Cllr Liz Brennan for Frenchay & Downend

10/09/2026

Join us for the opening weekend of Heritage Open Days and discover your local history for free.

Explore fascinating local venues including:

• Thornbury: Thornbury and District Museum, special exhibition of "You Rang m'lud? – In the Servants' Hall, Thornbury Town Hall, The Chantry, and St Mary’s Church Tower Tour
• Frenchay: Frenchay Village Museum and Frenchay Unitarian Chapel, "History Hiding in Plain Sight" guided village walks
• Winterbourne: Medieval Barn and Parish Church
• Horton Court – rarely open National Trust gem
• St Saviour’s Church, Coalpit Heath
• Brandy Bottom Colliery, Pucklechurch.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, curious explorer or looking for a free family day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

To find out more details on each event, visit https://orlo.uk/Heritage_Open_Days_9wfNv

09/09/2026

07/09/2026

What a lovely community initiative 📚

03/09/2026

🌟 What a wonderful day yesterday at the Frenchay Pre-School Open Day!

Six years ago, I was contacted by Lucy Foyle at Frenchay Pre-School/Little Heroes Holiday Club and a dedicated group of volunteers who had an ambitious vision to bring the old school building back into community use and create a new home for Frenchay Pre-School.

From those early conversations, I was delighted to support the project and help where I could to bring the vision to life. Over the years, I have followed its progress, supported the group through challenges and worked alongside those involved to help move the project forward.

Yesterday, it was fantastic to see the result of all that hard work. ❤️

This much-loved historic building has been beautifully restored and is once again filled with the sound of happy children learning and playing.

This has been a real community effort. A huge amount of credit must go to Lucy, FRE&CH, the Frenchay Residents Association FRA, trustees, volunteers, contractors and so many local residents who gave their time, energy and support to make this happen.

Frenchay Pre-School now provides a warm and nurturing environment for children aged 2–5, including specialist SEND provision for children with additional needs.

I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in supporting this project from those early conversations, surveys to advocating with the council. And now through to seeing it become the fantastic facility it is today. It is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. 💙

And this is only the beginning! I’m excited to see the next phase develop, including plans for a community coffee shop and even more facilities for local residents.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this happen. Frenchay should be incredibly proud!

Please take a look at Frenchay pre schools website and find the contact details for any enquires.

https://frenchaypreschool.co.uk/
[email protected]
07982 191158

&CH

02/09/2026

📍 Christchurch Avenue – School Road Safety Improvements

It was great to visit Christchurch Avenue and see the newly refreshed school road markings and improved road surface ahead of the new school year.

I have been working with residents to raise concerns about road safety around the school, and I’m really pleased to see these improvements now being delivered. Clearer road markings and a better road surface will hopefully help make the area safer for children, parents and local residents.

A huge thank you to everyone who signed our petition and supported the campaign. Your voices really did make a difference. 👏

I have also asked the Council for an update on when the remaining road lines on Christchurch Lane and Avenue will be completed, I can see they have been marked out ready. But we need to make sure they get done before the wet weather!!

I will continue to work with the school and residents to bring improvents.

Thank you all who supported.

30/08/2026

We hope you can join us on Frenchay Common Monday for this wonderful open canvas event.
Canvases, paint and brushes will be available to buy on the day. A canvas set will be £5 each, it’s a 20x20cm canvas, two brushes, a small palette, a cup and use of the paint table.
However, if you want to bring your own materials then please feel free.

20/08/2026

🎉 GCSE RESULTS DAY! 🎉

A huge congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE results today! 👏

Whether you’re celebrating the results you hoped for, feeling a little disappointed, or still deciding what comes next, be proud of yourself and everything you have achieved. ❤️

Today is just one step on your journey. There are so many different routes ahead, whether that’s sixth form, college, an apprenticeship, training, work or something completely different.

💡 If you’re unsure about your next steps, the National Careers Service has lots of useful advice and support:

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-16

And if you’re celebrating today, there are also plenty of GCSE Results Day freebies and discounts available.🎁🍕🍦

https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/results-day/what-free-stuff-can-you-score-on-gcse-results-day/

Most importantly, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your results do not define you or your future.

🌟 Well done and good luck with whatever comes next! 🌟

19/08/2026

🚗 Have your say on proposed traffic calming measures on North Street, Downend

South Gloucestershire Council has launched a statutory consultation on proposed traffic calming measures for North Street.

This follows continued concerns raised by local residents and councillors about vehicle speeds and road safety.

Tragically, there has been a fatal collision on North Street this year, alongside other incidents and ongoing concerns raised by local residents about vehicle speeds and road safety. With Christchurch Infant School nearby, improving safety on North Street is really important.

Following feedback on the original proposals, the scheme has been revised. The current proposal includes:

• Three concrete speed cushions
• 20mph road markings (roundels)
• A kerb build-out and full-width speed table
• An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing

The aim is to reduce vehicle speeds, improve road safety and reduce the risk and severity of collisions.

📅 Consultation closes: 5 September 2026

Please take a look at the proposals and have your say. 👇

https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/PT.8931humps/consultationHome

I would also really like to hear your views, do you support the proposals? Is there anything you think South Gloucestershire Council has missed?

Resident feedback is important, so please don't miss the opportunity to have your say on the consulation.

18/08/2026