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February 2015 • Issue 22
LETTERS P8 | QUIZ P29 | POLICE P33 | WHAT’S ON P37 | DIRECTORY P38-39
CONTRACTOR SELECTED FOR NEW £260K SKATE PARK
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PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE
Pages 20 & 21
SKATE THAT! Town rallies round to raise hope for Morgan £70,000 needed for operation in USA Page 7
l Meadowbrook joins Olympus Academy Trust l Burglary victim spurred to form NHW group l New weekly buggy walks in north Bristol l Power surge shuts Tesco Extra store for 6 hours l Crest Nicholson supports future football stars at Bradley Stoke Youth FC l All fibre broadband cabinets now “live and ready for service” l Appeal for information following distraction burglary in Little Stoke l Roadworks: Council “needs to do more” to keep public informed l Diana Warner chosen to fight 2015 general election for The Greens l New year brings new name for local Rotary Club
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February 2015
Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB
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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 2015. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.
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News
Meadowbrook joins Olympus Academy Trust
M
eadowbrook Primary School has officially become part of the Olympus Academy Trust (OAT), joining Bradley Stoke Community School, Abbeywood Community School and (also a new joiner on 1st January 2015) Charborough Road Primary School in Filton. The occasion was marked by the presentation of a plaque to Meadowbrook head Jon Barr, while pupils received special OAT bookmarks. In a letter to parents, OAT executive headteacher Dave Baker said Meadowbrook would benefit from greater efficiencies and economies of scale by working in a larger partnership of schools, adding: “It is our hope that your children will have opportunities to benefit directly from being in a larger family of schools through joint activities and access to staff and resources that they may not have experienced previously.”
Dave Baker, executive headteacher of the Olympus Academy Trust (left) presents a commemorative plaque to Jon Barr, head of Meadowbrook Primary School, in the presence of members of the school council
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February 2015
News
Burglary victim spurred to form NHW group
A
Andrew Tancock (centre) with other members of the Snowberry Close NHW
Bradley Stoke man has formed a Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) group in the hope of encouraging people to “look out for each other” after his home was stripped bare of valuable items while he and his family were away on holiday last August. Recounting the moment when the family discovered they had been burgled, Andrew Tancock, of Snowberry Close, said: “On pulling up outside our home, we noticed that the curtains in all of the rooms were pulled closed, which is not how we left them!” “As we went in through the front door, our world was shattered as we discovered our home had been burgled from top to bottom, with every room having been ransacked.” “Virtually every single electrical item in the house (including televisions, phones, laptops and iPads) had been taken, together with jewellery, money and watches.” Police told Mr Tancock that the burglary may have taken place over the space of more than one day, which left him wondering why “no one saw a thing”. Determined to help prevent others having to go through a similar experience, Mr Tancock looked into the possibility of forming a NHW group.
“Setting up the group was very straightforward. The police provided us with leaflets to distribute to our neighbours. We had responses from 15 households and held our first meeting in November.” Neighbourhood Watch signs have now been installed on lampposts in the street and advice packs circulated to all members. Mr Tancock added: “The group has been a great success and we now work closely with our local police, who provide me with regular updates for circulation to our members.” Anyone interested in joining the group or forming one for their own street should contact Bridget Whittle, NHW Coordinator for South Gloucestershire, on 01454 864404. ● More information about NHW can be found on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
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Bring a copy of this advert when joining and receive One Month Free LivingWell Health Club, Hilton Bristol, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke BS32 4JF Tel: 01454 893420 ● Email: anca.leru@hilton.com
Currently taking registrations for September 2015 Open mornings Thursday 12th February (10.00 – 11.30) Tuesday 12th May & Thursday 25th June (9.30 – 11.30) Phone us during term time 9 – 3 if you would like to visit Ofsted rated ‘Good’ Visit our website: www.lachildcare.co.uk
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Young footballers have kicked off the new season in style thanks to a sponsorship deal with builder Taylor Wimpey. The U7s team at Bradley Stoke Youth FC received a donation of £250 from the leading housebuilder, which is currently building new homes at its nearby Lyde Green development in Emersons Green. The club, which is based at the Jubilee Centre on Savages Wood
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Road, has used the money to purchase brand new sweatshirts with the team’s initials emblazoned on the back. Team manager Martin Lee says: “It’s always fantastic to get sponsorship from local businesses, and Taylor Wimpey’s donation has done so much in helping our team get brand new sweatshirts.” ● The children wore their new sweatshirts back-to-front for the photo!
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February 2015
News
Mama Bear’s takes over at The Covey Nursery
T
he Bristol-based nursery group which acquired the former Butterflies Day Nursery site on Great Park Road last year has taken on another nursery in the area, creating sustainable childcare places and more employment opportunities for the Bradley Stoke community. Mama Bear’s Day Nursery group took over the running of The Covey nursery in Baileys Court from Monday 19th January, following the retirement of the previous owners. Interest in both nurseries is already high and Mama Bear’s says it is looking for more staff to add to the teams already in place. Mama Bear’s owner Bev Driffield said: “We are delighted to have another nursery in Bradley Stoke and we look forward to offering even more quality childcare to local families. Our offer of free registration until June has attracted lots of
The Covey Nursery at Baileys Court – now in the ownership of Mama Bear’s
new families, so we are looking to expand the teams we have in place. Opportunities are available for Level-3 qualified childcare practitioners and apprentices.” “We always aim to create a home-from-home environment and we put a massive focus on the quality of care we provide, as well as training for our staff,
so it’s a great opportunity for anyone in the industry or those looking to get into the industry.” Plans are in place for redevelopment at both Bradley Stoke nurseries in early 2015. Bev continued: “We really believe children thrive while with us and we strive to prepare them for the next big step up to
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primary school. If you’d like to come and take a look around our nurseries and meet with the team, we’d love to have you or if you think you could join our friendly, professional team, please get in touch.” “The idea for Mama Bear’s Day Nursery initially started in our living room in Bradley Stoke so it feels like we have come back home.” Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is a family-run business founded in 2002 with its offices in Hanham, Bristol. The Day Nurseries are aimed at providing children with their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school. More information on Mama Bear’s Day Nursery childcare and recruitment can be found at www.mamabear.co.uk or by calling Claire Beaumont-Wraith on 07435 965604. ● See advert on page 16.
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7
News
Town rallies round to raise hope for Morgan By Nikki Hallur organ Walker, an eleven-year-old who attends Wheatfield Primary School, has been through challenges few people can imagine. He was born eight weeks prematurely, after which he suffered twenty minutes of cardiac arrest and damage to parts of the brain which doctors felt would make him unable to walk or talk. Morgan has proved their predictions wrong as he started walking at 17 months and talking, as well as attending a mainstream school. Despite his effort and achievement, Morgan continues to deal with the effect of his cerebral palsy on a daily basis. He has to endure continuous pain, depend on 12 different medications and has already had 19 medical procedures during his young life Having played football in the past, now walking is becoming more difficult for Morgan. Even sleeping and eating are risk factors as Morgan has to have an oxygen heart monitor whilst sleeping and suffers from reflux which affects his weight. There is, however, possibility of a better life for Morgan Walker. Two operations performed in America have the potential to improve Morgan’s quality of life. These operations involve surgery on the spinal cord and are conducted by worldrenowned specialists Dr TS Park and Dr M Dobbs. The funds required for these procedures
M
Morgan Walker
Morgan (centre) with dad Darren, sisters Anais & Emmie and mum Zoe
have been calculated by Tree of Hope charity, and set at around £70,000. Morgan’s mum, Zoe, said she wanted to go through the charity because she wanted an impartial third party to handle the accounts, which also means that if the amount raised exceeds what is required, it will go towards helping other causes supported by Tree of Hope. Zoe is unsure of how long the fundraising will take, but there are many events planned including a Dinner and Dance at the Aztec Hotel on 17th April and a football match on 28th March; through Charlton Farm, the children’s hospice where Morgan
has had many stays, Morgan has been selected as the mascot for Bristol City. Morgan’s family are still looking for companies to donate prizes for the raffles at the Dinner and Dance, and are hoping to raise as much money as possible through people’s generosity. Two local boxing promoters, Dan Gwilym and Dean Cooper, have arranged a charity boxing night in aid of Morgan on 7th March. Zoe says: “The support has been fantastic.” She tells us that Morgan is nervous about the procedure but he has said he “can’t believe everyone is doing so much”.
Once the family hit target, they will need to go to America for a month and then Morgan will require rehabilitation and physiotherapy which they will have to pay for at the SDR Centre in Wales. Previous operations of this kind have proved successful. We spoke briefly to Donna Cox, a local resident whose son Toby went for a procedure in America, and she told us that “the operation has been marvellous”. (see panel below) The procedures in Morgan’s case have the potential to dramatically enhance his quality of life. If you would like to contribute to this life-changing cause and help Morgan, his JustGiving page is www.justgiving.com/ hopeformorgan. You can also text HFMW99 + AMOUNT to 70070. ● For more information about local fundraising events, visit the ‘Hope for Morgan’ page on Facebook.
Donna Cox, mum of Toby, who underwent SDR surgery in 2010, following the ‘Help Toby Walk’ fundraising campaign says: “This operation has been completely life changing for Toby. He is able to participate in so much more than we ever imagined. The spasticity in his legs has now gone, and along with that, the pain is no longer a constant.” “There is no longer a need for daily medication to “relax” the muscles, and he can sleep without being strapped to leg splints, that were so very uncomfortable.” “In summary, the operation has given Toby a chance at life that he would never have had. If your child is suitable, and accepted, there is no choice but to go ahead.” “This local community helped us achieve our goal of £36,000 within 12 weeks. We wish Morgan and his family so much good will in their target.”
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• Make sure you have anti-virus software on your PC and that you keep it up to date –there are plenty of free programs available that offer good protection. • Run an anti-virus scan regularly. • Make sure your computer gets regular Windows updates.
February 2015
Letters and Opinions
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Fed up with the bus? Why not take the train from Patchway? Two suggestions for “Bradley Stokers” suffering poor bus services to Bristol (as recorded in recent editions of this magazine): 1. Try the trains from nearby Patchway Station (not Parkway). Morning departures 07:06, 07:37 and 08:39 – and only twelve minutes to Temple Meads. A poor frequency and overcrowding, but quick! 2. Contact Jack Lopresti’s (our MP’s) office to support what he and I are trying to do, which is to improve the timetable with more stops at this increasingly busy,
but woefully inadequately served station. This is a non-party issue (I, personally am apolitical), so if Ian Boulton (Labour Parliamentary Candidate) reads this, he could do likewise, ditto for Cllr Tom Aditya! A broad united front is needed against the obstructive unholy trinity of First Great Western, The Department for Transport and Network Rail. Even South Gloucestershire Council might take an interest? Finally, if you do try the train, return services from Temple Meads leave at 16:24, 17:21 and 18:21. The first two are very busy, but, again, the journey is only twelve minutes! John Grose Little Stoke
We deliver 9,450 copies of this magazine As well as being delivered to ALL of the 8,650 homes in Bradley Stoke, a further 800 copies of this magazine are delivered in the neighbouring areas of Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. We also leave around 550 copies at public locations in Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford. The Journal is Bradley Stoke’s only locally-edited newspaper!
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News
In Brief
Stokes Singers need more men!
Wheatfield Primary to appeal Ofsted result
ocal community choir Stokes Singers are looking for male singers to boost their bass/tenor/baritone section. “We need additional male singers to join our staunch men’s team and ‘pump up the volume’ of our performances. There are also spaces for a few more altos, but we currently have a full complement of sopranos.” “We welcome singers of all levels, including beginners, so if you’re a bit nervous, don’t worry because you learn as a group to get the right notes when we rehearse.” The choir, at present 35 strong, meets at 7.30pm every Thursday at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway. There are no auditions and the only requirement is the ability to sing in tune. Rehearsals are relaxed and great fun with a mid-session break for tea and chat. Stokes Singers hold two concerts each year, singing popular songs of all kinds, raising
Wheatfield Primary School is to appeal the result of a recent Ofsted inspection which classified it as “requiring improvement”. In a letter sent to parents on 22nd January, the day the Ofsted report was made public, Sue Davey (chair of governors) and Chris Dursley (headteacher) wrote: “Having scrutinised the content of the report in detail, the staff and governors feel very strongly that it is not an accurate, professional assessment of our school. There are many inaccuracies, inconsistencies and discrepancies in the report; a view shared by the local authority. We are therefore challenging both the conduct and outcome of the inspection, by lodging a formal complaint with Ofsted. We have also shared our concerns about the inspection in a meeting with our local MP Jack Lopresti.” ● Ofsted report and letter: www.wheatfieldprimary.com
L
Stokes Singers participating in ‘Sounding the City’ at St George’s, Bristol
funds for various charities, as well as performing at other events. Singing is a great way to relax and meet people. So, after a long hard days at work, singing will help take your mind off all the politics, deadlines and problems that seem to take over your life! It’s also great being able to invite your friends and family to concerts – nothing beats the feeling at the end of the concert
though when the baton goes down and the audience erupts in applause. It’s a great sense of achievement and one of the best feelings you’ll ever have. Choir membership is only £2.75 per week, but the first two weeks are free, so if you would like to come along to give it a try please call Liz on 01454 614148 or make contact via the website: www.stokessingers.org.uk
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February 2015
News
New weekly buggy walks in north Bristol
A
new series of regular weekly buggy walks has started in north Bristol. The first walk took place in Stoke Gifford on Monday 5th January, where a group of 15 local buggy walkers set off from the Old School Rooms Coffee Shop on The Green. The new buggy walking group will meet each week in alternating areas of South Gloucestershire. The first Monday of each month will see the group set off from Stoke Gifford, the second from Wallscourt Farm Academy in Cheswick, the third from Coniston Community Centre in Patchway and the fourth from the Bristol Concorde Pub in Filton. The walks will be run by volunteer mums who have been working with South Gloucestershire’s Walking for Health Officer to develop them. Each walk will be led by
Buggy walkers ready to set off from the Old School Rooms in Stoke Gifford
a trained leader and will last for approximately 45 minutes. South Gloucestershire’s Director of Public Health Dr Mark Pietroni said: “A brisk walk is the perfect exercise. It’s a free, sociable, easy activity that’s accessible to most people. In just a short time, a small amount of regular exercise can significantly improve a person’s health, wellbeing and confidence.“Many
walkers feel that the camaraderie and network of support that they experience through group walking is equally, if not more, important to them than the physical health benefits.” South Gloucestershire Walking for Health Officer Christina Wheeler said: “Buggy Walks are a great way for parents, grandparents or child minders to meet on a regular basis to
take part in simple and effective exercise. “It is very common for new mothers to experience the ‘baby blues’ after their child is born. For a small minority these feelings can continue and develop into post-natal depression. Attending regular buggy walks has been shown to improve mental wellbeing and help reduce the likelihood of postnatal depression.” Following each walk, there will be an opportunity for participants to enjoy a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Walkers are advised to arrive 10 minutes early, wear comfortable shoes, and to bring along plenty of water. For further information telephone 01454 863951, 0782 4081046 or email Christina. Wheeler@southglos.gov.uk. ● See also the ‘North Bristol Buggy Walks’ page on Facebook.
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11
News
Power surge shuts Tesco Extra store for 6 hours
A
n electrical “power surge” caused computer systems to crash at the Tesco Extra store in Bradley Stoke on Wednesday 14th January, resulting in the store being closed to customers for more than six hours. The Journal understands that tills and other electronic equipment at the store “went down” as a result of the power supply incident and subsequently failed to reset themselves correctly. Journal readers reported on our Facebook page shortly after 11am that customers were being turned away from the store, with staff informing them that the tills weren’t working. A message on the Willow Brook Centre’s Twitter feed at 12.17pm, in response to a query from a customer, read: “Hi, there has been a power surge locally, Tesco have had to close to reset some systems. Other stores still open.” Cash dispenser machines (ATMs) and the nearby Tesco petrol filling station were also affected by the incident. Some other stores at the Willow Brook Centre are believed to have also been affected, but their computer systems recovered quickly and they were able to continue trading within minutes. Comments by readers on our Facebook page suggest that the power surge was experienced across Bristol with (unverified) reports of computer systems being affected at Asda Cribbs
Customers queuing outside the closed Tesco Extra store at around 1pm
Causeway, Parkway Station and Cabot Circus. The Tesco Extra store had all but one of its shutters down for the entire afternoon. Shortly before 1pm, security staff were telling customers that it might be “one or two hours” before the store would re-open. Eventually, at around 5.20pm,
an announcement over the store’s loudspeaker system called staff back to the tills and customers were allowed to enter the store again from around 5.30pm. The Tesco filling station reopened at about 5.40pm. A Western Power Distribution spokesperson told The Journal:
“On Wednesday 14th January, we had a dip on the electricity network which caused some auto reclose on the system.” “We understand this may have created the need for Tesco to reboot their system, which it then transpires caused them further internal problems that were not network related.” “Our domestic customers may have noticed a dip in supply which may have caused lights to flicker. We have no reports of anyone losing power in the area.” A Tesco spokesperson said: “On Wednesday 14th January, there was a problem on the network that resulted in a loss of power at our Bradley Stoke Extra store.” “We apologise for the inconvenience that may have been caused to our customers. We wanted to make sure the store was safe for use, and by the afternoon it was trading as normal”.
Filling station: Also closed for 6 hours
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February 2015
News
Creating a mile of coins to help eradicate polio
S
chools in Bradley Stoke and across Bristol are being called on to take part in a campaign to help rid the world of polio forever – by creating a mile of coins. Rotary in Bristol is handing out one-foot strips to be filled with donated coins in a bid to meet the challenge and raise £15,000 for vaccinations in countries where polio still occurs. The fundraising effort is being backed by Bristol Mayor George Ferguson, who suffered from the infectious disease, which can be fatal, when he was only one year old. David Wells of Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club, which is organising the campaign, said: “We are asking school children and people of all ages to collect their small change and complete a one-foot long strip.” “It would be great if we could get rid of this terrible disease
forever. But the cause needs funds to make this possible.” Each strip can carry around £2.90 and the event will end with the laying out of all the strips in The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, on 21st February. The campaign was launched on World Polio Day (24th October), when Rotarians around the world keep up the work to eradicate polio from the world for good. Mr Ferguson was paralysed down his right side, but eventually learned to walk again with the aid of a leg brace he wore until he was four. He said: “World Polio Day is not only about recognising polio as a truly debilitating disease, which continues to have a devastating impact on people’s lives. It’s about working together to end polio once and for all.” All the money raised from the event will be trebled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
Bristol Mayor George Ferguson at the launch of the Polio Mile campaign
which was set up by the billionaire Microsoft co-founder and his wife. Mr Wells added: “It costs just 36p to vaccinate a child. Therefore, every completed strip, which will have the money trebled, will pay for 24 children to be vaccinated.” There are just three endemic countries left – Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan – and there is a global plan to eradicate polio completely by the end of 2018. If polio is not eradicated from these countries there is always the danger that it will spread back into countries currently free of the disease. The Rotary started its campaign
to eradicate polio in 1985 when there were more than 1,000 new cases of polio every day. Since then, Rotary and its partners, WHO, UNICEF and national governments have wiped out polio from 122 countries and reduced the number of cases by 99.9%. The last country to be declared free from polio was India early in 2014, after millions of children had been vaccinated. For more information about the campaign and how to obtain a strip or donate on-line or by text visit www.bristolpoliomile.org.uk ● Collecting strips are available from reception at Bradley Stoke Community School.
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February 2015
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13
News
Crest Nicholson supports future youth football stars at BSYFC
T
he girls at Bradley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) are now dressed for success thanks to a generous donation from Crest Nicholson. The under 11, 12 and 13 age group squads and the U10 development squad have received a brand new training kit courtesy of Highbrook Park, Crest Nicholson’s latest development of three, four and five bedroom new homes for Stoke Gifford. Commenting on the donation, Tim Ridges, Senior Sales Manager at Crest Nicholson South West, said: “We’ve been working on new homes in the area for some time now and feel very much part of the local community. We’re delighted to
have been able to contribute to the girls’ football teams in this way and to provide them with a kit which will see them training in style from now on.” Martin Lee, Coach and BSYFC Football Community Officer, added: “The girls were very excited to get their new kit. They look very professional and feel even more united now they’re all training in the same gear. We can’t thank Crest Nicholson enough!” BSYFC first started developing female football with the Gloucestershire FA in 2006. There are now 87 girls playing football at the club, covering six different age groups and all of the teams participate in the Bristol Girls League (BGL) on a Sunday.
BSYFC welcomes new joiners and encourages girls to develop both their football and social skills in a nurturing environment which is based on fun and friendship. The club was awarded the FA Charter Standard Community Status in 2010 and has since won the GFA Community Club Award
in 2011 and 2013. It is hoped that members of the BSYFC girls teams will move into a new Women’s Team at the club in the future. Any girls wishing to join BSYFC or to find out more information can contact Martin Lee on 07785 384618 or mlee1@ btopenworld.com
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February 2015
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News
All fibre broadband cabinets now “live and ready for service”
A
ll ten fibre-enabled street cabinets that were programmed to be installed in Bradley Stoke in order to bring superfast broadband to up to 3,500 homes that did not previously have access to it have now been declared “live and ready for service”. The final cabinet to go live, no. 38 (on Brook Way, opposite the junction with Dewfalls Drive), is now accepting orders – although a source at South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), which is overseeing the state-aided upgrade project, cautioned that it might take “a couple of weeks” for all internet service providers to update their databases. Cabinet no. 38 is one of four new fibre-enabled cabinets that have been installed in Bradley Stoke to service lines that were
formerly ‘exchange only’ (EO), meaning that they were directly connected to the Almondsbury telephone exchange without passing through a street cabinet. Work on the upgrade project began in earnest last February, starting with cabinet no. 35 on Webbs Wood Road. The first customer on that cabinet is believed to have been connected in early April. Those on EO lines (understood to number around 1,700 homes in Bradley Stoke), had to wait the longest to receive the new service, with most finding they were unable to order until December. SGC is yet to publish the list of postcodes served by cabinet no. 38 on its Where and When webpage, but one Journal reader in Merryweather Close has reported that he is served by the cabinet and
has managed to place an order. The postcodes currently listed for two other cabinets that were recently declared “live and ready for service” (nos. 30 & 36) appear to be incorrect as none of them are in Bradley Stoke, but feedback from Journal readers suggests they serve Oaktree Crescent and Stanshaws Close. Unfortunately, the news is not all positive, as The Journal is receiving reports that some cabinets upgraded last summer have now “reached capacity”, meaning that no further orders are being accepted until “capacity can be restored”. This is currently the situation at cabinet no. 34, for which the BT Broadband Availability Checker is currently giving a projected date of 11th February 2015 for the restoration of capacity.
A source at SGC commented: “On-going capacity needs for cabinets are part of Openreach’s operational responsibilities and are not related to our Superfast Broadband programme.” “Openreach inform us that their timeline to increase capacity to a cabinet depends on the type of work needed. For example, an additional card upgrade may take a few weeks to plan and complete, whereas a copper wire upgrade may take a few months.” “In normal circumstances, Openreach’s monitoring arrangements would mean that this is done in advance of full capacity being reached, but where there is sudden and quick uptake, this is not always possible.” ● Still can’t order? Leave a comment on our website via: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links
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Tel: 01454 888 666 ❤ www.riversidebristol.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
February 2015
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News
In Brief
Project launches to make South Glos dementia-friendly
‘Real Lives’: Cricketer Henry Olonga in town
M
ore than one hundred individuals, community groups, charitable organisations and businesses attended an event in Patchway on 12th January to mark the official launch of the South Gloucestershire Dementia Action Alliance, which will support communities and organisations in becoming dementia-friendly The alliance is a Southern Brooks Community Partnership (SBCP) project in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society, NHS South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and South Gloucestershire Council. SBCP’s Eleanor Fairbrother, who is leading the project, said: “We have launched the Dementia Action Alliance because we want to get everyone to talk about
15
Tim Sunderland of Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church writes: “Henry Olonga, the former Zimbabwean international cricketer, will be joining us on Saturday 28th February to tell the story of how he risked his life in his stand against the government led by Robert Mugabe.”
dementia to reduce stigma and stop people becoming isolated unnecessarily. “We want people living with dementia to be able to lead normal, active lives for as long as possible.
We are looking for individuals and organisations to get in touch and start making changes in their own communities.” ● Contact Eleanor Fairbrother at SBCP on 01454 868570.
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Call 0117 9698532 or 0781 2120285 www.cleanpros.co.uk Clean Pros, 101 Coriander Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 0DL ● Established 2002
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“Join us from 7.30pm for refreshments followed by an interview and presentation from Henry.” “The evening will finish no later than 9.30pm. No tickets are needed, the event is free, just come along and enjoy.” Venue: Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church, Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8BH For more details, please call Tim on 07515 930363 or visit www.bsec.org.uk
Rotary Swimathon 2015 Bridge Community Church meets every Sunday at 10am at Bradley Stoke community school for vibrant modern worship and relevant talks on life and faith. We also provide a crèche for tots, and fun activities for older kids. Find us at : Bradley Stoke secondary school, Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, BS32 9BS
The Rotary Club of Bradley Stoke will be holding the 2015 edition of what has become a very successful annual Swimathon event at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on Saturday 14th March. Teams of up to five swim as many lengths as they can in one hour, to raise money – 60 per cent of sponsorship for their charity or organisation and 40 per cent for Rotary charities. To find out more, contact Peter Randall on peter.randall@ rocketmail.com or 07860 167899.
To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
16
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February 2015
News
Appeal for information after distraction burglary in Little Stoke
Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-school Now open in Bradley Stoke! Find us just off Great Park Road s Court. and behind Tesco Express in Bailey • Day care & learning for 0 to 5 year olds • Specialist baby unit for children under 2 • Free places available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds*s • Open 7.00am - 7.00pm, Monday to Friday • Open 51 weeks of the year • OFSTED inspected and approved • Childcare vouchers accepted Ask us about tax credits and other help with fees * Subject to Local Authority funding conditions.
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P
olice are appealing for information after a distraction burglary in Collins Avenue, Little Stoke on Wednesday 14th January. At approximately 8pm, a 73-year-old woman discovered a man in the kitchen of her property. The man claimed to be a security guard who wanted to check the woman was OK and that her money and jewellery was safe after a burglary down the road. The man then persuaded the woman to go upstairs and bring down all of the cash she had in the house. The victim did this and was then asked by the man if there was any more money she had hidden away and to bring this down to him. The woman did this and brought down more money. The suspect then said the police were on the way and left via the kitchen door. It was then the victim realised the man had taken all of the money. The suspect is described as white, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, of a thin build with a West Country accent. He was wearing a grey sweater, black rubber gloves and a black woollen balaclava. Police say they are keeping an open mind as to whether this incident is linked to similar incidents which took place in the Bristol area before Christmas. Detective Sergeant Richard Barnston of Bristol CID said: “This was a targeted burglary involving an elderly woman who was alone in her home. The suspect has tricked her into thinking he is trying to help her by inventing a story about a burglary
nearby. Once he has gained her trust, he has taken her life-savings without a second thought.” “I am appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward, but I am also appealing for anyone who works with or knows an elderly person to make sure they are aware of these sorts of crimes.” “Our advice is clear; challenge anyone who claims to be from a professional body and refuse to answer the door to them. If you find someone inside your property, call us immediately on 999.” “I would ask local people to be vigilant in light of this latest incident and keep an eye on those most vulnerable in our neighbourhoods.” “We are following several lines of enquiries but I am keen to hear from anyone with information regarding this incident.” Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.
Where children have fun... learning
Crimestoppers website: crimestoppers-uk.org
Original coupon to be presented at time of registration. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Places subject to availability, please book early to avoid disappointment. Valid until 30/6/2015.
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February 2015
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17
News
January update from Bradley Stoke in Bloom By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB)
Frosty kidnapped!
The BSiB group had a very disappointing start to the year when, on Thursday 1st January, we went to collect our Christmas decorations. Although we knew some of the popular Christmas Bubbles had been damaged during a fight on the roundabout outside the Three Brooks pub, our other decorations had all been present on New Year’s Eve. Sadly, when the morning broke, it was a different story. Apart from the planter at Rabbit Roundabout, all of the others had been vandalised, all of the ‘let it snow signs’ had been smashed, the Merry Christmas signs and tinsel were missing, but worst of all, Frosty the Reindeer, who had spent the last few weeks cheering everyone in the Aztec West traffic
queues, had been kidnapped! We would really like to have him back as he was only on loan from a Rainbow Guide Unit, so if you know where he might be, please take him along to Bradley Stoke Library so he can be returned to the girls.
The Common East
When the weather improves we hope to continue our work on The Common East and have applied for a Community Grant for the funds to do this. Although BSiB is very generously supported by Bradley Stoke Town Council, much of The Common East work is more conservation & restoration work than planting and we felt that we shouldn’t be using the BSiB budget for this type of work.
Overgrown pillars at Palmers Leaze
Before we were defeated by the weather, our January workday was spent collecting seeds from our library wild flower meadow before removing all the wilted vegetation and again topping up our bird table which continues to be very popular with the avian population! With thoughts of ‘better slightly late than never’, we also put in several hundred daffodil bulbs that we had left.
Palmers Leaze “gallows”?
Following a resident’s suggestion, we went to look at the corner of Webbs Wood Road and Palmers Leaze. Although some of the bramble has been cut
Missing since 1st January: Frosty
back, much has been left and the area is still an eyesore and we are keen to take it on. There is quite an impressive set of pillars in what was once a flower bed (see photo). Suggestions so far for additions to the pillars have been: gallows for Frosty’s kidnappers, Hercules or a statue of a town councillor. I’m really hoping that you might have some better ideas!
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18
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February 2015
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February 2015
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19
News
Roadworks: Council “needs to do more” to keep public informed Report: “Things may get worse before they get better”
S
outh Gloucestershire Council has conceded that it isn’t doing enough to keep residents informed about the large number of major roadworks that are currently under way or planned across the district. The admission came in a quarterly performance report submitted to the council’s Planning, Transportation & Strategic Environment Committee at the end of January which showed that public satisfaction with levels of traffic and congestion dropped from 45% to 41% over the year to September 2014. In a section headed ‘key areas for improvement’, the report states: “Our declining performance for indicators such as the satisfaction with congestion on our roads suggests that more needs to be done to help the public deal with increased traffic levels and frequent roadworks. A communications policy is needed to make sure that the public are fully aware of works that are about to be carried out, and also gives them pre-warning of any particular issues on the network.” A section later in the report states: “While our success in attracting funding for a range of projects on our roads is helping us build a robust infrastructure
for the future, the resultant roadworks have had a negative impact on congestion in the area. Traffic levels remain high in the area and both satisfaction with congestion and actual levels of congestion have got worse over the past year. A communications plan is being drawn up to keep residents, businesses and members informed of our planned works and every effort is being made to avoid disruption, however there is the risk that things may get worse before they get better.” An article in the January edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine revealed that major roadworks are planned in the Bristol North fringe area for every month of 2015 and details of ten major schemes were included, based on information published by the council and the planning application for the North Fringe to Hengrove Package MetroBus scheme. Since that article was published, the Highways Agency has begun two additional sets of major roadworks - at junctions 16 (Almondsbury) and 17 (Cribbs Causeway) of the M5. Both projects are being carried out as part of the Government’s Pinch Point programme, which forms part
Temporary traffics lights on Stoke Lane, Stoke Lodge during January
of the growth initiative outlined during the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011. According to the agency: “Pinch Points provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users as well as helping to boost local economies and drive economic growth.” Highways Agency Project Sponsor Dave Stock said: “At junction 17, we will be upgrading the signs and lining on the southbound off-slip to allow traffic to move towards the Cribbs Causeway area more swiftly.” Work at junction 17 started on Thursday 8th January and is expected to be completed by the end of February. Commenting on the work at junction 16, Mr Stock said: “We are widening the northbound exit slip road at the junction which should reduce congestion and delays, particularly during the rush hour.” “The scheme will have a positive impact on the M5 in this
area as well as supporting growth in the surrounding area such as Filton Airfield and Patchway.” Work at junction 16 started on Monday 12th January and the slip road widening is planned to be completed by the end of March. During January, Bradley Stoke commuters were also affected by a series of roadworks on Stoke Lane in Stoke Lodge. In the early part of the month, three-way temporary traffic lights were deployed during improvement works at the junction of Stoke Lane and Amberley Road, causing long delays at peak times. South Gloucestershire Council then began construction of a new zebra crossing on Stoke Lane south of the Painswick Avenue junction, which also required temporary traffic lights. A third project on Stoke Lane, involving the construction of a zebra crossing south of the Dyrham Parade junction, was due to start on 19th January, but had not yet got under way as we went to print.
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20
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t: 01454 300 400
February 2015
News
Contractor selected for new £260k skate park
T
he town council’s £260,000 project to construct a new concrete skate park in the grounds of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre reached a significant milestone in January with the selection of Wheelscape as the preferred contractor. In view of the value of the project, an invitation to tender for the construction work had to be advertised on a regional procurement website and four “substantial” tenders were received by the closing date of 15th December 2014. A working group, formed of young people who use the existing skate park, councillors, council officers and the council’s youth development & participation worker Graham Baker, was then convened to evaluate the tenders according to detailed criteria specified in the ‘invitation to tender’ document.
Graham Baker (left) with young people and councillors at the old skate park
By Christmas, and following three meetings of the working group, three companies were shortlisted and invited to a presentation and Q & A session on 15th January. A recommendation to endorse
Wheelscape as the preferred contractor was subsequently confirmed by Full Council on 21st January. Councillors noted the “tremendous” amount of work put in by everyone involved in evaluating the tenders. The young people on the working group in particular were praised for their comprehensive and sensible contributions to the process. Mr Baker said it was very important that young people had been heavily involved in the decision making process and he hoped that this would send a clear message about the valued and positive place of young people in the local community. The core design of the new skate park includes elements up to 9ft high, which will
provide “challenge for young people of high ability”. The winning contractor is required to undertake further public consultation by 27th February, following which minor changes to the skate park design may be made. A final design will be presented to the town council for approval by 6th March, following which a formal planning application will be made to South Gloucestershire Council. Subject to approval within the usual timeframe, construction of the skate park is expected to start in early July, with completion scheduled for the end of September. The value of the construction contract is £230,000, with the remainder of the estimated £260,000 total being spent on survey work, pre-tender work, tender evaluation and construction management. £100,000 of the project funding has come from the New Homes Bonus Fund allocated to South Gloucestershire Council’s Southern Brooks Area Forum. A further £100,000 has come from South Gloucestershire Council’s capital expenditure budget. The town council will make up the remainder from its own reserves. The option for part of the new skate park to have a roof, so that it could be used in wet weather, was not included in the tender requirements, although there is talk of an application being made to the National Lottery to fund this possibility.
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February 2015
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21
Winning design for the new skate park at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. It will be located on a triangle of land north-east of the overflow car park (seen lower left)
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22
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February 2015
News
In Brief
Diana Warner chosen to fight 2015 general election for The Greens
New nursery offers free baby massage course
T
he Filton and Bradley Stoke Green Party has announced the selection of Dr Diana Warner as the Green Party candidate for the Filton and Bradley Stoke (FABS) parliamentary seat in the 2015 general election. Dr Warner lives in Filton and has two adult children. A staunch supporter of the NHS and motivated by improving the health of all, Dr Warner chose a career path as a general practitioner, amassing 25 years of local practice experience. She is currently working in a maternity cover role with the Stoke Gifford & Conygre Medical Centre. Speaking after her selection, Dr Warner said: “I have decided to stand as MP because I see
increasing hardship among all the people I serve. This is due to huge financial inequality, as today the very rich get richer. Those with middle incomes are facing reduction in their wealth and increased working hours and insecurity. Poorer people are having to manage biting austerity. The Green Party is determined to change this. If money is shared more equally we can all benefit from modern technology and innovation and we can all make the choices that will help us to live well.” “Here in Filton and Bradley Stoke we are in an excellent position to go forward into the twenty-first century. With Airbus, Rolls-Royce and other industry on our doorstep, we are at a centre of
cutting edge technology. We need to use technology for real benefit for us and for our environment.” “The Green Party has coherent and comprehensive strategies which will increase security and wellbeing, improve transport and environment, provide opportunities and vision from infants to retirees. It is a fully democratic party funded by membership and individual donations. This ensures that all our policies are developed by the majority, not by the corporate minority.”
The first children have begun taking their places at a new Happy Days nursery in Bradley Stoke. The new 100-place nursery at the Almondsbury Business Centre in Woodlands Lane is the first opened in Bristol by South West operator Happy Days, which last year revealed plans to expand throughout Bristol. Between them, the staff of four nurses and managers at the nursery in Bradley Stoke have more than 50 years of experience and they are all Level 3 qualified or higher. The nursery is also launching its first baby massage programme, which is aimed at pre-crawling babies and runs on Tuesdays from 11am until noon, for five weeks starting on Tuesday February 3rd. The free classes will be run by Anne Badger CIMI, a fully qualified baby massage practitioner. ● See advert on page 28.
First Impressions Always Count Discover Reflections, Bradley Stoke; Friendly Staff & Award-Winning Hairdressing Relaxing shampoo room (Indian head massage included with all services) Complimentary refreshments and magazines Friendly, knowledgeable staff experienced in cutting & colouring Nails, Eyelash & Wedding Hair Specialists on site
We are very pleased to announce the return of Roxanne and Hannah to Reflections, Bradley Stoke! Reflections, 9 Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8BS. Tel: 01454 610 318 www.reflectionshair.co.uk
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February 2015
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Get well · Stay well
by Craig from the Willow Brook Clinic
Can children and adolescents benefit from Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?
R
ecently I have seen a number of teenagers suffering from OsgoodSchlatters disease. Many people won’t recognise that name, but young people who suffer from this condition will tell you how debilitating the symptoms can be. A sufferer will complain of severe pain on ‘the little bump on the bone just below the kneecap.’ The pain is caused by the inflammation of a tendon during an active period of bone growth. It is extremely painful, particularly with running or jumping activities. It occurs in boys more than girls (ratio around 3:1) between the ages of 9 and 16. Why some people suffer from it, and others do not, is unknown. It rarely occurs beyond the age of 16. The duration of the injury also varies; from a couple of months to a few years. It is frustrating and painful for young people who are trying to be active. Although resting during the active periods of bone growth is essential, there are treatment modalities used by Chiropractors and Physiotherapists, which help to ease the symptoms, guide self-management and enable a speedy return to painfree exercise. Bone growth normally occurs at the ends of the long bones. These areas are called growth plates. Skeletal maturity, when these growth plates start to harden from
soft bone to hard bone, takes place between 13 and 15 years of age (girls) and between 15 and 17 years of age (boys). As a result, an active adolescent is putting a substantial amount of stress on immature joints, bones and muscles. Not only can they suffer from OsgoodSchlatters, but from many other conditions, mostly of the hips, knees, ankles and feet. I have found, in over 20 years of practice, that when a child or young person complains of pain, they are normally quite accurate in their description of what is wrong. Exercise is so important for children of all ages, but they also suffer injuries, just as adults who exercise do. Keep an eye on them, listen to them and get them to a qualified professional to accurately diagnose the injury, facilitate healing and return them to their activities.
info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk
23
Advertising Feature New street dance classes coming to Bradley Stoke and Little Stoke Shine Dance School is a fun and friendly dance school based in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas. We specialise in teaching children from 3 years of age up to adults, routines that include street, hip hop, pop and commercial dance. Helen, the school principal, has over ten years experience teaching dance and has been frequently involved in training dancers for local events and ventures such as ‘Got to Dance’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. We have several classes teaching bespoke choreography, throughout the week, for specific age ranges. A playlist for each age group has been carefully selected and includes modern tracks such as Taylor Swift, One Direction, Beyonce and many more. Come along to a fun and friendly atmosphere for a one off dance, to keep fit or to get noticed
and take part in our performance groups. Classes are held on Saturdays at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre and on Sunday at Little Stoke Community Hall. For more information about a class in your area, please get in touch: t: 07437 968329 e: hello@shinedanceschool.com w: www.shinedanceschool.com ● See advert on page 17.
www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 11.
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24
www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk
February 2015
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Official fuel consumption for the Volvo XC60 D4 SE (manual) in MPG (l/100km): Urban 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3), Combined 62.8 (4.5). CO₂ Emissions 117g/km.
MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. *Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered by 31st March 2015. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. You will not own the vehicle until all payments are made. City Motors trading as City Motors are a credit broker not a lender, can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.
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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Dacia Sandero range are: urban 37.2 (7.6)–65.7 (4.3); extraurban 57.7 (4.9)–80.7 (3.5); combined 48.7 (5.8)–74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 135–99g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.
Finance provided by RCI Financial Services Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on featured new vehicles when ordered and registered from 1 January to 31 March 2015 (excluding Access versions). Our dealership introduces customers to a limited number of financial providers including RCI Financial Services Ltd. We may receive a commission from the finance provider for the introduction. Offers based on 6000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Extended warranty applies to the models shown for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, when purchased on Dacia finance deposit contribution scheme (excluding Access versions). The extended warranty prolongs the warranty coverage from the date of first registration and expires on the first of the two limits reached. Warranty offer provides ongoing protection from mechanical and electrical failure after the standard manufacturer’s warranty has expired and is valued at £395. The warranty plan is not transferable to another vehicle, but should the vehicle be sold while the warranty plan is still active, the remaining cover transfers to the new owner. Visit shop.dacia.co.uk/ product/5-year-extended-warranty for full terms and conditions. *Deposit contribution shown is available to new RCI Financial Services Ltd customers, when taking Dacia finance on a new Dacia Sandero. Sandero shown with optional metallic paint, available at an additional £495. EXTENDED WARRANTY
February 2015
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nEW CITROËN C1 FROM ONLy
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CiTy MOTORS CALL US NOW ON 0117 977 8881 CASTLE COURT, ST PHiLiPS CAUSEWAy, BRiSTOL, BS4 3AX www.citymotorsbristol.citroen.co.uk
°Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying Citroën models ordered & delivered 01/01-31/03/15 & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months’ graduated vehicle excise duty. Black/metallic/ pearlescent paint optional at extra cost. Elect 4 Personal Lease rentals shown apply to New C1 VTi 68 manual 3-door Touch - New C1 Airscape VTi 68 ETG 5-door Flair respectively. Model(s) shown New Citroën C1 VTi 68 manual Airscape Feel Edition 5-door from £119 per month. One significant advance rental will be required, which varies by model, followed by 34 monthly rentals at the rates shown & a significant optional final rental. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one months’ rental. Finance subject to status. Written quotations available on request from Citroën Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.
Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/ km); Highest:New Citroën C1 PureTech 82 manual 3-door Flair 5.4/52.3, 3.7/76.3, 4.3/65.7, 99. Lowest:New Citroën C1 VTi 68 S&S manual 3-door Flair 4.5/62.8, 3.4/83.1, 3.8/74.3, 88. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. www.renault.co.uk
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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for All-New Renault Twingo SCe 70 are: urban 50.44 (5.6); extra-urban 72.43 (3.9); combined 62.77 (4.5). The official CO2 emissions are 105g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other factors.
Finance provided by RCI Financial Services Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply. Our dealership introduces customers to a limited number of financial providers including RCI Financial Services Ltd. Offer based on 6,000 miles pa, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on featured new vehicles when ordered by 31 March 2015 and registered by 30 June 2015. Car shown with optional Powder Blue paint at £225.
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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk Advertising feature
After school club to open at Baileys Court
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radley Stoke Wise Owls Club is set to expand in March 2015. Due to popular demand, the after school and holiday club is opening another branch at Baileys Court Activity Centre in Bradley Stoke. To celebrate, families are invited to look around and find out more at an open day on Saturday 7th February, between 1pm and 3pm. Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club aims to provide a unique service to the local community. Rather than just providing child care for parents who work, a wide range of activities will be on offer for the children to take part in, both after school and during holidays. There will be structured arts and crafts sessions, study time and a selection of free choice activities. Located next door to Baileys Court Primary School, the Baileys Court Activity Centre is an ideal location for an after school and holiday club. It is easily accessible from Baileys Court Road and ample car parking is
t: 01454 300 400
February 2015
Ask the Doctor with Dr Norman Douglas of Bradley Stoke Surgery
T available. A pickup service from Baileys Court School and St Michael’s School will be available after school Monday to Friday. We have an excellent, highly qualified and caring team of staff, including a qualified teacher and English & maths tutor. We are also currently recruiting for new staff members, so contact Wise Owls if you are interested. If you would like to make an appointment to come and meet the staff and look around, please contact us on 07938 192973, email us at bradleystokewiseowlsclub@ gmail.com or come along to our open day on 7th February!
The silent killer
here is more than one condition which deserves this title. These conditions are so named because they show very few, if any, symptoms until they cause damage to the body which may be fatal. The most common of these conditions is “Hypertension” or raised blood pressure. Our bodies require nutrients and oxygen to feed our vital organs, our muscles, our skin and every part of our bodies. These essentials are delivered to the various organs by blood which has to be pumped through a closed system of tubing (blood vessels) by a pump, the heart. The heart has to develop enough pressure to get all this blood round the closed circuit of vessels and this is what we know as blood pressure. (BP) There are two readings. The lower one is the continuous pressure within the system of tubes and the upper one is the pressure produced when the heart pumps. So you may normally have a resting pressure in the system of 80mm of mercury and each heart beat creates an increase to 120mm of mercury so your BP would be 120/80. This is regarded as a normal BP and it will change all the time depending on what you are doing or need to do. The problem with having a consistently high blood pressure such as 160/100
is that it damages the inside of your blood vessels making them more likely to attract blockages like cholesterol or else to leak which can lead to heart attacks, strokes and many other serious problems. Having to produce increased pressure also means your heart has to work harder so making the pump more likely to fail. So how do you know you have raised blood pressure? You will only know if you have had it checked on a reliable machine. This can be done at your pharmacy or your GP surgery. If it is raised then other risk factors such as blood sugar and cholesterol and kidney function should be checked and a treatment programme should be introduced to lower your blood pressure. As usual this starts with diet, exercise and life style modifications but usually ends up with one or more medications that need to be taken for life. That life will be longer and less liable to vascular diseases. My advice to you all is to check your blood pressure every couple of years and if it is raised make sure you have it treated. You could also book in for an NHS Vascular Health Check. It could be the best investment you ever make for your health. Have a happy Valentines and roll on the summer.
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February 2015
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News
In Brief
Come and give Woodcraft Folk a try!
The extraordinary story of The Shakers
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tuck on the waiting list for Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows or Brownies? Come and give Woodcraft Folk a try. We meet on Wednesdays at Stoke Lodge School from 6pm to 7.30pm. We have spaces available for boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years and, with our new year introductory offer, it costs just £5 for your first five sessions! Not heard of Woodcraft Folk? It’s not a woodwork club! Read on to find out more… A group night usually starts with some fun running around games, followed by a break for drinks and the chance for everyone to talk about anything interesting they did recently. We then move on to a craft activity. The children have made juggling balls, kites and leather pouches for phones or cameras, for example. We also do bushcraft activities – in the summer term, our pioneer group (10-12 year olds) completed their bushcraft
badges. The last group night of each term is always reserved for an outside activity, so we go and play games in the woods or local parks, or have a camp fire. We have also done treasure hunts and trail laying, orienteering and geocaching in the dark. This year we have lots to look forward to starting with the annual Merrymoot in March, a get together with the other Bristol groups where each group performs a song or sketch to entertain the others followed by games, a ploughman’s supper and dancing the evening away at the ceilidh. Planning is already under way for the May Bristol District camp, and a summer regional camp to get together with other groups from the South West area. We’ll also hold our very popular bushcraft day and a bivvy at a local camp site for our group which will give the children a chance to build a tarp
shelter and spend the night out in the woods. So, if your children would enjoy making new friends, the chance to enjoy some outdoor activities, craft projects and fun and games, get in touch, we have places available now. If you would like more information, please contact Jenny and Daniel on 0117 9093969 or info@southwestwoodcraft.org.uk You can also follow what we’ve been up to recently on our blog at http://bradleystokewoodcraft. blogspot.co.uk/ ● For details of more local youth organisations, see the BSJ website.
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The South Gloucestershire Design and Fine Arts Society will welcome John Ericson to Bradley Stoke Community School on Thursday 19th February to explore the intriguing legacy of The Shakers. Today, we recognise the name from ever popular Shaker style kitchens and furniture. John will tell us how from their beginning in 18th C England they tried to build Utopia in the USA – explaining what they believed, how they lived their lives and examining examples of their wonderful buildings and furniture. There is plenty of easy parking and good access to the hall. Refreshments available from 7pm with the slide-illustrated lecture starting at 7.30 pm. No artistic ability required, just an enquiring mind and an interest in the arts! For more information and to join us as a guest, please call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401.
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February 2015
News
In Brief
New college celebrates result of first Ofsted inspection
‘Around the Schools’ by Judith Summers of BSR
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taff and students at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) are celebrating after receiving an overall ‘good’ status by Ofsted just two years after the new college was formed. The college, one of the newest in the country, was formed by dissolution of Filton and Stroud Colleges and the incorporation of SGS College in February 2012. SGS had its first Ofsted inspection last November and the report was published in January. Ofsted judged that the college had ‘Outstanding’ Leadership and Management, Learner Support services, and Employability Programmes. There were further ‘Outstanding’ grades in Sport, Business, Performing and Visual Arts. The report also outlined that a significant and increasing proportion of teaching and learning is outstanding, and learners benefit from the College’s culture of high expectations and
SGSC’s WISE campus in Stoke Gifford
receive outstanding support in their studies. In addition, the College was praised for its highly effective strategic vision and direction, which Ofsted concluded, ‘placed it at the heart of its local communities, to serve the best interests of learners’. Excellent partnerships with employers and local enterprise partnerships also received praise and were found to be highly productive for learners. Principal and CEO, Kevin
Get on board
Hamblin, comments: “SGS was established to provide a wider range of vocational and academic courses in our local communities, providing students with more choice, greater opportunities and a greater range of facilities from a larger, more efficient college. SGS College has a 15% rise in student numbers since 2012 whilst at the same time student success rates for learners aged 16-18 have consistently been in the top decile when compared with all the other similar colleges in the Country. When compared with all further education colleges in the South West, SGS College’s value-added performance ranked highest of all similar colleges for A Levels or Vocational programmes.” “This doesn’t happen without a fantastic team effort by all staff at the College and it is a testament to their hard work and dedication that we have come so far is such a short period of time and I would like to publicly thank them.”
with Happy Days, Bradley Stoke NOW OPEN at Almondsbury Business Centre on Woodlands Lane, providing the very highest quality childcare for 0-5 year olds.
Baileys Court Primary School is celebrating Government recognition for the performance of its ‘pupil premium’ children. It was recognised as being one of the top performing schools in the country for progress that the children have made since 2011. The school has been awarded £1,000, which it intends to spend on computer software. The Rt. Hon David Laws MP (Minister of State for Schools) has also recommended that they submit an application for a larger award and that they may be considered for the national prize of £100,000. Stoke Lodge Primary School has been working with South Gloucestershire’s Active Schools programme and is encouraging pupils to cycle or scoot to school. Every week a golden padlock will be attached to a bike or scooter ridden to school and the owner will receive a prize.
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February 2015
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Quiz Quiz for all, No. 17 (easy/hard, old/new) Another ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 33. 1. Which American author wrote the worldwide best sellers ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘Angels and Demons’? 2. Who was the second wife of King Henry VIII of England? 3. In which US TV show would you find the main characters Walter White and Jesse Pinkman? 4. In which South American country is the world’s highest waterfall, Angels Falls, located? 5. In Greek mythology, who was the father of the hero Heracles? 6. Which South African golfer and four-time major winner is nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’? 7. (Princess) Tiana is the lead character in which 2009 animated Disney film? 8. Which is the only chemical element in the Periodic Table to begin with the letter ‘V’? 9. Its Greek name means ‘water pig’. What animal is the largest of all the rodents? 10. The supermarkets Aldi and Lidl were both founded in which European country? 11. Home to many famous painting, in which Italian city is the famous Uffizi Art Gallery located? 12. Reigning between 1830 and 1837, who immediately preceded Queen Victoria as the British Monarch? 13. In which English county is the TV drama series
Journal quiz setter: Paul Philpot
‘Broadchurch’ set? 14. What is the capital city of New York State? 15. In the bible, which book of the New Testament immediately follows the four Gospels? 16. Which English Premier football club play at the Britannia Stadium? 17. Based on a 1996 novel of the same name, in which 1999 film did Brad Pitt play the character Tyler Durden? 18. What name is given to a triangle that has two sides of equal length? 19. Which British male singer/ songwriter released the 2014 number one album ‘Wanted On Voyage’? 20. What is the three-letter acronym given to the national airline of The Netherlands?
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Tel: 07883 605185 bsmanandvan@hotmail.com To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
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February 2015
News
In Brief
BSCS appoints head of primary
New year, new you! How about netball for fun? Are you thinking of trying to get fit again this year? Tried running (too much like hard work), going to the gym (just a bit boring – and expensive) or even exercising at home (lonely)? Well, maybe there is another option: Netball for fun.
The Black and Blues netball group
Under construction: The new primary phase building at Bradley Stoke Community School (pictured on 23rd January)
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radley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has announced the appointment of a headteacher for its new primary phase, due to open for Reception age children in September. Sharon Clark, currently deputy headteacher at
The Tynings Primary School in Staple Hill, will formally take up her new role at BSCS at Easter. She has a background in early years education, having spent five years as early years leader in a previous school, and has experience of teaching and leadership across the
primary age range. The recruitment process for a Reception class teacher is currently under way. The allocation of places at the new BSCS primary phase will be announced on 16th April. Photo (right): Sharon Clark
We are a non-league team that is based in Bradley Stoke. We play for fun, fitness and to have a couple of hours to call our own! No experience or fitness level is required – you do whatever you feel comfortable with and we will help you with the rest (most people who join us haven’t played netball since school (be that two years ago or 20). There is no commitment, you play when and as often as you want (or can). We play every Wednesday at BSCS on the hard courts behind the school 7.30pm to 9pm. You can pay for each session - £3 (where can you exercise for over an hour for that amount?) or you can set up a direct debit for £10 per month (£2.50 per session) – plus your first session is free! If you would like further information then please contact Laura on LorB@blueyonder. co.uk, 01454 851075 or visit our website: www.theblackandblues. co.uk. Or you can just turn up at one of our sessions – why not give us a go, you have nothing to lose, not even any money! P.S. We do play in all weathers, so even if it’s raining, we will still be playing!
Send us your news! March magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 16th February To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
February 2015
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Business News
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Advertising feature
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New clinic now open at Aztec West
Auto enrolment: Is your business prepared?
onday 5th January saw the opening of THE Medical’s new clinic in the Aztec Centre, on the Aztec West Business Park. THE Medical is an awardwinning Bristol healthcare provider, with locations across the city. The organisation works closely with businesses to support their occupational health and wellbeing. The location of the Aztec West clinic is ideal for those wishing for an assessment or GP check-up – just around the corner, instead of losing half a day of work to do so. There is also an on-site studio, made for intimate 5-person Pilates and Yoga classes to maximise hands-on instructor time, accelerate your progression and deliver real results. The Aztec West clinic also includes a small shop with a collection of medicines and everyday essentials, to keep you
The law on workplace pensions has changed. All employers are legally required to automatically enrol certain staff into a pension scheme and make contributions. You will also have to tell your staff about the scheme you put them in and allow other staff to join if they request to do so. You must be ready to start enrolling staff from your ‘staging date’, which can be found via The Pensions Regulator website. Dunkley’s Accountants in Bradley Stoke advise that, on average, it takes six months to complete Auto Enrolment, so for those due this year or next, now is the time to start considering your options. To help you, the company will be hosting two free Auto Enrolment seminars at the Aztec Hotel on Thursday 19th February. If you’d like more information please contact Siobhan Dolan on 01454 619900.
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Some of the staff at THE Medical’s new Aztec West clinic (l-r): Mike Glassborow (director), Izzi Fuller (receptionist) and Tom Jenkins (chiropractor)
covered whenever you need it. If you’d like to know how THE Medical can benefit you, or to
JACK LOPRESTI MP
Member of Parliament for Filton and Bradley Stoke
Jack has surgeries on Fridays at locations across the constituency – please make an appointment: 01454 617 783 or jack.lopresti.mp@parliament.uk Jack’s drop-in constituency office is at 2B, 1st Floor East, The Willow Brook Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8BS Open 9-6 weekdays
book an appointment, please call us on 0117 376 3732 or visit our website, themedical.co.uk.
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February 2015
News
New year brings a new name for the Bradley Stoke Rotary Club
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he local branch of the Rotary Club, known previously as the ‘Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec’, has been officially renamed the ‘Bradley Stoke Rotary Club’, in order to identify itself more closely with the community it serves. It is hoped the name change will lead to “greater awareness and integration with local residents and make the club more identifiable for local charitable causes”. Bradley Stoke Town Council supported the club’s rebranding with a £500 Grant Aid award. The change of name was marked at a special launch breakfast held at the Bristol Golf Club, Cribbs Causeway on 2nd
January, attended by individuals with whom the club has worked with in the past or with whom it hopes to build working relationships in the future. At the event, Phil King (founder president of the branch) presented the new Bradley Stoke Rotary Club regalia to Roger Worth (president), Bob Warne and Karen Holley. The meeting also witnessed the presentation of a prestigious Rotary International ‘Paul Harris Award’ to founder member, former president and current secretary Peter Randall. During 2014, the local rotary club supported numerous local projects, including sponsoring a student from Bradley Stoke
New regalia for (front, l-r): Roger Worth, Bob Warne and Karen Holley
Community School on a Rotary Youth leader course, helping to run a music workshop for disabled and disadvantaged children, staging the local Young Chef competition, organising a fundraising Swimathon and providing the barbecue at the Bradley Stoke Fireworks Display. Rotary members also helped out with collections for the Royal
British Legion (raising £878), the Knutty Knitters (£542 for St Peter’s Hospice) and the Jessie May Trust (£57 from the wishing well at the Willow Brook Centre). On the international front, the club supported projects in South Africa and The Gambia. To find out more about the club or to get involved, contact Peter Randall on 07860 167899.
Bradley Stoke Community School Primary Phase Opening September 2015 For more information visit www.bradleystokecs.org.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
February 2015
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News Bradley Stoke Beat Team
Beat Manager PC Jamie Shiels
Two successful drugs raids in Bradley Stoke
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e’re always grateful to the public for being our eyes and ears and reporting suspicious activity to us – in many cases leading to very positive outcomes. For instance, in early January, the neighbourhood beat team had some welcome success in dealing with drug offences. A concerned member of public contacted us on the 101 phone number to report drug taking occurring in Bradley Stoke. Thanks to the detailed information given, we were able to investigate and research and, when the time was right, go to the suspect’s home address. There we found a number of persons, whom we searched, and drugs were seized. A further search of the suspect’s home led us to find more drugs. Two people were dealt with for drug offences and a large amount of drugs removed from the community. In a different incident, again thanks to information passed to the local neighbourhood police team, we were able to collect information and be granted a Misuse of Drugs warrant from the magistrates’ court. This warrant was executed recently and drugs were seized and subsequently destroyed. One man was dealt with for drug possession offences. All of us in the neighbourhood
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beat team would like to thank the members of the local community who enabled us to deal with these issues by passing on information. Your help is really invaluable. If you wish to contact the local police, there are a number of ways to do this – by phoning 101, on email or social media, via our force website www. avonandsomerset.police. uk or visiting the local police station. Alternatively you can report crime anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre: Wednesday 11th February – 1pm to 2.30pm Wednesday 25th February – 5pm to 6.30pm ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes
www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
News Lions Club: More pride in Bradley Stoke Richard Finn, the General Manager of our local Hilton Hotel became the first new member of the Bradley Stoke Lions Club in 2015, badged up by vice-president Ailsa. The Hilton Hotel has hosted the Lions Club meetings every 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm for the last 15 years and a plaque proclaiming the Lions’ presence there was donated by the hotel last year and can be found on the left of the entrance to the hotel. Lions are a charity where a local group get together to give support to those in need and to
New member Richard Finn (centre)
enjoy a wider social life. To find out more about the Lions and what they do, contact Robin or Ailsa on 0845 8336745.
Quiz answers (page 29) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Dan Brown Anne Boleyn Breaking Bad Venezuela Zeus Ernie Els The Princess And The Frog Vanadium Capybara Germany
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Florence King William IV Dorset Albany Acts of the Apostles Stoke City Brad Pitt Isoceles George Ezra KLM
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February 2015
News
January in the Three Brooks nature reserve By Sara Messenger (Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group)
O
ur January workday was, as always, two hedgelaying workdays instead of one day. Using traditional methods, we continued laying a hedge along the length of Bradley Stoke Way. To all of you who have seen it, we know it looks brutal and you may think the trees won’t ever recover, but look again in the spring and you will see the hedge burst into life once again. We were delighted to welcome Steve, Colin and Rob to the group, whether they were swayed by the thought of Sunday’s bacon butties or by the need to work off that extra helping of Christmas pudding we didn’t mind, we were just very glad they came to join us and hope they come back next month. The work was hampered not by
the cold this year, but the mud. The top path is, in places, ankle deep in water and mud, so much so that it was suggested that it looked less like a path and more the battlefields of the Somme and that we should name the hedge ‘Hawthorn Ridge’!
High water levels
The brooks and lakes are also very high at the moment and we would urge everyone to keep their small children and dogs away from the edges. During the autumn/winter the water level within the lake is reduced by manual adjustment of the outlet control conveying flow into the downstream watercourse. This operation is to provide flood storage within the lake in the event of extreme rainfall and
New Year workday: Hedge laying alongside Bradley Stoke Way
resultant high brook flows. This procedure is intended to reduce flood risk locally and within the downstream catchment area. These actions have been agreed by the Environment Agency. Just out of interest, we are researching the possibility of putting in depth markers so we can regularly record the height of the brooks.
Green Gym
Green Gym started the year with coppicing the Crack Willow around the lower newt pond and welcoming two new members Colin and Cecilia. The trees felled will be used to create a ‘dead hedge’ around the pond which is a breeding site for our protected newts.
Grant increase welcomed
The conservation group is run by volunteers and is supported with an annual Service Level Agreement grant. Many of our costs have greatly increased over the last few years, including the costs of putting on public events / walks. It had been suggested that we charge a fee to cover some of the walk costs but the group are committed to keeping the walks free, so instead they approached Bradley Stoke Town Council to ask for an increase and we are very pleased that at their December meeting our 2015/16 grant was increased to £2,000. For further information, visit our website, www.three-brooks. info, email info@three-brooks.info or call Hannah on 0797 142 6266.
The Journal is proud to be Bradley Stoke’s only locally-edited community news magazine
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February 2015
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News
Brook Court residents enjoy new year trip to Palace of Westminster By Grahame Holloway he New Year opened well for the residents of Brook Court when, as guests of local MP Jack Lopresti, they enjoyed a day’s outing to London to tour the Palace of Westminster, perhaps better known as the Houses of Parliament. After passing through strict airport style security entry was into the oldest part of the Palace, Westminster Hall. This great hall is almost 900 years old and is the oldest part of Parliament having been founded by King Rufus in 1097. It is still used today for state occasions, from the hosting of foreign dignitaries to the occasional state funeral. Meeting their guide here, over
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the next hour or so he proved to be a mine of information which was delivered in such an easy manner as to bring each parliamentary chamber to life. He was not without a sense of humour either! The tour covered all important rooms, including the House of Lords and the House of Commons where the rituals of both were fully explained. In the case of the latter the guide deviated from his normal sequence to ensure we were able to visit the chamber. This was due to the fact the visit coincided with the re-opening of Parliament after the Christmas recess and was about to be occupied by the returning MPs.
The Brook Court party in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of Parliament
This added a little mystery as attempts were made to identify MPs scurrying along the corridors towards the Chamber. The visit concluded with an opportunity to visit the on-site shop where a wealth of souvenirs
awaited, from books on its history to bottles of ‘House of Commons’ branded wine and whisky! And with shopping over, the restaurant was adjacent for sustenance before the coach journey home.
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February 2015
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Sport
Cricket club has big plans for new season
D
espite the wet, cold and windy weather we are having at the moment, it’s amazing to think it’s only three months until the cricket season starts! Bradley Stoke Cricket Club, which runs four adult sides on a Saturday, two on a Sunday and youth teams from under-10s right through to under-17s, start their indoor nets in the next few weeks. The adult nets start on Sunday 8th February (7pm to 8pm) at Winterbourne International Academy (The Ridings) and will be run every Sunday up to 12th April (with the exception of Easter Sunday). There will be a £3 charge to cover costs. The youth team nets are at the same location, but start on Tuesday 10th March (also 7pm to 8pm) and run through to Tuesday 14th April. BSCC’s Simon Page said: “The club is always on the look out for
Archive image of a match in progress at the Baileys Court ground
new players, so if anyone fancies coming along, please do so.” The club has been very active over the last month, despite it being the close season. Plans are afoot to replace and re-site the “dilapidated” practice nets at the Baileys Court ground. Discussions
are currently on-going with contractors, the town council and local residents to discuss planning permission and funding. Simon said: “If the club manages to get the new nets, it would be a fantastic achievement and give the club some of the best
facilities for adults and youths in the local area.” Members of the club have also been repairing the sight-screens which were blown over in the recent strong winds. The wooden sight-screen which was new last year was tipped over and got stuck in trees, sustaining damage to the panels. Members have been working hard to repair it. Five members of the club are going on a sponsored walk to raise money for Morgan Walker (see story on page 7) who plays for the club’s under-11s. The club has also donated £100 towards the cause’s target of £70,000. For more information on the club, contact Simon Page at simon.pagebs@blueyonder. co.uk or visit the ‘Bradley Stoke Cricket’ page on Facebook.
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February 2015
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What’s On (1st February – 1st March) Sunday 1st February 9am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Tintern. Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit. ly/ssramb [Further walks on 6th, 8th, 15th, 20th & 22th February and 1st March] 10.30am: SCC Medium Distance Ride to Clifton. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560 [Further SCC rides on 8th, 15th & 22nd February and 1st March]
Monday 2nd February 10am: Buggy Walk. Organised walk starting from outside The Old School Rooms, Stoke Gifford. See story on page 10.
Wednesday 4th February 10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays]
Thursday 5th February 2pm-4pm: Volunteering Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Pop in for a chat with a volunteer advisor. More info: http://bit.ly/vc-pfs or call 01454 868986
1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre. More info: www.blood.co.uk [Further sessions on 20th Feb]
Saturday 7th February 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit. ly/bsj-tbncg or call Hannah on 07971 426266
Monday 9th February 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at the Aztec Hotel. More info: www.bssbf.co.uk
Tuesday 10th February 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: Janine 01454 617645
Wednesday 11th February 1pm-2.30pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.
info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk For more details and further events, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/whats-on/
Monday 16th February
Saturday 21st February
1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos
10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom Workday. More info: bsib@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07582 634107. Please get in touch to find out where we will be meeting and working.
7pm: BSTC Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstclya
Thursday 19th February 7pm: SGDFAS Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. This month: ‘The Shakers’ beliefs, architecture and artefacts’ by Ann Clements. More info: Sally Kitching on 01454 774401
Friday 20th February 10.30am-12pm: Pirate Fun and Crafts. Free holiday drop-in session for children aged 3 to 10 at Bradley Stoke Library. 11.30am-4pm: Ben & Holly. Free half-term children’s entertainment at the Willow Brook Centre. For details, see advert on page 3.
2.30pm: Chatterbooks Reading Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For keen readers aged 9-11. Please ask a member of staff for details.
Wednesday 25th February 5pm-6.30pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.
Saturday 28th February 7.30pm-9pm: Real Lives – Henry Olonga (cricketer). Interview and presentation at Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church. See story on page 15. Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter for daily event reminders
2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Beetle drive. More info: Barbara on 0117 947 0340
Friday 6th February
7pm: BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcpec
10am-12pm: NCT Bumps and Babies Group meets in the cafe at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/nctsglos [Weekly on Fridays]
8pm (approx): BSTC Finance Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. N.B. Start time dependent on prior meeting. Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcfin
37
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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS
Accountants & Bookkeepers AD Bookkeeping, Page 2 TJS Business Solutions, Page 26 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 12 Richard Joseph, Page 7 Business Services Outsource Typing Services, Page 39 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 39 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 24 & 25 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 11 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 33 Clean Pros, Page 15 Carpets & Flooring Trade Floor, Page 23 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 1 Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 26 Happy Days Nursery, Page 28 Little Acorns Pre-School, Page 4 Mama Bear’s Nursery, Page 16 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 11 Computer Services goto iT, Page 2 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 2 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 19 Double Glazing JDC Windows, Page 31 Imperial Windows, Page 20 Education & Learning Bradley Stoke Community School, Page 32 Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club, Page 26 Explore Learning, Page 10 Kumon Study Programme Page 6 Electricians RJ Electrical, Page 18 Electronic Cigarettes VaperVapour, Page 23 Estate Agents Connells Residential Lettings, Page 29 Freeman Residential Page 2 Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 36 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 31 Furniture Branches, Page 40 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 23 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 20 Westlec, Page 34 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 30 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 37 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38
Gyms & Health Clubs LivingWell Health Club, Page 4 Riverside Leisure Club, Page 14 Hair & Beauty Reflections, Page 22 Hire Services Stop and Hire, Page 21 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 35 Locksmiths Visit directory on BSJ website Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 29 Pet Services & Supplies Friends for Pets, Page 34 MadDogz, Page 37 New Passage Cattery, Page 39 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 27 Dr Praveen Kumar, Page 8 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 11 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 19 Photographers Amy’s Photography Bristol, Page 21 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 38 Plumbing & Heating Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 9 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 37 Panache Plumbing, Page 39 Richard Joseph, Page 7 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 37 JB Property Services, Page 39 Richard Joseph, Page 7 Recruitment Redwood Farm, Page 21 Restaurants Eastwood Park, Page 18 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Self Storage Simply Self Store Ltd, Page 39 Solicitors Visit directory on BSJ website Sport & Leisure Shine Dance School, Page 17 Slimming Clubs Slimming World, Page 13 Soft Furnishings Janet Smith, Page 2 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 39 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 39 More in directory on BSJ website Transport BS Man and Van, Page 29 TV & Aerials The Aerial Man, Page 39 Image Aerial Systems, Page 39
Visit our online directory: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory
February 2015
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