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April, 2017 Issue 1

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Conservation area at centre of four-day planning inquiry THE future of an important site within Thornbury’s conservation area could be decided as the result of a planning inquiry that is about to open. Four days of evidence will be heard at the inquiry into a scheme drawn up by Churchill Retirement Living for the former South Gloucestershire Council offices in Castle Street.

Welcome to your Voice YOUR community newspaper, Thornbury Voice is here. Every month, we promise to bring you the latest news, sport and features. The newspaper is free and will be distributed to homes and businesses in the area, our team of experienced journalists reporting on what’s going on in Thornbury and the surrounding villages. We hope you enjoy our launch edition, it’s the first of many!

Churchill wants to knock down the existing building and replace it with 57 sheltered flats and a terrace of five cottages for the elderly. But there are concerns over the design put forward for the accommodation and its suitability for a conservation area site that is also close to a number of listed buildings.

The inspector appointed to lead the inquiry will hear evidence from all sides and visit the site before making a decision on the proposal. The hearing will take place in Poole Court, Yate, starting on Tuesday, April 25, and will be open to the public. Full story on page 7

Thornbury Hospital site gets cash boost Share of £1m earmarked for sheltered housing

Page 3

Ready for an appeal on homes Opponents of houses at Cleve Park expect fresh fight

Page11

Metro Mayor campaign begins All you need to know about the election and candidates

Page13

An Englishman’s castle? Thornbury Castle could be yours - for £8.5m

Page 19

No repeat of last season Injuries take their toll on Thornbury Rugby Club

Page 31

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May deadline Our May edition will be going to print on April 24. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by April 19. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Thornbury Voice contacts Lynne Hutchinson

Richard Drew

07739 924421 contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

01454 800 120 contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Editorial

Publisher

Your views Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter. Page 1 photo courtesy of Rich McD Photography

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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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

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April, 2017

New wind farm due to generate power by end of year THREE wind turbines forming a new power generation site in Alveston parish are set to be linked up to the national grid by the end of the year. Green energy company Ecotricity was given consent to develop the scheme on a site in Old Gloucester Road, Earthcott Green. The wind farm comes 21 years after the Stroud-based firm built its first turbine in Nympsfield and has been in the pipeline for a long time, with early work on the project dating back to 2008. Ecotricity said work started on site at the end of 2015 and this spring would see the construction of crane pads, the digging of foundations for the turbines and further work on the substation. The turbine structures should arrive in October before being erected and connected to the national grid by December. The company said: “Ecotricity will set up a community benefit fund for the wind park, which will be managed through its charity arm, the Green Britain Foundation. “Through the fund, almost £7,000 will be made available every year for groups in local parishes, to be spent on projects which are aligned with the charity’s criteria around sustainability in the sectors of energy, transport and food.” When operating, it is estimated the turbines will provide enough power for some 5,000 homes.

Schools in need of lollipop men and women to help pupils cross roads in safety LOLLIPOP men or women are needed at two Thornbury school sites to help children get to and from class safely. A number of schools in South Gloucestershire want to take on crossing patrol staff, including Thornbury’s Manorbrook Primary in Park Road and the Crossways Infant and Junior schools in Knapp Road. There are 41 school crossing patrol sites in the district but currently ten vacancies to fill. Road safety officer Wendy Dykes said: “The main duty of a school crossing patrol is to judge when it is best to signal for traffic to stop and to ensure the safety of the people wishing to cross. “We also look for our patrols to build and maintain a good working relationship with the children, parents, drivers

and the schools that does not compromise the safety or the efficient and effective operation of the site.” Lollipop men and women have been a feature in communities for more than 60 years and since 2001 they have been able to help not just children across the road but anyone who needs assistance to do so. The work is paid and although patrol times vary at different schools, they are generally for 30 minutes in the morning from around 8.30am and a further half an hour in the afternoon from about 3pm during term time only. Anyone interested should phone South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 863611 for further information.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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April, 2017

n NEWS

Extra funding helps campaign to develop Thornbury hospital site A SUCCESSFUL bid for £1 million by community healthcare organisation Sirona has given a boost to the campaign to develop Thornbury’s hospital site. The money is to go towards the provision of extra care sheltered housing for the elderly at both Thornbury and the former Frenchay Hospital site. It is a crucial component of the plan for Thornbury and the funding was welcomed by local councillors. Thornbury and South Gloucestershire councillor Maggie Tyrrell said it was “excellent news” for the town. She said: “We’ve been fighting long and hard for extra care housing on the site of the hospital. “There’s no sure thing yet and they still need more money but this is a good base for Sirona to take the next step forward. “We don’t expect the care facilities to go up immediately but after years of campaigning, we’re delighted that there’s a firm signal something’s going to happen.” Councillor Claire Young, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for the area, said: “Extra care housing

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is vital to give people support rehabilitation and nursing home physiotherapy. ing or afternoon for 3 hours and all your materials are provided. beds, outpatient services and so they can continue to live The plan anticipates 80 independent lives as always they age.” better facilities for GPs. beds, comprising up to 44 NHS If you have wanted to learn South Gloucestershire rehabilitation beds and 36 care how to draw or paint but have no idea There are 20 beds within the Forhospital, more information including where to start then this course will Clinical Commissioning Group’s existing which provides beds. how. The curriculum rehabilitation, is dates, times and venue, pleasePicture: From left councillors overall aim show is toyou develop health intermediate care, For more information including and fun, callcare, Emma on 01454 and social comprehensive, care services interesting for palliative a limited range 227116 of Shirley Holloway, Maggie in a relaxed and friendly environment. dates, times and venue, please call Thornbury on the hospital consultant-led clinicsat Tyrrell and Claire Young at Findoutpatient us on Facebook Our qualified tutor provides step and by community Emmaservices on 01454 227116. site, providing community such as Thornbury hospital. www.facebook.com/loveartclass step guidance each week, covering sketching, pastels, watercolour and acrylic painting. By the end of the course you will have 8 pieces of your own original art including a pastel pet portrait and an acrylic country landscape! You can then show off your by a panel of five, will receive a downloaded from the town new found skills to family and friends grant of £50attothe beend putoftowards course exhibition!council’s website at www.

Deadline approaches for Thornbury youth awards NOMINATIONS can be accepted for prestigious awards given each year by Thornbury Town Council to highlight the efforts of young people in helping others. The deadline is 4pm on Thursday, March 30, with awards to be presented to the winners in three age categories in April. Run as the Mayor of Thornbury’s Youth Awards, the accolades are given in recognition of youngsters who give their own time to supporting and helping people, charities or projects. Each winner, to be chosen

obtained from the town hall on 01454 412103.

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April, 2017

Ringing endorsement from youngsters after learning new skill YOUNGSTERS had a go at bell ringing in a church near Thornbury when a week-long course for beginners was organised to help find more ringers.

The Let’s Ring! course was run in All Saints church, Stone, by Jeremy Sargent and Catherine White-Horne who hoped it would help address a chronic shortage of bell ringers in the

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area. Catherine and her sons, Ben and Alistair, had started ringing on Sundays at St Mary’s church in Thornbury and began recruiting young friends and neighbours from the area to join them. Catherine said: “By the end of the week, all our students, including those who had never touched a bell-rope before, were able to handle a church bell on their own. “Most were confident enough to join in ringing with a band of experienced ringers, under careful supervision.”

The organisers hope to build on the success with extra evening practices at both Thornbury and Stone for the beginners. There was also a ringing endorsement for an improvers’ course among the first class of 2017. Catherine said: “Ringing church bells offers huge rewards to those who get involved. It’s fun, challenging and highly sociable and also provides a service to the church and local community.” Anyone interested in ringing should contact Catherine on O1454 416155.

Electric vehicles in the spotlight at Sustainable Thornbury event

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OWNERS of electric cars can be quizzed about their experiences of the vehicles at an event in the St Mary Centre, Thornbury. Organised by Sustainable Thornbury, the owners will be able to talk about vehicle performance in summer and winter, charging points, mileage per charge and space inside the cars. Electric bike owners will also be in the centre to talk about the two-wheeled form of transport. The event runs from 10am-noon on Saturday, April 1.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

April, 2017

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Campaign targets scammers who prey on South Gloucestershire’s elderly SOUTH Gloucestershire’s trading standards team is supporting the charity Crimestoppers in a campaign that tackles the scammers who target the elderly. The operation comes after a number of incidents locally that have resulted in vulnerable people losing money to fraudsters. Crimestoppers is working with Post Office Ltd on the campaign, which aims to highlight the problem of older people falling victim to criminals who use postal, telephone and online scams. Heather Goddard, chairwoman of South Gloucestershire Council’s environment and community services committee, said: “These scams specifically target the elderly. The criminals behind them often completely bombard the victims with repeated telephone calls, letters and emails. “This type of activity can not only be devastating for the victims financially, it can also very often have severe negative impacts on their health and well-being. “We would encourage all friends, carers and relatives of potentially vulnerable individuals to be vigilant and report any concerns to trading standards or Crimestoppers so action can be taken.” Detective Sergeant Marc Milliner, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We are all at risk from fraud but criminals are devious and prey on the vulnerable, especially older people. “We are focusing on identifying and supporting victims of fraud and urge people to look out for signs of a scam and report it as soon as possible.” Peter Anderson, the West Country Crimestoppers chairman, said anyone with information about such crimes could contact the charity anonymously through its website www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555111.

Oldbury-on-Severn hall to host Easter fair AN Easter fair, table-top sale and an as-new clothes sale will be held in Oldbury-on-Severn Memorial Hall. The event on Saturday, April 8, runs from 10.30am-2.30pm, with a number of stalls operating and refreshments for sale. There will be a £1 entrance fee.

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Families advised to plan ahead for Easter to ease pressure on emergency services

Council tax demands now due after householders receive bills HOUSEHOLDERS will have to start paying their newly set council tax bills in April after local authorities set their budgets for 2017-18. South Gloucestershire Council agreed a 4.99 per cent increase in its tax, comprising a 1.99 per cent general increase and a further three per cent to cover the increasing costs of adult social care. The council’s revenue budget of £193.25 million for 2017-18 covers the cost of the day-today running of services, with £213 million agreed for capital investment. That makes an average charge for a band-D property of £1,359.62 for the council’s element of bills - before the addition of precepts for the police, fire service, town and parish councils and, in some areas, special expenses. Thornbury Town Council said it would be investing in a range of projects, services and facilities after setting its budget,

April, 2017

which will see expenditure of £700,000. Of that sum, £594,000 will be met from council tax and the remainder from income and use of council reserves. It said that was an increase of £22.11 per household for the year or 43 pence per week for the average band D household. Its plans for the forthcoming year include starting a programme of play area refurbishment and replacement, resurfacing the car park at the Mundy Playing Fields and redecoration of the exterior of the town hall. Two key projects involve starting to establish a neighbourhood plan for the town, which will give local people a greater say on new development, and looking at the feasibility of improved community facilities either at the Armstrong Hall or a potential extension to the Turnberries complex.

HEALTH leaders in South Gloucestershire are urging people to start planning now for the forthcoming Easter bank holiday weekend. With many GP surgeries closed for the duration of the holiday, they said steps should be taken to prepare for any health-related needs. That included collecting repeat prescriptions and having supplies of basic medicine cabinet items for minor ailments and illnesses. With continuing pressure on hospitals, people are also being reminded to only use A&E and the 999 emergency service for serious and life-threatening emergencies. Dr Jon Hayes, a GP and clinical chairman of the South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Easter is always a busy time for local health services. “In particular, we’re urging people who have repeat prescriptions to make sure they have enough medication to last the long weekend, when many pharmacies and GP practices will be closed. “It’s also important that people who need urgent care use the right service for their needs and seek advice from 111 or the CCG website if they’re unsure. “By choosing carefully, people can get the treatment they need sooner while also helping to relieve pressure on busy emergency services.” Services such as the minor injuries unit in Yate, out-of-hours GPs and emergency pharmacists will all be available during the bank holiday.

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April, 2017

n NEWS

Inquiry into future of former council offices site in Thornbury set to open A FOUR-day inquiry into the proposed redevelopment of the former council offices site in Castle Street, Thornbury, will start at the end of April. Churchill Retirement Living wants to knock down the building, which used to be the headquarters of South Gloucestershire Council, and put 57 sheltered flats and five cottages for the elderly in its place. But the site is prominent and sensitive, being within the town’s conservation area and close to a number of listed buildings. Complaints were made that the design of the scheme was not suitable for such a setting. Now an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State will hear evidence at the hearing before determining the application.

The inquiry process began when Churchill Retirement Living lodged an appeal against the non-determination of its application by the council’s planners. At a subsequent meeting, planning committee members decided they would have refused the scheme had they been in a position to determine it. They said the proposal failed to reach the highest possible standards of site planning and design and would result in “significant and demonstrable” harm that outweighed the benefits of the proposal. The planning inquiry will open in Poole Court, Yate, at 10am on Tuesday, April 25. Documents submitted for the hearing said there were several points at issue, including

whether the proposal “respects the character and appearance of Castle Street within the Thornbury conservation area” and “preserves or enhances the setting of the nearby heritage assets”. The inspector will also decide if the size, appearance and overall design of the flats and cottages is appropriate for the location. The existing offices were originally used by the former Northavon District Council, then the South Gloucestershire authority until it decided to cut the number of offices it occupied. A marketing exercise to find

an alternative office use for the building was unsuccessful due to a lack of interest. The inquiry will hear there was little appetite for commercial redevelopment of the site, with the sale to Churchill going ahead in 2015.

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April, 2017

n NEWS

Thornbury and Alveston students choose their favourite book in reading challenge PUPILS at Thornbury and Alveston’s two secondary schools helped choose the winning novel in an annual South Gloucestershire literature contest. The Concorde Book Award is run by the district’s schools and libraries to promote reading among those aged 11-13. It involves groups of young people reading a shortlist of novels, talking about them and then voting for their favourite. This year’s winner was the civil rights novel Lies We Tell Ourselves by American author Robin Talley. The book - her debut novel - beat the other shortlisted titles Beetle Boy by M G Leonard, Car-Jacked by Ali Sparkes, House of Secrets by Chris Columbus, Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens and Young Sherlock - Night Break by Andrew Lane. Hundreds of pupils, including those from Thornbury’s The Castle School and Marlwood School in Alveston, were involved in the reading challenge, with their votes cast on World Book Day. Ms Talley said: “It's an incredible thrill to receive an

award that's given out by young readers themselves. “I encourage all of the students who read and voted for these awards to keep on reading and to keep thinking critically about the books they read. It's a

Andy gets on his bike for a good cause YATE Shopping Centre Manager, Andy Lowrey, is off on his bike to raise money for charity. Having made several overseas trips, his latest will see him join another 60 cyclists from the Bristol area to help raise funds for Above & Beyond which supports the Bristol Children’s Hospital. Andy said: ”I have chosen this particular charity as I'm inspired by the work that Above & Beyond do, so I want to raise

money for them as part of my participation in Bristol to Paris Cycle Challenge 2017.” He’s been training in the Mendips and has already raised £1,725, with the cash going to the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children's Major Trauma and Rehabilitation Unit. Donations will benefit hundreds of children from across the South West suffering from traumatic brain injuries, brain tumours epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

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wonderful way to learn but more importantly, it's a lot of fun.” Erica Williams, chairwoman of South Gloucestershire Council, presented the award at a gala event at the Bristol and Bath Science Park at Emersons Green.

She said: “The award is an excellent example of libraries and schools working together to support young people to read more and develop a lifelong habit of reading.”

Deadline approaching for sale of Badminton Horse Trials advance tickets EVENTING followers only have a short time left to buy advance tickets for this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Advance booking for personal admission, car passes and the campsite closes on Monday, April 24. However, spectators can still pay for admission on the gate when the event is running, although prices will be higher. Thousands of people are set to head for the prestigious event in May to see many of the world’s best riders and horses in action. This year’s international could also be a pointer for selection for teams heading to the European eventing championships in Poland in August. The 2017 cross-country course is being designed for the first time by Eric Winter after Giuseppe Della Chiesa announced after the completion of the 2016 trials that he was standing down from the position after just three years. Mr Winter used to live in Yatton, near Bristol, before taking on Severnvale Equestrian Centre, Chepstow, with his wife, Lizzel. Badminton runs from May 3-7, with the main event taking place from May 4-7. It will be preceded by the annual Mitsubishi Motors Cup challenge for grassroots riders.

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Clear vision to improve customer experience LANDLORD Merlin has begun a key project that aims to improve access to its services for customers, resulting in higher levels of satisfaction. Named the 20:20 Project, the programme of work is examining and reengineering systems and process in the organisation to ensure that the needs of the customer are at the very core of everything it does. Over the past few months, customers have been having their say on their experiences with the organisation in the past and their aspirations for the future through phone surveys and focus group meetings. Staff from the organisation have also visited other landlords to understand and learn from the ways that similar organisations operate. A Merlin spokesperson said: “The 2020 Project is our key project over the next few years focussing on improving the way we work, the experiences customers have when they contact us and their satisfaction with the services we provide. “We want to increase customer satisfaction to 90% by 2019 and have systems in place so more customers can contact us digitally if they want. The key to this project is providing customers with the choice to contact us and access our services in the way that they want to. That could be by calling us, texting us or using our website.

“The 2020 Project is our key project over the next few years focussing on improving the way we work”

“We’ve collected some great feedback from customers already, but we’re keen to hear more about your experiences and expectations. If you would like to contribute to share your experiences of customer service you’ve received from us – good or bad – then let us know. You might have a story to tell, an idea to share, or you might like to help us test new ways of keeping in touch.”

The first shared ownership homes at a Thornbury housing development are all reserved, following huge interest from buyers. LOCAL housing association Merlin has accepted offers for all seven of the shared ownership homes it has offered at Park Farm. In total the housing association is taking on 44 of the 127 new homes being built in the first phase of the joint Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes development. Of these a total of eight will be sold through shared ownership, while the rest will be for rent. The new homes are a mixture of one and two bedroom flats and two, three and four bedroom houses. Park Farm is just one of Merlin’s ten live developments at the moment. The housing association is increasing its homebuilding programme at a time when research from the National Housing Federation has revealed that house prices in South Gloucestershire are now more than nine times higher than average wages.

Head of Development Amanda Swann said: “The cost of houses means that buying outright is out of reach for many people now. But shared ownership offers a great way for people to take that first step on the housing ladder. We’re delighted with the interest we’ve had in our shared ownership homes at Park Farm. “Demand for affordable housing of all types far exceeds the number of homes available at the moment. We’re committed to trying to tackle this by building more homes every year and these homes at Park Farm form a part of this. This year our target was to build 130 new homes, but by 2019 we’re aiming to increase this to 300.” All of Merlin’s new homes are due to be completed by the summer. The remaining rental homes will be advertised on South Gloucestershire Council’s Homechoice lettings service. The one, remaining home available to buy through shared ownership will be advertised on Merlin’s website, www.merlinhs.co.uk

New system will lead to improved repairs service A multi-million pound contract between Merlin and Travis Perkins will increase the amount of repairs the company can do on a daily basis. The £6m materials contract uses the operative’s hand held tablets to keep track of the materials used for every repair. An automated system orders new stock which will be sent direct to the operative every week. Merlin’s General Manager of Property Solutions Stephen Williams said: “Getting repairs right first time is so important for our customers, and making sure our operatives have everything they need to carry out repairs is key to this.

“It’s going to be an exciting time over the next five years as there’s new innovations that we’re working on that will improve things even more for the people e ways we work. It will be a more integrated and efficient process that will mean the operatives are never short of the materials they need in their van to complete a repair first time.” “We’ve seen customer satisfaction with the quality of our repairs service increase over the past 12 months, but we know we need to do more. This partnership will mean we’ll be able to carry out more repairs every day, which will reduce waiting times for customers.”

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n HOUSING

Celebrations after Cleve Park homes plan rejection tempered by possible appeal OPPONENTS of plans for up to 350 homes at Cleve Park in Thornbury have welcomed its rejection by councillors - but are prepared for any appeal against the decision. The scheme included a care home for the elderly and 14 self-build plots on the site at the junction of Morton Way and Grovesend Road. It was the latest in a string of house building proposals for the town, with a number of homes already occupied, others being built and more waiting to be determined. The big increase in the level of house building is a major concern within the town due to the rise in population and the effect it has on such things as local services and roads. Three sites under construction at Park Farm, Thornbury Fields and Post Farm will account for more than 900 homes, with a further 180 applied for at the junction of Butt Lane and Gloucester Road, on top of the Cleve Park scheme. Other sites have also been

offered for development, while a 3,000-home garden village has been proposed for Buckover. There have been demands for a halt to building to let services and infrastructure catch up with the expansion in housing. Residents’ group TRAPPD - Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development said the Cleve Park application was rejected on the grounds of the harm it would do to the town. Colin Gardner, of TRAPPD, said: “We believe that it is unsustainable to carry on adding more and more greenfield development to the north and east of Thornbury. “At some point you have to draw the line and we believe we’ve already reached that point.” Thornbury councillor Maggie Tyrrell said of the Cleve Park rejection: “I would be surprised if there wasn’t an appeal but we can maintain a strong case for it to be turned down. “We have so many houses yet to be built, we don’t need these houses in Thornbury now.”

Luke Hall MP says people who responded to his survey overwhelmingly oppose the Buckover garden village development

New site submitted for garden village puzzles landowners ANOTHER site for a garden village near Thornbury has been put forward, despite the landowners saying they had never been approached about it. There is already a proposal by the Tortworth Estate for such a development of up to 3,000 homes on land it owns at Buckover. The estate’s scheme includes employment, health and education facilities, retail provision, community facilities and open spaces. Now a submission has emerged from Jarvis Jefferies Architects for a Tortworth garden village, with potential for 3,200 homes.

But the estate has distanced itself from the suggestion, which it said concerned land that it owned and contained historic features, was not in Jarvis Jefferies’ control and about which it had never spoken with the firm. Spokesman Robert Moreton said: “We await full publication of the Jarvis Jefferies submission but I am puzzled as to why anyone would promote a scheme on land they do not own, especially without speaking to the land owner.” The Government is currently supporting 14 new garden villages around the country but that does not include the Buckover project.

However, the Homes and Communities Agency encouraged pursuing the idea as it recognised “the potential” of the proposal and said it hoped to open another round of garden village funding in 2017-18. Meanwhile, the area’s MP Luke Hall said 92 per cent of Thornbury and Alveston residents who responded to a survey he ran came out against the Buckover garden village. He said: “I will be doing everything within my powers to make sure we are heard.” The MP also said the Conservatives’ candidate in the forthcoming West of England mayoral elections, Tim Bowles, had supported a review of the scheme.

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April, 2017 Issue 1

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Churchill wants to knock down the existing building and replace it with 57 sheltered ﬂats and a terrace of ﬁve cottages for the elderly. But there are concerns over the design put forward for the accommodation and its suitability for a conservation area site that is also close to a number of listed buildings.

Thornbury Hospital site gets cash boost Share of £1m earmarked for sheltered housing

Page 3

Ready for an appeal on homes Opponents of houses at Cleve Park expect fresh fight

Page11

Metro Mayor campaign begins All you need to know about the election and candidates

Page13

An Englishman’s castle? Thornbury Castle could be yours - for £8.5m

Page 19

No repeat of last season Injuries take their toll on Thornbury Rugby Club

Page 31

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

for Regional Mayor New rail stations, more frequent trains, night buses & capped fares Affordable homes to buy and rent, protecting precious green belt Against a damaging Hard Brexit

1st choice for Regional Mayor on 4th May

Bookies make Lib Dems favourite for Metro Mayor Bookmakers Ladbrokes have made Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Williams an early favourite in the West of England Metro Mayor election on 4th May.

Lib Dems: EVENS Conservative: 11/10 Labour: 7/1 Green: 50/1

UKIP: 100/1

Itâ€™s a two horse race between Stephen Williams and the Conservatives

Prices correct as of 15th March 2017

www.stephenwilliams.org.uk Published and promoted by Daniel Kelly on behalf of Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrats), both at 31 James St West, Bath, BA1 2BT.

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n METRO MAYOR

Quick facts: West of England Mayor RESIDENTS in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) and South Gloucestershire are voting for a ‘Metro Mayor’ to lead the new West of England Combined Authority for the next four years. More than 900,000 people are eligible to vote in the combined authority elections held on May 4. Voters living in Bishopston, Cotham, Redland and St Andrews may wonder what the point is of adding yet another layer of government to the region? Put simply - devolution money - £900 million to deliver infrastructure locally over the

next 30 years. That works out at an additional £31 million each year. The Government wants to have a named individual accountable for the additional powers and money being devolved to the West of England Combined Authority. More government should mean better government for the West of England with a budget to deliver planned sustainable growth across the city region. The West of England Mayor will work together

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with the Bristol Mayor, South Gloucestershire and B&NES leaders to oversee a coordinated plan for the region. The three existing local authorities will still be responsible for most public service delivery, such as waste management, schools, and recreational facilities. Transport, housing, economic growth, adult training and skills will all come under the new Metro Mayor authority creating a strategy for the whole area. Other financial benefits include the opportunity to

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take part in the business rates retention pilot and a higher rate of payments from Government across the devolution region for roads maintenance, worth approximately £1m per year. Six people have declared that they are standing in the election, including: Tim Bowles (Conservative), Aaron Foot (UKIP), Darren Hall (Green Party), Leslie Mansell (Labour), John Savage (independent) and Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat).

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ELECTION FOR A NEW WEST OF ENGLAND MAYOR:

VOTE TO STOP OVERDEVELOPMENT AT BUCKOVER On 4th May this year people in the Thornbury and Alveston area have the chance to vote on the amount of development in the area. Conservative West of England Mayoral candidate Tim Bowles has an

That’s because action plan that will put Thornbury and Alveston priorities at the top the new West of of the agenda. He’ll work with MPs and Councils across the area to England Mayor will get things done – and he is the only candidate committed to working with the Prime Minister to make a success of Brexit locally. have powers over strategic housing Conservative candidate Tim Bowles and development has pledged a review of the Buckover across Bath & North East Somerset, South development and his opposition to this Gloucestershire and Bristol. That means overdevelopment. influence over house building decisions and preserving our green spaces from If people in Thornbury and Alveston don’t inappropriate development. So, it’s vital that vote on 4th May, our voice will not be heard. people in Thornbury and Alveston turn out That means decisions taken by the new and vote in this crucial election – to ensure Mayor would be dominated by the interests that the development challenges faced by of parts of Bristol alone, and not the whole people in Thornbury and Alveston are right area. So it’s vital we make our voice heard. at the top of the agenda. Vote Tim Bowles. Conservative.

WEST OF ENGLAND MAYOR: WILL HAVE BIG POWERS OVER Q Major transport schemes, like making progress on securing the railway station Q Housing and development

Q Economy and jobs Q A budget of nearly £1 billion

MAKE SURE THORNBURY AND ALVESTON’S VOICE IS HEARD: VOTE ON 4TH MAY

fb.me/timbowlesofficial w: timbowles.org.uk Promoted by Kris Murphy on behalf of Tim Bowles both of 5 Westfield Park, Redland, Bristol BS6 6LT.

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April, 2017

Tim Bowles, Conservative Party

Darren Hall, Green Party

AS a local community campaigner, I’m passionate about our region and that’s why I’m standing to be the first West of England Mayor. I’ve combined a successful business career with public service as a local Councillor over the last fourteen years and I want to use my skills, experience and determination to make our region even better. Our community is a great place to live with a growing economy and new jobs. But success brings demand for more housing - and transport infrastructure is just not keeping up. Local people want to see further improvements to transport and they want to be able to get on the housing ladder more easily. If elected, I will adopt a better approach to development – so the right homes are built in the right places, protecting our green spaces and prioritising urban regeneration. I’m also determined to make transport a priority like a new station at Henbury and Horfield, speeding up the Portway Park and Ride station, and increased services from Sea Mills and Shirehampton stations. The West of England Mayor can make a real difference to the lives of people in the West with nearly £1 billion of extra Government money and key powers over housing, transport, the economy and jobs. But we need a strong local voice to champion our region, we need a Mayor who can work with our Government, local MPs and Councillors to get things done instead of using the role to score political points.

I GREW up in Gloucestershire and lived in the Bristol area for the last 15 years. After graduating from Swansea University as a mechanical engineer, I joined the RAF as an Engineering Officer. Later I undertook a Masters in Business and worked in public services in a number of roles spanning crime & drugs, culture and media & sport. I was the national spokesperson for the FRANK drugs campaign and supported Gloucestershire’s recovery from 2007’s flooding. I spent 5 years working with Bristol City Council, running the Bristol Green Capital Partnership, and led the team that won the European Green Capital Award. Over 20 years, I have become more active in campaigning on environmental issues and despite my reservations, I was persuaded to enter politics. I ran to be the Green Party’s Bristol West MP, achieving 23% of the vote, coming a close second to Labour. During the campaign I saw how the Green party’s vision and messages of hope connected with residents fed up with the hollow promises from ‘the greenest government ever’. As Metro Mayor, we can improve the lives of thousands who live and work in the West of England by investing in better public transport, affordable housing, and jobs that pay a living wage. We must do more to provide people with meaningful work and investing in people. We have the opportunity to be a world leader in the smart cities agenda, creating a strong local economy that protects and regenerates the natural resources upon which we all enjoy.

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Lesley Mansell

for Metro Mayor My key pledges to you are to: Build more social housing and affordable homes. Create better jobs, training opportunities and apprenticeships. Provide reliable, green and accessible transport. Secure the best business deal for the region, including rolling out high-speed internet. Promote green energy policies and protect our beautiful countryside.

I am standing for election because I want to change the way things are done. My vision is to ensure everyone in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire can share equally in our regionâ€™s success. I want devolution to work for the many, not the few. I will put people first. mansell4mayor.org @MansellForMayor www.facebook.com/MansellForMayor 07955 619 632

Vote

Thursday 4 May Promoted by Pete Daw on behalf of Lesley Mansell, both of Tony Benn House, Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6AY.

April, 2017

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John Savage, Independent Candidate ON May 4, we enter a new phase of devolution that will profoundly change the way that our region is run. I have lived in the West of England for the last 40 years and for the first time in my life I see the possibility of a real shift in power from Westminster to local people. Last year three councils in the West of England – Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire – agreed to a devolution deal which will allow our region to determine its own future, as well as an additional £30 million in extra funding from government. This is an unprecedented opportunity for the West of England and it is essential that we do not waste it. We need a leader who can work across the three local authorities; someone who will not be bound by bureaucracy nor party interests. This is not the time to be divisive, but to unite the West of England around a common purpose and, in doing so, truly let this region reach its full potential. The West of England’s Mayor must use their position to facilitate co-operation between the local authorities for the good of all. I intend to stand as an independent candidate for this election and draw upon my vast experience of partnership working – with government, local government, businesses and charities – to bolster the status of the West of England and champion it as the best places to live and work.

Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat Candidate THE election of a “Metro” Mayor for the West of England is an exciting opportunity to take our region forward. London has benefitted from the strategic leadership of its Mayor. Now we will have the same powers and new sources of money so that we can make the big decisions locally, rather than asking for permission or funding from the government in Westminster. The new Metro Mayor will be able to invest in the local economy, with £120 million available in the first four years. I will invest in cheap start up space for new businesses and social enterprises. I want to encourage tech and digital entrepreneurs, the fast growing industries of the future. I will also support those businesses that are developing a low carbon, sustainable economy. I will lead trade delegations to bring more jobs to our area, building a world recognised brand for Bristol and Bath. I will set aside land for new homes that are affordable for purchase and rent, safeguarding the green Belt. I will use new transport powers to regulate all of bus providers, cut journey times and improve air quality. I will reopen rail stations, starting with Ashley Down, Charfield and Saltford. I will work with our county neighbours to bring more rail improvements and a new tram link to Bristol Airport. This is a big job and I am the only candidate to have served as a minister in the government, as well as an MP and councillor. I can make the case to the government for even more resources and powers, taking our region forward to greater prosperity.

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Lesley Mansell, Labour Candidate LESLEY Mansell is standing for Metro Mayor to make a difference. An experienced negotiator, the NHS manager believes she has the qualities required to bring together the local government leaders uniting them in a common aim. “My vision is to ensure everyone in the West of England can share equally in our region’s success. The Metro Mayor is a new role and a chance to change the way things are done. I will put people first, work hard to get the best out of the three local authorities so devolution works for the many, not the few, “ she says. “This election presents an opportunity for us to tackle the inequalities of our housing market, the insecurity of our jobs market and to end the frustrations of our journeys across Bristol.” Lesley lives in Radstock and works at Southmead Hospital. Her first priority is to address the region’s housing problems. “We have already seen in Bristol what can be done when there is the will to build houses. I will work closely with Marvin Rees to replicate Labour’s success across the rest of the region.” One solution to rush hour congestion is to encourage employers to allow staff to work from home more often. “I will push for improved broadband in all areas,” she says. “Imagine the difference to our congestion and air quality if commuters stayed at home one day a week.” “The West of England needs a Labour Metro Mayor to champion the fight against the region’s inequalities,” she says.

Aaron Foot, UKIP FOR many people within the new West of England combined Authority, choosing the region’s first Metro Mayor will be an important decision for them. Therefore, it’s absolutely crucial, that come May, voters aren’t restricted to choosing between a selection of career politicians that are almost indistinguishable from one and other. With me on the ballot, they’ll have the opportunity to vote for someone completely different. If elected to be the new Metro Mayor, I will work with everyone across the new West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, and I firmly believe that direct democracy can and will deliver outstanding levels of service and will ensure all voices are heard. As your local UKIP Candidate for the West Of England Metro Mayor, I have three commitments. Firstly, as a farmer, I understand the vast importance of the greenbelt and thus I do not want to see our nation stripped of its prime agricultural land and natural wildlife habitats. This is why I will fight hard to prevent our countryside becoming swamped by overdevelopment, as our countryside must be preserved so be enjoyed by future generations. I will also pledge to get the Bristol and Bath gridlock sorted once and for all. This will be achieved by ending the war on motorists and implementing an integrated transport network where bus, train and road user all work together. Finally, I want to be the voice that represents you, the public, this is why in the first 100 days in office, I will create a direct democracy platform so we can shape the West Of England together. This will be done so that we can all champion change.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Sunday 9th April n 10:00am, Friends of Filnore Woods Work Morning From Thornburty Leisure Centre car park, cross the field to the white tool shed. Work mornings are from 10 - 12 on the second Sunday and fourth Wednesday of the month. Any questions, email or phone Jerry on 01454 416945. filnorewoods.blogspot.com filnorefriends@gmail.com Sunday 9th April n Alveston Twinning Sunday Walk Meet on the 2nd Sunday of alternate months. Walks are usually between 4 and 6 miles, usually ending at a pub. New members are always welcome; contact any committee member if you have an interest. www.alveston. org/alveston/e/28995/alvestontwinning-sunday-walk Monday 10th April n 7.30pm Alveston Women's Institute, Jubilee Hall, Alveston 12 April to 15 April n 7.30 pm. Northavon Youth Theatre present Hairspray The Armstrong Hall, Thornbury Tickets from: Wildings Ltd, 14 High Street, Thornbury or call 07980 543691 Tuesday April 18, 7.30pm n Thornbury Women’s Institute meeting Thornbury Methodist Church Monday 10th April, 7.30pm n Alveston Women’s Institute meeting

Jubilee Hall, Alveston

Regular events Monday n 7.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall World Dance 7pm - 10 pm Tuesday 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Armstrong Hall - Excell Room Recycled Teenagers Lunch Club Wednesday 2.00 pm Armstrong Hall - Cossham Hall Tea Dance 01454 412060 Wednesday 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall, Committee Room Lip Reading Classes Thursday 8.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Ceroc Dance Friday 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Committee Room Canasta Club Friday Alveston: Marlwood School Marlwood Folk Companions 7:45 – 9:15pm (term time only). 01454 414365 Peter.sumner@ btopenworld.com

Healthy living fair to be held in Thornbury THORNBURY Leisure Centre will host an event on gluten-free and healthy living on Sunday, April 2. The Eat Clean Fair will include a selection of food, drink and well-being stands, cooking demonstrations and a kids’ zone. It will be open from 11am3pm and tickets cost £3 on the door, with under-16s admitted free.

April, 2017

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@thornburyvoice. co.uk

Thornbury police to meet residents at beat surgery POLICE will be at Thornbury Town Hall on Thursday, April 20, for the next neighbourhood team beat surgery. Officers are set to be at the venue for an hour from 11am to meet local people and hear about any concerns or issues they want to raise. The surgeries are held every month, with the following surgery planned for Wednesday, May 10.

What’s on at Thornbury Library Opening times:

Monday: closed Tuesday: 9.30am - 7.00pm Wednesday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Thursday: closed Friday: 9.30am - 7.00pm Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Sunday: closed

Thornbury Library Easter bank holiday opening hours Please check our website for Easter holiday opening hours: www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries or visit Thornbury Library for printed Easter opening times. Children’s free drop-in activity – Easter Eggstravaganza Monday 10th April 11-midday Drop in anytime between 11-12 noon for free family fun, aimed at primary school-aged children. Enjoy crafts and activities with an Easter theme. Adult supervision

required, no child under 8 years to be left unattended. Craft & Chat drop-in Saturday 22nd April 2pm-4pm Calling all knitters, crocheters, and all people who love to make things… A chance for people who love crafting to get together and share inspiration. No charge and no booking required. Just turn up and bring your craft project with you. Free drop-in computer support with a trained Volunteer Drop-in to Thornbury Library on Monday mornings 10-12 to see Mike, our computer volunteer. No appointment necessary. Mike can help with quick enquiries. Bring your device and charger with you and connect to our free WiFi, or use a library computer (at no cost).

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Our computer volunteers only offer support in the library and not in customers’ homes. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries Follow us on Twitter @ SouthGlosLibs Looking for opening times, service information or contact details? See our website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries Are you a library member? If so, are you making the most of your FREE membership? Joining the library is free and easy! Simply visit your nearest library with proof of address (e.g. driving licence, utility bill). Your Active Card gives automatic membership of 100+ libraries in the LibrariesWest network with 24/7 access to many free digital services at www.librarieswest.

org.uk. Log-in with your library membership number (printed on your card) and your 4-digit PIN. Here you can manage your account, order books (free for U18s) online & collect from your nearest library and access free digital library services 24/7 such as eMagazines, eBooks & eAudioBooks. If you don’t know your PIN, reset it easily by selecting “Forgot my PIN” and an email with reset instructions will be sent to the email address we hold for you. Your Active Card is also valid in leisure centres across South Gloucestershire. Thornbury Library is located in St Mary’s Shopping Centre, close to Hawkes House neighbourhood café and Aldi. Everyone is welcome - we look forward to seeing you!

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n NEWS

Historic Thornbury Castle goes on the market for £8.5 million THORNBURY Castle is set to have another new owner after being put up for sale by Luxury Family Hotels. Agents Savills, acting on behalf of the company, said the hotel and restaurant was on the market for offers in excess of £8.5 million. The grade one-listed premises has 28 en suite bedrooms and sits in grounds of more than 15 acres next to Thornbury’s parish church. It is a fortified Tudor manor house that had been owned by Edward Stafford, the third Duke of Buckingham, but he was executed for treason by Henry VIII in 1521 and the castle was confiscated by the king. Henry later stayed there with his second wife, Anne Boleyn, in 1535. After falling into disrepair following the Civil War, the building was restored by the Howard family. For 20 years, from the mid1960s, it became a top restaurant under the ownership of chef Kenneth Bell, receiving the first Michelin star awarded in the UK outside of London. Maurice Taylor - the Baron Portlethen - developed the hotel business when he was the owner before it went on to become part of the Von Essen chain. Von Essen later collapsed and for the past five years, Thornbury

Castle has been run by Luxury Family Hotels, which bought the premises out of administration. Martin Rogers, head of UK hotel transactions at Savills, said: “Thornbury Castle offers a unique opportunity to an investor looking to own a historic hotel. “The fantastic reputation of the business and the sympathetic

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Tudor interiors have ensured the hotel remains popular with guests and we expect significant interest while marketing the asset.”

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n NEWS

On the trail of art in the Severn Vale as popular event returns for 12th year MORE than 60 artists will have their work on show in this year’s Severn Vale Art Trail, with exhibitions and open studios featuring in the increasingly popular event. The trail is part of Thornbury Arts Festival and will run from April 28-May 7, using venues in the town and surrounding areas. As well as regular locations that have been used in previous trails, there will also be new settings for 2017, including St Mary’s Church in Berkeley exhibiting paintings by Jenny Smith, Gloria Jones and Gill Moules. Thornbury itself will welcome a display by prestigious portrait artist Trish Claridge in the Castle School’s Octagon Visual Arts Centre. Shirley Sharp, an established

charcoal and paint artist from the town, will also be part of the trail, with her pictures at the CLaSH Artspace in Grovesend Road joining those by four artists who paint, print and create installations. Jewellers Rosemary Millar and enamel artist Gill Harkness are among others to have signed up for the event, along with Charfield’s stitching duo of Mitra McQuilton and Karen Schwamm, ceramicist Liz Armstrong and photographer Sarah Martin. Woodturner George King, painters Ronald Swanwick and Robert Hirstwood and glass artist Sarah Davis make a welcome return to the trail, with brochures detailing all the venues now available from Thornbury Town Hall. Information is also on the website www. thornburyartsfestival.com/ arttrail and a number of South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire outlets will have stocks of the guide. The 2017 event is the 12th to be organised, growing from a trail featuring just 20 local artists and craft workers in 2006 to the 63 involved this year. Organiser Jane Parfitt said: “As well as the exhibition venues, visitors will also be able to meet artists in their studios, chat to them about their work and buy high quality art at affordable

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prices. “The event features artworks in oil, watercolour and pastels, prints and drawings, jewellery and wood, photography, glass and textiles, with the trail starting in Olveston village and stretching north through Thornbury to Berkeley and Dursley.” This year’s trail runs ahead of the main arts festival, which will feature an exhibition of work by some members of the art trail group from May 5-13 in Thornbury Town Hall.

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April, 2017

n NEWS TICKETS have gone on sale for the 2017 Thornbury Arts Festival, with demand high for a number of events in the nine-day programme. Award winning folk singer Cara Dillon, scientist Professor Lord Robert Winston and former shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe are among the hits with early buyers. Other highlights include the acclaimed Reduced Shakespeare Company in a “new” play by the Bard - as allegedly discovered in a Leicester car park - and Squashbox Theatre’s Sea Show, which is aimed at families and will be followed by a puppet workshop for children. Ann Widdecombe - now known to many as a past Strictly Come Dancing contestant - will launch the festival on Friday, May 5, with a talk about her life, which still involves serious debate and regular TV documentaries. Cara Dillon’s concert will see the Northern Irish singer joined by her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman, together with fiddle champion Niall Murphy, while leading fertility

Thornbury Arts Festival tickets selling well expert Professor Winston will give a talk on genetics. International antiques expert Judith Miller, a regular on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, also comes to the festival to give an insight into her career and the collecting of antiques. Other evening events include Dale Dennehy, of Dyrham Park, explaining the background to the restoration of the National Trust site’s gardens, as well as Thornbury Choral Society singing Mozart’s Requiem and Handel’s Coronation Anthems. The programme’s lunchtime talks, this year taking place in the United Reformed Church, feature topics ranging from the work of the Bristol Film Office and the creation of the Badminton railway line to 100 years of the Women’s Institute and the history of Thornbury in ten items.

Cara Dillon

Ann Widdecombe

Meanwhile, a guided walk around the Purton hulks - the abandoned boats and ships that were deliberately beached next to the river Severn near Sharpness has already sold out but a repeat ramble is being pursued. The festival, which runs from

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Professor Lord Robert Winston May 5-13, will be brought to a close by the foot-tapping sounds of the electric string quartet Stringfever. Visit www. thornburyartsfestival.com for further details.

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28/02/2017 14:21

April, 2017

thornburyvoice

n NEWS

Disco divas celebrate World Thinking Day MORE than 250 guides, brownies and rainbows from across the Severnvale division celebrated World Thinking Day with a disco. As well as dancing and making new friends from other units,

Sixties nostalgia promised by drama company in popular musical YOUNG actors will be taking a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s when Northavon Youth Theatre Company stages the musical Hairspray. The award winning drama group will perform five shows over four days in Thornbury’s Armstrong Hall - four in the evening and a Saturday afternoon matinee. Audiences have been promised hundreds of colourful costumes, stunning effects and magical sets during the run from Wednesday, April 12, to Saturday, April 15. Songs such as Good Morning Baltimore, Without Love and You Can’t Stop the Beat also feature in the show. The curtain will go up in the evening at 7.30pm and for the matinee on the closing day at 2.30pm. For ticket information, email bookings@nytc.org.uk or phone 07980 543691.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

everyone renewed their promises and long service awards were presented. The division covers Thornbury, Alveston, Olveston, Falfield, Pilning, Easter Compton and surrounding areas.

Thornbury preschool receives praise from Ofsted AN Ofsted inspector has rated a Thornbury pre-school as good. Victoria Nicolson said the First Step pre-school, based at Crossways Infant School, had a manager and staff who strived for continuous improvement. They knew the children well and used effective systems to observe and assess the youngsters’ progress. She said: “The manager and staff are good role models. Children are well prepared to start school.” In her report, she said parents were encouraged to share their children's learning at home with the staff to provide continuity in their care and learning. She said: “Children are happy and secure in the setting. They are sociable and develop good relationships with their peers.”

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thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n LOCAL HISTORY

View from Thornbury and District Museum IT’S some three decades since the museum was officially opened in a former cottage in Chapel Street, with a collection of items of local historical interest that had been amassed by Oldbury-on-Severn resident Mary Bruton at its core. Over the years, the collection has expanded, thanks to the interest and generosity of the community it serves. Here, those involved in running the museum have contributed to an explanation of its own history in the first feature about the town, its people and the surrounding area that Thornbury Voice will carry. THORNBURY and District Heritage Trust was formed in 1986 with a singular purpose - to create a museum for Thornbury and the parishes in the lower Severn vale. Thornbury and District Museum was formally opened by the then mayor of the town, Don Pearce, in October 1988 but by that time, exhibitions for public enjoyment and education had been taking place for nearly two years. A collection of items formed the first exhibition, held in November 1986. AN exhibition running in Thornbury is giving a taster for the opening of the new Aerospace Bristol museum this summer. The museum at Filton will tell the story of the area’s world class aerospace industry, with Concorde 216 as its centrepiece. The supersonic aircraft was designed, built and tested in Bristol, with Concorde 216 the last of the fleet to be built and the last to fly. Thornbury’s exhibition is in the town’s own museum in Chapel Street and features artefacts, pictures and documents about the aerospace industry in Filton, which dates

Mary Bruton, of Oldbury-onSevern, a key member of the Thornbury Historical Society, had bequeathed a quantity of pictures and documents to the organisation. However, the society had no premises in which to display them so two rooms in the Chapel Street Workshop were temporarily called into service. Such was the enthusiasm for the presentation about the life of Miss Bruton that 400 visitors were attracted to the display during three days. The museum developed in subsequent years but that first exhibition was never forgotten, resulting in it being celebrated when the museum reached its landmark silver jubilee. It featured 25 artefacts, including an 1885 Victorian curiosity box containing part of the Littleton whale - the 68ftlong creature that was stranded at nearby Littleton-on-Severn in that year. The museum is nationally accredited and run entirely by volunteers, who have recognised the dedication of all those who have helped in the past and those who continue to give their time now. The trust said financial support from sources such as

local councils and the Friends of Thornbury and District Museum also played a vital role. It is an ambition to ultimately have bigger premises for the museum in order to secure Thornbury’s local history and heritage for the future. But in the meantime, it continues to work to professional standards, look after its collection and provide a friendly museum service to the public,

including running a museum shop. New volunteers with a variety of skills are also always welcome to join the team. The museum is open from 1pm-4pm from Tuesdays to Fridays and from 10am-4pm on Saturdays. It is closed each January. Information and photograph courtesy of Thornbury and District Museum

Aerospace industry highlighted in Thornbury museum exhibition

back to 1910 and developed over the years to include the design of aircraft engines, satellites and

Your view

guided weapons. Some of the material on show comes from the museum’s

own collection, with other items loaned by local residents and organisations. Visitors can also put on a pair of headphones and listen to the voices of people who worked at what used to be the Bristol Aeroplane Company (BAC). The exhibition runs until Saturday, April 22, with the museum open between 1pm and 4pm from Tuesdays to Fridays and from 10am-4pm on Saturdays.

If you have a view on anything happening in Thornbury and surrounding villages we would love to hear from you

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n ON THE BEAT - WITH YOUR LOCAL POLICING TEAM WE’RE delighted to have been asked to contribute to the new Thornbury Voice.

Stores • 11am to 12pm at The Ship Inn, Alveston • 2pm to 3pm at Wyevale Garden Centre, Milbury Heath We’re also holding a rural crime event at Countrywide Farmers, Thornbury, from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday 1 April, with information about the Crimestoppers livestock theft campaign, Farm Watch, Horse Watch and crime prevention advice. You can also contact us through our website, www. avonandsomerset.police.uk, where you can find details of beat surgeries and other events as well as our community priorities. Just type your postcode into the ‘Your Area’ box. You can report crime on the website as well, or by calling 101. In an emergency (if someone is at risk of being hurt or a crime is in progress) call 999. One of our priorities at the

Your neighbourhood police team is based at Thornbury Town Hall on the High Street. PCs Natalie Jones and Sean White cover the Thornbury and Alveston beat, which includes Falfield and Tytherington, with PCSOs Tony Blackmore and Sheryl Drewitt and volunteer officer Special Sergeant Roly Lock. PC Peter Wozniak and PCSO Kelly Dimery are responsible for the Severn beat, which stretches from Hill to Hallen and Pilning to Rockhampton. The next police beat surgeries will take place on Wednesday 19 April: •9 .15am to 10am at Easter Compton Village Hall •1 0am to 11am at Tytherington Village Shop •1 0.30am to 11.15am at Olveston

PCSO Tony Blackmore

PC Sean White

PC Natalie Jones

PCSO Sheryl Drewitt

PRESENTS Friday 7 July

Paul Jones and Dave Kelly Acoustic Concert Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church 7.30pm

Friday 29 September

Acoustic Strawbs Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church – 7.30pm

Friday 10 November

Bootleg Blondie

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall – 7.30pm Friday 17 November

Clare Teal’s All New Show

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE contact 07733 898762

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PCSO Kelly Dimery moment is to tackle an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB), including fires at the skate park and damage to Daggs Allotments. We have already: • issued a teenage girl with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, including an overnight curfew, following problems in the St Mary Centre • written to and visited the parents and carers of young people involved in ASB • i nvolved youth leaders from Thornbury Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council, local councillors and the Mayor • s tarted working with the local youth club • s tarted working with Avon Fire & Rescue Service on plans to visit schools and youth organisations We can’t be everywhere at once so we need everyone to play their part and keep Thornbury a great place to live and work. If you witness or are affected by ASB it’s vital to report it, either

to us or to South Gloucestershire Council. This helps us target our patrols and other activities. If you’re a parent or carer you should help to keep them safe by knowing where your children are and what they are up to. Young people are part of our community and must respect others and the amenities of our town. Starting fires and causing damage could lead to injury or accident to themselves or others, and if they’re involved in this type of criminal behaviour it could affect their future career prospects and even travel plans. If you have any evidence which could help us identify those responsible for causing these problems, please get in touch either through our website or by calling 101. You can also pass on information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n NEWS FROM YOUR MP

A new West of England Mayor – What it means for South Gloucestershire

Luke Hall writes for Thornbury Voice

ON the 4th May local people will have the opportunity to vote in the first ever election for a Mayor for the Combined Authority Area of South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset. The new role of a Metro Mayor will come with significant additional powers, passed down from Westminster, on housing, transport, infrastructure and skills. At the same time, the government is devolving a budget for the mayoral area of £30million a year. The role will provide our area with a great opportunity to build upon the economic success of the west of England, making our region and South Gloucestershire an even better place to live, work and set up a business. Unlike the former Avon

authority, the West of England authority has been designed from the bottom up; councils were free to vote to join and share in the extra investment or not but the new authority does not abolish South Gloucestershire or other existing councils. Instead, local councils will still remain- it just means that we have a more powerful voice to plan the future of our area, and at the same time share in the proceeds of investment and growth that can happen if we work together with the other local authorities to sort out our transport and infrastructure problems. Manchester, Birmingham and the West Midlands have also agreed to create these powerful local areas with a mayor- recognising the

value that they can bring to their area. The success of our area means there is more congestion on our roads, pressure on our housing and increased demand on our general infrastructure. The Metro Mayor will be helping me improve the transport problems we face in South Gloucestershire. So keep an eye out for more information about the Mayoral elections coming through your door, as a local MP I want us to use this opportunity to make sure our area has the right infrastructure, transport and housing. If 2016 was a historical year in national politics, it looks like 2017 might be just as historic for local politics too.

Spring flowers in bloom at town’s annual show THORNBURY’S annual spring flower show takes place in the Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, on Saturday, March 25. The event, run by Thornbury Horticultural Society, includes classes for spring bulbs, cut flowers and floral art, as well as some sections for children only. Doors open at 1.30pm after the judging has been completed and visitors to the show will also be able to buy plants.

T25 1984 55,000 MILES PRICE £11,000 OFFERS CONSIDERED UL COMPLETE OVERHA ALT 2015, ALL RUST DE ALS AND WITH, WINDOW SE WHOLE , ED AC PL TRIMS RE BODY RESPRAYED INTERIOR CONTAIN S HOB, TOASTER, FRIDGE UNIT NOT WORKING, SIN K WE HAVE NOT USED, PL ENTY OF STORAGE

CALL: 07815 201991 Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Deliverers needed for Thornbury Voice Would you like to help deliver Thornbury Voice to our readers? We are looking for people to help us with this important role. It’s a once a month commitment, so whether you are looking for some paid exercise or extra pocket money, we’d like to hear from you. You need to be reliable, as it’s important the paper goes to homes in the area every month. The minimum age for a round is 13 (with parental permission) - there is no upper limit! Email contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Distributer needed We need someone to make sure Thornbury Voice gets out every month. You would be responsible for receiving the papers and distributing them to our deliverers and local businesses. You will need your own transport, and be available for a day once a month. Interested? Email contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n NEWS

Food growing on the menu at Thornbury open meeting ANYONE interested in producing their own vegetables, fruit and salad is invited to an open meeting of the Grow Your Own Food Group in Thornbury. The group was set up to share knowledge about food gardening and last year held two successful open meetings, which resulted in new members joining. With the start of the new growing season, the exercise is being repeated, with the event taking place in The Chantry, Castle Street, on Thursday, March 30, from 7.30pm-9pm.

LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Horns of plenty in fund raising concert by Cornucopia quartet A CONCERT in Thornbury by Cornucopia, a quartet of professional horn players, will raise money for the town’s Armstrong Hall development project. Music by Mozart - and his son - and Haydn will feature in the performance in the Cossham Hall, Chapel Street, on Friday, March 31. The 19th century piece Bird of the Forest will also be played, with the evening closing with Gordon Carr’s Chinese Songs. Cornucopia will join up with local flute player Nicki Woodward (Barnes), baritone Niall Hoskin and pianist Steven Hollas for the concert, tickets for which cost £12, with concessions available. They are on sale in Thornbury Town Hall, High Street, or by phoning 01454 412272.

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Fashion Show Wednesday 14th June 2017 Armstrong Hall, Thornbury Tickets available from chloe-tony@hotmail.co.uk Fabulous cut price bargains from quality high street labels. All items are available for purchase on the night. Cash or card only please.

SD Fashion Show Co Ltd.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n TAKE A BREAK Adult puzzles

PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE

Children’s puzzles

WORDSEARCH

Can you find 47 edible plants vertically, horizontally or diagonally?

E H E E I P G I R T Q H T T M R B R L

Y I E N I H Z T D M A R T I C H O K E

H N K N E E Y S O D B C E L E R I A C

S I A R B T P H N M C E L E R Y Y T R

K C K E C O U P I J A R L E T T U C E

H I E M T H I R O U P T Y K D P E A S

N T S A A M A C N G W M O C W C R P S

F P T P E R X R H I E N D I V E O E D

E O V N R H R G D I P K Y O C G S R G

N K T C E O O O S P L A N T A I N F N

N O L J S U U W W T K I E R C H I V E

E S C A R L E T B E A N L S R T G Y S

L V G D G D K J S K S I B E C L L N O

R E D P E P P E R U C K T H G Y A M Y

Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

1 4 3

SOLUTIONS

L C K E R K S C A L L I O N L K S U T

ODD ONE OUT (adult)

S C E S J G P A T M C H J E C O L E T

Elephant No. 7

R U L L D R R M S S H A L L O T O R E

TXT PERT

A Z C U A K D V U E G G P L A N T N N

EASY for children

Across 2 France, 4, Mali, 5 Laos, & Aruba, 8 Granada Down 1 Chile, 2 Faso, £ Columbia, 6 Spain

P A P P O K M F M P A U B E R G I N E

SUDOKU

ODD ONE OUT

Seven elephants make three pairs – and one odd one. But which is it?

1 2

TXT PERT

The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad

Clues Across 2. 372623 4. 6254 5. 5267 7. 27822 8. 4736232

Down 1. 24453 2. 3276 3. 26566242 6. 77246

2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L

6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

4 4 5

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thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n SPORT

Rockhampton looking to build on success

WITH the cricket season getting underway, Rockhampton Cricket Club are hoping to trump the most successful season in its history. Last season, the first team finished 3rd in West of England Premier League 2 and they will be looking to improve on that in 2017. The second team play in the Gloucestershire County League and the third and fourth teams will be playing more locally in the Stroud League.

The club also will be hoping to match their success in the National Village Knockout where it reached the final at Lords in 2013. The club will be running four Saturday sides this year, plus Sunday and midweek teams, and these can accommodate a mixture of serious and casual players. In addition to this, there is a thriving youth section which will run teams from Under 9 to Under 19.

To accommodate all these teams, the club has the benefit of two grounds. The Common is a long-established traditional village cricket ground where the third and fourth teams now play, while the main ground at the Boundary Field hosts the firsts and seconds play. This ground has been owned for about 20 years and additional land was purchased last year to support plans to develop the club further. One part of this is the

installation of new outdoor net facilities over the winter. Whilst the club funded the majority of this, there was also support from South Gloucestershire Council. Playing and social members of all ages are very welcome and further details about the club can be found on their website (www.rockhamptoncc.com) or by contacting the club secretary, Paul Williams, on 07895 156689.

Thornbury Town let victory slip in seven goal thriller THORNBURY twice led Rockleaze Rangers but managed to be on the wrong side of a 4-3 scoreline after 90 minutes. It was Thornbury who went ahead after sixteen minutes when home keeper Sam Burgess misjudged a cross and Pete Fowler was there to tap the ball home. Rangers drew level three minutes later from the penalty spot after Marcus Williams was brought down and James Kenway netted from the

spot kick. Thornbury retook the lead just before the half hour mark when the Rangers defence went to sleep and Craig Lancastle ran on to slip the ball past Burgess. Rangers levelled again on 55 minutes when James Kenway lobbed keeper Shepherd from the edge of the eighteen yard box. Rangers then took the lead as James Fitzgerald out paced the Thornbury defence

to make it 3 â€“ 2. But the visitors hit back on sixty one minutes when Danny Haines sent Lancastle away to make it 3 â€“ 3. Kye Simpson hit the cross bar before setting up Greg Williams to net the winner for Rangers. Despite the defeat, Thornbury remained fourth in the Marcliffe Gloucestershire County Football League, ahead of Kingwood on goal difference.

We want your sports news & stories Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

April, 2017

n SPORT

Thornbury Rugby Club third but unable to repeat heroics of last season WITH four games still to go, Thornbury Rugby Club are third in the league, a position achieved despite an endless series of injuries. With skipper Liam Pemberton leading for the third successive season and the coaching team under Rob Higgitt, Thornbury hoped they would go one better than the last season when they finished second and narrowly lost a playoff final at Salisbury. But after three early wins, defeat at Drybrook rang warning bells. The forwards were going well but the backs lacked the incisive and clinical style of the previous campaign. Five wins followed, including a particularly satisfying win at Newent and a comfortable home win over Bridgwater but defeat at Okehampton was followed by a fine win over Teignmouth. Defeat was next to eventual champions Weston in a game in which Thornbury’s injury crisis saw six loose forwards in the pack. A hard-fought win over Chard ended the pre-Christmas fixtures

and saw influential player-coach Tom Luke added to the lengthy injury list, however Thornbury were second in the table without

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

really playing well. Thorns were unlucky to lose at Clevedon in January and since then Thornbury haven’t got going, although they secured the

double over Newent in a thrilling game on a never-to-be-forgotten day when former players Mako and Billy Vunipola of Saracens and England visited the club. The remainder of this season will be played with one eye on next season. With nothing on the remaining games the coaches may take the opportunity to blood some of the younger players who have excelled in the Development XV. The team, made up of 16, 17 and 18 year-olds have had a fine season. Based on the highlysuccessful Under 16’s of the previous season, the team were unbeaten until late February. They reached the last 32 of the National Colts Cup and given that the majority of the team will be together next season the 2017/18 campaign could be even more successful. Backs Harry Tarling and Jake Wood have both played first team rugby this season. The Seconds and Thirds have had frustrating seasons with many games called off at short notice but there remains an enthusiastic core of players. Next season it is planned to launch a Womens Team.

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