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September, 2018 Issue 18 FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
Passenger pressure ensures changes to new bus routes
Thornbury pavement display to stay Council says shop's outside space not under threat PAGE2
Schools celebrate A Level results
CHANGES have had to be made to Thornbury’s new 77 bus route, provided by Stagecoach West, before the company’s official launch of its new services. Service 77 is the route across Thornbury which replaces the former service 615. It will run every hour between Thornbury and Bristol City Centre, connecting Aztec West, Bristol Parkway Station, UWE and Southmead Hospital. It’s one of the additional routes being added as part of Stagecoach West’s expansion of services in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, which aim to provide new links between the villages and Thornbury, Yate and Bristol. But residents and passengers were unhappy about the manoeuvres that the bus has to make at Manor Walk to turnaround, as well as navigating some of the narrower roads within the town.
Bumper haul of A grades PAGE 9
Picture perfect Snaps of garden land couple in competition final PAGE 11 Eyes on the prize: Josh White won 17 out of 18 rubbers this season, helping Thornbury Men’s first team to promotion as champions. More sport, page 36
Continues on page 3
Life in the slow lane Residents left out of broadband upgrade PAGE 24
Thornbury toil in pre season friendlies Rugby club praises efforts of young players PAGE 36
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September, 2018
n NEWS
Thornbury shop owner’s pavement display was never ‘under threat’ OVER 2,800 people signed a petition to support John Riddiford, who owns L.E Riddiford on Thornbury High Street, after he was told to alter his display of goods outside the shop following a health and safety complaint. Following the visit from a South Gloucestershire council officer, John wrote about what had happened on his Facebook page. He said: “We’re sorry if it’s you we’ve offended but we’re only here to serve you our community and customers and are here to help not upset and annoy you. We need to utilise the space outside the shop as we have limited space inside without major alterations and the shop possibly losing its character and it encourages customers in to buy things. Without using outside the shop would not take
enough money to be sustainable. We thought most enjoyed the display outside and we get many compliments on it and the atmosphere it creates but perhaps not so much anymore. Is it time for major change, relocation or maybe just call it a day?” John received over 700 comments of support on his post amidst concerns that Riddford’s might close, and 2876 signed a petition to allow him to display goods on the pavement. The story was picked up by national media. There is additional interest because the shop is believed to have inspired the TV sitcom, Open All Hours. Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage said: “Following any complaint, regardless of nature, the Council is obliged to
Council Leader Toby Savage and John Riddiford
investigate, and in this instance it saw one of our officers visit Riddifords.” “We understand and appreciate residents’ views over the outcome, but as the post on Facebook shows, John was very understanding of the situation, working with our officer to find a suitable solution. It is important to point out that at no point was the main display outside the
shop under threat.” “The Council remains supportive of our high streets, a prime example being our continued work to ensure parking is free for our shoppers and had Riddiford’s been asked to remove their entire display, as a resident born and brought up around Thornbury, I would have been among the first to sign the petition.”
Thornbury Musical Theatre Group chooses ‘Into the Woods’ to celebrate 50th year THORNBURY Musical Theatre Group will be performing the musical “Into the Woods” to mark their half century. “Be careful what you wish for” is the theme of the story, which follows The Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to go the King’s Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give some milk.
It’s unusual to see the musical on the amateur stage. It will be directed by Heather Collins, whose shows with the group include Beauty and the Beast, Crazy for You and The Wizard of Oz. The show is suitable for children of Key Stage 2 and older and takes place at the Armstrong Hall, Thornbury from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 October at
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
7.30 pm, including a matinée on Saturday at 2.30 pm. Tickets cost from £10.50. Contact the Box Office on 07516 270140 or book online at www.tmtg.org.uk. Tickets will also be available at Lisa Costa Residential Sales and Lettings at 53 High Street, Thornbury from Saturday 29 September.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
September, 2018
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n NEWS From Page 1 Due to feedback from passengers and residents, the route taken by Service 77 has now been altered. It will start at Thornbury Health centre via Eastland Rd, Gloucester Rd, Morton Way, Primrose Drive, Crossways Rd, Easton Hill Rd, Oakleaze Rd, Gillingstool, Rock St, High St, Midland Way, Rock St, Streamleaze, Avon Way, Grovesend Rd towards the A38. But it will not serve Manor Walk, Parkland Way, Butt Lane, Severn View Rd, Orchard Ave, St David’s Rd, Sibland Way and Alveston Hill. James O’Neill, commercial manager at Stagecoach West, said: “This will reduce journey time for most customers travelling to the town centre and beyond towards Parkway Station and Southmead Hospital. We’re also adding UWE Frenchay Campus to our route.” “Parkland Way will no longer feature on Service 77 due to the ongoing problems reversing and turning our buses at the junction of Manor Walk. We have received a number of complaints regarding this manoeuvre due to the limited space available." Inbound journeys from Bristol will also serve Tesco and from Rock Street will use Gillingstool, Oakleaze Rd, Easton Hill Rd and Eastland Rd to Thornbury Health Centre. Another new bus, Service 622, will run every 90 minutes between Cribbs Causeway and Chipping Sodbury, via Almondsbury, Tockington, Alveston, Thornbury, Tytherington and Yate. This, and the 77 are new link buses which will join the existing Services 60 and 62 to Gloucester, 69 and 620 to Stroud and Bath, and 84, 85, and 86 around Yate. Other changes to Thornbury routes include the Stagecoach Service 60 which will start its
first Monday to Friday journey at 0629 at Thornbury Rock Street instead of Charfield, heading towards Gloucester, with no change to the route itself. Stagecoach Service 62 on its 1418 journey from Gloucester or Berkeley on Monday to Friday, will route through Thornbury and Filton to Bristol City Centre, instead of using the M5, M4, M32. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We will be holding a roadshow at Thornbury Shopping Centre on Thursday the 30 August between 10-4pm along with First Bus and Stagecoach to publicise the bus services available in Thornbury. We encourage people to come along and discuss their options.” Meanwhile in Yate, a campaign by residents saw over 100 people sign a petition in just a day to prevent the loss of their local stops at Iron Acton Way and Cranleigh Court Road. First Bus subsequently revised its plans for its new Y3 service. James Freeman, Managing Director of First Bus
said: "We want to ensure that we respond with positive action to the feedback we have received. Service Y3 will provide a direct and fast link between Yate Shopping Centre and Bristol, and also ensures that a service to Iron Acton Way and Cranleigh Court
Road is still provided.” "We believe that this rethink will go a long way to meet feedback received without compromising the overall premise to the change, which is to provide an improved network for Yate town."
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thornburyvoice October deadline
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September, 2018
n NEWS
Fashion Show celebrates 50th anniversary of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group THORNBURY Musical Theatre Group is linking up with the company M&Co for a fashion show at the store in the St Mary Centre, to raise funds on its 50th anniversary. Members of TMTG will be abandoning the stage for the catwalk, dressed in a selection of M&Co’s autumn and winter clothing.
Tickets are restricted to 50, and will be on sale from M&Co in Thornbury priced at £5 to include a drink. Attendees will be given a 10% discount voucher for M&Co. The fashion show takes place on Tuesday 25 September 7.30 pm, doors open at 7pm.
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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
www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk
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September, 2018
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n NEWS
Concert series to help fund Armstrong Hall rebuild AN autumn series of fundraising concerts starts this September, with organisers saying any profits will go towards Phase 1 of the Armstrong Hall redevelopment project. The annual concerts have raised over £100,000 over the last seven years. The cost of the rebuild is currently estimated at £4.9 million. It will pay for the existing hall to be demolished whilst preserving the historic Cossham Hall, and for a larger stage and performance space to be built. A fundraising strategy is due to be put together in the next few months. Concert organisers say the events will demonstrate community engagement, which can be essential for grant applications. The first concert ‘The Last Ballade’, takes place on Saturday 22 September in the Cossham Hall. It’s a play with music, portraying the end of the tempestuous affair between Frederick Chopin and George Sand. Michael Lunts is the performer, who depicted Chopin in ‘Winter in Majorca’ at the Cossham Hall last year. This performance offers an insight into George Sand’s personality through Chopin’s eyes. She has been described as both his muse and his vampire. Many of the pieces which are inspired
by George Sand, including the Berceuse, the famous Minute Waltz and the F minor Ballade, are played live as part of the action as Michael Lunts portrays both Chopin the
man and Chopin the musician. Tickets cost £14 including interval refreshments. They’re available from Thornbury Town Hall or via 01454 412272.
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September, 2018
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n NEWS
Vicar takes part in Ride and Stride event THE Rev Tom Keates, from St Mary’s Church Thornbury, is to walk to three churches as part of the Ride and Stride event. He’s raising funds for Gloucestershire’s Historic Churches Trust, which provides grants to help maintain
churches. Over 500 people took part in 2017 and raised more than £46,000 for repairs and improvements. Funds are split between the trust and the participant’s chosen church. Rev Tom Keates’ sponsored walk on September 8 will start
from St Mary’s Shepperdine in Oldbury on Severn, then it will take him via St Arilda’s in Oldbury, St Mary’s in Thornbury, and end at St Paul’s in Thornbury. He has a just giving page for any donations at https://www.
justgiving.com/fundraising/ thomas-keates1 The Ride + Stride event coincides with Heritage Open Days between 10 and 4pm, so St Mary’s Thornbury will be open to visitors, with the tower open from 1pm.
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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
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n NEWS
Scammers target elderly A SCAM involving people claiming to be from the tax office has affected senior citizens in the Chipping Sodbury and Yate area. Around a dozen older people have called into Chipping Sodbury Police Station to report being contacted by someone claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), demanding immediate payment of unpaid tax. The fraudster even pretends that there is a warrant for the householder’s arrest as they try to persuade them to hand over money. None of the people who came into the police station have fallen for the scam but officers are keen to make sure others are aware of how to deal with this con. A police spokesperson said: “If you get this sort of unexpected call, end it immediately. If you are concerned about your tax status, contact HMRC directly using a number from the phone book, HMRC correspondence you know to be genuine, or from www.gov.uk" If you believe you have been contacted by a fraudster, report it and receive a police crime reference number by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or using the online fraud reporting tool on their website, www.actionfraud. police.uk
September, 2018
‘The Sound of Music’ comes to Olveston 60 years after it’s first showing THE Olveston Parish Players are bringing what is arguably the most famous musical ever staged to Tockington. ‘The Sound of Music’ first hit the Broadway stage in 1959 starring Mary Martin, long before it became a film in 1965 with Julie Andrews in the leading role. It tells the true story of the von Trapp family, who escaped the Nazis to become the famous Trapp Family Singers in the USA. Rehearsals run twice a week from October to February, but the process of choosing a cast starts this month. Read throughs for both adults and children take part at 7.30pm on Monday 24 and Thursday 27 September in the Parish Hall in Tockington. Audition parts will be handed out during these sessions. There will then be an audition
evening for children only at 7pm on 1 October, when a short list will be drawn up for the roles of the seven Von Trapp children, looking at their relative heights. The child actors in the musical need to cover an age range of 5 to 16. Children must be able to dance, sing, and learn lines off by heart. The actual auditions for adults and children will take place on Thursday 4 October at 7pm. Tickets go on sale in January, with the show running at Tockington Parish Hall from 20 -23 February 2019. To find out more, see www.facebook.com/ OlvestonParishPlayers or email secretaryparishplayers@gmail. com.
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September, 2018
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n NEWS THE pupils at the joint sixth form at Castle School in Thornbury and Marlwood School in Alveston are celebrating after achieving good results at A level this year. From 48 students, 80% achieved A*-C grades, with a quarter obtaining an A or A* grade. The highest achievers were Hannah Hobbs and Ben WhiteHorne with four A* grades each. A group of 12 pupils achieved better than 3 A grades. Angie Browne, interim Headteacher said: “Excellent results like these come about
A Level success for pupils from a combination of students’ own motivation and hard work, high quality teaching and huge levels of family support. We are thrilled that this recipe has worked again for so many young people, and we wish them every success in the next stages of their lives.” Louise Davies, Head of the joint Sixth Form said: “This was the first year of revised national A-levels in some subjects, which
were undoubtedly harder and which caused much uncertainty for teachers and students when we didn’t know what the new exams and standards would look like. It’s a testimony to the hard work put in by everyone at Castle and Marlwood that the results have been maintained at their consistently high levels even with these changes.” Many schools in South Gloucestershire reported improved results on last year. And every school could highlight successes for individual students, with some reaching requirements for their first choice university place, and others going onto apprenticeships. Leader of South Gloucestershire Council with Cabinet responsibility for schools, Councillor Toby Savage said: “It has been another great results day for many of our A-level students across South Gloucestershire and I am
delighted to be able to share in the experience.” “There is clearly a lot to celebrate and I would like to congratulate our students and wish them the best for this important next step in their lives, whether they are going on to university, a new job, apprenticeship or a vocational qualification.”
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YOUR FIRST REAL CHANCE AT SGS! Join us at our Open Events and find out about SGS College’s wide range of full/part-time and Higher Education study programmes, including those starting in September 2019. • Speak with our specialist course tutors • Meet current learners studying at SGS • Tour the campus to see our industry focused facilities OUR NEXT OPEN EVENTS ARE ON: Wednesday 26 September 17:30-20:00 A-levels Open Event - SGS Filton Campus Only Saturday 6 October 10:00-13:00 All subject areas – SGS Filton, WISE, Stroud, Queens Road and Berkeley UTC campuses For further details visit www.sgscol.ac.uk or call 0800 0567 253
September, 2018
thornburyvoice
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n NEWS
Tockington garden reaches the finals of BBC Gardeners’ World competition THE owners of Stoneleigh Down garden in Tockington, are waiting to hear if they are to be crowned winners after reaching the finals of the ‘Garden of the Year 2018’ competition. Su and John Mills spotted the competition in the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, and did some research online looking at photos of last year’s winners. They decided to enter just days before the closing date. Two weeks later they heard they were through to the finals. John Mills said: “We were both pleasantly surprised and delighted. It had been a very easy process to enter – uploading photos – and although we thought the garden was of a standard worth opening for the National Garden Scheme charity, it was great to feel that someone else saw something of quality from the photos.” Their ‘prize’ was a professional photo shoot of the garden which started at 4.30am. The competition judges include Alan Titchmarsh and Dermoid Gavin, with the winners due to be announced in the November issue. Stoneleigh garden will also feature on the ITV programme - 'Love Your Garden' with Alan Titchmarsh, which was due to be broadcast at the end of August. Viewers should look for the Cardiff episode if using catch-up TV. John and Su had Alan Titchmarsh with them for five hours of filming. John said:
“We were quietly excited about meeting Alan Titchmarsh, but very quickly felt as ease. Ours had been selected by them from among several others so we knew they had seen something about our garden that they wanted to film. We had a very enjoyable morning chatting with him and exchanging photos of our respective gardens.” John and Su bought the garden four years ago, when it was a different story. Overgrown 8ft hedges surrounded and divided the space, there were trees in the wrong places, a weedy vegetable patch, and an orchard of unproductive fruit trees. After years of work, it now has an ‘S’ shaped lawn (S for Su), and flows from one themed area to another; spring walk, wildlife pond, summer walkway, Mediterranean courtyard, wildlife motorway, oriental pond, subtropical area, acer woodland and winter garden. Keeping it in good condition during the summer heatwave has been a challenge for the couple. A few shrubs that were moved last Autumn showed signs of stress and needed frequent watering and feeding. They have worked hard to keep on top of dead-heading, and scorched leaves have been removed. John said: “It’s only in the last couple of weeks with some reasonable rain that the garden has plumped itself up and is getting back to normal. Opening the garden again for the NGS has meant we haven’t been able
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
to ‘let it go’ too much. We don’t water the lawn so it’s still looking a bit ravaged by the drought conditions.” The National Garden Scheme open days are on 1 and 2 September. John and Su promise that their garden will look very different to how it did for the
last open event in May. There are now dahlias and cannas in flower, seedheads on the grasses, fruit on the apple and pear trees and the Mediterranean courtyard is full of colour. For more information go to https://www.ngs.org.uk
Tea room seeks new volunteers THORNBURY’S Over 60’s Tea Room is appealing for more volunteers to help serve refreshments. Volulnteers need to be able to give three hours of their time a month. The Tea Room is open Monday - Friday 10am to 4pm. The Tea Room was a long awaited project which started in June 1994. The Courthouse was nearly derelict at the time, but it was restored, and the part of the building that was the old police station was specially designed as the tea room. The building was ready two months ahead of schedule, but no furniture had arrived, so stacking chairs and picnic tables were borrowed and it opened to customers as planned. For more information, please contact Julie Hughes 01454 887151 or Clare Fardell 01454 412486 .
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
Stoke Gifford Retirement Village An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village
A village built around superb social and leisure facilities From 1st October, join us on one of our exclusive village tours and be one of the first to experience the superb social and leisure facilities the village has to offer. Spaces are limited, please call to book your place.
0117 321 1544 Gym Bar Bistro Shop Hair and beauty salon Village hall Hobby room Games room IT suite and library Greenhouse
MARKETING SUITE OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 10AM – 4PM. Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Off Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1EJ FOR MORE INFORMATION stokegifford@extracare.org.uk www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk
*Subject to availability. Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136. Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright Š 2018 - The ExtraCare Charitable Trust.
thornburyvoice
September, 2018
13
n NEWS
Former Rolls Royce guest house strikes gold
A SIXTEENTH century manor house in Rudgeway has been awarded the 5 Star Guest Accommodation Gold Award by the AA, the only one in South Gloucestershire to gain the accolade. The 9 acre Old Church Farm, a listed property and designated national monument, is named
after the ruin of St Helen’s church that occupies part of its’ grounds. The new owners, Christopher and Kate Trim bought the property this year from Rolls Royce who had used it since 1950 as a private hotel to entertain visiting dignitaries and buyers. The couple, who had
previously owned and ran a Good Food Guide restaurant in Portsmouth. Kate said: “Our philosophy is to use the best ingredients that we can. Our vegetable garden supplies us with an abundance of fruit and vegetables and what we don’t grow ourselves we source from the local farmers’ markets. Our customers, including the
anonymous AA inspector, appreciate our high standards and we are extremely proud of our 5 stars as well as the awards for breakfast and dinners”. The property was also shortlisted for the national Eviivo awards for Best Hidden Gem with the regional and overall winners announced in October.
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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
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September, 2018
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Thornbury Volunteer Centre The Alzheimer’s Society is looking for volunteers. It needs group support volunteers who provide support to the group leader to enable people affected by dementia to socialise in a welcoming and non-judgemental environment. Volunteers will help set out the room, put out signage, record attendees, prepare and serve simple refreshments, welcome and talk to guests and participants. It also requires administration support volunteers. Duties include; filing, photocopying, receiving visitors, answering telephone calls, assisting with the planning and organisation of meetings, purchasing stationary, helping with mailings, the distribution of publications, handling post and processing data.
nnn JIGSAW Thornbury is seeking a PR/Media assistant to strengthen its position in the world and to deal with the media and advertising in a positive way. Jigsaw supports families who have children with additional needs and disabilities. They provide a support group, SEN and sensory lending library and have family fun days out and parents' social and awareness events. nnn Brain Tumour Support is a charity based in Thornbury that’s dedicated to giving specialist help and support to families facing the often life changing impact of a brain tumour diagnosis. They
need people to distribute and monitor their collection tins. This process will involve contacting local businesses, either face-to-face or over the phone, to find suitable locations for the collection tins. You will also need to keep a record of where all collection tins are based and follow them up 2-3 times a year to assess if they need emptying. Full training and support will be given. nnn Age UK South Gloucestershire offer a befriending service to older people and the volunteer mentor role is vital to its success. Mentors make regular contact with their allocated team of befrienders to check that they are happy and motivated. They keep the Volunteer Manager up to
date and provide support to volunteer befrienders on issues that arise during their visits. Full induction, safeguarding and specific training given. nnn Thornbury Welcomes is aiming to make Thornbury a more inclusive and welcoming town. It’s seeking a Director to join its team who can offer oversight of the organisation; strategic planning, integrity and experience with additional needs would be welcomed. It’s also seeking volunteers who would like to help promote this initiative. For further information please contact Thornbury Volunteer Centre on 01454 413392 or mail@volunteerthornbury.co.uk
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Model shown: New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch PureTech 110 S&S Manual Flair with optional Emerald Blue Metallic paint from £199 per month.+
12 driving aids
Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/lOOkm) and C02 emissions (g/km) for the New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch Range: URBAN 44.1-67.3mpg (4.2-6.4L/100km); EXTRA URBAN 61.4-85.6mpg (3.3-4.6L/100km); COMBINED 53.3-78.5mpg (3.6-5.3L/100km); CO2 emissions 94119g/km. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying models ordered & registered 01/07-30/09/2018 or until such time as offers/prices may be withdrawn by Citroën at its complete discretion & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months' graduated vehicle excise duty. Optional paint available at extra cost. °Elect 4 Personal Lease rentals shown apply to New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch - Flair PureTech 110 S&S manual and an advance rental of £3,391 will be required. +Actual model shown: New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch PureTech 110 S&S Manual Flair with optional Emerald Blue Metallic paint initial rental £3,391 followed by £199 per month. Elect 4 quotes require 47 monthly rentals on a 48 month agreement of 6,000 miles per annum & a significant optional final rental. Excess mileage charges of 9.6 per mile may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one month’s rental. You will not own the vehicle. Finance subject to status. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Ltd (company registration number 01024322), RH1 1QA. PSA Finance UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Carco Ltd trading as City Motors are acting as a credit broker and not a lender. To finance your vehicle we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Commission may be received. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.
CITY MOTORS 0117 9723030 CASTLE COURT, ST PHILIPS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL, BS4 3AX dealer.citroen.co.uk/Bristol-Arnos-vale
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
September, 2018
15
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Thornbury Rotary – End Polio Now Campaign THORNBURY Rotary has acquired an amazing display that is used to help raise the awareness of Polio as part of Rotary’s ‘End Polio Now’ Campaign. The display consists of a working replica of one of the original Iron Lungs that was used to enable people to breathe on their own, when muscle control was lost or deficient as a result of poliomyelitis (the polio virus). Polio is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. It can attack the nervous system and, in some instances, leads to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine. The eradication of polio is one of Rotary
International’s longest standing and most significant efforts. Along with its partners, Rotary has helped to immunise more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. Polio cases since 1988 have reduced by 99.9% worldwide, but until polio is completely eradicated, every child is potentially at risk. Rotary, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988. In 2007, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation joined Rotary in its commitment to ending polio. Since 2013, the Gates Foundation has donated $2 for every $1 that Rotary has committed to eradication, up to $35 million per year. Earlier this year, Thornbury Rotary displayed the Iron Lung outside Tesco. It attracted a lot of interest by all age groups. Visitors to the display included friends and relatives of people
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
who had suffered from polio and been forced to use the Iron Lung in the 1940’s and 50’s. Some polio patients with paralysed lungs could spend a week or so inside the Iron Lung. There have been rare cases whereby patients have needed to use an iron lung for over 60 years. The mobile display (with the Iron Lung built inside a
trailer) will be available shortly to other Rotary Clubs in the South, further raising the awareness of Polio throughout the region. Interested clubs and organisations can contact Ben Bradley, International Chairman, Rotary Club of Thornbury: benjamin.bradley@btinternet. com.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
16
September, 2018
n FEATURE
Mum hospitalised after inhaling laughing gas hopes for full recovery A THORNBURY mum who is seriously ill after inhaling laughing gas from balloons, is hoping she’ll make a full recovery so that she can return home to be with her 3 year old son, Parker. Liv Golding told the Thornbury Voice that she has no sensation in her body from her waist down, and can’t walk unaided, but she isn’t paralysed. She was inhaling the gas from balloons at festivals and had had around 15 over a period of a few months. She says the problems started about a month ago when she woke up at her Mum’s house in Thornbury and felt like she’d been exercising hard. She put it down to horse-riding the day before. But when she walked down the stairs she had a strange sensation in her legs like pins
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and needles. Liv said “About three weeks later it started getting to the point where I couldn’t feel anything in my stomach, I couldn’t feel that I was full. Then my chest started going tingly. Then my hands closed up and turned it.” When Liv saw the doctor, they sent her to Southmead hospital where they started doing blood tests. She was diagnosed a week later. A brain scan revealed nitrous oxide on her brain and damage to her nervous system. Liv has had a series of B12 injections and is taking a drug to help with nerve pain. She said: “My hands have got a lot better. I can’t lift my leg and put it on the floor, I’m practising working on movements where I slide my legs like I’m ice skating. Every time I put my foot on the floor I feel a shooting pain.” Determined to raise awareness of the damage that laughing gas can do, Liv wrote about her experience on her Facebook page. She said: “I wanted to write this on social media to make awareness to all of my friends that also use balloons, of what the balloon is actually doing to your body. If this just stops one person from doing them I feel I would have succeeded in some way.” “I think we have all become almost expectant to the fact of seeing balloons being sold at festivals, on the streets and even in night clubs. Over the past month my body has slowly been becoming numb, deteriorating in front of me getting to the point last week that I no longer could move my hands or even dress myself. The nitrous oxide that is put into the balloon that we all crave for is actually starving your brain of oxygen and eating away at your nervous system.” “The doctors are now going to focus on trying to reverse this, but I wanted to make everyone aware that the 20 second high off that one balloon could cause you weeks in hospital teaching yourself to walk properly again. Please think of the consequences and raise awareness of nitrous oxide.”
Liv Goulding learning to walk again. Her story went viral and was picked up by national papers, and she says the impact was devastating: “I woke up one morning to 2,000 messages in my inbox, over 100,000 messages on the news articles, to people ringing the ward. It was awful to wake up to. My son’s Nan is in Australia and she rang my Mum thinking I was paralysed. My grandad saw it in the paper and saw ‘hippy crack’ and thought I was taking crack.” Liv’s son Parker is being looked after by her family, and by his Dad, her former partner. She said: “I have nine brothers and sisters. Mum is amazing. Everyone has been. It’s just really come together. It’s like the good out of a bad situation, our family has become so close. So many people are here to help.” She’s been given no timescale by Doctors for her recovery. Liv’s now hoping to raise funds to support the neurology department at Southmead Hospital, and to do talks in schools about the dangers of laughing gas.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
September, 2018
17
n MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER
Less than a mile from the A38 with a daily school minibus service available and wrap-around care
Stephen Symonds, Tockington Manor School
Visit our open day to see what we have to offer WE welcome children into the Tockington family from 2 years old in our recently refurbished onsite Nursery. Here our children learn through play, tending to their own “cottage style” vegetable garden and exploring our 28 acres during “welly walks”. Our Nursery offers children a seamless education with many choosing to stay with us into Reception. As an independent school, pupils stay until aged 13 (Year 8) where we work closely with them and their parents to identify the best next step for them. We have an enviable success rate in delivering entry into their first choice senior schools with many being awarded scholarships in Academia, Sport, Music, Drama and Design Technology.
We are only 6 miles from Frampton Cotterell and can offer a daily school minibus service and wrap-around care to help fit busy family life. Children can also extend their day with breakfast at 7:45am and supper at 6:30pm should you wish. We pride ourselves in working closely with every child, understanding what makes every Tockington child “tick”. Developing their aptitude and attitude to help them to fulfil their potential. So please arrange a visit or join us on our Open Day to find out more about what we could offer your child. We look forward to meeting you. Stephen Symonds Headmaster
Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys and girls aged 2 to 13 years Situated in 28 acres, the School and Nursery grounds provide an ideal space for the children to express themselves; exploring nature with welly walks, discovering our kitchen garden, forest skills, cross country trails, swimming pool, rugby, cricket and national standard all-weather pitch. Our small friendly classes and family approach to education provides bespoke learning for every child and an enviable success rate in delivering entry into their first choice senior schools.
OPEN DAY Friday 5th October 2.30pm - 5pm
Contact us to arrange a visit: 01454 613229 asymonds@tockingtonmanorschool.com To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
SING with us in the AF TERNO ON!
The Thornbury goodafternoon Your Invitation
on
from 1-3pm
Thursday September 13th Thornbury United Reformed Church
When we'll be holding an OPEN SESSION for anyone who would like to know more about our choir. If you enjoy singing (there are NO auditions for our choir) please come along with a friend to meet our Conductor Ben England and the choir.
www.goodafternoonchoir.org
September, 2018
thornburyvoice
19
n NEWS
Police appeal for help The world comes in tracing the owner of to Yate festival distinctive jewellery AVON and Somerset Police are appealing for help after jewellery was seized as part of a burglary investigation. It’s thought the jewellery may have been stolen in a burglary in the South Gloucestershire area in the first two weeks of April. It includes heart-shaped
cufflinks, a bear charm, men’s wedding and signet rings, a watch, several chains and earrings. Anyone with information is asked to get in touch. If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5218081961.
THE Yate International Festival is set to provide visitors with a day of international entertainment, activities and food. The event takes place on Saturday September 15 between 10.30am to 4.30pm at Yate Heritage Centre in Church Road. Throughout the day there will be entertainment including West African Mundi Dancing, Irish Folk, Indian Dhol Drumming, Chinese Folk dancing, Hindu puppet Theatre and Native American dances from Raysfield junior School. Local youth groups will also be performing and there will be activities including Chinese Calligraphy, Indian Games and yoga. There will also be Indian food, traditional Polish food and English teas served throughout the day.
The Dilkush Dhol Drummers. Photograph courtesy of Dave Bruten.
Make your voice count - help to shape your community
Community Engagement Forums meet several times a year to • promote pride in the local area • reduce crime, disorder and drug and alcohol misuse • empower local people to have a greater voice and influence • improve the quality of life of local residents and businesses Find out today the date of your next local meeting -
visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cef 01454 868113 communityengagement@southglos.gov.uk
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
20
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA September 9 n Open Day Sunday September 9 Bristol Indoor Bowls Club, 10am4pm. Try bowls for free at our indoor centre where you can enjoy bowling throughout the winter. All equipment provided. Enjoy our warm, friendly environment, meals from the ‘Hungry Bowler’ and drinks from our well stocked bar. To find out more call 0117 963 3460, email bristolbowls@ btconnect.com, view www. bristolindoorbowls.org.uk, or see our numerous photograph albums on ww.flickr.com/photos/ bristolindoorbowls/albums Bristol Indoor Bowls Club, South Liberty Lane, Bristol BS3 2TY September 11 n' The Severn Beach Line’ presented by Andrew Swift. BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, BRISTOL, BS34 7RG. Tuesday 11th September 7:30 for 7:45 pm. The meeting is open to all and there is no admission charge, but a suggested donation of £3 to help defray expenses is appreciated. Contact: Dave Winter 01454 324230. September 15 n Marlwood School are holding an Alumni Launch evening of music, wine , food and song for all past pupils and staff on Saturday September 15 2018 in the Drama Hall . More details and how to purchase tickets on our Facebook page. October 18 n Yate & Chipping Sodbury Community Engagement Forum is on 18th October 2018 7pm at Tyndale primary School
thornburyvoice
Free Community Learning Courses
Starting soon in Thornbury: n Scrapbooking for Wellbeing. Turnberries in Thornbury. Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm. n Torn Paper Collage for Wellbeing: Turnberries Thornbury Wednesdays12.30-2.30pm. For more information or to reserve a place on these courses or other courses available throughout South Gloucestershire Please contact Jane Thomas, Community Learning Development Worker Tel: 07860 181352 Mob: 01454 864687 Email: jane.thomas2@southglos. gov.uk
Bristol Budgerigar Society n Bristol Budgerigar Society hold meetings at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HR. Meetings commence at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. Chairman Alan Fretten. Mob 07922538894 E-mail alan_fretten13@hotmail. com Details from the Secretary Colin Parsons Tel 01454 775878. E-mail colinpauline@hotmail. com Membership; Adult £7.00, senior £5.00, same address partners £10.00, different address partners appropriate single rate each. Juniors free. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge to see the wonderful budgerigar breeding, exhibition and social experience that Bristol Budgerigar Society can offer.
September, 2018
REGULAR EVENTS
Monday n 7.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall World Dance 7-10pm n Bristol Budgerigar Society. Monday September 10. commencing 7.30pm. Budgerigar Knockout Competition at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Bristol BS34 6HR. Visitors welcome to join us without commitment to join. Further details from the Secretary Colin Parsons. Tel 01454 775878. colinpauline@ hotmail.com or Chairman Alan Fretten. Mobile 07922538894 E-mail alan_fretten13@hotmail. com Tuesday n 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Armstrong Hall - Excell Room Recycled Teenagers Lunch Club n 6pm Zumba at Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com n 7pm Zumba Toning at Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com n 8pm Yoga-Lattes at Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com Wednesday n 2.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall Tea Dance 01454 412060 n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall, Committee Room Lip Reading Classes n Wednesdays Bellydance Classes with Sacha from 7.30pm . Contact Sacha on 07971 578151 or email sachabellydance@yahoo.co.uk for full details. Ridgewood Community Association, Yate BS37 4AF
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
n Top Flight Ballroom Dance Club. B.A,W.A Every Wednesday. Ballroom,Latin,Sequence. £5 Per Person. New Members Welcome. For More Information. Tel01179192765
The Arts Society Severn Valley
We meet in the Town Hall in Chipping Sodbury on the third Monday of each month. 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,
What's on at Thornbury Library Opening Times Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 12:30
9.30 - 17.30 9.30 - 17.30 9.30 - 17.30 9.30 - 17.30 9:30 –
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 Last chance to complete mischief makers, summer reading challenge 2018 - ends saturday 8th september! There’s still time for children to finish reading their six books
to complete the challenge and collect their medal & certificate and their free swim voucher or free library dvd hire from the library. Don’t miss out! Storytime & rhymetime for babies & pre-schoolers we’re back from monday 3rd september! Storytime returns on monday 3rd september at the earlier time of 2pm-2.30Pm and rhymetime returns on friday 7th september 10.30Am-11am. Both sessions run term-time only. It’s a great way to meet other local parents, new faces are always welcome – and it’s free! No booking required, just turn up - we look forward to seeing you! Shared lives scheme drop in Wednesday 5th september 10-12 noon Are you a caring person?
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Do you have the time, energy, motivation and a spare room to be able to support a vulnerable adult in your own home? If you are interested in finding out more pop into the library on wednesday 5th september and find out more from the shared lives team. Craft & chat First thursday of the month 2pm - 4pm. A chance for people who love crafting to get together and share inspiration. No charge and no booking required. Just turn up and bring your craft project with you. New faces welcome! Carers support centre drop in - supporting carers into employment Wednesday september 19th 10.30Am -12 noon Carers support centre are
supporting unpaid carers and former carers who have been out of work for more than 12 months to move closer towards their employment and training goals. An advisor from the carers support centre will be here to give free advice and support, drop in anytime between 10.30 Am and 12 noon. Computer support volunteers Drop-in without an appointment on monday mornings 10-12 to see mike, our computer volunteer who can help with quick enquiries. If you need more intensive support, book in to see our computer volunteer chris on thursday mornings at 9.30, 10.30 Or 11.30. Sessions with chris must be booked in advance – enquire in person at thornbury library or email thornbury. Library@southglos.Gov.Uk.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
September, 2018
21
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA 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 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 10am STRONG by Zumba at the New Sports Complex, Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com 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 10.30am Zumba at the New Sports Complex, Castle School www.zumbathornbury.com
Cancer Research UK Fun Wine Tasting Challenge
n Fancy an enjoyable evening of wine tasting that will also, in a fun way, test your knowledge of wines? Thornbury and District Cancer Research UK Committee are holding just that on Saturday 13th October in St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are £15 per person which includes the tasting of different wines together with cheese, pate and nibbles. For Tickets please call Jennie on 01454 415856 or alternatively contact any of our Committee Members that you may know. Do come and join us all for what promises to be an evening of fun whilst raising much needed funds for Cancer Research UK. Don`t delay or all the tickets will
be gone!
Parish's House
n Hook Hill, Timsbury, Bath BA2 0ND. 8-acre garden surrounding Regency house (not open) with beautiful views across open countryside. Lawns sweep down to ha-ha. Colour themed herbaceous and shrub borders. Elegant water feature. Arboretum of specimen trees and more recently planted acer glade. New woodland walk taking you from native British woodland to more exotic woodland planting. Walled kitchen garden: vegetables, fan trained and cordoned fruit trees of significant age and cut flower beds. Parts of the garden are being developed so we invite you to share our vision, anticipation and excitement!
Sunbeam Toddler Group
n Sunbeam Toddler's Group is held in Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. Every Tuesday in school term time. 1.15pm - 2.45pm. It costs £2 a session per family and that includes family and that includes a drink and biscuit and tea or coffee for the 'grown ups'! For more details and to book a place please email janetmann@hotmail.com Tel: 07742455505 or email
margaretcrocombe60@gmail..com or Tel: 01454 600471
Haven Memory Cafe Thornbury United Reformed Church
n Friday 7th September, 10.15 11.45am "Just Lizzie" singing again, with Lizzie Driscoll n Friday 21st September- all day Visit to Oakham Treasures, Portbury More information from Barbara 01454 414826 or Robin 01454 632064
National Garden Scheme
Stoneleigh Down Opening Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of September 1:00 - 5:00pm, Admission £5, children free. Address - Upper Tockington Road, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4LQ. Beechwell House Opening Sunday 9th September 1:00 - 5:00pm Admission £3.50, children free. Address - 51 Goose Green, Yate BS37 5BL. Whitewood Lodge Opening Saturday 15th September 1:00 - 4:00pm. Admission £4.00, children free Address Norton Lane, Whitchurch BS14 0BU.
Rural crime in Gloucestershire falls in 2017 THERE was a fall in rural crime in Gloucestershire last year, according to the NFU Mutual. It said there was a £1.4 million or a 12.7% drop. The insurance company groups South Gloucestershire with Gloucestershire for the data collection and analysis for its annual rural crime report. But the area was still ranked at 7 out of the 30 areas worst affected by the cost of crime. The picture bucked the
national trend, which showed rural crime costing the UK £44.5 million, a 13.4% increase on the previous year, meaning that rural crime in the UK is rising at its fastest rate since 2010. It’s believed that the fall in crime in the area is due to a rural policing initiative which involves close liaison with organisations and local people. Quad bikes and ATVs (allterrain vehicles), machinery and oil are the most desirable
items for thieves, according to the report. It highlights how in some areas farmers are resorting to medieval methods used alongside high tech security to deter thieves. Earth banks, dry ditches and stockade fences are helping to protect their land against criminals who use 4 x 4 vehicles. Alfred Bryant, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Gloucestershire, said: “Countryside criminals continue to become more brazen
and farmers are now having to continually increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment. Adapting centuries-old security with high tech solutions is already proving successful in keeping at bay thieves who don’t fear being caught on camera and have the skills to overcome electronic security systems.”
www.filton-central-garage.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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September, 2018
thornburyvoice
23
n NEWS
£100,000 to be saved by cutting homeopathy budget ALMOST £109,000 is to be saved in the region after a decision to end routine funding for homeopathy treatments. The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG) estimated that 41 patients in the area received treatment in 2017/18, costing the NHS £109,476. The cash could pay for 22 hip replacements or 170 cataract operations. £37m of savings are needed in the next financial year. Homeopathy will still be available for patients who are ‘clinically exceptional’, but a clinician would have to explain why this is the case to a funding panel. The group was the last NHS trust in England routinely funding homeopathy. Clinical Chair Dr Jonathan Hayes said; “We are working hard to become an evidence-informed organisation because we need to make the best use of all resources to offer treatment and care to the widest range of people. The decision on homeopathy funding today is a step towards this and brings us in line with national guidelines.” The decision follows the publication of a report which considered a wide range of views. Dr Peter Brindle, The Medical Director for Clinical Effectiveness said: “In putting the report together, staff and clinicians from across the CCG have closely examined the
full range of clinical evidence available from both sides of the debate, consulted with local people, clinicians, patient groups and providers of homeopathic treatments and looked at national guidance.” Prior to that there was a public consultation last summer. Out of over 2,000 people who responded, half were from outside the Clinical Commissioning Group’s area, but over 75% of local people agreed that the homeopathy services
should be decommissioned. The CCG’s governing body decided to defer the decision to 2018 to allow further evidence to be considered and more engagement with patients. In early 2018, three options were used as the basis of a second consultation. These were; to continue to provide NHS funded homeopathy under the current ‘prior approval’ policy, to provide homeopathy in a more targeted manner or to make it available only in exceptional
circumstances. The feedback showed there were similar levels of support for the continuation of the current policy and the option to make it available only in exceptional circumstances. It’s not only homeopathy treatment that has been reviewed by the NHS, other services include over the counter medicines, breast reconstruction after cancer, cosmetic surgery, liver disease and sleep apnoea.
Health & Wellbeing
Fish & Chips is a much healthier meal than you might think! Did you know that an average portion of Fish & Chips has about 990 calories? That’s about half the number of calories contained in a typical 14” Pizza, about 25% less than the calories you’ll find in a typical Indian takeaway and 8% less than a well-known burgers and large fries. Fish is high in nutrients such as protein, vitamin C, vitamins B6 & B12, iron, zinc, calcium and iodine. Fish is also great brain food, containing omega 3 fatty acids.
News!
Traditional, top quality food for all the family.
Email us at
ORDER ONLINE & DISCOVER NEW EXTENDED DAILY 4 MILE DELIVERY AREA
contact@ thornbury voice.co.uk
www.deepbluerestaurants.com & select THORNBURY DEEP BLUE 26A High Street, Thornbury BS35 2AH
HEALTH WELLBING fish and lemon close, chef and signagecontact@thornburyvoice.co.uk to rear.indd 1 15/08/2018 21:35:22 To advertise, contact Richard onAND 01454 800 120 Email:
thornburyvoice
24
September, 2018
n NEWS
Village homes left out of superfast broadband scheme RESIDENTS of Bibstone have been left out of all three stages of South Gloucestershire’s highspeed broadband rollout. The ‘Bibstone Broadband’ group, which has been formed to tackle the issue, says it wants to know why some homes in the village haven’t benefitted from the government funded Broadband Delivery UK scheme which has seen three phases of investment in the county. The rollout of phase 3 is due to take place by the end of this year. A spokesman for the Conservative group on the council said: “The Council’s partner, BT Openreach has confirmed a raft of areas that will be included within this phase of work, with the latest tranche bringing superfast broadband access to some of the more remote parts of South Gloucestershire, where it isn’t commercially viable for private companies to provide. Once the third phase of the project has
been completed, an estimated 99 per cent of the area will have access to the superfast service.” According to the Openreach website, Bibstone is on the list for the phase 3 rollout. However, Matt Briggs, from the Bibstone Broadband group, told the Thornbury Voice that it’s some homes in the postcodes GL12 8AD, GL12 8AE and GL12 8AF which aren’t included. He said: “The postcode GL12 8HU which is listed as work to be carried out as part of phase 3, is I believe for some very remote houses closer to Tortworth Court and Leyhill Prison and still wouldn't include us from my numerous enquiries. We’re along the lower end of Tortworth Road surrounding the Royal Oak pub.” He blames poor infrastructure for Bibstone’s problems. Broadband is provided to the village from two exchanges, Falfield and Wickwar. But for the group of homes on the lower end of Tortworth
Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury
Independent traditional nursery open to the public and serving the trade Over 1500 potted trees in stock Specimen trees and shrubs for screening Shrubs, Herbaceous perennials and Wild flowers Native bare root hedging and field trees in season (November - March) Quality plants for your autumn projects
Landcare Nursery Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6SJ Tel 01454 310664
www.landcaretrees.co.uk
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Cllr Claire Young meets with Bibstone residents Road, the nearest cabinet is in Charfield, which is too far away to provide decent broadband speed. Fibre to cabinet upgrades were carried out a few years ago, but speeds are still only 1020Mbps. The telecoms regulator OFCOM defines ‘Superfast’ as 30Mbps and above. As part of phase 3 improvements, a new cabinet was built on the Wickwar exchange only 400m away from where Matt Briggs lives. But he and other homeowners cannot switch to that cabinet because they are on the Falfield exchange. In an attempt to escalate the issue with South Gloucestershire council, the residents have met with councillors John O’Neill and Claire Young, and have since been promised a visit from the council’s Executive Member for Resources, Rob Creer. Local Lib Dem councillor for Charfield ward John O’Neill said: “Under the Conservative Council’s development plans, the number of houses in the Charfield area is due to increase dramatically in the coming years. With more people working from home it is important that there is good broadband connectivity, not just for the new communities, but also for the existing residents.” Matt Briggs said: “Anytime plans are mentioned for improving the village they never include ALL of the village. We
have been desperately striving for parity for all of the residents but unfortunately don't seem to be getting anywhere. After we heard the news that we wouldn't be included under phase 3 we attempted our own Community Fibre Scheme through Openreach. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a whopping £98,000 for just 44 properties and therefore is highly unlikely we will be able to raise the funds.” Lib Dem Council group leader Cllr Claire Young said: “The superfast broadband rollout in South Gloucestershire has left pockets of poor service across our rural areas. Local people need the council to contribute to the solution. I’m pleased that Cllr Creer has now agreed to meet with us and local residents to hear what the council could be doing better.” Cllr Rob Creer, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, said: “We continue to work extremely hard on broadband provision for the whole of South Gloucestershire including rural areas which have been highly patient in receiving this service.” “This latest phase of the service will see almost all of South Gloucestershire with a superfast connection, but we will not stop there and will continue to work towards further provision.”
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
September, 2018
25
n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM The Littleton Whale In January 1885 a whale was stranded near the brick and tile works at Littleton. This wharf is still known as Whale Wharf. The excitement the Littleton Whale caused is quite astonishing. Oldbury fisherman Hector Knapp (1832-1897) wrote in his diary: “Thear was a Whal cum ashore at Littleton Pill and bid thear a fortnight. He was sixty eaight feet long. His mouth was twelve feet. The queen claim it at last, and sould it for forty pound. Thear supposed to be forty thousen pepeal to se it from all parts of the country and from far and near.” The story began when the whale was sighted by Bella Durnell, wife of the foreman of the brick works. The huge whale lay feebly moving on the shore with the tide receding from it. After some hurried consultations with Jim and Moses White, both boatmen of Littleton, George Sindry and his two steam tractions engines were brought from Olveston and, with the help of huge chains, the whale was hauled ashore. Local Methodist preacher Charlie Smart of Canada House, Littleton recalling George Sindry said that
Photograph courtesy of Alexander Sutherland he was a very religious man. “He told himself when that whale came in he’d heard so many arguments about the story of Jonah not being true that he went down to Littleton to satisfy people. He was a tall man, six footer, but he told me he got in that whale’s mouth and he was able to stand upright.”
Not everyone saw the whale as one of God’s creatures. The Lord of the Manor of Littleton upon Severn, Robert Cann Lippincott of Over Court believed it was his property because it had washed up on his land. The bailiff of Thornbury County Court George Exell was asked to place a notice to that effect on the whale. George
Exell attached the notice to the chains by which the whale was secured rather than to the animal itself – perhaps by then the animal had begun to smell. The owner of the brick and tile works George Wintle felt it might belong to The Crown and the matter was referred to the Board of Trade.
n LETTERS Nurse deserves recognition ''Last year my husband became terminally ill, I nursed him at home and without Hazel's help above and beyond the call of duty our lives would have been even more horrendous than it was. Her help was outstanding. I could not thank her enough - some people stand out in
the crowd and Hazel is one of them!'' I refer to your news article about the Sirona district nurse Hazel Roddan. My husband has been severely disabled for some 40 years now and receives regular visits from Sirona for which we are both very appreciative. Sirona offer a wonderful service and I would like to express my sincere thanks
Retired Teacher
SPANISH LESSONS
for everything they do, not just for us but also for the wider community. They often receive a bad press and in my opinion they don’t always get the credit that they richly deserve. So thank you, Sirona and Hazel and keep up the good work. Mrs Audrey Young, St. Mary’s Yate.
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thornburyvoice
26
n LOCAL MP
Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice
September, 2018
Our community needs more protections for livestock welfare ONE of the issues closest to my heart has been advocating animal rights. I have led a debate in Parliament on banning the Ivory Trade in the UK, served on the Environment Audit Select Committee, and provided unwavering support to plans to reduce the prevalence of single-use plastics which are harmful to both wildlife and marine life. I have therefore recently met with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove MP, to discuss proposals to strengthen legal protections for domestic and farm animals. Currently in the Government are in the process putting together a new Animal Welfare Bill, and so I took the opportunity to speak to Michael Gove about cases of animal neglect where someone who is undergoing criminal proceedings for the mistreatment of animals is still able to acquire new livestock. This gives animal abusers a window to carry out further acts of cruelty whilst awaiting sentencing. I have asked the Government to investigate the possibility of giving Courts the power to grant injunctions which prevent such people from acquiring new animals, during that period. As an animal lover, protecting the welfare of all animals is of the utmost importance to me personally. Since becoming a Member of Parliament I have seen
a number of deeply distressing cases, and it is vital that we do everything possible to prevent avoidable mistreatment. I was delighted to see that there are plans to extend the maximum prison sentence for those convicted of animal cruelty from six months, as it is currently, to five years, and this is a fantastic opportunity to go further. Following the meeting, the Secretary of State has now confirmed that the Government are now officially considering these proposals, to become part of the Government’s new Animal Welfare Bill which is expected to be brought to Parliament in the coming months. I am therefore delighted to see that Michael Gove will be giving genuine consideration to this vital issue. For too long, horrific cases of animal cruelty have been allowed to on, without the judicial system having the power to stop it. The new Animal Welfare Bill will give the Government a fantastic opportunity to address the genuine concerns that people have. The issue of protection for livestock animals is of particular importance to people in rural communities in South Gloucestershire, and I am delighted to see significant progress being made. I look forward to seeing further developments as the new Bill is brought to Parliament.
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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
September, 2018
n NEWS
South Gloucestershire house prices down by 1.3% Joseph Hook, data reporter House prices in South Gloucestershire decreased by 1.3% in June, despite witnessing a 3.1% rise over the last 12 months. The latest data from the Office of National Statistics shows that the average property in the area sold for £272,366 - significantly higher than the UK average of £228,384. The average homeowner in South Gloucestershire will have seen their property jump in value by around £82,000 in the last five years. The figures also showed that buyers who made their first step onto the property ladder in South Gloucestershire in June spent an average of £232,644 - around £70,000 more than it would have cost them five years ago.
thornburyvoice
27
Bristol Parkway to close again for final stages of electrification work TRAVEL plans are set to disrupted once again as Bristol Parkway closes between 15 September and 6 October, and again on the weekend of 13-14 October for more electrification work, including work around Winterbourne. The upgrade includes the installation of the overhead line equipment (OLE) used to hold the wires for electrification, with masts and wires being erected over the three weeks from Winterbourne viaduct, through Bristol Parkway station, up to Little Stoke, and then along the Filton East Curve. Network Rail will also be testing the overhead line
equipment already installed between Royal Wootton Bassett and Winterbourne viaduct. Trains will be running using diversionary routes. Rail replacement bus and coach services will be in place for some journeys. The three week closure follows similar upgrade work last year, which included building a fourth platform at Bristol Parkway, extending the existing three platforms, and upgrading the track layout in the Parkway area to improve reliability and increase capacity. Network Rail’s major programmes director David Buisson said “The upgrade in the Bristol Parkway area
is vital as we continue to deliver electrification and a more reliable railway for our passengers." "I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the residents living near the railway and to our passengers for their patience and understanding during this period when we have undertaken modernisation work which forms part of our Railway Upgrade Plan – it is truly appreciated”. Passengers are advised to check before travelling during the upgrade work by visiting the National Rail Enquiries website, or by checking with the train operator directly.
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thornburyvoice
28
n NEWS
September, 2018
Bike ride raises over £7,500 for Thornbury charity A WOMAN from Almondsbury who has an incurable brain tumour has successfully raised thousands of pounds for the charity which is supporting her. Julie Harvey was diagnosed with a grade-four brain tumour (glioblastoma) in November 2016. She turned to the Thornbury based charity Brain Tumour Support and has sessions with its specialist counsellor. She said: “I don’t think I could have coped without her. Dealing with my diagnosis is draining. I go to see my counsellor; my mask comes off. I can scream and shout and then I am Julie again! 120 cyclists took part in the ride, with three challenging routes of 33km, 65km and 85km starting from Thornbury Sailing Club. Julie decided to organise the bike ride because cycling helps her cope too. She said: ““It’s been my freedom. I go out on my bike and I am not ill. I am just Julie.” Some of her family members are also being supported by the charity, which is open to anyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. Tina Mitchell Skinner, founder and CEO said: “It costs £400,000 per year to run our support services. We currently give direct support to more than 2,200 people across the UK affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and we would like to support more. We wouldn’t be here without our fundraisers and are grateful to everyone who is supporting Julie’s bike ride.”
Volunteers who helped on the day are (left to right) Nadya Anscombe, one of the riders who completed the 85km ride, John Harvey (Julie’s husband who played a huge role in organising the bike ride), Julie Harvey, and Tina Mitchell Skinner, founder and CEO of Brain Tumour Support.
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thornburyvoice
September, 2018
29
n NEWS By Joseph Hook, Data Reporter The performance of Eastwood Park Prison is of concern to government inspectors, reflecting rising levels of assault on staff and prisoners within the institution. A newly-released report from the Ministry of Justice shows that the female prison was given the rating "performance is of concern" for 2017-18. It represents a downgrade on the previous year, when inspectors said the prison was meeting most of its targets. The report showed that the rate of violent attacks in the prison had increased compared to 2016-17, reflecting a long-term trend. There were 121 prisoner-onprisoner attacks recorded in Eastwood Park throughout 2017, around six times the number recorded in 2012. There were also 73 assaults on staff recorded in 2017, compared to six in 2012. Nationally, prisons were given higher ratings on average, but the Ministry of Justice said outcomes were not directly comparable with
Eastwood Park Prison performance "of concern”, but Leyhill shines previous years due to a change in the framework. Issues with data reporting have meant that the extent of assault and self-harm in institutions may not historically have been fully recorded. Despite the rate of cases of self-harm in Eastwood Park decreasing in the year to 2017-18, it followed years in which it has become much more common in the institution. Leyhill Prison faired much better, being rated as "exceptional" by government inspectors. The male open prison was given the highest possible performance rating for 2017-18. It represents an improvement on the previous year, when inspectors said the prison was only meeting the majority of its targets.
Do you work in child care? Are you looking for new opportunities and challenges? Would you like to see your ideas influence the local community and the next generation? If so, Raised in Easton is recruiting Early Years Practitioners who are energetic, creative and passionate about their profession. On Thursday 20 September between 5 and 7 pm we’re holding a drop-in recruitment open evening. Join us for snacks, drinks, a chance to meet the team and have a look round. See our website for more info www.raisedinbristol.org.uk
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30
September, 2018
n MOTORING
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second hand Style Chevrolet Suburban LT, 2015 - present: Making America reproduce again. The Suburban is a vehicle packed with superlatives and photos don’t come close to doing justice to the sheer size and bulk of the thing. In England we see more of this car on TV than we do on our streets, partly because it carries The Donald’s secret service protection crew. The main reason though is because it doesn’t fit on our streets. Or in our carparks, or indeed in our garages. As a result Chevrolet have never bothered to import it, because they know we won’t buy it. But if you are one of the vanishingly small number of Brits who wants one, and if you can find an importer willing to bring one over (they do exist!), then this huge Chevy could conceivably be sitting on your (equally huge) driveway. But as a second hand purchase it is a very brave and somewhat illogical choice. First those superlatives though: The Suburban is the longest running continuous model in the industry, having been in production non-stop since 1935. It is a foot wider and higher than a Range Rover and nearly two
and a half feet longer. I said it wouldn’t fit in your garage. It is heavier than a Rolls Royce, at a massive 2.6 tons. It is thirstier than almost any car currently on sale in the UK – 16mpg in normal use, 12mpg when towing a boat. The fuel tank, at 110 litres, will cost you more than £140 to fill, which you’ll need to do every 400 miles. The Suburban seats more than any other SUV: Trump, Putin and Kim Jong-un could all get cosy on the back row whilst in the company of 5 burly FBI agents and still have plenty of room in the large boot for their picnic hampers and handbags. As well as protecting the President the Suburban is found on family duties across the States, particularly those with high Mormon populations – why else would you need 8 seats? Underneath the long body lurks a massive and yet surprisingly modern pickup chassis, and even with 20 inch wheels the Suburban rides really well. I think some of this is down to sheer weight, but regardless it is supremely comfortable. Behind the wheel you’ll find an archaic column shifter linked to a silky smooth automatic
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
gearbox. The 5.3 litre 355hp V8 engine is almost silent and barely turning at cruising speed – 1,500 rpm at 70mph, but will shift when pushed and despite the weight this car is no slouch. I was not so impressed with the brakes, and wouldn’t want to test them in an emergency. The interior was really not as bad as I was expecting – American cars have never been strong in this area. There’s plenty of faux leather covering most surfaces, but the general quality in my ‘LT’ spec test model was fine and has stood up fairly well to the last 85k miles. Reliability is patchy and some components including the aircon system seem to have a degree of built-in obsolescence. This means expense of course, as well as being a total pain in the UK where you’d need to have parts imported. However in order to fuel and maintain a Suburban here, you first have to buy one and that is where the economics start to unravel. In California my three year old test model would cost you about $25k, or £19k. However once you pay import duties and a hefty premium to a dealer to reflect rarity, that same car comes out at nearer £30k
here. Weirdly you’re actually better off buying a Suburban new in the UK, where the price differential is much smaller. However the weak pound means you’ll shell out £65k for the privilege and that’s just crazy money for something that simply won’t fit anywhere other than on Coleen Rooney’s front lawn. I like the Suburban for its honest value for money in the US, but take that away and it doesn’t stack up. May I instead suggest a more robust attitude to contraception? Chevrolet Suburban LT, what to pay: From £30k at a specialist importer Next month: Two-wheeled import tariffs
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
September, 2018
thornburyvoice
31
n NEWS FROM STROUD AUCTION ROOMS MILITARIA hit the target at Stroud Auction Rooms' busy August sale, with military uniforms and accessories drawing more than 1000 online bidders as well as a full saleroom of collectors, many from overseas.
A British Army Yeomanry cavalry coatee & vest1794-1801 Only five lots from the other specialist sections managed to nudge onto the top 25 list - three of those were toys and two Oriental items. Up with the big hitters was a Chinese bronze seal, which went under the hammer for £3,700. It was joined on the list by an 18th/19th century Chinese bronze vase (£1,400); an Aster gauge 1 live steam GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank locomotive (£1,150), a muchadmired Mercedes SL500 Mini child's petrol pedal car, which
literally did a ton (£1,000) and a complete set of 75 Matchbox 1-75 series diecast model vehicles (£900). But uniforms and accessories were undoubtedly the big success, with the top-selling lot being a British Army Rifle Company Auxiliary jacket c1798 which sold for £6,600, while a British Army Yeomanry Cavalry coatee and vest c1794-1801 made £5,400; an early 19th century (c1820) 3rd (King's Own) Light Dragoons officer's sabretache £4,400 and a British Army Cavalry officer's jacket in blue cloth with buff facings £4,200. These items were part of an unique collection of uniforms and accessories from one family and had lain untouched in trunks for more than 150 years before seeing the light of day at Stroud Auction Rooms. Weapons, which normally feature heavily on the top-selling list, definitely took a back seat this time and eventually came into their own with a E Lefaure of Paris retailed English 54 bore six-shot double action revolver going under the hammer for £2,100; a William Andrew Beckwith of London Tranter Patent .44 percussion double action five shot revolver for £1,500; and a Colt 1877 Thunderer .41 double action six shot revolver (£800). Auctioneer Nick Bowkett was thrilled to have sold such a prestigious collection of militaria. "It is incredibly rare to have such a comprehensive collection from one family and we are justly proud of the prices we achieved here at Stroud. There was incredible
Chinese bronze seal. £500-800
enthusiasm from individuals, collectors and dealers bidding in the room and on the Internet." The next sale at Stroud Auction Rooms is on September 12-14 (10am) with viewing on Tuesday, September 11 (10am-7pm and from 9am on sale days). The specialist sections will include jewellery headed by Alexandra Bowkett, along with watches,
coins, silver, ceramics and glass. If you have any items you would like to consign to the September auction, the closing date for entries is 18th August. For more information about any aspect of buying or selling at Stroud Auction Rooms ring 01453 873800, email info@ stroudauctions.com or visit the website www.stroudauctions.co.uk
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William Andrew Beckwith of London Tranter Patent revolver in fitted case £1500-2000 One of over 100 antique revolvers and pistols
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From 2nd September bus services in your area are changing. Check how your bus is affected at southglos.gov.uk/buschanges
thornburyvoice
September, 2018
33
n INTERCHANGE BLOG
Housing charity supporting young people A HOUSING charity is working to support young people across South Gloucestershire who find themselves without a permanent home… A small, unassuming shop front office sits on The Parade, Patchway, serving as the focal point for 16:25’s operations in South Glos. Covering a surprising number of areas of need, currently, 16:25IP is supporting 90 people across South Glos. with a range of requirements. The team of 12 case workers help their clients, all aged between 16 and 25, through the maze that is the current housing and benefits system. Many of us would assume that if you find yourself in urgent need of help, maybe you’ve been notice to move out of your privately rented home, or have fallen into arears and have evicted, then you should head to your local council office and they will help. Of course, we know there’s not a range of empty houses sat waiting for you, but we would assume that you’d have a roof over your head that evening, most likely a B&B. It turns out it can be more complicated than that. The council
has a duty to house those with “priority need” but for others, the local council has an obligation to ‘assist’ and not necessarily to ‘house’. Christina Nicholls, the Supported Lodgings Co-Ordinator at 16:25IP explains: “The council has a responsibility to signpost you to help and support and then to put you into the system where you’ll take a place on the list determined by you level of need and your means. “In reality, you could be referred to a charity like ours, who receives funding from the council for such projects, and it might be us that helps you through the process. With waiting lists so high and resources pushed to the max more and more people are relying on private rented accommodation and local landlords.” The Supported Lodgings Service – how you can help To help bridge the gap, 1625ip have a new service called ‘Support Lodgings’. This initiative is aimed primarily at those leaving care, young people who have had challenging lives but, for this project, have an element of drive
and maturity. They need a helping hand, a parent figure in all but name. 16:25IP helps to setup an arrangement, once the young people have left the care of Social Services. People in the local community who can get involved and offer support receive an allowance of up to £175 per week. “A local family with a spare room will take the young person into their home, give them a room, a key etc. and will help them develop as adults. It might be as simple as showing them how to cook, or how to change a lightbulb, or giving them advice on how to dress for a job interview,” explains Christina. “The young person will still have support from 16:25IP and in these cases, will probably already be in education or training,” she says. Families who can help young people in this way are paid £175 a week in return for their help, although also often find that it benefits them as well, the learning and personal development can be a two-way process. But what of those young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs), or who have had more challenging
childhoods are not yet ready to have this kind of support? “These young people can be accommodated in our flats, these are designed to help young people who need intensive support after leaving the care system,” says Christina. Having worked in the housing sector for more than 15 years Christina is in her second stint with 16:25IP. Along with her colleagues, she is clearly passionate about the work they do: “Everyone needs someone, our clients are often judged by society. But, in the main, young people aren’t a ‘problem’, our clients have often had very difficult childhoods or found themselves in a situation through no fault of their own, they don’t deserve for it to define their future, our job is to help make sure that they don’t.” 16:25IP holds drop-in advice sessions each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at their office on The Parade, in Patchway, who maybe experiencing any difficulties with their housing and might want some support or advice. More information on the charity and the services that it supplies can be found on their website 1625ip. co.uk or be following @1625ip on twitter.
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n NEWS MAJOR disruption is on the cards for the main road in Oldbury on Seven as the next stage of drainage works gets underway. The initial road affected is Church Hill, near the Anchor Inn pub. Residents will be able to access their homes, and a diversion will be in place. South Gloucestershire’s Flood Resilience team will provide more information about when the closure will take place. The news came at a meeting
September, 2018
Road closures for Oldbury on Severn drainage works held for local residents, which attracted over 70 people. They were told that later in the year Chapel Road and Camp Road will also be closed. Work already carried out includes; repairing or replacing flap valves, inspecting culverts, installing water level gauges, and
identifying repairs to the flood prevention wall in Chapel Road. Oldbury Lane in Thornbury will also be closed although this isn’t expected until January 2019, and more detailed information will be given to residents nearer the time. South Gloucestershire
Council has been awarded a £3.35 million grant to improve flood resilience at nine sites in the area. It says if the work isn’t done, roads will flood more frequently and could be damaged.
SPORT STARTS HERE THORNBURY Running Club’s Joanne Plumbley has taken on the Outlaw Triathlon, one of the most competitive long-distance triathlons in the racing calendar in UK. Heavy rain and strong crosswinds created havoc on the course throughout the day. The opening 2.4 mile swim was changed to 3 laps after the top end of the lake was too choppy to swim through. Joanne completed the swim in 1 hour 18:35 mins, before setting off on the 112 mile bike section. Her willpower and mechanical skills were tested after suffering 2 punctures, which meant a slower than usual time of 7 hours 8:55 mins. Joanne’s running form has been excellent after winning an ultra marathon in June and she carved through the field on the 26.2 mile run in 4 hours 7:03 mins. Her overall time was 12 hours 42:56 mins, finishing in 20th place in the female competition and 5th in the 40-44 age category. Ian Evans is a relative
Joanne Plumbley
Runner takes on the Outlaws in Nottingham newcomer to triathlon and made a giant leap in the middle distance ‘Cotswold Classic’. Ian swam the 1.2 mile opening stage in 40:56 mins, followed by a flat and fast 56 mile bike section in 2 hours 38:57 mins. He capped a very encouraging performance with a 2 hours and 5 seconds half marathon to finish with an overall time of 5 hours 25:44 mins in 256th place. Sean Underwood was back in East End of London for the second year in a row, this time stepping up to the Olympic Plus event at London Triathlon. Sean’s day started with a 1.5 km swim, followed by a 80 km bike ride and a longer than advertised 7 mile run. His overall time of 4 hours 26:40 mins placed him in the middle of the field in 119th place. Henry and Laura Orna were closer to home at Old Down Estate on Sunday, both competing in the rolling multiterrain 10 km race. Henry was 6th overall in a time of 48:23 mins and Laura was 17th overall and 2nd female in a time of 53:17 mins. Nick Langridge made his parkrun debut on home turf in the North West in Hyde and was 6th overall in 21:41 mins. David and Anne Palmer were in the Lake District for the Fell Foot parkrun in Newby Bridge and finished with times of 27:24 mins
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Orna Family Henry and Laura with kids and 33:27 mins, respectively. Rachel Murphy ran 31:59 mins at Southwick Country parkrun. Kevin Wood chipped off 3 seconds from his personal best at Chipping Sodbury parkrun in 22 mins, Christopher Pritchard also ran a new PB with a time of 27:29 mins and Emma Pritchard ran 28:37 mins. Lastly, there were 7 TRC results at Thornbury parkrun. Brian Godsman continues to improve and set another personal best with a time of 23:58 mins, Malcolm Carr was
next and registered a new PB with 26:06 mins, Peter Blenkiron 26:58 mins, Karen Carr 28:30 mins, Nigel Hale 30:36 mins, Richard Illingworth 30:52 mins and Rebecca Dunsford ran a new PB in 31:02 mins. Nick Langridge was the sole Thornbury representative at the The Standish Woodland Chase is a good, no-frills event of almost 10 miles in length, finishing well in 38th place in one hour 19.02minutes and third in the MV60 category.
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n SPORT
Renovations and the weather doesn’t deter Team Avon athletes FOR the second year running the Regional Final of the Upper Age Group Youth Development League was badly affected by poor weather. The match had been moved to Newport while the Yate track is under development, however officials managed to complete the programme, though hell and high water didn’t seem far away. Consisting of athletes from Yate & District AC and four other local clubs, Team Avon’s day was a resounding success. They finished second, qualifying them for the national final in Bedford in early September. The poor weather created many stories, which unfolded throughout the day. The Pole vault was impossible due to the high wind, so the competitors filled spaces in the team. Pole Vaulter Liam Hiller, for example, took part in the hurdles and scored valuable points. Jodie Dale, on holiday in Scotland with her family, was driven down by her father to compete in the shot and discus as well as her favourite javelin. Jodie won the javelin with a new PB of 35.47m and then the two of them set off back to Scotland. It was remarkable that there were any personal best performances at all but the one that stood out was Adam Brooks in the high jump who cleared 2.01m for the first time; a clear twenty-five centimetres clear of the rest of the field. Toby Conibear is having a very fine season and threw the hammer 57.94m, a distance further than his coach Matt Spicer achieved at that age. Other Yate winners came from Abdi
James Viner and Toby Conibear
Lewis Wall in the Steeplechase Hasan in the 800m; Greg Hayward in the B 1500m; Rhiannon Paton also in the 1500m, and Emily Whitaker in the 1500m steeplechase. Nathaniel Mitchell has found his ideal event in the 400m. Although still under-17 he competed as an under-20 and finished a fine second with 52.54 secs. He then contributed to an Avon win in the 4x400m relay. The under-17 4x400m relay saw three Yate athletes in action; Liam Hillier, Isaac Cory and Abdi Hasan came home in second place in an excellent time. It was an afternoon to remember for athletes and team managers, Sandra Woodman and Lesley Nunn and an afternoon to forget for the officials who ended the day soaked to the skin. Midland Athletic League Yate together with Bristol & West mounted a valiant defence of the Midland Athletic League title but were pipped at the post. Entering the final match of the year Bristol/Yate led by the narrowest of margins and for about two thirds of the day they were ahead of Birchfield even though both teams were in the unfamiliar positions of third and fourth. In the end injury weakened the smallest team for a while and they were narrowly beaten but still took a worthy second in the league. Bristol/Yate were either first or second in the league all season, underlining their position as one of the main players while also knowing how to enjoy themselves. Through the year they introduced a significant number of new athletes to team athletics from U17’s through seniors and Masters backing up their more established contributors. There are highlights at every match but two U17 throwers volunteering themselves
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for the 3000m steeplechase to try and retain the title was very special. Toby Conibear (Hammer) and Lewis Wall (Discus) were full of enthusiasm before the event and even when the reality of what they were doing hit them, they kept going in real pain and brought home more points than Birchfield. Dan Brooks has competed in and won all four A string 100m races and also ran every A string 200m race recording two victories. Given the clubs he was up against in this Division this is a fantastic consistently high level of performance. Lucy Durham and Matt Spicer are two athletes who are always there for the team, and this match and season was no different. Lucy covered ‘extra’ events as she has often done over a number of years, and at the other end of the age range, Matt did his normal ‘Mr Versatility’ act of throwing anything that needs to be thrown. Adam Brooks (HJ) cleared 2.00m for the third time this year taking an A string win backed up by Jack Moore winning the B string in one of the many double wins of the day. Both Adam and Jack were multieventing as well. U17 Abdi Hasan ran a PB of 1:55.5 for the 800m, which is a remarkable time and the face of the runners behind him as he moved away from them was a picture. Abdi also ran the 1500m (SB) and 4x400m relay to celebrate. Emily Whitaker, James Viner and Toby Conibear competed in the Midlands Championships. James won the under-15 hammer; Toby took bronze in the under-17 hammer and Emily stormed to victory in the under-17 steeplechase. The under-13s and under-15s did well enough in the YDL promotion match to stay in the Premier Division.
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September, 2018
n SPORT THORNBURY lost both first and second XV games with Cleve, but younger players got valuable game time. Cleve 53 Thornbury 7 Although Cleve were the stronger side and deserved their win the margin of victory was flattering as a young Thornbury team battled against a strong the South West Premier club. With six teenagers in the
Understrength Thornbury downed by Cleve in friendlies starting XV, lock Ollie Critchley making his debut and several others making their first starts there was an inexperienced feel about the Thornbury side but they began well. Jak Evans bossed his forwards and made a dangerous break but the first score went to Cleve when they escaped defensive duties and drove over from a lineout on the Thornbury line. Jake Goodridge charged down a clearing kick from the restart but the ball bounced nicely for Cleve and their wing raced in unopposed from half way. As the first quarter ended Thornbury pressurised the Cleve line and Jak Evans shrugged off a tackle to score. Jake Wood converted with a fine kick to make it 10-7.
The Cleve pack began to control possession and Thornbury made an increasing number of mistakes. The home side capitalised and ran in three tries in the ten minutes before half time to lead 29-7 at the break. Early in the second half Thornbury missed a penalty kick to touch and Cleve ran the ball back to score then a few minutes later a lucky bounce let Cleve in for another score. A further try was scored from their pacy wing, followed by a pushover try in the last few minutes to pass the half-century. Cleve Second XV 44 Thornbury Second XV 27 Trailing 29-5 at halftime, they out-scored their hosts after the break and although never likely
to overhaul Cleve they finished the stronger side. Cleve went ahead with a ninth minute try from their scrum half then scored again shortly afterwards for a 10-0 lead. Midway through the half Jack Viles went over for a Thornbury try but it was disallowed for a forward pass. Jack CivillWilliams scored Thornbury’s first points, intercepting a pass on halfway and having the legs to run in for a try. Cleve led 10-5 but then scored three tries in quick succession to lead 29-5 at the break. Jon Sanderson showed good determination to stretch over for Thorns’ second try early in the second half but Cleve hit back with another try. With Wayne Underwood now playing there was
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n SPORT posts. Sanderson converted. Thornbury numbers were further reduced when Will Kane went off and Cleve made the most of this by scoring two quick tries. Jon Sanderson was taken off so Thornbury were down
to twelve but scrumhalf Billy Scaplehorn broke clear from a scrum on the Cleve ‘22’ to score a fine individual try.
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increasing control of the game but Thornbury went down to fourteen players when Chris Moseley went off injured. Despite that, after the forwards had secured possession from a lineout in the corner wing Dan Green scored between the
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September, 2018
Promotion joy for Thornbury Tennis Teams THORNBURY Tennis Club is celebrating after three of their nine teams achieving promotion and none being relegated. Teams consist of 4 players competing in 10 doubles matches in the Avon League. A total of 62 members represented the club, ranging from county players to those still learning the game and with an age range from 10 years to 70 years. Men’s Teams The first team was led by Josh White, who plays regularly for Avon, and Wayne Russell. The team had a good start to the season with a number of close fought ties. A change in partnerships saw Luke Harrison and junior player, Kyle Broadley, help the team to win 7 of their 10 matches including the final match of the season to secure top spot in the league and gain promotion. Josh White was the highest performing player, winning 17 out of 18 rubbers played. The second team have had a very successful year, gaining promotion for the second year in a row. The promotion was secured on the last day of the season by Nick Mason, Brendan Wilde, Felix Boyes and Freddie Savage. Going into this last fixture against unbeaten local rivals Almondsbury,
Linda Mantle and Claire Hawkins in action for Thornbury Ladies second team. the team needed just 2 of the 10 points on offer. In tough, rainy conditions the team managed to gain 8 points, delivering Almondsbury a rare defeat and securing the
second promotion spot. The third team overcame a number of injuries and fought incredibly hard this season, finishing fourth in their division. The
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n SPORT team led by the efforts of Malcom Worster, Will Worster and Mike Peatheyjohns hope to avoid injury next season and challenge for promotion. The fourth team felt the effects of injuries in higher teams which led to a lack of consistency in the team. They also found themselves in a tightly fought division – with 2 games to play there were just 10 points separating top and bottom teams (the equivalent of 1 match). Led by the seasoned partnership of Brian Jordan and Hugh Boyes, with contributions from Rui Barbosa, Ye Huang and Mike Bolton, the team won 2 of their last 3 matches to finish third in their division. The fifth team is used by the club to give experience to up and coming players. The pairing of Steve Donkin and Adam Mann continued to improve with every match. Ladies Teams Thornbury firsts, led by Sarah Hurley, Jo Hargreaves and accomplished juniors, Brooke Daunton & Susanna Ogden, had a successful season, finishing second in their league and achieving promotion. They won every match, except the home and away fixtures against the top team. Those two matches were very closely contested with narrow victories to Bristol Central. The performances of Sarah and Jo were outstanding: Jo winning 14 out of 16 rubbers played and Sarah winning 13 out of 14.
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Thornbury seconds, led by Megan O’Connor, Suzie Newman, Linda Mantle and Rae Bezuidenhout had a highly competitive season, finishing fourth in their league. Thornbury thirds were represented by a total of 13 different members during the season with Gill Harrison featuring strongly in the vast majority of matches. Despite the major changes to the team, they finished third in their league. Thornbury fourths were represented by Dawn Parker, Sian Mann, Judith Ogden and Kirsty Daunton, supported by Jasmine Xu. The team finished in the middle of the table. Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club will be running two popular courses to help those either starting to play tennis from scratch or restarting after a break from the sport. Both courses are designed to help the new players integrate into club activities so they can get the best out of their tennis experience. The Adult Beginners Tennis course starts on Wednesday 12th September and lasts for 13 weeks. This will be based around the LTA Tennis Xpress course and is designed to get raw beginners to start playing tennis. The Rusty Racquets course starts on Thursday 13th September and lasts for 7 weeks. This is targeted at getting lapsed players, of all levels, back into the swing of playing tennis. Details can be found on the club’s website www.thornburytennisclub.co.uk
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