January 2014

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

January 2014 • Issue 9

LETTERS P10 | SCHOOLS P15 | POLICE P20 | WHAT’S ON P29 | DIRECTORY P30

12,000 new homes coming to Bristol’s North Fringe P4-5

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

PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE l Broadband joy for lucky few in ‘The Herbs’ l Christmas lights raise over £2,200 for charity l Wood carvings add yearround interest to park l Local sports heroes honoured by South Glos

Council banking on public transport to save us from gridlock Surgery parking problems

Christmas productions

J91838 AF brad stoke JAN Promo Advert_Layout 1 16/12/2013 12:59 Page 1 Frustration at council’s restrictions P8-9 Photos from the local schools P16-17

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12,000 new homes and no gridlock. Really?

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, the Stoke Gifford Journal website and the Filton Journal website.

North Bristol Press is independent of any other media company or network operating in the Bristol area.

We accept no responsibility for anything stated by advertisers, who are themselves responsible for complying with all relevant legislation.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2014. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

In a recent edition, we reported on how Bradley Stoke had become completely gridlocked on three occasions within the space of a fortnight, due to incidents on the road network elsewhere in north Bristol.

Anyone who had the misfortune to have been stuck in those jams will likely be astonished to hear the news that South Gloucestershire Council has given the go-ahead for the building of 12,000 new homes in the North Fringe of Bristol, all within three miles of Bradley Stoke.

But don’t fret – the council’s town planners have assured

us that the effect of all these new homes (or rather their owners’ or tenants’ cars) on the local road network will be minimal, provided, that is, we see a massive “modal shift” away from car usage towards public transport, cycling and walking.

But what if they’re wrong?

What if the Bristol public doesn’t embrace the planners’ vision of an urban travel utopia? Well, we’ve already been given the answer to that by a top councillor during the Highwood Road closure debate: “There is no Plan B”.

Now where’s my bus timetable?

Stephen Horton

We deliver 9,150 copies of this magazine As well as being delivered to ALL of the 8,650 homes in Bradley Stoke, a further 500 copies of this magazine are delivered in the neighbouring area of Little Stoke. We also leave around 500 copies at public locations in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford.

Find out more and get interactive!

Independent and co-educational Lower School 3 -11 Upper School 11-18

Open Days 2013 Open Morning Saturday September 28 (10am -1pm)

Taster Days

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.

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January 2014

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3

News

Broadband joy for the lucky few

Watch Elm Close charity Xmas lights raise £2,200

elecommunications firm BT has finally connected its first superfast broadband customers in ‘The Herbs’ area of Bradley Stoke, almost three years after announcing the upgrade of the Filton telephone exchange to provide fibre services.

The area is the first part of the Bradley Stoke ‘digital ghetto’, consisting of around 4,000 homes in streets not served by Virgin Media’s cable network, to receive the Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) service.

Around 20 properties in and around Coriander Drive are understood to have been connected so far, with Journal readers on the new fibre circuits reporting download speeds of up to 73Mbps, compared to previous values around the 1 to 2 Mbps mark on ADSL circuits.

According to Ofcom, the average fixed line residential

A charity Christmas lights display on a house in Watch Elm Close has raised more than £2,000 for a locally-based medical research charity after being featured in the December edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine.

The 15,000 light display on the home of Mike Checkley and Terry James raised money for BRACE, a charity that funds research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

As we went to press, the amount collected had exceeded £2,200, which is more than twice the target originally set by the house owners.

T

broadband speed in the UK was 14.8Mbps in May 2013.

So far, only one street-side cabinet (at the junction of Baileys Court Road and Ellan Hay Road) has been upgraded and it is believed that the cabinet will only be able to provide the new superfast service to around 100 homes. At the present time, BT has not announced dates for the upgrading any further cabinets connected to the Filton exchange (which serves 0117 numbers).

Subscribers on 01454 numbers will have to wait until at least the

middle of next year before they can order superfast broadband, as the Almondsbury telephone exchange is included within the stateaided upgrade programme being managed by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), which is looking to cover areas missed by BT’s commercial roll-out.

Around 3,500 homes in Bradley Stoke stand to benefit from the SGC programme, although the council has not guaranteed that all of those homes will be able to access superfast (24Mbps+) speeds.

There appears to be good news on that front too, as The Journal understands that work has been taking place recently to install a fibre ‘spine’ cable from the Almondsbury exchange along the northern section of Brook Way and along the section of Savages Wood Road between Brook Way and Bradley Stoke Way. ● See letter on page 10.

NOW ON THROUGHOUT THE CENTRE willowbrookcentre.co.uk WillowBrookCentre To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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January 2014

News

12,000 new homes planned for Bristol’s North Fringe by 2027

T

he formal adoption of South Gloucestershire Council’s long-term planning blueprint (Core Strategy) at a meeting of Full Council in December has paved the way for the construction of more than 12,000 new homes within a three mile radius of Bradley Stoke over the next 13 years.

The decision follows approval of the strategy by independent Government Planning Inspector Paul Crysell, who concluded, after 18 months of deliberation and negotiation, that the plan is ‘sound’ and suitable for adoption, subject to a number of final modifications.

When the draft version of the document was published in March 2010, the council was aiming to see 21,500 new homes built across South Gloucestershire over the period 2006 to 2027, but that figure has increased to 28,550 in the final version of the plan, following advice from the inspector.

Of that number, around 12,000 are planned to be built between now and 2027 within the North Fringe of the Bristol urban area, which is formed of Bradley Stoke, Cribbs Causeway, Filton, Patchway and Stoke Gifford.

The bulk of that number will be built in two new neighbourhoods

provisionally known as Cribbs/ Patchway (5,700 homes) and East of Harry Stoke (2,000 homes). Approximately 2,000 more homes will be built at Charlton Hayes (Patchway) over the period of the plan, bringing the total number of homes on that development to 2,400.

The Cribbs/Patchway development includes 2,500 homes on the site of the former Filton Airfield, which became available for redevelopment after BAE Systems announced in April 2011 that flying operations would cease by the end of 2012.

Smaller developments include 1,200 homes on the recently-begun Crest Nicholson development at Harry Stoke, 500 homes on land to the east of Coldharbour Lane (currently used as a car park for UWE) and 490 homes on the Frenchay Hospital site.

Charlton Hayes (Patchway): 2,400 new homes when completed

new neighbourhoods “with an appropriate balance of housing, shops, services and employment”, the need for travel by car will be minimised.

In reaching its conclusions, the study draws on modelling results that predict an increase of 18% (by 2031) in the total number of “trips” made in the North Fringe area during a typical 12-hour weekday period. However, the authors claim that the number

of car trips will increase by only 10% over the same period, due to the number of trips made by public transport increasing by an enormous 125% and walking/ cycling trips going up by 20%.

The North Fringe to Hengrove bus rapid transit (MetroBus) route, which will run through Bradley Stoke, is seen as crucial in contributing to the expected “modal shift” towards the use of public transport.

Infrastructure concerns

The capability of North Bristol’s transport infrastructure to cope with new development that equates to a town almost one-and-a-half times the size of Bradley Stoke has been questioned by many, but an independent study commissioned by the council insists that by planning the

Filton Airfield: 2,500 new homes plus a further 3,200 on adjacent areas

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January 2014

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Bristol North Fringe New homes by 2027

1. Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood (including Filton Airfield): 5,700 new homes 2. Charlton Hayes: 2,400 new homes 3. East of Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood: 2,000 new homes 4. Harry Stoke: 1,200 new homes 5. Land East of Coldharbour Lane: 500 new homes 6. Frenchay Hospital: 490 new homes Patchway

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7

News

Wood carvings add year-round interest to park

By Michelle Dent of the Friends of Jubilee Green uring December, wood carver Andy O’Neill was working hard with his chainsaw carving bridge posts and adding new sculptures.

He has carved bees, mice, frogs, snakes and ducks into the posts and added a game spinner. The idea is that children spin the spinner and race to the corresponding carving and the first one back to ‘base’ gets to spin the spinner next. Give it a go next time you are in the park, it will keep you all warm during winter visits.

There are also new sculptures in the park: a hedgehog, a snail, a caterpillar and a stag beetle.

D

These sculptures will add all-yearround interest and give younger visitors something new to explore.

Andy has really enjoyed chatting to everyone in the park when he has been working and answering questions about the

sculpting process.

Andy’s work can be found all over Bradley Stoke and the neighbouring communities, he has carved the benches on the nature reserve as well as the swan bench in the park. He has also carved the giant snake bench in Mead Park, Stoke Gifford.

The carvings have been funded from the Youth Structure project, the Community Spaces (Big Lottery Fund) grant and match

funding from Bradley Stoke Town Council.

2013 was an exciting year for achieving some of our fundraising targets. We have added ten brass rubbing plates that were designed and made by the students at Bradley Stoke Community School, improved the paths in the park and added the community youth structure.

And 2014 is going to be equally as exciting, we are planning a community spring clean of the park where we will be painting the youth structure, adding more plants to the park and having a general tidy up.

We already have the funding for some events and we will be hosting a Mother’s Day craft bonanza, an Easter event and a den building Fun Day. Wishing you a happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2014! www.friendsofjubileegreen.org.uk

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January 2014

News

Surgery visitors frustrated by council’s parking restrictions

B

radley Stoke Town Council is to write to the owners of Bradley Stoke Surgery asking them “to look at ways of improving parking for their visitors and remind their staff about off-site parking”.

The move comes after the issue of inadequate car parking provision at the Brook Way site, which the surgery shares with a council-run community centre, was once again raised by readers of the Bradley Stoke Journal in response to an article about the future of an underused outdoor sports court that occupies a significant part of the site.

The situation came to a head after the town council introduced a policy of chaining off its half of the car park at certain times of

the day, in order to ensure that spaces are available to hirers of the community centre, some of whom had complained that they were finding it impossible to park. In justifying the move, council officers also reported that potential long-term hirers had expressed “grave concerns” about the parking situation.

According to data provided to The Journal by the town council, the community centre side of the car park was chained off from before 8am (when the surgery opens) until 10am on 17 weekdays over a four-week period in November and December, with the chain being removed earlier on the other three weekdays.

However, the recent installation of a large yellow sign stating that

A tale of two halves: Chaos on the surgery side of the car park …

the town council’s side of the car park is “strictly for activity centre users” discourages surgery visitors from using that part of the car park, even when the community centre is closed.

With only 25 parking spaces available on the surgery side of the car park, some of which are used by staff, visitors have been resorting to parking along both sides of the curved access road into the site (off Brook Way) which creates difficulties for

vehicles entering and leaving and, by the admission of both the town council and surgery owners, means it would be impossible for a fire engine or ambulance to gain access in an emergency.

Several Journal readers have commented that they find it frustrating to see the community centre side of the car park completely empty when the surgery side is full and vehicles are parked all along the access drive.

Reporting to a meeting of the

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9

News

… while the community centre side is chained off, yet almost empty

town council in March, John Rendell, the council’s premises manager, said the problems had become progressively worse since the surgery was extended to more than double its previous size in 2010, at the same time losing eight parking spaces.

According to Mr Rendell: “The surgery and pharmacy staff take up the majority of the spaces leaving very few spaces [for patients] within the surgery car park.”

In a statement provided to

The Journal by the partners of the surgery, they deny that any parking spaces were lost at the time of the extension, saying they “retained the same number of spaces for the same number of patients”. The problems have arisen, they claim, “due to [extra] facilities e.g. midwives, health visitors and pharmacy [now] being housed at our location. This was done to improve services for patients and decrease the need for them to travel elsewhere.”

The statement continues: “Our staff, including doctors, nurses, midwives and district nurses, have been asked to park elsewhere. There are, however, two exceptions: If they are incapacitated or if they are on call (therefore needing to access transport quickly).”

Measures that have been put in place to try to ease bottlenecks and unnecessary footfall through the surgery include on-line booking of appointments, longer opening hours (from 8am to 7.30pm Monday through to Thursday and until 6.30pm on Friday), telephone triage of urgent calls and ‘catch up’ slots for GPs, to reduce the time people might need to wait to see a doctor.

The town council approached the surgery earlier this year to ask if the partners would be prepared to contribute financially towards the cost of increasing car parking provision at the site, but they responded that they were not in a position to do so.

The partners’ recent statement

explains: “We continue to serve over 15,000 patients from this site but because of our unique demographic, we are only funded for 10,000 which makes capital investment difficult to say the least and we are trying to prioritise the most essential spending on better healthcare.”

Following discussion at the December meeting of its Leisure, Youth and Amenities Committee, in response to questions submitted by the editor of the Bradley Stoke Journal, the town council will now “look into the costs of installing double yellow lines on both sides of the access road” and “investigate whether the wording on the new yellow car park sign can be amended to make instructions clearer for users”.

The future of the hard court area at the site, which some councillors and residents have suggested could be used for additional car parking, is due to be discussed again at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 15th January (7.30pm start).

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January 2014

Letters and Opinions Bus fares have risen for some of us!

I am writing to you about your article in the November edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine in which you state that 90% of First Group passengers will pay an average of 27% less.

What you do not comment on is those passengers who are going to pay more.

My wife works part time, four mornings a week, in Bristol city centre. She obtains a free lift into work as part of a car sharing arrangement with two other commuters, but she travels home alone at lunch time. She has been

able to do this using a ten journey ticket between the old zone 1 and 2. The cost per journey was around £2.30. First Bus have scrapped this ticket and she will now have to pay a single journey ticket at a cost of £3.50 from the new inner zone to the outer zone.

A staggering 52% increase in her daily fare First are not offering any other options that would be cheaper. If she purchased a weekly ticket the cost is £22 which works out at £5.50 a journey. A monthly ticket works out at £5 per journey and an annual ticket around £4.50 per journey.

We know of others who have been similarly affected. How many of your readers have also

seen big increases in their fares?

An increase in fares of this magnitude would normally be headline news. So much for fairer fares – helping those who are probably better off at the expense of the poor, part time workers.

R Jordan 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.

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Reflections on faster broadband Given the previous delays, the timely arrival of fibre broadband was an unexpected, but certainly welcome, piece of news for those of us hooked up to BT’s cabinet 44. [see page 3] The reality is that households in our area are still surviving on sub-standard internet speeds; we are now into 2014, but the majority of us are still stranded below 2Mbps. To put this into perspective, 3.8Mbps was the UK average back in 2006 - making us about 8 years behind the times!

Fibre does now provide a reasonable way out of this quagmire - albeit at an additional cost, which some may feel pressured into paying due to lack of alternatives. For example, either I pay an extra £10 per month for a “luxury”, or I stay stuck in the past.

However, considering online activity/usage nowadays, the benefits of upgrading are immediately apparent. No more sitting and waiting 30 seconds to buffer every 5 seconds’ worth of YouTube content (after you’ve endured buffering the obligatory ads first!); no longer are you required to just nod and smile while everyone else talks about the latest online soaps and dramas; and for the kids (or adults “young at heart”), online gaming is now a practical reality rather than a pipe dream.

Alan Ip Bradley Stoke

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January 2014

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11

Advertising Feature

Slimming class success leads to new careers

T

wo slimmers who transformed their lives by losing weight are using their success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives for the better too.

Gill Jones joined her local Slimming World group last January after a visit to her GP highlighted her cholesterol was high and Andrea Hollands joined after the birth of her baby.

They have both trained as Consultants for Slimming World, the UK’s leading slimming club, and will be both running groups at Bradley Stoke’s Wheatfield Primary School in the New Year.

Gill says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. It’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on

New Slimming World Consultants Gill Jones (left) and Andrea Hollands

the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

Andrea says: “I have tried to lose weight many times before by following numerous diets, but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought

I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s

no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.

Local Manager and Consultant Kelly Watts explained: “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. It’s all about getting the support to choose a healthier lifestyle like finding ways to become more active even if you’re not very mobile or don’t like exercise.

“On top of that, these ladies have now got new careers ahead of them. It’s well-paid and the hours can fit around the family or an existing job. As a slimmer myself I know how hard it can be and I couldn’t have lost my weight without my Consultant and my group. Sharing recipes and other ideas, and overcoming disappointments as well as celebrating success was all part of the journey, so there’ll be lots of support, encouragement and fun waiting for you.”

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January 2014

News

Local sports heroes honoured by South Glos

T

wo local residents, one a prospective Olympic cyclist, the other the founder of a Bradley Stoke based swimming club for people with learning disabilities, have been honoured as ‘sporting heroes’ by South Gloucestershire Council.

Cyclist Tom Scammell, 17, of Bradley Stoke, was named Young Sports Person of the Year at an awards ceremony held in Filton at the end of November.

He was joined by Sharon Langley, of Little Stoke, who was presented with the Contribution to Inclusive Sport Award for her work with the BSG Marlins Swimming Club.

The annual event recognises the achievement, dedication and contribution of local people who are involved in playing, coaching and organising sports across South Gloucestershire. Local residents nominate people who they feel deserve to be recognised

The

Sharon Langley (centre) celebrates her award with friends from the BSG Marlins, (from left) Ken Elliot, Tom Jeal and Alexandra Edwards

for their accomplishments, and all award winners have demonstrated a strong

Olympus Academy Trust

commitment to ensuring sporting activities are championed at a grass roots level.

Cllr Ian Boulton, Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The Active South Gloucestershire 2013 Sports Awards ceremony was a really enjoyable occasion for all involved. There were many worthy recipients amongst the nominees who have achieved a great deal over the past year and their sporting achievements emphasise the large number of talented athletes and coaches that we have in South Gloucestershire. Congratulations to everyone who received a nomination, you are all winners.”

Jay Lee, Leisure Activities Coordinator at South Gloucestershire Council, who nominated Sharon for her award, said: “Sharon Langley is an inspirational woman. Following the National Special Olympic Games in 2009 where her son first competed, she has worked endlessly to help others have the

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January 2014

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13

News spotted by a British Cycling coach, who encouraged him to enter a Sprint Fest event at Manchester Velodrome in January 2012, where he finished in ninth place out of 32 entries from across the UK. Further successes in top-level competitions across the UK led to Tom being accepted onto British Cycling’s Olympic Development Programme in October 2012, just a year after taking up cycling as a competitive sport. As an “Olympic hopeful”, Tom has also secured financial support from the National Lottery, via UK Sport.

In January 2013, Tom represented British Cycling at the under-18 International Junior Competition in Ghent, Belgium, but he then suffered a setback when he fractured his arm in late May, causing him to miss the whole of the summer season.

Despite only getting back onto the track four weeks ahead of the British Cycling Junior National Track Championships in August, Tom went on to secure first place

in the match sprint and keirin contests and fourth place in the 1,000m time trial.

Tom then put in an amazing performance to finish in tenth place (and highest placed under-18) in the match sprint at the British Cycling Open National Track Championships in September, the race being won by reigning Olympic champion Jason Kenny.

A sixth form student at Bristol Grammar School, Tom’s weekly training regime includes two one-to-one gym sessions at Bath University, two road bike rides and a session on the rollers in the garage of his Bradley Stoke home. That is all on top of monthly training camps organised by British Cycling and regular competitions around the UK and abroad.

Tom’s ambitions for 2014 are to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July and to gain selection for the World Junior Track Championships.

Olympic hopeful Tom Scammell in his British Cycling kit

same opportunity that her son had at those games.”

“Sharon has set up a swimming squad from scratch, has helped disabled athletes attend and compete in a host of events including, the 2013 Special Olympic Games in Bath, and she also fundraises for these events.”

“Without her focus and dedication to disability sport, many athletes would not be able to train, compete or indeed be successful in swimming in South Gloucestershire.”

Amazingly, Tom Scammell won the same Young Sports Person award in 2009, when he was a 13-year-old runner with Yate & District Athletics Club.

His achievements in that year included being the Avon 200m U13 record holder and Welsh 100m and 200m U13 champion.

However, his athletics career was halted by a serious hip injury and, following a comeback that failed to see Tom achieve the top-level results he had hoped for, he turned to cycling for a new challenge.

Having been training weekly at Newport Velodrome from May 2010 as part of his rehabilitation programme, Tom decided to enter a low-key ‘sprint night’ competition at the track in October 2011 and was surprised to win it, despite never having sprinted before. His talent was

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News Brook Court news from Graham Holloway Brains of Brook Court

E

ntering into the Spirit of Christmas last month, the residents of Brook Court opened festivities with a social evening arranged by their Social Secretary, Jim Durlacher.

Wine flowed and mince pies were in abundance, however, temperance was the order of the day as the evening opened with a quiz to find the ‘Brains of Brook Court’.

Hosted by well known local bowler and quiz master, Brian Newman, the winning team of Nick and Dolly Pearce, assisted

by Alan and Sue Albon, scraped home by a narrow margin

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January 2014

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against stiff opposition.

An interesting slide presentation on churches followed, with the evening ending in fine style with a ‘sing-along’ at which quiz winner Nick Pearce also showed he had nimble fingers on the keyboard.

Advertising feature

Quality framing by a qualified framer Quiz master Brian Newman (centre) with some of the contestants

Mike Royall of “Royall Framing” in Almondsbury started his framing business in 1990 and was the first framer in Bristol to become a qualified “Commended Picture Framer”. It’s no surprise therefore to find out that he also runs the longest established picture framing business in the north Bristol area.

Mike’s expertise in framing is recognised not just locally, but nationally as well and he’s often asked to run seminars for other UK framers at such places as the NEC in Birmingham. For the last 20 years he’s also been running a very successful “one to one” framing course from his studio in Hortham Lane with people from all over the UK and abroad attending and to date he’s trained in excess of 600 people how to frame. In addition, he’s also the UK’s only MOD appointed framing trainer and anyone leaving the armed forces to take up picture framing as a second career has to be trained by him.

Mike Royall lecturing at the NEC

Of course what this all means for anyone living in Bradley Stoke is that one of the most respected picture framers in the UK is just a stone’s throw away. Why bother with the rest when you can have the best?

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January 2014

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15

Around the schools by Judith Summers of Bradley Stoke Radio

W

hat a fantastically busy time was had in our schools in the run up to Christmas! Carol services, parties, nativity plays, decorations, glitter and glue all added to the atmosphere of the Christmas celebration.

The younger children at Holy Trinity performed the play ‘A Midwife Crisis’, where a midwife, played by Amy B, spends

a night searching for a baby being born in Bethlehem. As she searches, accompanied by her donkey Steve (Avia), she meets shepherds and kings, before arriving at the stable after the birth.

Mary was played by Naomi B. and Joseph

by Charlie. Well done to all the Cedars (Year 1) for their acting roles, to the Chestnuts (Reception) for being brilliant sheep and

singing Baa Baa Bethlehem so well and to the Willows (Year 2) for narrating.

Wheatfield sang carols around the tree; a wonderful evening of modern and traditional Christmas songs to entertain the parents. Highlights of the evening included Year 3’s recorder group and a wonderful dance performance by Year 4. The children sang their hearts out to a very appreciative audience.

St Mary’s Key Stage 2 classes were joined by the Royal Mail Choir for a carol concert at Holy Family Church, a very special evening with a high standard of singing to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Happy New year to you all from all our local schools.

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. It is aired on Monday evenings during term time, between 6pm and 7pm.

To find out how to listen in, visit www. bradleystokeradio.com

Wheatfield Primary School’s concert of Christmas songs and carols around the tree

Christmas production photos: pages 16 & 17

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January 2014

Christmas Review: Primary School Productions ‘Ralph the Reindeer’ Photo: Reception and Key Stage 1

“At the end of the production the two Reception classes made up the nativity scene on the stage. We all had great fun singing and acting.”

Bowsland Green ‘A Midwife Crisis’ Photo: Reception and Year 1

Holy Trinity

“A hard working midwife is looking forward to a rest when she gets a text message to tell her that a baby is about to be born…”

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January 2014

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17

Christmas Review: Primary School Productions ‘Children Around the World’ Photo: Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

St Mary’s

Wheatfield

“The play follows six angels who get the chance to see how Christmas is celebrated by children in other countries around the world.”

‘Hey Ewe’ by Key Stage 1 “An amusing retelling of the Christmas story through the eyes of three sheep.”

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18

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January 2014

Christmas Review: Carol Service Bradley Stoke through the camera lens by Becky Ward

Combined churches’ Christmas carol service

O

ne of the events I most look forward to in the Christmas season is the combined churches’ Christmas carol service; for me, it marks how close we are to the main event of the season, and certainly helps to spread some Christmas cheer!

Although the weather was miserable and forced proceedings inside, the atmosphere wasn’t dampened and drew a large crowd who where very obliging when it came to audience participation!

The event featured choirs from Bowsland Green, Holy Trinity and Wheatfield primary schools singing carols, as well as a few festive favourites, and gave the audience a chance to join in – all accompanied by the musicians of the Westerly Showband.

Bible readings were given by Bill McDougall, Tim Sunderland and Bradley Stoke Mayor Brian Hopkinson, a prayer was led by Tim Sunderland, and finally Paul Hinckley delivered a Christmas message to the audience.

For the first time this year, the service was broadcast live on BSR 103.4fm, so those who were unable to make the event, were able to tune in, enjoy the service and share in the festive cheer.

As the last event of the season

that I’ve attended, it was one of my favourites!

I look forward to seeing what the next year will bring for the community. I hope you had a lovely Christmas, and that 2014 is a good year for all.

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January 2014

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Advertising Feature & FREE Prize Draw

Win six months’ food for your pet!

Healthy food – Happy pet!

T

he owners of a new pet food franchise in Bristol are offering readers of the Bradley Stoke Journal the chance of winning a six month supply of cat or dog food in an exclusive free prize draw that is open until the end of January.

Husband and wife team Martin and Eva Michna run the franchise for Swedish pet food brand Husse from their home in Filton.

Eva said: “We always had a dog or a cat at home and we know how difficult it is to get something nutritious which is reasonably priced and tasty for the pet. When having a fussy cat or dog it seems almost impossible. Then we learned about Husse, which is the most popular brand in Europe.

We were impressed that all the products are natural and chemical free with fully traceable ethically sourced ingredients, and made to very high standards in the EU factories.”

Husse was founded in 1987 and is the European leader in home delivery of super premium pet food, offering everything from dry and wet food for dogs and cats to horse supplements, treats, hygiene products and

accessories. Husse offers a wide range and variety of products so that we can find the solution for all your pet needs, such as obesity, allergies, sensitive stomachs, gluten free, puppies and seniors.

The firm’s products contain a complete range of vitamins, micro and macro elements, Omega3 and Omega6 essential fatty acids plus antioxidants and carotenoids to encourage a healthy immune system.

“The main thing we provide is a personal service. We initially have what we call a ‘dinner date’ with the pet, where we sit down with the owner and go through any problems or allergies with the dog or cat, so we can establish the best products for their pet.”

“We then provide a sample of the food, so they can see how their pet gets on with it over a few days, but we often find that the owner will buy straight away, as it is such high quality.”

Eva’s service is all about looking after the customer’s needs and working out the right food for their pet. If you buy from a supermarket or use the cheaper brands, Husse is likely to be very competitive or cheaper on price whilst also

19

offering high quality.

Sounds good? Why not enter the competition now and bag yourself six month’s supply of food for

your pet. Contact Husse Bristol on 07954 098 613, email eva@ husse.co.uk or visit the Husse website at www.husse.co.uk

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• One lucky • Enter the draw Bradley online Stoke or reader by posting will the be chosen coupontobelow. receive the prize.

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• One • Closing winner date iswill 31st beJanuary randomly2014. chosen from the entries received • The by the winner closing will date. be notified by telephone on or before Friday 7th February • The winner 2014. will be notified by telephone on or before Friday 7th • The February winner’s 2014. name will be published on the Bradley Stoke Journal website • The winner’s on or before name Friday will be 7th published February on 2014 the Bradley and in the Stoke March 2014 Journal edition website of theon Bradley or before Stoke Friday Journal 7th February magazine.2014 and in the • Terms March and 2014conditions edition of apply; the Bradley see the Stoke Husse Journal webpage magazine. for details.

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Post entry form to: Husse Bristol, 36 Bridgman Grove, Filton, Bristol BS34 7HR BSJ Jan 2014

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20

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Bradley Stoke Beat Team Inspector Bob Evely reports

W

e were really pleased recently when calls from local people enabled us to arrest two young men ‘red-handed’ for graffiti tagging in the Woodlands area.

The graffiti had been painted on street furniture including a bus stop, bin, wall and post box.

Our patrolling officers arrested two men nearby just before midnight.

The two 18-year-olds both admitted criminal damage.

They each agreed to pay £200 compensation and were given a police caution.

We couldn’t have made those arrests without the calls alerting us to the incidents as they happened.

Bradley Stoke is a really safe place to live, and you can help us keep it that way by calling us if you see crime or anti-social behaviour happening.

I also need to warn you again about thefts of bicycles – we’ve

been making arrests, including of suspects from Bradley Stoke, but sometimes we’re unable to prove a bike has been stolen, despite finding it in very suspicious circumstances.

Most of the bike thefts happened from cycle racks, outside shops or people’s gardens

Invest in a good lock for your bike and frequently after they’ve been left without being locked up.

Please use a good cycle lock – look for ones which are ‘Sold Secure’ tested and approved. It’s also important to make your bike unique and identifiable. Register it on www.immobilise.com, mark it with your postcode and take photos – this deters thieves because it means we can prove it’s stolen and get it back to you.

If you’d like more security advice, visit our website www. avonandsomerset.police.uk or

call us on 101.

We are still recording reductions in the theft of and from motor vehicles together with non-dwelling burglary, which is garages/sheds and the like, although there is still more we can all do to reduce that even further. Again, make sure that your fences, gates, shed and/ or garage is sturdy, with good quality locks. Mark everything you keep in an outbuilding with your postcode or register it on immobilise and use a ground anchor for bikes and other valuables.

On the topic of anti-social behaviour, we have seen a reduction in the type and numbers of calls, and have put new practices in place for responding to calls, better representation for the victim and the targeting of those who perpetrate it.

January 2014

Graffiti: BSJ reader comment spurs town council into action A reader comment left on the Bradley Stoke Journal website has spurred the town council into cleaning up graffiti damage at two local bus stops.

On 7th December, Moe wrote: “A month has gone by. The graffiti is still in Woodlands Lane. Two bus stops have their timetable so defaced it’s impossible to read the bus times, although on the Woodlands Park stop someone has scratched off enough to just decipher the information. The stop at Newleaze remains non-readable.”

Three days later, Cllr Paul Hardwick replied: “Moe, thanks for highlighting the graffiti problem, have contacted BSTC office, as have the police, and our Mobile Cleansing Operative, Jason, went up to the area yesterday and removed all the graffiti.”

Ed: Great to see the BSJ helping to resolve local issues.

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

January 2014

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21

News

Wheatfield appoints ‘Active Ambassadors’

W

heatfield Primary School launched its Active Ambassadors project on Tuesday 17th December, enrolling students and staff members to help promote sustainable travel.

As part of an Active Travel to School project running throughout South Gloucestershire, all of the pupils at Wheatfield Primary School were given the chance to apply to become an Active Ambassador (pupil helper). One pupil from each class in Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11) has been chosen for the role and will have the responsibility of encouraging everyone in their school to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

The Active Ambassadors will decide their own way of encouraging their fellow students and in turn parents, to change the way they travel to and from

school. Previous examples have included designing posters to put up around the school, helping to run an event, or presenting an assembly where they tell the rest of the school about the importance of sustainable travel.

Steve Bye, the school’s Active Travel Champion and Year 6 teacher, said: “It’s fabulous to be involved in such a worthwhile and exciting project. The children understand the benefits of active travel to their bodies and to their planet. We have received lots of support through the Active Travel project and are looking forward to seeing the difference it will make to our school.”

The project is funded by the Department for Transport as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Read more on the BSJ website: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links

Steve Bye and Vicky Moore (Active Travel to Schools Officer for South Gloucestershire) with Active Ambassadors (l-r) Joe Bees, Lucy Rudrum, Tanishq Davande, Evie Sneddon, Taya Galbraith, Jed Ward and Aimee Walker

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22

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Fitness Focus with Craig Rimmer

Council to pay for new Stoke Gifford railway bridge study

New Year motivation

I

t’s that time of year again, did you achieve last year’s goals or did you sweep them under the carpet by the time March arrived?

What is it you really want for yourself in 2014? Where would you like to be with your health and fitness in a year’s time?

Do you know how to get there?

Have you tried before and failed, and if you failed why?

Are you ready? …

The failure Rise and shine, its 6am and your hand can’t make it to the alarm clock before the voices in your head start telling you that it’s too early, too dark and too cold to get out of bed. Your aching muscles from the day before lie still in rebellion and encourage you to hit the snooze button. It’s OK you say I’ll start next week, next week becomes next month and before you

January 2014

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know it your health and fitness goals disappear into a forgotten memory. Welcome to failure.

The achiever Rise and shine, its 6am and your hand can’t make it to the alarm clock before the voices in your head start telling you that it’s too early, too dark and too cold to get out of bed…But you didn’t ask their opinion.

The voice you listen too is one of defiance, one that says there was a reason you set that alarm in the first place. You sit up, put your feet on the floor and don’t look back because YOU’VE GOT WORK TO DO! Welcome to achieving your goals, welcome to dedication and commitment, welcome to immense pride and welcome

to success and getting the body you’ve always wanted!

Which do you want to be?

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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

South Gloucestershire Council has commissioned Network Rail to investigate ways of improving the passage of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians under two railway bridges on major routes through Stoke Gifford.

The Parkway and Gipsy Patch Lane bridges are seen as having an “adverse impact” on traffic flows and road safety.

The council’s capital programme includes provision of £200k in 2013/4/5 for the project, beyond which further funding sources will need to be found. ● www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

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January 2014

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23

Quiz Quiz for all, No. 4 (easy/hard, old/new) Another ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 25.

1. Paul McCartney holds the record for appearing on the most Christmas number one singles in the UK. Which artist holds the record for appearing on the most Christmas number two singles?

2. In which African country, is the film industry known as ‘Nollywood’?

3. Of the six wives of King Henry VIII of England, which lived to the greatest age?

4. Retinol is the chemical name of which vitamin?

5. Which wild west character has been played in movies by Robert Wagner in 1957, Robert Duvall in 1972, Kris Kristofferson in 1986 and Brad Pitt in 2007?

6. Which British Prime Minister was the great-grandfather of actress Helena Bonham-Carter?

7. Named after the Greek god of horror, which is the largest moon of the planet Mars?

8. Which British Nationalist political party, was founded in 1934 and has had continuous representation in parliament since 1967?

9. Which superhero is the alterego of the radio news reporter, Billy Batson?

10. Which large Asian automobile manufacturer produces models such as the

Genesis, Excel and Dynasty?

11. Which textile based art, is derived from the Arabic meaning ‘striped cloth’?

12. Achieving the feat in 2001, who was the first goalkeeper to score a Premier league goal?

13. Which US President was shot and killed by Charles Guiteau?

14. Well known to visitors of Athens, which word means ‘highest city’ in Greek and also translates to ‘citadel’ in English?

15. The US TV shows ‘Mork and Mindy’ and ‘Laverne and Shirley’, were ‘spin-offs’ from which popular US TV sitcom, that originally ran from 1974 to 1984?

16. What was the real name of the prisoner known as the ‘Birdman of Alcatraz’?

17. Connecting the village of Aust, with the town of Chepstow, in which decade was the (old) Severn Bridge opened?

18. What is the name of the title character in William Shakespeare’s play, ‘The Merchant of Venice’?

19. On which racecourse is the Welsh Grand National horse race run?

20. How were the 1990s comedy team of Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis, Rob Newman and David Baddiel, collectively known?

Prize quiz question

from Paul Philpot

Win a copy of The Chambers Dictionary First published in 1872, The Chambers Dictionary contains more words, phrases and meanings than any other single-volume English dictionary – over 620,000 in all. Yet it remains lighter and easier to hold than the rest.

Whether you’re an avid wordgamer or just enjoy revelling in the quirks and curiosities of the English language, The Chambers Dictionary is your ultimate companion. Find out more at www.chambers.co.uk Q. In which decade of the 18th century did Samuel Johnson write his famous work, ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’?

Answers to: 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8GB OR competitions@bradleystokejournal.co.uk A copy of Chambers Dictionary will be awarded to one winner, randomly selected from the pool of correct entries received by the closing date of 22nd January 2014.

Congratulations to Belinda Oatway, winner of our December quiz!

Answer to December’s prize quiz question: Dickie Valentine

Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org

Bradley Stoke Journal

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24

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January 2014

Ask the Doctor with Dr Norman Douglas of Bradley Stoke Surgery

News in brief

Headaches!

● Bristol Dog Action Welfare

A

very common problem with an increased prevalence at this time of year. Headache can be a symptom of many issues.

The common ones are sinus infection, tension, dehydration and common migraine. There are rarer causes which usually have other neurological symptoms which accompany the headache and these ones tend to persist for a lot longer.

One interesting headache is the one caused by medication.

The medication most implicated is codeine which, strangely enough is marketed for the relief of headache. Other pain relieving medication is implicated as well including paracetamol and Triptans for migraine. The only treatment for this problem is to come off the pain killer. Yes, it means the individual will get a rebound headache but after a short period usually one to two

weeks the headache goes and the need to take medication reduces dramatically.

So how does one treat a headache? I believe we should try to find out why we have the headache. Consider whether you are under undue stress, think whether you may be dehydrated or if your intake of coffee has changed, do you have facial pain and a fever as well when it may be a sinus problem, do you need a preventative medication because you have migraine type headaches or have you been overusing pain killers for a period of time? Once the cause is found the solution is to reduce the stress, treat the sinuses, prevent the migraine or stop the pain killers.

This is the season to be merry? I do agree. The merriment should come from associations with friends, relatives and family. The kinder

we are to our fellow man the happier we will be and the merrier our festive season and the fewer headaches we will have to deal with. We all tend to overdo everything at this time of year and then normally regret the excesses later so a little bit of preventative control will pay benefits in our bank balances and our health and happiness.

I hope you all have a very merry and pain free festive season and a really happy and healthy new year.

Dr Norman Douglas www.bradleystokesurgery.co.uk

Group (DAWG), well known in Bradley Stoke through the many events and collections it has held at the Willow Brook Centre, is staging a ‘Doggie Day’ on Sunday 12th January at the Avon Riding Centre in Henbury (opposite Blaise Castle car park).

The indoor event will include a fun dog show, an agility display (with a chance to have a go with your own dog), a fastest sprint competition and fundraising stalls. Registration for the dog show is from 10.45am; judging starts at 11.45am prompt. For further information contact Gerry on 0117 9695332 or visit http://bristoldawg.webs.com/

● Celebrate the new year with

new skills! Southern Brooks Community Partnership has published its Spring 2014 training course guide. For more information or advice please get in touch on 01454 868 570.

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January 2014

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25

News Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group tackles anti-social behaviour

By Sara Messenger or a change, December’s workday took us off the reserve. We responded to a plea from local residents who had been concerned about some antisocial behaviour in the triangle of wood by the Tesco car park. The group spent a day cleaning up the area, removing bramble and creating a hibernaculum. Cherry trees were also planted and soon a hedge will be planted around the fenced edges. The large log that had been used as a focal point had already been sawn up and is now being used as outdoor seating at Wheatfield Primary School.

F

Vandalism & graffiti

There has been a lot of antisocial behaviour on the reserve, too, with 11 incidences being reported to the Police this month.

The vandalism has ranged from fences being ripped down to notice boards being tagged or damaged. A week was spent cleaning off the graffiti, repairing damage and replacing notice boards, but we are not able to cover the entire reserve each week, so please if anyone sees any vandalism on the reserve please let us know, either by telephone or email.

The Green Gym group, who have notched up an amazing 1,233 hours of voluntary work

Hedgelayimg weekend: A great way to work off those mince pies!

Quiz answers (see page 23) this year, took a day off from repairing boards and sojourned to the pub for a chat about next year’s work schedule. Well that and to drink beer!

We found a carrier bag on the reserve with four books and a cardigan in it. If you think this might be yours please let us know and we can return it to you.

Our next workdays are on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th January. This is our annual twoday hedgelaying when we will be laying a hedge along Bradley Stoke Way. It is a great way to work off those mince pies! Meet us at the tool store behind the leisure centre at 10am.

For further information visit our website, www.three-brooks. info, email info@three-brooks. info, call Hannah on 0797 142 6266, or visit our facebook page, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group.

1. Cliff Richard 2. Nigeria 3. Catherine of Aragon 4. Vitamin A 5. Jesse James 6. Herbert Asquith 7. Phobos 8. Scottish National Party 9. Captain Marvel 10. Hyundai 11. Macrame

Weight loss for life, not just for Christmas

12. Peter Schmeichel 13. James Garfield 14. Acropolis 15. Happy Days 16. Robert Stroud 17. 1960s 18. Antonio 19. Chepstow 20. The Mary Whitehouse Experience ● Try our prize quiz on page 23

Join Cambridge today and we will help you on your successful weight loss journey straight away.

Your local Cambridge Consultant will help you get the Christmas weight off, and show you how to keep it off for life!

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January 2014

News

Widows’ network looking to start new Bradley Stoke group

T

he Jolly Dollies is an organisation founded by widows for widows who are looking to regain a social life through friendship and organised social events.

Often after the loss of our partner in life, it is very difficult to know where to start when we are trying to return to social situations.

The founder of

The Jolly Dollies, Yvonne Vann, experienced this herself when she lost her husband six years ago. After his death she found social situations very difficult and even though friends who were couples were always welcoming and sympathetic, she often felt like the odd one out.

In an attempt to help other widows in similar situations to build lasting friendships with those who are able to relate, Yvonne founded the Jolly Dollies. It all began with just

Local lady Val Nichols is to hoping to start a Jolly Dollies group in Bradley Stoke, so that more widows can find camaraderie and friendship with other women that understand. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Val at fisher_b2@sky.com or via Jolly Dollies founder Yvonne Vann on 01934 624104. two members, now there are Jolly Dollies groups across the UK helping widows to regain a social life.

Jolly Dollies membership has a number of varied benefits, from the camaraderie of belonging to a group of women who completely understand to chatting to members locally and nationally on the Jolly Dollies website forum. Members are also encouraged to have a monthly meeting in a local restaurant or pub so that group members can participate with ideas for a monthly social agenda, such as: • Lunches and dinners, • Coffee outings • Theatre Visits • Quiz nights at the local pub

• Meeting up for walks The Jolly Dollies website has a monthly newsletter with tips on keeping fit, nutrition, beauty, holidays, recipes, member’s stories and lots more.

If there is not a Jolly Dollies group near you, once you become a member The Jolly Dollies will help you start your own group. Just imagine how good you will feel knowing you have helped other widows in the same situation to come together and support each other.

For more information on The Jolly Dollies, please visit their website at www.jollydollies.com or contact the founder Yvonne Vann on 01934 624104 or thejollydollies@gmail.com

The Journal: Connecting people in Bradley Stoke

You don’t have to be a superhero to foster, our Foster Carers are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. We have Foster Carers from all walks of life; people who are married, single, divorced, with or without kids - as long you’re over 21 and have a spare bedroom, you can foster. We’ll provide all the support you need, so there’s nothing stopping you from doing something extraordinary.

0800 644 6230 advancedfostercare.co.uk

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

January 2014

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

27

Advertising Feature

Ocean take triple honours at Estate Agents of the Year Awards

Your local and independent multi-award winning agency

O

cean, Bristol’s largest independent property group, has taken triple honours at the Estate Agents of the Year Awards in association with The Times and Sunday Times. Not only has the team been awarded gold for the second consecutive year as the best medium sized estate agent in the South West, it has also won a national silver award for the best customer service and a silver award for the best UK financial services provider.

The event, held at the London Lancaster Hotel on 6th December, is widely regarded as the most prestigious event in the estate agents’ calendar, with the directors of the firm being presented their award by TV personality Penny Smith.

The judging panel led by industry experts commented that “The underlying ethos of this agency is people, people, people. The central tenet of this philosophy is that the first class team doesn’t merely sell houses – they listen to people’s stories.

Ocean staff with TV personality Penny Smith (left) at the awards ceremony

Without exception, they share common goals and objectives with each understanding exactly how the brand needs to be represented.”

It was also noted that Ocean’s use of technology is impressive, whilst maintaining their emphasis on the personal touch allowing the team to build long-standing relationships with clients who use them time and again.

Chris McLaughlin, director at Ocean, said: “Accepting the awards on behalf of our fantastic team was a very proud moment and a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by all who work for us. We have been working very hard throughout the year to ensure we have the

best, most knowledgeable and best trained staff in the city.

From brilliant individual estate agency through to a great team ethic, we have always believed our passionate teams were some of the best in the business, to be recognised as such just goes to prove that not all estate agents are the same. We will not be resting on our laurels, however, and will continue to ensure we find new ways to improve our service to the most important people of all, our clients.”

Ocean operate across Bristol from eight sales offices and five lettings offices and are entering their 30th year in business selling homes in the city.

Visit: www.oceanhome.co.uk

Bradley Stoke property prices heading upwards With Christmas now done and dusted and the New Year already started, we look ahead at what the property market is expected to do.

2013 saw a substantial increase of activity in sales across Bradley Stoke and the rest of Bristol and prices are currently sitting around 5% higher than this time last year.

It seems that a lot of people have also been waiting to get the holiday season out of the way before marketing their properties, so we expect to see a big increase in new stock in January. The lack of properties coming on to the market towards the end of 2013 has also meant that the upward trend in prices has continued.

There have been various speculations, from a range of sources, on the excepted increase over the coming 12 months but we expect it to be fairly similar to last year and see prices rise by around 5% on average.

January is busy time of year for most of us, what with returning to work, getting the kids back to school, January sales and so on; but for those of you who have been waiting to put your property on the market, we suggest that you don’t delay, as there are so many good quality buyers registered with us at the moment, all looking to get on the property ladder right now!

Jake Gready Ocean Bradley Stoke Mall Unit 7 The Willow Brook Centre t: 01454 205 070

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

28

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

January 2014

Advertising Features

Local accountancy service set to expand TJS Business Solutions Ltd is a local Accountancy, Bookkeeping and Payroll Company.

The Company was started by Tim Seymour in 2004 from home and has steadily grown resulting in a move into a serviced office in Aztec West in May 2013.

With over 120 clients on its books, the company is planning further expansions, including employing additional part-time staff.

Specialising in Self-Employed Individuals and Small Limited Companies including start-up businesses, there are many different types of business that make up the client base and each and every one is as valued as the other.

Tim feels customer service and maintaining a long term business

Introducing Friends for Pets in Bristol Friends for Pets is a pet care company providing pet care services to the Bristol pet-owning community.

Services include dog walking, doggy day care, home from home dog boarding, cat and other small pet visits as well as house sitting.

Our services provide a great

alternative to kennels and catteries.

Our small team of pet carers are full insured, CRB checked and can provide references.

If you would like any further information please see www. friendsforpets.co.uk or call 07585 504867 or email Bristol@ friendsforpets.co.uk

Get your home ready for the big freeze!

The big freeze will undoubtedly catch up with us all in the New Year, and prevention in the home is 100% better than cure.

Leaks and floods from burst pipes are most common in winter due to freezing; the colder weather we’ve experienced in the last few years demonstrating the cost of dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe in our homes.

Essentially, burst water pipes occur in winter when the water inside a pipe freezes virtually anywhere in the home. Ice expands putting pressure on the pipe, which eventually cracks, and when it bursts, thawed water

will come pouring from the break. Frozen pipes can be a real disaster for your property...

Richard Joseph is offering a winter health check for your home FREE of charge.

We’ll check your pipe work, locate stopcocks for emergency access, and supply you with recommendations for protection against leaks & bursts.

All we ask is you text a donation to St Peter’s Hospice by texting: RJBB71£ (your donation) to the number 70070.

Call, text, visit our website or email to book your free winter health check today.

relationship as the main core values of the company. With this in mind fees are always competitively priced and always agreed in advance.

Many new clients are referred from current clients which provides evidence enough that customers are happy with

the professional, friendly and competitively priced service they receive.

Whether you are a small or medium sized business, a sole trader, property landlord or require help completing a selfassessment tax return, no job is too big or too small for TJS.

Services Include: ! Dog Walking ! Overnight Boarding ! Doggy Day Care ! Pet/Home Visits ! Small Pet Boarding ! House Sitting Why choose Us? ! Free Introductory mee.ng to ensure everyone gets on ! Fully Insured team ! Police checked staff, all with CRB checks ! Highly experienced staff ! Local, flexible service so we can meet any of your requirements Contact us:

Web: www.friendsforpets.co.uk Email: bristol@friendsforpets.co.uk Mobile: 07585 504867

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

January 2014

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

29

What’s On Sunday 5th January 9.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Bulls Cross to Bisley. Rather hilly and could be muddy in places. A walk of about 10 miles. Meet in the Aldi car park – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http:// bit.ly/bq1Hxd [Further walks on 12th, 19th, & 26th January] 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Second day of our annual hedgelaying weekend, the perfect way to work off some Christmas indulgences. Meet at the tool store (behind the leisure centre). 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 10.30am: SCC Novice Bike Ride to Cabot Tower. A novice ride of 15 miles (round trip) to Cabot Tower. Meet at the leisure centre. More info: http://bit.ly/ bsj-scc [Further SCC rides on 12th, 19th, & 26th January]

and see us – it might be just what you are looking for! This month: A talk by Jenny Bowen on Africa.

More info: Maureen Mackenzie on 0117 9046099 7pm - 9pm: LIMIT Support Group meets at Baileys Court Activity Centre. Anyone who is close to someone struggling with a drug or alcohol problem will know just how worrying that can be, and find it difficult to cope.

LIMIT is a new informal group offering support and information for families and friends which meets on the second Wednesday of every month. For more information please contact Esther Harris on 07971 562 676 or estherharris333@aol.com

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/

Monday 13th January 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/

Thursday 9th January

Tuesday 14th January

6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Monthly evening ‘drop in’ surgery, at which local police officers are available to discuss any issues or concerns and give advice, without a prior appointment being made. More info: http://bit.ly/12r6ves

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: AGM, with a talk from St Peter’s Hospice. More info: 01454 617645; http://bit.ly/17LsCDQ

Friday 10th January

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

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

Accountants TJS Business Solutions, Page 28 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 30 Carpenters & Joiners Stowells Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Caravan and Motor Home Servicing Bristol Caravans, Page 15 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 30 Cars & Vans Vanarama, Page 32 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 7 Trinity Pre-School, Page 15 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Cleaning & Domestic Services Felina Contract Cleaning, Page 10 More in directory on BSJ website Computer Services JRT Computing, Page 9 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 9

Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 14 Double Glazing JDC Windows, Page 1 Driving Schools Visit directory on BSJ website Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 14 Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Freeman Residential, Page 2 Ocean, Page 27 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 10 Gardening Services Plan-It Garden Design, Page 15 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 1 Hair & Beauty Beauty Plus, Page 13 Beauty Secrets, Page 30 Limelight Hair & Beauty, Page 23 Peachy Stylist, Page 30

Wednesday 8th January

attend. Held in the onsite SOHO coffee shop. More info: http:// bit.ly/14KEBcX

Saturday 18th January 10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom Workday. We will be finishing our work on the garden behind the doctors’ surgery on Brook Way. Bradley Stoke in Bloom workdays are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, starting at 10am and finishing

at 4pm, with a break for lunch.

Obviously if you need to leave earlier that’s OK, we’re still glad to have you. Please wear suitable clothes/shoes and bring a packed lunch, although we will the provide tea/coffee and biscuits!

More info: bsib@hotmail.co.uk

Tuesday 21st January 6pm: South Gloucestershire Cycle Forum at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. We’d like you to be involved in increasing the level of cycling in South Gloucestershire.

Why not participate through the cycle forums? Each forum meeting has a session devoted to promotion issues and a session for technical issues - for example cycle lanes, cycle tracks etc. More info: http://bit.ly/Tb3IDZ

Friday 24th January 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

Thursday 30th January 7pm: Safer and Stronger Community Group Meeting at Baileys Court Activity Centre.

Opportunity to discuss local community issues and hear presentations on topical matters.

Attended by representatives from South Gloucestershire Council, Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire & Rescue, Primary Care Trust and Bradley Stoke Town Council.

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

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 22 Kitchen Transformations, Page 18 Phoenix Carpet & Flooring, Page 8 Quality Bathrooms & Kitchens 4U, Page 9 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Wash Shop Plus, Page 30 Legal Services Hutchinson Legal & Associates, Page 4 Mortgages & Financial Advice Visit directory on BSJ website Opticians Specsavers, Page 20 Pet Services & Supplies Husse, Page 19 Friends for Pets, Page 28 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 24 For more, see directory on BSJ website Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 14 Plumbing & Heating Phil Ashton Plumbing, Page 18 Richard Joseph, Page 28

Pubs & Restaurants Visit directory on BSJ website Room & Facilities Hire BSCS Lettings, Page 12 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Simply Self Store Ltd, Page 30 Shopping Gardiner Haskins, Page 6 Mrs Willows Treats & Sweets, Page 25 The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Page 31 The Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Slimming Clubs Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 25 Slimming World, Page 11 Sport and Leisure Danceworks Page 7 Get Tough Bootcamp, Page 23 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 30 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 30 Wedding Services Little Miss Thingz, Page 23

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

30

January 2014

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk CARPENTERS & JOINERS

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

To advertise here, phone 01454 300 400

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

HAIRDRESSERS

WASH SHOP PLUS

Jim Reid

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

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

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

• LEATHER SUITES CLEANED • ORIENTAL RUGS CLEANED

Telephone: 01454 615349 Mobile: 07836 377697

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

(last service 1 hr. prior to closing times) RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance

CARPET CLEANING

SELF STORAGE

LEAFLET DELIVERY

Leaflet Delivery in Bradley Stoke

We load and clear Same day service Household, garden, garage & sheds cleared Single item jobs Cheaper than a skip No VAT

Freephone Stuart or Sue on 0800 0234 995 Licensed waste carrier

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

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the joy of 7000 free parking spaces The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

The Joy of Shopping

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