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February, 2019 Issue 23 FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
SUPPORTERS of Castle School have been working to help it bounce back from a series of vandal attacks. More than 60 people spent a DIY day painting and tidying the Thornbury secondary school, days after the latest in a series of
Painting the Castle vandal attacks. Several teenagers have been arrested in connection with fires at the school’s sixth form centre
and a gazebo in its grounds, as well as a break-in which resulted in further damage. Full story: Page 5
Dog stolen A FAMILY has launched a desperate appeal to find a beloved pet dog which was snatched from the street as it was being taken for a walk near their Thornbury home. PAGE 3
Wish list for school
Nuclear power plans frozen PLANS to build a new nuclear power station near Thornbury have been put on hold. Horizon Nuclear Power has suspended its entire UK development programme, which would have seen a new
plant with two reactors built at Shepperdine, near Oldbury-onSevern. The new power station was expected to cost around £14 billion and provide enough electricity to power more than
five million homes. It was also predicted to create a maximum of 9,000 jobs during construction and 850 permanent positions once operational. Full story: Page 2 & 3
PARENTS and ex-pupils of Marlwood School have set up an Amazon wish list and are appealing for donations of second-hand equipment for pupils to use. PAGE 5
Wait for GP ONE in every 10 patients in the region is waiting at least three weeks to see a GP, NHS figures reveal. PAGE 11
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February, 2019
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New nuclear power station for
The new nuclear plant had been planned for a site at Shepperdine, near Oldbury-on-Severn, next to the previous Oldbury power station.
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PLANS for a new nuclear power station near Thornbury have been put on ice indefinitely. Building a new plant near the site of the previous Oldbury power station would have created up to 9,000 jobs. Once operational, it was expected to have an estimated 850 permanent employees. But operator Horizon Nuclear Power announced on January 17 that it was suspending its entire UK nuclear development programme, including Oldbury and another plant, Wylfa Newydd on Anglesey in Wales, which was further advanced in planning. The company said it would be suspending development “until a solution can be found”. But all work has stopped immediately and the future of the 395 people currently working for Horizon is in doubt. Horizon chief executive
Duncan Hawthorne said: “We have been in close discussions with the UK government, in cooperation with the government of Japan, on the financing and associated commercial arrangements for our project for some years now. I am very sorry to say that, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, we’ve not been able to reach an agreement to the satisfaction of all concerned. “As a result, we will be suspending the development of the Wylfa Newydd project, as well as work related to Oldbury, until a solution can be found. In the meantime we will take steps to reduce our presence but keep the option to resume development in future.” Plans to build a new reactor at Oldbury were first announced almost 10 years ago, when Horizon was owned by E.ON and German power firm RWE.
Housing appeal starts CAMPAIGNERS are calling on residents to attend an appeal over plans to build 370 homes at a site in Thornbury, which is due to run through February. Bovis wants to build off Gloucester Road between Pittpool and Crossways Lane, Upper Morton. Pressure group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development is urging people to attend the appeal at the Turnberries Community Centre, which opened on January 22 and was due to sit again on Tuesdays to Fridays from January 29, February 12 and February 26. New homes will make rat run worse: P13
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Oldbury on hold The government approved a new reactor on the site a year later but in 2012 – the same year the previous Magnox plant stopped generating after 44 years – the scheme was shelved. It was revived later that year, when Horizon was bought by Japanese firm Hitachi. Horizon’s plan for Oldbury involved a plant with two UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactors, generating 2.9 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity – enough, the company said, to power 5.5 million homes. Construction work at the Shepperdine site was planned to begin only after the Wylfa plant was complete, some time in the late 2020s. It was expected to involve an average workforce of 4,000, peaking at 9,000. The decision to suspend the programme was taken by Hitachi at a board meeting in Japan. The company faces losing £2 billion it has already invested and 330 people at Horizon’s Gloucester headquarters, plus another 65 developing the site at Wylfa, face redundancy. Describing Horizon’s staff as
“a very capable organisation of talented and committed people”, Mr Hawthorne said: “Clearly this will have a significant impact for all involved with our project. “We will look to minimise this as much as possible as we move into this next phase and we will begin consultation on the implications immediately with our staff, who have shown extraordinary talent, resilience and determination to take this complex and exciting project to this stage.” He added that Horizon would “engage closely” with stakeholders including the “key representatives around Oldbury”. Regional industry body Nuclear South West described the decision as “disappointing and upsetting”. Chair Matt Burley said: “We will continue to work with industry partners and will do what we can to ensure that the impact can be managed, and we remain confident that a solution can be found for new nuclear development in the Wylfa and Oldbury sites.”
Hunt for stolen dog A THORNBURY family has launched a desperate search for their pet dog, which was stolen in broad daylight while being taken for a walk. Izzie, a black Labrador/ Staffordshire bull terrier cross, was snatched in Eastbury Close on January 17. Her family say a white Transit van was seen driving away and they have offered a £1,000 reward for information, supporters have printed 500 leaflets appealing for sightings and a dedicated Facebook page, called Help Bring Izzie Home, has been set up. Mum-of-two Layc Guille said Izzie disappeared while her partner Zorron Webber was taking the six-year-old pet for a walk. Because they were close to home Izzie was not on a lead but after she walked around a corner
in front of Zorron she vanished. “When he got round the corner, her collar was on the ground and a white van was driving away,” said Layc. Anyone with information that could help the police find whoever took Izzie should call the Avon and Somerset force on 101 and quote crime reference number 5219 011 898.
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LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.
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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk
February, 2019
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Arsonists destroy barn A BARN and hay were destroyed in what is believed to have been an arson attack. The blaze started at around 8pm on January 11 in Mumbleys Lane, Thornbury. Emergency services were alerted after a young man told a nearby homeowner that the barn was on fire. He has since come forward to speak to police after an appeal. The barn and the hay within it were destroyed and will cost around £30,000 to replace. It was the latest in a series Firefighters at the scene of a barn fire in of arson attacks in and Mumbleys Lane. Photo: Thornbury Fire around Thornbury. Brigade Police are appealing for anyone with information who has not yet come forward to call them on 101, quoting crime reference number 5219 007 875. Information can also be given online at the Avon and Somerset website or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252
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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February, 2019
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Friends help Castle School beat the vandals WHEN Castle School suffered a series of blows from vandals, the community rallied round to help. Some 60 volunteers from the Castle School Friends group spent a DIY day sprucing up the school, days after it was broken into and damaged. The group, made up of parents, friends and relatives of pupils, was revived after the BBC2 documentary School revealed how senior staff at the Thornbury secondary school were struggling to balance the books. Since then there have been a series of attacks which have seen windows broken at the site, two fires, and a break-in. The first fire on December 17 damaged the school’s sixth form building. Two boys aged 15 and a 16-year-old girl have been arrested and later released under investigation by police in connection with the incident.
Then on Christmas Eve, a wooden gazebo, which was used as an outdoor area for children with special educational needs, was damaged by fire in one of a series of arson attacks around Thornbury that also saw four sheds burnt down at Daggs allotments on the High Street. At Castle School, A parent responded by setting up a GoFundMe page, which has raised over £2,500 to go towards a replacement. On New Year’s Eve police were called to find that someone had broken into the school and caused damage. Seven boys, aged between 14 and 16, have since been arrested over the break-in. But this grim end to 2018 has been followed by a bright start to 2019. The 60 volunteers who turned up for the friends’ first DIY day in January painted the sports hall in just 30 minutes, plus the dance studio and
Firefighters tackle a blaze in a gazebo used by children with special educational needs, set on fire at Castle School on Christmas Eve.
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The Thornbury community has rallied round to help Castle School bounce back from a series of vandal attacks. changing rooms. School head of PE Mark Saunders said: “The timing of the weekend’s work could not have been better. The kind gesture definitely put a smile on all our faces, and I cannot stress enough the positive impact that the friends’ help has had on the PE Department.” The DIY days are set to continue as part of a programme of help for the school planned by the friends in 2019. The next one will take place on February 16. Before that, the friends start a range of fund-raising events planned for the year, with a quiz night on February 1, with a raffle and bar. There will also be film nights, children’s events, and fairs, with a summer ball planned at the Anchor Inn, Oldbury, in June. The group is also looking into grants to buy essential equipment which the school says
it can’t fund. Justin Warr, who is co-ordinating CSF’s grant applications and sponsorship, said: “We are working closely with the school, identifying the things we can fund which will have the maximum benefit for the children’s well-being and success.” There have also been discussions with Thornbury in Bloom about how to improve the school grounds. CSF Chair Sara Iles said: “We are continually bowled over by the generosity of people and the willingness with which they have lent their facilities and gone out of their way to find opportunities to support the school.” To support CSF or buy tickets for their events, visit the Castle School Friends page on Facebook or sent an email titled CSF to cas-enquiries.tcs@cset.co.uk.
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February, 2019
Wish list and upcycling help equip school A PARENTS’ group is using an Amazon wish list and ‘upcycling’ to equip cash-strapped Marlwood School. The Alveston secondary school’s financial struggles were highlighted in recent BBC2 documentary series School. But the Friends of Marlwood School (FOMS) is taking practical action, taking requests from the school for equipment needed in classes and circulating them to supporters via a Facebook group, #WeAreMarlwood. The group, which has more than 1,600 members, passes on requests from the school for equipment – from laptops and cameras to board games for lunchtime play – which can be reused or ‘upcycled’ for use in school. It has also set up an Amazon wish list so that supporters can easily buy the school small items. FOMS reformed early last year and has also been doing practical work at the school, providing a decorated Christmas tree donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre and serving refreshments at school events. Last year the registered charity raised more than £5,600 for equipment including a 3D printer, software, microscopes and calculators. Four gardening days run by volunteers helped to keep the grounds maintained. Among the ‘upcycled’ items they have provided are two
Friends of Marlwood School help out gardening at the school pianos, three table tennis tables, a dishwasher and hundreds of books. The friends group says that, since the BBC2 documentary, which showed the school going into special measures last year, there have been changes at the school which are having a positive impact. Since September the school, under new head Del Planter, has consistently improved pupil
attendance, which is now the highest across Castle School Education Trust (CSET) schools and many new staff have joined. Melinda Evans, of FOMS, said: “There are good things happening at the school. The school is determined to improve and is doing so. "FOMS have been very active in working to help pupils and staff since it was reformed a year ago. FOMS also wants the children to be able to be proud of
their school." This year FOMS aims to raise enough money to buy large items of PE equipment, help with gardening and painting, and hold a party for parents and alumni. Its next gardening event is on Saturday, February 9 from 10am. Anyone can join FOMS, which meets every month. As well as the Facebook group supporters can get in touch via email at info@foms.co.uk.
‘Freshers Fair’ for town Jazz festival line-up RESIDENTS will have the chance to meet Thornbury’s sports teams, charities, community and activity groups at a new event. Based on the concept of a freshers’ fair, it is being organised by Thornbury Welcomes, a charity which aims to make the town an even more welcoming place to live. Local groups are asked to book a pitch for free, to make sure that they will have a presence. There’ll be entertainment for children, and several groups will put on performances to showcase what they do. The event is being held on Saturday 30 March from 10am-2pm at the St Mary Centre. For more information find Thornbury Welcomes on Facebook or email thornburywelcomes@gmail.com
THORNBURY’S second jazz festival takes place next month and tickets are now on sale. The Royals are the headline act, playing upbeat takes on jazz classics with singer Emily Wright, but the event on March 23 will start with young talented local musicians performing in the South Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing big band favourites. Also featured is The Boulevard Big Band and The Jenner Jazz Quartet. Tickets cost £20, with hot food available at £7 a head via Thornbury Town Hall. Proceeds go to the Armstrong Hall Redevelopment Project. For more information phone 01454 412272.
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Thornbury Lions Club president John Poole presents a table football game for Thornbury Baptist Youth Club to youth pastor Mike Levy. To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800
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February, 2019
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ISI Inspectors state pupil development is amazing at Tockington Manor School A RECENT ISI inspection of the School and Nursery found the quality of pupils’ personal development to be EXCELLENT, commenting that “pupils develop resilience as they are guided through increasingly challenging curricular and co-curricular activities” and “attainment is above average in relation to national age-related expectations”. Mr Stephen Symonds, Headmaster, said, “I am incredibly proud of the School and Nursery. We welcome children into the Tockington family from 2 years old where our small friendly classes and family approach to education provides bespoke learning for every child. Our pupils know that small class sizes mean they get better feedback from teachers and that helps them to improve. We pride ourselves in working closely with every child, understanding what makes every Tockington child “tick”. Developing their aptitude and attitude to help them to fulfil their potential. In a recent parent survey 100% agreed that we encouraged confidence, independence, teamwork and social skills.” The ISI inspection found that “pupils enjoy a healthy lifestyle and make full use of the outdoor
opportunities afforded to them”, in the 28 acre school grounds. Outdoor activities are a key part of the curriculum, ensuring all pupils have regular access to the onsite dedicated sports pitches, cross country trails and national standard all-weather pitch. Children begin weekly swimming lessons in Nursery in our 25m indoor heated swimming pool. At Tockington pupils stay until aged 13 (Year 8) where the school work closely with them and their parents to identify the best next step for them. The school has an enviable success rate in delivering entry into their first choice senior schools with many being awarded scholarships in Academia, Sport, Music, Drama and Design Technology. If you’re in the process of choosing a school or nursery for your child then do come and visit us and see what we could offer. Children can join us from any age group, including Year 6 and 7 for support with senior school entry. We offer private tours all year so please don’t wait for an Open Day to secure your child’s place at Tockington Manor. We look forward to meeting you. Stephen Symonds, Headmaster
“Pupils demonstrate self-confidence and self-awareness of the highest quality” - ISI Inspectors (October 2018)
Less than a mile from the A38 with a daily school minibus service available
Welcome to Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys and girls aged 2 to 13 years
Situated in 28 acres of beautiful countryside in the village of Tockington with small friendly classes and a family approach to education. We have an enviable success rate in delivering entry into their first choice senior schools, many of which have challenging entry requirements. We offer extended hours, wrap-around care including breakfast/supper and flexi-boarding to fit with busy family life. Plus a variety of extra curricular clubs and activities. Contact us to arrange a tour: asymonds@tockingtonmanorschool.com 01454 613229 Washingpool Hill Road, Tockington, BS32 4NY www.tockingtonmanorschool.com
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n COMMUNITY NEWS
February, 2019
Air ambulance beats £1.2m target to buy new base
A CHARITY which provides vital air ambulance cover for more than two million people has smashed its target to pay for its new base. The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity has raised £1.3 million in just 6 months, beating its original target of £1.2 million. This has enabled it to buy a new air base at Almondsbury with enough money left over to kit it out. The charity needed a new base for its helicopter after the closure if Filton airfield, where it was previously based. GWAAC Lead Paramedic John Wood said: “Moving into the new air base at Almondsbury and buying the facility has had a hugely positive impact on the team. We are now operating from a base that is fit for the cutting edge work we do. We’d like to thank all our supporters for making this possible.” The air ambulance provides a service for 2.1 million people in
Air ambulance beats £1.2m target to buy new base South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire and North
Somerset. Crews specialise in pre-hospital emergency medicine and trauma medicine.
Last year its critical care team attended 1,887 incidents by a combination of helicopter or car, for incidents close to the base or at night. GWAAC needs to raise over £3 million a year to keep the air ambulance flying, with no regular government or lottery funding. Chief Executive Anna Perry said: “We are thrilled to have completed the purchase of our new air base in Almondsbury. This is a purpose-built facility which provides our crew, who work on the cutting edge of prehospital emergency care, with all the facilities they require. “Owning this air base also provides stability to our service and ensures we can continue to provide our life-saving service long into the future. It’s thanks to the generous donations of our supporters across our region that we are able to take this monumental step forward."
olveston concert1 13/01/2019 17:45 Page 1
Healthwatch needs volunteers A GROUP which holds health and social care services to account in the area is looking for volunteers to find out what people value and what needs to change. Healthwatch South Gloucestershire needs someone to take a lead on issues of quality for the area’s executive board. The role includes organising responses to NHS Trust reports about the quality of their services. For more information call volunteer support officer Pat Foster on 0117 958 9344 or email patfoster@thecareforum.org.uk featuring
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MEMBERS of the group Severn Valley Quilters have donated hand made sensory mats and blankets to pupils at Thornbury’s New Sibands School. The club turned scraps and off cuts of material into mats which can stimulate and support learning at the special school, for children with learning difficulties.
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February, 2019
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n NEWS
Castle’s racing engineers win F1 challenge A TEAM of engineering students from Castle School have put their knowledge into practice to create a championship-winning car. The Year 12 students signed up for the F1 in Schools Challenge to build, test and race miniature Formula 1-style airpowered cars against teams from other schools. The challenge not only requires them to learn about the STEM subjects – science,
technology, engineering and maths – but also do their own marketing and find sponsors to fund travel and accommodation at competitions and events. The Castle team, known as Blue Rockets Racing, rose to the challenge and won the South West regional championships, earning themselves a place in next month’s national finals. Team manager Joshua Ocone said: “I can officially confirm that
The Blue Rockets team's miniature air-powered racing cars. Photo credit to Blue Rockets Racing
Blue Rockets Racing competed in the F1 in Schools challenge and became the South West Regional Champions 2019! We were first out of all the teams competing and additionally won the sponsorship and marketing award for the second year in a row. “Everyone in the team is ecstatic right now; however The triumphant Blue Rockets Racing team. Photo credit to Blue Rockets Racing I would just like to say thank you to victory, they paid tribute to their every one of our sponsors and “fantastic school, which helped supporting staff – your support us achieve everything”. is invaluable to us.” The national finals in March The other team members give the Blue Rockets the are Ben Payne, Alistair Whitechance to compete for a place Horne and Dan Church. They representing Great Britain in this were supported by former Castle year’s World Finals. teacher Claire Lyes (Nobes). You can follow the team on Posting on Twitter after their Twitter @BlueRockets_F1.
Are you looking for full time, part time or term time only hours? We offer good rates of pay and a range of council benefits We are Integra, the trading arm of South Gloucestershire Council and we’re looking for staff to fill a range of different positions across our services, including office roles, cleaning, catering and community meals. We have a number of varied positions available with a variety of working hours to suit, including full time, part time and term time only, based at different locations across South Gloucestershire. If you’d like to work for a dynamic, positive and forward looking organisation, with good rates of pay and conditions, then please get in touch.
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February, 2019
n NEWS
Fundraiser will help Alice's Malawi project A FUNDRAISER is being held to support a community project in Africa set up by a Thornbury woman. Alice Leaper, who was born and grew up in the town, runs the non-profit Butterfly Space to improve the lives of people in Malawi, where it is based. Her biggest project, now nearing completion, is a primary school. A fish and chip supper and a quiz has been organised by the Thornbury Methodist Players to raise funds for the project. It and takes place at Thornbury Methodist Church on Saturday February 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost ÂŁ10, with 6 people on a team. For tickets and information contact Mandy Clapp on 01454 414749 or Gill Leaper on 01454 411910. For further information on the work of the project, visit www.butterfly-space.com
Alice Leaper, who grew up in Thornbury, with school children at the community project she set up in Malawi.
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February, 2019
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n NEWS ONE in every ten patients in the region is waiting at least three weeks to see a GP, new figures reveal. As the NHS faces its busiest time of the year, 56,250 people in the area covered by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group had to wait at least 21 days to see a doctor after booking an appointment. And 24,700 people waited more than a month for an appointment, the latest NHS Digital data shows. The waiting times, recorded in October, are similar to those when the figures first started to be collected for the CCG 11 months earlier. Two in five patients in the local CCG’s area were able to see a GP the same day the appointment was made. Figures from the annual NHS England patient survey in the Thornbury area show that, among patients of the Thornbury Health Centre, 43% received a same-day appointment and 6% booked one for the following day. Some 17% had to wait between two days and a week and 29% waited more than a week. At Streamside Surgery, 24% of patients said they were able to book a same-day appointment, 9% had one on the following day, 41% waited between two days and a week and 19% had to wait more than a week. At the St Mary Street Surgery, 17% were able to book a sameday appointment, 16% had one the next day, 38% had to wait between two days and a week and 22% waited more than a week. Other patients answering the survey could not remember how long they waited. The figures include patients who need regular appointments and are likely to be booking ahead. Patients Association chief executive Rachel Power said: "It can be incredibly stressful to face a long wait before getting to see a doctor, quite apart from prolonging the length of time someone has to live with the medical issue that is troubling them.” Dr Martin Jones, GP and Medical Director of
Patients face wait for GP
At Thornbury Health Centre four out of ten patients were able to book a same-day appointment - but three in ten waited more than a week. Commissioning and Primary Care at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Local GPs are working hard to provide the best quality care to their patients, with more than 500,000 appointments in October and around 40% of people seen by practice staff on the same day. However, we understand that some people struggle to get appointments quickly and we are working with local GPs to improve access to appointments. “Every practice in the area now offers appointments at the evenings or weekends, making it easier for people to see a doctor, nurse or other health professional at a time convenient to them. By offering more GP and nurse appointments we hope to help keep our patients well and relieve pressure on the wider health system." “NHS Pharmacists are also available to offer advice on treating common winter ailments like coughs and colds and can usually see you on the same day.”
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February, 2019
n NEWS
Festival to put the accordion back on the map HIS day job is working for a Thornbury insurance firm but Andy Coles’ labour of love is the accordion. And the musician is looking to put the instrument “back on the map” by organising the first regional festival dedicated to the instrument in nearly 40 years. Andy helped organise the last South West accordion festival back in 1981. Now he is reviving the contest, including a free concert to showcase local talent. He is inviting accordion players and groups which include at least one person playing the instrument to apply to take part. Andy said: “I first saw an accordion played on The Good Old Days when I was six years old. It was a small button-keyboard model, but I was fascinated and wanted to play one. “My parents, sensibly, felt it might be a fad. I then saw another accordion on TV. This was a full-size, piano key, electronic instrument. I was hooked.” Andy nagged his parents for more than two years until they relented and his dad
arranged some lessons and bought his first instrument. He said: “I am forever grateful that my stone-deaf father, who would never hear me play, supported me.” Andy remembers annual competitions across the region in his youth. He said: “This is an attempt to get the accordion back on the map in the South West.
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
“The great thing is that coming along to watch and listen is free. We’re keen to get as many people interested in and playing the accordion as possible – especially the younger folk, who will be the future of the instrument.” Andy, who lives in Downend and works for Thornbury insurance brokers Europa Group, is hoping to attract around 40 competitors to the championship, which will be held at Coalpit Heath Village Hall (the Miners’ Club) on February 16. After the competitive rounds there will be a concert and prize-giving. The time of the afternoon concert will be set after the number of competitors is finalised, so anyone who is interested in attending should email andy.coles@ blueyonder.co.uk after entries have closed on February 9. Any accordion players who would like to take part in the competition can email Andy or visit the National Accordion Organisation website at www.accordions.com/nao and check the area festivals tab.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
February, 2019
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n NEWS
New homes ‘will make rat run worse’ PEOPLE who say their road is a commuter rat run say it will get worse if an application for 370 houses is approved. An appeal by Bovis Homes over its planned development off Gloucester Road is underway and due to run until the beginning in March. People living on nearby Crossways Lane held a demonstration over traffic levels in December and blame recent developments in the town for the increase in traffic. They say it’s mainly commuters using the lane as a rat run to head north out of Thornbury, instead of using the A38. They are concerned that if the Bovis homes are built, families with children will use the road to take them to Crossways School. Campaigner Gerry Pitman said: “I’ve been calculating what would happen if Bovis went ahead and, in all honesty, it is
likely to exacerbate the traffic problem on the lane. Residents of the new estate would probably use Crossways Lane if they wanted to get to Morton Way to take their children to Crossways school, for example. I’ll be going to the inquiry to make this point. “This whole problem stems from the fact that what was originally a recreational lane has turned into a commuter route, and the council have more or less indicated that this needs to stay open to accommodate the increased traffic from the town. “Over the years we have suggested a number of things, including modifying the junction at the Gloucester Road end, but it seems they won’t accept anything that may deter motorists from using it. They are still sticking to their policy of ‘calming not closing’.” A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said:
THE Princess Royal found out more about the work of Thornbury’s volunteer Citizens Advice workers in helping South Gloucestershire people. Princess Anne, who is the national patron of the charity, spoke to bureau advisers and some of their clients to get a sense of the positive difference the service can make to people’s lives. During her visit the Princess discussed the services used by local people and the challenges faced by the charity with general manager Chantal Watts and development manager Rebecca Brown. She also chatted to staff, volunteers, fundraisers and local supporters, showing an interest in local projects and the outreach service for nearby prisons. Chantal said: “The visit from the Princess was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the dedication of our team who work so hard making a real difference to the lives of South
Princess meets volunteer team
Campaigner Gerry Pitman says a planned new development will make traffic problems worse Crossways Lane “We are working with the local community to understand the current and future traffic issues in the area. “Surveys undertaken in 2018 in response to concerns raised by residents have not indicated any changes to traffic patterns that would warrant major alterations to Crossways Lane. “We will not prejudge the
outcome of the impending planning appeal for an undeveloped site and will continue to monitor the situation. “Further consideration will be given to consultation over the ‘Quiet Lanes’ scheme proposal included in the Council’s capital programme, once the planning appeal outcome is known.”
The Princess Royal meets CAB volunteer adviser Kate Holland. Also pictured (clockwise from left) are Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire chair Alan Hemingway, supervisor Samantha Edmunds, volunteer advisor Janet McBride and trustee Stephanie Tucker. Photo by Simon Caplan Gloucestershire residents”. Last year, Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire helped 4,361 local people with 16,364
individual problems. The Princess also spoke to Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire chair Alan
• Refurbishments • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Tiling • Interior & Exterior Decoration
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Hemingway, Thornbury mayor Shirley Holloway and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire Robert Bernays.
T: 0117 431 5132
M: 0797 390 5323
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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February, 2019
n NEWS
Council hands over land for affordable homes NEW affordable homes could be built on four sites in Thornbury. South Gloucestershire Council is looking to transfer three pieces of land on North Road and one in Hawthorn Crescent to a housing association. Many of the sites are open spaces next to homes owned by Merlin Housing Society. Building on them – a process known as infilling – would help meet South Gloucestershire’s target of providing 10,000 affordable homes over the next eight years. But not all will be suitable for building on – the council believes the 54 spaces it has earmarked will provide a total of 34 new homes between them. A council report on the 54 sites says seven of them are seen to have potential for development on the open market but their total area is relatively small, at 3,394 sq m or about eight tenths of an acre. The biggest group are sites
North Road in Thornbury (Google) which have limited value on their own but are next to land already owned by Merlin and could be combined with it to build homes. The 26 sites cover a total area of around 12,750 sq m – just over
COTSWOLD EDGE EVENTS PRESENT
ZOOT MONEY and trio
AT CHIPPING SODBURY BAPTIST CHURCH FRIDAY MAY 17TH
three acres. Another 21 sites are costing the council money to maintain and the report said they would benefit from being taken over by Merlin. Their total area is 6,177sq m – around one and a half acres. The council report says: “Not all sites will be capable of development. “Some sites, even once merged with Merlin’s adjoining land, will not be viable for Merlin to develop, but could provide for self-build plots for disposal on the open market, with the capital receipt then reinvested.” It recognised that Merlin “would be taking a degree of risk” if it took on the sites, as it would still need to gain planning permission for any building schemes. The council’s target is to build 28,000 homes by 2027,
of which just over 10,000 should be classed as affordable – either available to rent below market rates or through shared ownership schemes. Cabinet councillor Rob Creer, who approved the transfer, said: “We’ve been working with Merlin to tidy up issues over land ownership and maintenance for a number of small sites, resulting in this positive outcome that will generate an estimated 34 residential units.” “These will be a mix of single build plots, self-build and affordable housing. The transfer will help us keep our own costs down and will protect us from future maintenance expenses as the housing association will be taking on the sites at their own risk.”
Nominate your community hero
To book tickets visit www.cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk Contact: T. 07733 898762 E. contact@cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk
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PEOPLE are being asked to nominate unpaid volunteers and community groups to be recognised for the contribution they’ve made to South Gloucestershire. The South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s Community Awards ceremony takes place in April, and nominations are open until February 28. Previous winners include charity fundraisers, local football club managers, sports coaches, and arts festival organisers. Nominations can be made online at bit.ly/2W5hr4y. Anyone not online can call 01454 863019 for more information. Any supporting documents or printed forms can be sent to: Member Services, Community Awards, South Gloucestershire Council, Chief Executive & Corporate Resources Department, PO Box 1953, Bristol, BS37 0DB.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
February, 2019
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n NEWS A ROGUE trader who dumped sacks of rubbish in the countryside near Thornbury has been told to pay almost £1,500 in fines and costs. Geoffrey Ferris was convicted of fly tipping in Hacket Lane near the town and at another site near Iron Action, after being paid by householders to dispose of it. The 35-year-old, of Orchard Close, Yate, was also found guilty of carrying waste without being registered. He admitted offences relating to both incidents, which took place last year. The case was brought by South Gloucestershire Council’s environmental protection team, who found that Ferris had removed the household waste as a business transaction. Evidence linked it to addresses in Cromhall and Yate. Ferris was fined £400 for each fly-tip, £200 for the other licensing offence and ordered to pay £485 in costs, totalling £1,485. The council has warned fly tippers it will always take them to court rather than issuing fixed
£1,500 fine over rubbish dumped in country lane penalty notices. Cabinet member for communities and tourism Paul Hughes said: “Statistics show that anyone fly-tipping in South Gloucestershire is five times more likely to be successfully prosecuted than anywhere else in the country, and our awardwinning envirocrime team have a 100 per cent record of securing successful prosecutions for this type of offence. “These are two different examples that again highlight why there is no excuse for this type of behaviour. Flytipping is an issue that affects our communities and local environment and this activity will not be tolerated in South Gloucestershire.” Legitimate firms will have a registration certificate.
Rubbish dumped at Hacket Lane near Thornbury by rogue trader Geoffrey Ferris Anyone who sees illegal fly-tipping is encouraged to report it via email to
streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or by contacting the Street Care helpdesk on 01454 868000.
Maintenance & Ad Hoc Support Cyber Security Systems & Network Infrastructure Automated Backups Disaster Recovery Managed Services & Private Cloud Wi Fi, Cabling & IP Cameras
Your Local Business IT Specialists Orchard Computer Services
Melford House 6 Oaklands Business Park Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NA
Tel: 0800 091 32 52
www.orchard-computers.com To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS A FASCINATING insight into Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s illfated Antarctic Polar Expedition of 1910 was provided at Stroud Auction Rooms' January sale. Items from the expedition were consigned by direct descendants of Thomas Newland Rosser (1857-1935), dock master at Bute Docks. Captain Rosser hosted Scott and the Terra Nova before the expedition set off for Antarctica. Most of these items easily made the 25 highest selling lots, with an Adelie penguin egg in a glazed mahogany case, which had been presented to Captain Rosser, topping the list at £9,000. A signed menu from a complimentary dinner for Captain Scott and the officers of the Terra Nova at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, on June 13, 1910 (two days before sailing), sold for £5,100, while a typed and handwritten receipt addressed to Captain Rosser for £2 2s 0d, signed by Scott in original Expedition envelope with postmark for Cardiff 1910 (£3,500). A full set of Beatles
thornburyvoice
February, 2019
Captain Scott and Beatles memories under the hammer autographs proved popular with collectors and eventually went under the hammer for £3,600. The signatures were obtained by the receptionist at the Castle Hotel, Taunton, on September 5, 1963. The Beatles were staying there after a performance at Taunton's Gaumont Theatre and their signatures are on the hotel's headed notepaper. The increasing interest in vinyl saw a copy of the Beatles' Please Please Me album, with black and gold label and Northern Songs credit, sell for £1,900, while a copy of Dr Z’s 1971 prog rock album Three Parts To My Soul sold for £900. Stamps continue to be sought-after and a Stanley Gibbons red crown album for George VI Commonwealth stamps, together with complete
mint Royal Silver Wedding and UPC mint omnibus sets, made £3,100. The next auction will be on February 6 and 7, when specialist sections will include guns and weapons, medals and militaria, sporting, taxidermy, toys, scientific instruments, weights and scales, cameras and binoculars. Viewing will be on Tuesday, February 5 (10am7pm) and from 9am on sale days. Free valuation sessions are every Friday (9am-5pm) and Saturday (9am-12.30pm). For information about any aspect of buying or selling with Stroud Auction Rooms ring 01453 873800, email info@stroudauctions.com or visit the website www. stroudauctions.co.uk.
This penguin egg presented for assisting Scott's Antarctic expedition sold for £9,000
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on
March 6th , 7th & 8th Including specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches, clocks, coins, textiles
Jewellery
Wristwatches
Contact Alexandra Bowkett (DGA, FGA) Contact Stuart Maule An Art Deco ring set Art Deco 18ct gold A pair of Rolex watches . with an emerald ring set with Sold for £8000 and diamonds. three oval cut sapphires. Sold for £5,100 Sold for £1200 FREE valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph for an instant valuation to info@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
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
February, 2019
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n WHAT'S ON IN OUR AREA February 1 n Cotswold Edge Events presents Paul Jones and Dave Kelly. Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Friday 1 February 2019 7.30pm. Tickets from: www. cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk February 3 n National Garden Scheme Open Garden event at Rock House, Elberton BS35 4AQ. Two acre garden with woodland views, snowdrops and daffodils. Opens between 11am and 4pm. Admission £3.50 for adults, children free. Limited wheelchair access. Visits also by arrangement for groups of up to 10. Call 01454 413225 for more details. Also open on February 10. February 12 n Eastwood Gardeners' Club Illustrated talk on 'Serre de la Madone' with Duncan Coombs Cossham Hall, Thornbury Tuesday February 12th, 7pm February 12 n ‘The Andrew Hook Memorial Meeting (incorporating The Bristol Group Annual Meeting): The Great Western Society Today’ presented by Richard Antliff. BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, BRISTOL, BS34 7RG Tuesday 12th February 7 :30 for 7:45 pm. The meeting is open to all and there is no admission charge, but a suggested donation of £3 to help defray expenses is appreciated. Contact: Dave Winter 01454 324230. February 24 n St. Mary's Church Sunday
Afternoon Concert at 4pm. The well known Castle School 'Steel Storm' band will be playing. This Band is celebrating 25 years in existence this year with Gill Holmes at the helm - a very important part of the music scene in Thornbury. Entry is free but donations are welcome. Tea and refreshments will be served after the concert. February 27 n Alveston Local History Group. John Penny will be speaking on the subject of 'Defending Bristol in Napoleonic Times' At Alveston Methodist Church, Greenhill at 7-30 pm. Visitors welcome £2.50 at the door. February 27 n Zumbathon by Zumba Gold group, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society and Contact the Elderly, at Thornbury Leisure Centre. The group, which has participants from 55 to 85 years old, is seeking donations for this fundraising event. Visit bit. ly/2W7NdOu online to donate. February 28 n Avon Organic Group invites local gardeners and growers to join in our Seed Swap with Short Talk - “Fermenting your Veggies: a traditional preserving method” (AGM follows). 7pm, The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. £5, incl.refreshments. www. groworganicbristol.org March 1 n Rotary Club Swimarathon 2019 at Thornbury Leisure Centre. Teams of up to six swimmers who can
swim 25 metres are needed for this swimming challenge on the evenings of Friday 1 to Sunday 3 March, to raise funds for BRACE (Alzheimer’s research) and South Gloucestershire Young Carers. Other good causes will also benefit. For more information visit www. thornburyrotary.org or you can contact organiser Stuart Hill via swimarathon@thornburyrotary.org. March 8 n St Peters Hospice Severnside Support Group annual quiz. Armstrong Hall, 7.15p.m. Tables of four, to include a light supper, £30 per table. Raffle and bar. More information from Mary on 01454 412567. March 8 n Thornbury Picture House in association with More2Screen screening of Lady Windermere's Fan by Classic Spring Theatre company, directed by Kathy Burke, filmed at the Vaudeville Theatre. Cossham Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (£8 for over 65 or under 18) available from Thornbury Town Hall. Call 01454 412272 or visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org for more details. March 9 n 7pm, St Mary's Church Olveston BS35 4BZ. Tickets £7:50 and £5.00 for under 16's.Available from members of Thornbury Inner Wheel or thornburyiw@gmail. com Charity concert featuring Fascinating Rhythm and JFR their junior chorus, organised by Thornbury Inner Wheel in aid of Crohn's and Colitis UK.
March 22 n Thornbury and District Cancer Research UK Committee quiz night at Manorbrook Primary School, Thornbury, 7.15pm. Tickets £10 per person which includes fish and chip supper. Licensed bar and raffle. Tickets from Gill Blackborough on 0786 658 0608 or any committee member.
REGULAR EVENTS Free Community Learning Courses
n Starting soon in Thornbury: Scrapbooking for Wellbeing. Turnberries in Thornbury. Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm. n Torn Paper Collage for Wellbeing: Turnberries Thornbury Wednesdays12.30-2.30pm. For more information or to reserve a place on these courses or other courses available throughout South Gloucestershire Please contact Jane Thomas, Community Learning Development Worker Tel: 07860 181352 Mob: 01454 864687 Email: jane.thomas2@southglos. gov.uk
The Art Appreciation Society
We meet in the Town Hall in Chipping Sodbury on the third Monday of each month. Monday n 7.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall World Dance 7-10pm
What's on at Thornbury Library Opening Times Monday 9.30 - 17.30 Wednesday 9.30 - 17.30 Thursday 9.30 - 17.30 Friday 9.30 - 17.30 Saturday 9:30 –12:30 Like us on facebook www.Facebook.Com/ sgloslibraries Follow us on twitter @ southgloslibs Storytime and Rhymetime for babies and pre-schoolers (Term Time Only) Storytime Mondays 2pm – 2.30pm. Rhymetime Fridays 10.30am -11.00am. It’s a great way to meet other local parents, new faces are always welcome – and it’s FREE! No booking required, just turn up –
we look forward to seeing you! FREE Holiday Craft Session for Children Drop in anytime between 11 and 12 noon on Monday February 18 for free family fun, aimed at primary school aged children. Adult supervision required.
Craft & Chat. First Thursday of the month 2pm – 4pm. A chance for people who love crafting to get together and share inspiration. No charge and no booking required. Just turn up and bring your craft project with you. New faces welcome!
Sight Loss – Information, Advice and Support. First Thursday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm Vision West of England are offering information, advice and support to anyone living with sight loss. If you, or anyone you know would like more information on services for people with sight loss, then drop in any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Thursday 7th February.
Computer Support Volunteers Drop-in without an appointment on Monday mornings 10-12 to see Mike, our computer volunteer who can help with quick enquiries. If you need more intensive support, book in to see our computer volunteer Chris on Thursday mornings at 9.30, 10.30 or 11.30. Sessions with Chris must be booked in advance – enquire
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
in person at Thornbury Library or email thornbury.library@ southglos.gov.uk. Free e-magazines with your library card! Over 100 different titles to choose from, including BBC Good Food, Amateur Photographer, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Homes & Gardens, Hello!, Vogue and Total Film. Checkout as many editions as you like and download or stream them to your tablet, smartphone, PC or laptop. To find out more information visit: www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries and select “Library e-resources” or ask at the library. in person at Thornbury Library or email thornbury.library@ southglos.gov.uk.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA n Belly Dance classes Beginners 7.00pm, Improvers 8.00pm, Methodist Church Hall (upstairs) with Anna 07971234236 or bristolbellydance@yahoo.co.uk term time only Tuesday n 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Armstrong Hall - Excell Room Recycled Teenagers Lunch Club n 8pm Yoga-Lattes at Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com n 6pm Zumba at Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com n 7pm Zumba Toning at Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com n Sunbeams toddler and parent group Thornbury Methodist church hall Every Tuesday 1.15pm to 2.45pm in term time Time and space to share themed activities with your children ( 0 to 4 years) Contact janet_mann@ hotmail.com or margaretcrocombe60@gmail. com n Thornbirds, Thornbury W.I. meet on the third Tuesday of every month, 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Thornbury. We are a friendly group offering a range of speakers over the year as well as well as a variety of social activities. Visitors are always welcome so why not come along and find out about our programme for 2019. n Ladies Shiatsu Massage Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm. Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your treatment session.
thornburyvoice
n Get Singing. A community choir for anyone who loves singing. All abilities welcome. See www.getsinging.co.uk for more information. Turnberries, Thornbury. Tuesday 7.30 - 9.00pm (term time only). Wednesday n 2.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall Tea Dance 01454 412060 n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall, Committee Room Lip Reading Classes n Wednesdays Bellydance Classes with Sacha from 7.30pm . Contact Sacha on 07971 578151 or email sachabellydance@yahoo.co.uk for full details. Ridgewood Community Association, Yate BS37 4AF n Growing Ideas Garden Club meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month from September to June (with a break at Christmas) in the Watkins Room in the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury. Annual Subs are £15.00 and visitors pay £3. We have a varied programme of speakers and the occasional workshop and a trip during the summer to gardens or a place of gardening interest. We support Sodbury in Bloom. We are a friendly club and by no means all expert gardeners. We enjoy sharing what knowledge we do have and welcome visitors to any of our meetings. If anyone is interested in joining or just finding out about our club they are welcome to come to a meeting or phone Naomi Gathercole on 01454 314476. Thursday n 8.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Ceroc Dance n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus. We welcome visitors for a no obligation taster session. We rehearse at the dance studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every
February, 2019
Thursday evening 7.30pm 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532. n Stokes Singers, a mixed voice community choir meet every Thursday during term time at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway BS34 5LP from 7.30 to 9.30pm. New members are welcome to try their first 2 rehearsals free of charge. For more information go to www. stokessingers.org.uk or phone Membership Secretary Liz on 01454 614148 n If you are interested in learning about the arts, in its widest sense, why not join The Arts Society Severn Valley. We meet 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm for 7-30pm start, at Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Lane ~Bradley Stoke.. In addition to the lecture programme, we arrange Days of Special Interest which examine facets of the arts in greater detail, as well as visits to art galleries, museums and gardens plus trips abroad. Full details can be found on our website www. svdfas.co.uk. So come along, have a cup of coffee, enjoy the lecture and, perhaps, do some shopping in this lovely market town. Visitors are charged £6 so, if you would like to “try before you buy”, please e-mail memb@svdfas.co.uk
weekly, 5km run or walk, organised entirely by volunteers and taking place every Saturday at 9am on the Mundy Playing Fields. Register once, print your barcode and just turn up. See www.parkrun.org.uk/ thornbury
Friday n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Committee Room Canasta Club n Alveston: Marlwood School Marlwood Folk Companions 7:45 – 9:15pm (term time only). 01454 414365 Peter.sumner@ btopenworld.com n1.30pm Zumba Gold at Thornbury Leisure Centre
Sunbeam Toddler Group
Saturday n 10am STRONG by Zumba at the New Sports Complex, Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com n Thornbury parkrun is a free,
Sunday n Thornbury Ramblers walk. See www.thornburyramblers.org.uk for details, or ring 01454 413924 n 10.30am Zumba at the New Sports Complex, Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com
Parish's House
n Hook Hill, Timsbury, Bath BA2 0ND. 8-acre garden surrounding Regency house (not open) with beautiful views across open countryside. Lawns sweep down to ha-ha. Colour themed herbaceous and shrub borders. Elegant water feature. Arboretum of specimen trees and more recently planted acer glade. New woodland walk taking you from native British woodland to more exotic woodland planting. Walled kitchen garden: vegetables, fan trained and cordoned fruit trees of significant age and cut flower beds. Parts of the garden are being developed so we invite you to share our vision, anticipation and excitement! n Sunbeam Toddler's Group is held in Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. Every Tuesday in school term time. 1.15pm - 2.45pm. It costs £2 a session per family and that includes family and that includes a drink and biscuit and tea or coffee for the 'grown ups'! For more details and to book a place please email janetmann@hotmail.com Tel: 07742455505 or email margaretcrocombe60@gmail.com or Tel: 01454 600471
L & J Gulwell
Family Funeral Directors 1 Quaker Lane, Thornbury Bristol BS35 2AD Tel: 01454 418779 Fax: 01454 419764 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
February, 2019
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n THORNBURY CLINIC
Sleep yourself healthy
Stephanie Francis is a Massage Therapist and Health Practitioner based at The Thornbury Clinic. She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 5 years and has practical experience in health coaching, health promotion and massage. LIKE many people, with the start of new year and thinking of the 'new me', I struggled to think of a New Year's resolution. Rather than give something up like chocolate, I have decided to add something to my life – sleep! The importance of sleep
is often underestimated and unappreciated. Sleep is one of the key ingredients to good health. Like food and water, humans cannot live without sleep. This is because there is a strong relationship between sleep and physical and mental health, and not getting enough sleep has a profound impact on our ability to function. While we sleep, our bodies go through a sleep-wake cycle. A typical sleep-wake cycle lasts 90 minutes, which involves four phases of sleep, including awake & resting, light, deep and REM sleep. All phases of a sleep-wake cycle are required; however, the two most important are deep sleep and REM. Deep sleep is where our body releases hormones to repair and build the body and REM sleep is where our system reboots our mental hard drive. Many lifestyle choices negatively influence our sleep-wake cycle and impact deep sleep and REM. Here are six areas
that can improve the sleep-wake cycle and include the steps I have taken to meet my New Years resolution: 1. Create an ideal sleep environment – Get rid of distractions in the bedroom such as noises, bright lights or warm temperatures. It is recommended that your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. 2. Stick to a sleep schedule – Try to go to bed each evening at the same time and limit the difference in the sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends. Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle. 3. Go to bed earlier – Start the evening time routine of turning off the TV, locking up the house and brushing your teeth 30-60 minutes earlier, as this will help you get to sleep sooner. 4. Avoid caffeine (and alcohol) in the afternoon and evenings – Caffeine and alcohol can rob you of deep sleep and REM sleep, keeping
you in the lighter stages of sleep. Worryingly, the effects of caffeine can take as long as 8 hours to leave your system. 5. Leave technology out of the bedroom– Devices with self-luminous electronic displays suppress the sleep hormone (melatonin), making it harder to fall asleep. 6. Have 60 minutes of gadgetfree time before bed – Rather than helping you relax, gadgets stimulate the brain with cognitive exercises and lead to additional information processing. This tricks your brain into thinking that it needs to stay awake, rather than switch off. Along with nutrition and exercise, good sleep is one of the pillars of health. To be the best you, you need to prioritise sleep and give your mind and body a chance to unwind and reset for the next day. It will also help you to recover quickly if you are adding in exercise to the “new you” routine!
4 Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HB
Facilitating Recovery, Preventing Injury
Treatments we offer include: Sports injury treatment Injury assessment & treatment Sports massage • Relaxation massage Pregancy massage • Clinical Psychology
Tel: 01454 838 366
info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk www.thethornburyclinic.co.uk
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
FREE day trips for the over fifties If you are over fifty and want to discover exciting new attractions as well as meet new people, then SGS College has the course for you. Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English or maths at the same time. The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you. Booking is essential, as there are a limited number of places.
Locations and dates available: • Tate Britain Gallery – 23rd/24th March – English course • Exeter Food and Drink Festival – 4th/5th May – Maths course • Malvern Spring Festival – 11th/12th May – Maths course For further information and to book your place please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327
FREE COURSE AND DAY TRIP
50+ W OF L EEKEN D EAR DISC NING, OVE AND R TRA Y VEL
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February, 2019
21
n NEWS
King Arthur is coming to Thornbury Tockington’s THORNBURY’S award winning musical theatre group is about to stage the premiere of its new pantomime. Based on the legends of Camelot, King Arthur The Pantomime has been written by group member Richard Prior. Audiences are promised fantastic characters, catchy songs and some panto-style participation. The panto will see Arthur’s love for Lady Guinevere take him on a dangerous journey and an encounter with the villainous Mordred and his wicked mother, Morgan Le Fey. The legendary king and wizard Merlin will also face challenges on the quest for the Holy Grail. Performances run from Wednesday to Saturday, February 20-23, at 7.30pm, at the Armstrong Hall. Matinees are at 2.30pm on the Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost from £10.50 and
alive with the Sound of Music
MUCH-loved musical comes to Tockington parish hall for the 60th anniversary of the Broadway show. Performed by the Olveston Parish Players, the story follows the adventures of the Von Trapp family, culminating in their attempt to escape the Nazi regime in wartime Austria. Opening night is Wednesday February 20 and performances run every evening until Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults, £7 for children, and premium tickets are £12. They are available from the box office on 01454 202011.
Members of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group rehearse for this month’s production of King Arthur The Pantomime are bookable online at www. tmtg.org.uk with no booking fee. Family tickets £40. They can also be bought at the box office, based at Lisa Costa
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February, 2019
n LOCAL MP
Working as a community to back local schools
Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice
AS someone who was educated in South Gloucestershire’s state schools, I know that through our local education system, opportunity is widened, and our children are equipped for the world of work, taught to think critically, and prepared for the challenges ahead that life can bring. That’s why I have consistently campaigned for the introduction of the national schools funding formula. This new formula focuses upon the characteristics and pupil-led factors of each school. The old system was unfair and nontransparent. This new formula is already benefiting us here; we saw the 13th largest increase out of the 157 areas in England – a 5.5% rise in funding, or an extra £8 million for our schools in South Gloucestershire. And I was delighted that, after pressing Ministers in December, a further
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£800,000 was provided to support special educational needs right here. Locally, our area is showing ambition and vision on supporting those with the most complex needs. £10 million extra is being spent in quality Special Educational Needs places, reducing the amount of vulnerable families who have to make a decision about whether to send their children with specific needs across the country because we don’t have the specialist support in South Gloucestershire. Whilst the new way our schools are funded is making a difference, with above inflation increase into our schools, we need to make sure we are not left behind. That is why I have reached out to primary and secondary head teachers across our area to ask them to help me make the case for how any extra funding will be put directly towards driving
up standards and encouraging achievement for our children. Improving progress levels and standards is the goal for young people in our schools, not spending more of your money to achieve the same ends. With schools such as the Castle School, Yate International Academy, and Watermore Primary taking spots in the top third of schools in England, outstanding education across our community can and is being delivered. As your MP I will continue to support this important issue – working alongside teachers, PTAs and our council to make the case in Government for improving standards and outcomes in South Gloucestershire schools, to ensure that each and every child has the best chance of thriving in our education system.
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February, 2019
23
n INTERCHANGE BLOG
Get fit, stay fit MANY people start the year with grand plans of getting fit and shedding the extra pounds, but by early February those goals are often slipping away as we fall back into bad habits. If you’re one of the estimated six million people in the UK who don’t get any exercise, how do you even begin to get started? The Interchange spoke to a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness, Milena Opolska, who is based at the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke, for her advice on sticking to those fitness goals. Here are her tips. Start slowly: There’s no need to be in the gym for hours at a time to start with – begin with just 20 minutes and slowly build up as you get fitter. Overtraining can cause injuries and will put you off before you’ve even started. Set realistic goals: If you’ve never done any running before, don’t assume you’ll be able to be on the start line of this year’s London Marathon; sign up for a 5k instead. Or perhaps set yourself a target of rowing or cycling a set distance using the gym equipment. Remember to reward yourself when you reach your goal. Find a fun activity: The people
who get the best results are those who enjoy what they do. It may sound obvious but if you know you hate running but love swimming, don’t start your fitness journey with a run! Ask for help: If you’re unsure about anything; don’t struggle on by yourself. Fitness instructors or personal trainers can give you advice if you want to try something new or if you’re having a wobble and can’t see any improvement. They’re also great for support and encouragement. Consistency is key: You need to make fitness a habit in your new life and this can take a few weeks to get established. Go to the gym on the same day each week or at the same time of day. Follow the same programme for at least the first few weeks before branching out and trying something new.
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n NEWS
February, 2019
Bid to break health centre ‘impasse’ SOUTH Gloucestershire Council could speed the slow progress of plans to redevelop Thornbury’s health centre and hospital by buying both sites, it has been claimed. Councillor Matthew Riddle’s suggestion was welcomed by health chiefs, who said they remained absolutely committed to taking the project forward. Speaking at a health scrutiny committee meeting, Cllr Riddle (Con, Severn) said: “Local residents were sold the idea of the closure of Frenchay Hospital with the promise of better and more extensive facilities in Thornbury. Frenchay has closed but residents of Thornbury and the surrounding area are still waiting for those better facilities. “I’m glad you’re working to get through the impasse. I would like to suggest another way through: for the council to buy the land, for a fair price.” The council agreed last year to lead the hospital project but
there are complications, one of which is that the health centre is owned by the North Bristol NHS Trust and the hospital is owned by NHS Property Services. Cllr Riddle said buying both sites and renting them back to the NHS could overcome the obstacle. He added: “There have been so many false starts. We now have a completed technical study showing what’s needed, and the evidence to back it up.” Jon Shaw, the council’s head of commissioning, partnerships and performance, said buying the land was one idea officers were considering. Maggie Tyrrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury South & Alveston) said: “What we don’t want is to spend the next 18 months with the council faffing around to work out if we can afford it. This has to be done quickly.” The area’s clinical commissioning group, which is in charge of planning NHS
Councillors Matthew Riddle and David Chubb want South Gloucestershire Council to buy the site of Thornbury Health Centre. services, has said it needs 50 rehabilitation beds at Frenchay and six to 10 ‘step-up’ rehab beds in Thornbury, as well as redeveloping the town’s health centre. Councillors were told the council believes 50 to 80 extra care beds on each site are needed, plus 72 nursing care beds across both. Sue Hope (Lib Dem, Cotswold Edge) said: “We were promised a centre of excellence. We
promised extensive services in Thornbury. They are disappearing. “What I’m seeing is a great diminishing of what we were promised all those years ago.” Commissioning group South Gloucestershire area director David Jarrett and trust head of capital planning Tricia Down both said their organisations were committed to the hospital project.
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February, 2019
25
n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM WITH plans afoot to redevelop Armstrong Hall, we take a look at the history of this Thornbury venue. OUR photograph shows Frank D. Armstrong – the man Armstrong Hall was named after – officially opening it on September 8, 1972. But how did it come to be built and why does it bear his name? It was as early as 1960 that the parish council began to consider the possibility of making additions in the Cossham Hall. In 1963, negotiations began with the owners of the property on the corner of Chapel Street and High Street but these fell through. In 1965, a public meeting authorised the council to raise a loan of up to £4,750 for the purchase of 2 Chapel Street, which adjoined the Cossham Hall and had a large garden. A further £5,000 was to be allowed for improvements to the Cossham Hall. Much of the work on the inside of the hall was done by volunteers in a community effort. Members of local amateur dramatic and operatic societies, led by Keith Sullivan and George Excell,
History of the Armstrong Hall designed and installed the stage lighting. The Gazette of July 1 1972 said the council was going all out to raise £5,000 in 30 days: if this target could be reached within the time scale, the sum collected would be doubled by an anonymous donor. The aim of the appeal was to furnish the building which was due to be completed that September at a cost of £52,000. The anonymous donor turned out to be Frank D Armstrong, who had been a magistrate in Thornbury for 27 years, latterly as chairman. He donated £13,000 from a family trust and paid for the amplifying equipment. It was decided that the hall should be named in his honour. Armstrong was a local businessman who was born in the Llandudno area in 1900 and founded the Ribena company. According to Bristol University, the blackcurrant cordial was invented in 1936 by a Bristol scientist, Dr Vernon Charley, who was working at the Long Ashton Agriculture and Horticulture Research Station. It provided an
The Armstrong Hall opening ceremony in 1972. From left; Philip Cooper (architect), Stephen Barnwell (parish council), Frank Armstrong, Mrs Barnwell, Joan Cox (chair of the Armstrong Hall Committee) and Miss Armstrong, representing the Armstrong Trust. important alternative source of vitamin C during the war years, when oranges were in scarce supply, and was produced for free distribution to children by the Ministry of Food. Armstrong appears to have been part of the Bristol based company, HW Carter,
which produced the drink. The Armstrong family founded the Armstrong Trust, which gives grants to charities, benefiting for the most part children’s charities, mainly in Dorset and the former county of Avon. Armstrong died in July 1993, aged 92.
Music and theatre to help Armstrong Hall MUSIC, theatre and a lecture are being staged to help raise funds for the redevelopment of Armstrong Hall. The Armstrong Arts Group has announced a series of events, starting with a lecture titled Women in Art by Lynne Gibson on April 13 at the nextdoor Cossham Hall. Folk group MoMacnMe also play Cossham Hall on June 8, while Bristol Old Vic Theatre School will perform the Canterbury Tales on June 28. Professional actor-pianist Michael Lunts will perform Roll Over Beethoven on September 28, at a venue to be announced. For more information call 01454 412272.
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n NEWS MORE than 1,400 people have backed a campaign to stop 500 trees and more than two miles of hedgerow being cut down to make way for a flood defence scheme. Campaigner Lisa Pretland, who launched the petition, said the loss of the vegetation between the two Severn crossings would be “devastating” and is unnecessary because the bank could be raised removing them. The work is meant to help unlock the potential of the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area. Project leaders South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the Environment Agency say raising the bank between New Passage and Aust is the only option. They say the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding and create a wetland habitat to protect the internationally important habitats and species of the Severn Estuary. Ms Pretland says the trees are “magnificent” and can be seen from Wales on the skyline.
February, 2019
Campaign launched against “devastating” flood defence scheme She added: “The trees and hedgerow have been there since the 1980s. They form a significant coastal pathway feature. They are full of life, housing rare birds and bats and act as a perch for hunting birds such as kestrels, owls and buzzards.” “We’ve achieved a tree protection order on the trees – a big win in the interim, but this is not enough to save them completely. “We need this petition signed so the council understand the strength of feeling.” In a joint statement, the two councils and Environment Agency said the loss of the trees was regrettable but they were reaching the end of their lifetimes and will be replaced. They said that “the least harmful option has been selected, taking into consideration all of the
practical, policy and delivery constraints presented”. They said: “We are working alongside ecological experts to ensure a thriving environment will be established in the area for people and wildlife to last the rest of this century and beyond. “From an ecological perspective, we are creating at least 80 hectares of new wetland habitat to help protect the internationally important bird species that live on the Severn Estuary.” The flood defences are intended to help to encourage businesses to invest in the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area, helping to support the creation of 12,000 new jobs by 2026. They will also reduce the flood risk to 2,500 homes and businesses. The petition can be viewed online at bit.ly/2Hf3oG3.
Nature lover Lisa Pretland says Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti is backing her campaign.
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SOUTH Gloucestershire Council lost more from parking enforcement than almost anywhere else in the country last year – but all three of its political parties stand by the policy. Figures from the Office for National Statistics, analysed by the Reach Data Unit, show the authority spent £1.1million in 2017/18 and got an income of £715,000 from charges – a loss of £382,000. In contrast, its neighbouring authorities spent more and got more in return. Bristol City Council made £9.5m and B&NES made a profit of £7.8m. Only three other councils had a bigger deficit. But council leader Toby Savage said: “I am proud that South Gloucestershire continues to be one of the few remaining places in the country that supports its high streets with free parking.” The council’s Lib Dem and Labour groups have also pledged their support for continuing the free parking policy. A council spokesman said any introduction of charges would require a political decision. He confirmed that no formal studies have been carried out into how much the authority could bring in if it charged the same amount as other councils. The £1.1million expenditure is on enforcement officers, appeals team, camera cars, corporate overheads, regulation signs and lining, and cleaning and maintenance of car parks. Income comes from penalty charge notices from on-street parking fines and bus lane enforcement. Clare Miller/Reach Data Unit.
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February, 2019
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n NEWS
Driver injured after stone thrown at lorry A LORRY driver has been injured after a stone or a brick was apparently thrown at his windscreen. The driver, a man in his 30s, needed hospital treatment after
the windscreen shattered and pieces of glass cut his face. The incident happened on December 12 at 7.30pm, as the lorry was travelling along Midland Way near the
Gist warehouse on its way to Thornbury. Avon and Somerset police have called for anyone in the area that night who saw anything suspicious to contact them on
101 quoting crime reference number 5218 275 040. Information can also be given online via the police website or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Volunteers needed FRIENDLY volunteers with an interest in gardening and supporting people are wanted by the organisation Growing Support. They will be helping older people, some of whom have dementia, with gardening activities, working alongside an expert social and therapeutic horticulture facilitator. Training will be provided. SHEILING School is looking for governors, who will have the chance to make a real difference to the education and care of young people with special educational needs, as well as having a valuable opportunity to apply and develop skills at board-level. The school is rated Good by Ofsted and based on the principles of Steiner / Waldorf education. AS the new season gets underway, Slimbridge WWT has a variety of volunteer roles to suit all ages, abilities and experience. People are needed to help repair and maintain the site, to help organise and catalogue digital content and enhance the grounds. Slimbridge WWT also needs volunteers for its supporter and weekend visitor services teams. For further information about any of these roles call Thornbury Volunteer Centre on 01454 413392 or email mail@ volunteer-thornbury.co.uk.
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n SPORT
February, 2019
Awards bring tennis players in from cold THORNBURY Tennis Club is looking forward to the warmer weather after a chilly American tournament that ended with the club’s annual awards ceremony. A total of 24 players took part in the tournament and were arranged in mixed doubles pairs. Each pair played three sets, with each set being eight games long. The winners on the day were Malcolm Worster and Megan O’Connor. Malcolm had a phenomenal result, winning all 32 games played. He humbly credited his success to his playing partners. Megan claimed the ladies title, beating Linda Mantle and Qian Huen by one game. The end of season awards saw some new faces claiming the award for their hard work and achievements thought out the year. Nick Mason was awarded the Adult Ambassador’s award. Nick is the Men’s Summer and Late Summer captain of the Avon LTA league. He also started the Tie Break Tens tournament at the club. The Junior Ambassador award was given to Dan Beddoes. Dan has been a member of the club for many years and has grown into a role model to all his peers.. He has represented the club in both Junior League matches and the Adult leagues, and he is set
The players who took part in Thornbury Tennis Club's American tournament. to compete in this season’s adult summer league. Freddie Savage was named Men’s Player of the Season. Freddie was a key player in the 2nds team which successfully gained promotion at the end of 2018. The award for Ladies Player of the Season was jointly presented to Sarah Hurley and Jo Hargreaves. Both were key players in the Ladies first team, which gained promotion at
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the end of the season. As a playing pair they achieved great success in the Summer league, coming second overall in the whole Avon LTA Summer league. New members of all ages and abilities are always welcome to join the club and you can find out more information about membership and events on the club website www.thornburytennisclub.co.uk or email thornburytennisclub@gmail.com.
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February, 2019
29
n SPORT
Rollicking good run for Thornbury
THORNBURY Running Club welcomed 500 competitors to the first of its three big races of the year, the Riverbank Rollick. The expanded field of runners was possible after the race HQ was moved to Castle School for the first time. The course length was increased to almost 10 miles, but still retained the original route, which included wet trails, slippery slopes, stream crossing and the arduous slog along the bank of the River Severn, where strong headwinds are guaranteed. Weston AC’s Kieron Summers was a clear winner in the men’s
race and was able to coast home in the last mile, with a winning time of 1 hour 3:06 mins. Chepstow Harriers’ Paul Murrin and Jon Carter enjoyed their day on this side of the bridge, taking second and third places respectively, securing Chepstow the men’s team prize. The women’s race was much more competitive and the top 3 were separated by less than a minute. Vicky Tester from Westbury Harriers was able to pull away in the final stages to win in 1 hour 10:57 mins, from Weston’s Susan Duncan in second and Chepstow’s Niki Morgan in third. Westbury’s
Hannah Kinloch was the first Thornbury runner over the line in this year’s Riverbank Rollick
women won the team prize. The first Thornbury runner to cross the finish line was Hannah Kinloch, who was 7th overall in an excellent time of 1 hour 16:47 mins and capped her day by winning the 18-39 age category. More than £500 was raised for the running club’s 2019 charity, PHASE, a local teenage mental health charity.
Spectators were treated not only to the race, but also marshals in fancy dress. Ever since one of the marshals came dressed as Rupert the Bear a few years ago, the number of fancy dress outfits has grown. Mr Blobby’s status as ‘King of the Riverbank’ came under threat this year from Banana Man, Big Bird, Elvis and a Sumo Wrestler.
This marshal dressed as Elvis pointed the way for runners on the Riverbank Rollick.
Farewell to club stalwart THORNBURY RC started 2019 without one of their best known members. Recent chairman and head coach Craig Carscadden has moved to Cornwall to start a new job. As well as guiding a legion of Thornbury runners to new personal bests and chairing the committee, Craig was awarded an MBE in the most recent end of year honours list in recognition of his services to athletes with disabilities and to the Paralympics. Craig competed on the track in 5000m in 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta and coached athletes in 2000 and 2004 Games.
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Craig Carscadden receiving a leaving gift of a watch
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By Dave Fox Cullompton 5 - 8 Thornbury THORNBURY returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over a Cullompton side desperate for a win themselves, in an absorbing but scrappy game. Cullompton had endured a difficult season and found themselves deep in the relegation zone but had seen their performances and results improve recently, and given that Thornbury had only won once at Stafford Park before, a home win seemed a distinct possibility. With a low sun illuminating a heavy pitch, well-watered by a morning of rain, Cullompton kicked off and began the match much better than Thornbury. They dominated possession and territory and Thornbury couldn’t get their hands on the ball. The match had been underway nine minutes before Thornbury took play into the home half for the first time. Cullompton took the lead on eleven minutes when a quick pass
Thornbury happy to win ugly put wing Josh Luxon in at the corner flag. The conversion was missed but Cullompton’s 5-0 lead was well-deserved. Early in the second quarter Thornbury stole a Cullompton line-out and attacked in midfield, earning a penalty. Jake Wood stepped up and opened Thornbury’s account but half-time came with Cullompton 5-3 ahead. Thornbury looked a much more confident side at the start of the second half. They piled on the pressure deep in the home 22 and a try looked likely, but the Cullompton defence was up quickly and kept their line intact. Thornbury then earned a penalty and Jake Wood put the ball into the corner. The forwards secured the line-out and drove over the line for a try, with Sam Evans coming up with the ball. The conversion was a whisker wide but Thornbury were 8-5 ahead, a lead they would hang onto despite eight minutes of stoppage time.
Action from Thornbury's 8-5 win at Cullompton
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0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
SENIOR & SIXTH FORM OPEN MORNING Friday 1st March 2019
WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Monday 6th May 2019
Book your place online NOW
DISCOVER BADMINTON Day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18 “Top school in the South West” The Daily Telegraph and The Times’ GCSE league tables Holistic education in the heart of Bristol
Badminton is a Tax-Free Childcare provider: helping families access the best education for girls in our Junior School until age 11 Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries available
Be inspired, come and see Badminton for yourself.
admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk
0117 905 5271
badmintonschool.co.uk