October 2013

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

October 2013 • Issue 6

LETTERS P8-9 | SCHOOLS P12 | POLICE P32 | WHAT’S ON P36-37 | DIRECTORY P38

Councillors agree to introduce charge for green bin collection

AT LAST! Faster broadband promised for 01454 numbers from next summer

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

PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE l Town council takes on grass cutting axed by South Gloucestershire l Mayor wants to build on Brook Way hard court l Youngsters clinch town’s tallest sunflower prize l Bradley Stoke Radio launches FM service

£36 p.a. from April P4 Brave Jessica bags all 80 Gromit sculptures

J91749 AF fuel advert_Layout 1 18/09/2013 17:31 Page 1

More than £2k raised P5

Council cash will help speed up connections P20-21

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l Media campaign bags school place for Camron l Library staff strike over ‘cost saving’ pay cut l New arts society to launch in Bradley Stoke l Stoke Gifford By-Pass plans approved

2

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October 2013

Broadband upgrade: Good news, but let’s not be complacent

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.

Welcome to the sixth edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine, our biggest yet at 40 pages!

Yes, thanks to the support of our advertisers, we have been able to add an extra eight pages to this edition and there has been no shortage of news to fill them!

There’s good news this month for around 3,500 homes in Bradley Stoke that suffer from notoriously slow broadband connection speeds. South Gloucestershire Council has announced that the town (or at least those parts of it on 01454 numbers served from the Almondsbury telephone exchange) is included in phase 2 of its state-aided broadband investment project, which means that householders should be able to order superfast fibre broadband services from next summer.

The Journal has been campaigning for improvements in the town’s broadband infrastructure for many years and we can only welcome the latest news. But although it has been a long campaign, and the news represents a long-overdue success, the “battle” is not yet over.

Readers of our of website will recall that, in April 2011, BT announced the upgrading of its Filton telephone exchange (serving 0117 numbers) to

provide superfast broadband.

More than two years on, we are yet to hear of a single household in Bradley Stoke that has been able to order the new service.

We reported last month that BT appeared to be preparing to upgrade a single street cabinet in Baileys Court Road to bring superfast broadband to perhaps a couple of hundred homes in the ‘herbs’ area of Bradley Stoke, but in the last week we have learned that the company has put back the “first order” date by another month.

We therefore need our local councillors and MP to keep up the pressure on South Gloucestershire Council and BT to deliver on their promises, so that the whole of Bradley Stoke is hauled out of the ‘digital ghetto’ in the shortest possible time.

Bradley Stoke might be trailing badly in the broadband stakes, but the town is alive and kicking on the airwaves now that Bradley Stoke Radio (BSR) has launched its full-time FM service. We were honoured to be invited to witness the first official transmission from the Brook Way studios on 13th September and The Journal looks forward to future cooperation with the station.

Happy reading! Our next edition will be out on 2nd Nov.

Find out more and get interactive!

So that you can find out more about the topics included in this issue of the magazine and/or take part in online discussions about them on our website or Facebook page, we have set up an online reference page listing all the related links. Visit: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links or scan the QR code.

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 top left of this page).

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.

Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot has joined us this month (p33)!

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2013

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3

News

Town council takes on grass cutting axed by South Gloucestershire

B

radley Stoke Town Council (BSTC) has agreed to take on the cost of frequent grass cutting on highway verges in the town after South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) announced plans to reduce the number of cuts to just two a year.

The move is a consequence of SGC’s review of ‘highway and street scene’ scenes, through which it hopes to save £328,000 annually, as part of its medium term financial plan to achieve overall budget savings of £43 million by 2014/15.

The town council was given the options of accepting the reduced service, buying back the current level of service from SGC’s StreetCare at a cost of £16,036 (including some additional services

relating to shrub beds), taking on the service itself, or finding a contractor to do the work.

Officers were tasked with obtaining quotes from a number of local contractors and councillors have now approved the appointment of Ambience Landscapes to provide an equivalent service at a cost of £11,980 p.a. fixed for three years.

Under the contract, verges will be maintained to an “amenity” standard with eight cuts a year.

Fewer dog waste bins

Councillors were also asked to consider the future provision of dog waste bins in the town after SGC said it planned to end the free emptying service that applies to some of them. The town

In retreat: South Gloucestershire Council grass cutter on Bradley Stoke Way

council currently pays to have 36 dog bins emptied and SGC covers the cost of emptying a further 21.

It was agreed that SGC be paid to empty a maximum of 33 dog waste bins in Bradley Stoke (the locations of the bins to remain will to be decided in due course), with all of the litter

EE FR

Halloween Fun

and dog bins at the three BSTC Activity Centres remaining, so as to protect the sports grounds and open spaces.

Reducing the number of dog bins in the town from 57 to 33 was justified by the fact that dog waste may now be placed in general litter bins.

AT WILLOW BROOK THURS 31 OCT 10am - 3pm Come along to our craft workshop and make some spooky creations Prizes for the best fancy dress #halloween photos Trick or Treat trail around the centre

WillowBrookCentre

F R E E FA C PA I N T I N E G

willowbrookcentre.co.uk

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October 2013

News

Council to charge £36 for green bin collection from next April

B

radley Stoke residents will have to start paying an annual fee of £36 from next April if they want the council to continue emptying their green bins.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Communities Committee, meeting on 10th September, voted to introduce the charge, which had been put forward as an option in the council’s draft waste management strategy for the period 2013-19.

The council will also offer payas-you-go garden waste sacks, available at £20 for a bundle of ten, as an alternative to using the green bin.

New measures to promote home composting as a more environment-friendly option for green waste will also be introduced.

Residents who do not wish to subscribe to the collection service, or to home compost, can continue to dispose of garden waste free of charge at their local SORT IT! household waste recycling centre.

Plans to include mixed plastics, drinks cartons and small electrical items within kerbside recycling services from next year were also approved by the committee.

People living in flats are also set to benefit from a more comprehensive recycling service, with the introduction of new arrangements at premises not suited to a standard kerbside collection.

A public consultation on the draft waste management strategy held earlier in the year was widely criticised for not

BEFORE

giving residents the option to say they wished to continue with a free green waste collection service. The results of the consultation published ahead of the committee meeting showed that 39% of the 1631 respondents said they didn’t agree with any of the three chargeable options presented to them.

In a report to councillors, council officers warned that the district’s current 51 per cent recycling rate could fall by 1.5 per cent once green bin charging is introduced – below the national 50 per cent milestone.

Commenting after the meeting, Cllr James Hunt (Con, Emersons Green), Conservative Lead Member for Communities, said: “Like so many residents, I’m disappointed that Labour and LibDem councillors have ambushed the public and voted to impose green bin charging after a sham consultation.

“Residents have pointed out how this move will damage our local environment by increasing fly-tipping, backyard burning and black bin usage, which will cut the district’s recycling rate.”

“It really is misleading to suggest that slapping new taxes onto residents is the only way to save the council money. For instance, we should have been putting the pressure on SITA to work more efficiently, but instead, the council has leapt into cutting frontline services first.”

“The fact that more residents snubbed the consultation question on bin charging than chose another option, shows that opposition councillors were wrong to remove the only free option from the consultation at

Garden waste bin - will you pay?

the last minute.

The Labour Group accused the Conservatives of: “refusing to face up to the cuts that their government is imposing, and instead, playing games by unveiling an uncosted proposal [relating to double shift working

by SITA] at the meeting”.

Speaking after the vote, Communities Lead Member Cllr Pat Rooney (Labour, Woodstock) said: “Nobody wants to impose charges for a service that is currently free, and I recognise how unpopular this decision will be. However, the Council is staring at a black hole in its finances and is being forced by government cuts to slash services. “ Residents choosing not to use their green bin from April next year will be able to ask for it to be taken away. Unwanted bins will be collected by SITA UK, for the plastic body and metal components to be dismantled and recycled.

One fan of The Journal’s Facebook page commented: “What a joke! I think most of South Glos will just shove it all in their black bin and forget about it - I for one will be. Talk about going backwards.” Read lots more comments and have your own say: http://bit.ly/bsj-1310-2

AFTER

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October 2013

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News

Gromit Hunt success for brave Jessica

Two-year-old from Bradley Stoke completes challenge despite undergoing chemotherapy

In August, we wrote about Jessica Abraham’s sponsored challenge to visit all 80 sculptures in the Gromit Unleashed public art exhibition. Here, Jessica’s mum Melissa has written to tell us how she got on.

I’m pleased to say that Jessica completed her Gromit Hunt and even made it to London to visit Classic Gromit! To date, she has raised a massive £2,095 for The Grand Appeal. Thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to sponsor her and help her to achieve this fantastic total.

The response has been amazing.

Jessica thoroughly enjoyed her summer of Gromit Hunting

and her favourite Gromits were Gromberry and Roger. It has been lovely to watch Jess and her big sister Zoe get excited every time we spotted a new Gromit At times it was difficult to fit it in around hospital visits and Jessica just not being well enough to be out and about, but we are very pleased we managed it before the trail ended.

The Gromit Hunt gave Jessica and ourselves something positive to focus on during what has been a difficult period in her treatment and for that we are very grateful.

Jessica has continued to respond well to her treatment and her prognosis remains good.

She will shortly be finishing this intensive period of chemotherapy

bristol – patchway

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BS34 near you tel 0117 969 7553

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Jessica and Zoe visit Gromit no. 15 - “Hero” - at the Bristol harbourside

and moving into approximately eighteen months of less intensive maintenance therapy. She is a very happy and very brave little

girl and we couldn’t be more proud of her.

Visit: www.justgiving. com/Jessica-Abrahams1

A CASE

OF THE MONTH

Before I came to Dr Leah, I had very painful migraines lasting three days. When I didn’t have a migraine I had a headache nearly every day and a very painful neck.

It was depressing & difficult to concentrate.

What I love most about chiropractic care, it’s drug free and you are treating the source rather than the symptoms.

I can enjoy cycling & running half marathons again without the crippling pain, and now I rarely get distracted at work due to headaches. This clinic actually finds the cause.

I have a new lease on life, thanks to Dr Leah Greg Chance, Scientist, Easton, Bristol

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October 2013

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7

News

Town council to investigate all options for future of Brook Way hard court No immediate support for mayor’s building plan

O

fficers at Bradley Stoke Town Council have been asked to produce a detailed report on possible future uses for the hard court area at the Brook Way Activity Centre after Mayor Brian Hopkinson failed to gain support for a proposal to allow a local charity to build on the land.

An innocuous-sounding item on the agenda for last month’s Full Council meeting titled ‘Release of Hard-court at Brook Way Activity Centre for shareduse Youth Facilities’ turned out to be an attempt by the mayor to rush through a proposal to partition the currently unused sports facility into two building plots, with one plot be given over to the Incredible Kids charity and the other to a yet-to-be-formed body called ‘The Bradley Stoke Youth Trust’.

Discussion of the item was preceded by a presentation from representatives of Incredible Kids, a group that aims to provide a safe place where children with special needs can play together with their siblings, giving parents and carers the chance to meet with others in a similar situation whilst having

a short break. The charity currently meets at Christ the King Church but says it needs a dedicated building with space to store equipment.

Following the presentation,

Cllr Brian Hopkinson: Wanted to rush through decision on the night

Cllr Hopkinson, who had invited the charity to attend the meeting, circulated a halfpage written proposal, which foresaw Incredible Kids being given an 85 year lease on the land and being allowed up to three years and three months to find funding and construct a building. He urged councillors to make a decision in favour of

Building plot?

Mayor wants to build on sports facility near Bradley Stoke Surgery

his proposal: “Tonight, rather than allowing it to drag on over a number of months or years.”

Resistance to the mayor’s request came from Cllr Rob Jones, who agreed that Incredible Kids is a “good cause” but warned that the council shouldn’t get carried away with disposing of what is an asset belonging to the town, adding: “We should take care to consider other organisations that might be interested. We have one organisation here tonight but we need to consult a wider crosssection of the community.”

“Lacking transparency”

Cllr Ben Walker also voiced concern, saying it would be great to look at the idea “as a concept” but making a decision at the current time would be “really dangerous” and “lacking in transparency”.

Another councillor, Tony Griffiths, asked whether it might be better to build an extension

onto the existing council building at Brook Way, leaving the hard court area free to be used for an expansion of the car park.

Following much discussion, Cllr Hopkinson’s proposal failed to find a seconder and it was eventually agreed that “a full report be compiled and brought to the next Full Council meeting looking at possible future use of the hard-court at Brook Way Activity Centre (including legal issues and costings on all possible proposals)”.

Prior to the final vote, which was passed 10:0:1, councillors agreed by a narrow margin to exclude use of the area for “ball games and noisy sports” from any investigations. This follows complaints from neighbours about noise and light pollution when the hard courts were last in use two years ago. At that time, the facility suffered two incidents of vandalism in which a power cable was severed and a floodlight column sawn through.

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October 2013

Letters and Opinions Dangers of drivers using mobile phones I enjoyed the September issue of The Journal and noticed a few comments around parking and cars blocking schools, along with the gentleman who was knocked off his bicycle.

One thing that is not addressed, which is only a matter of time before something serious happens, is mobile phone usage by drivers.

My colleague walks to Parkway everyday and has had his backpack hit numerous times by drivers, including ones on mobile phones, doing makeup and not paying attention to the road.

I drive daily to Bristol and see at least 4/5 on the phone.

It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed.

The local MP and police said I had to take photos. That would be all well and good but I’m driving and my colleague isn’t going to walk round with his camera at the ready.

It would be good if The Journal could investigate and try to prevent a serious incident before it’s too late.

Stuart Carr (via Facebook)

Thanks for a great event at Jubilee Green I would just like to say what a lovely afternoon my family and I had at the Blue Hut [Jubilee Centre] on Sunday 22nd

September at the he opening of the youth shelter and brass rubbing plates.

It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the event.

The five hot air balloons taking off at the end was a perfect finish to a perfect afternoon.

It would be lovely to see more balloons over there more often.

Carolyn Parker Bradley Stoke

Dog owners asked to be more responsible I am a walker and walk everyday around the Bradley Stoke pathways, passing the duck pond, woods etc.

My gripe is that it seems that some people with dogs are not, and have no intention of, picking up their dog mess.

The worst place is the side by the sports centre leading down past the woods on your left and the playing fields on your right.

It is absolutely a dogs’ toilet.

I understand that people let their dogs off the lead, which is fine, but they know if their dog will be doing their business as that is one of the main reasons apart from the exercise that they take their dogs out, but when the dog runs off and does its business the owner has the excuse that it was not their dog.

I have also seen people deliberately just wait for their dog to finish what it has done and they just walk off and have no intention whatsoever of picking it up.

This really does need to be addressed as this is an offence

and you can be fined for not picking up your dog mess.

I do hope you will put this in your next issue of The Journal and hope it stirs the conscience of dog owners who do not pick up their dog mess.

Colin Jagger Bradley Stoke

Your Views

Newcomer seeks activities & friendship I hope you can help me. I have recently moved to Bradley Stoke from Plymouth. I am a widow living on my own. I moved to Bristol to be nearer my son, bought a small flat and like Bradley Stoke very much.

Although I like my flat and the area, I feel very lonely, isolated and a bit lost in this big city.

Most of my neighbours are very nice, but they are young, working people.

I would love to meet some local people in my age group and similar circumstances or join some gentle activities for older citizens and make some new friends.

Perhaps you would consider having a section in The Journal where lonely people can advertise for friends? I don’t meet ‘lonely hearts’, just friends for a chat, cup of coffee or even just a ‘mooch’ around the shops.

Any ideas would be most appreciated.

Irene Bradley Stoke Ed: Irene tells us she “doesn’t have a computer and doesn’t know how to use one”, but if

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 Please include a telephone number with your letter, in case we need to contact you. anyone has any suggestions or would like to make contact with her, please contact The Journal and we will pass on your message. ● Our What’s On guide on pages 36 & 37 contains plenty of events that might be of interest.

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October 2013

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Letters and Opinions

Almondsbury Allotment News

What types of shops would you like to see in our town centre? Poll results

By Joan at Allotment No. 8 I can hardly believe that we are in mid-September as I write my diary for the October magazine; where have all the summer months gone?

The main crop potatoes have been dug and stored now, they were a bit on the small side but perfect, I think maybe we could have left them a bit longer. The onions and shallots have all been dried, checked and very professionally strung by my assistant. In fact, the garage is starting to look like a vegetable store, so it’s a good job we don’t use it for the car!

The runner beans were a bit slow to start this year but as soon as the lovely warm weather arrived we were picking beans every day and able to freeze the surplus. The summer purple sprouting continues to give us a regular crop along with spinach, carrots, lettuces, radishes, spring onions etc.

A fellow allotmenteer kindly gave me a butternut squash plant

A

post office is the most important type of store missing from our town centre (the Willow Brook Centre), according to the results of a reader poll conducted on the Bradley Stoke Journal website during September.

The poll was started after many readers expressed dismay that a third mobile phone store (Phones 4u) was to open at the centre in the former Panasonic outlet.

Running for 32 days, the poll was completed by 433 voters, who were each asked to select up to three types of store they would like to see opening at the centre.

The need for a post office was highlighted by 57% of voters, attracting 245 votes in total.

The result echoes the findings of a public consultation carried out by Bradley Stoke Town Council in 2011, in which 76% 0f

Poll result 1. Post office (245 votes) 2. Clothing store (164) 3. Bank (133) 4. Butcher (130) 5. Homeware/DIY (106) 6. Greengrocer (103) 7. Sportswear store (73) 8. Bookshop (48) 9. Gift shop (44) 10. Fishmonger (38) respondents said they thought the town needed a larger post office located specifically at the Willow Brook Centre.

Post Office managers have consistently refused to sanction an opening in the town centre on the grounds that it would affect the viability of existing branches, including those in Little Stoke and Stoke Gifford.

9

in July which has now grown two amazingly large squashes which are nearly ready for picking. The courgette plant has done well too and the chef is wondering what he’s going to do with the rather large marrow we found on return from a week’s holiday!

The winter greens are in now and look good except for the cabbage, which the cabbage white butterflies have found, even though I went to great lengths to cover and protect. I am seriously thinking about whether it’s worth growing cabbages!

I have spent the last few visits to the allotment tidying up and clearing so the plot looks good with still plenty to pick. I am now thinking about getting the onions and shallots to plant next month when I have got a bed free in the rotation cycle. Then it’s time to look at the seed catalogues ready for next year.

Allotments available at Hortham Farm: www.HorthamFarm.co.uk

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October 2013

News Bradley Stoke in Bloom progress report It may be just five months since six local residents agreed to form a Steering Committee for ‘Bradley Stoke in Bloom’ (BSiB) but they have made much progress in that time.

Regular workdays have been established and two competitions have been held and judged (Best Front Garden and Tallest Sunflower), which attracted nominations from all over the town. Congratulations again to our winners, Maureen Hopkins (BFG) and James & Sophie Dent (TS) and many thanks to those who nominated/participated or contributed prizes. The footpath between Dewfalls Drive and The Common East received a

clean up and the gardens on Brook Way (by the surgery) were re-established. The feedback received from passers by and the increased usage of the gardens has been really encouraging.

Ongoing projects are to install locally made planters at the ‘Welcome to Bradley Stoke’ signs and, following a suggestion by local resident David Matthews, to plant bee and butterfly corridors along Brook Way. The Bradley Stoke Alzheimer’s group has already started making bee and butterfly homes for this project.

Going forward, other projects that have been discussed are: a Community Herb Garden, Community Orchard,

Established 20 Years PROUD OF OUR WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP The Covey Nursery and Pre-school is a small, family run business offering fun-filled, High Quality Care and Education for the Children of the Community in a safe and secure environment.

THE COVEY CHILDCARE LTD Unit 4 & 6 Baileys Court, Webbs Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 8EJ Tel – 0117 9794190 Nursery 0117 9311999 Pre-school Email – sheila@coveynursery.co.uk

Remembrance Garden, planting on top of bus stop shelters, and the ‘adoption’ of a roundabout, either by local businesses or groups, e.g. Girl Guides, St Johns Ambulance. The most popular themes suggested so far are local history, including the Saxons, milk urns, farmer with a goose

with golden eyes (Howard Davis), or sculptures with a real WOW factor: life size wooden horses and giant bee hives!

Although the ongoing support from the town council and local businesses is invaluable, to help us grow and really make an impact, what we really need now is more volunteer support on the workdays (3rd Saturday of each month, 10am – 4pm with a break for lunch). The meeting points are listed online in the ‘What’s On’ section of the Bradley Stoke Journal. Any support of these events (even if you can’t make the whole day) will be of a great help.

To offer your support, donations of tools, or for your views and ideas, we can be contacted via bsib@hotmail.co.uk

GET OUTDOORS. GET FIT.

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GET YOUR FIRST BOOTCAMP FREE WITH THIS AD Every Saturday * 08:30 * £5 Bradley Stoke Community School BS32 9BS For information or to book your place contact kate@howedynamic.co.uk * 07799 834014

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October 2013

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11

News

James & Sophie clinch tallest sunflower prize

B

radley Stoke in Bloom’s ‘Tallest Sunflower’ competition has a winner!

Or rather two! James & Sophie Dent, from Meadowbrook Primary School, were declared the winners with two sunflowers, which measured a whopping

The winners’ trophy

2.66m and 2.88m tall!

The judging was not without incident. The BSiB Steering Committee, following a quick check of the rules to see if you had to live in Bradley Stoke to enter and how to identify the town council’s seeds, spent a busy couple of hours dashing around the town to measure the sunflowers and handing out certificates. And it was only after a second measuring of Levy Hartnell’s sunflower, that a winner could be declared.

Green fingered James, aged 7, and Sophie, aged 4, also impressed the judges with a tour of their other successes: pumpkins, chillies and tomatoes, although the strawberries had all been ‘quality tested’.

The siblings have agreed to share the prize, an engraved

Tallest in Bradley Stoke: Sophie and James with their dad Andy Dent

sunflower trophy, plant pot, hand fork & trowel set, packets of seeds and some treat size chocolates.

The trophy is being taken into school to show everyone.

Dad, Andy Dent said: “The children worked very hard growing their sunflowers from sowing the seeds through to planting them out. They watered them and fed them

weekly and left instructions for their grandparents to look after them when we went on holiday. They are delighted with the trophy and the prizes, it has made their day.’

The BSiB Committee says ‘thank you’ to everyone who entered and is already busy discussing next year’s competition, which may be ‘Best Plant Pot’.

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October 2013

Around the schools by Judith Summers of Bradley Stoke Radio BSCS World Challenge

Students from Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) travelled to Peru this summer as part of a World Challenge expedition. This was the culmination of a two year process where students had planned the finer details of their expedition, learnt some essential outdoor and campcraft skills and fundraised £4,000 each for the expedition.

Whilst in Peru, the students spent the first couple of days acclimatising, then headed off on a challenging trek. The weather was extreme, dropping to -10 at night. “Waking with frost on our sleeping bags was not great,” student Sam Wentland told me.

The students also helped a local community by laying paths and making signs to mark out the route to waterfalls near their village.

Catching piranhas on the Amazon and spotting wildlife such as sloths and parrots in the rainforest, were also highlights of the “life changing experience”.

Primary schools

Baileys Court School is developing its grounds and putting in a range of different environments for outside learning. At present they are busy finishing a large water play area in space cleared by volunteers from Friends Life. When complete the children will be able to move water through a variety of pipes and trenches.

Their Y6 children are of to Wales this month where they will take part in various challenging activities such as climbing, abseiling and orienteering.

Meadowbrook Primary have increased their numbers this year and have welcomed 90 reception children. Two new air conditioned classrooms for year two children has made room for the expansion.

The

Olympus Academy Trust

They are also expecting Mr David Pettitt, a former head teacher from Glenbrook, New South Wales who will be visiting Meadowbrook as part of the LEAP programme.

Produce donated to their harvest festival next week will be given to the local food bank.

Children from Stoke Lodge are also off to camp but they are going to Nethercott Farm in Devon where they will be fully involved in farm life. The children will be collecting eggs for their own breakfasts, feeding animals and helping with lots of mucking out. Children staying at school will have a special week of sports and cooking.

The Bradley Stoke Radio Schools Show covers all schools in the local area and beyond. We play children’s music and have children reading their poems, topic work and stories - in fact anything they feel they want to share. It is aired on Monday evenings during term time, between 6pm and 7pm. Listen in on 103.4 FM!

State of the art facilities for hire in the Bradley Stoke area Available for hire all year round

• Conference facilities and classrooms

• Specialist ICT and catering facilities

• Dance and drama studios

• Floodlit astro turf

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For further information please contact Karen Holt on 01454 868840 or email lettings@bradleystokecs.org.uk www.bradleystokecs.org.uk

Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, BS32 9BS 01454 868840 www.bradleystokecs.org.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2013

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info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

Bradley Stoke Radio launches FM service

B

radley Stoke Radio (BSR) has begun broadcasting on FM, nearly two years after being offered a full-time licence by Ofcom.

The community radio station previously broadcast on FM for two short periods in June and December 2011, under a Restricted Service Licence (RSL), and since then has been streaming programmes over the internet.

Based at the Brook Way Activity Centre, in accommodation provided at a peppercorn rent by Bradley Stoke Town Council, the station says its new FM channel can be

received loud and clear in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Stoke Gifford, Frampton Cotterell, Patchway and Winterbourne.

The first official programme on the new FM frequency of 103.4 MHz went out just after 6pm on Friday (13th September), presented by Bradley Stoke Journal columnist Becky Ward.

Community-focussed programmes in the station’s weekly schedule include the Sport Show with Connor Summers (Sundays at 6pm) and the School Show with Judith Summers (Mondays at 6pm).

Welcome message from the BSR team Bradley Stoke Radio (BSR) has become the 232nd Community Radio Station in the UK to receive an FM Transmission Licence from Ofcom.

The Licence is effective from 12th September 2013 for five years and was issued following several years of the volunteer members producing a popular internet based service within the community of Bradley Stoke. In 2011, BSR held two Restricted Service Licence (RSL) transmissions on FM, for two weeks each and proved that there would be support within the town and the surrounding area for the Community Radio Station.

With support from the Willow Brook Town Centre, Bradley Stoke Town Council, South Gloucestershire Council, the Southern Brooks Community Partnership, the Aztec Hotel and Spa Bristol as well as many other organisations and businesses, BSR grew into a team of 80 members operating at first from the town’s shopping centre and then, from January 2012, in the Brook Way Activity Centre.

BSR then concentrated on honing the programmes that it was transmitting via the World Wide Web, whilst at the same time fund raising, training, acquiring equipment and a brand

new antennae for the studio.

After passing the initial commissioning tests, BSR then commenced test transmissions in August 2013.

The test transmissions consisted of a popular selection of music and advertisements for which no charge was made during that period, which were used to monitor the station’s technical performance over the airwaves on the frequency 103.4 FM. Having met the requirements of Ofcom, BSR members, both past and present, and guests attended a presentation held in the Cotswold Suite of the Aztec Hotel and Spa Bristol, courtesy of the management and in tribute to the early founding days of the group when the Aztec helped with a meeting place for their fledgling group.

The new FM schedule officially started with a Weekend Breakfast Show on the morning of Saturday 14th September, but regular listeners to the ‘Pick and Mix Show’, ‘The Rock Show’ and ‘Metal to Midnight’ were able to hear them on FM from 6pm on Friday 13th September.

Regular listeners outside of the local community can still enjoy their favourite shows via the WWW as BSR will still continue to transmit via the internet.

Becky Ward presents the first official programme on 103.4 FM

For more details please visit the BSR FM 103.4 website on www.bradleystokeradio.

org.uk or you can contact the station by email on admin@ bradleystokeradio.org.uk

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

13

14

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2013

News

Media campaign bags school place for Camron

A

Bradley Stoke mum, who lobbied South Gloucestershire Council to get her son into a school nearer home due to fears over his heart condition, has won her battle after she appealed to the local and regional media for help.

Tracy Atkins, who lives in Ferndene, moved to Bradley Stoke to be nearer to the Bristol Children’s Hospital which her son, Camron, needs to attend on a regular basis for check ups after undergoing heart surgery to save his life.

Applying after the normal deadline, Miss Atkins tried to get Camron into the three nearest Bradley Stoke schools – Holy Trinity, Wheatfield and Bowsland Green – but was told they were already over-subscribed.

Instead, Camron was offered at place at Little Stoke Primary School, which Miss Atkins said was too far away: “I don’t drive and feel that a 35 minute walk there and back is too much pressure for Camron’s heart”.

On 2nd September, she emailed local and regional media organisations saying she was prepared to risk prosecution by keeping Camron off school and appealing for help.

The case was taken up by ITV News West Country who ran a piece about Miss Atkins’ campaign in their programme on 4th September. In an interview, she told the programme: “Camron has Severe Aortic Stenosis, a severe heart disease.

Happy ending: Camron with mum Tracy Atkins outside St Chad’s School

The thought of him having to walk 35 minutes to and from school when there are three local schools within five to ten minutes walk is ludicrous.”

In a statement, South Gloucestershire Council told the programme: “We are sorry that we have been unable to offer a place at a local school for Miss Atkins’ son, but unfortunately the year groups at her preferred choices were already full to capacity by the time she made her application.”

“We recognise that Miss Atkins’

son has special requirements and we have done everything we can to try to offer assistance. This includes offering free transport to and from the school, which Miss Atkins has not yet applied for.”

However, Miss Atkins had already declined the offer of free transport because she would not have been allowed to accompany Camron. She said: “I feel this is outrageous! He is my son and I know, as his mother, that Camron will find it scary to go on a bus to school without me.”

Two days later, ITV reported on its website that Camron had been offered a place at St Chad’s Primary School in Stoke Lodge, following the intervention of the Mayor of Bradley Stoke who had been alerted to the story by Bradley Stoke Radio.

Miss Atkins says the Mayor called round to her house to discuss the problem and inform her that a place had recently become available at St Chad’s, which would be within easy walking distance for Camron thanks to the presence of a footpath linking the school with Brook Way, via Saxon Way. In a statement, South Gloucestershire Council told ITV: “We are pleased to have been able to offer Camron a place at St Chad’s Primary School after places became available in the school’s Year 1 group. We are delighted that this matter has been resolved to Miss Atkins’ satisfaction and wish Camron well at his new school.”

Camron was able to start at his new school on Monday 9th September and tells us he has made lots of new friends and loves his teacher, although he is finding the handwriting exercises a bit difficult at the moment!

Speaking to ITV, Miss Atkins said: “I’m happy I fought the system for mine and every child’s right. I hope that this can help families facing the same situation and I hope they can find the courage to fight the system all the way for what is right and what they believe in and, most importantly, never give up.”

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2013

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

15

News

Library staff strike over ‘cost saving’ pay cut

B

radley Stoke Library was closed for one day at the end of last month when staff took part in a one-day strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the UNISON union voted for a one-day strike in response to changes to council policies on enhancements and allowances paid to staff, which were due to come into effect on 1st October.

Saturday premium axed

From that date, South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) will no longer pay a time-and-ahalf enhancement for staff who have to work on Saturday as part of a normal working pattern.

Staff working overtime on

Saturdays (i.e. above 37 hours) will, however, continue to receive the enhancement.

The change is part of SGC’s ‘transformation programme’, which is aiming to achieve annual savings of £43.9m by 2014/15, to which the disputed changes will contribute approximately £200,000.

A ballot of nearly 190 UNISON members at SGC resulted in an “overwhelming” vote to take industrial action, says the union.

Staff on the picket line said 13 of the 14 employees at Bradley Stoke Library would see their wages fall as a result of the policy change.

Huw Williams, South Gloucestershire UNISON Branch

Official picket line outside Bradley Stoke Library on Saturday 29th September

Secretary, who joined the Bradley Stoke Library staff on the picket line, told The Journal: “Following a three year pay freeze and just a 1% rise this year, the TUC estimates that ‘real’ incomes for local government workers have fallen by 18% over four years.”

“Many of the staff at this library now face an additional cut of up to 10% of total wages and some will lose substantially more.”

“These latest cuts by SGC add insult to injury and are a major attack on our members’ standards of living.”

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

16

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Jobseeker Help Desk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2013

with Karen Dean from Destiny CV

Is your CV getting you interviews?

Hello and welcome to my Jobseeker Help Desk. I’m Karen Dean, from Destiny CV. I’ll be volunteering hints and tips each month to help you find the job you really want.

If you’re not getting interviews, how can you make your CV appeal more to a prospective employer? Remember: the sole purpose of a CV is to get you an interview, not the job. Imagine an employer considering 100 CVs. How long might they spend on yours? Half-anhour? Fifteen minutes?

More like thirty seconds!

So it’s a no brainer – the best bits go on page 1 – they may never get to page 2!

Is your information in the right order? Are your greatest talents

instantly visible? If not, then restructure it. Or maybe it’s too long? Two page CVs usually work best. It’s about whether you can do the job, not recounting your life story.

Concentrate on that 30 second window. Keep it relevant, focused and punchy.

One size does not fit all!

Do you diligently alter your CV to fit every post you apply for? One size certainly does not fit all.

Job or person specs can provide valuable insider knowledge of the role.

Scrutinise these golden nuggets meticulously.

Identify and then define exactly how your skills and experience would provide the optimum

match.

Are you proof-reading your CV before sending?

Minor errors may seem unimportant, but could serve as a beacon to an employer that you don’t pay attention to detail – they’ll want someone who’s focused on the job.

Proof-read your CV thoroughly, or get someone else to do this for you. Spell-checkers are great, but don’t pick up everything.

So – enough food for thought?

There’s more on my website, www.destinycv. co.uk or see my advert on page 38. We can do it all for you!

Next instalment: Creating a smarter CV.

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October 2013

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17

News

Mayor guest of honour at Onam celebration

B

radley Stoke Mayor Brian Hopkinson was the guest of honour at the Onam celebration organised by the Kerala Association of Bradley Stoke and South Gloucestershire on Saturday 14th September.

Onam is the harvest celebration of the South Indian state of Kerala and marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali.

Mahabali’s rule in prehistoric age is considered the golden era of Kerala. The name ‘Mahabali’ itself means ‘great sacrifice’.

Mahabali fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of truth.

Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory. It is considered that the king is so much attached to his kingdom and he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily.

The beauty of the festival lies in its secular fabric. People of all religions, castes and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and verve. Onam also helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood by way of

various team sports organised on the day.

The festivities at Bradley Stoke were really attractive and artistic.

All the participants contributed enormously to make the event a colourful display of tradition and friendly cheer.

The celebration started in the morning with the auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony and the customary Onapookkalam (floral carpet) arrangements to welcome the mythical King. In unison, the children were engaged to thrill the vibrancy of colouring competition on pookkalams.

The celebration continued with the evocative Onam music and the delicious Onasadhya (Onam feast). The homely food-dishes prepared by members add savour, taste and flavour.

Following the scrumptious Onasadya, the conventional ‘Onakkalikal’ (Onam games) began. There were fun games for all age groups and gender.

Outdoor sports and Tug of War enhanced the enjoyment.

Finishing the games in high spirits, the awesome gathering was geared up to the cultural meeting.

Cllr Brian Hopkinson seated alongside King Mahabali at the cultural meeting

Cllr Hopkinson spoke about the great harmony of the various cultures in the neighbourhood and the colourfulness and richness it brings to Great Britain. He highlighted the great contributions of the Kerala community to the engineering and healthcare sectors of the country.

During the meeting, ‘King Mahabali reincarnate’ was accoladed the time-

honoured reception with ‘varnakudas’ (colourful umbrellas),’nilavilakku’ (traditional floor lamp), ‘nirapara’ (auspicious full grain container), ‘nettipattam’ (golden plated frontlets), ‘chendamelam’ (drums) and music. Much to the amusement of the crowd the ‘Maveli’ walked through the audience showering blessings and best wishes to all.

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Registered Charity No 1079552

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

18

Fitness Focus

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

By-election called for Thursday 10th October

with Craig Rimmer

People are exercising more, but they are not losing weight We have access to more and better food, but we are not healthier. We have greater access to vast quantities of health, dietary, and exercise information, but there’s a problem.

Misinformation on how people gain body fat and how they can lose it is everywhere.

There’s controversy about the safety and efficacy of low-carb diets, lies about the best exercise for fat loss, and confusion about what optimal body composition even means.

To get it done, you need a lifestyle approach that improves your quality of life. Here are a few things to put to bed here and now: Lie #1: Aerobic Exercise Will Help You Lose Fat The Truth: Aerobic Exercise is A Fat Trap The effect of regular aerobic exercise on body fat is negligible. High-intensity

October 2013

t: 01454 300 400

intermittent exercise, which is anaerobic rather than aerobic in nature, is much more effective.

Initially aerobic training can help you lose a small amount of fat in the short term, but research shows the benefits are rarely sustainable.

Lie #2: Low-Fat Diets Are Best For Fat Loss The Truth: Low-Fat Diets Are Bad For Your Health Low-fat diets are NOT best for fat loss. Higher protein, higher fat dietary models tend to be much more effective for fat loss because they favour protein and fat, both of which are very filling and help you avoid hunger.

They also prevent the severe reduction in metabolic rate that comes from low-fat, calorierestricted eating. In addition, low-fat diets require a high intake of carbohydrates, causing worse insulin health and more

weight gain.

Lie #3: Chemicals Don’t Make You Fat & Detoxification Isn’t Necessary The Truth: BPA & Other Chemicals Dramatically Increase Body Fat & Diabetes Risk Contact with chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and parabens will make you fat.

Scientists believe the reason is that these chemicals alter hormone function when they are ingested in the large quantities present in modern society.

Craig Rimmer is a Personal Trainer from Filton who works at Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke. t: 07841 712955 e: info@theptacademy.com w: www.theptacademy.com

A by-election has been called to fill a vacancy on Bradley Stoke Town that resulted from the resignation of former Mayor Charlotte Walker.

Ms Walker announced tin May that she had dumped the Conservatives to become independent. Two months later, she handed in her resignation, saying she “had been studying away from the town for some time” and no longer lives in the area.

Sarah Drake, the Liberal Democrat candidate, works for Bristol City Council and is a governor at Bowsland Green Primary School.

Derrick Powell, the UKIP candidate, is Chair of the Lakeside residents’ Association and also coordinates the Bradley Stoke Community Speedwatch group.

Benjamin Randles, the Conservative candidate, has lived in Bradley Stoke since 1997 and is currently studying Computer Security at a local university.

More at http://bit.ly/bsj-1310-3

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October 2013

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19

News

New toddler group serving Bradley Stoke

By Nikki Hallur new toddler group, First Steps, has just launched in Christ the King Church which serves Bradley Stoke and the surrounding area. The group runs on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 11.30am, and we went to their opening taster session to see what they had to offer.

The room was spacious and welcoming, with a variety of toys being spread out across the carpeted area, and clear divisions between the Activity Zone, Baby Area and free play area. The craft activity on the opening day was cookie decorating with icing sugar and different shaped confectionary.

I spoke to some of the adults who had brought children to the group.

A

Vicky Hill, a childminder, said she was happy that “the rides are kept strictly to one side” for children wanting to play on bikes or slides. Vicky also pointed out the benefit of the structured play, which includes a story time, snack time and song time. Jo Lindsay, mum of two, said it’s “a great playgroup”.

The organiser of the group, Jessica Morley, is an experienced mum herself and she told us she felt “extremely pleased at how many people have come”.

There were around 30 children joining in, aged up to five years.

Fellow organiser, Liz Evans, who is also a mum, told us that the toys are borrowed from the church and the room is given freely by the church

Song time at the new First Steps toddler group in Bradley Stoke

for the group, which is run by volunteers. Baby changing facilities and toilets are conveniently located in the lobby of the church.

For an entry fee of £2, a family of two children with one adult can attend the session, and the price includes juice and food for snack time. Additional children or adults can join in for 50p each.

The end of the session is marked by singing songs together in a

circle, after which the children help adults to tidy up while listening to ‘A spoonful of sugar’

by Mary Poppins. The organisers lead the structured activities but parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their children at all times, as the group runs on the concept of adults and kids joining in together.

The parents we spoke to said they “would definitely come back again”.

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

20

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2013

News

Faster broadband coming to 01454 numbers

B

T and South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) have announced that Bradley Stoke is to be the first South Gloucestershire town to benefit from their joint state-aided superfast broadband investment project.

The upgrade will mostly benefit premises served by the Almondsbury telephone exchange (01454 numbers) that are outside the coverage area of the Virgin Media cable network.

The first homes and businesses should be able to order the new superfast fibre broadband service “from summer 2014″.

Other communities set to benefit as a result of today’s announcement include Barrs Court, Lower Almondsbury, Olveston, Rudgeway, Thornbury town centre, Tockington, Tormarton and Warmley.

The work represents the second phase of the South Gloucestershire BDUK broadband investment project, following an earlier announcement that Pucklechurch and Wick are to receive upgraded services from June 2014.

The council says that 94 per cent of premises in South Gloucestershire will have access to superfast speeds of 24Mbps and above by March 2015.

Additionally, all premises within the district will have access to a minimum speed of 2Mbps by March 2016.

Councillor John Goddard, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Resources SubCommittee, said: “We recognise that high speed internet connections are vital for South Gloucestershire’s economic future, and for promoting business growth and encouraging inward investment, which is why we are delighted to announce that Bradley Stoke is our first town to benefit from the roll out of superfast broadband under this partnership. Today’s announcement marks a major achievement for this large and complex project.”

“Bradley Stoke is our largest

South Gloucestershire Cllr John Goddard (left) with Matt Lloyd, Next Generation Access Programme Manager for BT

area to date to benefit from the roll out of superfast broadband, with the first homes and businesses able to order the latest technology by next summer.”

Bill Murphy, managing director of next generation networks for BT Group, said: “This is another important milestone for a partnership which is making rapid progress. Working with our partners, we are able to bring this exciting technology to locations where the economics and engineering challenges are that much greater.”

“High-speed fibre is increasingly important if local households and businesses are to make the most of the huge range of opportunities offered by the internet, whether they are seeking to start a new business, find new customers, undertake on-line training or simply wishing to browse for entertainment or leisure purposes.”

Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti said: “I’m delighted to hear that homes and businesses in Bradley Stoke will

be amongst the first to benefit from the new service. As a rapidly growing town, it is vital that local infrastructure keeps up with demand and enables the town to continue to thrive.”

“The campaign for better broadband was one of the first initiatives I took up following my election in 2010, meeting with South Gloucestershire Council after receiving a great deal of correspondence from constituents on this matter.

I’ve met with Department for Culture, Media and Sport Minister Ed Vaizey, and I’m pleased that the Government saw the merit in providing funding to this project. I also met with representatives from BT, and I’m glad we have now almost realised our aims for long overdue, constituency-wide superfast broadband coverage.”

Bradley Stoke South Councillors John Ashe & Rob Jones and Bradley Stoke Central and Stoke Lodge Councillors Sarah Pomfret & Brian Hopkinson commented:

“We are delighted to see that Bradley Stoke is the first town set to benefit from the council’s publicly-funded superfast broadband project because you won’t find a community anywhere in the country as determined as our town is not to be left in the broadband slow lane.”

“We know that poor broadband services are a major barrier to economic growth and investment, whilst also restricting individuals and families in accessing online services such as educational activities, communication, entertainment, shopping and paying bills.”

“Residents and businesses should not have to struggle to take maximum advantage of the internet and online services and we look forward to the first Bradley Stoke households being able to order fibre broadband from summer 2014.”

“And we will keep lobbying the council to make the maximum amount of information available to the public, including which specific Bradley Stoke roads will be able to order fibre broadband first.”

Additional information provided to The Journal by South Gloucestershire Council explains some of the “economic and engineering challenges” referred to by Mr Murphy: BT will be bringing a range of technologies to Bradley Stoke, including Fibre to the Cabinet and Fibre to the Premise, as well as designing the solution for exchange-only telephone lines. It will be the biggest area of fibre deployment, and is the most complex from a ‘fibre network design’ perspective.

The existing copper network in Bradley Stoke has resulted in a complex picture with, for example, some parts of the same street being serviced by different telephone exchanges.

A large proportion of Bradley Stoke is also served directly from these exchanges, some distance away, rather than through street

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2013

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

from next summer cabinets, which is the norm.

In order to install fibre in the most cost effective way, this

means that as part of the project, the copper network needs to be completely re-arranged in

those areas, to make it possible to install new fibre-enabled cabinets. Bringing fibre to those new street cabinets resolves the problem of Bradley Stoke not having its own telephone exchange, as it brings fibre directly into Bradley Stoke – much closer to people’s homes and businesses. The council’s project will address these complex issues.

BT announced in April 2011 that it was upgrading its Filton exchange (serving 0117 numbers) to provide superfast broadband but, so far, very few subscribers in Bradley Stoke have been able to order the service. As reported recently in The Journal, the company recently upgraded a street cabinet at the junction of Ellan Hay Road and Baileys Court Road and it is hoped that premises in the nearby ‘herbs’ roads will be able to order superfast broadband from the

21

Community campaign for faster broadband (2010), coordinated by The Journal

end of September.

STOP PRESS: As we go to print, we have heard that the first order date for the upgraded

cabinet has slipped by another month to 31st October 2013.

Read more on the BSJ website at: http://bit.ly/bsj-1310-1

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

Bradley Stoke Journal

22

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2013

News

Medal haul for Special Olympics swimmers

M

embers of a swimming club which trains at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre came away with an astonishing haul of 17 medals from the Special Olympics GB Games held in the South West at the end of August.

Bristol and South Gloucestershire (BSG) Marlins sent a team of eight swimmers to the prestigious event and they came away with five gold medals, eight silver and four bronze.

Members of the club were also honoured to take part in the build up to the games, with Tom Jeal holding the ‘flame of hope’ as the South Gloucestershire athletes were given a civic send off from the WISE campus in Stoke Gifford and Adam Osborne being part of the relay team which brought the flame into the opening ceremony in front of the Royal Crescent in Bath.

Sharon Langley, currently the

Medal winners (l-r): Chris Yeoman, Katy Hall, Carol Hook, Kieran Pfister, Adam Osborne and Tom Jeal

club’s treasurer, explained that the club was formed after her son Adam Osborne won gold and silver medals at the last national games in 2009. Having failed to find a swimming club that could

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take Adam, due to his learning disability/autism, Sharon contacted Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre to see if they could help.

The centre was able to provide two lanes on a Thursday evening from January 2010 and attendance at the sessions gradually increased to its present level of eight regular swimmers.

A monthly Saturday session, where the club has use of the whole pool for 90 minutes attracts around 18 swimmers.

The club is accredited to Special Olympics GB and from

this winter there are plans to start training for open water swimming, a new sport added to the Special Olympics programme last year.

Sharon said: “Our focus is improving their swimming but being part of a team is something that is hard to come by for people with learning disability and this is proving successful. We support swimmers through the changing village – again this is an area where they may not have been on their own before. We are trying to encourage inclusion and create more independence for them.”

“This is such an achievement for people with learning disability. They trained hard for the games and this will have very much increased their confidence with their swimming.”

“Without the help of Diane Roberts (swimming co-ordinator) and the management team at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, we would not have the pool time that we have.”

“They can also see what this brings to our members and we hope the presence of our athletes will encourage more people with disability to use the leisure centre.”

For more information, visit bsgmarlins.com

Bradley Stoke Journal

Tel 0117 974 1459

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Route of the Stoke Gifford By-Pass

October 2013

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25

News

Councillors approve Stoke Gifford By-Pass plans

P

lans for a major new single carriageway road to relieve congestion, improve public transport links and support business and housing growth in the North Fringe of Bristol have been approved by councillors.

Members of the South Gloucestershire Council’s Development Control (West) Committee granted planning permission for the Stoke Gifford Transport Link (known locally as the Stoke Gifford By-Pass) at their meeting on 11th September.

The mile-long route will run between Parkway North Roundabout and the A4174 Ring Road (emerging opposite the Holiday Inn) and will include bus lanes, two new bridges and a separate pedestrian and cycle route on its western side.

Bus rapid transit scheme will use new link road

Subject to confirmation of government funding, the new road will be used as part of the £102 million North Fringe to Hengrove Bus Rapid Transit network, a major new public transport scheme.

As well as reducing congestion and enhancing public transport links in the area, the council hopes that the route will play a key role in supporting future economic development in the North Fringe area.

It will also provide a vital link between new housing developments in nearby Harry Stoke, and local employment

opportunities and services.

Work on the £14 million scheme is scheduled to begin in late 2015, with completion expected in 2017.

News welcomed by Stoke Gifford councillors

Stoke Gifford Conservative councillors Brian Allinson, Keith Cranney and Justin Howells said: “We are absolutely delighted that planning permission has been secured for this important new road because the Stoke Gifford community has been demanding it for years.”

“Many local people will remember that this link road was planned as part of the development that saw thousands of new homes built at Bradley Stoke and other nearby locations in order to ensure that there was new infrastructure put in place to cope with all these extra commuters.”

“But, in a moment of madness, the link road was cancelled by the LibDems, thus ensuring that this huge volume of extra traffic has had to negotiate the tiny and dangerous route under Parkway railway bridge.”

“This has brought misery not just to Stoke Gifford residents but everyone who has to sit in the jams and it has put at risk the large number of pedestrians, particularly Abbeywood school children, who walk under the bridge to get to school.”

“All these years later, it will come as an immense relief to

Traffic travelling south out of Bradley Stoke will be able to go “straight on” at the Parkway North roundabout (see route map on facing page)

local residents to see that this link road is making progress, because another route across the railway at this location is the only way to ensure that traffic congestion is relieved in Stoke Gifford.”

Certainty of funding assured by South Glos

The Journal asked SGC whether construction of the by-pass is dependent on developer contributions or Department of Transport (DfT) funding for the rapid transit scheme being

forthcoming within a certain timescale.

A spokesperson told us: “The cost of delivering the Stoke Gifford Transport Link is estimated to be £14.5m including contingencies for risk and inflation. South Gloucestershire Council plan to fund this cost in full from third party developer contributions linked to this geographical area or borrowing against future committed contributions being realised.”

“Delivery of the SGTL is not dependent upon DfT funding.”

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October 2013

News

Aspirations launch with a charity fund

T

he Willow Brook Centre saw the opening of a new Independent Financial Advisory office on the 1st Floor, East Offices on Thursday 5th September 2013, with a launch event attended by over 60 customers and people from the local business community.

Initially, the office is to be manned by three consultants, all of whom are fully authorised to provide independent financial advice to the personal and business community. The directors all live locally with two having lived in the Bradley stoke area for 20 years with their families.

The three directors, Simon Anstey, Steve Gilpin and Paul Whitton all spoke at the event outlining their goals and aspirations for the office. They have a professional team of

connected businesses that has been built up to support clients’ needs in all financial areas.

During the opening event the importance of offering independent advice to clients was outlined. This enables Aspirations to always act in the interest of their clients and not the investment and insurance companies that may be recommended.

To mark the opening the directors launched the Aspirations Charity Fund which will support three local charities over the next 12 months. These include The Jessie May Trust, St Peter’s Hospice and Heartful Dodgers. With an additional adviser joining the team this month and a further three specialists being recruited before the year end, Aspirations will donate £5 for each new customer

l-r: Paul Whitton, Stephen Gilpin, Francesca Gilpin, Elysia Anstey & Simon Anstey

over the next 12 months and has set a target of £5,000 to split between the charities.

The Jessie May Trust provides a ‘hospice at home’ service for children with terminal illness. St Peters Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice caring for local people with life-limiting illnesses.

Heartful Dodgers is the local

fundraising arm of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team at North Bristol NHS Trust.

Aspirations are looking forward to serving the needs of the community in Bradley Stoke for many years to come. If you want to help them hit their £5,000 target, call in or call them on 01454 501959.

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Bradley Stoke through the camera lens by Becky Ward

O

n Sunday 8th September, I attended the Family Fun Day arranged by the Friends of Jubilee Green. The day featured paper airplane making, followed by a plane-flying competition, penalty shootouts, bouncy castle, an indoor crafts table, bubbles, and, in my opinion, the highlight of the day- body zorbs!

If you are unfamiliar with the idea of body zorbs, they are large inflatable balls with a rucksack-style harness inside, as a way of securing yourself. Once strapped in; the entire idea is to run at everyone with as much force as possible, in order to knock others over. From inside the arena, it looks disorientating and somewhat painful!

However, from the outside it’s brilliant fun to watch and a laugh a minute.

The entire event was provided free of charge to any residents of the local area who wished to join in. Despite being an event aimed towards younger residents, it also managed to attract a lot of adult attention, with parents (and perhaps the odd member of Bradley Stoke Radio) joining in with the flying competition. However, the prize for best performance should really go to the Friends of Jubilee Green themselves. Having

Family Fun Day at Jubilee Green

waited patiently, the last people to climb into the body zorbs were the three members themselves; perhaps the best entertainment of the day!!

The Friends of Jubilee Green did a brilliant job of organising yet another free event, and I shall look forward to attending the next one.

Visit the Friends of Jubilee Green website: www.friendsofjubileegreen.org.uk

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28

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News

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October 2013

Advertising feature

Accountancy service offers practical and Tournament success for TJ’s youngsters accurate help for local businesses Bradley Stoke based understandable KES Accountancy to the client. By Services, a member of offering a complete and regulated by the accounts package ACCA, is run by Kate from bookkeeping Smit, who has over ten to final accounts years of experience preparation, this of working in both makes complying with practice and industry. the latest legislation During this time, and tax rules simpler.

Kate has worked Kate aims to keep her with both small and Kate Smit overheads low and medium businesses passes this benefit on preparing and presenting to clients with a competitive fee financial information. Kate has structure. She also understands also worked as part of the finance the pressures of a busy working team of First Group and uses this day and is keen to offer flexible experience to understand the appointments where possible. practical business reality behind If you run a local business and financial information. would like some help or advice Kate is able to help you make with the financial aspects relating sense of your business’s accounts to this, please contact KES and offers practical and accurate Accountancy Services as they financial advice. Her main aim would be delighted to offer their is to present information that time and expertise. is jargon free and completely www.kesaccountancyservices.co.uk

TJ’s Netball Club Under-16s team pictured at the Jubilee Centre

By Maura Rolls TJ’s Netball Club train on Tuesdays on the Jubilee Centre courts, and have had recent success in the under-16s and under-14s seeding tournaments.

After playing for three hours and suffering two injuries to the team, the TJ’s Under-16s managed to win four out of the six matches, coming second overall in the tournament!

The pleasing outcome left the Under-16 Team with a place in league 1 and an offer to play in the regional matches. This was declined and the club will continue to play against other Avon teams.

The two under-14 teams did incredibly well and have places in league 1 and 2.

Good luck to all TJ’s teams in the upcoming season!

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October 2013

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News

Celebration of young people’s contribution to park improvements

Now open!

By Michelle Dent received goody bags as a token of he youth structure is our appreciation for their hard complete and it has given work. us great pleasure to see Whilst the structure is children and young people of complete, this project will be all ages using the climbing wall funding more additions. In and exploring the top level of the October, the bridges in the structure. As autumn is upon us park will be carved into animal I am sure we will use the shelter shapes and sculptures added to to hide from the rain. the flower beds. We On Sunday 22nd will also be boosting September we had the planting in the a great time at our park and we will be community event having a community celebrating the young planting day. For people’s involvement more information in the Youth Structure keep your eye on the and the Brass Rubbing Bradley Stoke Journal plates. The youth or visit the Friends of were our VIP guests Jubilee Green page on at the event and they Facebook.

Brass rubbing plaque

T

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29

Come and join NADFAS

NADFAS EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION

If you are passionate about art and culture, and would like to learn more and meet like-minded people why not discover our fascinating programme of local lectures, tours and events?

For more information please call 01454 774 401 or email bradleystoke@nadfas.net

October 2013

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31

News

New arts society to launch in Bradley Stoke

arts projects. Those behind the creation of the South Gloucestershire Decorative and Fine Arts Society hope that the evening meetings - on the third Thursday of each month - will attract art lovers of all ages, including those who might work during the day and are unable to attend the daytime lectures hosted by other arts societies locally.

Free taster evening on Thursday 24th October

F

rom Picasso to Banksy… and from Windsor Castle to the privies of Bristol and Bath … via intriguing forays into Islamic mosques and Scandinavian interior design … There’s no limit it seems to what you might learn about at an adventurous new hub for art appreciation in South Gloucestershire. These are just some of the subjects potentially on the agenda with the launch of the South Gloucestershire

Zealand. The organisation has 90,000 members and the new South Gloucestershire society is confident that its launch night on Thursday 24th October will swell the numbers still further, with a free talk by Bristol historian and author Francis Greenacre on paintings and drawings of the city’s spectacular landscape, architecture and events two centuries ago. No city has a more complete record of its past appearance apparently and the

Decorative and Fine Arts Society in Bradley Stoke this autumn.

Its monthly meetings promise to surprise and enthral with a hugely diverse offering of talks by some of the country’s top experts in their field. So if you thought fine art was all about stuffy discussions on the Old Masters, think again. Among the topics being considered for future talks are ‘Art & Engineering’, ‘Children’s Books Through the Ages’, ‘Shoes In Art’ … and the rather more provocative ‘Tarts in Art’!

quality of the images is described as outstanding.

“We’re aiming for a minimum of 150 members,” explains Sally Kitching, Chairman.

Based at Bradley Stoke Community School

This new forum, based at Bradley Stoke Community School in Fiddlers Wood Lane, is part of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies - or NADFAS for short.

NADFAS is a charity dedicated to opening up the world of Arts through its national events, local societies and inspiring lectures.

An incredible 360 societies are part of its network throughout the UK and Europe and as far afield as Australia and New

Cosmopolitan area

“There are more than 25,000 people in Bradley Stoke - it’s a cosmopolitan area, with very many different people here and there’s a need for something like this. There are also art enthusiasts across South Gloucestershire whom we believe will make a short trip to join us.”

Sally has been involved with NADFAS for more than 25 years and says the experience has enriched her life. “I know about things I never thought I would,” she enthuses. “It’s been hugely rewarding and I have met some lovely people. Sometimes you see a subject title and you think, ‘Whatever is that about?’

I remember going to a lecture called ‘England, Brick By Brick’ and it sounded most strange. But it was fascinating - it made you look at brick buildings with fresh eyes and how they’re made. It was amazing. I went to another

Join for just £20 at introductory meeting talk on the paintings of Italian artist Caravaggio and it made me cry. It was just wonderful.”

NADFAS is dedicated to education and conservation and those who join could even find themselves taking part in fulfilling projects to help restore churches, museums, castles or stately homes to their former glory. The organisation arranges special interest educational visits and holidays and offers grant funding for community

A full year’s subscription for members will cost £40 but those attending the introductory meeting on 24th October can join for £20, to cover four meetings until next June.

Francis Greenacre, a former Curator of Fine Art at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, will begin his talk at 7.30pm and the doors open at 7pm. Refreshments will be available.

For more details contact Sally Kitching on 01454 774401 or email bradleystoke@nadfas.net

Conquer your weight this autumn With the party season approaching, it’s time to conquer your weight!

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Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Steven Palmer reports

I

’m happy to report that we appear to be improving the way of life for the local residents, as at the recent Safer Stronger Community Group meeting (SSCG) on 15th August, no police issues were raised by residents for the neighbourhood team to address.

This was the third quarterly meeting running where no issues were raised. I hope that means we have managed to address matters for you to make you feel safe and be safe in the area.

If you do have anything you need to make us aware of, you don’t have to wait for the next SSCG. There are lots of ways to get in touch with us. You can continue to contact us through the force webpage or call 101 to speak to us or leave a message. You can also make an appointment to see us at the police station or your home or work.

However if a crime is happening or an incident needs a prompt response you should call the 999 number in an emergency. You can report a crime that’s already taken place on 101 or online.

We provide a drop-in beat surgery at the police post at the Willow Brook Centre between 1pm and 3pm every Wednesday. You don’t need to make an appointment, just call in. We will now also be providing an evening beat surgery at the leisure

centre on the 9th of every month between 6pm and 8pm.

There will be some staff changes at the end of September, when my colleague PCSO Kirsty McKillop and I both leave the beat after five years serving the community. We will both be moving to the nearby Stoke Gifford beat. However, we will be replaced immediately by PC Jamie Shiels and PCSO Chris Baker from the Severnside beat, thus maintaining the staff numbers in the Bradley Stoke area.

I have enjoyed my time serving Bradley Stoke and feel I have made some impact in addressing residents’ issues. The time has flown by. Although I am moving I will continue to support the Pubwatch scheme across the area, which has been running for four years now, and which has been a success in greatly reducing the problems of violence and drugs at local hostelries.

New evening drop-in beat surgery at the leisure centre on the 9th of every month

October 2013

‘Duck pond death’ man was from East Midlands Update from issue 2013/3 of the police area newsletter for Severnside, Stokes and villages Detectives are investigating the unexplained death of a man whose body was found in undergrowth in Bradley Stoke in July.

We’re not currently treating the death as suspicious, pending the results of toxicology tests from the post mortem, but are preparing a report for the coroner’s inquest.

The man was in his forties and from the East Midlands.

He is thought to have had an unconventional lifestyle and travelled widely around the country.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Adrian Fallows said: “We have to investigate thoroughly and have found no evidence of foul play.”

“While sudden death is always upsetting, there is no cause for alarm in this case.”

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October 2013

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33

Quiz Quiz for all, No. 1 (easy/hard, old/new) Welcome to our first ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 34.

1. Following on from the success of the London 2012 Olympics, which British city will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games?

2. What is the name of the Bristol-born writer, director and comedian, who is best known for his collaborations with Ricky Gervais?

3. In which of the martial arts is a bamboo sword, known as a ‘shinai’ used?

4. The first ever episode of Only Fools and Horses, has the same title as which reality TV show, first shown in 2000?

5. Completed in the 15th century, which building, at 89 metres high, is the tallest building in Bristol?

6. Which former US President and Civil War General, appears on the United States $50 bill?

7. With talc at one and diamond at ten, what is the name of the scale that measures the hardness of minerals?

8. In the Alexandre Dumas novel, Porthos, Athos and who else make up the ‘Three Musketeers’?

9. Named after a mode of transport, which cocktail is made from Cognac, Orange Liqueur and lemon juice?

10. ‘The Red Vineyard’, is believed to be the only painting that was sold by which 19th

century painter in his own lifetime?

11. Which actress is commonly remembered for her appearances with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in the ‘Road to...’ movies?

12. What was the name of the last act to win the Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom?

13. In 2011, Justin Timberlake jointly purchased which worldwide social networking website for around $35 million?

14. What foodstuff is measured on the Scoville scale?

15. Which English rapper and singer-songwriter, who married a former Miss Australia in 2012, was born with the name Elliot Gleave?

16. Which island in the Bristol Channel is named after the Norse word for’ Puffin Island’?

17. In terms of size, Triton and Proteus are the two largest moons of which planet in the solar system?

18. From South African origin, what item of clothing is a ‘veldskoen’?

19. In the local area, there are several places that contain the name ‘Stoke’. Taken from the Old English word ‘stoc’, what does ‘Stoke’ mean? (Clue: 5 letters) 20. One to get you thinking.

Which of the G8 countries has the smallest population?

Meet our quiz setter Paul Philpot, aged 40 Originally from London, I’ve lived in Bradley Stoke for the past eleven years and live with my wife Sophie and our threeyear-old daughter, Mille.

For the past two years, I have worked at the RAC as an administrator, but have worked for several companies in the local area over the years.

I have appeared on TV shows such as Mastermind, The Chase, Brainteaser and the Channel Five re-make of Going For Gold, (where I also qualified for ‘Champions Week’). I have also appeared on Radio 4’s ‘Brain of Britain’.

Since 2008, I have competed on the National Quiz Circuit and have travelled around the country to various events. I have competed in five World Championships, four British

Championships and will be taking part in my first European Championships in November, in Liverpool.

For the past three years, I have also written a blog (www. justquiz.org), which has readers from all over the globe.

I have also written questions for various quiz nights and events.

Read Phil’s blog at www.justquiz.org

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34

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October 2013

Competition

September wordsearch winner The Bradley Stoke Journal is pleased to announce that the winner of the prize puzzle competition in the September edition of our magazine is: Katie Earl Congratulations to Katie, who found 33 Bradley Stoke road names in the wordsearch grid: 1. Burden Close 2. Chessel Close 3. Crows Grove 4. Fern Grove 5. Hawkins Crescent 6. Lime Kiln Gardens 7. Little Green 8. Long Close 9. New Leaze 10. Orchard Gate 11. Ormonds Close 12. Orpheus Avenue 13. Pursey Drive 14. Rush Close 15. Sages Mead 16. Shiels Drive

17. Snowberry Close 18. Stean Bridge Road 19. Teal Close 20. Teasel Mead 21. The Bluebells 22. The Crunnis 23. The Culvert 24. The Hedgerows 25. The Spinney 26. Three Brooks Lane 27. Trench Lane 28. Tresham Close 29. Watch Elm Close 30. Webbs Wood Road 31. Wheatfield Drive 32. Winsbury Way 33. Woodlands Lane Some entrants claimed ‘Brook Way’ (‘Brook’ being found within ‘Three Brooks’, another valid name), which was accepted.

Only streets within Bradley Stoke were counted (some entrants included streets that are in Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford or Patchway).

Katie was one of two entrants

WillowBrookCentre WillowBrookCentre.co.uk to find a total of 33 valid names.

A draw was therefore made to determine the prize winner.

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

Copies of the winning solution are available on request.

Ask the Doctor with Dr Norman Douglas of Bradley Stoke Surgery Influenza vaccination (Flu Shot) • Shingles vaccination It has been a wonderful summer but all good things must come to and end and we are now approaching a time of the year where we see more infections and deterioration of chronic medical conditions due to contracting infections.

The reason I bring this up is to promote prevention of illness. We can all decrease the risk of declining health through sensible lifestyles, eating well and exercising within our capabilities. We also now have the capability of using vaccinations to prevent illness.

Influenza is a horrible infection usually causing muscle aches and pains, chills, fevers and headaches which are extremely debilitating. It will cause a healthy person to be incapable of working and incapacitate them for up to ten days. It can be much more serious if one has any chronic

disease or is vulnerable and they can end up with hospital admissions or worse. To prevent this, the Influenza vaccine (Flu Shot) is available from your surgery and is recommended for all carers, those suffering with chronic disease processes, those with any compromise to their immune systems and to patients over 65 yrs old. This year, the flu vaccination programme has been extended to well children aged 2 & 3. Please contact your surgery for an appointment. The sooner you have the vaccination the sooner you are protected.

Some patients will develop mild cold symptoms in the 24 hrs after the vaccination and some discomfort at the injection site but in comparison to the Flu this is of little consequence.

For the first time we are now able to offer vaccinations against Shingles. This is only for those patients in their 70th

year and 79th year. It is not available on the NHS for other age groups but over the next 5 years we will have covered everyone over 70. This can be given at the same time as the flu vaccination so don’t be surprised if it is offered at the same time you attend for your flu shot. It is a really good prevention for the recurrence of the virus which causes shingles and is well worth having.

With the winter coming soon it is a good time to be community spirited. If you have an elderly person in your street who may be vulnerable or incapacitated or even just lonely why not make contact just to offer them the knowledge that someone may be there if they are unable to get out or need help. If we all look after each other we all feel better and are better people for it.

Town council decisions in September • Council to employ a professional Youth Development Worker (increasing the hours to 29 per week) on a fixed term contract to run from 7th January 2014 until 31st December 2015, with a review by council in November 2015.

• Council to spend £630 from the existing £1,000 budget to undertake remedial “levelling” work to the Village Green.

• Council’s Mobile Cleansing Operative’s hours be increased from 24 to 37 (effective from 1st October 2013), to incorporate emptying the 24 litter bins that BSTC currently pay SGC to empty.

• Council to employ Re-energize to organise the Community Festival for 2014 with the budget to be set at £21,000 (including savings of £1,860 over 2013).

• Three-year fixed price contract for maintenance and servicing of shutters at council properties awarded to BS1 at a cost of £3,600.

• No bonuses will be paid to council staff in the current financial year, as they have been awarded a 1% pay rise in line with nationally-agreed local government pay scales.

Quiz answers Answers to quiz on page 33: 1. Glasgow 2. Stephen Merchant 3. Kendo 4. Big Brother 5. St Mary Redcliffe Church 6. Ulysses Grant 7. Mohs 8. Aramis 9. Sidecar 10. Vincent Van Gogh 11. Dorothy Lamour 12. Katrina and the Waves 13. MySpace 14. Chilli Peppers (strength) 15. Example 16. Lundy 17. Neptune 18. Shoe (or boot) 19. Place 20. Canada

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October 2013

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35

Advertising Feature

Open day at Kumon study centre

A

fter 14 years at the Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, the Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre recently relocated to a dedicated venue on the first floor of the Willow Brook Centre.

To celebrate the move, the centre will be holding an open day on Saturday 19th October, when local Instructor Sarah Nutchey will be joined by colleagues from neighbouring Kumon centres, as well as senior staff from the Kumon organisation.

This event will be fun, participatory and informative, with an interesting variety of activities throughout the day: Joffre White, local children’s author, will be running a Reading Motivation Workshop and signing copies of his books; Dave Baker, headteacher of Bradley Stoke Community and Abbeywood schools, will be addressing local primary

headteachers and curriculum leaders; Magic Mike – the kids’ magician will be entertaining the crowds and the Kumon dog will be delighting the little ones This will all take place in the Willow Brook Centre (West Offices) between 11am and 3pm. Joffre White’s session will have limited spaces so if you would like to book a free place for your child, please contact Sarah on bristolbradleystoke@ kumoncentre.co.uk

Enrolment fee waived

It is hoped that the event will give local families a chance to experience the new permanent venue and give them the chance to find out more about this leading supplementary education provider.

The first 20 families who book a Free Assessment for their children on the day will have their enrolment fee waived (worth £40).

Speaking about the move, Sarah said: “The success of the Bradley Stoke Kumon Study Centre means the number of students studying with us has reached record levels and we were outgrowing our old accommodation.”

“We now have a dedicated study space that is clean, quiet and solely for the use of Kumon students. We will be able to open for longer hours on more days offering more flexibility, particularly to working parents.

“The office will be staffed, meaning existing and prospective parents will have a place to meet with the Instructor, outside of class running times.

“Continued and consistent staff training will mean we can deliver the highest quality supplementary education provision.”

There are currently more than 650 Kumon centres in the UK, and the Bradley Stoke Study

Centre is only one of about 12 that run in permanent premises.

Sarah offers all students a Free Assessment, without obligation, before enrolling at the Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre. This is a chance to assess a child’s abilities, and discuss how Kumon will develop his or her potential to the maximum.

For more information, visit: www.kumon.co.uk/BristolBradley-Stoke

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Bristol, Bradley Stoke Study Centre 0117 9081992

OPEN DAY

Saturday 19 October 11.00am - 3.00pm

The Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8BS Children’s author Joffre White will be running a Reading Motivation Workshop and signing books. Dave Baker, BSCS Headteacher, will also be speaking and many more activities. Call for more information and to book your place.

Open Day kumon.co.uk

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

36

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2013

What’s On

MS Therapy Centre holds Autumn Fair

T

he West of England MS Therapy Centre in Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke will once again be holding an Autumn Fair on Saturday 19th October.

There will be an as-new stall, tombola and BBQ as well as plenty to keep the kids entertained, such as face painting, games and biscuit icing.

There will also be a Grand Draw with prizes including two tickets to see Cinderella at the Bristol Hippodrome, a spa day for two at the Aztec Hotel and Spa, a meal for two at the Hollow Tree and much more. Tickets for the Grand Draw are on sale from the 2nd October from the MS Therapy Centre.

All the money raised at the fair will help to support people living with MS from throughout the region.

The Centre offers specialist treatments and therapies including physiotherapy, oxygen treatment and counselling which help people live with the day to day struggles of life with MS. The fair begins at 11am and will go on until 3pm. Entry is free.

If you would like any more information about the fair, please contact Jenny on fundraising@ mstherapybristol.org.uk or on 01454 628725.

Training Course - BRISTOL

Don’t just do it Teach it!

Exercise Movement & Dance ‘FREE TASTER SESSION’ Almondsbury Sports & Social Centre, Bristol BS32 4AA Saturday, 19th October, 2013 10.00am – 1.00pm

Join us and discover your talent for teaching. To book your FREE ‘TASTER SESSION’ Contact: Chris 01792 290100

Discover Festival events in Bradley Stoke during October Sunday 6th Oct 3pm - 4pm at The Jubilee Centre South Gloucestershire Chinese Association welcomes you to a free Tai Chi class for everyone! Tai Chi is a popular exercise originated from Ancient China to keep you fit and release stress.

Open classes run Sundays 3-4pm every fortnight. Booking required Monday 7th Oct 10am - 1pm at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre Bradley Stoke Sports and Social Club Join this lively club for a special session on bird box making. The club is for people with dementia and their carers to help members stay fit, have fun and make new friendships in a safe and friendly environment. First session free. Places may be funded for those who have been assessed as needing help in the community. Call on 0117 9610693 or email Jonathan.Stockwell@alzheimers.org.uk for help or advice. Refreshments available.

Thursday 10th Oct 6.30pm - 8.30pm at Bradley Stoke Library A healthy mind: Tools & techniques for promoting wellbeing Explore some of the factors that impact on our emotional wellbeing: the relationships that exist between how we think, what we do and how we feel. Useful tools and techniques to help you understand and enhance your moods. Topics include stress and anxiety and relaxation skills. To book call 0117 3784270 or visit www.lift.awp.nhs.uk/ bristolandsglos Friday 11th Oct 10.30am - 12.30pm at Bradley Stoke Library Hi.ss - Hear this!

The Hearing Impaired Support Scheme will be available to offer support with NHS hearing aids and give advice on support services and equipment for the hard of hearing.

Thursday 17th Oct 3.45pm - 5.15pm at Bradley Stoke Library Bristol Dog Action Welfare Group Learn about their charitable work and about rehoming greyhounds and lurchers - with special guest appearances by the dogs themselves. For further information, call Gerry on 0117 9695332 or Hilary on 0117 9509182 or go to www.dawg.org.uk Saturday 26th Oct 10.30am - 11.30am at Bradley Stoke Library Discover brass and woodwind instruments Ever wanted to play a musical instrument? Wish you had learnt when you were younger? Join Westerly Showband to hear how their beginners groups are getting along, have a blow on some instruments and find out how you can learn a rewarding new hobby. Absolute beginners especially welcome!

Thursday 31st Oct 10am - 1pm at Greencore Prepared Meals, Unit 4 Bristol Distribution Park, Hawkley Drive, Bradley Stoke Greencore tour Tour this award winning food company and spend time with the development team learning how they perfect their products. To book call 01454 456700 or email sharon.mcconnell@greencore.com For up-to-date event listings, visit our website: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/whats-on/

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2013

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

37

What’s On Sunday 6th October 1pm: SCC Family Cycle Ride to Aztec West. A ride of about 6 miles. More info: http://bit. ly/bsj-scc [Further SCC rides on 12th, 13th, 20th & 27th October] 9.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Coalpit Heath/ Frampton Cotterell. Flat & easy walk - Frome Valley walkway, Huckford Quarry, Frampton Cotterell, Mayshill & Coalpit Heath. A walk of about 12 miles. Meet in the Aldi car park – a car-sharing scheme is operated.

More info: http://bit.ly/bq1Hxd [Further walks on 13th, 18th & 27th October and 1st November]

Tuesday 8th October 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: Talk - “There is nothing like a dame”. More info: 01454 617645; http://bit.ly/17LsCDQ

Wednesday 9th October 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! This month: AGM (members only) followed by quiz for all. More info: Innes Cole 0117 904 1940 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. This committee also is responsible for personnel matters and will be responsible for ‘best value’. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/18AzVfr

Friday 11th October 10.30am-12.30pm: NCT Bumps

and Babies Group at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Primarily aimed at mums-to-be/parentsto-be and parents with babies under six months, this is a chance to get out and meet other parents in your local area and to find out a bit more about the activities held in your local branch. You do not have to be an NCT member to attend. Held in the onsite SOHO coffee shop. More info: http:// bit.ly/14KEBcX

Monday 14th October 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at the Aztec Hotel. We meet once a month to network, share skills and information, discuss a range of business related topics and support each other. New members and visitors are always welcome. More info: http:// www.bssbf.co.uk/ 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 15th October 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

Saturday 19th October 10am-1pm: Exercise Movement & Dance Teaching Course - Free Taster Session at Almondsbury Sports & Social Club. Join us and discover your talent for teaching.

To book your free taster session, contact Chris 01792 290100 10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom ‘Tidy Up’. (Check BSJ website for location). Anyone interested is invited to come along.

Please bring gardening gloves; tools will be provided. More info: bsib@hotmail.co.uk

11am-3pm: Autumn Fair at the West of England MS Therapy Centre, Wheatfield Drive. Asnew stall, tombola and BBQ, as well as plenty to keep the kids entertained, such as face painting, games and biscuit icing.

For more information, call Jenny on 01454 628725.

Leisure Centre. 16 ukes, bass and drums performing the unexpected - opera, classical & pop - guaranteed to leave you with a broad grin at the end of the night. Tickets from The Tobacco Factory on 01179 020344. More info: http://bit. ly/1eQpv0C

Monday 21st October

Thursday 31st October

1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s at the Jubilee Centre. Patchwork and quilting group. If you are interested in joining our group, whether you are a beginner or experienced, please come along.

10am-3pm: Halloween Fun at the Willow Brook Centre. Come along to the free crafts workshop and make some spooky creations.

Free face painting. Prizes for the best fancy dress and a Trick or Treat trail around the centre.

Wednesday 23rd October 7.30pm BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. The committee meets once a month and makes recommendations on all planning applications within Bradley Stoke to the planning authority (South Gloucestershire Council) and considers all associated planning, footpath and licensing issues. This committee also considers matters relating to the local environment in general, including litter, grass verges, pavements, roads and other similar matters The press and public are welcome to attend.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bMeaIa

Thursday 24th October 7.30pm Decorative and Fine Arts Society Taster Evening. Launch of the South Gloucestershire Decorative and Fine Arts Society. Introductory meeting with a talk by Francis Greenacre, a former curator of fine art at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Doors open at 7pm.

Refreshments will be available.

More info: Sally Kitchen 01454 774401

Friday 25th October 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 26th October 10am-3pm: Ukulele Funhouse Orchestra at Bradley Stoke

Friday 1st November 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/

Saturday 2nd November 10am - 4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. 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

Sunday 3rd November 4.30pm: Fireworks Display at the Jubilee Centre. Bradley Stoke Town Council invites all residents and neighbours to a public fireworks display. Gates open at 4:30pm. Hot food served from 4:45pm. Firework display starts at 6pm. More info: http://bit.ly/ bs-fireworks

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 Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter to receive reminders about events taking place in and around Bradley Stoke.

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

38

October 2013

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk JOBSEEKER SERVICES

TAXIS

Business Directory Advertise here for just £20 per month (when you sign up for three issues) Phone us now on 01454 300 400 BEAUTY SERVICES

CAKE MAKERS & DECORATORS

CARPENTERS & JOINERS

Sweet Tracey Cakes Stoke Gifford - Bristol

Wedding Cakes, Cake Pops, Cupcakes and all types of Celebration cakes, all beautifully handmade to order. www.sweettraceycakes.co.uk Contact Tracey on: 07821 436907 Email : sweettraceycakes@yahoo.co.uk LAUNDERETTES

GARDENING SERVICES

WASH SHOP PLUS

11 The Parade,Patchway Bristol BS34 5LP Tel : 0117 947 0284

www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding & Curtains washed, Dry cleaning Tailor repairs/alterations, Ironing service.

Mon - Fri 10am to 4.00pm, Sat 10am to 1pm.

(last service 1 hr. prior to closing times)

• • • •

CARPET CLEANING

Professional Gardening Services

Hedge Cutting/Grass Cutting Weeding/Garden Clearance Strimming/Small Trees Lopped Fence Painting/Winter Leaves Cleared Excellent rates and a free quote Friendly and trustworthy service (special rates for pensioners) Please call on me on 07804 608053 or e-mail at profgarden60@yahoo.co.uk

Jim Reid Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

• LEATHER SUITES CLEANED • ORIENTAL RUGS CLEANED

Telephone: 01454 615349 Mobile: 07836 377697

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS Accountants TJS Business Solutions, Page 19 Builders Richard Joseph Builders, Page 19 Business Services Time and Life Management, Page 26 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 38 Carpenters & Joiners Stowells Carpentry & Joinery, Page 38 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 38 Child Care The Covey Nursery, Page 10 Trinity Pre-School, 13 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Cleaning & Domestic Services Classic Cleaning, Page 14 Felina Contract Cleaning, Page 33

Computer Services JRT Computing, Page 22 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 7 Double Glazing Associated Windows, Page 21 JDC Windows, Page 11 Driving Schools Visit directory on BSJ website Education & Learning Colston’s School, Page 17 Kumon Study Programme, Page 35 Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Ocean, Page 29 Fostering & Adoption Advanced Foster Care, Page 27 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 8

Gardening Services Plan-It Garden Design, Page 19 Hairdressers Visit directory on BSJ website Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 18 Quality Bathrooms & Kitchens 4U Page 9 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Wash Shop Plus, Page 31 Legal Services Hutchinson Legal & Associates, Page 25 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 26 The Mortgage Market, Page 1 Nails & Beauty Beauty Secrets, Page 38 Opticians Specsavers, Page 16 Pet Services Friends for Pets, Page 33

Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 32 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 4 Plumbing & Heating Phil Ashton Plumbing , Page 7 Pubs & Restaurants Visit directory on BSJ website Shopping Costco, Page 6 The Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Slimming Clubs Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 31 Sport and Leisure Filton Golf Club, Page 15 Get Tough Bootcamp, Page 10 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 38 Wedding Services Little Miss Thingz, Page 22

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

Thursday 7th November at 6pm at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

we’re switching on our

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! with

and opening the Winter Wonderland

FREE CHRIST

MAS CO

NCERT

Tic Deta il s o f ket only t ic k e h o w t o event S u p p t a t m a ll g e t y o u c r ib b r orted s . c o mF R E E by Sugg e dona sted volu t per t ion of £2 ntary icket .

Regis numbtered cha r er 11 2092 ity 0

The Joy of Shopping

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