LOOKING back on some of the stories the Gazette has reported through the years...

May 1977

THE closure of Thornbury’s Maternity Unit was revealed to have saved £18,000, according to information heard at Southmead Community health council.

Ray Hillman, the district finance officer, said that savings had been made by relocating staff to other jobs.

He added that there was “no evidence” of an increasing birthrate in Thornbury and that services in the area were not under pressure as a result of the closure.

THIRTY pupils at Dursley’s Rednock School returned from a 240 mile seven day geology trip to the Lake District.

Despite ‘minor’ upsets, namely sickness which affected the whole party on the last day, lack of female accommodation at the hostel, and a fall above Lake Buttermere, the trip was reported to have “gone well”.

TOOLS worth £80 were stolen from a car left at Woodlands Lane caravan park, Almondsbury.

May 1987

A YATE schoolboy got the go-ahead from Avon County Council to paint two large murals on the walls of the Abbotswood underpass.

Located under Rodford Way, the subway was reported to be repeatedly plagued by unsightly graffiti.

It was hoped that the new mural, which was to be covered with an anti-graffiti coating, would make the area more sightly. 

AVON planners decided not to proceed with an order to divert a bridleway at Dodington Ash.

Resident Don Peacock had been campaigning to get the bridleway diverted to a route that he felt was “prettier and safer”, but faced 17 objections from groups and other residents. 

TWO attempted burglaries took place at Thornbury Rugby Club and Olveston Sports and Social Club.

Intruders got away empty handed, leaving only slight damage.