The South Glos Post

Whether it’s a trip to the beautiful baroque mansion at Dyrham Park or a peak at the old engine sheds at the Avon Valley Railway in Bitton, there is something for everyone during this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Unlock the secrets of the past and celebrate architecture and culture with all the family during this annual event which runs from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th September at various locations across South Gloucestershire.

Some 26 properties and sites are taking part including Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Ram Hill Colliery in Coalpit Heath, the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust in Patchway, Thornbury Castle and St Mary’s Church in Yate, a grade I listed building dating from Norman times. They will all be opening their doors to the public for free and guided walks will take place at Thornbury Castle gardens and there will be free admission to the National Trust site at Dyrham Park on Saturday 11th.

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

Police are appealing for information after an 18-year-old man was the victim of a robbery in Staple Hill on Saturday night (14th August).

The victim got off the number 49 bus at South View in Staple Hill at around 11.15pm.  Two men, aged between 17 and 19-years-old, then followed him before pushing him to the ground, assaulting him and stealing his wallet.

The suspects then ran off into Page Park, Staple Hill.

They are both described as white, medium build, and around 6 feet tall.  One had short fair hair, the other had dark blonde hair.  They were both wearing light-coloured hooded tops and dark jeans.

The victim was not seriously injured in the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call police based at Staple Hill Police Station on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police

New figures published today show that over 1,500 people in South Gloucestershire quit smoking last year with the help of NHS South Gloucestershire’s Stop Smoking Service, saving lives from illnesses such as lung cancer and heart disease.

Results, revealed by the NHS Information Centre, show that 1,532 smokers successfully quit their habit through their local NHS Stop Smoking Service in 2009-10, exceeding the forecast mark by over 210 people.

June Martin, Head of Stop Smoking Service at NHS South Gloucestershire, said:

“It’s great to know that we have helped so many people to kick the habit. People are four times more likely to quit if they use the NHS Stop Smoking Service. It’s a free service which offers friendly advice and practical support to anyone who wants to quit.”

The positive figures follow-on from the successful launch of Smokefree South West in 2009, which aims to build on the work carried out by local NHS Stop Smoking Service teams to tackle smoking in the region. 13 of the 14 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) across the South West exceeded their targets this in 2009/10.

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Source: NHS South Gloucestershire

Detectives investigating the death of Barry Rubery are appealing for information on what would have been his 69th birthday (16th August).

On the evening of Wednesday 28th April, Barry George Rubery returned to his home (Crossing Cottage) on the Latteridge Road, Iron Acton following a dinner with friends. He returned to the property at around 10:45pm and was found the following morning.

He had suffered serious head injuries and his hands and legs were bound together with electrical wire.

Barry’s family should have today been celebrating his birthday at Crossing Cottage; instead they are struggling to come to terms with their loss.

His granddaughter Shauna Rubery said: “Today would have been my gramps 69th birthday.

“Birthdays are very special in our family so I would always go to see him on his birthday. He would love to see us and we would love to make his day special for him. We can’t do that anymore and that makes us all very sad.

“Please help to catch those responsible, my gramps didn’t deserve this.”

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Source: Avon and Somerset Police