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March, 2019 Issue 24 FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
Baby, we’re millionaires!
Julie’s death must not be in vain THE family of a nurse who died after her cancer was repeatedly missed are calling for a review to make sure others do not suffer her fate. PAGE 8
Head quits CASTLE School head teacher Peter Smart has resigned from his post in charge of the Thornbury school. PAGE 7
Protest leader A TEENAGER from Thornbury organised a 1,000-strong demonstration over climate change. PAGE 14
Photo: Huw John A THORNBURY couple who won £1 million on EuroMillions had to delay picking up their prize when their new baby decided to arrive. Andy Symes and Natalie Metcalf scooped the UK
Millionaire Maker prize in the lottery’s February 1 draw. They realised they had won the next day but, while out looking for a new house to spend the winnings on, Natalie went into labour. The couple, who also have a
two-year-old son, had just sold his pushchair, with a view to replacing it with a double buggy. Natalie, 37, said: “It’s so funny to think of now, but the couple who’d bought our Continued on page 3
Festival line-up THORNBURY Arts Festival has announced the line-up for its 50th anniversary this year. PAGE 24
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March, 2019
n NEWS
Barclays to close Thornbury branch THORNBURY’S branch of Barclays Bank is set to shut. The branch in the High Street will close in May, with the two staff likely to be offered jobs at other branches. Barclays says it has made the decision as eight out of ten customers of the branch are banking online or by phone. It is advising customers that they can use the Post Office for everyday transactions. The nearest remaining Barclays branch will be in Yate. But the town council has expressed “dismay” at the decision by one of the world’s biggest banks to leave the town and criticised it for failing to consult before announcing the closure. Thornbury mayor Shirley Holloway said: “Thornbury Town Council view the decision to close Barclays Bank branch in Thornbury with dismay. “They forsee considerable
The Barclays Bank branch in Thornbury High Street will close in May. difficulties for residents and customers of the bank and regret the lack of consultation before the decision was made.” Barclays Bristol, Somerset
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and Wiltshire community banking director Mark Hatcliffe said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices. At Barclays Thornbury branch, nearly eight out of ten branch customers [79%] are also using other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone. “We hope that the availability of our closest Barclays branch at Yate, which is open six days a week including Saturdays, and access to services at the Post Office including Thornbury, Tytherington and Olveston, along with our range of digital channels, will help to ease the transition for our customers.” The bank said it “did not take
the decision to close any branch lightly”. Customers were due to be sent a letter officially notifying them of the decision to close and were being encouraged to talk to staff in the branch about any concerns they might have. Before closing on May 24, Barclays was also due to “proactively engage” with local businesses over alternative banking arrangements and host ‘tea and teach’ digital banking sessions at the Thornbury branch. Asked about the future of staff at the branch, a Barclays spokesperson added: “We will be working with our colleagues on an individual basis with the intention of redeploying them to other branches.”
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March, 2019
3
n NEWS Continued from page 1 pushchair had paid in cash and I was dancing around the living room singing ‘We’re rich, we’re rich’ when Andy turned to me and said, very seriously, ‘Yes, yes, you are!’ and made me check the ticket. “We just couldn’t believe it. We downloaded the National Lottery app and scanned the ticket to double-check and that said we’d won too. We just didn’t know what to do though, so Andy ended up going to Tesco in Thornbury, where he’d bought the ticket, and they told him to call Camelot.” Andy said: “I came home and phoned Camelot straight away and they confirmed that we definitely had won £1m and that a winners’ advisor would come and see us to pay out the money at 10am on Tuesday.” Over the weekend the couple started to view properties, as they don’t currently own their home. But amidst the excitement, Natalie started having labour pains. Andy said: “As soon as Natalie went into labour, all thoughts of our win went completely out of our minds. We were totally focused on making sure that Natalie and the baby were OK, and it wasn’t until the baby was born and we were home that we had a moment to think ‘Wow! Has that really happened?’ and start making plans.” Baby Poppy was born just after midday on February 5, the day they had been due to see the winners' advisor. The appointment was hastily rearranged and with their £1m now safely in the bank, the couple have made some
Hold that £1m lotto prize – here comes the baby
Photo: Huw John EuroMillions Millionaire Maker winners Andy Symes and Natalie Metcalf celebrating their win spending plans. Natalie said: “We’d always joked that the only way we could ever afford to buy our own home was if we won the lottery. We didn’t know that that would prove to be true! “As well as the house, we’re also going to start planning our wedding. We’ve been engaged
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a perfect house to raise them in. “As well as feeling so happy about the safe arrival of our baby girl, we just feel so relaxed. We’ll be able to buy a home and not even have to worry about a mortgage. To not have to think about that additional cost every month is almost a second windfall in itself.”
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March, 2019
n NEWS
90 cannabis plants seized A SUSPECTED cannabis factory with 90 plants has been uncovered by police in a raid in Thornbury. Officers with a search warrant raided a property in Coln Square at about 4pm on February 7 and arrested a man in his 20s. He has since been released under investigation. An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: “Officers discovered what they believe is a cannabis farm. “A number of plants and equipment in the property will be seized. Officers and crime scene investigators remain at the property today.” Announcing the arrest on Twitter, Thornbury police officers said: “A big thanks to local residents for the intelligence given to police.”
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
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
Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Thornbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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March, 2019
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n NEWS A HIGH Court judge has ruled that 350 homes can be built in Thornbury, despite opposition from South Gloucestershire Council. The council refused planning permission for the 22-hectare Cleve Park site, east of Morton Way and north of Grovesend Road, in March 2017 – and then launched a judicial review when the Planning Inspectorate overruled its decision. The authority said Landform and Welbeck Strategic Land’s proposals would “compromise the vision” for Thornbury and be out of character. But its refusal was overruled by planning inspector Clive Hughes, who said he had given substantial weight to the benefits of new housing, jobs and an increased population. More than a third of the homes are classed as affordable housing – available for social rent or shared ownership schemes – under the plans, which also include a 70-bed care home and community and commercial facilities. The council said allowing the scheme would prejudice the West of England’s joint spatial plan, which is being drawn up to
Judge clears Cleve Park plans determine where 105,000 homes will be built up to 2036 and indicates that 500 new houses will be located to the east of Thornbury. In the High Court, the council questioned why Mr Hughes gave “little weight” to its argument that the application was premature and said his reasons were “inadequate”. But, ruling in favour of the inspector's decision, Mrs Justice Lang said: “There was not any real, as opposed to forensic, doubt as to what the inspector’s reasons were.” Welbeck senior partner Alistair Watson said he was “delighted” with the judge’s ruling, adding: “The only disappointment is the time it has taken to secure this permission and, bearing in mind our original application was supported by the council’s planning officers, I hope lessons can be learnt to avoid this situation recurring, particularly when the country is suffering from such a severe housing shortage.”
A plan of the Cleve Park development next to Morton Way in Thornbury A council spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that this particular decision has gone against us, however we will continue to work during this year
on an updated Local Plan that will allow us to direct how and where our communities grow and where they cannot.”
630-home plan is ‘detrimental’ to town THORNBURY Town Council has described as ‘detrimental’ a proposal from the developer Barwood Land for 630 homes and retail space at Park Farm. It claims that the design of the houses would mean an “unacceptable urbanization” of the countryside. The council says there is no infrastructure in place and
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“no coherent plans” to mitigate the pressure on schools, roads, health and community facilities in the town. It suggests that the information used by the applicant is out of date, because it refers to the town still having a hospital. The written objection says access to the town centre is poor, meaning that most people will
use their cars, putting pressure on an already-struggling road network. There is a proposed bus route, but the town council claims it is inadequate for the number of homes. Wildlife protection concerns were also raised. “We ensure that the proposals adequately address these matters from the outset and
that appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated into the development, and a full Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken, to ensure that any remaining impacts will be addressed.” People can comment on the planning application until March 7 by visiting bit.ly/2TRoE6A
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n NEWS
March, 2019
4,000 join call for Berkeley hunt ban A PETITION calling for an end to the Berkeley Hunt’s Boxing Day meet in Thornbury has been signed by almost 4,000 people. The petition has been initiated by the Severn Vale Hunt Saboteurs, who claim most local people are against the hunt and believe the traditional meeting in the centre of the town should be stopped. It calls on Thornbury Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council to ban the hunt from meeting in public places, including the town centre. A spokesperson for the group said: “We are aware that hunt meets attract a large crowd but we must remember that a recent Ipsos Mori poll revealed that 85% of the public are against fox hunting. We believe it is morally wrong for a hunt to advertise themselves publicly in our towns and villages.” Joint Master of the Berkeley Hunt Haydn Jones said: “During
the Boxing Day meet Thornbury High Street is packed from end to end, there are people everywhere. There are people from all walks of life and all ages, from the rich to the not so rich and every social background in between. If you talk to most people, they enjoy being there.” In their petition, published on the Change.org website, the saboteurs make claims of unlawful activity connected to the hunt. Hunting wild mammals with dogs was outlawed in 2005 but the law contains some exemptions. Mr Jones said: “We are aware of the legislation and we go out and determinedly aim to obey the law.” He added: “We appreciate the hospitality that Thornbury and Thornbury Town Council have given us, and we want to keep coming.” The two councils targeted by the petition have both said they
The Berkely Hunt meeting in Thornbury do not have powers over the staging of the meet. A town council spokesperson said: “Thornbury Town Council does not hold any legislative powers to either permit or prevent these events.” A South Gloucestershire
Council spokesperson said: “If a nuisance was caused to the public then it would be down to the police to consider if they use their powers to stop the gathering or move people on.” The online petition can be found at bit.ly/2EabGM6.
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March, 2019
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n NEWS
Radio station bids for FM licence THORNBURY’S community radio station is applying for a permanent FM broadcast licence. The broadcast regulator Ofcom got in touch last autumn to invite the directors of GLOSS FM, which is currently only able to broadcast online, to submit an application. Breakfast presenter Chris Criddle said: “After over eight years of robust discussions with the Government regulator Ofcom, it is high time that Thornbury had its voice back. “An FM broadcast licence would make our local radio service for Thornbury and district far more accessible for all, and we welcome this invitation to apply." GLOSS FM previously broadcast under Ofcom's restricted service licence regime. This allowed the station to have a maximum of two 28-day broadcasts a year in addition to its continuous online service. In 2011 it applied for a full FM licence and was rejected on
GLOSS FM Breakfast presenter Chris Criddle the grounds that there was "no suitable FM frequency available”. The station closed and did not reopen until 2017. It now broadcasts online from studios in Castle Street. Station director Glyn Roylance said: “Ofcom take six to twelve months to consider
Council ponders hospital plan SOUTH Gloucestershire Council will investigate whether it can buy the Thornbury health centre and hospital sites to make modernising services easier. The Voice reported last month that councillor Matthew Riddle had suggested the council could buy the two sites, which are currently owned by two different NHS bodies, to make negotiations over building new provision less complex. The council is the lead commissioner on the plans for the hospital redevelopment, which would include rehabilitation and care beds, and a new health centre. Council leader Toby Savage said: “It is important for the Council to take a creative approach in solving many of the issues presented to it and I am delighted that this suggestion by Matthew is now being strongly considered.” “As a council, we are determined to bring the curtain down on 30 years of failure on improving health services in Thornbury.” Mr Riddle said: “It is just down to the NHS to work collaboratively with the Council to offer a fair price for the two sites.” Safety fears at site: p13
applications, and we would have a two-year window to get on-air after a licence is awarded. “Obviously, we would aim to build on our current 24-hour-aday digital radio service and get on-air as soon as possible." Residents have been encouraged to show their
interest by completing a form on the radio station’s website, as the amount of local support is a factor considered by Ofcom when awarding licences. The form can be found online at bit.ly/2DDlhta.
Castle School head resigns PETER Smart has resigned from his role as head teacher at the Castle School in Thornbury. Parents received a letter on February 15 from Will Roberts, the chief executive of the Castle School Education Trust, which runs the school and six others in the area. Mr Smart had been a member of the leadership team at Castle School for 13 years, four of them as head, although during some of that time he led Winterbourne Academy on secondment as Interim Principal. In his letter to parents Mr Roberts said: “Mr Smart has now taken the decision to continue his career in a different educational setting. He has enjoyed his time at The Castle School immensely and is proud of the achievements of the school community. He would like to wish the students and staff the very best for the future.” Whilst the recruitment process for a new head is underway, Mr Roberts will take on the role of executive head teacher. Parents fix up school: P9
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n NEWS
March, 2019
Don’t let other women die like Julie THE family of a nurse who died after her cancer was repeatedly missed are calling for a review to make sure other people do not suffer her fate. Julie O’Connor, 49, who was an NHS nurse, died from cervical cancer at St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol on February 4. She had had a cervical smear test in 2014 which came back negative. This was followed by several referrals to Southmead Hospital over the next three years because of the symptoms she was experiencing. After the hospital repeatedly told her she did not have cancer, in 2017 she was diagnosed privately – but by then it was too late. Julie and her husband Kevin, from Thornbury, successfully sued the North Bristol NHS Trust for negligence. But they also wanted a wide-reaching review which might identify other women who, like Julie, had been missed during the diagnostic process.
The trust has now commissioned an independent investigation which should report back at the end of March. In a video recorded only days before Julie’s death, Kevin said: "What we’re looking for is a wider review into misdiagnosis and mistreatment to ensure this doesn’t happen to anybody else.” “Whilst North Bristol trust have accepted negligence, they need to look at the bigger picture now – are there more victims out there?” "There’s seriously fundamental failings within North Bristol Trust and their cervical cancer screening.” In the video, Julie said: "It's disgusting I have been suffering the way I have, and I continue to suffer." Jackie Linehan, of Enable Law, represented Julie in her negligence claim. She said: “Julie's concern was to ensure other women who may
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Julie O’Connor recorded a video to raise awareness about her case before her death have had false negative smear or biopsy results should be checked, to prevent a wider spread of their cervical cancer and to see if her case was a one-off or not. She also wished to remind women to attend their regular cervical cancer screening.” North Bristol NHS Trust Medical Director Dr Chris Burton said: “We are extremely sorry to hear that Mrs O’Connor has died; we have her family in
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March, 2019
9
n NEWS
Volunteer team helps repair Castle School A TEAM of 30 volunteers gave up a Saturday to help with repairs and maintenance at the Castle School site. By the end of the day they had painted four classrooms, repaired and painted half the front railings, fixed three rotten doors, steam cleaned two changing room floors, collected litter and strimmed path edges. There was such enthusiasm that the Castle School Friends association has planned two more events to finish the railings, and further DIY days are in the pipeline. An Amazon wish list which enables supporters of the Thornbury school to buy small items has sold out more than once. Staff in the science department got in touch with CSF to say they were “extremely grateful to get all this useful stuff,” adding: “It is really nice to know that there are parents and other CSF members who are prepared to help us out, and
it does make such a difference to us." Friends of Marlwood School in Alveston have also found the Amazon wish list idea to be a success, with parents recently buying four dressmaking mannequins, glue sticks, pencils, USB card readers, 64 pairs of scissors and a desk lamp. Both schools featured in the BBC 2 documentary School, which showed the daily struggles behind the scenes to balance the books. At Castle School, recent parent fundraising efforts include over £2,000 raised by a GoFundMe campaign, which will go to the Friends to support pupils with special educational needs. The wider community has also rallied round: Thornbury Round Table has donated £500 and the Swan Inn held a Valentine’s Day coffee morning which raised £300 and is donating proceeds from its
Volunteers painting gates at Castle School in Thornbury Wednesday quiz nights and coffee mornings throughout March. On March 31 it will host a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea with Prosecco. The Willow Brook Clinic in Bradley Stoke has donated a medical couch for the sick bay. Caroline Brewser, a member of the CSF Committee, said: "The people, businesses and community groups in our area
are clearly determined that their local school should succeed, despite the ongoing shortfall in funding. Castle School Friends and the teachers have all been bowled over by the immense outpouring of support." You can contact the CSF via email at cas-enquiries.tcs@ cset.co.uk with the subject CSF or visit CastleSchoolFriends on Facebook.
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thornburyvoice
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March, 2019
n NEWS COUNCIL tax payers in Thornbury will see their bill for town council services rise by an average of less than £1 this year. The town council’s overall budget for the next 12 months from April will be £923,306 and of that total, £664,783 will be met from council tax. That is an increase of 6.7% on last year but the number of new homes built in the town means the tax base has increased, soaking up most of the rise. Council tax for the average band D household will go up by 97p a year – less than 2p a week. The council says it is prioritising services for children and young people and the development of a neighbourhood plan. Thornbury Mayor Shirley Holloway said: “Thornbury Town Council is continuing to make significant improvements to local services and facilities. We believe that this budget strikes the right balance between investing in our much-needed facilities and providing value for money for
Town council sets budget local tax payers.” The town council is paying the charity Krunch to provide two youth groups, which it felt was necessary following what a spokesperson referred to as “significant reductions” in the youth services budget of South Gloucestershire Council. There will also be a new play area at Osprey Park. Councillors have also agreed to support a neighbourhood plan with the intention of giving residents a greater say on how new development takes place. In addition, the council is investing in work on the redevelopment of the Armstrong Hall, and supporting local groups such as Jigsaw, Thornbury in Bloom and the Christmas lights through its grant funding. Contributions will also go to the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Volunteer Centre and community events such as the Carnival and
Arts Festival. Thornbury council tax payers’ bills also include a charge of £16.30 for “special expenses” – services provided by South
PARISH
Gloucestershire Council which are specific to the area and vary in each parish. Other precepts and charges are shown below.
TAX REVENUE
BAND D PRECEPT
SPECIAL EXPENSES CHARGE
Almondsbury £135,065 £65.25 £2.01 Alveston
£54,690 £42.03 £4.35
Aust
£4,856 £21.91 £0.18
Falfield
£6,731 £29.28 £2.53
Hill
£850
Oldbury
£15,577 £43.22 £0.23
Olveston
£60,885 £68.92 £4.91
Rockhampton £2,800 Thornbury
£16.41 None
£33.63 £3.65
£664,783 £129.27 £16.30
Tytherington £25,984 £80.93 £9.18
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March, 2019
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n NEWS
as average bill set to top £1,900 TAX payers will see their bill for basic South Gloucestershire Council services rise by an average of £43 this year. The council has agreed a 2.99% increase in council tax, as it deals with an 11.2% drop in government funding. That means an increase of £43.08 in the cost of council services to Band D tax payers, from £1,441.07 last year to £1,484.15 this year. Added to that will be the cost of town or parish council services, which vary according to each area. There will also be a rise in combined police and fire precepts, which will see these elements of Band D bills rise by £26.13, to £291.29. It means the total bill for a Band D council tax payer in Thornbury will be more than £1,900. South Gloucestershire Council will spend £221 million on services plus £86.7million on school buildings, roads and other infrastructure in the coming year. A further £208m of ringfenced education funding from the government will be passed on to schools. The Conservative administration, whose budget was passed on February 13, says it is investing “into the next generation”. It has pledged more than £100m for school buildings, roads and highways during the next four years, promising a new
South Gloucestershire councillors meet to set their budget primary school, two new special schools and a new M49 junction in Severn Beach. The council will also receive some funding from other sources, including the West of England Combined Authority, and will spend £3m from its own reserves. Some £6.3million is expected to be saved through an ongoing programme of spending cuts, the exact details of which remain unclear. Council leader Toby Savage said: “We have put forward the largest funding commitments this council has ever made to our schools and to our roads, this administration’s two highest priorities.” Liberal Democrat group
leader Claire Young called the budget “a classic pre-election extend and pretend budget” which ignored the central issue of government underfunding. Labour group leader Pat Rooney said the government reduction in the council’s funding of 11.2% was more than the national average decrease of 7.5% and added: “The primary cause of our financial problems is the Tories in Whitehall.” The extra £24 per year added to Band D council tax bills for policing will for 100 more police officers, says police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens. The increase represents a 12.4% rise in the Avon & Somerset Constabulary precept,
which will go up from £193.81 to £217.81 for people living in a Band D home this year. It is the maximum increase the Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Panel could impose and will generate an extra £15 million, which is being specifically used to recruit 100 additional officers and support a burglary, drugs and knife crime crackdown called Operation Remedy, which will run for three months from April to June. The number of police officers in Avon & Somerset Constabulary will increase to 2,751 – the first time in a decade that the force’s front-line manpower will have increased – but that is still far below 2010, when it was 3,300.
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thornburyvoice
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March, 2019
n NEWS
New CCTV NEW community CCTV cameras are making criminals easier to identify in South Gloucestershire. Thornbury is among the places to be fitted with digital new street cameras in January after old analogue cameras reached the end of their life. A specialist company was paid £31,500 to urgently replace the CCTV infrastructure and install the new internet-linked cameras, which are expected to produce far clearer images than their predecessors. Thornbury has three CCTV cameras on the High Street, between Chapel Street and the Thornbury Pump. A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council said: “A one megapixel IP camera – generally the lowest resolution camera on the market – has almost four times the resolution of an analogue camera. With this added resolution faces become clearer, and larger areas can be covered by a single camera.”
Flood defence approved NEW flood defences for the Severn Estuary have been approved – despite claims they are “excessive” and will cause the unnecessary destruction of trees and hedgerows. South Gloucestershire Council has approved its half of a major project to protect the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area and its neighbouring communities from flooding, including new sea walls and embankments as well as the creation of new wetland areas for wading birds. The entire project will stretch from Aust cliffs to Avonmouth docks when finished, straddling South Gloucestershire and Bristol. Bristol City Council has already given its permission for the southern half of the
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scheme, which is also backed by the Environment Agency, despite claims by the Bristol Port Company that a 100m gap in the flood wall at Avonmouth puts lives at risk. A South Gloucestershire planning committee approved the northern section from Severn Beach to Aust on February 7. Members heard the entire project is expected to create 12,000 new jobs and add £2.9 billion to the local economy. But resident and engineer Mike Harrison said the new 10.84m sea embankment planned between New Passage and Aust was much taller and wider than it needed to be. He said it could still do its job at less cost to the taxpayer if it was narrower and steeper, which
would “eradicate the need to destroy 500 mature trees and 4,000 meters of hedgerow which provide diverse wildlife habitats”. Lisa Presland, who started a petition to save the trees, also spoke at the meeting, while Peter Tyzack, of Pilning and Severn Beach Parish Council, said members were concerned expert advice had not been sought “on matters relating to sea level rise, coastal defence and the dynamics of the estuary”. But members voted by 6 to 2 in favour of the scheme after a report recommended it, with officers concluding: “The substantial public, domestic and economic benefit is such that the appropriately mitigated adverse impacts are outweighed.”
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March, 2019
13
n NEWS
Arson attack follows warning of ‘escalating’ anti-social behaviour AN ARSON attack was carried out in Thornbury days after councillors warned of “escalating” anti-social behaviour in the town. The latest incident saw a portable toilet set on fire in Church Road. Two fire crews from the town dealt with the blaze near the junction with Gloucester Road and Castle Coombe, which was discovered shortly after 6pm on February 3. It is the latest in a series of arson attacks in recent months and comes shortly after a South Gloucestershire councillor claimed anti-social behaviour was out of control. Thornbury South & Alveston ward member Maggie Tyrrell said problems have been “nipped in the bud” before but in the past two years had escalated. Problems were aired at a recent meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s health scrutiny commission, where members were told there was now 24/7 security at the Thornbury Hospital site after an incident in October when a firework was let off inside, breaking 15 panes of glass and causing smoke damage. Care providers Sirona cited vandalism and intimidation of staff when it left the site, most of which is not currently in use, before Christmas. The hospital is owned by the North Bristol NHS Trust, which says it has “serious concerns about the safety of patients and staff.” Tricia Down, its head of capital planning, told the commission remaining midwife and outpatient services at the
hospital were being reviewed, adding: “We’ve been exposed to a large amount of violence and aggression.” Councillor Tyrrell said what had happened at the hospital was “appalling”, adding: “I think we’ve been let down. Thornbury Town Council has asked for a meeting with the police and crime commissioner.” Afterwards she said further incidents in the town included youths riding motorbikes across playing fields and gatherings in an underpass, where drugs were being used. “Antisocial behaviour is escalating,” said Cllr Tyrrell. “Some people feel it’s becoming unsafe. “The police made arrests after one of the fires (at Castle School) but it hasn’t really stopped the problem.” An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesman said patrols in the grounds of Thornbury Hospital had been increased “in direct response” to concerns over antisocial behaviour. “A number of local youths were identified as being associated with some of the antisocial behaviour reported and were issued with acceptable behaviour contracts,” the spokesman added. Police said a total of ten people had been arrested over the fires at Castle School, adding that antisocial behaviour reports across South Gloucestershire had gone down by 10.8 per cent over the past year. Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour can report it to the police on 101.
Thornbury firefighters, seen here training in the town, were called out to the latest arson attack. Picture: Thornbury Fire Station
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March, 2019
n NEWS WHEN Zoe Bonnett found out there was no climate change protest planned for Bristol, she decided to organise one herself. The 14-year-old’s hard work paid off when around 1,000 young people turned up for the ‘Youth Strike 4 Climate’ event on College Green on February 15. The aim of the school strike was to call on the government to make climate change an urgent priority. Zoe, from Thornbury, said: “My dad showed me a clip of Greta Thunberg talking about her school strike in Sweden. I found it really inspiring and was interested to know if anyone was doing something similar in the UK. I joined a zoom call (online video conference) with others interested in coordinating UK school strikes.” “I set up a Facebook group and an event and linked it to the national group. I then started to make contact with people who might be interested across Bristol, including university groups and other environmental organisations. It was slow to build at first but over the couple
Castle School pupil leads Bristol climate change protest Zoe Bonnett (second left) with fellow young protesters at the Youth Strike 4 Climate event on College Green in Bristol of weeks things started to grow.” Zoe had to take a day off school and chose to write personally to Castle School head teacher Peter Smart to explain her decision. In her letter, she said: “It is important for you to know that striking from school for the climate is not something I am
doing lightly. “I enjoy attending school and am aware that my school attainment and attendance can
massively affect my future. “However, I think it is important enough to justify missing one or two days of school to do my best to raise awareness of this issue.” Zoe’s parents supported her decision. Her mum, Joanna, said: “I was unsure at first but when I saw the passion with which she went about organising the day we were fully behind her decision. “I also believe that engaging in protest is a useful learning experience. Zoe has certainly learnt a lot in coordinating the protest and conveying the message effectively to the media.”
Oldest jeweller comes to Thornbury BRITAIN’S oldest-established jeweller has left Bristol to come to Thornbury High Street. Parsons jewellers was established in Bristol in 1710 and was most recently in Broadmead in the centre of the city. Owner Aaron Banks, a prominent South Gloucestershire businessman and co-founder of the Leave.EU campaign, made the decision to relocate. A spokesperson for the company said: “The team at Parsons Jewellers is extremely excited to be able to provide Thornbury and the surrounding area with quality jewellery and exceptional service.” Five people are employed at the store, which sells handmade jewellery featuring diamonds and gemstones from the firm’s own mines in South Africa. The company describes this as its ‘unique feature’. The spokesperson continued: “Whilst their location has changed, the quality of jewellery is still impeccable, meeting the highest standards set by the Parsons family.”
New Store open on Thornbury High Street Pop in-store today to discover what Parsons has to offer 01454 538 373
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March, 2019
15
n NEWS BUS passengers took 112,000 fewer journeys in South Gloucestershire last year, new figures reveal. The Department for Transport data found that in the year to last March, there were 9.88 million passenger journeys in South Gloucestershire, 1.1% less than in the previous year. This is despite South Gloucestershire Council financially supporting 30 services in areas where there would otherwise be no coverage. Services it supports in the Thornbury area include the 77, T1 and T2 services to Bristol and the 411 from Severn Beach to Marlwood and Castle schools. A council spokesperson said: “We currently support a wide range of bus services. This includes services which are entirely funded by the council and others which are commercial services that receive top up funding for part of the service for instance evenings or bank holidays. “We currently support 30
Bus journeys down as public asked for views on future of transport
Metro mayor Tim Bowles bus services in areas where there would otherwise be no service or a more limited route/timetable.” The figures show that despite the recent dip, bus use
has increased over the last eight years, with the number of passenger journeys in South Gloucestershire increasing by 36% since 2009-10, when figures were first recorded. And the West of England Combined Authority has now launched a consultation to try and ensure that future plans for the region’s transport system reflect public needs. Between now and March 20, residents are being asked to tell the authority, which has overall responsibility for the region’s transport provision, where they think it should be investing between now and 2036. It has launched an online survey asking people to allocate ‘points’ to the areas they think it should prioritise, including a mass transit network, expansion of Metrobus, new and improved
railway stations, road and motorway improvements, new charges and more park and ride sites. Tim Bowles, West of England Mayor, said: “This is an ambitious plan to keep people moving and tackle congestion, whilst supporting economic growth. “It considers a wide range of options to support sustainable travel including rail, bus, cycling, walking, mass and rapid transit and electric vehicles.” The survey can be accessed online at bit.ly/2tomtMi. Anyone without internet access can contact WECA on 0117 428 6210 for more information. Across England, there were 85 million fewer bus journeys last year, a drop of 3.2% outside London and 0.7% in the capital.
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n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
March, 2019
Heavy demand for weights and scales FOR some people they are the most functional of objects. But collectors are prepared to pay serious money for antique weights and scales, and a 19th century set was the star performer at a busy February sale at Stroud Auction Rooms, where there were so many buyers in the room that the hard-pressed office ran out of bidder numbers. Specialist sections including militaria, weapons, cameras and toys all saw lively bidding but it was weights and scales, and the ever-popular guns and air rifles, that provoked the most interest. An 1825 Georgian standard bushel measure set from Monmouthshire Trading Standards, with weights from one bushel to one gill, sold for £6,000 to head the auction's top 25 list. Other lots in this category that sold well included a Georgian set of ball weights (£2,300) and a boxed set of Chekpump petrol measures (£1,600). Gun and air rifle collectors accounted for much of the action on day two. Among the most sought-after items was an Edwinson Green of Cheltenham and Gloucester 12 bore sidelock ejector over and under shotgun, with named locks (£4,300). Air rifles also performed well, with a Daystate Air Ranger .177 air rifle
realising £600. Three lots of cartridge reloading equipment, including rollover and crimping tools, pictured, made over £1,400: a really pleasing result for a group of accessories which arrived at the saleroom in a box of mixed items, which had been heading for the skip. In the militaria section, two Irish regimental bass drums each sold for £900, a Victorian British Army medal trio made £800 and a WWI Canadian Medical Corps tunic from 1916, with buttons and chevrons, made £700. There was a lot of interest in an early 20th century hand-cranked 35mm cinema film projector on a stand from the Gaumont Paris, which sold for a respectable £650. The next auction is a three-day event on March 6, 7 and 8 from 10am, featuring jewellery, silver, bijouterie, watches, clocks, coins and textiles. Viewing will be on March 5 from 10am-7pm and from 9am on sale days. Stroud Auction Rooms is also now taking in items for future sales including ceramics, glass, stamps, pictures, musical instruments and vinyl records in April. For details of valuation days and how to contact Stroud Auction Rooms see the advert below.
These shotgun cartridge crimping tools were heading for a skip – but sold for £600
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on April 3rd & 4th
Including specialist sections of ceramics, glass, paintings & pictures, ephemera, books, stamps, Asian & Tribal art, musical instruments & vinyl records
Vinyl Records
Ephemera
Contact Alex Brown Two Beatles 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' magnetic hair games by Merit. Sold for £950
Ceramics
Contact Steve Parker Led Zepplelin One LP. Sold for £1,000
Contact Nick Bowkett A pair of Japanese Satsuma vases Sold for £2,200
FREE valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph for a 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
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March, 2019
17
n WHAT'S ON IN OUR AREA 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 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 1 n Singalong for Health with Toni Gayle at Haven Memory Cafe, Thornbury United Reformed
Church, 10.15am-11.45am. March 3 and 10 n Sunday Beer School. Butchers Hook, High Street An hour long fun, informal chat about beer to help you discover which beers suit your palate and learn more about this fantastic drink. Includes tastings. Starts at 3pm. Free March 3 n Live Music With Lewis Clark Butchers Hook, High Street. A superb acoustic-based performer with roots in folk and blues... hard to pigeon-hole! Original compositions and little heard of folk, soul and blues gems. This will be a treat! Music starts at 4.30pm. March 3 n National Garden Scheme garden opening at Hill House, West End, Wickwar, GL12 8JZ. 1pm-4pm. Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas. Four-acre walled garden with paddocks beyond, originally created by Sally, Duchess of Westminster. Currently under restoration. Specimen trees in arboretum setting. Pleached lime tree walk, herbaceous borders, kitchen garden. Gravel drive may make access challenging, but help will be available. Limited parking available for disabled visitors. More parking at the playing fields next door. March 4 n Second World War Stories exhibition at Thornbury Library. National Lottery-funded exhibition about life in the area during World War Two. Until March 16. March 4 n Thornbury U3A for retired or semi-retired people to expand their knowledge, share interests and learn new skills. Meeting for new members at St Mary’s Church Hall, Tockington, at 3.30pm – retiring to
local pub afterwards. You must be over 55 to join and subs are £6 a year. For more information contact chair Alison Makepeace on 01454 415019. More details can be found via www.thornburyu3a.org.uk. 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 9 n Litterbusters Big Spring Clean. Meet at 9.30am, social services car park, Gloucester Road – please come and help! March 11 n Bristol Budgerigar Society first nest feather competition with judge Jason Sweet. Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome without
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WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@thornburyvoice. co.uk commitment to join. Further details from secretary Colin Parsons on 01454 775878 or colinpauline@ hotmail.com. March 12 n Eastwood Gardeners' Club, Illustrated talk on 'A Head Gardener's Story', with James Cox (Yeo Valley Gardens) Cossham Hall, Thornbury, 7pm March 12 n Shove Tuesdays. Butchers Hook, High Street. Shove Tuesday league. Available for anyone to enter at any point. Teams of two people required, the winning team each night wins beer! Starts 7.30pm. March 15 n Folk Songs and Poetry, with Christine Robertson and Guilda Luckwell at Haven Memory Cafe, Thornbury United Reformed Church, 10.15am-11.45am. March 17 n Live Music With Bob Porter.
What's on at Thornbury Library
Opening times Staffed Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm. Open access seven days a week between 8am and 7.30pm. Storytime and Rhymetime for babies & pre-schoolers (term time only): Storytime, Mondays 2pm-2.30pm. Meet Hugless Douglas at our special storytime on March 4. Rhymetime, Fridays 10.30am-11.00am. A great way to meet other local parents, new faces always welcome – and it’s free. No booking required, just turn up – we look forward to seeing you!
Sight Loss – Information, Advice and Support: First Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm. Vision West of England offers 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 March 7. 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
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
and bring your craft project with you. New faces welcome. South Gloucestershire Second World War Stories project exhibition. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players via the Heritage Lottery Fund, come and see our new touring exhibition, which focuses on the impact of the Second World War on the lives of the people of South Gloucestershire. The themes of the exhibition include ‘At Home’, ‘Civil Defence’, ‘Under Attack’, ‘Changing places’ and ‘Front line’. The exhibition will be at Thornbury Library from March 4 to 16. South Gloucestershire
Second World War Stories Reminiscence Tea Party. Thursday March 14, from 2pm-4pm. To complement the exhibition Thornbury library is holding a reminiscence tea party. Come along and share your stories and memories, bring along your photos and enjoy the wartime music. Tea and cakes provided, 1940’s-style! Free tickets available now from Thornbury Library. Find us on Facebook www. facebook.com/sgloslibraries. Twitter: @SouthGlosLibs
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Butchers Hook, High Street. An Americana band from Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK …a fine blend of mellow alt-country and gritty roots rock on tap here. Often described as music with a ‘growl & twang’. Not to be missed! Music starts at 4.30pm 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. March 24 n National Garden Scheme garden opening at Rock House, Elberton, BS35 4AQ. 11am-4pm. Admission £3.50, children free. Pretty woodland vistas with many snowdrops and daffodils, some unusual. Spring flowers, cottage garden plants and roses. Old yew tree and pond. Limited wheelchair access. Plants for sale. March 24 n Sunday afternoon concert followed by tea at St Mary's Church, Thornbury. Starts 4pm. Performance by the Thornbury Clarinet Choir, now in its sixth year. The concert is free but there will be a retiring collection for the church music fund. March 27 n Alveston Local History Group, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Christine Cole will talk on the subject William Blathwayt of Dyrham Park – Imperial Fixer and the American Colonies. Visitors welcome. £2.50 at the door. March 31 n National Garden Scheme garden opening at Rock House, Elberton, BS35 4AQ. 11am-4pm. Admission £3.50, children free. Two acre garden with pretty woodland vistas and many snowdrops and daffodils, some unusual. Spring
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flowers, cottage garden plants and roses. Old yew tree and pond. Limited wheelchair access. Plants for sale. April 2 n St Peter’s Hospice – Fun With Flowers: St Peters Hospice Severnside support group spring flower demonstration, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall at 2.30pm. Demonstrator Hilary Legg will show how to have fun with a bunch of supermarket flowers and how to make the best of them. Books, Bring and Buy Table, and Raffle. Entrance £5, includes cream tea. Tickets available from the Town Hall from March 4.
REGULAR EVENTS Monday n Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall World Dance 7-10pm 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
n Yoga for beginners at Armstrong Hall, 6:30-8pm on Mondays. £6. All kit provided. Contact Moira 07703 536700 Tuesday n 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Armstrong Hall - Excell Room Recycled Teenagers Lunch Club 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
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
March, 2019
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. 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 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 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. For more information come to a meeting or phone Naomi Gathercole on 01454 314476. 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. 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 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 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 The Arts Society Severn Valley meets third Thursday of the month, 7pm for 7.30pm start at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane. Lectures plus special interest days, gallery, garden and museum visits, trips abroad. More details online at www.svdfas.co.uk. £6 charge for visitors – contact memb@svdfas.co.uk to ‘try before you buy’. n Scrapbooking for Wellbeing. Turnberries in Thornbury. Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm. 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 Saturday n Thornbury parkrun is a free, 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 Sunday n Thornbury Ramblers walk. See www.thornburyramblers.org.uk for details, or ring 01454 413924 n The Alternative Sunday Lunch, Butchers Hook, High Street We provide a smorgasbord of food and ask others to bring in homemade/homegrown contributions to share out with everyone in an informal, open-table style Sunday lunch. Suggested donation of £6 per person with all profits to charity. Every Sunday 1pm.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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March, 2019
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n THORNBURY CLINIC
How pilates can benefit you his studio, some of his first Pilates clients were ballet dancers looking to improve their posture and control. These principles of motor control have been used to rehabilitate people with back pain and other musculoskeletal injuries. In my experience, Pilates has proven very effective in reducing pain and promoting function.
Sarah West is a Senior Physiotherapist, Pilates and Yoga instructor at The Thornbury Clinic, with over 9 years’ experience in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation. She has worked as a senior physiotherapist in the NHS and in private practice, as well as with professional sports teams. MY love for the Pilates method began as soon as I started practising on the mat. Now, after three years of teaching and witnessing some incredible results, I am even more passionate about it. We often hear about the benefits of Pilates – how it can increase core strength, improve posture and aid flexibility. Celebrities and athletes swear by it. When Joseph Pilates founded
Here are the top 5 reasons why Pilates can benefit you: 1. Develop a strong core: Back pain is associated with weakness and dysfunction of the deeper abdominal muscles. Pilates increases the strength and control of these muscles, whilst lengthening the back muscles. This can reduce compression on the joints of the spine and adjust the tilt of the pelvis. Once you have mastered the basics of core activation, you can apply this to functional movements, which will reduce the load on your joints. 2. Improved Posture: Pilates encourages body awareness, especially in relation to posture. Many people spend the majority of their time sitting, often in a slouched, forward-flexed position. This can lead to imbalances throughout the body and pain. Pilates teaches correct spinal alignment and works muscle
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groups equally, to ensure postural imbalances are addressed. 3. Injury prevention and rehabilitation: Pilates starts in positions where clients have a wide base of support, for example lying. This is progressed to more functional positions once strength and control increase. The principles of Pilates and stability can be applied to all joints in the body by isolating smaller stabilising muscles, stretching and offloading overactive muscles, and promoting muscle symmetry and normal movement patterns. 4. Enhanced muscle tone: Each exercise targets deep postural muscles and awakens little-used muscles of the abdomen, pelvis and trunk. As your activation and awareness of these muscles improve, you will be able to recruit these muscles more readily, leading to enhanced muscle tone.
5. Relaxation: Pilates enhances mindfulness and sensory awareness. It helps to switch off your bigger global muscles, which are prone to becoming tense. Deep thoracic breathing stimulates and energises your mind by supplying fresh oxygen to the brain. It is easy to perform Pilates exercises incorrectly, which is why it is important to have an attentive, knowledgeable teacher to ensure correct form. Sarah completed her training with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute, world leading provider of Pilates education. Physio-led Pilates and Yoga classes are for anyone at any level and are currently run with Sarah at the Thornbury Clinic, lunchtimes and evenings, Mondays and Thursdays. With a maximum of four people per class, she is able to make sure you are always getting the full benefit of the exercises!
4 Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HB
Facilitating Recovery, Preventing Injury
Contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Portcullis locksmith services Inspected – Vetted – trusted
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Treatments we offer include: Sports injury treatment Injury assessment & treatment Sports massage • Relaxation massage Pregancy massage • Clinical Psychology
Tel: 01454 838 366
info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk www.thethornburyclinic.co.uk
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n MOTORING
March, 2019
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second hand Style BMW 330e: I’d much rather have six of the best
I
N twenty three years of driving, I’ve never owned a BMW – and that’s starting to feel like an oversight. But oversight would become travesty if my first BMW wasn’t powered by their famous all-conquering straightsix engine. The modern BMW ‘six’ has won countless awards since it was first revealed in the 5 series back in 1972. Since then, the Bavarian firm have made their name by resolutely sticking to a simple formula: place the most mechanically balanced of engine configurations into perfectlyweighted rear wheel drive cars. Today a ‘340i’ badge on the back of your 3 series means you’ve picked a straight six winner. So what about this month’s car, the 330e? Infuriatingly, BMW (and other manufacturers) have started playing fast and loose with their nomenclature. ‘330e’ doesn’t mean
a 3 series with a 3 litre engine, as the name would suggest, but instead a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol lifted from the 330i (confused yet?) linked to batteries under the boot floor. The 330e is a plug-in hybrid version of the standard 330i, launched in 2016, where the ‘e’ stands for ‘Electric’. So should you buy a used hybrid over the standard model? 330e’s registered in 2016 avoid road tax but 2017-on models don’t. Fuel consumption is 40mpg when aided by electricity, 30mpg the rest of the time – not very impressive. BMW have a reputation for being tight with their standard specification, and because my 2018 test car is the top-of-the-range M Sport Shadow Edition, er, edition, it costs a staggering £43k new. One year and 10k miles later and it is worth not much more than
£25k, 10% less than an identicallyspecified 330i. That differential doesn’t make sense until you have to live with the 330e. Although performance is aided by the batteries most of the time, it isn’t nearly enough to compensate for all the extra weight (200kg). That’s a lot of junk in the trunk, and it takes the edge off fuel economy as well. BMW have had to shrink the petrol tank to a scarcely believable 40 litres to make room for the batteries, which means the range is hopeless in fast driving, at about 250 miles. The batteries are also a bit feeble – they provide a deeply underwhelming range of 7 miles on pure electric power. The rest of the time, the 330e drives like a slightly porky 3 series, although that means it is still great fun. You sit low, which I really like. The seats hug you, the steering wheel is
small and thickly padded. This car feels sporty and cocooning, like a BMW should. Performance keeps you awake, helped by the 8-speed gearbox urging you to push on, by offering just the right gear at just the right revs. The engine sounds dull below 3k rpm but above that, and up to the redline, it has a metallic edge that isn’t half bad. The handling is tight, balanced and just the right side of firm, although tyre roar on 19 inch wheels was intrusive. None of the good stuff should surprise you – BMW have been making the best car in this class for many years. They just don’t make the best hybrid, and the 330e doesn’t provide enough of a benefit over the 330i to be worth considering. It is an unnecessary compromise. The penny really dropped when I saw three identical povertyspec 330e saloons out the back of a Downend estate agency. A-ha – this is the company car tax special! The 330e’s incredibly low emissions of 45g/km of CO2 mean correspondingly low payments to the tax man. Such esoteric and tedious notions have no place in a used car column, and if you are in the market for a BMW 3 series you are probably a keen driver. So avoid the girth, complication and skinflint stain of the 330e and head straight for the jewel in the range: the fabulous 6 cylinder 340i. BMW 330e, what to pay: From £15k for a 2016 model up to £26k for a one year old example Next month: Aston Martin Vantage
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March, 2019
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n NEWS
Arrest after farm fire Colourful entries from last year’s Thornbury Spring Flower Show
A MAN was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, after a fire at a farmhouse in Olveston. Police were called to a disturbance at a farmhouse in Ingst Hill on January 25 at about 8.30pm. Two Avon Fire and Rescue Service crews from Avonmouth and one from Patchway were callled to fight the blaze at the two-storey detached building, which was well alight by the time they arrived. No one was hurt in the blaze. Avon and Somerset police said that the arrested man, who is in his 50’s, had been released on bail while further inquiries are made.
Spring show to celebrate Join the Thornbury litterbusters our changing seasons THE spring season arguably begins in Thornbury with the Spring Flower Show. Run by the Thornbury Horticultural Society, there are many classes: flowering bulbs and plants, floral art, cooking, photography and a children’s section. Refreshments and a plant sale will be on offer on the day of the show, March 16. You can pick up a show schedule at the Thornbury Garden Shop, Owen’s on the Plain, the Town Hall and Library or view it on the website: www.thornburyhorticulturalsociety.org.uk. This year’s summer show takes place on August 10 at the Armstrong Hall.
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THORNBURY Litterbusters are tackling the town’s litter on three days of action and are urging more people to come and help out. As part of South Gloucestershire’s Big Spring Clean campaign, the volunteers will be meeting on Saturday March 9 at 9.30am at the social services car park on Gloucester Road, near Castle School sixth form), on April 6 at 9.30am at Rock Street car park and on May 7 at 2pm at the leisure centre car park. Bags and litter-pickers will be provided. The group also meets regularly on the first Saturday of the month at The Swan on the High Street, where members decide which bits of Thornbury to clear up, then set off in groups to do some picking. For more information email kimlitterbuster@hotmail.co.uk or call 01454 413924.
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March, 2019
n LOCAL MP
We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour
Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice
AS our local MP and someone who lives locally, I appreciate that policing and the safety of our community, and their family, is often at the forefront of many minds. In recent weeks and months there has been a sense of growing anti-social behaviour and mindless arson attacks on important focal points in our town. On Friday February 8, I asked the Home Secretary Sajid Javid down to South Gloucestershire and joined him on a local beat walk to emphasise the importance of community policing and ensuring that South Gloucestershire continues to be a safe place to live. We also discussed the extra £8 million investment into our local force that he had recently
announced, where I highlighted that I have written to the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner to urge them to consider using the additional cash to ensure that more bobbies were on the beat, working alongside our community to tackle the situation in Thornbury, rather than these going towards the back office and administration. I am hopeful that this will be the case and that we will see our fair share of the 100 new officers it has been announced will be funded as a result of the Government’s huge multi-year investment in policing. However in the meantime I have been pressing the council and the commissioner to take action now to halt the trend to show that
our town will not put up with the behaviour which can affect so many. In response the council’s dedicated team and the police have been regularly meeting to coordinate actions to tackle the issue, with additional CCTV being placed in the town to help deter it. This comes alongside working with our local schools and the community to tackle the root causes. However, I do recognise more can be done. Please be assured I will continue to press for further improvements for our local policing and security across South Gloucestershire. If you have any further concerns or questions regarding safety in our area, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk.
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23
n INTERCHANGE BLOG
The benefits of cannabis oil ALWAYS looking for ways to relax and de-stress, The Interchange’s editor Suzie looks into the benefits of CBD oil – which is derived from the cannabis plant. She talks to the store manager of Holland and Barrett, Babs Humphries, at the WillowBrook Centre, for a quick Q&A about its medicinal properties. Is it like marijuana and will I get high? In short – no. This is because it contains minimal amounts of THC – which is the compound within cannabis that gets you high. As such, it’s not habit forming, so you can’t get addicted to CBD.
So, what is it? CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many components within the cannabis plant that goes by the name cannabinoids. It is usually sold in an oil form, but you can also buy sprays. CBD oil has quite an earthy flavour, which some people struggle to get used to. There are alternatives such as a peppermint flavoured spray.
Why do people take it? We’ve been selling CBD oil at Holland and Barratt for about two-and-a-half years now, but it’s beginning to grow in popularity as more people find out about it. I personally take it to relieve
anxiety, but others find it’s helpful for a range of conditions including depression, insomnia and chronic pain. The CBD line of products that we sell has really expanded. CBD is suspended in hemp oil – hemp is great for skin, especially those suffering from dry or sensitive skin. You can also buy muscle rubs that help with pain, cramping and twitchy legs.
Is it safe to use? It’s perfectly safe to use. There’s guidance on how many drops to take each day, depending on the strength of the oil you’ve purchased. A great deal of research has been done into CBD and it’s benefits and there is ongoing research now.
Is it legal, do I need a prescription? It is legal and is currently sold as a food supplement. It’s currently
being trialled to see if it should be considered a medical substance – it would then need to be sold by a pharmacist or under a licence. Doctors could then prescribe it for particular conditions, but you don’t currently need a prescription. However, the testing process is long and it can still be bought in store.
Why is CBD being investigated in this way? To see if it has any counter indications – looking at whether it could impact other drugs. For example, St John’s Wort does have counter implications and is not advised for people who take the contraceptive pill or certain type of antidepressants.
blood stream and working quickly. The amount of drops you take will depend on the strength, which varies from 2.5% to 6%.
Is it expensive? The smaller bottles are £20, going up to a large bottle for the strongest strength at £80. Most people come back for it once they’ve tried it. For more information on CBD oil and its uses pop in and speak to Babs at Holland and Barratt at the WillowBrook Centre, in Bradley Stoke. There is also more information on the NHS website at bit. ly/2RKjecd.
How do you take it? You pop a couple of drops under the tongue. The tongue has four different types of blood vessels and is a very absorbent place in the body, so it gets straight into the
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n NEWS Fundraising group launch SUPPORTERS of Armstrong Hall have relaunched their team with a new name. The original group of just three dedicated fundraisers, who have been running events to support the redevelopment of the venue, has expanded and will now be known as the Armstrong Arts Group. Joan Hawkins, Daphne Ashton and Barbara Ray have already raised more than £100,000 by organising popular music and drama events in the town. More members joined early in the new year, and the group is now operating under its new name. This year’s series of events and concerts started with the Rockhampton Wind Ensemble in February. On March 23 the Thornbury Jazz Festival will take place and on April 13, art expert Lynne Gibson is due give a talk at the Cossham Hall on women artists. Tickets and information for all events are available from Thornbury Town Hall or by calling 01454 412272.
£2,000 raised ALVESTON Singers raised £2,400 through donations made at their concerts last year. The money will be divided equally between their two chosen charities, Cancer Research UK and the Children’s Hospice South West. This year’s concerts will be held on May 18 and May 21. More information will be available nearer the time.
March, 2019
Miles to open 50th arts festival COMEDIAN and actor Miles Jupp will launch this year’s landmark Thornbury Arts Festival when he appears in the opening show of the event’s golden anniversary programme. The host of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz will put his book Egg and Soldiers – A Childhood Memoir centre stage with readings, an interview and a question and answer session to start the nine-day festival. Also heading to the town for the event’s 50th birthday will be the Reverend Richard Coles, who went from being a member of the pop duo The Communards to a parish priest and broadcaster. The team behind the festival has also signed up writer and broadcaster Kate Humble, who has featured in many popular wildlife TV programmes. She will take her audience behind the camera and also talk about her latest book, Thinking on My Feet. Meanwhile, historian David Starkey will trace the marriage
Miles Jupp customs of the British monarchy in a talk that comes after the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, which turns out to be not so radical as some might think. As one of the longest running arts festivals in the country, the Thornbury event is run entirely by volunteers and boasts a mix
of daytime and evening events to appeal to as wide an audience as possible at Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall. A strong music offering has been included for 2019, ranging from Celtic rock band RockPipes and The Temperance Seven, which specialises in popular music and jazz from the 1920s and 30s, to the multi-award winning folk duo Show of Hands. Mezzo-soprano Marienella Phillips will also perform during a lunchtime recital, appearing with pianist Bradley Parker. Among other afternoon events will be Fiona Warin's humorous look at the history of allotments and the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow militaria and arms expert Mark Smith sharing the history of the Victoria Cross. The festival runs from Friday April 26 to Saturday May 4. Full programme details are available on the arts festival website www. thornburyartsfestival.org.uk where tickets can also be bought.
New defibrillator installed A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed outside the Armstrong Hall, to make it more accessible in an emergency. The life-saving equipment, which delivers an electric shock to people suffering sudden heart failure, has been bought after a donation from the town’s Lions Club. During previous incidents Armstrong Hall staff have had to go and find one nearby, wasting time when every second counts.
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Members of Thornbury Lions and town councillors with the new defibrillator Keith Townsend, Thornbury Councillor Benj Emmerson, Lions president, said the group the chair of the Armstrong Hall was delighted to be able to help. Management Committee, said: The equipment will “Our staff have had to assist a be transferred to the new number of times with incidents Armstrong Hall when it is built. at the hall and had to go off site Training on how to use it is on to find the nearest defibrillator. offer to anyone in the area on “The Armstrong Hall Wednesday March 20, at 7.15pm. management committee were For more information call keen to purchase one to have it Thornbury Town Council on on site for any future incidents, 01454 412103 or email info@ but we could not have afforded it thornburytowncouncil.co.uk. without the kind donation from the Thornbury Lions.”
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March, 2019
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n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM
How mains sewerage finally came to Thornbury WHEN it came to public health, it took a long time for Thornbury to enter the Twentieth Century. Not until the 1930s did the town have a complete sewerage system and even then, some people in rural areas still had to rely on the euphemistically-named ‘honey waggon’ to remove waste. The Public Health Act of 1875 required all new residential construction to include running water and an internal drainage system. But despite that, Thornbury still relied heavily on earth closets, cesspools and bucket toilets. It had sewage flowing down the streets and appears to have been a very smelly place indeed. The issue was the subject of a letter of complaint from the vicar of Thornbury, William Holwell, who accused the local steward of blocking the flow of sewage down Castle Street and into the Pithay behind the church, causing “a most insufferable nuisance which has been long a real subject of complaints”. In 1873, residents sent a petition to the Sanitary Authorities of Thornbury Union requesting that the problems should be remedied, not by having sewers installed but by the simplest and cheapest method – proper cesspits. They also asked that rainwater from the roofs of houses be directed away from the pits: it seems that in wet weather the cesspools flooded, and the sewage simply ran through Thornbury down the street gutters. That year the Rural Sanitary Authority concluded that a Special Drainage District was to be set up to remedy the problems – but it took until 1884 for an announcement to be made that money would be raised to comply with the law, after opposition from
Pipe laying outside what was then Thornbury Grammar School and is now Castle Sixth Form Centre in 1932. the town’s taxpayers. In 1911, the first steps were taken to create a sewage works and to install pipes for this purpose. At this stage the workhouse was linked to the sewage plant. But still progress was slow. In May 1915 the Gazette reported a complaint at a council meeting that some people in Castle Street and the High Street threw sewage matter into the gutters. The chairman’s response was that he “deprecated the bringing of the nuisance too prominently before the notice of the public, for fear of a sewerage scheme being forced on the parish”. Amazingly, more than ten years later in October 1925, the County Medical Officer reported that 35 out of the 340 houses in the special drainage district allowed their sink waste to flow into street gutters and then into the stream at what is now the popular Streamside Walk.
The minutes of Thornbury Parish Council in December 1930 record progress in the sewerage scheme after what appear to have been grants from central government, recording that there
was “very little expense to the rate payer” and the scheme would also “find employment for many who were now unemployed”. The sewage works on the road to Oldbury and mains sewers were finally completed in February 1935, with the work taking longer and costing more than expected because of the difficulty of cutting through the famous Thornbury rock, the seam of dolomitic conglomerate on which the centre of Thornbury was built. Honey Buckets Another system used in the area, which will be familiar to many older people living in rural areas especially, was the collection of sewage from “honey buckets” – a bucket under a wooden frame with a toilet seat on top, usually in the garden, which was emptied regularly by a council employee who would tip it into his cart or “honey waggon”. In some rural areas this practice it continued until as late as the 1960s and early 1970s.
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n NEWS
March, 2019
Councillor Claire to take on MP Luke LIBERAL Democrats have re-selected South Gloucestershire Council group leader Claire Young to stand for the Thornbury and Yate parliamentary seat at the next general election. Claire, who lives with her family in Coalpit Heath, contested the seat at the last election in 2017 and came second behind the Conservatives’ Luke Hall. The Lib Dems held the seat until 2015, when Mr Hall ousted Steve Webb by a slim margin of 1,495 votes. But at the last election the Tory MP increased his majority to more than 12,000, gaining more than half of the votes cast and leaving the Lib Dems with a huge task at the next election. Claire said: “It’s a great honour to be able to continue to speak up for local people in Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury and our villages. “I look forward to speaking
Claire Young with Liberal Democrat members after her re-selection as the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Thornbury and Yate. out louder than ever about Lib Dem priorities for the country and South Gloucestershire:
improving the performance of the NHS both locally and across the country, demanding better
funding in our schools, and of course giving you the final say on Brexit with an option to remain.” South Gloucestershire Lib Dem chair Jayne Stansfield said: “Under Lib Dem rules, candidates don’t keep their post automatically between elections and have to win a vote of local members to stay on. The fact that Claire was reselected by a huge margin is testament to the hard work and dedication she has shown locally over so many years. I look forward to helping get her elected as our next MP, whether the election comes in 2022, or next week!” Elsewhere, Louise Harris, the Councillor for Dodington Ward has been selected for Filton and Bradley Stoke, and Dine Robero, Lib Dem Group leader on Bath and North East Somerset Council will stand in Kingswood. Both seats are also currently held by Conservatives.
olveston concert1 13/01/2019 17:45 Page 1
Tories choose Mark to contest police election
Inner Wheel members or email: thornburyiw@gmail.com
AN ARMY veteran and serving councillor has been selected as the Conservative candidate to be the next Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner. Mark Shelford joined the Army in 1981 and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2013, when he returned to Bath to set up a company specialising in training and simulation. A Bath & North East Somerset councillor, he is also a member of the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel, serving as chairman of the complaints committee, and the Avon Fire Authority. Mark will contest the next PCC election in May of next year, aiming to take the role, which involves setting the strategic direction and budget for policing, from Independent Sue Mountstevens. He said his focus would include combatting drugs and rural crime, supporting vulnerable people and building closer links with hard-toreach groups. Mark said: “The Conservatives are the party of law and order and I’ll be doing everything I can to work with the police, government and other partners to tackle crime and keep people safe. “Local people are asking for more visible policing and it’s time for a change. “As a retired Army officer, I have a good understanding of the challenges in protecting the public and property and am looking forward to supporting and championing the police in their work.”
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March, 2019
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n NEWS
Volunteers Ready for town jazz festival needed THORNBURY Volunteer Centre has a wide selection of roles available for people who would like to help their community. From one-to-one support to regular social events, you can apply for any of these roles or get more information by calling Thornbury Volunteer Centre on 01454 413392 or emailing mail@ volunteer-thornbury.co.uk. Over 60’s Tea Room: A sociable person who enjoys meeting new people is needed to serve refreshments at a local café for the over-60’s, requiring three hours a week of your time. Mental health support: Volunteer chaperones are urgently needed to support clients with mental health issues to access the support they need, assisting trained advocates on initial visits, often at short notice. Volunteers need a current valid driving licence. All expenses are paid. Advocating roles: Swan Advocacy needs people with an interest in supporting people who lack capacity – either due to dementia, brain injury or learning difficulty – to ensure their best interests are safeguarded as a Relevant Person’s Representative. A knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 would be desirable. Prison monitors: The IMB monitoring team needs adult volunteers who live within 25 miles of HMP Leyhill and are able to visit 2 or 3 times a month to monitor decency and wellbeing, observing all parts of the prison, talking to inmates and staff. Supporting families: Volunteers are needed to help families in their own homes in the South Gloucestershire and Dursley/Wotton areas, offering support, friendship and practical help for a minimum of 2-3 hours per week. Assisting with learning: Volunteers with good communication and interpersonal skills are needed to offer support on community learning courses to help ensure all learners can participate and achieve, working under the guidance of a tutor.
THORNBURY’S second Jazz Festival will take over the Armstrong Hall this month. Organisers say the event on March 23 is proving to be popular, with ticket sales going well. Festuring a wide range of jazz in one evening, the South Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra will be the first on stage, playing Glen Miller favourites, followed by the Jenner Jazz Quartet (flute/ saxophone, piano, double bass
and drums). The main act at 9pm is The Royals, with their own take on classics by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Prima. Lead singer Emily Wright has received acclaim for her recent
album Meeting at Night and has performed at the London and Manchester jazz festivals as well as live shows for BBC Radio 3 and 6 Music. The evening ends with the Boulevard Big Band, playing an extensive repertoire of both classic and modern jazz. Tickets, costing £20 for the concert and £7 for hot food, are available from Thornbury Town Hall, or by calling 01454 412272. Proceeds go to the Armstrong Hall Redevelopment Fund.
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Ready at Rockhampton ROCKHAMPTON Cricket Club is looking forward to a fantastic start to the new season. As well as the club’s own preseason fixtures the recently-improved grounds will also host Gloucestershire 2nd XI matches, with Ireland A, Scotland A, and an England development XI playing a series of 50 over matches in the week beginning April 15. The new square and out field will be ready for use by the second team in May, with Gloucestershire planing to play 2nd Team T20 and one day cricket on the new square in June. Any parents of aspiring young cricketers interested in joining the youth section can contact Rob Sherred on 0783 675 8398, while senior players of all standards should contact Jamie Wakefield on 0756 874 2743 or Ian Williams on 0773 811 9567 for further information.
Women urged to come back to hockey
THORNBURY Hockey Club is hoping to encourage women players of all backgrounds to return to the sport through ‘Back to Hockey’ sessions. It is appealing to women who might have played at school or college, whatever their age, to give one of the adult sessions a try at the Castle School astro pitch. Organisers promise it will be informal, sociable and a great way of improving your fitness. A spokesperson said: “Do not worry if you are
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n SPORT
Runner Mike’s big year of challenges
THORNBURY Running Club’s Mike Bennewitz has set himself the ambitious challenge of completing a half marathon race every month in 2019. First on the list was Gloucester Half Marathon and he was joined on the start line by club mate Rachel Murphy. Mike finished in 440th position overall and 6th in the 60-69 age category, in a time of 1 hour 57:42 mins. Rachel was using this race as part of her preparation for Barcelona marathon in March and finished in 639th, in 2 hours 19:03 mins. On February 10 an injurydepleted team of 10 Thornbury RC runners arrived for the 30th edition of Dursley Dozen. The very hilly Dursley course includes a rope-assisted precipice at the 9-mile mark. Dylan Roberts was the first Thornbury runner to finish, holding off the fast-finishing Rob
Watkins and crossing the line in Dursley town centre in 13th place overall in 1 hour 35:16 mins. Rob was only 5 seconds behind in 14th place, and 2nd place in M45 age category. The team prizes were decided by the points won from the top 4 runners from each club and the next 2 TRC runners were Matt Johnstone in 18th place, in 1 hour 36:28 mins, and Dave Beard in 28th. Thornbury's men edged out the hosts to win the overall men’s team prize by a slim margin. Hannah Kinloch Haken achieved the best individual result on the day, finishing 5th out of 167 women and 82nd overall. Thornbury Running Club were out in force for the hilly and challenging Doynton Hard Half Marathon. Nick Williams had another good performance after a closely fought battle near
Thornbury's runners at the Doynton Hard Half Marathon the top of the field, finishing 5th overall in 1 hour 37:53 mins. Rob Cowlard finished in 9th place and retained the 1st prize in the V40 age category in 1 hour 41:01 mins, as the men won the team competition. Laura Orna produced the
individual performance of the day. She was 2nd overall in the ladies race out of 127 runners and 48th overall in 1 hour 53:57 mins as the women’s team finished in 2nd place in the team competition.
Exciting end to winter tennis season THORNBURY Tennis Club is a busy place throughout the winter with tennis matches, training and social functions running throughout the year. The winter weather has led to a backlog of fixtures and the prospect of a busy and exciting run in to the end of the Winter League season. The teams play ladies’ doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles rubbers within a match. Each match is worth up to ten points. Thornbury firsts, led by Sarah Hurley, Suzie Newman, Megan O’Connor, Luke Harrison Felix Boyes and Wayne Russell, are currently sitting on the top spot top being 6 points ahead of the next team with two matches to go. Assuming all goes well, it is looking likely that they will be promoted to the 2nd Division at the end of the season. The Tennis Club held its first American Tournament of the year on February 16. It was a mixed doubles tournament with each pair moving to a different court and splitting up after each round, then facing each other across the net with a new partner. After four rounds and some nail-biting finishes, the winners were Rae Bezuidenhout for the ladies and Ye Huang for
the men. Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club tennis camps are back this Easter. The coaching team, provided by Taylor Tennis, is looking forward to seeing
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
children on the courts again for the Easter holiday break from Monday 8 to Friday 19 April. The camps are a great introduction to tennis and a fantastic way to make new
friends. For more information visit www. thornburytennisclub. co.uk, call the coaching team on 0759 002 4186 or email info@ taylortennis.co.uk.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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Fourth loss on the bounce for Thornbury winning the race to the ball for a try between the sticks. He converted and Devonport’s lead was reduced to 14-10. Either side of half-time Devonport stretched their lead to 33-10 but Thornbury hit back and the final score of 44-22 left them tantalisingly short of a bonus point. The defeat at Teignmouth on February 2 saw Thornbury ordered to play a crucial game against relegation rivals despite the match having been postponed and their transport having been cancelled due to snow. The game – already postponed from early December – had been postponed again and the players were stood down on Friday morning, only for the decision to be reversed later the same day, when Teignmouth organised a coach for Thornbury from Taunton. Thorns were instructed to play and took a severely under-
Thornbury take on league leaders Okehampton strength side, which included several players from the Under 18 development squad, to south Devon for a crucial match in the lower regions of the table. Although Thorns lost, they returned home with a losing bonus point, which may prove vital in the fight for survival. The North Petherton match saw the Somerset side avenge
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their home defeat earlier in the season as they took on a Thorns side depleted by injury after the win at Cullompton. Thorns left empty handed despite claims for a clear penalty try being ignored in last play, which would have earned them an invaluable try bonus point. Picture and match reports courtesy of Dave Fox
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THORNBURY’S 29-14 home defeat to league leaders Okehampton was their fourth in a row as they hit a run of poor form. It followed a 47-22 reverse for a young Thorns side at a bigger and more experienced Devonport Services side, a narrow 2421 defeat at fellow strugglers Teignmouth and a 37-17 home loss to North Petherton. The Devonport Services defeat saw Thorns never fully recover from a poor start, even though their big hearts and determination ensured the Plymouth side were reminded they were in a game. Devonport kicked off and went ahead after 45 seconds, before extending their lead to 14-3 after just six minutes. Thornbury knuckled down and the defence functioned better before pressure in midfield forced a handling error from the Devonport backs and the ball was booted, on with Jake Wood
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