en-suite, mostly expected to be occupied by local people.

It says the building “would provide an attractive and appropriate community building on this site”.

The company says it has built a series of care homes specifically for the care of older people in locations including Yorkshire, the Midlands and the South of England, adding: "LNT Construction has considerable experience in the development of care homes, having constructed numerous care homes for their sister company Ideal Care Homes and other operators across the UK." The plans can be viewed by searching for application reference P23/02022/F on the South Gloucestershire Council planning website.

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October, 2023

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n NEWS

Jail for 'cruel, sadistic' prison officer From page 1 Devaney, from County Down in Northern Ireland, was given a three-and-a-half-year jail sentence on September 15, following a four-week trial at Bristol Crown Court earlier this year.

Eastwood Park is now a women's prison.

The trial related to assaults on boys at Eastwood Park, which is now a women's prison, when he worked there between 1970 and 1983.

Avon & Somerset police said 22 former detainees gave evidence of the abuse they suffered at the hands of Devaney, who was based in the detention centre’s gym.

The jury was told boys were repeatedly punched and often forced to perform extreme exercise, and were punished when they stopped due to exhaustion.

"If he felt the boys had not exerted themselves enough or if they hadn’t followed his instructions, which at times were to assault other boys, he would beat them."

Police senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Alan Smith said: “Patrick Devaney exploited his position to physically assault those who he was meant to keep safe.

“He worked for the prison service at a time when there was a government policy of giving young offenders a ‘short, sharp shock’ by way of punishment.

“The force he used, however, went way beyond what was appropriate and acceptable, with many of his victims describing him as sadistic and someone who enjoyed inflicting pain on them.

“Every one of his victims has been affected by his actions with some suffering significant trauma which they have lived with for more than 50 years.

“I’d like to praise the courage they have all shown in reporting what happened to them and giving testimony in front of him at court."

After the sentencing Judge Edward Burgess's remarks to Devaney were released to the media.

He said: "I find that you were a cruel man, who derived sadistic pleasure from routinely abusing the boys for whom you were responsible in your public office – abusing them not only physically, but also verbally, emotionally & mentally.

"You were the worst kind of bully.

"You subjected the boys to deliberately punishing physical treatment in the Gymnasium, picking on the weaker boys especially – although even those who were physically fit & strong often found their time in the Gym unbearable, particularly during circuit training.

"You regularly assaulted boys by beating them – with your hands, and occasionally your feet, but also with a variety of weapons."

These included a cricket bat, which Devaney nicknamed 'the sixer', and several other weapons whose names struck fear into his victims when he mentioned them.

The judge said Devaney's use of racist abuse was "commonplace and appalling" and he often divided boys along racial lines for violent games of “Murderball”.

He said he thought Devaney believed he had done nothing wrong and believed his methods "worked" as his charges needed to have their "wickedness literally beaten out of them".

Afterwards three of Devaney's victims told the BBC of the effect the physical abuse had on their lives, with one blaming it for a slide into criminality over the next 15 years after becoming addicted to drugs.

Another described Devaney as "a really nasty, nasty piece of work" who abused up to 100 boys a day.

Andrew Parsons told the broadcaster: "If you asked 1,000 boys 'what do you remember about Eastwood Park?' the first thing they would say is 'Devaney'."

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LUKE HALL MP Working hard for South Gloucestershire Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AH luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk lukehall.org.uk LukeHallThornburyandYate 01454 311267 Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS

October, 2023

Family wins barn planning battle A FAMILY has won a three-year battle to convert a former pig barn into a home for a disabled relative.

South Gloucestershire Council has granted planning permission to turn the dilapidated stone barn on Washingpool Hill, off the A38 between Alveston and Almondsbury, into a small two-bedroom home.

The barn lies in the grounds of a house bought by Kate Rowell and her husband in 2009.

They first sought advice from the council on converting the barn in 2015. Then in 2018, Ms Rowell's brother James suffered several strokes and went to live with his mother in Dorset.

She told councillors on the development management committee on September 14: “James had to adjust to a new life and severe heart failure.

"Then in 2020, my mother died very unexpectedly from cancer.

“Before she died, she asked my husband and I to make sure James was cared for.

It seemed logical to resurrect the idea of converting the barn to a residence for James. It would mean proximity to family support, crucial for somebody dealing with

The barn the family want to convert debilitating health challenges.

“Despite our good intentions and the pressing need, here we are three years later, still seeking approval."

The couple were previously refused permission to convert the barn and build a small extension.

The building is in the Green Belt, which protects parts of the countryside from development.

Planning officers recommended councillors refuse permission again, because the slightly larger building would affect the views of the countryside, and construction materials used on the extension would not

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Development manager Marie Bath said: "The planning permission runs with the land, it doesn’t run with the person. So in theory, should permission be granted today, this land could be immediately sold and occupied by anybody."

Several members of the public and a ward councillor wrote to support the plans.

The committee decided grant planning permission for the conversion, which includes a kitchen, living and dining room, accessible bedroom and a carer's bedroom.

Councillor June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said: “We are dealing with what is and will very soon be a pile of rubble, it’s completely derelict.

"I’m sure we would all dearly like to see our agricultural buildings in the greenbelt used for those purposes in perpetuity. But we’re in the real world and that just isn’t happening.

"The family has obviously suffered over the last few years a very sad and devastating personal problem, for such a young man to be taken as ill as he is, and then losing his mother, his primary carer."

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October, 2023

n NEWS

7

Krunch celebrates 10 years of youth work CHARITY Krunch South West has celebrated ten years of service to Thornbury's young people.

The organisation, a branch of Krunch UK, first stepped in to start youth clubs in the town when council-run provision was removed back in 2013.

Commissioned at first by South Gloucestershire Council and then Thornbury Town Council, Krunch quickly built its services, working 1,500 young people over the past decade.

To celebrate the anniversary Krunch held a gathering of funders, stakeholders, friends and supporters at Thornbury Golf Centre in September.

Guests were given a look back over ten years of work, a speech

by South Gloucestershire Council early help partnership manager Kevin Sweeney and a drum and bass performance from MC Texas and Bood, both previous Krunch youth workers.

Krunch South West Project manager Penny Baker was given a standing ovation during the evening for her decade of service to local young people and the community.

A skateboarder takes off during the competition

Skate competition winners are joined by Thornbury Mayor James Murray and Krunch South West manager Penny Baker at this year's Summer Fest.

Chair of trustees Phil Ball said: "It is Penny’s unshakeable and tireless dedication to youth work that has enabled youth provision in the area to go from strength to strength."

Businesses donated for a raffle which raised almost £300 on the night.

Penny said: "We had a wonderful evening celebrating with our supporters past and present, many of whom have been a key part of our journey over the last decade and who we continue to work alongside.

"It is fantastic to look back at all we have achieved over the last decade, and we have some exciting plans for the future too."

The event followed on the heels of Krunch's Summer Fest 2023 in August, a family event attended by more than 500 people.

The event included inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, glitter tattoos, music, circus skills, graffiti, as well as a barbecue and stalls, and a "chill out area" provided by charity Jigsaw.

The main attraction was a skate competition hosted by King Ramps, which included competitors aged from five to 25 on skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes.

Spectators were also given demonstrations by professional riders Jordan Thackery and Sox, who stuck around to give training tips to local skaters.

Thornbury Mayor James Murray presented prizes to the

skate competition winners.

Penny said: "We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 10 years working with young people in Thornbury and the surrounding area than to throw a big summer party for the whole community.

"It was a fantastic turnout of all ages, and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.

Thank you to everyone who came along and to all the contributors to the event. Here’s to another ten years!"

Krunch hosts weekly term time youth clubs on Wednesdays for school years 6 to 9 and Thursdays for school years 9 to 12.

Both take place from 6.308pm at Turnberrie's Community Centre.

Admission is £1 and all young people are welcome.

For more information visit www.krunch.org.uk/krunchsw the Krunch South West Facebook page.

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October, 2023

Life-saving kits for bleed victims A LIFE-saving kit to control bleeding after someone suffers a traumatic injury will be installed in Thornbury.

The bleed control kit is being installed on the side of a defibrillator at the St Mary Centre - one of 144 sites across the Avon & Somerset Police region to receive one in a project the force is coordinating and funding with NHS England South West and defibrillator manufacturer HeartSafe.

They include dressings and tourniquets to help manage bleeding, as well as surgical gloves, scissors and a colour-coded instruction guide on what to use depending on the type of injury being treated.

A red bleed control kit on the side of a defibrillator The initiative is part of police work around knife crime, but the kits can be used in any incident where a person is suffering from major bleeding, whatever the cause.

The idea is for people to use them in the time between a 999 call and the arrival of an ambulance, in any life-threatening emergency

involving major bleeding.

Police knife crime lead Chief Inspector Mike Vass, said: “We employ a number of different tactics to deal with knife crime and prevent it at the source but in the unfortunate event that a person is seriously injured, we hope that these kits will go some way to preventing tragic loss of life.”

NHS England South West medical director Dr Michael Marsh said: “NHS ambulance crews and trauma teams do a great job when confronted with a patient who’s losing a lot of blood, but we wanted to go further in those crucial minutes when an ambulance was still on its way."

The project was first the idea of Clive Setter, from HeartSafe, which installs public defibrillators across the UK. Clive said: “The bleed kits will provide some initial emergency aid to those in need before an ambulance arrives at the incident and will help to avoid a potentially tragic outcome.”

You can find out more about bleed kits and their locations at www.heartsafe.org.uk.

Neighbourhood watch for Rockhampton A NEIGHBOURHOOD watch scheme is being set up for the village of Rockhampton.

The project was on the agenda on a recent visit to Thornbury

by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford, with Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall, to discuss local concerns over crime, including police presence in local parks, rural theft, trespassing on farmland and allotments, and tackling road safety concerns along Rock Street.

The PCC met with campaigner and former police officer Joanne Shipp, who served with Avon & Somerset police for 10 years.

Luke Hall and Mark Shelford with Thornbury Allotments tenants Afterwards Joanne said: "The 'Thin Blue Line' which I grew up with has been stretched

to extremes, especially in rural areas, which is why I believe the contribution I

and other volunteers make to crime prevention cannot be overstated.”

The MP and PCC also met with members of the Thornbury Allotments Group, to discuss police efforts to combat antisocial behaviour in the area.

Mr Shelford said: "Residents expressed safety concerns around the pedestrianisation measures on the High Street, the increasing use of e-scooters and anti-social behaviour.

"These are all areas I am keen to understand and work with the local police and council to address.”

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October, 2023

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9

n NEWS

New head starts at The Castle School THE Castle School in Thornbury has a new head teacher.

Jessica Lobbett has joined the school from Oldfield School in Bath, where she was deputy head.

She is taking over from Joe Docherty, who has been promoted to a role overseeing all four of the secondary schools in the Castle School Education Trust, which also includes Marlwood in Alveston, Downend and Mangotsfield schools.

Jessica's teaching specialisms are music and psychology.

She said: "This is a very exciting Jessica Lobbett time to join The Castle School.

"It’s clear the school coped very admirably with the impacts of covid lockdowns, and did a fantastic job in keeping students learning.

"The recovery from that period has been clearly seen in the excellent exam results at GCSE and A-level in the last two years, where performance is clearly well above national norms.

"We are very lucky to have such great students, and talented staff, in this school.

"We are also in the final year of a three-year project to modernise the buildings and facilities in the school, and although it means we are currently looking out on a building site, it will certainly be worth it.

"In September 2024 we will be opening our new sixth form block, and also a huge new science and maths block, with 21st century facilities.

"The children currently in primary school who will be the next generations of Castle students have a lot to look forward to."

Jessica was due to meet the community and prospective new students at an open evening on October 4, from 5-7.30pm.

Prison's charity partnership EASTWOOD Park women's prison has set up a partnership with a Bristol charity to help inmates with their rehabilitation.

The jail near Thornbury is linking up with the SOFA Project, which restores and re-sells donated furniture and household goods.

Inmates at Eastwood Park will work on "upcycling" or restoring donated furniture, to help learn new skills.

The scheme is being funded by a new warehouse shop at the charity's base in Days Lane, St Philip's, next to Bristol’s main recycling centre, which is open from 9am to 3pm every weekday.

SOFA Project was already providing opportunities for male prisoners at HMP Leyhill and Bristol Prison but this is the first time it has worked with female prisoners, delivering donated furniture and even pots of paint to Eastwood Park.

Nicci Peck, Chief Executive Officer of SOFA Project said: "The emphasis of the programme is providing skills that help selfemployment or employment upon release.

"Work opportunities sadly are rare for female prisoners in the UK, yet we have seen the significant impact of providing work opportunities to male prisoners on reducing reoffending rates.

"It has been a long held ambition of SOFA Project to extend these opportunities to female prisoners.”

SOFA Project is currently appealing for donations to support the rehabilitation initiatives. Free collections can be arranged by contacting the charity online at www.sofaproject.org.uk.

Furniture and household goods donations can be made directly to the SOFA Project warehouse and shops in Bristol.

SOFA Project estimates it has prevented almost half a million items reaching landfill since 1980.

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10

n NEWS

thornburyvoice

October, 2023

Nicola's book will help children talk about bodies A THORNBURY woman has written a picture book aimed at helping under-fives understand how to talk about themselves, and their body image.

Now Nicola Donnelly wants local people to help fund the book being illustrated, and published.

She says the aim of her book is to encourage children to be confident in how they look, and to empower them to grow up proud of their bodies.

It aims to counter pressures to look like images promoted in adverts and social media.

Nicola said: “The idea is to cultivate a culture of body acceptance and positivity within children, ahead of any messages that they might absorb from the diet and beauty industry around our bodies not being good enough as they are, and needing to change them to make them look a certain way.”

Nicola Donnelly Her book The Squishles and Self-Love has 32 pages and is aimed at two to five year olds.

“Through supporting people to develop It follows brother and sister Squishles, their self-esteem by becoming aware of their Squiggle and Popple as they learn how to automatic thoughts, and to use conscious use “kind, compassionate self-talk” about self-talk to change them, I had the idea of themselves and their bodies. teaching children about the importance of Nicola said: “It focusses on teaching self-talk and that we can have an active role children to take an active role in shaping in its formation; as opposed to passively their self-talk compassionately, specifically in experiencing thoughts WB Generic adsbodies 2023 AW.qxp_Layout 10:33 Page 4 and self-talk, with no relation to their and body image.1 30/03/2023

say in what that looks like. And this has led me to where I am now.

“My intention is to support the next generation of children to grow up body proud, dismantling the idea that our bodies are not enough as they are, and that we have to change them if they don't look a certain way.”

Nicola works for a charity that runs safe houses across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset for families leaving abusive situations, and plans to donate some of the books to them.

A quarter of the takings for each book sold will go to the mental health charity Shawmind.

Nicola has spent the last five years working and volunteering for a charity as an independent sexual violence advisor, supporting survivors of sexual violence and helping them through the criminal justice system.

Nicola is working with a self publishing company and has set up an online fundraiser to pay the £5,000 needed to get the book professionally illustrated, designed and printed.

People can find out more and donate to Nicola’s appeal at tinyurl.com/ftvpka4m.

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October, 2023

11

n NEWS

Fireworks display will be 'biggest and best yet' THORNBURY Round Table has revealed details of this year's community fireworks display at the Mundy Playing Fields.

The volunteer-run event will take place on Saturday, November 4, from 5.30-9pm, with the children's display at 6.30pm, bonfire lighting at 7pm and main display at 7.30pm.

Round Table spokesperson Andy Thompson said: "This year's display is set to be the biggest and best yet and will include both a children's and adult's display, a variety of food available on site, toys and sparklers available for kids, our signature bonfire and much more.

"With the support of everyone that attends and our excellent local sponsors we’ve been able to keep admission prices affordable so the event can be accessible to all and we can raise more for our local community than ever before."

Tickets have already gone on sale at the Eventbrite website's Thornbury Round Table Fireworks 2023 page, with adult early-bird tickets costing £5 plus booking fee and children £2.50.

Advance ticket sales will all be online this year to help keep track of attendance, with tickets available on the gate if there are any left over.

However last year's event sold out in

advance, with more than 5,000 people attending.

It also raised more than £20,000 raised for local charities, including Jigsaw, Phase and Thornbury Foodbank, as well as local sports and community groups.

Andy said: "A display like this obviously takes a considerable amount of planning and we have been working on the 2023 display for almost a year now.

"There is a committee of around 10 people who all chip in to make the organisation possible and we meet throughout the year to make sure the display lives up to its reputation.

"Everything from safety and security, food provisions, fireworks and sparklers, media and publicity and even the clean up the next day has to be thought of and we take great pride in the thoroughness with which the event is run!

"As the event is run entirely by volunteers, we are always on the lookout for people willing to join us on the night to help us marshal the event, collect tickets and set up the field before the display.

"In return, you will not only get to see the display for free, but we will also offer you free tickets for your immediate family.

"It's a great way to give something back to

Last year's Thornbury Round Table bonfire your local community."

Anyone who is interested in helping out or wants to find out more about Thornbury Round Table should email thornbury@roundtable.org.uk.

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12

n AUCTION REPORT

thornburyvoice

October, 2023

Watch with showbiz history takes centre stage A WATCH which once belonged to a famous actress was one of the stars of the show at Harper Field's September auction.

The Cartier Art Deco ladies wristwatch belonged to Marie Dainton, a music hall and theatre actress who was in demand on both sides of the Atlantic from the 1890s to the 1930s.

It sold for £21,300 in an auction where watches led the way, with the top seven lots realising a combined hammer price of nearly £100,000 and many more lots selling for well above their expected estimates.

The highest price achieved was for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner gentleman's wristwatch, which sold for £26,750.

Whilst the top brands such as Rolex, Cartier,

The Cartier watch which belonged to actress Marie Dainton Omega and Hublot headlined as expected, there were also some good results for Seiko and Citizen, as well as pocket watches.

Some remarkable prices were achieved across the board in the specialist sections, also including jewellery, silver, coins and clocks.

The jewellery section of over 1,100 lots included an Art Deco platinum ring, which sold for double its estimate at £2,700 and an Arts & Crafts ring set with an opal cabochon selling for more than five times its estimate at £850.

The surprise lot was a set of six Chinese

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

19thC porcelain cups and saucers decorated with immortals, which sold for £3,400.

The silver and bijouterie sections also saw some pleasant surprises, with a table lighter in the form of RMS Queen Mary selling for £790, an etui case realising £600 and a silver and enamel vesta case making £560 despite significant damage.

Some excellent results were also achieved for other small collectibles including fountain pens, Mouseman bowls, sewing items and lighters.

A total of 1,178 online bidders from 42 countries competed for the 2,113 lots.

The next auction at Harper Field will be on November 8 and 9, and includes guns and weapons, medals and militaria, taxidermy, sporting, ceramics and glass.

If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, come along to our public viewing day on November 7, between 10am and 6pm.

We are also still accepting items for our December 6 auction, which will include jewellery, silver, watches and coins plus an extremely popular fine wines and spirits section.

The auction just before Christmas is popular with bidders looking to buy a unique gift and fills up very quickly, so if you are thinking of selling, please give us a call on 01453 873800 to book a valuation appointment with one of our auctioneers or specialists.

Alternatively email images to valuations@harperfield.co.uk for a quick and easy valuation.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

October, 2023

thornburyvoice

13

n ARTS Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with the Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 and are available now online at www. tmtg.org.uk/tickets, in person from Lisa Costa Residential Sales and Lettings in Thornbury High Street or from the box office on 07516 270140.

Special rates for group bookings of 10+ are available.

More details are available on the group's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Jess Ackroyd, Frith Lewis, Emily Jones, Angie Moran, Donna Edmonds and Alice Holmes get into their Sister Act habits.

Nuns on the run - to the theatre THORNBURY Musical Theatre Group is putting the finishing touches on its latest musical production.

The group is following last year's near sell-out run of Shrek the Musical with a the feel-good musical comedy Sister Act, based on the hit 1992 film.

The show gets underway at

the Olympus Theatre on the South Gloucestershire & Stroud College WISE Campus Filton on October 25 and runs until the 28th.

It tells the story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier who witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in a convent, where she helps her fellow sisters find their voices.

The show is filled with Motown, soul and disco-inspired songs

by Tony and Oscar-winner Alan Menken.

A Halloween feast for the eyes and ears ARMSTRONG Arts Group is presenting a unique modern musical accompaniment to an iconic silent film.

Silent classic The Cabinet of Dr Caligari will be accompanied by live music from Minima, in a production presented by Armstrong Arts group.

A spokesperson said: "If you were lucky enough to see last

October’s viewing of Nosferatu, you know how captivating this mixture of historic film and Minima’s avant-garde score can be. "Synthesising electronic guitar, cello, bass and drums carry you along with movements that are beautiful and haunting."

The performance takes place at Turnberrie’s Community Centre in Bath Road on October 29 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 from AAGThornbury@gmail.com

Concert for the young PIANIST singer and raconteur Michael Lunts, from the Armstrong Arts Group team, is presenting a concert featuring highly talented young musicians.

The concert will take place at The United Reformed Church in Chapel Street, Thornbury, on November 12 at 3pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 or £5 for under-16s, with tea and cakes in the interval.

Contact AAGThornbury@gmail. com for more details.

Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13

Where friendships bloom and children blossom Ask us about our Pathway Programme for children in Years 7 & 8 - recognising special skills and talents and supporting them with unique experiences and specialist tuition.

Scan the QR code to find out more or call 01454 613229 to book an appointment today.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

14

October, 2023

n LOCAL MP

Council needs a plan to stop inappropriate development A NEW ‘Local Plan’ for housing is set to be published by South Gloucestershire Council in the coming weeks.

The one thing that everyone has agreed on is that Thornbury has already taken more than its fair share of development.

There is already significant pressure on the town’s roads, medical services and community facilities.

One proposal that I am adamant must not feature in the new housing plan is the ridiculous proposal to build a 3,000 house ‘garden village’ at Buckover.

The lack of proposed employment, the reliance on Thornbury’s facilities, the extreme pressure it would put on the already-congested road

network, and the environmental impact means the proposal has lost all credibility.

The Government rejected it in 2019 following my intervention. Surely, it’s as dead as a dodo.

I have always campaigned fiercely against these inappropriate proposals to slap such a vast extension onto the edge of Thornbury, that would transform the identity of our town and infringe upon our landscape and natural environment and undermine Thornbury’s heritage and public services. Buckover has always been an unsustainable proposal.

Together, we surveyed every household in Thornbury and Alveston, and the results demonstrated the complete

lack of community support for the Buckover plans. I held debates in Parliament and raised our concerns repeatedly with ministers and ensured it was rejected by the Government.

But just because the ‘Buckover Dodo’ will surely be rejected, doesn’t mean the challenges we face in Thornbury have disappeared.

It won’t be good enough for South Gloucestershire Council to simply reject bad plans.

They must deliver a good one.

Thornbury and the surrounding villages need a positive plan to cope with the expansion the town has already seen.

In my positive plan for the area, I am campaigning for better infrastructure: better roads, a proper plan to bring

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

back buses to our town, like the T2 and direct connections to Southmead.

Thornbury needs a new health centre, more community facilities, and a guarantee of free parking in public car parks.

South Gloucestershire is the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family.

No wonder developers want to build here.

But it’s not enough to just reject bad ideas for Thornbury: the council needs good ones.

It’s time that residents in Thornbury and Alveston are listened to.

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

If you are looking for a home or a home for a loved one, we would be happy to show you around our beautiful, family-owned home in Thornbury.

• Competitive prices for high standards of quality • Idyllic garden & grounds • Fully automated care plan & medication systems • Adapted wheelchair cars available for all

• In-house physiotherapist • Constant redecoration project • Great monthly activities programme • Various & nutritious fresh meals • Spacious rooms

Contact us: 01454 412266 beechhouse@bristolcarehomes.co.uk

Beech House Care Home, Prowse Close, Thornbury BS35 1EG

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

October, 2023

thornburyvoice

15

n COMMUNITY NEWS New garden for Jubilee Hall ALVESTON'S Jubilee Hall has a new garden for villagers to enjoy.

The garden has been created thanks to the donation of a "considerable sum of money" by a resident and "very much discounted prices" for materials and labour provided by Kellaway Supplies and D Morris Landscape Contractors respectively.

The new garden features three new trees, a paved area, improved paths, a small lawn, a

range of new shrubs and a wildflower area.

The village twinning association donated one of the trees and a 'bug hotel' to encourage insects in the garden.

Alveston Women's Institute has donated a bench and has also agreed to care for and maintain the garden.

Members of the Alveston Community Forum, Jubilee Hall committee, Alveston WI, landscape gardener Dan Morris and supplier Steve Roe gathered in the new garden to celebrate its opening on September 1.

Jubilee Hall Committee chair Mikael Casey said: "We are delighted with the new garden, which will enhance the Jubilee Hall as a venue

Steve Roe of Kellaway Supplies cuts the tape to open the new Jubilee Hall Garden in Alveston

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

for events in Alveston.

"As an outdoor space, the garden is now both more attractive and a more practical space.

"Thanks to all those who made this project possible."

Memorial bench scheme THORNBURY Town Council has launched a new scheme enabling people to remember a loved one by sponsoring a memorial tree or bench.

People can pay for a bench to be installed or a tree planted in one of three green spaces looked after by the town council.

The council is also offering the chance to place a plaque on a “shared” memorial bench.

A town council spokesperson said: "We are often approached by members of the public who wish to commemorate a loved one, which is why we are very happy to announce this new scheme.

"You could also choose to mark a special occasion or anniversary.

"The Town Council is committed to planting more trees on its land and it hopes that this new scheme will be an important part of achieving this."

To register an interest in the scheme with the town council or find out more information on fees and charges, call 01454 412103, email info@thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk or visit the Town Hall on Thornbury High Street.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

16

n WHAT'S ON

OCTOBER 3 n THORNBURY ART CLUB Tuesday Painting Studio Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Rd, Thornbury, 1.30-4.30pm. Every Tuesday. Call 01454 414433 for more details. Also Thursday group at same time and venue every Thursday. Call 0777 627 1010 for more details.

OCTOBER 7 n THORNBURY FUN PALACE, free activities for the whole community from 10am-4pm at venues across Thornbury, including the leisure centre, skate park, library, St Mary Centre and High Street. More details at tinyurl.com/49f8tcpt or from thornburyfunpalaces@jigsawthornbury.org.uk.

OCTOBER 10 n EASTWOOD GARDENERS CLUB, Turnberrie's, starting at 7.30pm. Talk from Nick Wray on 'Voyages of the Beagle'. Visitors are welcome.

OCTOBER 13 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents Faces Places, Oscar-nominated documentary, at Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall.

Members free. Guests £5. Doors open 7pm. For more information visit www.thornburypicturehouse. org.

OCTOBER 14 n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents the Bristol Ensemble, An American Landscape by Candlelight, programme specially arranged for piano and string quintet. United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm.

Tickets £18 from AAGThornbury@ gmail.com.

OCTOBER 16 n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT U3A new members' meeting, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, from 3.30p.m. Find out more about our many interest groups. For more details visit www.thornburyu3a. org.uk or call Jackie Gitsham on 01454 858438.

OCTOBER 19 n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP free taster session, Bradley Stoke Community School, 7pm.

Illustrated talk by John Ericson, 'The Art of Illusion'. Refreshments provided. More details from Sally on 0794 650 8316. n OCTOBER 21 THORNBURY & DISTRICT CANCER RESEARCH UK Local Committee Autumn Fair at St Helens School, Alveston, 10am12.30pm. Morning coffee/tea and cake, marmalades, jams, chutneys, savoury and sweet bakes, crafts, Xmas gifts and cards, diaries, quiz sheets, books, plants, raffle.

OCTOBER 24 n THORNBURY ART CLUB monthly Club Night, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Rd, Thornbury, 7.15pm. Bristol professional artist and tutor Paul Weaver will be giving a painting demonstration.

Visitors welcome - £5. Call 01454 414433 for further details.

OCTOBER 25 n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Alan Pilbeam presents ‘The Royal Progress through Gloucestershire in 1535'. Admission for non-members £5 at the door.

OCTOBER 25-28 n THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP presents Sister Act, Olympus Theatre (SGS WISE Campus). Evening performances 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm.

Tickets online at www.tmtg.org.uk/ tickets, from Lisa Costa Residential Sales and Lettings, Thornbury High Street, or the box office on 07516 270140.

OCTOBER 27 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents Utama, award winning Bolivian film, at Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall. Doors open 7p.m. All tickets £5. For more information visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org.

OCTOBER 29 n ST PETER'S HOSPICE Severnside Support Group Autumn Leaves Tea, Rockhampton Village Hall, 2.30-4pm. Home-made cakes, jams, pickles and chutney, books, raffle, Christmas cards. Entrance £3, includes cup of tea/coffee and piece of cake. All money raised to St Peter's Hospice.

OCTOBER 29 n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents iconic silent film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with a modern musical accompaniment from Minima, Turnberrie’s Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Tickets £12 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 THORNBURY ART CLUB hosts live talks and demonstrations by established artists on the

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

October, 2023

n LIBRARY NEWS Thornbury Library is hosting a tea, coffee and cake afternoon with Alison Hitchcock and Brian Greenley, authors of From Me, To You, an inspiring account of an unlikely friendship that flourished after a cancer diagnosis through the power of letters, changing two lives forever and leading to the founding of an award-winning charity.

Come and enjoy an hour or two with Alison and Brian at the library on October 21 at 2pm. Tickets are £5 from SGlibraries. eventbrite.com or from Thornbury Library during staffed hours.

On October 7 from 9.30am-12.30pm Thornbury Horticultural Society hosts 'Ready, Set, Plant (a bulb) and Show'. Come and plant a bulb, take them home and watch them grow.

Ukrainian storytime sessions take place every Monday at 4pm.

Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher, shares stories, reading and more from Ukraine.

The Have You Read book club meets on October 6 from 2-3pm no set novel, just drop in for refreshments and a chat about books.

Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am - no booking required.

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

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. fourth Tuesday of the month at St Mary's Church Hall, 7.30pm. Nonmembers welcome: £5 entry. For more information call Mary Drown on 01454 414433 or email mary. drown@blueyonder.co.uk. n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Thornbury Town Hall Tuesday 10amnoon. 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.

Wednesday n THORNBURY ART CLUB even-

ing painting studio group, every Wednesday, 7-9.30pm, at Alveston Methodist Church Hall. Refreshments provided. For more details call Mary Drown on 01454 414433, email chairthornburyart@gmail. com or visit www.thornburyartclub.org.uk.

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

October, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS

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17

Thornbury Volunteer Centre THORNBURY Volunteer Centre hosted its annual Volunteer Fair in the St Mary Centre for 10 local charities and organisations.

The aim of the event on September 14 was to promote the organisations, publicise their volunteer opportunities, attract new volunteers and, in some cases, raise funds.

Thornbury Radio played throughout the morning and Thornbury Town Mayor James Murray visited and spoke to all the stall-holders.

It was a lovely morning with many visitors, resulting in over £150 being raised and 22 (at last count) potential volunteers coming forward, with many more people taking away information.

Our thanks to the St. Mary Centre Management team and South Gloucestershire Council for their support.

Thornbury Volunteer Centre

Town Mayor James Murray visits this year's volunteer fair

Thornbury Lions Club THORNBURY Lions Club is sponsoring tow schools to take part in this year's Lions Roar competition.

The Lions Roar competition is an inspirational and fun learning experience, run in partnership with education company, 8billionideas.

The competition allows

children to discover how to use their imagination in exciting new ways, and they gain all-important life skills from taking part.

Aimed at 7-11 year olds, children learn how to work together in teams, develop their communication and presentation skills, whilst boosting their selfconfidence and self-esteem.

Club president Terry Hunt said: "The club is delighted to be sponsoring Crossways

Junior School and Manorbrook Primary School for the Lions Roar competition this year.

"As a club it’s exciting to get involved with this youth programme, whereby children are given the opportunity ‘to think big and create world-changing ideas’.”

There are around 27,000 pupils taking part in over 130 schools sponsored by Lions clubs from across the British Isles.

To find out more about the Lions Roar competition, visit the website www.lions-roar.com.

Lions Clubs British Isles has over 10,000 members based in over 600 clubs, and is part of Lions International, which has 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, making it the largest service club organisation in the world.

Lions are ordinary people who do extraordinary things to help others and support good causes.

Thornbury Lions Club works on a range of projects including youth, sight, hunger, the environment, and childhood cancer.

To get involved, visit the contact page of our website, www.thornburylions.org.

Kevin Simpson

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

18

n COMMUNITY NEWS Thornbury Tennis Club THORNBURY Lawn Tennis Club hosted its annual Cancer Research Tennis Tournament on September 5.

This is the 25th year the event has run, and it is always a fun occasion, which raises funds for Cancer Research UK. Over the last 25 years the tournament has raised over £11,000 and there were six people present who had participated in the first ever event.

The sun shone and everyone enjoyed some

thornburyvoice

October, 2023

good-natured tennis and a lovely buffet lunch, all in the interest of a very good cause.

Event organiser Pam Forrest thanked everyone involved and announced that £577 had been raised.

Pam presented tournament winners Malcolm Worster and Tony Matthews with their prizes.

Di Heal was the lucky winner of a fabulous hamper in the raffle.

For more information about tennis at the club go to www.Thornburytennisclub.co.uk Fiona Wilkinson

Tennis club players at the Cancer Research tournament

Thornbury Rotary THORNBURY Rotary needs sewing machines!

Since 2007, the club has been supporting charity Butterfly Space in Malawi with grants.

Initially, the funding was used for the development of a nursery.

Local girl Alice Leaper, from Thornbury, has worked tirelessly over the years, with her colleagues and team, to build school facilities and support for primary and secondary students.

Many other projects have been developed to help the local community. This non-profit venture has been expanding to incorporate adult vocational training, including basket weaving and carpentry in the curriculum.

They now wish to start a sewing group for the ladies, so there is an urgent need to acquire manual sewing machines.

Rotary is asking anyone who has a working machine and would like to donate it to this very worthwhile cause to please contact Roger Perrin on 07768 173856, preferably by text.

Rotary will arrange for collection and all sewing machines will be serviced before despatch to Malawi.

Thornbury Rotary president, Guy Rawlinson, expresses his gratitude to anyone who can make such a donation.

To view a comprehensive list of the activities taking place, please check the Butterfly Space website at www.butterflyspacemalawi.com.

Adrian Dennis

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October, 2023

19

n SPORT

'Outstanding scores' from young golfers in Junior Open THORNBURY Golf Club's mixed Junior Golf Open attracted 57 young players, with some standout performances.

The event is a qualifier for the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship and the organisers were delighted at the large number of entrants, considering that it had to be held during the summer holidays, in late August, due to weather conditions earlier in the year.

Once again, the number of boys significantly outweighed the girls, by a ratio of 10 to 1, so the club is hoping to encourage more female applicants in 2024.

Nonetheless, the quality of play was amazing all round, with some outstanding scores being recorded.

This year the best gross score of 66 was achieved by Jaxson Perry, aged 13, from Kendleshire Golf Club.

His score was a magnificent 5 below par for the course. Jaxson was playing off a handicap of +1, so his net score was 67.

Thornbury Golf Club's Mia Robinson, the overall net competition winner, receives a prize from Thornbury Rotary President Guy Rawlinson The overall net competition winner was Mia Robinson, from Thornbury Golf Club.

Mia is just 10 years old and was the youngest player in the field, achieving a great net score of 65. Best girls' gross score was

Jaxson Perry is presented with the Rotary cup by organiser Ray Sherwood. achieved by Elizabeth Robbins, with 80 (net 74).

Liz has won this prize for 3 years running.

Other net score winners include Jack Taylor from Henbury (Division 2) net 70, and Oscar Alexander from Farrington Park GC (Division 3) net 66.

The club also ran a competition on the 18-hole par 3 course and this was won by Charlie Bourne, aged 10, from Wrag Barn GC. Thornbury Rotary has been involved with the Junior Open for many years, having donated the main cup, with a replica cup each year for the overall winner.

The club also provides annual sponsorship to help with the prizes, as well as manpower resource on the day.

Organiser Ray Sherwood acknowledged the dedication of the young golfers.

He thanked Rotary for the financial support and marshalling, Thornbury Golf Club volunteers, particularly the Ladies Section, Thornbury Golf Centre for preparing the course and for their support of the Junior Open, and everyone else who lent a hand to make the competition such a successful and enjoyable event.

Adrian Dennis

“A safe and supportive environment for all residents. Staff are friendly and provide great care.

Thank you for looking after my mother so well.”

Jane, Daughter of Resident at Beech House (source: carehome.co.uk) At Beech House care home in Thornbury, the safety, care and well-being of our residents are at the centre of everything we do.

If you are looking for a home or a home for a loved one, we would be happy to show you around our beautiful, family-owned home in Thornbury.

Contact us: 01454 412266 beechhouse@bristolcarehomes.co.uk

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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thornburyvoice

October, 2023

n SPORT

21

Great start to season for Thornbury First XV THE start of September saw the dawning of another league season for the senior teams at Thornbury rugby club.

The First XV made the trek over to Devizes for the first time since the Millennium and came away with a five-points win, which looked unlikely at one point.

In what could be described as a game of two halves, Thornbury were well behind at half-time but with a spirited and controlled second-half performance they chipped away at the Wiltshire club’s lead.

A try from Max Harper late in the game put Thorns ahead and they won a memorable game 34-30. The team followed that with a satisfying home win over Drybrook, then took Gordano apart 52-19: after three games they stood second in the league table, behind Royal Wootton Bassett on points difference.

Newly-promoted Thornbury Ladies built on a promising pre-season to begin their league

Sam Baker-Green leads an attack for Thornbury Ladies at Greyhound.

Picture: Dave Fox season at Greyhound RFC, a game they lost 35-25, but go club situated within the circuit of into the rest of the season with Hereford racecourse. confidence.

Despite dominating the The Men’s Second XV have

played twice and, following a comfortable win over Frampton Cotterell, defeated Cleve 62-12 in a game played between limited numbers.

The Colts played several friendlies before the league season started, with a narrow defeat at Stroud.

October sees a key league match for the First XV at home to league leaders Royal Wootton Bassett on the 14th, followed by a testing trip to Swindon the following weekend.

The Ladies have one game away at Tewkesbury on the 8th and similarly the Seconds have one match at Yate, also on the 14th.

The Colts have a game each Sunday, home to Dursley and Dings Crusaders and away to Minchinhampton and Cleve.

For more information on the club, visit www.thornburyrfc. co.uk.

Dave Fox

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thornburyvoice

22

n SPORT

October, 2023

Return home turns Town's fortunes around It’s been a mixed start to the new season at the Mundy Fields for Thornbury Town.

Having made exits from the FA Cup and FA Vase at the first round stage, Thorns were able to concentrate on their Hellenic League games as they looked to pick up some early wins.

With the building work on the clubhouse extension continuing, Town weren’t able to play their first home game until the end of August, when Roman Glass St George were the visitors.

Goals from Harry Brock, Luke Franklin and Marcus Wormwell secured a 3-1 victory over a team that had finished 5th last season.

This was followed up by a comfortable 5-1 win against Wantage Town with youngster Stan Wyatt scoring twice plus goals from Rhys Hodgson, Harvey Pritchard and Harry Brock.

A 1-1 draw against Fairford Town followed, with Luke Garrett scoring with a superb effort from distance.

This run of results saw confidence rising within the club, as they faced a tough away trip to former National League side

Worcester City. Unfortunately, with some key players missing through injury and unavailability, Town were well beaten 5-0, in front of a crowd of over 800.

Town put this defeat behind them a few days layer when local rivals Tytherington Rocks were the visitors to the Mundys in the Floodlight Cup, Thorns progressing to the next round with a 5-2 victory.

Young striker Joe McLaughlin netted a hat-trick, with Joe Guest and Rhys Hodgson completing the scoring.

However their midweek game at home to Brimscombe & Thrupp on September 19 saw Town slip to a 1-0 defeat.

Brimscombe’s goalkeeper proved to be their hero, saving a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

The Reserves' season didn’t start until

the beginning of September and, following a defeat at Shirehampton in the first fixture, they were able to field a stronger line-up in their first home game against Old Sodbury.

Two goals from Stan Wyatt and another from Harrison Young secured a 3-1 win.

The A team have also started their new season and so far have had a mixed bag of results.

Defeats against Made For Ever and Fry Club have been followed with draws against Redfield Rovers and Bitton Reserves. As the side settles down it’s hoped they will be challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

The newly formed U18s faced a difficult task in their opening fixture against Bridgwater United in the FA Youth Cup and exited the competition at the first stage.

However their opening league fixture against BRSC showed promise, with the youngsters charging into a two-goal lead before being pegged back by half-time.

Eventually losing 4-2, manager Jamie Curtis is confident that the team will soon gel and prove to be a force in the league.

Malcolm Carr

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October, 2023

thornburyvoice

23

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Good causes can apply for a grant FOR the last two years the Thornbury and District League of Friends has given grants to deserving health-related causes.

Since the closure of Thornbury Hospital at the end of 2018, we have also continued to support the Henderson Rehabilitation Unit at Grace Care Centre and the outpatients unit in the St Mary Centre.

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Examples of recipients of grants to date include Jigsaw, Krunch, Phase, Haven Memory Café, New Siblands School, the Friends of Castle School, Great Western Air Ambulance, Thornbury Community Permaculture Project and some lip-reading classes.

This year’s grant-giving programme encourages local organisations to apply for a grant towards any health-related project supporting our charitable aims, for which they might need our financial assistance.

We welcome your interest and will consider all requests carefully.

The grant programme will launch on October 20: more details will be published on our Facebook page nearer the time.

From then groups have until November 17 to submit applications, with the awards announced a week later, on the 24th, ahead of our annual general meeting on November 30.

In the meantime, for further information please email abates1101@msn.com.

We desperately need more active members to help us put on future events, so if you are interested in assisting in any way, please get in touch at the same address.

We look forward to another rewarding year of supporting health and well-being in our local community.

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