Happy to Chat?

New ' Happy to Chat' signs are springing up on benches around town. The first ones are at St Mary's Green and Kingsgate Park. Sit there if you are happy to chat to others. Done by Yate Town Council following an idea from the police to combat loneliness. If you know of a bench that should have a sign please tell the Focus Team.

Environment grants from Frome Vale Area Forum

Three local environmental organisations did well out of the first round of the Forum's Community Grants:

Friends of Yate Common £1061

A proper, professionally prepared environmental plan is essential for well-used natural spaces. This grant will pay for a five-year management plan to identify priorities and projects to maintain and enhance this popular open space.

Friends of the Beehive £1003

The Friends of the Beehive tend the honeybee colony at the Chipping Sodbury Community Orchard Apiary. The bees are essential for pollination of orchard trees and other plants. The beekeepers aim to educate the public and hopefully encourage them to set up hives of their own. This money will pay for protective suits for adults and children, tools and a hive for swarm control and demonstration purposes.

Sodbury Parish Plan Steering Group £1500 

There are very few places to sit down in Chipping Sodbury main street. The Parish Plan Steering Group has identified locations for the two seats that will be paid for by this grant.