First boss tries out train from Yate - and it's late

First Great Western's Regional Manager, Andrew Griffiths, accepted Steve Webb's invitation to try out the Yate train for himself today. And yes, it was late. And no, he didn't know why. We imagine he asked when he got to Bristol.

But seriously - well done, Mr Griffiths, for being prepared to find out what it's like for local commuters. It would be good if more senior people in other services did the same. Let's hope that some service improvements come out of this.

You can see Mr Griffiths and Steve Webb in a short BBC news film here.

The Gazette story gives more detail here.

The Wombles have emigrated to the USA...

... in protest at the lack of investment in British children's TV programmes.

To sample the Wombles in America, watch their "Bad Ass Wombles of Central Park" video at http://www.britishkidstv.com/, where you can also sign the petition.

Background information from the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) and BBC Wombles news item

Come and discover your French "twin"

Sodbury and District Twinning Association is looking for people who would like to take part in their visit to twin town Cesson, France between May 23rd and 27th.

Cesson is twinned with Sodbury and Dodington, but people living in Yate or nearby areas are also welcome to take part.

You can find out more by coming along to the Twinning AGM at 7.30pm next Wednesday, 9th April, at the Ridgewood Centre, Yate. If you're interested but can't make that evening, contact us using the form in the right hand column of this web page and we'll get the Twinning Association to get in touch with you.

The Association is also keen to meet people who would like to join the committee and help to organise events.

Next year will be the 30th anniversary of Twinning, and the organisation is hoping to make it a very special event.

Click here for Cesson's town website (in French)

Nibley Lane closed tomorrow - Friday 4th

Nibley Lane will be closed tomorrow - Friday 4th - from 9.30 am to 4 pm for highway work. This is the popular cut-through section from Westerleigh Rd to Badminton Rd.