June 2013

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June 2013 • Issue 2

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LETTERS P8 | YOUNG PEOPLE P21 | SPORT P27 | WHAT’S ON P28-29 | JOBS P30 | DIRECTORY P31 Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal

PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

Bid submitted for new primary academy on BSCS site P4 Community Festival 7th-9th June

Full festival programme P16-17

l Grass cutting costs to fall on town council l Part-night street lighting: your views? l BSCS fulfils expectations with ‘good’ Ofsted report l Mayor hands over charity cheques at end of term

BSTFC charity football match

All Stars come out on top P14-15

l Gromit sculpture to be unleashed in BS32 l Young people encouraged to have a greater say in their community l Helping ‘make poverty history’ in Goa, India l Buggy push for Bliss

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June 2013

New magazine welcomed by readers and advertisers alike

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 19 The Park, Bristol.

Our other publications include the Patchway Journal website and the Stoke Gifford 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 2013. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

Your new Bradley Stoke Journal magazine, published for the first time in May, has received rave reviews from readers and advertisers alike.

Delivered FREE to every home in Bradley Stoke on the first Saturday of every month, the magazine has struck a chord with readers, who have welcomed our unique blend of ‘real’ local news and information coupled with engaging articles and relevant local advertising.

Local businesses have reported good responses to their advertising and we look forward to working with many more over the coming months.

Thank you to the many people who have contacted us with compliments - your comments are much appreciated (a selection is shown below).

In the last month, we have also reached a new milestone on

Twitter, where we now have in excess of 1,000 followers.

If you’re not yet one of them, why not give it a try? It’s a great way for us to keep you informed with up-to-the-minute local news and we promise not to bore you with idle chit-chat.

In this issue of the magazine, we have a preview of Bradley Stoke’s ever-popular Community Festival, which takes place next weekend (7th-9th June).

We also have some great local news stories that are sure to get you thinking, such as plans for a new primary school in the town and moves to drastically reduce the number of grass cuts along roadside verges.

Finally, don’t forget to check out our website www. bradleystokejournal.co.uk, for the latest news, views and discussion.

Happy reading!

Your Feedback “I am really impressed, it’s a fantastic read. Really positive, informative and genius issues of local interest.”

Scott Lahive, Manager, Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke “I would just like to offer my congratulations on a fantastic first issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine. A great effort and a much needed local community voice.”

Roger Worth, Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec “I have had two calls already from the magazine and my cheque won’t have cleared the bank yet; quite impressed!”

Jim Reid, B Clean (advertiser) “Brilliant publication. Advert has paid for itself!”

Phil Ashton, Plumbing and Property Maintenance (advertiser)

Get involved with your local newspaper!

If you have news that you would like to see featured in the magazine and/or on our website, please get in touch by email, phone or post (see contact details on the left).

We are also looking for people to get involved in the production of the town’s new local newspaper, so please contact us if you are interested in writing articles or taking photographs for us.

This month we are pleased to welcome two new contributors: Becky Ward, who will be writing a monthly ‘Bradley Stoke through the camera lens’ column, and Connor Summers (of Bradley Stoke Radio fame), who also writes a weekly sport report on our website.

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June 2013

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News

Grass cutting costs to fall on town council

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ocal services such as grass cutting on highway verges, emptying of dog bins and the maintenance of shrub beds could be axed from next year as a result of a review of ‘highway and street scene’ services currently being carried out by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC).

The district council says it currently spends a net £2.2 million p.a. on the services under review and it is hoping to reduce this amount by £328,000, as part of its medium term financial plan to achieve overall budget savings of £43 million by 2014/15.

Under the proposals, instead of being cut 10 to 14 times a year, many roadside grass verges in Bradley Stoke would be cut just twice a year.

Under the banner of ‘localism’, Bradley Stoke Town Council

(BSTC) will be given the chance to “buy back” the lost grass cuts from SGC at a cost of £12,662 p.a. or it can choose to take on the work itself or employ a contractor to do it.

The cost of emptying dog bins in the town, estimated at £7,780 p.a., will also fall on the town council, as will the £2,641 cost of maintaining shrub beds.

Anticipation that the town council would have to step in to maintain service levels from 2014 led to BSTC’s Responsible Financial Officer recommending a 3% increase in precept (the local element of Council Tax) for 2013/14 but councillors chose instead to keep the tax frozen for the fourth year running.

SGC is currently running a public consultation on its proposed changes. Detailed

Could the full length of Bradley Stoke Way soon look like this?

information about the areas and services affected in each parish including Bradley Stoke, are available on the council’s website.

The consultation runs until 13th September and responses may be made online, by post or by email.

Mark King, SGC’s Head of StreetCare, will attend a meeting of the town council on 10th July to talk through the proposals for Bradley Stoke.

The plans received a frosty

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willowbrookcentre.co.uk WillowBrookCentre

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Join in the fun as we create a fabulous community pop-up Doodle produced especially for the event by cartoonist Scott Walker

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BRADLEY STOKE FESTIVAL

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reception from the public at a recent meeting of the Southern Brooks Area Forum, where one Stoke Gifford resident said she feared South Gloucestershire would “become a dump” if the proposals were implemented and a Filton Town town councillor said parish councils would have to “increase the precept and become the bad guys”.

View the consultation here: http://bit.ly/bsj-1306-3

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June 2013

News

Bid for new primary school on BSCS site

A

new primary academy could be provided in Bradley Stoke to ease pressure on school places in the town.

The government recently announced a new £982million Targeted Basic Need (TBN) Programme which is seeking bids for new Academies and Free Schools in areas with high demand for places.

In a recent press release, the Conservative group on South Gloucestershire Council reported that the local authority has prioritised a bid for a new primary academy in Bradley Stoke after identifying the need for an additional two forms of entry ready for September 2015.

In a joint statement, Cllrs Rob Jones and John Ashe (Con, Bradley Stoke South) and Cllrs Sarah Pomfret and Brian Hopkinson (Con, Bradley Stoke Central & Stoke Lodge) said: “From talking to Bradley Stoke parents on the doorstep, it’s clear that a significant number have not got their preferred school place and as a result have been left disappointed because of the pressure on school places in our town.”

“We can help put an end to these worries by ensuring that there are enough good school places in our town to meet local demand.”

“A number of existing primary school sites have already had extra classrooms installed, but there’s only so much you can do

Some readers commenting on this story on the Bradley Stoke Journal website said they would prefer to see secondary accommodation expanded instead, to relieve the issue of children living in north and south Bradley Stoke not being able to get into BSCS. Other contributors agree that a new primary school is needed in the town but don’t accept that BSCS is the best location for it, citing concerns over traffic and parking.

BSCS Statement Bradley Stoke Community School: Could become an ‘all through’ school

before space runs out.”

“We, therefore, support this funding bid for a new primary academy.”

Decision expected in June

The deadline for applications was 30th April 2013 and the outcome of bids is expected to be announced in June 2013.

The Journal understands that the preferred location for the new academy would be the Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) site, which means that if this primary academy bid were to be approved, BSCS would become an ‘all-through’ school.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “Over the last few years there has been a significant increase in demand for primary school places in schools across Filton, Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford.”

“Between 2012 and 2016, the local authority is projecting a further 20% increase in demand and it is expected that demand will continue to rise beyond this period.”

“The local authority is planning to meet this demand by increasing the availability of places at a number of existing schools and by planning new school provision, including the new Wallscourt Farm Primary Academy, which is currently under construction in Stoke Gifford, and this bid for funding for the expansion of new primary provision in Bradley Stoke.”

There remains some doubt over the size of the proposed primary school, with a reliable source suggesting it will have only a single form entry, rather than the two forms stated in the Conservative press release.

In a statement published in the BSCS newsletter on 10th May, the Olympus Academy Trust said it had agreed in principle to accommodation for primary provision being built on the BSCS site, adding that the new school would be run by the trust. The statement continued: “Some members of the local community will find it odd that we are not trying to expand our secondary facilities to increase capacity and provision but there are two significant reasons why not at this stage: 1) There is not currently a shortfall in secondary places in the wider area for which we have shared responsibility with Abbeywood and Patchway although there may be concerns within the local community about preference.

2) There is no funding available to support new secondary accommodation.”

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June 2013

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News

Part-night street lighting: your views?

W

ith the second anniversary of the introduction of partnight street lighting in Bradley Stoke coming up this month, The Journal has launched an online poll to gauge readers’ views on the scheme.

A public consultation carried out by the town council in 2010 found 54% of the 153 respondents in agreement with the plan put forward by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), under which most street lights are turned off for five hours a night, nominally between midnight and 5am GMT (1am and 6am BST).

In general, all street lights have been switched to part-night operation, except on stretches of road within a specified distance of major junctions or

roundabouts or where the road incorporates traffic-calming features. Lights are also left on throughout the night near pedestrian crossings and along enclosed footpaths.

According to information obtained through an FoI request, installing the new photocells necessary to implement the scheme in Bradley Stoke cost SGC £25,756. The annual saving in electricity costs is estimated at £16,800, with annual carbon emissions being reduced by 105 tonnes.

SGC claims there has been no increase in recorded crime since the part-night street lighting scheme was introduced, although enquiries by The Journal reveal that the police are unable to provide crime statistics for the specific hours during which the

Lights near roundabouts stay on, but many side streets are plunged into darkness for five hours every night

lights are off, with the period 6pm to 7am being used as the basis for analysis.

When the switch-off first came into operation, there was a backlash from many residents, with one calling the scheme “insane” and others demanding the lights be switched back on in their street. One town councillor

even claimed that residents’ human rights were being violated, but he later had to accept that councils have no legal obligation to provide street lighting.

What do you think about the street light switch-off? Visit our website to leave a comment and complete the reader poll: http:// bit.ly/bsj-1306-1.

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June 2013

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News

BSCS fulfils expectations with ‘good’ Ofsted report

By Nikki Hallur radley Stoke Community School has been reviewed under a new Ofsted framework and received an overall rating of ‘good’ by the inspectors. The school scored better than it did in 2009, although the overall score given in 2009 was ‘outstanding’ because the assessment criteria were slightly different. We spoke to the Executive Head Teacher, Dave Baker, in order to get a better understanding of the new Ofsted evaluation.

Ofsted previously operated under 27 areas of evaluation, which has now been narrowed to just four – this reflects a big change in the way Ofsted carries out its ratings. A concern during the last assessment was over the dip in GCSE Maths results, but inspectors found that this was not an issue this time round as there has been ‘an improvement in Maths’ due to changes in the leadership and teaching structure. The inspection has shown that there is ‘no inadequate teaching’ in the school and the Head Teacher feels that generally parents are very happy, but the school nonetheless staged a Parents’ Consultation on 16th May in case there was any confusion over the new Ofsted report.

The school has also received a rating of ‘outstanding’ in its Leadership and Management.

This is a promising sign not just for BSCS but also for Abbeywood

B

Dave Baker, Executive Headteacher

Community School, which is now part of the same management structure. Dave Baker has said that this is a very positive analysis of the governance of the Academy Trust. His main concern now is to bring teaching up to ‘outstanding’ levels, which it is quite close to already. The inspectors have suggested that since the behaviour of students at the school has been rated as ‘outstanding’, it gives teachers the ability to take more risks with innovative teaching because they can afford to let students take more responsibility in the classroom.

The school’s reputation for good behaviour continues to impress, and during the Ofsted report, one of the inspectors mentioned that she had ‘carried out over 400 inspections and never seen such good behaviour’.

Andy Ward wins Primrose Bridge by-election Conservative candidate Andy Ward ran out a clear winner of last month’s by-election in the Primrose Bridge parish ward of Bradley Stoke.

Mr Ward, with 387 votes, finished ahead of Caroline Sullivan (UKIP), with 269 votes, and Sarah Drake (Liberal Democrat), with 160.

The Labour Party, which fielded a full set of candidates for the four-seat ward in 2011, did not contest the by-election.

With 3,419 people entitled to vote, the turnout was 24.3%.

Winning candidate Andy Ward told The Journal: “I am honoured to have won the election and look forward to serving the community of Bradley Stoke.

I have been privileged to meet some wonderful local people during my campaign.”

“I would like to say a big thank you to all my family and friends who have been so

Andy Ward (Conservative)

supportive and also to all the Conservative councillors, team members and supporters who took me under their wing and helped me.”

Speaking for the Filton and Bradley Stoke (FABS) branch of UKIP, Cllr Ben Walker said: “Once again, the result shows we are the party of opposition and we will continue to contest seats when required and look forward to the 2015 elections.”

Willow Brook Centre shortlisted for awards The Willow Brook Centre has been shortlisted for two prestigious national industry awards.

The SCEPTRE Awards, run

by Shopping Centre magazine, recognise the best practice and the best people in the shopping centre industry.

The centre has reached the shortlist in both the Waste Management Category and the Centre Manager (Medium) category.

The winners will be announced at an awards dinner at The Dorchester on 25th June 2013.

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Indepe n Financ dent ia Advice l

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June 2013

Letters and Opinions Dismay at prospect of green bin charge It was with great dismay and anger that I read the article regarding the prospect of green bin fees, I have two compost bins in my garden and I regularly need to use the green bin for the disposal of my green waste.

Like many others who are faced with the prospect of such a fee I will join the “fly tipping gang”.

Surely the resulting centralised green waste produces a commercially viable compost for use by garden centres or farmers.

This constant picking of our pockets by the bottomless pit of council expenditure is no longer a justified tax, let the council start to do like us ordinary folk and begin to face the reality that we have to cut back on expenditure and make savings.

Neville Barry Acton Foxfield Avenue

Why no reduction in council tax?

I couldn’t believe reading that this greedy council is even thinking of charging for the only service we get for our very expensive council tax!

For over £200 per month, all we get is refuse collection which used to be weekly before the council changed it to fortnightly.

I didn’t see any reduction in my council tax, though, on the contrary. They also closed

the quickest route to the Mall, Highway Pavilions Road despite protests from just about everyone. They had the cheek to post notices saying that they are open to consultation regarding reopening the road when they have already stated that they cannot afford do it. What is so expensive about doing so?

On the one hand they preach about the environment and recycling (in Oxford they only have the one bin and the rubbish is sorted out by the council) yet on the other they make us take a longer route to Cribbs Causeway, causing more pollution and car fumes. I have nothing good to say about our councillors. I find them rather moronic. Once, when I temporarily moved abroad and asked for a reduction in council tax as there would be no refuse collection, I was astounded by the reply: you can always use the library! What, from abroad?

The answer to these changes is that although the councillors already have the highest salaries in civil service and also final salary pension schemes which are only open to the elite few, the greedy councillors see us as milking cows, a way to put even more money into their salaries and pensions.

By the way, despite our careful efforts sorting out our rubbish into millions of bins, it all ends up in a landfill somewhere.

Where is the logic in this?

I am absolutely disgusted by this lying council and the sooner we get rid of them the better!

New brooms, etc.

Lee, Juniper Way

Paying twice Why should we be asked to pay extra for the green bin? They tip mine about six times a year - note I did not say ‘empty’.

When hedges and grassed areas are trimmed, the waste cuttings are not cleared, putting everyone at risk, leaving chopped up cans, bottles and branches with thorns. Recently, the grass cutters were chopping up everything on the grass at the end of Bowsland Way; a hundred yards away, the BSTC cleaning operative was picking up the litter. Why? The council taxpayers are then paying twice.

P J Cook, Foxfield Avenue

MP challenged on Filton Airfield article On the pages 24 and 25 of the May edition of the BSJ magazine there was lively comment from Jack Lopresti the current MP and the SFA group, who seem to be clearly at odds on what has been done or not, in the interests of Filton and the surrounding area.

I ask that the BSJ makes a public request for this MP to hold a public forum to disclose and describe the wonders of his efforts in making local jobs for local people be better, and that the best interests of the public are being served.

From his own words, let us, the people have the right to fully and truly understand the following: • How does the redevelopment of the airfield land

Your Views

Do you have strong views about something that’s happening in Bradley Stoke?

Want to pass comment on something you’ve read in The Journal or another publication?

Would you like to take the opportunity to thank someone for a good deed or praise an achievement?

Whatever you want to say, write to The Journal and we’ll get your message to everyone in Bradley Stoke.

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. inspire young people to become scientists and engineers? Would love to see how this connection is made.

• How does the aviation industry not need an airfield?

• What exactly are the investments being made by industry and Government?

• Why previously, he stated the BAE is a private concern

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Letters and Opinions

Almondsbury Allotment News

and cannot be interfered with by Government, and yet pops off to Saudi on some linked business?

Time to face the population and speak out about who and what you are, Jack.

Ed Rose, Bradley Stoke

By Joan at Allotment No. 8 What a mixed bag of weather since last month, I thought the better weather was on its way for a few days then had to think again!

The allotments are looking great having had the first grass cut of the year, and all the water troughs are back on again after the winter turn off. There are some new faces and lots of work being done preparing for the start of the season.

We were up in Cumbria for the beginning of May, so before we left, I decided to plant out the runner beans and fleece up the wigwams. It was too early really, but I was pleased to see on our return that they looked fine and were half way up the canes.

The fleeced up wigwams make an interesting addition to the Allotments!

The bit of sunshine that we have had has certainly started everything moving. Every potato I planted is up and look very strong. There are lots of flowers on the strawberries and soft

Have your say on “disproportionate” council cuts!

This is an invitation to all residents to consider the proposals in an ongoing South Glos Council Consultation to change the current arrangements for maintaining areas of their responsibility.

The proposals can be found in https://consultations. southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti/ streetscene/consultationHome and whilst it is acknowledged that financial resources are being squeezed, and savings have to be found, it would seem that these proposals are very severe and

disproportionate.

For instance, grass cutting on verges would be reduced from the present 10 to 14 per year, to two Imagine the state of the verges either side of Bradley Stoke Way and Brook Way, and numerous other places in the Town.

Another instance is to dispense with collections from the dog litter receptacles and invite dog owners to dispose of their doggy bags in the black litter bins. What a retrograde step that would be.

These are just two proposals in a considerable list.

Surely a reduction could be made in proportion to the overall percentage cut in expenditure that is required.

Why is this area of expenditure being so severely treated?

So as I said, look up the proposals, and make your feelings felt by completing the response invitation.

It is to be hoped, that not only individuals, but all Local Councils will be expressing their concerns.

John Miller, Bradley Stoke

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fruit, in fact they are covered and if they fruit in the same way I will be very pleased! ( I may install CCTV this year near the strawberry bed !! ).

All the root seeds I sowed at the end of last month are up and look good, but I have put fleece over them as protection from the cold and birds. I have also planted out summer cabbage, purple sprouting and just one courgette plant. Lettuce and radishes are doing well too.

Last spring I planted three asparagus plants so I was looking forward to cutting some spears this year, so far we have cut just one spear ! Even my fellow allotmenteer who prepared a rather splendid bed last year has only cut two, maybe next year will be more productive.

My assistant has now given the shed its yearly coat of paint and I have tidied up the inside so, we are ready to really get going now.

With the birds singing, it’s never a chore and it continues to be very satisfying.

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News

Advertising feature

Bristol Dogs and Cats Home supported by local pet food franchisee

O

ur pets are a big part of our lives. It is natural to want what is best for them. Luckily, Europe’s most loved pet food brand Husse [Hoo-Say] is now available in Bristol, offering a whole range of healthy dry and wet food, food supplements, treats and hygiene products for your dog or cat, all for very competitive prices.

Husse was founded in Sweden in 1987 and today is available in over 40 countries. You will definitely agree that only the highest quality, natural, chemical free ingredients should be used when making pet food. According to local franchisee Eva Michna, “Choosing quality super premium pet food will not only keep your pets healthy and vet bills minimal but will also extends their lifespan.”

Even though it is a global brand, Husse believes in the importance of supporting local communities and charities.

Eva has been donating Husse Lamb & Rice food for dogs with sensitive stomachs and dog food for adult dogs to the RSPCA Bristol Dogs and Cats Home.

They together recently launched a project to raise money for the charity.

Bristol’s Dogs and Cats Home provides a care, shelter and a rehoming service for nearly 2,000 dogs, cats and small animals a year. Although they are a branch of the RSPCA, they are an independent charity, receiving no money from the National RSPCA, Government or Lottery. They therefore rely on the support from the local community to continue their important work This year, Husse Bristol is proudly sponsoring the Bristol Dogs and Cats Home Open Door Day event taking place on Sunday 9th June! Pop this date in your diaries and be there to support your local rescue!

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June 2013

Gromit sculpture to be unleashed in BS32

Helen Phillips and Mike of Dunkley’s pictured with one of the mini Gromits that will be going out to local schools

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eva@husse.co.uk

unkley’s Chartered Accountants, who already own a Wow! Gorilla, have announced that they have sponsored one of the 80 giant Gromit sculptures that are to be ‘unleashed’ in and around Bristol this summer.

Its arrival, on Monday 1st July at their offices in Woodlands Lane, will be marked with ceremony attended by the Mayor of Bradley Stoke.

Gromit Unleashed is a new ground-breaking public art exhibition, hitting the streets of Bristol this summer to raise funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal and is set to become a huge tourist attraction for the city in 2013, attracting people from the region as well as bringing national and

international visitors to Bristol.

Dunkley’s are proud to be sponsoring a 5ft high Gromit and have confirmed that their Gromit will be painted by leading editorial cartoonist Peter Brookes.

Peter is a four-time winner of a Cartoon Art Trust Award, and has won the Designers and Art Directors Silver Award. His latest book Hard Times was published by the Robson Press in October 2011.

For further information and the latest news on the project, visit www.dunkleys.co/who-weare/gromit-unleashed

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June 2013

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News

Mayor hands over charity cheques at end of term in office

T

he Annual General Meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council on 15th May saw councillors select their new Mayor for the ensuing year, bringing to an end Cllr Charlotte Walker’s year’s term in office.

Cllr Walker was selected as Mayor last May, becoming the youngest female Mayor in the country.

Prior to presenting the chain of office to new Mayor Cllr Brian Hopkinson, she said: “Firstly, I would like to express my thanks to Sharon and all the Bradley Stoke Town Council staff. They continue to work endlessly for the community and are definitely the hard working members of the council team.”

“I would also like to say thank you to all the town councillors who continue to actively work in the best interests of the town and the residents.”

“As Mayor and Chair of Council I have tried to remain impartial to party politics and make decisions based on what I felt was best for the community. I can only hope that the next Chair continues this and the council as a whole can remain transparent.”

“Over the past year, I have learnt a lot about myself and some of my fellow councillors. I will take this forward with me for

the future.”

“Finally, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair and Mayor and would like to say thank you for providing me with the opportunity to represent Bradley Stoke.”

Cllr Walker also presented two cheques to her chosen ‘charities of the year’ who have benefited from donations and money raised by the council during her term.

The first was to ‘Alzheimer’s Society – Bradley Stoke Sports & Social Club’ with a cheque for £4,075.88 and the second to ‘Have a Heart – ChildLine Appeal’ for £3,862.74.

The new Mayor, Cllr Brian Hopkinson, represents the Bradley Stoke Central and Stoke Lodge ward for South Gloucestershire Council and the Primrose Bridge ward for the town council.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Hopkinson said: “Bradley Stoke is a fantastic place full of many different things to do and get involved with. In this coming year I will look to build on the great work already achieved and help to increase community participation as one of my key achievements.”

Read our interview with Bradley Stoke’s new Mayor on page 23.

Outgoing Mayor Charlotte Walker presents a cheque to Alzheimer’s Society

Cllr Brian Hopkinson receives the chain of office from the outgoing Mayor

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June 2013

News in brief Grants available

By-pass plans issued

Make a noise

South Gloucestershire Council is offering voluntary organisations and community groups a chance to bid for money to help improve their own communities.

Applications must be for capital projects that would benefit South Gloucestershire residents.

If you run a community group and you need help to buy a computer or install central heating for example, then why not get in touch? Funding is mainly available for smaller projects costing no more than £3,000 in total.

Groups can apply until Monday 10th June and final decisions will be made at Area Forum committees in the autumn.

More information is online at www.southglos.gov.uk/grants or by contacting the grants helpdesk on 01454 865865.

A planning application to build a new by-pass for Stoke Gifford has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

The application comes less than two weeks after the council agreed to buy up land along the route in an effort to speed up its construction.

The officially-named Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL) – known locally as ‘the by-pass’ – will be a new 1.6km single carriageway highway linking Great Stoke Way at the Parkway North Roundabout to the A4174 Avon Ring Road.

The new road will be used as part of the North Fringe to Hengrove Bus Rapid Transit network, which is a major new transport scheme.

Read more on the Stoke Gifford Journal website: http://bit.ly/bsj-1306-2

‘Make a Noise in Libraries’ fortnight takes place from 3rd to 14th June and libraries in South Gloucestershire are joining the campaign to improve access to books and information for blind and partially sighted people.

During the fortnight,

libraries throughout South Gloucestershire will have dedicated stands offering information about services to help people with sight loss.

Library staff will also be on hand to answer any questions and help discover what is available to read in large print and via technology, as well as in audio formats.

Advertising feature

Shop around for the best mortgage deal

By Steve Hanks, The Mortgage Market The UK Mortgage Market is seeing record low rates continuing as many lenders are scrambling to get the best quality borrowers on board and are prepared to reduce their rates even further.

Many people have sat on a variable rate with their own lender believing these rates to be the best available. With fixed rates as low as 1.99% now may be a good time to consider moving to a new provider.

Some people also believe that because they have had a bad credit history in the past this would preclude them from these better rates. Mortgage lenders are now more sympathetic to historic arrears, missed payments and many will be in a position to help.

Lenders rarely offer their best rates to their existing customers, so you should shop around.

The use of a good broker or comparison website such as www.themortgagemarket.info will probably save you time, money and hassle.

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June 2013

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Advertising Feature

Why Modified Pilates?

T

he founder of Traditional Pilates, Joseph Pilates, was born in Germany in 1880.

He was frail, fighting rickets, asthma, and rheumatic fever in his childhood. Determined to overcome his illnesses he studied yoga and zen meditation and undertook rigorous exercise regimes. By his teens he was strong enough to excel in skiing, gymnastics and diving.

Joe moved to England in 1912 where he worked as a circus performer, a boxer, and also training detectives in selfdefence.

During WW1 he was interned in a prison camp and became an orderly in the hospital there. He was appalled to see so many ill people in bed doing no exercise so he devised a gentle exercise regime for them. His patients got better faster - and the doctors believed that his physical

routines prevented both him and his fellow POWs succumbing to the influenza that killed thousands.

After the war Joe became involved in the dance world and his reputation grew. He opened the first Pilates Studio in New York and in the 1960s had many famous ballet dancers as clients.

Joe died in 1967 but the legacy of Pilates lives on.

Physiotherapists built on Joe’s knowledge and a lot of their techniques focus on correcting muscle imbalance both of the lumbar spine and other joints. However, although Joe’s Traditional Pilates exercises were designed for fit strong people largely in the dance world, they have been modified by Physios for the normal population and now focus on the deep inner muscle core to retrain the body and prevent recurrence of a range

Charity Golf Day of postural, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

Physiotherapists, with their understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, are ideally placed to deliver Pilates safely and effectively – giving clients a strong & stable core aimed at preventing recurrence of injuries including low back pain. Many Physios have trained with APPI a recognised body that sets high standards of teaching and care in Modified Pilates.

To find an APPI registered physiotherapist you can check APPI’s website www. ausphysio.com.

Kathryn Stephenson MCSP APPI Certified Instructor Chartered Physiotherapist Bradley Stoke Physiotherapy 01454 618525 www.bradleystokephysio.co.uk

The Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec held a Charity Golf Day on Wednesday 15th May at The Bristol Golf Club.

Nine teams competed over the full 18 holes of the excellent golf course and several individuals entered the putting competition.

The prize giving included the conclusion of a ‘silent auction’ run on-line and during that day.

Twenty five ‘lots’ donated by local businesses were auctioned.

The main beneficiaries of the event will be St Peters Hospice and The MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke.

It is expected that in excess of £2,000 will be raised from this event.

Thanks go to the Bristol Golf Club and the staff on the day for helping to make this a memorable occasion.

The Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec meets every Friday for breakfast at the Bristol Golf Club. www.rotarybristolaztec.org.uk

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June 2013

Feature: Charity Football Match

All Star Pro XI come out top in charity match

S

aturday 18th May saw the Jubilee field host a Bradley Stoke Town FC (BSTFC) charity game, in which players from all four teams at BSTFC faced Ben Walker’s All Stars team – including many semi-professionals and a couple of exprofessionals, such as Steve White, who used to play for Bristol Rovers.

The headline match was preceded by a Bradley Stoke Youth FC Under-7s game, after which the youngsters acted as mascots when the adult teams walked out onto the pitch.

An entertaining game saw the All Stars quickly go 3-0 up, but

the BSTFC lads worked hard to pull back a couple of goals before half-time. With no further goals in the second half, the game finished 3-2 in favour of the All Stars.

Speaking after the game, joint host Cllr Ben Walker said: “The second charity football match was a great success and again attracted crowds of spectators.”

“I would like to thank all of the players who took part for the Pro XI and all of the BSTFC players for making it such a great event, along with volunteers and, of course, the Scouts for providing

activities and fantastic ball boys and girls.”

“It’s clear that support from both sides for the match is in abundance, so the event will be an annual event from here on in.”

“There will be a small committee set-up to manage the event and planning will begin in September. Now we have the formula right, we want to grow

and develop the event to further improve it.”

Ian Drew, Chair of BSTFC, added: “I would just like to thank all those involved: Ben Walker’s team for making it a good match; Bradley Stoke Youth FC’s Under7s and all the spectators, who I hope enjoyed the match.”

“BSTFC very much look forward to next year’s match.”

Match report by Connor Summers When the main game finally got underway, the All Stars took control quickly and looked to go on the attack early on in the game. This was proven the right way to go, as they soon got a couple of quick goals, the first a good header from Joe Love over Tom Osborne on the back post of the goal.

The second, an unlucky goal for BSTFC, a hard shot deflected off defender James Greenough which wrongfooted the keeper.

The third could have been dealt with better as well, the BSTFC keeper making a good save, only for the ball to bounce out into the path of an All Stars player, who finished it off with a simple tap-in.

This, however, was not the end of BSTFC – they

dug deep and kept searching for opportunities, and were rewarded when Paul Zambrzycki shot past exCardiff City goalkeeper John Rendell for BSTFC’s first goal.

However, they still had more to come as Andy Hurrell was able to get the next goal for them as he slid the ball under Rendell in the All Stars goal.

This was after some speedy wing play down the side of the pitch.

This was all in the first half and despite the second half livening up and getting a bit closer, the score remained the same and the title stayed with the All Stars.

Read Connor’s local sport report every Tuesday on the Bradley Stoke Journal website.

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June 2013

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Feature: Charity Football Match

Clockwise from top left: The teams walk onto the pitch with BSYFC mascots; TV comic Paul Burling chats with his All Stars team mates; BSYFC U7 game.

Photos by Stephen Horton and Matt Alner (www.mattalnerphotos.co.uk).

More photos in the BSJ PicasaWeb gallery at: http://bit.ly/bsj-photos.

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June 2013

Bradley Stoke Community Festival Preview Friday 7th June from 9.30am The Picnic in the Park, for parents and toddlers, starts at 9.30am and runs until approximately 1pm - at the Jubilee Centre. Professor Panic presents his range of circus skills in the Big Top, alongside Steve the Bubbleman and a bouncy castle. Refreshments will be served alongside a range of local craft and community stalls. The Friends of Jubilee Green will be running a family Treasure Trail during the morning.

Saturday 8th June 11.30am to 6pm The demonstration area in Jubilee Green this year features a model aircraft display, Taekwondo display, rugby skills display and a falconry display. Music is provided by local bands; Astral Toasters, Obsidian, Goodnight Lois, Resplendent, Gecko Blasters and the Bradley Stoke Community School Acoustic Soloists performing alongside local dance groups and associations. Fun rides for the children include trampolines, inflatables, football games, activities, longbow archery, mini quads and the Vertical Xtreme climbing wall.

Bristol Zoo will be providing a “tropical” collection of bugs and insects, with a storytelling session for the younger children from Bradley Stoke Library. Sideshows, arts & crafts and community stalls will offer a wide range of local products and novelties. The Bradley Stoke Youth FC Football Tournament for Year 1 Boys starts at 10.30am on the top soccer pitches.

Sunday 9th June from 9.30am A 10K multi-terrain race organised by the Sole Sisters starts at 9.30am from the Jubilee Centre (600 competitors are expected). At Baileys Court Activity Centre, the first running of the Bradley Stoke Bed Race will take place from 1pm until 2pm. The BS Cricket Club will provide a BBQ + bar from 12 noon with a Mayor’s XI v BSCC XI starting at 2pm, finishing with evening entertainment in the clubhouse. The BS Bowls club will provide roll up demonstrations throughout the afternoon.

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June 2013

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Bradley Stoke Community Festival Preview

Saturday’s programme Main arena Band

Jubilee Green

Time slot

Duration

11.30

30 minutes

Bradley Stoke Gym Club

12.00

15 minutes

S. Glos Asian Association

12.20

5 minutes

12.30

30 minutes

12.20

40 minutes

13.10

30 minutes

13.00

20 minutes

13.15

2 hours

13.20

40 minutes

13.45

30 minutes

14.00

20 minutes

14.15

25 minutes

14.20

40 minutes

15.00

20 minutes

14.45

30 minutes

15.20

40 minutes

15.40

30 minutes

S. Glos Chinese Association

16.00

10 minutes

Infinity Dance Group

16.10

15 minutes

16.15

30 minutes

Patchway Cheerleaders

16.45

25 minutes

St Mary’s Rugby Club

16.25

40 minutes

17.05

20 minutes

Dance Group

BSCS Acoustic Soloists

Gecko Blasters Lula Garland’s Dance School Goodnight Lois Kathryn’s Dance Academy Astral Toasters Acro Gymnasts Resplendence

Obsidian Yasmins

17.10 Jonny Casino

Demonstration area

Taekwon-Do Display Model plane display Bristol Zoo - J/Centre SW Winterguard Display St Mary’s Rugby Club

Falcon display Stoke Ladies Choir

Model plane display

17.20

40 minutes

18.00

End of festival

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June 2013

Feature: Novi Survat Charity

Helping ‘make poverty history’ in Goa, India Local resident Roger Worth writes about his fundraising for a charity that helps disadvantaged children in Goa, India. few years ago, my wife and I found ourselves with a dilemma in that we wished to help with a child’s education in Goa, but had heard so many stories of funds going adrift that we decided to check on a charity we came across in Exmouth Indoor Market, where a stall was used to raise funds for the charity.

After investigating via the Charities Commission, I found that the charity well run with all donated funds going to Goa. Then, after visiting Goa, we sponsored two children’s educations and then realised that further help was needed in raising funds, so we became not only volunteer helpers, but I was appointed as a trustee of the charity and my wife Julia and I appointed ourselves as fundraisers in South Gloucestershire.

At our own expense we have been to Goa several times since.

I normally accompany Clive Baker, the founding trustee of the charity on a shopping trip each year where we restock the Exmouth Market Stall with ‘Made in India’ goods and visit the charity’s operations in Goa. Novi Survat, which means ‘New Beginnings’ in the Goan Konkani dialect is a small charity

A

registered in the UK (No. 1100768). The charity’s aim is to provide a start in life through health and education to the children from the slums Roger Worth of Goa, India.

As a charity we believe the only way to make poverty history is to educate the young and provide medical aid to those who need it. Our aim is to help those who can then help themselves and their families.

To this end, the charity has established a Day Care “Disabled Children’s” Centre which is manned by doctors and therapists and is entirely funded by the charity. The Day Care Centre provides medical, counselling and therapy for disabled children and counsels the families in how to help their children.

We support a pre-school called Starting Point which is run as an Indian Charitable Organisation, to provide the initial health, nourishment and basic education for children from the slums to enable them to enter mainstream schools. We then find sponsors for those children to receive an education until they reach the age of sixteen or beyond.

We also support an HIV/AIDS home for children, this home was originally founded by the charity

Children wearing uniforms donated by Meadowbrook Primary School

but as HIV/AIDS awareness as a problem has come to the fore, a new home was funded and built by a local Indian charity and this charity (CARITAS) now runs the home with support and help from charities like ours.

Most of the children come from slums like in the picture below (top left).

The children were bought in from the slums in ‘Tuk Tuks’.

Sometimes as many as fifteen children would pile into one of these ‘Tuk Tuks’. However, due to the generosity of the people in Bradley Stoke, Julia and I raised enough money to help fund the purchase of a mini bus similar to the one below (bottom right).

The picture also shows the newly built HIV/AIDS home in the background.

The funds were raised by Julia and I selling knitted Easter chicks, doing craft fairs and car boot sales etc.

In addition to raising the money towards a mini bus, we have also, with the help of the local Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec (www.rotarybristolaztec.org.uk), raised enough funds to provide a health and safety cover for a large reservoir pool at the above mentioned HIV/ AIDS home.

The aims of the charity are: • To provide the street/slum children and the very poor or sick with regular nourishing food and at the same time holding educational classes and seeing to their medical needs.

• To assist local organisations working to the needs of children.

• To provide shelter, nutritious

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“Tuk Tuk”

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19

Feature: Novi Survat Charity food, schooling, counselling, medication, recreation and above all loving care for children.

slum dwellers cannot afford fruit - an essential part of any diet).

Payments to local people for

The Day Care Centre provides help for disabled children and their families

It costs around £150 a month to run a class of 10 pupils in the pre-school, Starting Point, where we currently have 30 children.

Around £7 will purchase 100 oranges (the street children and

cooking, cleaning, driving and teaching amount to 80 pence an hour.

A pair of ‘flip flop’ sandals costs 70 pence (very few children have any footwear when they first turn

up for school and certainly no uniforms).

The picture (left) shows the children wearing uniforms donated by Meadowbrook Primary School. Other schools in Bradley Stoke have also donated uniforms so Starting Point now has enough for two or three years.

The running cost of the Children’s Day Care Centre, where we employ doctors and therapists is around £800 per month.

For the educational sponsorship scheme, it costs around £17 per month to keep a child in formal education.

At present we have nearly 60 children who are receiving formal education and one of our sponsored children is now a “young lady” who is in her second year of medical school and training to be a doctor.

How can you help?

We are often asked “How can we help?” Donations can be made direct to us or via www. charitygiving.co.uk.You could

also help by: • Sponsoring a child’s education.

• Fundraising or donating paperback books for sale on our market stall.

• Becoming a volunteer, in Goa or the UK. • Publicising our work to your friends work colleagues or in your local club, church etc.

We are able to provide Powerpoint presentations or even actually do a presentation to your club, school or organisation.

Your local contact is: Roger Worth Tel: 01454 613958 rogerworthiam@gmail.com Website: www.novisurvat.org

If in Exmouth, please feel free to make yourself known on our market stall as coming from Bradley Stoke.

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June 2013

Bradley Stoke Beat Team PCSO Kirsty McKillop reports

W

ith the summer months now upon us (I hope!) I would like to offer you some crime prevention advice to ensure you don’t let more than a summer breeze into your home: • Always lock up and set the alarm, if you have one, whenever you leave the house, and at night.

• Mark your possessions with your postcode and register your property at with the secure on-line database www.immobilise. com • Never leave windows and doors open unless you are in the same room. If you are at the back of the house doing a spot of gardening or having a BBQ, lock the front windows and doors to prevent walk-in thefts. It only takes a moment for a thief to take your handbag, wallet, mobile phone, keys or laptop.

• Don’t leave your keys in the back of the door or within reach of the letterbox or cat-flap • If you are going on holiday tell a trusted neighbour or family member who may be able to close the curtains at night and keep

an eye on your property. The other option is to set an automatic timer switch to turn on lights and radios in upstairs and downstairs rooms.

Jewellery and watches stolen in day-time burglaries We have had a few burglaries recently where thieves have broken in during the day time – sometimes when the families were only out for an hour or so – and stolen high-value jewellery and watches.

Jewellery often has great sentimental value on top of its cash value, so please lock your precious items away in a safe.

I’d also recommend marking them with one of the forensic property-marking kits that are commercially available and taking photographs of them.

We have made arrests in connection with these burglaries and have suspects on police bail pending further enquiries.

There’s lots more home security advice on our website (see below).

Every Wednesday between 1 and 3pm we run a beat surgery from the Willow Brook Centre. There is no need to make an appointment, just pop along and let us know about any concerns or questions you may have.

Your next Safer Stronger Community Group Meeting will be on Thursday 15th August, 7pm, at Brook Way Activity Centre.

Bradley Stoke Beat Team consists of PC Claire Fletcher, PC Steve Palmer and Police Community Support Officers Kirsty McKillop, Ben Sheward and Lucy Sparks.

You can contact us through our website, www.avonandsomerset.police. uk, by calling 101 or e-mailing ssnfilton@ avonandsomerset.police.uk

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June 2013

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21

Schools and Young People

Young people encouraged to have a greater say in their community

R

ecent school assemblies at Bradley Stoke Community School have focused on young people’s rights and encouraging young people to get more involved in their local community.

Earlier this year Bradley Stoke Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council jointly funded a part time Youth Participation Worker, Graham Baker, to work with local young people and develop a range of youth democracy projects and programmes that will gradually enable young people to have a greater say in decision making and in the shaping of services and thereby enable young people to become active citizens.

The school assemblies initially looked at the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and why it is important that children and young people’s views are properly considered when decisions that affect them and their communities are being made.

“Every child (and young person) has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously” (Article 12 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; 1989).

The assemblies recognised how local young people have already recently been involved in proposals for improving play

facilities at Baileys Court and The Jubilee Green as well as the possible redevelopment of the skate park. It was highlighted that not only is it a basic right that young people should be involved in decision making, but that better outcomes are often achieved when they are involved, including a sense of ownership and pride.

“A key principle…is to listen to the voices of young people themselves. Where they are given the chance to take part in decision-making and inspect or audit local services, young people are usually instrumental in getting it right” (Positive 4 Youth; 2012)

Getting involved

The assemblies also highlighted a range of other practical ways that young people can get involved locally, including: • Young people involved in the development of the Skate Park and other parks and open spaces.

• Regular Youth ‘Council’ sessions and activities for young people who want to have a say and to support a range of projects.

• Support to develop the skills and confidence to participate in local decision-making bodies.

• Young people inspecting services to make them more relevant and accessible to young

Youth consultation event at Bradley Stoke skate park in 2011

people.

• Media and radio training so young people’s ideas can be heard, published and broadcast as well as developing links to Bradeley Stoke Radio and the Bradley Stoke Journal.

• Young people able to apply for small grants and also trained as grant givers.

• Young people involved in recruitment and selection of workers.

• An opportunity for young people to gain accreditation for their involvement and also a chance for the town council to work towards accreditation as a council that actively listens to young people.

What next?

If you are a young person living in Bradley Stoke aged 11 to 19

who would like to find out more or get involved please contact the Youth Participation Worker on 07900 253826 or email graham. baker@southglos.gov.uk.

The Youth Participation Worker will also be at the Community Festival on Saturday 8th June so please take the opportunity to find out more or to express an interest in getting involved.

The Youth Participation Worker will be further promoting opportunities for young people to get involved through regular follow up work in the school and also through work with various local groups and detached youth work.

If you are interested in volunteering with one of the youth democracy projects please also use the above contacts to discuss further.

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June 2013

Prize Puzzle

May magazine wordsearch winner The Bradley Stoke Journal is pleased to announce that the winner of the prize puzzle competition in the May edition of our magazine is: Ann of Ormonds Close Congratulations to Ann, who found 34 unique Bradley Stoke road names in the wordsearch grid: 1. Apseleys Mead 2. Arden Close 3. Baileys Court Road 4. Bowsland Way 5. Brake Close 6. Brook Way 7. Cooks Close 8. Diana Gardens 9. Fennel Drive 10. Fiddlers wood Lane 11. Foxborough Gardens 12. Garrett Drive 13. Great Meadow Road 14. Kemperleye Way

15. Kingfisher Close 16. Kites Close 17. Lapwing Close 18. Long Close 19. Mallard Close 20. Meadow Way 21. New Leaze 22. Oaktree Crescent 23. Oxen Leaze 24. Paddock Close 25. Poppy Mead 26. Primrose Close 27. Rush Close 28. Sandy Close 29. Savages Wood Road 30. Saxon Way 31. Sherbourne Avenue 32. Teal Close 33. The Dell 34. The Valls

(Apsleys instead of Apseleys; and Foxbourough instead of Foxborough) and the duplication of Baileys Court (which we have only counted once in determining the winner).

Please contact us (details on page 2) if you would like a copy of the winning solution.

The puzzle proved to be very popular and entries were coming in right up to the closing date.

Our puzzle setter is taking a well-earned rest this month but is promising another road name wordesearch for the July edition, this time with a £50 Boots voucher as the prize.

WillowBrookCentre WillowBrookCentre.co.uk

Bradley Stoke Journal

Ann will shortly be receiving her prize of a £50 Argos voucher, kindly provided by the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke.

Apologies for misleading you with a couple of spelling mistakes

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June 2013

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23

News

Getting to know the new mayor

By Nikki Hallur ouncillor Brian Hopkinson was elected as the new mayor for Bradley Stoke on Wednesday 15th May, and although he had a very hectic schedule following the election, we managed to get a few minutes of his time to ask him some questions and get to know him better.

Brian grew up in the area with his parents moving to Patchway shortly after his birth. He went to school in Patchway and says he was very fond of going to the youth club after school.

We asked him what he thought about Bradley Stoke as a town.

Brian recalled enthusiastically how he has seen Bradley Stoke grow from a muddy building site, laid across the farms of Patchway Common through what used to be Little Stoke Farm.

of community is very important, and Brian feels that for all ages groups this can be achieved through a variety of events and activities – one suggestion he made was that he would like to see street carnivals taking place. He envisions an annual carnival event such as those held in Brazil, to be put on by our own community here in order to draw together all the diversity in Bradley Stoke.

C

Vibrant community

“Much of the natural beauty and many historic hedges are still intact”, he said, “and the area has lots of other positive attributes such as its vibrant shops, leisure centre, schools, library and community facilities.” Brian added that something he really enjoyed about Bradley Stoke was meeting “people from its many clubs and community groups through various events, and enjoying the richness of cultural diversity that has formed in the town.”

He mentioned Friends of the Jubilee Green as an example of

be treated.”

Brian’s values include caring for our community and being a support to people when they need, as well as encouraging a sense of giving “not just at Christmas” but as a way of living all year round.

Current affairs

In most of his free time, Brian says he enjoys “keeping up with current affairs and travelling”.

He also mentioned his love of books such as those by Bernard Cornwell, and spending time on his 26-year-old 1987 Black Cabriot Celica, which is “one of only 200 ever built”. He also makes time to socialise with his grown-up children and his grandchildren.

We found Councillor Brian Hopkinson to be very open, friendly and easy to talk to, and wish him all the best for his work in Bradley Stoke!

District Councillor Cllr Brian Hopkinson

a community coming together to improve provisions and celebrate occasions.

The particular areas Brian wants to see changed or improved include: road traffic exiting and coming into the area, the tipping of rubbish from vans or trailers into residential roads, and public transport provision.

Youth services

Brian also feels more can be done for youth services, though he realises that our area includes a variety of age groups. Apart from the needs of young adults, there are many families and growing numbers of older people, who all need to be catered for.

In terms of young people, he feels that there are a lot of clubs they can join but sometimes they need to relax in an informal atmosphere where they can find “fun, food and friends”, and people to talk to. A shared sense

Brian is also a District Councillor as is his partner, Sarah, so his involvement in the community is wide ranging.

When asked if he would like to give any message to our readers, he replied, “Take hold of everything you have in life and enjoy it for its best, looking for the good rather than worst aspects, and treat your neighbours as you would wish to

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You should always speak to your doctor before starting any weight loss programme.

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June 2013

Bradley Stoke through the camera lens by Becky Ward Introductions

group - Bradley Stoke Radio. I have been part of the station for over two years, volunteering as a presenter and photographer, along side helping with outdoor events. Speaking of which, this leads me to talking about this month’s photograph. The photo was taken at the Willow Brook Centre’s Easter Fun Day. Meet Sophie, the official BSR goat; she was a bit on the quiet side when interviewed and is the first guest we’ve had who tried to eat the microphone. She arrived as the goat with no name (although answered to ‘little one’) but after an impromptu but surprisingly popular ‘name the goat’ competition, left happily named ‘Sophie’.

I sometimes like to find an element of humour in my photographs and, whilst not the most technically appealing picture, it puts a smile on my face and hopefully yours too.

A

new feature is to be placed in the Bradley Stoke journal, in the form of a column. I have been kindly offered this space by the editor (Stephen Horton), as an opportunity to showcase something that has captured the attention of me and my camera each month. I feel that as this is my first column, I should use the space as a way of introduction.

I have lived in Bradley Stoke all my life, attending Bradley Stoke Community School, and placing the town as the main focus of my photographic work. One main influence is the local community

You can find out more and listen to Bradley Stoke Radio by logging onto www. bradleystokeradio. com, and I look forward to sharing next month’s column with you!

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25

News

The Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

W

ith the sun finally making an appearance, why not take the chance to take a stroll in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, the hidden haven of woodland, hedgerow-lined footpaths and a tranquil lake in the centre of Bradley Stoke?

The reserve is the responsibility of South Gloucestershire Council, but much of the management work there is done by two voluntary groups consisting of local residents. The Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group meets on the first Saturday of each month, while the Green Gym goes out every Thursday.

Both groups carry out practical work, such as hedgelaying or stream clearing.

The success of their work is shown by the richness of the wildlife to be found there – bluebells returned to Webbs Wood after the group’s coppicing work, and rare great crested newts have recently been found in the ponds. The swans which are the lake’s most charismatic residents are now nesting on a

surprised by what you find!

Group members with an appreciative resident

reed platform built by the group on the lake island in order to tempt the swans away from the more hazardous site they had chosen next to the footpath.

The group also encourage the local community to appreciate the nature on their doorstep by arranging a number of guided walks. These are led by experts and are always much appreciated by those who take part. Several

walks are arranged for the coming months (see below) plus the groups always welcome new volunteers, so why not take this opportunity to get out into your local green space? You might be

Notice to dog walkers The spring breeding season is a time when amphibians and water birds are particularly vulnerable, so we would like to ask residents to keep their dogs out of the lake and ponds at this time of year.

Contact the group Interested in volunteering? Email info@three-brooks.info or check out our website, www.threebrooks.info for the latest details.

Community walks coming up in 2013 Meeting point: outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. All events are FREE! Make sure you dress appropriately for a walk in the great outdoors.

Sunday 16th June Community Walk, 10am – 1pm.

A walk through the reserve with a professional ecologist to identify the plants and animals that live here – always fascinating! Bring binoculars if you have them.

Monday 23rd September and Friday 4th October Bat Walks, 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

An expert from the Avon Bat Group will lead a walk to identify the different species of bats living on the reserve using bat detectors.

This event is free but booking is required. Booking will be through the South Gloucestershire Discovery Festival which will open on the Council website (www.southglos.gov.uk) in July.

Tuesday 12th November Owl Prowl, 7pm – 8.30pm.

Walk through the woods and try to call in an owl with local expert Ian McGuire. At least one owl is guaranteed.

Check www.three-brooks.info for the latest information.

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June 2013

News

Cycling club celebrates third birthday

O

n Sunday 19th May, Stokes Cycling Club members celebrated their third birthday the only way they know how, with a family ride, a picnic and a rather large birthday cake!

The club started as a way of getting local people out on their bikes and ride safely in a group.

That still is their aim but now with so many people interested in cycling, they have many different rides available to suit all ages and abilities.

Family rides are available to all, including tag-alongs and trailers, novice rides are for those just starting out and wanting to build confidence, the medium and long rides are for cyclists who want a bit more of a challenge.

They are also very lucky to have a fully qualified mountain bike instructor on the team, so MTB rides are available, and

Stokes Cycling Club members celebrate the club’s third birthday at Stoke Park

for those who want to make an evening of it in the summer they have social rides. All their rides have stops, which usually involve cake!

They get involved with many local events in the area, from hosting their Easter Bunny Ride, which has attracted larger

numbers year on year, to being present at community events such as the Bradley Stoke Festival and more recently they have helped a local charity with The Bristol Bikeathon, using their knowledge to help with routes and also with three of their members riding the 50 mile route on fold-up bikes and raised a whopping £570!

The next event they are hosting is an Audax on 14th September in memory of a member of the Club

called Martin Dean. He sadly passed away in September 2012 from Leukaemia and one of his passions was cycling, especially Audax’s. This is a way to remember him and raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research at the same time.

For more information about the club, the rides and the upcoming Audax please visit www.stokescyclingclub.org.uk or like our Facebook Page at www. facebook.com/StokesCyclingClub.

Stoke Lodge and The Common to split from Patchway and form new parish The creation of a new parish council for Stoke Lodge cleared its final hurdle on Wednesday 22nd May after councillors voted in favour of the move.

South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) carried out a ‘Community Governance Review’ after campaigners from Stoke Lodge and The Common, Patchway, handed in a petition last year signed by over 500 local residents calling for the creation of a new parish council.

894 consultation leaflets were issued to Stoke Lodge households and 720 were returned and verified – an 80% response rate.

And of the verified responses, more than 80% indicated a wish to have a new parish council created.

Councillors on the authority’s Regulatory Committee

Stoke Lodge councillors

recommended approval to the creation of a new Stoke Lodge parish council at their meeting in December and final sign-off has now been given by SGC’s Full Council.

Stoke Lodge and The Common currently form part of Patchway parish, although they are separated from the rest of Patchway by the A38 dualcarriageway.

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June 2013

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27

Sport

Another successful year for BSYFC school link programme

T

he Bradley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) club-school link program for 2013 is just coming to its conclusion. The program which started in 2007 continues to grow and develop with the football coaching sessions this year involving 14 local schools and over 700 Year 1 children participating The purpose of the sessions is to get children involved in football and hopefully they will continue with the football outside of their school. Each school receives three sessions of football coaching from BSYFC FA Qualified coaches. Every session is based on fun based skill coaching using the latest FA techniques. The school is then

invited to the annual BSYFC Football Festival, which is part of the Bradley Stoke Community Festival. The event this year is on Saturday June 8th on the top field at the Jubilee Centre. Start time is 12 noon with first match kick off around 12.15pm.

Medals and prizes await

All the 140 children taking part will receive a medal and goody bag. All schools receive a cup and many prizes are on offer including full football team strips and football coaching kits. The cups each year just keep getting larger with last year’s winning cup being 18ins tall. This year the winning cup is a mighty 33ins tall - it might just be bigger than the

children! (see photo) Saturday morning.

BSYFC have also The club is already been going into an highlighted four local schools service provider providing football for football on the coaching sessions to National Autistic Year 3 and 4 girls.

Society (NAS) This has resulted in website. If you have over 120 girls having a child with special the chance to try requirements then football and hopefully the club may be able they will all continue to help. The club to play. currently covers The club is children between 6 linked with the and 11 years old. local women’s team Tallest yet: This year’s Any children Bristol Academy Football Festival trophy interested in WFC (come on the joining the club can Vixens!) and we often have star contact Martin Lee at mlee1@ striker Annie-Marie Heatherson btopenworld.com for more at our girls’ training sessions information. giving valuable tips and running Anyone interested in exercises. Annie also presented sponsoring the club or anyone the trophies at our recent Girls wanting to coach or manage a Presentation Night held at the team or who just wants to get Aztec West Hotel. involved can also contact Martin.

In 2012 the club expanded to BSYFC is an award winning running football coaching sessions FA Charter Standard Community for children with disabilities. The Club. The club website is at sessions run every two weeks on a www.bsyfc.co.uk

Fitness Focus with Craig Rimmer Top four training tips to lose fat for summer Lose fat fast with a training program that will help you maintain body composition results long term. You will lose the most fat by training with a protocol that focuses on building lean muscle, burning fat, and achieving the greatest hormone response from exercise. This article will give you my top four tips for incorporating those three strategies into a training program for fat loss.

Be aware that correct nutrition is necessary in order to achieve significant fat loss. It’s near impossible to out-train a bad diet. If were able to do so, you would undoubtedly compromise your health in the short- and long-term.

Tip 1: Train A High Volume, Short Rest Periods & Moderate Loads Strength train with a high volume of work, short rest periods, and moderate to heavy loads using multi-joint exercises. Squats, deadlifts, chin-ups, bench press, lunges, and rows should make up the core of your training. More sets will accelerate results, but the 8 to 12 rep, 3 set scheme is a good

place to start training for fat loss. High reps and short rest intervals will make your body a high-powered energy burning machine.

Tip 2: Strength Train to Build Muscle and Create an Anabolic Response Strength train to build muscle and create an anabolic response to accelerate fat burning.

Aside from the obvious benefit of burning a massive amount of energy quickly, working every muscle group hard, frequently, and at a very high intensity will elevate anabolic hormones that increase protein synthesis and fat burning.

Tip 3: Perform Strength Training Instead of Aerobic Exercise Strength training that is anaerobic, uses a high volume and intensity, and is made up primarily by traditional multi-joint lifts is always superior to aerobic exercise for fat

loss. The evidence is clear on this, but for some unfathomable reason, the media and many public health professionals suggest aerobic training, especially continuous, slow exercise, will help you lose fat, which is one of the most drastic misconceptions about weight loss and exercise. Strength training is anaerobic by nature—the opposite of aerobic—meaning it elevates fat burning hormones and burns energy.

Tip 4: Avoid Continuous LowIntensity Aerobics Perform high-intensity anaerobic training (HIAT) to burn fat and avoid aerobics.

There’s a mountain of evidence that anaerobic conditioning is effective for fat loss.

HIAT is much more effective than aerobic training, whether it be steady-state aerobic activity or higher intensity aerobic exercise.

HIAT works on the same principle as strength training for fat loss.

Craig Rimmer is a Personal Trainer from Filton who works at Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke. t: 07841712955 e: info@theptacademy.com w: www.theptacademy.com

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June 2013

What’s On

Buggy push for Bliss

By Nikki Hallur radley Stoke is once again looking forward to its annual Bliss event, where parents take buggies and prams out on a walk through the town in order to raise money for babies born prematurely.

The event was started off in this area for the first time last year by Kerry Robinson, mum of two. Kerry’s inspiration for drawing attention to Bliss came from her birth experience with daughter Amber, who was born prematurely but is now very happy and healthy. Kerry says she received support from the charity, which included a pack and lots of helpful information, and she wanted to raise money for Bliss because “it is the UK charity working to provide the best possible care and support for premature babies and their families.” One in nine babies in the UK is born either prematurely

B

or sick, and the care they receive after birth is vital. Bliss provides advice and support to families in need of such care through its helplines and community groups.

For last year’s event, Kerry created publicity through Facebook, the Bristol Post and BBC Radio Bristol. She says she was “amazed at the response”, which exceeded her expectations as she managed to raise over £5,000. Kerry suggested that having collection tins in shops might be another option for raising money, but with so many charities to choose from, she realises that raising awareness of what Bliss does is a vital step.

The buggy push walk is a sponsored 5km walk through Bradley Stoke and the nature reserve on Saturday 29th June at 10am, leaving from the Brook Way Activity Centre.

There is a cake sale and picnic afterwards from 11am to 1pm,

Walking through the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve in 2012

also at the Brook Way Activity Centre.

People are welcome to join the walk without buggies too. For more information, please see the Facebook page ‘Bliss Buggy

Push Bristol’ or e-mail Kerry at kerryrobinson@hotmail. co.uk. For online donations to the charity, please visit www.justgiving.com/teams/ blissbuggypushbristol.

The Star Ball in memory of a special boy: Ryan Abrahams Mary Abrahams, from Bradley Stoke, is looking for local people/ companies to support an event in October.

Mary lost her son Ryan, aged 14, in February 2010. After such a traumatic loss Mary needed to consume herself to get through her darkest time.

She came up with the idea of holding an event, in Ryan’s memory and decided to hold the Star Ball.

This year will be the third Star Ball and Mary is holding it on October 12th at the fantastic Tortworth Court. This will coincide with what would have been Ryan’s 18th birthday and over the last couple of years Mary has raised over £25,000 for local charities.

This year all proceeds from the Star Ball will go to the

Ryan Abrahams

Bristol Children’s Hospice that supported the family.

Tickets are £55 per person to include - champagne reception, three-course meal, table magician, auction, raffle, disco etc.

If you would love to support this event and raise money for a fantastic cause, then please contact Mary on 07872951353.

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June 2013

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What’s On Sunday 2nd June

Sunday 9th June

7am - 5pm: Car Boot Sale (Trench Lane). One of the west’s largest car boot sales.

Summer Sundays (May-Sep) 7am-5pm. Charge for sellers: Car £7; Van £10. Charge for buyers: Car: £1; Pedestrian: 50p. More info: http://bit.ly/dymNI0 [Further sales on 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th June]

9.30am: Bradley Stoke 10k Run. Multi-terrain race organised by Sole Sisters Running Club of North Bristol. Starts and finishes at the Jubilee Centre and follows a route through the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve and along the streets of Bradley Stoke.

More info: http://bit.ly/bs-10k

9.30am: SCC Medium Distance Cycle Ride. A medium ride to Berkeley Castle.

About 30 miles. Meet at the Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc [Further rides on 5th, 9th, 16th, 19th, 23rd, 29th & 30th June] 10.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Hidden Parts of Bath. Walk on the new Greenway taking in the Devonshire and Coombe Down Tunnels. Return via canals and parks. A walk of about 10 miles.

Meet in the Aldi car park – a car-sharing scheme is operated.

More info: http://bit.ly/bq1Hxd [Further walks on 8th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 28th & 3oth June]

Friday 7th June 9.30am: Picnic in the Park.

Professor Panic presents his range of circus skills in the Big Top alongside Steve the Bubbleman and bouncy castles. Treasure Tail organised by the Friends of Jubilee Green. Refreshments will be served. Organised as part of the 2013 Bradley Stoke Community Festival. More info: http://bit.ly/bs-festival

Saturday 8th June 11.30am: Bradley Stoke Community Festival. Bands, dance groups, children’s rides, craft and community stalls. Schools’ football tournament. Model aircraft display and falconry display. Bugs and insects from Bristol Zoo. Bands playing include Gecko Blasters, Goodnight Lois, Astral Toasters, Resplendence, Obsidian and Jonny Casino. Fun activities for the children include trampolines, inflatables, mini quads and the Vertical Xtreme climbing wall.

More info: http://bit.ly/bs-festival

1pm: Charity Bed Race. Any organisation, club, society, association or company can enter a team of five, with one person on the bed at any one time. Awards will be given for the race winner, best bed and fancy dress. More info: http://on.fb.me/YMdU8Q 2pm: Festival Cricket Match.

Bradley Stoke Cricket Club XI versus the Mayor’s XI. Followed by evening entertainment in the clubhouse. BBQ and bar from 12 noon. More info: http://bit.ly/ bs-cricket

Tuesday 11th June 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. Make new friends, get to know our area and get involved in local events and activities. We have interesting speakers, demonstrations, outings, arts and crafts and much, much more. This month: This month: Pirates of Bristol.

More info: 01454 617645; http:// www.townswomen.org.uk/

Wednesday 12th June 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI). A forward thinking, diverse and vibrant organisation that enables women to be listened to and act upon our concerns. We are always pleased to welcome visitors at our meetings, so please come along and see us – it might be just what you are looking for! More info: Innes Cole 0117 904 1940

Monday 17th June 7.30pm: BSTC Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

The Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee meets approx. six times a year and is responsible for, and promotes the Town Council policy on sports, leisure

and recreational activities within or affecting the town. Agenda: http://bit.ly/duGDXG

Tuesday 18th June 2pm-4pm: Volunteering Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Interested in volunteering? Then why not pop in for an informal chat with a volunteer advisor? More info: http://bit.ly/u8CsVN

Wednesday 19th June 7.30pm: BSTC Finance Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. The Finance Committee meets approx. six times a year and makes decisions and recommendations to Council on all financial and policy matters under the discretion of the Town Council. This committee also is responsible for personnel matters and will be responsible for ‘best value’. Agenda: http://bit. ly/8y63mM

Friday 21st June 1.15pm - 7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre. Give blood – please don’t leave it to someone else. More info: http://www.blood.co.uk/

Friday 28th June 9am-2pm: Bradley Stoke Farmers’ Market at the Willow Brook Centre. Producers from the surrounding countryside bringing a wide selection of locally grown/produced wares.

More info: http://bit.ly/aZSWPA

Saturday 29th June 10am-1pm: Bliss Charity Buggy Push. Take part in the Bliss charity buggy push and help support premature and sick babies. From Brook Way Activity Centre at 10am, followed by teddy bears’ picnic, cake sale and refreshments (11am to 1pm). More info: http://on.fb.me/YkSotm 7.30pm: BRAMS Fundraising Party at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis charities, specifically the Bristol and Avon Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Centre (BRAMS) at Frenchay. Tickets £6 per adult or £18 per family (2 adults & 2 under 16s). Tickets

include disco, food, bouncy castle and other supervised children’s activities. For tickets, e-mail lou. lerway@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday 6th July 10am-12pm: BSTC Councillor Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. A chance for residents to speak with their councillors.

More info: http://bit.ly/ZDe5We 10am - 4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Our annual haycut in the community orchard.

All workdays start at 10am and finish at 4pm, but you are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Wear old clothes and stout boots and bring a packed lunch. We provide all the equipment needed plus the essential tea, coffee and biscuits!

More info: http://bit.ly/bOxe9s 11.30am - 2.30pm: Summer Fayre at Wheatfield Primary School, Wheatfield Drive. Come along and visit our annual summer fayre - something for all the family. Attractions include: grand raffle, lots of stalls, sporting games, bouncy castle, displays from local groups and lots more. Refreshments and BBQ available throughout plus international food tasters from the school’s Diversity group.

Find details of more Bradley Stoke events on the What’s On page of the Bradley Stoke Journal website: http://bit.ly/ bsj-whatson If you have an event you would like us to publicise, please email details (including start/end time, location and contact for further info) to events@bradleystokejournal. co.uk Space limitations may mean that we can’t include your event on this page but we will always try to find space for it on our website.

Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter to receive daily reminders of events in Bradley Stoke.

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June 2013

Jobs

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Founded in 1960, REED now operates in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. REED has more than 3,000 permanent employees working across 425 business units in 180 locations worldwide REED is made up of four key business areas: Reed Specialist Recruitment is a specialist provider of permanent, contract, temporary and outsourced recruitment solutions, IT and HR consulting, across more than 30 specialisms. Reed has been successfully recruiting for our clients in the Bristol area since 1989 and our local office in Bradley Stoke has been running since 2000. Due to our well placed location in Bradley Stoke, we are able to attract local jobs for local people. Visit: www.reedglobal.com reed.co.uk was established in 1995 and has since become the UK’s leading commercial jobsite. Over 12,000 recruiters also use reed.co.uk and can post jobs on the site entirely free of charge. reed.co.uk receives over 1.5 million job applications per month, with over 12,000 recruiters registered.

The integration of REED’s online and physical presence has resulted in a database of over 2.5 million jobseekers registered worldwide - online and through

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Visit: www.reed.co.uk Reed Learning provides learning and training opportunities, with services that include postgraduate study programmes, business training and personal development courses.

Reed Learning delivers over 50,000 training days a year and its exam pass rates are some of the best in the world.

Visit: www.reedlearning.co.uk Reed in Partnership specialises in programmes designed to break down the barriers to employment. It has a proven ability to create flexible solutions to local issues, creating a multitude of route ways to employment and social inclusion. Since its launch in 1998, it has helped over 100,000 people into employment and worked with more than 10,000 employers, ranging from local businesses to large national corporations.

Visit: www.reedinpartnership.co.uk For further information, please contact our Bradley Stoke office on: 01454 275600

Looking for a job in Bradley Stoke?

For all the latest vacancies, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/jobs Follow @NthBristolJobs on Twitter

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June 2013

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31

Bradley Stoke Business Directory Advertise here for just £20 per month (when you sign up for three issues).

Price includes a free listing in our online directory at: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/town-guide Contact us now on 01454 300 400 to book your space LAUNDERETTES

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CRB/DBS checked & Insured Contact: Hilary Broad for an informal discussion of your requirements . tel: 01454 619554 / 07876 666458 or email: hilaryb66@btinternet.com CAKE MAKERS & DECORATORS

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£200 for 8,650 delivered Tel: 01454 300 400

Vacancy Part-Time Sales Consultant We’re looking for a salaried part-time sales consultant to sell advertising space. Initially, you will work 10 hours per week (mornings preferred), but there will be scope to increase this later in the year. You will work from home, using your own phone and computer. Excellent computer skills are essential for this role. Interested? Please phone the editor on 01454 300 400 for an initial chat.

email: jobs@bradleystokejournal.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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