Bradley Stoke Journal, September 2018 by Bradley Stoke Journal

Delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to all homes in Bradley Stoke

September 2018 • Issue 63

SPORT P9, P26-27 & P42 | LETTERS P38 | WHAT’S ON P51 | DIRECTORY P54 Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal

CELEBRATIONS … as BSCS students record another set of “excellent” and “impressive” examination results

PLUS , IN YOUR 56-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

GCSE photo and report Page 37 Post-16 photo and report Page 13

Reaching new heights: GCSE students at Bradley Stoke Community School

Bradley Stoke in Bloom

Best Front Garden winners

Bus lane enforcement

Pages 28 & 29

Cameras go live in the Stokes

Page 17

l Former mayor resigns from Tory party amid allegations of bullying l Bradley Stoke crime rate highest for five years l Planning permission secured for replacement Gipsy Patch Lane bridge l Local art group joins painted pebble craze l First boss reveals options for the 73 bus service in the MetroBus era l Railway through Parkway to close for three weeks l Poppy Appeal: Your local RBL branch needs YOU! l Anorexia survivor stretches fundraising efforts to new limits l Pro footballer returns to former school to open new play area l North Bristol’s newest hotel nears completion

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September 2018

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News

Former mayor resigns from Tory party amid allegations of bullying

Bradley Stoke town councillor and former mayor has resigned from the Conservative party amid allegations of bullying and harassment believed to have been made by a fellow councillor. Cllr Elaine Hardwick, who was first elected to the council on a Conservative ticket in 2011 and served as mayor in 201617, resigned from the party just days after her membership had been suspended following a disciplinary panel hearing understood to have taken place on 8th August. The Bristol Post reported having seen an email from Peter Booth, the Conservative Party’s South West regional chairman, saying that the panel had “found no alternative but to uphold the complaints of bullying and

harassment made against Elaine Hardwick”. The final decision to suspend her membership is understood to have been taken by senior figures in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Conservative Federation, which covers six parliamentary constituencies in the local area. In response to a request for a statement, Charles Lucas, chair of the federation, replied: “We do not comment on internal party matters.” He added that he would not, in any case, be able to make any comment as Cllr Hardwick had now resigned from the party. Prior to her suspension, Cllr Hardwick held several senior positions in the local party hierarchy, including deputy chair of BSGCF, chair of the Filton and Bradley Stoke Constituency

branch and chair of the local Bradley Stoke branch. Cllr Hardwick told the Journal that she intends to challenge the suspension decision and is currently taking legal advice. She will, however, continue to attend town council meetings as an unaffiliated councillor. The Journal has learned that the formal complaint about Cllr Hardwick’s conduct was submitted to the party just days after the town council’s AGM on 9th May, where an unprecedented two-way vote was called to select the next chair of council, breaking a convention established since the council first became wholly Conservative in 2011 that the next chair is agreed in a party group meeting held prior to the AGM and elected unopposed.

Cllr Elaine Hardwick in May 2017

The losing candidate, whom Cllr Hardwick had not supported, and two other councillors walked out of the AGM a few minutes after the decision was reached. The Journal has learned that this humiliating defeat was viewed as the final straw by the aggrieved councillor who filed the complaint against Cllr Hardwick.

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September 2018

News

Bradley Stoke crime rate hit highest level for five years in June

Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB

Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal

About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal website and magazine are published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: 7 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD. Our other publications include the Patchway Journal website, the Stoke Gifford Journal website and the Filton Journal website. North Bristol Press is independent of any other media company or network operating in the Bristol area. We accept no responsibility for anything stated by advertisers, who are themselves responsible for complying with all relevant legislation. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2018. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

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fficial Home Office statistics show that there was a significant increase in the total monthly number of crimes taking place in Bradley Stoke during June 2018, with 114 cases being recorded. This is the first time that more than 100 crimes have been recorded in the town within a single month since the recording system categories were last changed in May 2013. The June figure represents: • A 28 percent increase over the previous month (May 2018) • A 41 percent increase over the same month last year (Jun 2017) • A 40 percent increase over the average of the previous 12 months (Apr 2017 to May 2018) Analysis of the detailed statistics, available at www. police.uk, show that crimes in the following categories were mainly responsible for the overall increase: • Anti-social behaviour • Other theft • Public order • Vehicle crime Whilst acknowledging that it wouldn’t be sensible to draw conclusions about trends from a single month’s figures, the Journal approached Avon and Somerset Police for a statement about this extraordinary increase and enquired whether there were any special circumstances at play during June. A police spokesperson replied: “There clearly does appear to be a higher than usual spike in demand in June 2018; particularly in the second half of the month. Incidents of antisocial behaviour, public order and theft did contribute towards this increase in demand and we have seen similar previous patterns during periods of warm weather and major football events, such as the World Cup. It is important to note that, whilst

the percentage increases appear to be high, this only represents a relatively small increase in the numbers of reported crimes.” “Specific increases in crime during June were nine ‘making off without payment’ incidents, that are all petrol-filling station drive-offs (which are classified as ‘theft’ on the Home Office system).” “Incidents of shoplifting also appear to have contributed to the overall increase in theft over this period.” “Finally, it’s worthy of noting that throughout July 2018, crime (excluding anti-social behaviour) appears to have fallen slightly below the 12-month average.” It is noted that our neighbouring beat areas of Stoke Gifford and Patchway both experienced a drop in total crimes recorded between May 2018 and June 2018, which is apparently at odds with the statement. However, the corresponding figure for the whole Avon and Somerset area does show a small 4 percent increase. Despite this recent surge in recorded crime, Bradley Stoke still has a relatively low crime rate, ranking seventh lowest when compared to the nineteen other neighbourhoods within a five mile radius, while South Gloucestershire as a whole has the lowest crime rate of all five local authorities within the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area.

● From 3rd September 2018,

the opening hours of Patchway police enquiry office (within the Patchway Police Centre on Gloucester Road) will change, following a review of the service across Avon and Somerset. The office will continue to open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday but the hours on Saturday and Sunday are reduced to 9am to 5pm.

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September 2018

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News

In Brief

Bradley Stoke crime statistics

Skate park container expansion cost soars

Latest official Home Office figures (up to June 2018) Total crime in Bradley Stoke July 2017 to June 2018

Chart of the month: Total crime, year to June 2018 Red line shows monthly average (75.0) for same period 12 months earlier

Monthly number of crimes recorded in the Bradley Stoke beat area Crime type Anti-social behaviour Bicycle theft Burglary Criminal damage and arson Drugs Other crime Other theft Possession of weapons Public order Robbery Shoplifting Theft from the person Vehicle crime TOTAL

12mth Avg** 25.5

May 2018 22

Jun 2018 33

2.8 2.8 9.6

1 7 9

1 5 2

0.7 1.3 6.3 0.2

0 2 13 0

2 1 17 0

6.0 0.1 1.8 0.3

5 0 1 0

11 2 6 0

3.3 81.3

2 89

9 114

** Average monthly figure for 12 months to May 2018.

The Journal is proud to be Bradley Stoke’s ONLY locally edited community news magazine

The cost of a project to extend youth work buildings at Bradley Stoke’s new skate park has exceeded its original budget by 42 percent the Journal can reveal. The scheme, which involves installing and fitting out two additional converted shipping containers at the park was assigned a budget of £38,000 when first approved by Bradley Stoke Town Council. An additional £3,500 was later agreed for the addition of a wheelchair-accessible toilet cubicle within the conversion. A further £9,000 was then added to cover the higher than expected costs of preparatory groundworks at the site. The latest setback is that the 150-ton crane hired to hoist the new containers into position caused significant damage to the tarmac, which will cost £3,500 to make good, bringing the estimated total project cost to £54,000.

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September 2018

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News

MetroBus adds new service and enhances M3

etroBus services in the Greater Bristol area are expected to take a significant step forward this month with the introduction of the new M2 service between Long Ashton Park & Ride (P&R) and Bristol city centre and enhancements to the frequency of the existing M3 service which links Emersons Green with the city centre via UWE. Subject to everything going to plan, attention will then turn to preparations for the launch of the M1 service, currently scheduled for January 2019, which will see express buses running along Bradley Stoke Way with an ‘every 10 minutes’ frequency on a route between Cribbs Causeway, the city centre and Hengrove. First Bristol has announced that it plans to start operating the new M2 service from Monday 3rd September. The service will run between Long Ashton P&R and

Archive image of a MetroBus vehicle parked at Long Ashton Park & Ride

the city centre, serving Ashton Gate Stadium, SS Great Britain, Wapping Wharf, Temple Meads Station and Cabot Circus. It replaces the current 903 service between Long Ashton P&R and the city centre, which is operated under contract to Bristol City Council.

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James Freeman, managing director of First Bristol, said: “We are looking forward to taking MetroBus to the next level and start operating the M2 service. Since we started operating the M3 MetroBus service from Emersons Green and Lyde Green to the city centre at the end of April, we have been delighted to see steadily growing passenger numbers, with around 120,000 journeys made so far; and appreciated a lot of positive feedback from customers.” First has also announced the planned introduction of a Sunday service and late-night journeys on the M3 route from mid-September. The new Sunday service will commence on 16th September and run half-hourly between 9am and 7pm. Later evening and night journeys, between 9pm and 4am Mondays to Saturdays, will start from 17th

September, but will only run on the route section between UWE and the city centre (and only during UWE term time). MetroBus is the UK’s first buy-before-you-board service outside London, which means customers must be in possession of valid tickets when they board the service as tickets cannot be bought from the driver. Instead, customers can buy tickets securely through the popular First Bus mTicket smartphone app (with a debit or credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Pingit), as well as from the newly-installed iPoints at every MetroBus stop, or by using the Travelwest smart card which can be topped up online, at iPoints using bank cards, or at Payzone stops and the Travel Shop at Bristol Bus Station using cash, banknotes or bank cards. Concessionary passes as well as First’s standard day and season tickets are also valid as normal. Speaking at a town council meeting in Bradley Stoke on 22nd August, First’s James Freeman said that the current plan is to commence operations on the M1 MetroBus service from 13th January 2019. As previously reported by the Journal, the M1 service will be operated by Bristol Community Transport, under contract to First. The social enterprise operator is investing in a fleet of 21 biogas buses and creating up to 60 new driver and support positions at its Bedminster depot.

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September 2018

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News Planning permission secured for replacement railway bridge

he proposed Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) scheme, which will see the old railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane replaced with a much wider concrete structure, took a major step forward in July with the approval of three of the four planning applications necessary to allow it to proceed to the next stage in its project plan. The existing masonry railway bridge has a height clearance of only 4m and creates a ‘pinch point’ on the local road network. The replacement bridge will be of concrete construction and will span 24m, approximately 14m wider than the current bridge. To accommodate taller vehicles, such as double-decker buses, the carriageway will be lowered by around 1.7m under the bridge. New bus lanes will also be constructed along sections of Gipsy Patch Lane, either side of the bridge. The work will require one-way and full closures of sections of Gipsy Patch Lane, for a period of 21 months, currently scheduled to commence in July 2019. The duration of the required full closure is now estimated at 330 days (up from the previously stated eight months), from January to November 2020. Demolition of the existing bridge and construction of the new bridge is scheduled to take place during a twelve-day closure of the railway, most likely over Easter 2020. Approval of the most significant of the four applications, the one for the replacement railway bridge, was secured despite planning committee member Cllr Ernie Brown (also chair of Stoke Gifford Parish Council) tabling a proposal that its consideration should be deferred “ in order that clarification and more detail is made available for discussion regarding the lowering of the road and the construction programme, and to allow further consultation to be undertaken with residents, local businesses and traders.”

Among those who raised concerns during the public questions session at the start of the committee meeting on 12th July were Stoke Gifford ward councillor Keith Cranney, who expressed concerns over the impact that the construction period will have on local businesses and the likelihood of increased noise and disruption to residents living on diversion routes (the council’s recommended one being through Bradley Stoke, along Brook Way). He also called for a stakeholder liaison group to be established. A representative of Tyres Direct, based at Pegasus Industrial Park (just west of the railway bridge), argued that the construction impact would “reduce trade, lead to uncertainty over staffing and managing deliveries and with longer term business implications”. Planning permission was granted, subject to the following issues being satisfactorily addressed in the construction environment management plan: • Details of measures to retain access to Patchway Railway Station on foot and by car; and for Parkway to Patchway rail station rail replacement buses to continue running • Details of measures to maintain alternative routes for publicly maintained bus services that would normally pass under the railway bridge • Details of measures to ensure 24-hour access to and from Pegasus Industrial Park • Details of measures for alternative footway provision during construction ● Planning applications: PT18/0986/F (bridge) PT18/0987/R3F (road widening)

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September 2018

Business Grandfather is one step closer to a new life in Stoke Gifford

randfather, Derek Blundell, 73, was in a celebratory mood on Tuesday 14th August as he officially became the first resident to exchange contracts at the new Stoke Gifford Retirement Village developed by registered charity The ExtraCare Charitable Trust. Construction of the £53 million village is on course to complete soon, with the first residents expected to move in later this autumn. The village, located near the University of the West of England (UWE) campus, is a partnership between The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, a charity that exists to enable better lives for older people, South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency. Mr Blundell, whose two children and their families live abroad, will be starting a new chapter when he makes the move from Plymouth to the new village

Derek Blundell celebrates becoming the first resident to exchange contracts at the new Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, off Coldharbour Lane

in north Bristol. He comments: “I’m really looking forward to the move. My wife was ill for some years, life was dominated by her hospital visits and our social circle diminished. I’m hoping the move will give me the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends.” Once complete, the village will boast 261 spacious apartments for purchase, shared ownership and rental, with care and dementia support for those who

need it. The local community, as well as the new residents, will be able to enjoy the unrivalled mix of social and leisure facilities including a village hall, bar and bistro, gym, hair and beauty salon, and corner shop. In addition, a timetable of wide-ranging and stimulating activities will be on offer to help residents stay healthy, active and independent for longer. Derek continues: “I’m keen to pick up some old interests and may

even start something new. I have more time on my hands now, so that’s what I intend to do; get involved and get a new hobby.” Thousands of older people have already benefited from living in one of ExtraCare’s villages, which is backed up by research with Aston University. The research project studied the charity’s award-winning wellbeing service, which is available to all residents, and found a significant reduction in the length of unplanned hospital stays and a further drop (46 percent) in routine GP appointments after a year. Individuals interested in the Stoke Gifford Retirement Village can register their details on 0870 777 4800 or at new. villages@extracare.org.uk and can find out more at www. stokegiffordvillage.co.uk

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September 2018

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Sport Drive Vauxhall extends sponsorship of BSYFC girls’ teams

New U9 girls’ team established to play in local league

radley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) has set up a new U9 girls’ team to play in the Bristol Girls’ League this coming season (2018-19) and local car dealership Drive Vauxhall Bristol North has stepped in to provide sponsored match kit for the team. The U9 girls were presented with their new kit at a photoshoot where they posed alongside a badged-up BSYFC-branded Vauxhall Crossland X which had been brought along by Drive Vauxhall. Lee Lawson, BSYFC U11 Girls coach, said: “It’s fantastic to see an increase in the number of girls wanting to play and participate in football. They all look great

in their new kit. All the coaches (volunteers) are excited to have been able to create a U9 team and are looking forward to seeing them play competitive football.” “Drive Vauxhall were contacted to see if they’d like to sponsor the new team and we’re pleased that they jumped at the chance and will now be match day sponsors for the U9, U11 and U13 girls’ teams, showing great commitment to the BSYFC girls.” “The girls, parents and coaches would like to thank Drive Vauxhall Bristol North for their new and continued sponsorship and support.” The main coaches for BSYFC Girls U9 – U13 are Level 1 and 2 FA qualified and they also have

two female coaches currently completing the Level 1 FA course. BSYFC was established in 1998. It is an FA Charter Standard Community Club covering all age ranges from Reception age upwards. It

also runs football sessions for children with disabilities. Parents of any children wanting to give club football a try can find further details on the Bradley Stoke Youth FC website www.bsyfc.co.uk

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September 2018

News

Local art group joins painted pebble craze

ainting pebbles and hiding them out and about is a craze that has swept the nation in recent years, bringing joy to those who paint them, and smiles to those who find them; so this summer, artists at the Stokes Art Group decided to join in the fun and create some of their own! The idea is to paint a pebble or hand sized stone, write some information on the back of what to do with it once found, then place it somewhere outside for others to find. The information written on the back is the artist’s name or hashtag, and asks the finder to post a photo and message to a particular Facebook group – such as ‘The Stokes Rocks’ or ‘Bristol Rocks’’ – then to either keep it or relocate it. Anyone can paint and hide pebbles, and it’s fun to track them – it’s amazing how far some pebbles have travelled – but to track them you need to

be a Facebook user, and join the tagged group. Susan Hartry, admin for the Bradley Stoke based Stokes Art Group, thought it would be a great idea to challenge the Stokes artists to ‘Painting on Stone’ - for this purpose; she explained “Not only a fun thing to do, and for most members a new surface to paint a mini masterpiece on, but also a fun way of letting people know there is an art group in their area. Also, by tagging the pebbles to another community group on Facebook ‘The Stokes Rocks’ we can track them, and maybe get other people to paint their own pebbles and join in on the fun.” More than 30 colourful painted pebbles were placed in random locations throughout all the Stokes and nearby areas at the beginning of the school holidays – including Parkway Station, The Green and Meade Park in Stoke

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A selection of pebbles painted by members of the Stokes Art Group

Gifford; The Common playing fields and The Common in Stoke Lodge; the Willow Brook Centre, The Common East, Primrose Bridge, the cycle path near Somerby Close, the leisure centre, the Baileys Court area and the Three Brooks Lake in Bradley Stoke; Patchway Roundabout and Little Stoke Park. “Obviously not everyone is a Facebook user – and that’s OK – but if finding a cheery pebble painted by a Stokes Art Group

Message on the reverse of a pebble

member, or anyone else, brings a smile to someone’s face and brightens their day, that’s great!” says Susan.

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Artists at work during one of the regular Stokes Art Group sessions held at Christ the King Church in Bradley Stoke

September 2018

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News About the Stokes Art Group

‘Bradley Stoke ROCKS’ community event on Jubilee Green

When: Tuesday evenings / Thursday mornings (you can subscribe to one or both) Where: Christ The King Church, Mautravers Close, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8EE Ethos: To provide affordable Table Space and Time for local Artists to work on Practice Pieces or Projects with like-minded people, away from the distractions of home. Members: 18+ / All Abilities welcome Structure: Informal, non-instructional & self funded Community art group Free Extras (optional): include Themed Project Competitions / Annual Competition - the Jam Jar Prize / Whole Group Evening Events / Online Showcasing of Members’ Artworks / Newsletter - the SAG-e-Mag. PLACES AVAILABLE for ‘Series 3’ autumn painting sessions start 1st week in September TASTER SESSIONS offered Tuesday 4th or Thursday 6th September - only pay if you stay £35 for 12 x 3 hour sessions (OFFER £60 if subscribing to both groups) Susan and the Stokes Artists would love to hear from you! Web: stokesart0.wix.com/stokes-art-group Email: stokesart2@gmail.com

A free community pebble painting event held on Jubilee Green on 15th August was well attended by families looking for something different to do during the school holidays. Sponsors Managed Mayhem said: “A huge thank you to everybody who came to our first summer rock painting event, ‘Bradley Stoke ROCKS’. What a turn out! We went through 300 rocks in the end!”

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September 2018

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Schools

Impressive set of Post-16 exam results at BSCS

radley Stoke Community School (BSCS) students are celebrating another impressive set of Post-16 results, with 44 percent of all grades awarded being at A*-A and 59 percent A*-B. Students from the 2018 cohort are going to a wide range of destinations including university, an apprenticeship or an offer of employment. Over a quarter of the university offers received by students were from the top-tier Russell Group universities. Of the students choosing not to progress to university, a number are set to commence apprenticeships with employers such as the Ministry of Defence, MIDAS and GKN Aerospace. As always, there were some outstanding individual performances, including: • Joseph Chambers-Graham who achieved 4A*s (maths, further maths, computer science and physics) and will read mathematics and computer science at the University of Oxford • Emmanuelle Deliot who achieved 3A*s (French, law & psychology) and is leaving to study Chinese and French at the University of Leeds • Matteo Monaco who achieved 2A*s (maths and physics) and 2As (further maths and chemistry) and will be at Durham University next year studying physics • Enzo Steenkamp who achieved 1A* (physics) and 2As (maths and chemistry) and is going to complete an engineering degree apprenticeship at Airbus • Abi Todd who achieved 3As (maths, chemistry and biology) and is going to the University of Bristol to study medicine • Lauren Thawley who achieved 1A* (art) & 2Dist*s (media and IT) and is pursuing her love of fine art at the University of Worcester • Chloe Bowden who achieved 3As (history, psychology and law) and will study law at the University of Reading On Twitter? Follow @TheBSJournal

Top performers (l-r): Emmanuelle Deliot, Abi Todd, Jack Strudley, Enzo Steenkamp, Joseph Chambers-Graham, Chloe Bowden, Tom Hill (assistant head: director of Post-16), Bethany Sell, Lauren Thawley and Sophie Wembridge

• Bethany Sell who achieved 3As (history, psychology & drama) and is going to the University of Exeter to study psychology Individual subject areas that performed particularly strongly this year include: • Psychology, with 80 percent of grades being at A*-B and 45 percent at A*-A

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• Law, with 80 percent of grades being at A*-B Steve Moir, headteacher at BSCS, reflected: “The achievements of our students have come as a direct result and reward of their continuous efforts, commitment and resilience. I am exceptionally proud of them all, and would like

to thank our committed staff, who have gone above and beyond in providing students with excellent teaching, support and subject knowledge. We are thrilled to see so many of our students progressing to such aspirational destinations and we wish them all every success in the future”. ● www.bradleystokecs.org.uk

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September 2018

News

First boss reveals options for the 73 bus service in the MetroBus era

us operator First Bristol says it intends to maintain Bradley Stoke’s 73 bus service at a “good level” following the planned launch of the M1 MetroBus service through the town in January 2019 and has asked local residents to share opinions on what they think would be the optimum route of the service between Aztec West and Parkway Station. Speaking at a meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Planning and Environment Committee on 22nd August, James Freeman, managing director of First Bristol, acknowledged that the introduction of the M1, which will run every 10 minutes down Bradley Stoke Way, will have an impact on the number of passengers using the existing 73

and X73 services. He confirmed a statement previously reported in the Journal that the peak-hours-only X73 service, which runs down Brook Way, will be withdrawn. In the short term, the main 73 service will be continued at a “good level”, with all buses continuing to serve Gloucester Road to the Centre and Temple Meads, but its frequency is likely to “come down a bit”, possibly to ‘every 20 minutes’ (rather than the present ‘every 15 minutes’). Responding to concerns that passengers living close to the “western” route through Bradley Stoke (i.e. down Brook Way) might not find it easy to access the new MetroBus service running along Bradley Stoke Way, he hinted that the route of the 73 might be “slightly

modified … possibly making it a bit straighter and running more to the west”. Speaking of the timescale for introducing these changes, Mr Freeman insisted that it is now a “dead cert” that the M1 MetroBus service will start in January 2019 and he named 13th January as the currently projected launch date. Responding to concerns that the vast majority of passengers on MetroBus will have transferred from existing services, Mr Freeman pointed to the alreadyrunning M3 Emersons Green service, which he said had “driven demand” and attracted 20 percent more passengers than predicted. He noted that the recently introduced T1 Thornbury to Bristol service, which passes along Bradley Stoke Way and operates with a half-hour frequency using MetroBus-style vehicles, has been “quite well received”. However, he stressed that the new M1 service will offer similarly fast journey times to the city centre, operate at three times the frequency and run until at least 11pm. Mr Freeman said that First would like to hear people’s views on the optimum route of the 73 between Aztec West and Parkway Station from January 2019. With legislation requiring operators to give 70 days’ formal notice of bus service introductions or alterations, they would like to

Archive image of James Freeman, managing director of First Bristol

have this feedback by the end of September. Details of how to respond will be made available on the town council and Journal websites as soon as it is available. Looking further ahead, he raised some interesting options for the route of the 73 service beyond Parkway Station (heading towards the city centre), namely: 1. All 73s continue unchanged past Parkway Station via the existing (slow) route to Bristol 2. All 73s go to Parkway then travel around the multi-story car park, past the Hunts Ground Road P&R site and onto the new Stoke Gifford By-Pass, then via the A4174, UWE and Stoke Lane onto the M32 and straight into Bristol. 3. Every other 73 heading south goes via the slow route (as in option 1) and the next one goes via the fast route (as in option 2), i.e. a combination of options 1 and 2. Although there is, as yet, no date for this improvement, feedback on the options would also be welcomed within the same September timeframe.

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September 2018

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Above: Map showing existing routes of the 73/X73 services through Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford plus the route of the planned new M1 MetroBus service (shown as a dotted line), which will travel along Bradley X73 n Avenue, Stoke Way and the new Stoke Gifford By-Pass.

eaze Road

In his presentation to the town council (see facing page), First Bristol boss James Freeman hinted at the possibility of “straightening” the route of the 73 so that it runs along the full lengthy of Brook Way (like the current X73). wa In this scenario, it would no longer tor serve the “southern loop” of Webbs Mo 2 Wood Road and BaileysMCourt Road. 3

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September 2018

Advertising

Local fertility clinic celebrates tenth anniversary

pened in 2008, Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) is Bristol’s longest servicing fertility service and in July celebrated ten years of providing advanced fertility treatment in Bristol with a family tea party. Past and present patients were invited to the unit as guests of honour, with their children asked to help blow out the candles on special tenth anniversary cakes. BCRM has undertaken over 10,000 cycles of fertility treatment, such as IVF, over the last decade. It has recently invested in the Embryoscope+, the latest IVF enhancing technology, allowing the service to continue to improve on its already excellent success rates With one of the highest success rates for fertility treatment in the UK, BCRM undertakes fertility assessment and IVF, ICSI, IUI, donor sperm and egg

Staff, parents and children at a family tea party held to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine

donation treatment as well as fertility surgery. BCRM treats both NHS and private patients and prides itself in offering an affordable and personalised service. BCRM staff are world recognised experts, involved in innovative research and specialist training. The tenth anniversary celebrations included speeches

from Dr Valentine Akande and Dr Amanda Jefferys, internationally renowned Bristol fertility experts and BCRM medical directors, after which refreshments were served. Cupcakes were from Hey Cupcakes in Stoke lodge and Poppy’s Vintage Ices served Brookes Wye Valley ice cream for the most important attendees: the children.

BCRM holds regular open evenings throughout the year and invites anyone – including hetero and lesbian couples and single women – who are interested in learning more about treatment to come along for a free mini consultation. “We feel very privileged to have helped many people from Bristol and all over the world fulfil their dream of having children. Reaching ten years is an incredibly important milestone for us and we would like to celebrate the success of BCRM, all the past and present patients, their families and our fantastic staff. We’re building on our success by investing in the latest technology, to ensure we stay at the forefront of fertility services in Bristol,” commented Dr Valentine Akande, lead consultant, BCRM. For more information, visit www.FertilityBristol.com

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September 2018

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News

New bus lane cameras go live in the Stokes

set of five new bus lane enforcement cameras has been installed in South Gloucestershire, three of them at locations along the M1 MetroBus route through Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford. Locally, the cameras are: • On the Bradley Stoke Way junction onto the A38 Gloucester Road southbound (Aztec West) • On Bradley Stoke Way northbound, just before Patchway Brook Roundabout (near Aldi) • On the Stoke Gifford By-Pass northbound, just before Parkway North Roundabout The camera at the top end of Bradley Stoke Way (Aztec West) went live in early July. As we went to press, all but one of the other four new cameras were understood to be operational. A penalty charge notices (PCN) will be issued to anyone who infringes the bus lanes and these will include a secure web link to a video showing the offence. A South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) spokesperson said: “Each potential infringement will be reviewed by a qualified officer and if there were any mitigating factors, such as needing to pull over for an emergency vehicle, then we wouldn’t issue the PCN.” Cllr Paul Hughes, SGC Cabinet member for communities, said: “These new cameras will help us tackle the abuse of bus lanes and bus gates by unauthorised

vehicles, and also help ensure that buses and emergency vehicles can reach their destination without unnecessary hold-ups.” “We are not trying to catch anyone out, we want the cameras to be easily visible and we have made an effort to ensure that signs and road markings are as clear as possible to motorists. Hopefully, motorists will avoid incurring penalties by not driving in lanes reserved for buses.” The monitoring system uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to identify unauthorised vehicles and generate penalty notices. The Journal understand that warning letters rather than PCNs were issued during an initial “grace” period following the installation of the new cameras, but this has now expired and fines are now being issued. As we went to press, SGC told us that 998 warning notices and 699 PCNs had already been issued for infringements detected by the new cameras. Installing the five new cameras has cost £178k, funded out of the West of England’s 2017/18 allocation from the government’s Local Growth Fund. Three further bus lane enforcement sites are being prepared and can have cameras relocated to them if issues arise. These are located at Highwood Road (Patchway) westbound,

A sign warning of bus lane enforcement cameras on Bradley Stoke Way

Bradley Stoke Way southbound (just before Great Stoke Roundabout) and Coldharbour Lane northbound (just before the UWE roundabout). In response to a query from the Journal, SGC says it has issued 28,929 PCNs and collected £633,444 in fines since

installing its first three bus lane cameras back in 2015. These are at Highwood Road, Patchway; New Road, Stoke Gifford and Gloucester Road northbound (Aztec West). For more info, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ buslanecameras

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September 2018

News

Aspirations’ Q2 prize draw winners of family tickets to Wild Place Project

Construction starts on new £5.6m primary school

ristol construction firm Beard marked the start of works on the new Charlton Wood Primary Academy with an official ground-breaking ceremony carried out by new headteacher Neil Lankester.

games, and a 4,030sqm grass ball-sports pitch. “We are really pleased to be starting construction on this fantastic new school for the Charlton Hayes community,” says Sean Franks, Beard contracts

Beard is working with Endeavour Academy Trust and South Gloucestershire Council on the delivery of the £5.6 million state-of-the-art academy which is being built on the North Field section of the old Filton Airfield in Charlton Hayes, Patchway. The purpose-built academy will provide eight junior, four infant and two reception classrooms at the school – each equipped with its own cloakroom and storeroom. Future students will benefit from four breakout spaces which will support modern learning, plus a library, kitchen, offices, staff room and a large hall, complete with a stage. Designed by South Gloucestershire Council and BBA Architects, the new school will also offer some exciting outdoor play facilities including an outdoor timber classroom with a grass mound amphitheatre, and a tepee village outdoor learning area. Beard will also build a 685sqm paved multi-use court for netball, tennis and other

manager. “There are some really interesting outside features to this scheme which will be fun for our team to build, and even more fun for future students to use. We are delighted to be working with South Gloucestershire Council on this scheme and look forward to seeing it through to completion next summer.” Charlton Wood Primary Academy, which is set to open in September next year, will initially provide places for 60 students in Reception and Year 1. Sixty additional places will be created each year until pupil intake reaches a maximum capacity of 420 in 2025. The school will be run by Endeavour Academy Trust. Headteacher Neil Lankester said: “Over the last year we have been working really closely with residents to ensure that the school is at the heart of the community. We are really excited to be opening next year and look forward to welcoming our first cohort.”

Winners Tom and Kim Scott receive their tickets from Richard Riccalton (centre)

ASPIRATIONS Financial Advice, based at the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke, are proud to announce their Q2 (quarter two) competition winners, Tom and Kim Scott. As part of Aspirations’ ongoing sponsorship of the Cheetah Enclosure at Wild Place Project, the firm is able to give its clients a chance to win a set of free entry family tickets to Wild Place Project in North Bristol. This is the second of four competitions that will be held this year.

For any new business signed in each quarter, clients are offered the chance to be entered into the draw. The latest draw took place on Friday 29th June. The next draw will take place at the end of September, so call in, phone (01454 501959), email (ask@aspirations-ifa.com) or visit the Aspirations website (www.aspirations-ifa.com) for further details. Many congratulations to Tom and Kim Scott, we hope you have a lovely day at Wild Place!

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September 2018

News St Michael’s Centre to begin hosting events for the wider community Venue in Stoke Gifford village with 500-seat auditorium launches family-friendly entertainment programme

his autumn will see the commencement of a series of events where the newly finished auditorium in the St Michael’s Centre in North Road, Stoke Gifford will be used to its full capacity. The auditorium is going to play host to a number of entertainers, suitable for the whole family to enjoy. The St Michael’s Centre has recently completed the installation of seating in the balcony of the auditorium which has provided a further 163 seats for events such as church services, concerts and conferences. The extended seating was used for the first time on Wednesday 25th April when the Diocese of Bristol attended the Connected Conference. The

500-capacity auditorium has now allowed the centre to schedule a variety of performers to entertain the local community over the coming months. As part of the ‘Heart of the Community’ project, the St Michael’s Centre wants to serve the community in ever increasing ways. Ian Taylor, director of operations at the centre, explains: “The centre is already used for numerous activities such as the Golden Oldies, Keep Fit and a number of youth activities and groups. The large hall is also used for wedding receptions and birthday parties. Now that the auditorium has additional seating, we would like to reach out to the wider community and offer events that are suitable

for the whole family to enjoy together.” One of the key ambitions of the ‘Heart of the Community’ project is to “create a spacious modern meeting place in the centre of the community”. Andy Mead, who is in charge of venue hire at the centre, says: “The idea behind hosting these events is to reach out to the wider community and make our space available to everyone in the community,

not just those who attend our church.” If you would like to read more about the ‘Heart of the Community’ project, visit www. stmichaelsbristol.org/heart Many of the events that are being held throughout autumn provide entertainment for the whole family, including: • Friday 5th October – Steve Legg, Comedic Magician. Steve Legg has been performing

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September 2018

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News

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YOU’RE READING IT NOW! his comedic magic show for over 30 years and has travelled the length and breadth of the UK as well as numerous countries around the world, entertaining children and adults alike. He is well known in the entertainment industry and has worked alongside many famous faces such as Jonathan Ross, Fern Britton and Keith Chegwin. Using a blend of comedy and sleight of hand, Steve aims to provide a unique entertainment experience that will leave the audience feeling amazed, amused and believing in the impossible. • Friday 16th November John Archer, Magician. John Archer was the first man to fool Penn and Teller in their TV show ‘Penn & Teller – Fool Us’, hosted by Jonathan Ross. This won him a trip to Las Vegas to perform with the infamous duo at the Rio Hotel. He is also a past winner of ‘The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year’ and has spent many years entertaining audiences all over the world through his writing, singing and acting. • Saturday 15th December – Comedians and Carols. This feel-good mix of stand-up comedy and sing-a-long carols features four UK comedy acts with their take on the Christmas Story. It includes Paul Kerensa, a comedy writer and stand-up comedian who wrote the hit TV show ‘Miranda’, Dominic Holland, whose BBC Radio 4 series won a Comic Heritage

Award, Steve Price, a comedic magician and Stephen Cookson, a stand-up comedian who has performed at numerous comedy clubs throughout the North West of England. Other events that are being hosted by the St Michael’s centre are: • Friday 28th September – Stuart Townend, a leading singer-songwriter and worship leader. • Thursday 18th October – Left to Their Own Devices: Confident Parenting in the Digital Age. • Friday 23rd November – Honesty Over Silence. An evening to open up conversations around difficult topics such as dealing with anxiety and depression. If you would like to find out more about the events taking place or purchase tickets then you can do so online at www. stmichaelsbristol.org/smcevents or ring the centre on 0117 9692486 and ask to speak to either Andy or Ian. Any profit made from ticket sales will be used to continue developing the centre facilities.

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Railway upgrade work 15 September – 7 October 13 October – 14 October As part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, we are electrifying a section of railway through Winterbourne, Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke and along the Filton East Curve to bring passengers quieter, more frequent and more reliable train services. Our work may be noisy and can take place at night or during the day. To find out more, please visit nr.co.uk/westernupgrade or call our National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 Travelling by train? Trains won’t call at Bristol Parkway station from Saturday 15 September until Saturday 6 October 2018 inclusive, or over the weekend of 13-14 October. Services will be diverted or be replaced by buses. Please plan ahead before you travel at: gwr.com/bristol2018 or crosscountrytrains.co.uk/bristol2018 Thank you for bearing with us while we upgrade your railway.

@networkrailwest #bristolrailupgrade

WM027260 Bristol Parkway Bradley Stoke Journal Ad 180 mm x 250 mm.indd 1

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September 2018

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News Three-week railway closure set to cause disruption for residents and passengers

esidents living near the railway lines that run through the Stokes are being warned to expect an intensification in potentially noisy and disruptive maintenance activity as the project to electrify the Great Western mainline enters a critical phase this autumn. The railway through Bristol Parkway will be closed between 15th September and 6th October inclusive, and again on the weekend of 13th/14th October. No trains will run via Bristol Parkway during these periods. A Network Rail spokesperson said: “This phase of the upgrade includes the installation of the overhead line equipment (OLE) used to hold the wires for electrification, and we will be putting up masts and wires over these three weeks in the Bristol Parkway area, from Winterbourne viaduct, through

Bristol Parkway Station, up to Little Stoke, and then along the Filton East Curve.” During these three weeks, trains will still be running, but they will be using diversionary routes. Rail replacement bus and coach services will be in place for some journeys. Great Western Railway services between London Paddington and South Wales and Cross Country services between Bristol Temple Meads and Cheltenham will call at Patchway instead of Bristol Parkway. Replacement bus services will link Bristol Parkway, Patchway, Yate and Filton Abbey Wood. The three-week closure follows similar upgrade work last year, which included building a fourth platform at Bristol Parkway, extending the existing three platforms, and upgrading the track layout in the Parkway

Bristol Parkway electrification: What will the work involve? Extracts from a Network Rail information pamphlet Before the three-week closure on 15th September, we expect to have installed the vast majority of the 480 electrification pylon foundations in this area. The remainder (fewer than ten) are due to be finished by the end of October, along with the masts, gantries and wiring. We will be testing the equipment during October and November. This part of the work should be less noisy. Foundations for a new signalling gantry near the Hatchet Road Bridge are due to be installed in November 2018. This work will be noisy and we will write to affected residents nearer the time with further details.

area to improve reliability and increase capacity. These upgrades will enable passengers to experience the benefits of Great Western Railway’s new fleet of electric trains, including more frequent services and reduced journey times. Network Rail’s major programmes director David Buisson said “The upgrade in the Bristol Parkway area is vital as we continue to deliver electrification and a more reliable railway for our passengers.”

I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the residents living near the railway and to our passengers for their patience and understanding during this period when we have undertaken modernisation work which forms part of our Railway Upgrade Plan – it is truly appreciated”. Rail passengers are advised to check operator websites: • www.gwr.com/bristol2018 • www.crosscountrytrains. co.uk/bristol2018

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September 2018

Business

New monthly Journal magazine for Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke to start in October

orth Bristol Press, publisher of the Bradley Stoke Journal, is pleased to announce the launch of its second monthly community news magazine, to serve the Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke area. The new magazine, which comes five years after the start of the hugely successful Bradley Stoke Journal magazine, will be distributed to all homes in Stoke Gifford parish north of the A4174 Ring Road, from October 2018. All homes in Little Stoke (which lies within the parish Stoke Gifford), a small number of which previously received the Bradley Stoke magazine, will henceforth receive the Stoke Gifford magazine. The progression into print comes six years after the establishment of the Stoke

Gifford Journal website (www. stokegiffordjournal.co.uk), which is the only interactive community news forum dedicated solely to Stoke Gifford. The website has in recent times been supplemented by the Stoke Gifford Journal Facebook page, which has amassed nearly 2,000 fans. Like its Bradley Stoke counterpart, the new Stoke Gifford Journal magazine will include news items from relevant local authorities (in this case, Stoke Gifford Parish Council and South Gloucestershire Council), community groups, schools and local businesses. North Bristol Press editor Stephen Horton commented: “For far too long, the Stoke Gifford community has suffered from the lack of a credible local news publication, having to rely

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on a quarterly advertising booklet edited miles away in another county. Things are now about to change with the Journal set to bring its proven and respected formula to another part of the North Bristol Stokes area.”

Community reporter

The Journal has taken on a parttime community reporter, Laura Mortimore, to cover the Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke area. She has been writing stories for the Stoke Gifford Journal website since the start of the year and has already established contact with many local community groups. If you would like to get in to touch with Laura, please contact us initially on the main Journal number 01454 300400 or email info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

Advertising opportunities

The new magazine will be entirely funded by advertising. If you run a local business, why not get in touch to find out more about how we can get your message into people’s homes EVERY month? Remember, if you don’t do it, your competitors probably will! We expect the first few issues of our Stoke Gifford magazine to grab lots of attention, so make sure you are in it from the start! Rates start at just £16/month, so why not give us a call now on 01454 300400 or email sales@ stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

Past examples of the types of story we expect to be featuring in the SGJ magazine (from top): Community group, St Mike’s Yarn Bombers; New store opening, Lidl; Community action, Hatchet Road; New transport infrastructure, Bristol Parkway

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September 2018

Sport

Once-in-a-lifetime Wembley experience By Marcus Fisher of BSYFC radley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) was again selected from all the FA Charter Standard Clubs in the UK and Ireland to walk around the Wembley pitch, and perform a Guard of Honour, moments before the kick-of of the Community Shield match between Manchester City and Chelsea. This is the fifth time in five years that BSYFC have been selected and once again we were proud to be only 1 of 8 clubs selected for this great experience. BSYFC was represented by squad players and coaches from the U8 Whites. It was a long day, but an experience the team will never forget. The day started at 8.15am with the coach leaving Bradley Stoke for arrival at Wembley for 11am. We were greeted and hosted by McDonald’s representatives and were based in the Wembley press room for the majority of the day. At 12.30pm we had our first walk around the Wembley pitch as we performed the rehearsal for the main event, and had our photo taken by the main photographer on the pitch with our BSYFC placard. En route to the pitch, we were able to see

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behind the scenes of Wembley Stadium, and were fortunate enough to walk past the HOME and AWAY dressing rooms, and to see the famous tunnel leading onto the pitch. After the rehearsal, it was back to the press room for lunch and a football quiz. This highlighted just how little the managers Marcus Fisher, Simon Newman and Wayne Jukes know about football (and how much the children did know about football!). Interesting fact: Wembley Stadium has 2,618 toilets, more than any other venue in the world. One of children knew this! We then had our final briefing and it was time for the real thing. We walked past the changing rooms again and into position at the side of the pitch next to the stars of Chelsea and Manchester City, who were completing their warm up. We then came out to 90,000 supporters applauding as we walked around the pitch and performed the guard of honour, with every child waving their flag and the BSYFC placard on full show; a fantastic effort from the children who represented BSYFC incredibly well. TV cameras were filming us and we could be seen on the

Some of the BSYFC squad walking around the Wembley pitch before the match

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September 2018

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Coaches and players of BSYFC U8 Whites pictured at Wembley Stadium prior to performing their pre-match duties

TV screens … at last we were famous! We then sang the national anthem, after which we moved off waving our flags while walking proudly behind the

BSYFC placard. In total we were on the Wembley pitch for 30 minutes prior to kick-off; what a great experience for the players of BSYFC.

We then rushed back to the press room, picked up our stuff and rushed to our seats to watch the match and to meet the parents. Manchester City

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dominated the game and won 2-0, which was also a great experience for the children. Then, with the game finished, we boarded the coach back to Bradley Stoke, with the kids remaining energetic and the parents not so (snoozing…) but everyone was very happy after a great day out. Many thanks to McDonald’s for selecting BSYFC to take part in this event for each of the last five years, and well done to all the BSYFC squad and coaches for being great ambassadors for the club.

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September 2018

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By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) e were comforted to know that it wasn’t just us who surrendered to the heatwave; several of our competition ‘regulars’ told us they wouldn’t enter this year, as they just couldn’t keep up with the watering. But the nine gardens that did enter certainly put on a show! We split the competition into two categories this year, ‘large’ and ‘small’ garden, which were all judged on the same criteria: wellkept frontage, quantity/quality of plants, outstanding character and well-kept lawns/paths. The gardens were incredibly diverse in look, from David & Jenny’s subtle strawberry & black grass spiral and Richard & Alisa’s hanging baskets to Maureen’s colourful butterflies and Terry & Mike’s towering containers. As the standard of gardens increases each year, so does the difficulty of choosing a winner, and this time around we weren’t able to agree on a single winner! But it gives us very great pleasure to finally be able to announce our 2018 results! The prizes were awarded on 23rd August by Mayor Ben Randles at Almondsbury Garden Centre. Large Garden first prizes are the Best Front Garden shield for a year (shared between the two winners), an engraved glass trophy to keep, a framed certificate, a gold medal engraved with the winner’s name, a bottle of bubbly and a £20 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre. Large Garden third prize is an engraved glass trophy to keep, a framed certificate, a gold medal engraved with the winner’s name, a bottle of bubbly and a £10 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre. Small Garden first prize is an engraved glass trophy to keep, a framed certificate, a gold medal engraved with the winner’s name, a bottle of bubbly and a £20 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre. Small Garden 2nd prize is an engraved glass trophy to keep, a framed certificate, a gold medal engraved with the winner’s name, a bottle of bubbly and a £10 garden

Prize winners: Large Gdn. =1st: Terry James & Mike Checkley Watch Elm Close =1st: Richard & Gill Love Brackendene 3rd: Kevin & Gillian Griffiths Stean Bridge Road 4th: Alisa & Richard Aquilina Juniper Way Runners-up: Large Gdn. (in alphabetical order) Brook Court Gardening Team David & Jenny Neale Krishnan Rambadhran Prize winners: Small Gdn. 1st: Maureen Hopkins 2nd: Fred J Hillberg voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre. All the runners-up also received a framed certificate and an engraved medal. Mike Checkley’s sister Lynda also received a small ‘best sister’ certificate as the boys were away, so she was “volunteered” for extensive watering duties in the run up to the judging! Thank you to Timpson’s for the discount given on the trophy engraving, to our mayor, Ben Randles, for handing out the prizes, and to Almondsbury Garden Centre, not only for all the vouchers but for the venue too. We owe a particularly huge thank you to Andy Hart, Almondsbury’s general manager, who stepped in at the last minute to ensure the event could go ahead as planned. If you would like to see the gardens for yourself, most of the full addresses are available on request. ● bradleystokeinbloom.com

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018 Best Front Garden competition: The winners

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Above (l-r): Cllr Ben Randles, Sara Messenger (BSiB), Fred J Hillberg, Maureen Hopkins, Gill Love, Richard Love and Alex Lester (representing Terry James & Mike Checkley). Below and right: Views of the prize winning gardens

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September 2018

News

Your local RBL branch needs YOU! Urgent recruitment call for new volunteer Poppy Appeal collectors in our area

he Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is urgently calling for new volunteers to come forward to help with this year’s Poppy Appeal collections, which start on 1st October. The branch fears that it will be unable to fully staff its usual stands in the large local supermarkets, and also at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, due to a number of long-serving helpers having to retire from the role due to old age or frailty. If volunteer numbers cannot be restored, the branch fears it could lose a significant proportion of what it currently raises in the area – approximately £100k for the Bristol Poppy Appeal (and ultimately for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and their families needing our support). Branch spokesperson David

Bell said: “We’re making a concerted effort to recruit more volunteers to help us raise this much needed money for the Poppy Appeal. We need volunteers particularly at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Sainsbury’s at Stoke Gifford, ASDA at Filton and the Willow Brook shopping centre in Bradley Stoke.” Sue Potepa, RBL community fundraiser, Bristol and Districts, said: “It would be wonderful for a new generation of volunteers to join us this year for the Poppy Appeal. Anyone can volunteer for these roles and if people could spare just a few hours to help, it would be really appreciated.” Billy Wilde, 17, a student at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS), is keen to emphasise that people of all ages can help out. He said: “I have been

volunteering for the RBL since I was 5 years old and I have really enjoyed raising money for such a worthy cause, whilst making many new friends, of all ages, along the way. To be able to see how so many of our ex-servicemen and women are helped by the money we raise is incredibly moving.” He continued: “This year I have decided to take on the challenge of Cribbs Causeway as the Poppy Appeal organiser because the previous volunteers have retired. This means I need a new team of volunteers to run three stands. Even if you can volunteer for just two hours of your time, your support will be really appreciated. Even if collecting isn’t for you, we have many other volunteering opportunities too.” If you think you may be able to

BSCS student Billy Wilde collecting for the Poppy Appeal at The Mall

help in any way, at any location, please contact the Stoke Gifford branch of the RBL by email at rblstokegifford@gmail.com or phone Billy Wilde on 07874 895993. ● Search on Facebook for ‘Royal British Legion: Stoke Gifford Branch’

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September 2018

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News

Stokes Singers: Refreshed and ready to go!

fter a memorable end to the choir’s Sing 25 Challenge, Stokes Singers are refreshed and ready to go at the start of our autumn term writes publicity officer, Sue Callow. Our summer concert in July marked the 25th birthday of the choir and was well received by a full house at the Church of Christ the King in Bradley Stoke. Amazing guests Steel Storm from Castle School, Thornbury and the Red Tie Choir from Little Stoke Primary School brought a fantastic energy to the evening. Over £500 was raised for the nominated children’s charity CLIC Sargent and with 70-plus performers joining forces it was certainly an evening to remember. Although it’s a little early to start Christmas festivities, Stokes Singers’ diary is rapidly filling with invitations to perform in November and December so weekly rehearsals re-start on

6th September. If you’d like to sing with us, this is an ideal time to come along to a Thursday evening rehearsal from 7.30pm until 9.30pm at Coniston Community Centre in Patchway. New members can enjoy their first two rehearsals free of charge while they get to know us and our music. We’re a friendly group, rehearsals with our two Musical Directors Phil Lawrence and Sian Walters are fun and productive and there are no auditions. Currently we have vacancies in all sections of our 30 strong mixed harmony choir and ladies and men with lower voices would be especially welcome. Take a look at our website www.stokessingers.org.uk and message us via the contact page or call our membership secretary Liz on 01454 614148. It’s always worth letting us know you’re coming so we can meet you at the door and show you around the building.

If you prefer to listen rather than sing, pop a note on your calendar for our Christmas concert on Saturday 8th December at the Church of Christ the King. More information will be available on the website soon when we confirm some rather special Christmas guests. Either way, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Above: Stokes Singers’ summer concert at Church of Christ the King, with Steel Storm from Castle School, Thornbury and the Red Tie Choir from Little Stoke Primary School

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September 2018

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Advanced Comfort Seats Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® (PHC) Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink® EAT6 6-Speed Automatic Gearbox Citroën Connect Nav

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Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/lOOkm) and C02 emissions (g/km) for the New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch Range: URBAN 44.1-67.3mpg (4.2-6.4L/100km); EXTRA URBAN 61.4-85.6mpg (3.3-4.6L/100km); COMBINED 53.3-78.5mpg (3.6-5.3L/100km); CO2 emissions 94119g/km. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying models ordered & registered 01/07-30/09/2018 or until such time as offers/prices may be withdrawn by Citroën at its complete discretion & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months' graduated vehicle excise duty. Optional paint available at extra cost. °Elect 4 Personal Lease rentals shown apply to New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch - Flair PureTech 110 S&S manual and an advance rental of £3,391 will be required. +Actual model shown: New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch PureTech 110 S&S Manual Flair with optional Emerald Blue Metallic paint initial rental £3,391 followed by £199 per month. Elect 4 quotes require 47 monthly rentals on a 48 month agreement of 6,000 miles per annum & a significant optional final rental. Excess mileage charges of 9.6 per mile may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one month’s rental. You will not own the vehicle. Finance subject to status. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Ltd (company registration number 01024322), RH1 1QA. PSA Finance UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Carco Ltd trading as City Motors are acting as a credit broker and not a lender. To finance your vehicle we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Commission may be received. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

CITY MOTORS 0117 9723030 CASTLE COURT, ST PHILIPS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL, BS4 3AX dealer.citroen.co.uk/Bristol-Arnos-vale

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Official fuel consumption for the XC90 T5 Momentum Auto Model Year 19, in MPG (l/100km): Urban 30.1 (9.4), Extra Urban 39.8 (7.1), Combined 35.8 (7.9). CO2 Emissions 184g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *T&Cs apply. Contract hire provided by Santander Consumer (UK) PLC trading as Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR. 18s & over, subject to status. You will not own the vehicle and it must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage will be charged at 7.56p per mile for the first 5,000 excess miles. After 5,000 excess miles, excess mileage will be charged at 10.08p per mile. Subject to availability at participating retailers on orders received between 01/07/18 to 30/09/18. Guarantee may be required. Not available with other promotions. Carco Group Ltd, trading as City Motors Volvo are a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

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September 2018

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All-New Duster Rugged, robust and better looking

Prices from £9,995–£16,395 City Motors Castle Court, St Philips Causeway Bristol BS4 3AX Tel 0844 247 9469

S J Cook & Sons Station Road Kingswood BS15 4XX Tel 0844 247 9473 www.carcogroup.co.uk/dacia

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Duster range are: urban 40.4 (7)–62.8 (4.5); extra-urban 35.3 (8)–65.7 (4.3); combined 44.1 (6.4)–64.2 (4.4). The official CO2 emissions are 158–115g/km. Figures are produced for comparison purposes in accordance with European legislation and may not reflect real-life driving results. Equivalent NEDC value obtained from WLTP figures, aiming to reflect a closer representation of the ‘real-world’ fuel consumption and CO2 figures. *Prices shown are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, available on featured new vehicles ordered by 30 September and registered by 31 December 2018. Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Car shown with optional metallic paint at an extra £495.

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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the MY18 cars shown are: urban 44.8 (6.3); extra-urban 58.8 (4.8)–67.3 (4.2); combined 52.3 (5.4)–56.5 (5.0). The official CO2 emissions are 122–113g/km. Figures are produced for comparative purposes in accordance with EU legislation and may not reflect real-life driving results. Equivalent NEDC value obtained from WLTP figures, aiming to reflect a closer representation of the ‘real-world’ fuel consumption and CO2 figures.

*Test drive and order by 1 October and register by 31 December 2018 to qualify for an extra £500 (inclusive of VAT) towards your new Renault car (excludes ZOE and Renault Sport). Limited to one car per person. Only available to retail customers. For full terms and conditions and to qualify, book your test drive at renault.co.uk/drive. *Figures shown for Clio Play TCe 75 MY18 based on £179 deposit, 48 monthly payments of £179, optional final payment £4,280. Figures shown for Captur Play TCe 90 based on £209 deposit, 48 monthly payments of £209, optional final payment £5,059. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 495, Watford WD17 1BR. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be a UK resident (excluding the Channel Islands) and over 18. Offer based on 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Terms and conditions apply. Offers can be used with other schemes or finance offers. Prices shown are available on specified new vehicles when ordered between 1 August and 1 October and registered by 31 December 2018. For full terms visit renault.co.uk/offers.

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September 2018

News

Anorexia survivor set to stretch fundraising efforts to new limits Sophie Mitchell, a young woman from Bradley Stoke who suffered from anorexia as a teenager and spent nearly six months in hospital because of the condition, updates us on her extraordinary programme of fundraising activities for Beat, one of the UK’s leading eating disorders charities.

fter a successful couple of years fundraising, 2018 has been the best one yet. So far, I have held more bake sales, bag packing at Tesco, Spin/ Boxing & HIIT class at Bradley Stoke Leisure centre, 15,000ft sky dive and a head shave. The latter, on 6th April at In Trim hairdressers (within Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre) was my ultimate favourite because it represented so much and reached

out to a lot of people to the extent where it got picked up by ITV News on Good Morning Britain! I also was invited onto BBC Radio Bristol to talk in more detail about my story and continue to raise awareness for what is a life threatening mental illness. Not only is hair loss a symptom of anorexia and one that I wanted to highlight, but also I wanted to show people that the way you look shouldn’t determine how successful you are in life. Our beauty within is what’s more important and if we put our minds to it, we can achieve anything without feeling insecure, worthless and burdened by the pressure of society’s expectations. But it’s only going to get bigger and better, starting with my next event, a 160ft bungee jump at the Lloyds Amphitheatre in

Bristol on 28th October. Bungee jumping teaches you to face your fears, live in the moment and take that leap of faith knowing that everything will work out in the end. That is the message that I want to get across to everything that I cross paths with, along with raising awareness for eating disorders and inspiring sufferers to believe that recovery is possible and so worth it. I am super excited for this one and I hope to reach out to as many people as the head shave. I am welcoming anyone and everyone to come and watch me so please contact me via my Facebook page if you would like to do so. My target this year has increased to £4,000 and I would love to reach it. However big or small your donation, it will be greatly appreciated. Last year my story reached someone in America, so I want to see how far we can really go with it. Eating disorders affect everyone around the world and if I can inspire just one person, then that’s my job sorted. Please like and share my Facebook page with friends and family. The next few months are going to be so exciting, you don’t want to miss anything! Along with keeping everyone updated with events, I produce motivational/inspirational content about eating disorder

Charity head shave on 6th April

SGS College prize day in 2017

recovery, with the aim of encouraging sufferers to speak up, get help and fight for the life that they deserve. Facebook page: Sophie Mitchell – Anorexia Survivor & Fundraiser for Beat To sponsor me, go to www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ Sophie-Mitchell11

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September 2018

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Advertising

Meet the headmaster Stephen Symonds, Tockington Manor School

e welcome children into the Tockington family from 2 years old in our recently refurbished on-site Nursery. Here our children learn through play, tending to their own “cottage style” vegetable garden and exploring our 28 acres during “welly walks”, forest skills and sports activities. Our Nursery offers children a seamless education into Reception where our small friendly classes and family approach to education provides bespoke learning for every child. As an independent school, pupils stay until aged 13 (Year 8) where we work closely with them and their parents to identify the best next step for them. We have an enviable success rate in delivering entry into their first choice senior schools with many being awarded scholarships in Academia, Sport, Music, Drama and Design Technology. Located just 4.5 miles north of Bradley Stoke, with dedicated sports pitches, cross country trails, 25m indoor heated swimming pool and our national standard all-weather pitch. The school and nursery offer extended hours and wrap-around care so children can join us for breakfast at 7.45am and supper at 6.30pm should you wish. We pride ourselves in working closely with every child,

“We really appreciate the values and principles that you transmit and develop in every TMS pupil.” - Current Parent

Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys and girls aged 2 to 13 years An independent day and boarding school situated in 28 acres of countryside, with an onsite nursery for a seamless education. understanding what makes every Tockington child “tick”. Developing their aptitude and attitude to help them to fulfil their potential. So please arrange a private tour or join us on our Open Day (Friday 5th October) to find out more. We look forward to meeting you. Stephen Symonds Headmaster

Only 4.5 miles from Willow Brook Centre

OPEN DAY Friday 5th October 2.30pm - 5pm

asymonds@tockingtonmanorschool.com

www.tockingtonmanorschool.com

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September 2018

Advertising

Popular country pub flourishes under new team THE SWAN @ TYTHERINGTON, which is just 15 minutes from Bradley Stoke, is a traditional country pub offering homecooked quality food. It reopened in September 2017, having undergone a huge transformation, with £250,000 being spent on its great new facelift, which includes a new kitchen, a patio area and brand new toilets (including an accessible toilet). The refurbishment has maintained the establishment’s warm, traditional feel, but given it an added modern twist. The Swan has been taken over by Nikki and Shane Clark, who sold their home in nearby Yate to finance the refurbishment. Their focus is on ‘exceptional food at accessible prices’ and you will find country pub favourites such as pie and mash, lasagne, and cod and chips, all of which are homemade to a high standard, along with

their specialty of homemade sausages of various flavours. Lunch is served from 12pm to 2.30pm Monday to Friday, followed by dinner between 5pm and 9pm. On Saturdays, food is available throughout the day (12pm to 9pm). Sunday Lunch is served between 12pm and 3pm followed by dinner from 5.30pm until 8pm. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

The Swan also offers a great range of real ales such as Butcombe, Bath Ales Gem, London Pride and a guest slot used by local brewers such as GWB, Wickwar Brewing and Cocksure Brewing to name but a few. There is also a focus on locally made Bristol spirits with 6 O’Clock Gin, Bristol Dry Gin, Psychopomp and the Espensen range making appearances.

Live music is arranged for the last Friday of every month and acts have been booked for the whole of 2018, with a great selection of solo artists. The Swan is a family and dog friendly establishment. For more information, please see our advert on page 2 (offering 10% off food during September) and check out the website at www. theswantytherington.co.uk

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September 2018

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Schools

Another year of “excellent” GCSE results at BSCS

radley Stoke Community School (BSCS) students are celebrating another excellent set of GCSE results. The results come quick on the heels of the school’s inspection by Ofsted in May, which saw it rated ‘good’ in four of the areas measured and ‘outstanding’ in two. A number of subject areas have performed exceptionally well – 70 percent of students achieved the government’s Basics measure in English and maths, with 87 percent of students in English achieving grade 4s or above and 72 percent grade 5s and above, both significantly above national averages. Student outcomes in science were excellent too, even with the significantly more challenging new curriculum. Here, 80 percent of students achieved a grade 4 or above and 53 percent were awarded a grade 5 or above, both well above national averages. BSCS headteacher Steve Moir, commented, “I’m absolutely thrilled for our students that their immense hard work has paid off to produce another brilliant year of results.” “There are so many success stories, not just from the individuals in the spotlight for achieving the top grades, but for every young person who has surpassed their own personal targets and made remarkable progress, sometimes in very challenging circumstances.” “This success is also the result of the dedication of our amazing

L-r: Minahil Javed, Mia Vindel, Maya Thomas, Cllr Toby Savage (leader, South Gloucestershire Council), Amy Price, Dave Baker (CEO, Olympus Academy Trust), Ben Reeves, Dina Salsabila Ghassani, Steve Moir (headteacher), Kelvin Owusu-Antwi and Emma Rogers (raising standards leader: Year 11)

staff, as well as the parents and families of our young people who do so much to help and support us.” “Huge congratulations to all concerned. We wish students every success for the future.” Olympus Academy Trust chief executive officer Dave Baker commented: “BSCS has demonstrated yet again the kind of strong performance that saw it named the top performing school in South Gloucestershire in 2017 based on progress measures. This has been achieved within the context of the new format GCSEs, with new courses

and specifications, which has presented additional challenges

for staff and students. Well done to all our young people.”

Outstanding individual performances Maya Thomas Ethan Buckler Dina Salsabila Ghassani Minahil Javed Amy Price Mia Vindel Eleanore Osafo Megan Jones Ethan Moore Kelvin Owusu-Antwi Ben Reeves Harley Axe Adriana Vasileva Smriti Kumar Nicholas Sequeiros-Engel

6Gr9, 2Gr8, 1A*, 1A, 1Gr7 3Gr9, 5Gr8, 1Gr7, 1A, 1Gr5 3Gr9, 6Gr8, 1A*, 1Gr6 3Gr9, 4Gr8, 2A, 1Gr7, 1Gr6 3Gr9, 4Gr8, 2A*, 2Gr7 2Gr9, 6Gr8, 1Gr7, 2A 3Gr9, 4Gr8, 1Gr7, 2A, 1Gr6 1Gr9, 2Gr8, 3Gr7, 1A*, 1A, 3Gr6 4Gr8, 1Dis*, 1Gr7, 2A, 2Gr6s, 1B 1Gr9, 2Gr8, 3Gr7, 1A, 3Gr6, 1B 1Gr9, 3Gr8, 2Gr7, 2Gr6, 2B, 1Gr5 4Gr8, 3Gr7, 1Gr6, 2B 2Gr9, 2Gr8, 2A, 1Gr7, 1Gr6, 1B, 2Gr5 4Gr8, 1A*, 2Gr7, 3Gr6, 1B 3Gr8, 3Gr7, 2A, 2Gr6, 1C, 1Gr5

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September 2018

Letters

Memorial benches unveiled at bowls club

Standing (l-r) Brian Newman (club president) and Jim Durlacher’s sons Stuart & Graeme. Seated (l-r): Jim’s daughter Helen and widow Margaret.

BRADLEY STOKE Bowls Club celebrated it’s Captain’s Day on Sunday 12th August. The club has been going for nine years now and has a membership of 107 We still welcome new members whether or not they have bowled before. Free tuition is available. It was particularly poignant when two benches were dedicated to the memory of Jim Durlacher, the founder of the club, and Jim Humphries, who passed away at the grand old age of 96. Margaret Durlacher, Jim’s widow and several members of her family were there to witness the event.

Although it rained, everyone enjoyed eight ends of bowls and a grand meal afterwards provided by Steve of Henleaze Bowling Club, and the gathering was entertained by quizzes and table games during and after the meal. The bar was laid on, as always, by Bradley Stoke Cricket Club, who always look after us very well. My thanks go out to all who attended and to those who worked so hard to make the day a success. Brian Newman President, Bradley Stoke Bowls Club

Bradley Stoke Journal: 8,000 fans Have your say: Reader letters Do you have strong views about something that’s happening in or around Bradley Stoke? Want to pass comment on something you’ve read in the Journal or another local publication? Send your letter to letters@bradleystokejournal.co.uk or post it to: Reader Letters, Bradley Stoke Journal, 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8GB Please include a phone number, in case we need to contact you.

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September 2018

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News

Pro footballer returns to former school to open new play area

young professional footballer from Bradley Stoke returned to his former primary school in midJuly to officially open a new climbing equipment area and an ‘outdoor classroom’ for Reception age pupils. Joe Morrell, 21, a member of the Bristol City FC squad who has also recently played in League Two for Cheltenham Town (on loan), visited the school on its annual sports day (15th July) to ceremonially cut a ribbon and declare the new facilities open. The all-weather climbing equipment has been installed on part of the school’s playing field and includes a climbing wall, turning balance log and swinging grips. The aim of this is to promote agility, balance and coordination opportunities that are accessible to all ages of children. Reception teacher Sarah Pope explained: “This year we have been working towards our bronze ‘Health in Schools’ award and have been aiming to increase activity levels of all children. The pupils have been very excited to watch the area taking shape and are very keen to use the new equipment.” Speaking about the Reception outdoor classroom, she added: “The area was in need of updating and in need of a complete overhaul to create a fantastic learning environment for our youngest children. Our explicit aim was to create an outdoor learning environment with open-ended resources that provides the same opportunities that are available in the classroom. It obviously lends itself to a more active approach to learning. This is the first stage in the redevelopment of our Early Years provision and it will be followed with an update of the indoor classrooms during the summer holidays. We are delighted with the result!” Photos – Top: Former pupil Joe Morrell cuts a ribbon on one of the new pieces of climbing equipment. Above, left: Pupils try out the new equipment, watched by Joe. Above, right: Overview of the play area

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September 2018

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September 2018

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News

Double graduation celebrations at Little Acorns

ore than a few tears were shed at the Little Acorns Pre-School ‘graduation’ event held at the Jubilee Centre, Bradley Stoke on 13th July, as the older children said goodbye to the setting’s staff before moving on to start their next adventures.

But it wasn’t only the children who were celebrating a graduation as the setting’s manager Amanda Bromley (pictured above) recently

completed her postgraduate course in early years initial teacher level 6 training, resulting in her being awarded ‘grade 1 outstanding’ status.

Amanda, who qualified as a primary school teacher from the University of St Mark and St John, Plymouth in 2016, has attended other nurseries

and local primary schools over the past year to develop her knowledge of working with children from birth to age 5. ● www.lachildcare.co.uk

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September 2018

Sport Bradley Stoke pickleball group celebrates first anniversary Weekly fun sessions epitomise the ethos of ‘sport for all’

ristol Pickleball Club is celebrating the first anniversary of its weekly ‘open to all’ informal sessions held on Monday mornings at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Pickleball is a relatively new racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and is said to be a great way to get fit, have fun and make new friends. Players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. All the necessary equipment can be provided by the club and those attending need only wear trainers and comfortable clothing. Most of the people who attend the Bradley Stoke sessions are in their fifties or older, but

the organisers emphasise that pickleball can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, including those with limited mobility. One regular attendee, Bethan, said she considered herself “very sedentary” before going along to one of the sessions. Now, she can’t believe how much her fitness has improved through attending regularly. Another, Monty, who lives locally in Bradley Stoke, said he had heard about the sessions through word of mouth. He used to play table tennis and enjoys the mixture of skills that can be applied in the sport of pickleball. “You really can play at any age and any level”, he added. “I hadn’t played any racquet sports since leaving school,” said

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Sue, another regular. “You can pick up the game within half-anhour and be able to take part in a game.” “We don’t take it too seriously and just laugh off any mistakes,” she added. Local resident Paul Coakley, one of the joint organisers, explained that the game is more accessible than tennis for most people, due to its use of underarm serves and lightweight paddles. Wishing to emphasise that old age need not be a hindrance to participation, Mary, a sprightly 83-year-old retired doctor from Frampton Cotterrell, told us: “No one’s too old to start exercising. The people in this group are so friendly, encouraging and enthusiastic. I’m delighted to have found it.”

The Bradley Stoke session takes place from 9am to 11am every Monday morning (including bank holidays and at all times of the year). Each two-hour session cost £7 but your first session is FREE! Those who choose to become members of the Bristol Pickleball Club are entitled to a reduced fee of £5 per session. Average attendance at the sessions is currently around 14, with up to 20 on occasions, and most participants stay on to socialise over coffee afterwards. Further details about the sessions can be found on the Bristol Pickleball Club page on Facebook or by calling 07901 752693. More information about the game of pickleball is available at www.pickleball.org.uk

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September 2018

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery Change for change’s sake

hile watching television recently, I couldn’t help but notice how many of the commercial breaks were full of adverts promoting established products in new ways. Toothpaste that will make your teeth stronger and whiter, shampoo that will make your hair thicker and bouncier, cleaners that will eliminate 99 percent of household germs, or creams that will eradicate wrinkles and rejuvenate lifeless skin. After all, “you are worth it”, we are seductively told. If you ignore the marketing flimflam, it is essentially the same old stuff in a different wrapper. If you are suffering from insomnia and need some help getting to the Land of Nod, I would suggest you read the pages of marketing from NHS England called The Five Year Forward View, a vision of the future of

healthcare published, in October 2014. Amongst its glossy pages are multiple references to access, inclusivity, timeliness, joined up working practices, and a team ethic. To reinforce this image of vital and vibrant change, are pictures of smiling healthcare professionals attending to glowing patients, ensuring that all age groups, ethnic heritages,

has been the unification of the three administrative bodies which had been responsible for buying NHS services for Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset, into a single executive body covering all three areas. As well as taking up the challenge of implementing the Five Year Forward View, they have also been given the

“General Practice is a classic example of how the packaging remains recognisable, but the product changes and reacts to new circumstances.” and socio-economic bands are covered within their closely cropped margins. This five year plan will reach its climax in 2020, so what slickly presented product can we expect to see in South Gloucestershire? In one word, cuts. Coincident with this master stroke of marketing,

brief of cutting tens of millions of pounds from the overall health budget. Given the rate at which the local population is expanding with new housing developments, the vision of the future is certainly challenging. All healthcare professionals working in their communities will do their utmost to adapt,

and maximise usage of the resources available, but it is inevitable that services and teams will be affected. At Bradley Stoke Surgery we constantly review our appointments and staff mix, and will be creating a multidisciplinary acute illness team in anticipation of the winter surge in demand. General Practice is a classic example of how the packaging remains recognisable, but the product changes and reacts to new circumstances. Gleaming white, thicker and bouncier, wrinkle free, and with a free introductory carriage clock it might not be, but we will ensure its contents are constant and hard-working. And I know which product I would rather have. Dr Tim Garrod www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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September 2018

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Business

North Bristol’s newest hotel nears completion Landmark building on corner of Gipsy Patch Lane and Gloucester Road due to open in November

established at Horizon 38.” “This is a hugely significant project that is rapidly taking shape, changing the business landscape in Filton.”

s north Bristol’s newest hotel nears completion at Horizon 38 in Filton, more deals have been announced at the rapidly developing 60-acre business park, one of the biggest mixed-use schemes of its kind in the country. The Urban Village Resorts 153-bed hotel, which is located on the corner of the A38 and Gipsy Patch Lane, is quickly becoming a landmark in the area. Seven storeys high, the hotel, which is due to open in November this year, is clearly visible from the A38. The business class hotel will feature a business and events HUB, and a state-ofthe-art health and fitness club including swimming pool, bar and restaurant. It is expected to create 100 new jobs for the area.

National brand

Paul Hobbs at GVA, joint letting agent with JLL for developers St Francis Group and iSec at Horizon 38 says: “Village Urban Resorts is a high profile and successful national brand, which we are very pleased to have anchoring the new commercial park within Horizon 38.” “Together with Selco Builders Warehouse, which opened its doors to customers in May, the hotel has without doubt acted as a catalyst for the wider

Flexible units

Paul Hobbs (left) and Byron Hammond (right) of real estate adviser GVA, in front of the new Urban Village Resorts hotel at Horizon 38

employment and industrial development, with two new occupiers, LSI Workplace Europe, and Motor Parts Direct, the latest to become a part of the business community here.” LSI Workplace Europe, provider of office furniture installation and relocation services, is now open and trading, having relocated from Avonmouth to be a part of Horizon 38. Motor Parts Direct has also chosen Horizon 38 for its latest branch supplying quality car parts to the independent garage industry. Motor Parts Direct is expecting to be trading from its new unit in September. Situated within the recently completed phase of industrial and warehouse units at Horizon 38, LSI has taken 5,150 sq ft of space at unit G4A, whilst Motor

Parts Direct has taken 6,600 sq ft of space in unit G3B. They are part of a group of ten new, high quality employment units that were released to the market earlier this year. Paul Hobbs continues: “The speed that these new units have been snapped up following the build completion earlier this year is a meaningful reflection not just of the location and the quality of build, but importantly of the growing business community that is quickly becoming

Aimed at medium-sized companies across all manufacturing and logistics sectors seeking a high-quality base, the new employment units grouped in two terraces range in size from 4,500 sq ft to 7,400 sq ft and can be combined to form larger units if required. All the units have allocated customer parking and are located close to the scheme’s anchor trade occupier, Selco Builders Warehouse. The units complement the bigger logistics and factory units available, which range from 21,500 sq ft to 115,600 sq ft. Paul Hobbs concludes: “With a new landmark hotel for Filton, and the first new speculative, flexible space business units to be built in north Bristol during the last 20 years, Horizon 38 is quickly making its mark, setting the new standard for commercial space in the city.” ● horizon38.com Axis 4-5 Woodlands Business Park Woodlands, Off Woodlands Lane Bradley Stoke BS32 4JT

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September 2018

News In Brief Swishing event: Swap your way to a new wardrobe! Need an incentive to clear out your wardrobe? Here it is – a chance to clear out your wardrobe, bag a bargain and raise money for a local charity. On Tuesday 25th September at 7pm, The West of England MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke will open its doors for the first time ever for a ‘swishing’ event. Swishing is a fun and social way of encouraging people to make the most of what they’ve got hanging in their wardrobe, sitting in a drawer or packed away in a box. We all love clothes! The average household owns approximately £4,000 worth of clothing, 30% of which have not been worn in the past year. Estimates put the value of this unused clothing at around £30 billion. So why not start to get some of that value back and add some new glamour to your wardrobe? How to proceed?

1. Clear through your wardrobe (good quality clothes, shoes, bags, accessories) 2. Drop donations off at the MS Therapy Centre by Monday 24th September 3. Purchase your ‘swishing’ ticket (in the centre or through Eventbrite) 4. Attend the event and leave with a new wardrobe! Tickets are £15 and include a glass of sparkly and some nibbles, a mini pamper from the Clarins Beauty Team and three tokens to exchange for items (additional tokens may be purchased on the night). We already have items available for ‘swishing’ from Boden, White Stuff, Ralph Lauren, Monsoon and M&S. There will also be an auction on the night for a small selection of high-end items. Tickets are limited so don’t delay! For more information, contact sarah.vincent@ mstherapybristol.org.uk or phone 01454 628723.

Fun-lovin’ folks to attend the Rotary Club of Bradley Stoke

With Jig Mad Wolf Ceilidh Band Bein’ held at St Mary’s RFC, Trench Lane Friday, 12th October from 7.30 Vittles Bar Raffle Tickets (including supper) £10 available from

Karen Holley — 07540 458119 karenholley454@hotmail.com All monies raised will go to causes supported by Rotary

Big day set for Rainbows’ phone kiosk toy library The 2nd Stoke Gifford Rainbows’ project to open a toy library in a disused phone box is progressing well, and the opening date has been announced as Saturday 8th September at 11am.

Lane, Winterbourne BS36 1RY. Dancing will be to the brilliant ‘Jig Mad Wolf’. The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10 (to include a generous buffet). All proceeds from both events will go to local charities For tickets, contact Karen Holley on 07540 458119 or karenholley454@hotmail.com

Bradley Stoke Lions on the look out for elves

The girls from Rainbows and Brownies will be there to show off their decorations and special guests from the local community will be invited to help open the box officially. It will then be open six days a week for people to borrow toys and children’s books. The Rainbows and Brownies will also be selling home made cakes to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital as part of the Gromit Unleashed 2 Challenge. Everyone is invited to come and see the finished box, meet the girls and leaders behind the idea and enjoy the new toy library. Donations of good quality toys are now being accepted – please email 2ndstokegiffordrainbows@ gmail.com and a volunteer will be in touch to arrange collection.

Rotary Club fundraisers in September and October On Friday 14th September, Bradley Stoke Rotary Club is holding a quiz night at All Saints Church Hall, Church Road, Winterbourne Down BS36 1BW. It will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8 (to include a small buffet). The club’s very successful annual Barn Dance takes place on Friday 12th October at St Mary’s Old Boys Rugby Club, Trench

Ailsa Young of Bradley Stoke Lions Club writes: Santa Claus has returned from holidays and is looking forward to coming round the streets again in December and his elves are currently looking at routes around the area. If you would like to become an elf and help Santa Claus, he would love to hear from you. If you would like to participate in our club activities and, of course, our social life, please give us a call on 0845 8336745 to find out more; or join us for a meeting held on the second Wednesday of each month in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Woodlands Lane, starting at 7.30pm.

Autism learning day in Bradley Stoke A ‘learning day’ event being held in Bradley Stoke on Saturday 29th September will aim to equip attendees with a strong, all round knowledge of autism. Suitable for autistic adults, parents/carers and anyone working with autistic adults or autistic children, it will take place between 9am and 3.30pm at the Baileys Court Activity Centre and comprise of four talks and a video screening. The event is being organised by local resident Lucy Smith, whose daughter was diagnosed with autism in 2017 at the age of 10. Lucy says she is passionate about raising awareness of autism so that young people and adults with autism are supported in the community, in education and in employment. Tickets may be purchased for the whole day or for individual sessions. For full details, visit thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk

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September 2018

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News

Little Stoke Scouts learn ‘skills for life’ on camp

he Scouts at Little Stoke have returned from their week long summer camp at Parc le Breos on the Gower in South Wales. Twenty boys and girls from the troop have had a fun, action packed and enjoyable week. Activities included fishing, horse riding, surfing, swimming a visit to Oakwood Leisure Park and avoiding a wash for most of the week! The weather was brilliant and most of the time was spent outside in the fresh air. The evenings were spent playing in the woods and enjoying campfires. The troop travelled to the camp in a minibus kindly lent by St Bede’s Catholic College, while parents helped with the loan of vans to get equipment to the campsite. This enabled the group to provide the camp at a cost of £150 inclusive of all transport, food and activities.

This type of activity is a regular part of our programme which gives children ‘skills for life’. This is a strategy that supports and empowers both young people and volunteers. It’s a strategy to bring communities together and contribute towards a better society.

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, says: “Every child has the right to an adventure. Life is about grabbing opportunities. The prizes don’t always go to the biggest, the best and the strongest – they go to those who persevere. These are simple life lessons that Scouting teaches.”

The group is now very nearly full, but we are always willing to take new children if their parents are willing to help with any of the sections. We have three sections, Beavers 5.9 years to 8 years, Cubs 8 years to 10 years, and Scouts 10 years to 14.5 years. We meet at our own purpose-built HQ within the park on Stoke Lane, Little Stoke. If you or your child would like to join the adventure, please call Tony Edmonds, Group Scout Leader on 07957 880503.

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September 2018

Advertising

Get a head start with your self-assessment tax return

ith the UK basking in its hottest summer since 1976, our experienced accountants want to take the heat off you when it comes to filing your selfassessment tax return. This year’s tax returns relate to 2017/18, so any income worth more than £1,000 outside of what you earn in contracted employment between 6th April 2017 and 5th April 2018 needs to be included. If you are going through the process for the first time, fear not as Dunkley’s can help. Selfassessment is HMRC’s way of collecting tax from people who own a business or receive income outside of formal employment. What records are needed to complete self-assessment? Keeping accurate records is the most important aspect of completing your tax return.

“Keeping accurate records is the most important aspect of completing your tax return”

If you own a business, sole trade, partnership or a company these will generate profits or other income which will need to be included on your personal tax return. Keeping records of your income, business expenses, VAT records and so on will enable us to complete your tax return with ease but also help us to advice you on the most tax efficient way to manage your personal tax position.

How will Dunkley’s handle my tax return? You’ll be in good hands if you want us to handle your personal tax return or company tax return. Once you authorise us, the Revenue will send copies of all correspondence to our experts. We will then be in touch to let you know what records we need from you before submitting your tax return online. We will apply any tax reliefs

to minimise your liability and submit your tax return before the 31 January 2019 deadline for online submissions. If you want to handle your own tax returns, we offer impartial advice to assist you along the way. It’s also worth noting the deadline for paper returns is at midnight on 31st October 2018. Are there penalties for missing the first tax return deadline? There’s no danger of us missing the deadline to file your tax return, but people who miss the 31st January 2019 deadline after taking on the task themselves face an automatic £100 penalty. Want peace of mind? Self-assessment and filing tax returns are our bread and butter. Get in touch by emailing advice@ dunkleys.accountants or calling 01454 619900 to find out more.

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September 2018

News Get well · Stay well by Louisa Clark, massage therapist at Willow Brook Clinic

Benefits of massage

et’s face it, massage feels great, but there are other compelling reasons which should encourage you to book in for one soon! Correcting problems in your body Qualified therapists are trained to assess your body, observe changes over time, and design individual treatment plans for each patient. They can use specific techniques to address an individual’s injury, postural or joint issues, improving circulation, reducing pain and bringing a sense of general well-being.

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Stress reduction The importance of relaxation cannot be underestimated. One of the most noted effects of massage is a greater feeling of calm and relaxation. It reduces both emotional and physical stress by releasing endorphins – the chemicals that give us the feel-good factor. Conversely, those nasty stress inducing hormones such as norepinephrine, adrenaline and cortisol are reduced.

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Immunity boosting Due to the decrease in stress hormones, your immune system has a chance to work more efficiently. In addition, massage increases circulation and improves lymphatic drainage, which again provide a boost to the immune system’s effectiveness. Heightens mental alertness Giving yourself a chance to relax and de-stress, will increase your levels of mental clarity and alertness.

Releasing muscle tension and pain Good massage techniques are a wonderful way of releasing trigger points, stretching and elongating muscles. By increasing the blood flow to the tissues and releasing the tension, massage not only helps alleviate the pain, but can also help eliminate toxins and oxygenate the cells. Increased joint mobility By releasing muscle tension around joints, the range of movement in the joint can be increased. Muscle function can be improved to support and increase joint movement. Improved posture Massage helps relieve tension in the neck and shoulder areas and the lower back, common in those who sit at a desk. Regular massage can help remedy these problems by lengthening the muscles and balancing out the body for improved postural alignment. Improved skin tone Massage can help give you healthy and toned skin by reducing tension in the skin and adjoining tissues, as well as increasing circulation. Happily, massage also stimulates sebum production, helping to improve suppleness, moisturising and softening dry skin. The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

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