January 2018

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January 2018 • Issue 56

WHAT’S ON P6-7 | POLICE P34 | DIRECTORY P38

LINK ROAD OPENS FOR ALL TRAFFIC but MetroBus won’t be ready to use it until “summer”

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NOW OPEN: Stoke Gifford Transport Link / By-Pass New road provides direct link from Bradley Stoke to A4174 Ring Road & Junction 1 of M32 Pages 28 & 29

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l Residents congratulated for recycling efforts l Council’s astonishing U-turn over left-turn ban l Bike theft victim turns anger into inspiration l Discovery of cygnet with “cleanly broken back” heightens concerns l Anorexia survivor’s year of fundraising exceeds all expectations l Conservation group review of the year l Bradley Stoke Christmas lights raise funds for hospice rebuild l Get running with Sole Sisters in the new year! l Dance school wows Christmas show audience l McDonald’s kit boost for BSYFC Under-7s l Festive farewell for Little Acorns staff

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Residents congratulated for recycling efforts Slimline black bins (140-litre in place of 240-litre) will be rolled out in the new year

N

ew figures released by South Gloucestershire Council indicate that their new weekly kerbside recycling collections, which began in June 2017, are having a positive effect.

An additional 1,279 tonnes of recycling has been collected, which is a 14 percent increase, including an extra 600 tonnes of paper and cardboard, an extra 364 tonnes of food waste and an extra 315 tonnes made up of plastics, cans and textiles.

Weekly collections mean that householders don’t have to store as much material between collections and the council saves on the financial cost of disposing of black bin waste (not to mention the benefits for the environment).

Waste that cannot be recycled is disposed of either as ‘energy from waste’ or into landfill.

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With the council having to pay at least £101 to dispose of every tonne of black bin waste in this way, the extra 1,270 tonnes of recycling has allowed it to save around £130,000 since weekly collections began.

The council’s Cabinet member for communities and tourism, Cllr Heather Goddard, said: “This is fantastic news – I am so pleased that the changes we have made to make recycling easier for residents are paying off. Our communities deserve a real pat on the back for their efforts.”

“Our new waste strategy is all about reducing the waste we send to landfill, which is expensive and no good for our environment.

Before we launched our new strategy, 52 percent of waste put into our black bins could have been recycled from home. This first response to making recycling easier is very encouraging.”

“The next step is to reduce the size of people’s waste bins, which will start to happen in the new year. From 15th January we will start exchanging the 240-litre black bins for non-recyclable waste with 140-litre bins, to reduce recyclable waste ending up in the black bins and achieve our recycling target of 50 percent by 2020. It is clear now that the pressure on those bins will be far less, thanks to residents’ recycling efforts.”

“There have been a number of other initiatives as part of the new approach, including making allowances for larger families to have extra black bin capacity and introducing separate bags for disposable nappy waste to help families with young children manage their non-recyclable waste.”

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January 2018

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

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

About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal website and magazine are published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: 7 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD. Our other publications include the Patchway Journal website, the Stoke Gifford Journal website and the Filton Journal website.

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

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

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2018. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

ommuters who travel between Bradley Stoke and destinations in East Bristol have welcomed an astonishing council U-turn on a hugely unpopular ‘no left-turn’ restriction at the Hambrook lights, which they claimed was adding upwards of ten minutes to their journey times.

The restriction, which applied to traffic approaching the lights on the B4058 Bristol Road from Winterbourne, had been introduced on a trial basis from Monday 13th November as part of the traffic management measures associated with the Bromley Heath Viaduct (BHV) repair works on the A4174 Ring Road.

Explaining the move, South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) said the need for left-turning traffic to join the contraflow on the A4174 was leading to “queuing along the B4058 of vehicles travelling straight ahead or turning right”. Vehicles wishing to travel eastbound on the ring road would now need

to turn right at the lights and travel around the roundabout at Junction 1 of the M32.

However, in the days after the change came into force, many motorists chose to ignore the recommended diversion and go straight ahead at the lights, leading to increased congestion in Frenchay. There were also reports of vehicles continuing to make a sharp left turn at the lights once they had reached the carriageway of the A4174.

Reactions on the council’s dedicated BHV Facebook page were overwhelmingly negative, with hundreds of comments describing the restriction as “absurd” and “ridiculous” and pointing out the side effects on congestion in the wider area.

Three days into the trial, SGC published an overview diagram of the diversion route, adding: “It might seem counter-intuitive but traffic is moving around the M32 roundabout. Please follow the diversion signs, this will help your journey. The trial will

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News

Council’s astonishing U-turn over left-turn ban continue for a total of two weeks, until Friday 24th November, when a decision will be made to retain the no left turn manoeuvre or reinstate it.”

A further announcement a day later said traffic light timings at junction 1 of the M32 had been changed and “it should be quicker to follow the diversion route than going straight directly into Frenchay … Please try it and let us know how you get on.”

Motorists, however, were not convinced, with one replying: “Took 15 minutes to get around the roundabout and back to Hambrook lights last night at 6pm. Shan’t be doing that again.”

When the initial two-week trial period came to an end on 27th November, SGC announced a one week extension, continuing to insist that the measure had improved journey times “on some routes” and saying it would be “taking actions to encourage

The ‘no left turn’ restriction at Hambrook lights was in place for four weeks

the use of the diversion”. Signs saying “No left turn, CCTV in operation” duly appeared the following week.

A week later, on 4th December, SGC announced that, having taken account of traffic data, on-site observations and

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“constructive feedback” from members of the public, the ‘no left turn’ restriction would be retained for the duration of the BHV works, sparking another torrent of negative comment on its Facebook page.

But then, just two days later,

on 6th December, an astonishing U-turn was announced on the BHV Facebook page: “Following feedback received from local residents and councillors, and a review of traffic management in the vicinity of the Bromley Heath Viaduct, it has been decided to reinstate the left turn at Hambrook (B4058 Bristol Road) … from Monday 11th December.”

“Although the trial recorded data showing improvements to the traffic flow on the wider network, there has been significant congestion through the Frenchay area. In response to residents’ concerns, we have decided to revert to the traffic management in place before the trial.”

The statement added: “All other traffic management implemented during the work at Bromley Heath Viaduct will remain in place, including other changes at the Hambrook lights.

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January 2018

What’s On

Bike theft victim turns anger into inspiration Bike Fest event on Saturday 6th January will offer security advice, bike marking and information on safe cycling

A

young teenage boy left devastated after his bike was stolen is turning his grief into something positive for his local community.

Josh Harding, from Bradley Stoke, is putting on a bike safety and awareness event to help others take measures to stop them falling foul to his fate.

The 14-year-old is working with several organisations, including the local police and South Gloucestershire Cycle Safety team, to organise ‘Bike Fest @ The Stokes’.

Josh’s mum Sue said: “We became fixated with trying to find his stolen bike, checking selling sites online and driving around our neighbourhood. It was really getting Josh down, so I said let’s do something positive instead and that’s when we came up with idea for an awareness event.”

After saving for 12 long

months, Josh had his bicycle stolen just weeks after he bought it. He had cycled to the Willow Brook Centre to buy his parents a gift for their wedding anniversary and came out to discover his bike was gone.

“He was so gutted that he’s refusing to let us get him another bike in case this one gets stolen as well,” said Sue. Bike Fest @ The Stokes is being held on Saturday 6th January, from 11am - 3pm at the Willow Brook Centre.

Sue said: “No one is to blame for the theft of Josh’s bike, other than the people who took it.

We’re thankful for the support we’ve had from the Willow Brook Centre and other organisations, who’re backing our event.”

Josh and his family have arranged for police to attend and bring along tamper-proof security stickers to be placed

on bikes. They will also have ultraviolet pens that will mark the bicycle frames, but can be seen under a special light.

South Gloucestershire Council is providing a ‘make your own smoothie using pedal power’ bike that they usually hire out for events. They’ve donated it, free of charge, to help raise money on the day.

Sue said: “Vouchers as part of the SportsPound project will also be handed out – a local initiative from South Gloucestershire Council encouraging people to try out sports and activities for free.”

“The council will also be collecting donations of old bikes (minimum 16-inch wheel size) that will be sent for repair and later be handed back out to those in need within the local community.”

“It’s been great to see so many organisations getting behind Bike Fest @ The Stokes, we’re really grateful for all the support.”

Bradley Stoke Radio will also attend to play music and keep

Josh Harding at the bike rack from which his bike was stolen in September

people entertained throughout the day.

Josh and Sue are still working on other events and ideas for Bike Fest @ The Stokes. The event will take place whatever the weather, as it’s planned for outdoors, but will be taken inside if the weather isn’t favourable.

More bike thefts recorded in Bradley Stoke Following on from the article in our December magazine, where we reported that thirteen bikes had been stolen in the twelve weeks since 1st September, police say a further three bikes were stolen in the subsequent threeweek period up to 15th December.

On 1st December, a metallic green bike was taken the Willow Brook Centre; on 6th December, a Giant Alight bike was stolen from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre; and, also on 6th December, a blue and white Kona Four bike was taken from Bradley Stoke Community School.

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New bike for Christmas? This event will show you how to keep it secure!

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk By event organisers Sue & Josh Harding

We have organised the Bike Fest event in response to the increased number of bike thefts in Bradley Stoke in recent months.

Our family has been unfortunate to have suffered the theft of two bikes within the last nine months and we are determined to help others avoid suffering the same fate.

As the number of thefts continue to escalate, it is most important that people remain vigilant and know how to protect their bikes. Bike Fest @ The Stokes is designed to show people how to keep both themselves and their bikes safe. We look forward to seeing you!

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BikeFest@TheStokes SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY IN THE TOWN SQUARE 11AM-3PM Smoothie Bike the Free healthy drinks by pedal power Bradley Stoke Radio bringing you Entertainment Avon and Somerset Police showing Bike Marking and Security

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January 2018

News

Discovery of cygnet with “cleanly broken back” Bradley Stoke’s much loved Three Brooks swan family hit by tragedy as disabled cygnet found dead a mile from home

By Sara Messenger, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

I

’ve been staring at a blank screen for a long time now, my words failing me, as I’ve no wish to pass on this sad news.

As I said to the Bristol Post, “The birds are an iconic part of our town and the affection and concern that everyone has for them personifies the community spirit of Bradley Stoke.” I’m sure more people could name the swans than could name our mayor.

Our ‘week horribilis’ started with a few Facebook messages that only four cygnets (including Angelo) could be found at the lake, so on Monday 4th December we went down and checked and saw that there were indeed only the four.

We were a bit concerned, as it was quite early for one to have

found themselves a mate and to have left the family group, and although they have been flying more often recently, they usually fly off together before returning to the lake. Although not yet overly concerned, we still contacted PC Jamie Shiels of our local police beat team, who checked the motorway reports to see if any swans had been reported. None had.

Dead swan found

On Tuesday some of the swans, Angelo included, were spotted heading up Stoke Brook towards Forty Acres in Stoke Gifford, and by Wednesday I could only find Brooke and one cygnet on the Three Brooks lake. On Thursday 7th December, we saw a post on our Facebook page

Angelo, the cygnet with the disabling ‘angel wing’ condition (October 2017)

saying there was a dead swan “under the wooden bridge”.

Leaving the Green Gym in the capable hands of David Baker, Andrew Deakin and I headed off and searched the bridges along Stoke Brook and around the lake.

I got stuck in knee deep mud

trying to get to the island and I may have muttered more than a few words that would make my grandmother blush! We finally made it to the island, but found nothing, although we made sure that the entry points were again accessible before heading

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News

heightens concerns for other missing swans

Credit: Lee Lawson

Parents Bradley and Brooke with their five cygnets in May 2017

back, pausing only to clear some debris by the stone bridge. We then got another message that the “wooden bridge” was not on our reserve, but at Forty Acres, so we headed over there. After some searching, we found the bridge and a dead swan. A quick look at his flight feathers and his ring confirmed that this was our disabled cygnet, Angelo.

Never having had to deal with a dead swan before, we weren’t sure what to do next, and after much Googling and many phone calls to Streetcare, Community Spaces, the Environment Agency and our town council it became clear that no one else did either. We had thought to bury him on the reserve, but as all digging now requires a ‘site survey’ beforehand, and we were unable to contact our SGC rep, as this was the one day he had off sick, we contacted Rowe Veterinary Hospital and asked if they could cremate Angelo for us, which they readily agreed to do. I removed his BTO (British

Trust for Ornithology) ring, explained that the poor state of his flight feathers was normal for him, and asked if it would be possible for them to take a quick look to see if they could find a cause of death, as there was a small abrasion in the middle of his back, but nothing obvious.

We were devastated to later receive an email saying: “Out vet Chris examined the swan and it appears to have suffered a broken back. Chris said it was a clean break and cannot rule out that this was the result of malicious behaviour.”

although since 1998 it is no longer classed as an act of treason.

We’d like to say a huge “thank you” to all of you who have helped, and are still helping us, in our search for the other missing birds; to Rowe Vets for all their help; to the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre vets who will be performing a full post mortem; to Cllr Keith Cranney and Stoke Gifford Parish Council (responsible for Forty Acres) for all their assistance; and to PC Jamie Shiels, who is actively investigating this matter. We have reported his loss to the BTO and cancelled the arrangements we had made for Angelo to be taken to Shepperton Swan Sanctuary later this month, by a licensed swan handler, and also for another swan ringing session.

As I write this, we still have just one cygnet and Brooke, the

female adult, at the lake. Three cygnets and Bradley, the adult male, are still missing. I think they are more to us all than just some big white birds out on a pond, they are our big white bird family, whose highs we’ve cheered and whose lows we’ve shared, and I really, really hope that by the time you are reading this our family of swans are back together on their lake, nipping my fingers and wondering what all the fuss was about.

Please report sightings of the missing swan and cygnets to the Three Brooks Conservation Group via their Facebook page, email info@three-brooks.info or phone them on 07497 006676.

As we went to press it was reported on the group’s Facebook page that another adult swan (not Bradley) had been spotted at the Three Brooks lake.

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Registered as a crime

After several more calls, we were told to register this as a wildlife crime, which we have done.

I’m told that The Queen retains the right to ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, anyone found guilty of attacking swans can be sentenced to six months in prison and fined £5,000,

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Catherine Dixon writes: 1st Bradley Stoke Rainbows have been busy this term learning about politics and how to get their voices heard. Starting off with finding out about where parliament meets, what happens in the House of Commons, voting and the history of women being able to vote.

In addition to finding out about parliament we have also enjoyed trying out activities from the new Rainbow programme that is being launched in September 2018. The new Girlguiding programme covers six themes and we tried activities

from three of the themes; ‘Skills for my Future’, ‘Know Myself’ and ‘Be Well’.

Out of our normal weekly meetings we have also had our first outdoor sleepover where the Rainbows had the opportunity to try climbing, archery and outdoor cooking as well as getting their first experience of camping. We also joined other local youth organisations for the town’s Remembrance parade and finished the term with our annual Christmas treat of a visit to the Bristol Hippodrome to see the pantomime ‘Aladdin’.

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News Local choir ends the year on a high note

LAST YEAR (2017) ended on a high for Stokes Singers with a trio of events to celebrate the festive season. At Poplars Farm Shop, the choir sang to entertain shoppers and attracted some young supporters to accompany our songs by playing Jingle bells.

Delicious samples of the food and drink sold in the shop went down very well too!

Our Christmas Concert at the Church of Christ the King, Bradley Stoke was a sell-out and our guests, the Barn Ringers from Downend, added a very special feel to the evening with beautiful arrangements of carols and songs. Thanks to the generosity of the audience, £400 was collected for Thornbury based charity Brain Tumour Support and Julie Harvey, who is currently being supported by the organisation, was able to explain how funds are used to help patients and their families.

A return visit to Southmead

Hospital for the Christmas Buskathon was our final performance of the year.

Singing in the atrium of the Brunel Building is an amazing experience and we were pleased to support the hospital’s Prostate Cancer Appeal whilst entertaining passing staff, patients and visitors.

The choir have completed 13 of the 25 events that celebrate our forthcoming 25th birthday next summer. Our calendar for early 2018 is filling up and already includes an outdoor performance at Temple Meads Station in March. We would love to welcome some new members to share the fun when weekly rehearsals re-start on Thursday 4th January at 7.30pm. We meet at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway and our membership secretary Liz can give you further information on 01454 614148. There are no auditions and the first two rehearsals are free of charge.

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January 2018

Sophie’s fundraising year in pictures (clockwise from top left) Cake sale at the Bradley Stoke Community Festival; Bradley Stoke 10k Run; With personal trainer Joanna Nowak and daughter Karolina at the Stars of the Stokes Awards evening; Coffee morning at the Beaufort Arms; Sponsored swim; Bradley Stoke 10k Run

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News

Sophie’s year of fundraising exceeds all expectations Local anorexia survivor raises FOUR times target for eating disorders charity and vows to continue in 2018

A

young woman from Bradley Stoke who suffered from anorexia as a teenager and spent nearly six months in hospital because of the condition has raised nearly £2,000 for Beat, one of the UK’s leading eating disorders charities.

In January 2017, Sophie Mitchell, now 21, set herself the target of raising £500 for Beat through a series of local fundraising events that were planned to take place throughout the year. Come the end of the year, Sophie says she is delighted to report that she has raised nearly four times this amount!

One of the highlights of Sophie’s fundraising year was completing the Bradley Stoke 10k Run in June, in a time of 55 minutes. This, combined with a cake sale held at the Bradley Stoke Community Festival the day before, raised a total of £146.

Earlier in the year, she had completed a 2km sponsored swim with her friend Reka Goralszki.

The sporting theme continued in August when, with the support of staff at the Bradley Stoke Active Gym, she hosted a charity ‘super fit’ class, raising £181 in just 90 minutes.

In October, Bradley Stoke Community School (previously attended by Sophie) staged a non-uniform day, adding £380.

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Sophie’s reflections on a whirlwind year When I made the decision to share my story and fundraise for Beat, never did I expect the reaction and support to be this good! So many unbelievable, amazing opportunities/achievements have come my way. Just to name a few: • Becoming a “This Girl Can” ambassador • Acting as a media volunteer and fundraiser for Beat • Attending a charity function at the Houses of Parliament • Appearing in a “Do What You Can’t” video for SGS College • Being named Student of the Year and receiving the Governor’s Award at my college’s Prize Day

Sophie Mitchell with awards received at SGS College’s prize day

Other events held in 2017 include quiz nights at Baileys Court Inn and Almondsbury Sports & Social Club, a coffee morning at the Beaufort Arms in Stoke Gifford and a pyjama day at SGS College Filton (where Sophie was studying).

Aside from her fundraising efforts, the year also saw Sophie getting involved in a number of promotional activities in support of Beat and receiving two awards at her college’s prize day.

Spurred by last year’s success, Sophie says she plans to continue her fundraising efforts in 2018.

A bag packing day at Tesco and a sponsored skydive are already on the cards for April!

13

I was also lucky enough to be able to further my career aspirations through undertaking a six-week internship in Seville (Spain) and have now started an apprenticeship at Henbury Leisure Centre where I am working towards gaining a number of teaching and coaching qualifications.

I’ve said this before and I will say it again - NONE of what I achieved in 2017 would have been possible if it wasn’t for Joanna Nowak, who is not only my personal trainer but

an amazing friend. She has transformed my life completely and, with her by my side, I am determined to keep doing what I’m doing and getting stronger. In May, I had the honour of attending the Stars of the Stokes Awards with her, where she had been nominated for Coach of the Year and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

I’ve met so many amazing, inspirational people who have approached me and shared their experiences with eating disorders.

For me, that beats any of the above, hands down. Because of this, I have not only increased my fundraising target to £3,000, but also decided to extend my fundraising into 2018, which is going to be “bigger and better”!

Thank you to everyone for your support and contributions in 2017.

Here’s to more success in 2018!

Follow me on Facebook for event updates and recovery motivation.

To share my story, donate and help me reach £3,000, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Sophie-Mitchell11

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January 2018

News Hatchet Road bus lane plan scrapped amid concerns of overspend on ‘MetroBus 2’ Local campaigners delighted that council’s U-turn will avoid destruction of many mature trees and hedgerows

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controversial plan to construct a new southbound bus lane on Hatchet Road in Stoke Gifford, as part of a scheme to extend the currently under-construction North Fringe to Hengrove Package (NFHP) MetroBus network, has been scrapped after South Gloucestershire Council’s Conservative-led administration announced a “change of policy”.

The move appears to have been driven by a fear that the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) project may already be heading for a significant overspend before a spade has even touched the ground.

The CPME will provide a MetroBus route between The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and Bristol Parkway Station. It will also serve the new developments planned for the former Filton Airfield site.

The Hatchet Road bus lane had formed part of the scheme since its inception, yet was overwhelmingly opposed during a public consultation exercise in winter 2015/16. In their responses, many local residents criticised the plan to uproot mature hedgerows and trees from both sides of Hatchet Road and there were calls for an alternative route to be used along Winterbourne Road and Great Stoke Way, accessing Parkway Station from the east.

When the proposals first came to an SGC committee for approval in May 2016, a report prepared by officers showed that the Hatchet Road bus lane would cost £2m to implement and yet save only 29 seconds on MetroBus journey times (and this at just one time of day). One alternative option involving the implementation of lay-bys at bus stops instead of a bus lane, came out cheaper and more effective, but officers insisted that the bus

lane option was better because it offered “consistently reliable” MetroBus journey times.

A decision was deferred until a further meeting in July 2017, when Conservative councillors out-voted Liberal Democrat and Labour colleagues to force through the bus lane.

Local campaigners responded by forming an action group and starting a petition, which attracted over 3,300 signatures, allowing them to force a further council debate in July 2017, where it was decided to ask officers to produce a further report that would be presented to Cabinet.

By the time this came back to the latest meeting in December 2017, the average time saving claimed for the bus lane had risen to 93 seconds (based on “more accurate” traffic data) and all other options, including the lay-by alternative, had been dismissed on technical or cost grounds.

However, a press release put out by the Conservative group ahead of the meeting talked of a possible “change in policy” on the CPME scheme. Noting that the council is already having to find almost £10m to cover its share of the overspend on the main NFHP MetroBus scheme, it stressed that it was “imperative that the CPME project stays within budget”. A vague reference to the possibility of additional costs “upwards of six figures” being incurred should Network Rail have to delay construction of the new railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, which forms a major part of the £35 million CPME scheme, was given as a potential justification for “making savings elsewhere”.

On being asked how voting to scrap the bus lane could be reconciled with the contents of the officer report, which made no concrete reference to a need for cost savings, a Conservative

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CPME DECISION TIMELINE Gipsy Patch Lane replacement railway bridge

Nov 2015 to Jan 2016: Public consultation on the overall CPME scheme May 2016: Officers recommend proceeding with the bus lane option, but decision deferred Hatchet Road bus lane (scrapped)

July 2016: Councillors vote to proceed with the Hatchet Road bus lane option Nov 2016: Hatchet Road Action Group formed; petition started Jul 2017: Petition debated at council. Officers instructed to reexamine plans and produce a new report for Cabinet

Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension

Dec 2017: Cabinet votes to proceed with the agreed CPME scheme but without the southbound bus lane on Hatchet Road

● More at http://bit.ly/sgj-cpme group spokesperson told the Journal there had been a “divergence of views between councillors and officers”.

At the Cabinet meeting, a council officer took less than a minute to read out a summary of the two options available to councillors: continue with the

bus lane or scrap it. Three local residents and Cllr Brian Allinson were then allowed five minutes each to have their say. Then, without any of the speakers’ concerns being addressed by members, council leader Matthew Riddle reiterated the vague concerns about “financial risk”

associated with “remodelling the Gipsy Patch Lane bridge”, before proposing a motion to scrap the Hatchet Road bus lane.

Following some largely irrelevant discussion about issues with the main MetroBus project, the motion soon moved to a vote, in which it was passed by four

votes to two, with one abstention.

Notably, one of the two voting against was SGC’s transport lead Cllr Colin Hunt, who had told a public meeting held in Stoke Gifford last November: “One way or another we’ve got to put a bus lane down there”. ● Reaction & comment: Page 16

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Hatchet Road U-turn: Reaction from the campaign group Timeline: Early 2017 – Heard in Stoke Gifford, “It can’t be done!”; “You’re wasting your time”; “They don’t take any notice”. All comments some people were making about our plight to get the decision to impose a bus lane along part of Hatchet Road for the Cribbs – Bristol Parkway MetroBus service reversed.

Fast-forward to the news headline following the December 2017 South Glos.

Cabinet meeting: “Hatchet Road bus lane SCRAPPED by a majority vote”.

What happened in the intervening nine months? Well, a lot of people from Stoke Gifford and the surrounding area made a big effort to achieve the seemingly impossible.

We set up an Action Group and quickly had, from all age groups, 50 willing volunteers.

Our Group mailing list was used to communicate with members and ask for help with various initiatives for our campaign.

A petition (electronic and paper versions) was launched, setting out why we objected to the bus lane proposal and why our preferred option of bus lay-bys was better. A leaflet was written and delivered to every house

in Stoke Gifford and nearby neighbourhoods – 25 members delivered over 4,500 leaflets in a week. A fantastic start, and generated more support.

Signatories grew steadily with the community getting family, friends and work colleagues to sign up. Further support was obtained by collecting signatures at “Little Tesco’s” in Stoke Gifford and the Willow Brook Centre – over 400 supporters added at each event.

It was gratifying to all those involved to see how willing people were to sign our petition and wish us well with our campaign.

Numbers continued to increase with enthusiastic members dropping off completed petitions daily. Over 200 signatures were collected at both Smart Fish Bar in Stoke Gifford and Concorde Medical Centre in Little Stoke.

Another positive feature of our campaign was the willingness of people to attend or speak at South Glos. Council meetings.

At the May meeting, I presented the petition with over 2,700 signatures – over the 2,500 required to trigger the rule for our objections to be debated by Full Council.

An important issue for our campaign was that the council should be open, transparent and we could see how a decision had been made. Sadly, that was not the case in our dealings with council officers.

For example, I had to make seven requests under the Freedom of Information Act; reports to council contained recommendations that did not follow on from the main text of the report (i.e. were not evidence-based) and no ‘options appraisal’ was carried out and reported.

Finally, I want to thank all the Action Group members who gave so much to secure the desired outcome. A special mention must go to Sue Bandcroft, my chief ‘partner in crime’, for her support and determination throughout and to our three district councillors, Ernie Brown, Brian Allinson and Keith Cranney, who stood alongside us and did so much behind the scenes.

A tremendous community effort, well done to all of you.

Paul Tanner Hatchet Road Action Group

In our February issue: Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension – What happens next?

January 2018

Comment

By Stephen Horton (Editor) The decision by SGC’s allConservative Cabinet to scrap the Hatchet Road bus lane is quite remarkable, given that councillors from the controlling party group (with the notable exception of the three ward councillors for Stoke Gifford) have consistently supported it and, indeed, insisted that it is essential to the success of the overall CPME scheme.

Local campaigners were right to feel aggrieved when councillors at the July 2016 committee meeting unquestioningly followed the officers’ recommendation to support the bus lane option, despite it being clearly unjustified by the data given in their report.

But now, cost pressures on other elements of the overall CPME scheme have come to the campaigners’ rescue, and given them the result they were looking for. Understandably, they probably feel no compelling need to question councillors’ reasoning for reversing the original decision (albeit one made by a different committee), but the same question about evidencebased decision making (see Paul Tanner’s commentary, left) does need to be asked.

Why weren’t the newly arising “financial risks” mentioned by Cllr Riddle quantified in the latest officer report?

Why was no consideration given to the possibility of achieving any necessary cost savings on other elements of the CPME scheme, instead of the Hatchet Road bus lane?

Furthermore, given the previous unanimous support from Conservative committee members for the Hatchet Road bus lane option and the strengthened technical case for it presented by officers in the latest report, why was no consideration given to the possibility of obtaining additional external funding (e.g. from local developers or the West of England Mayor’s transport budget)?

Whilst this U-turn will be viewed locally as a victory for ‘people power’, it does not inspire any confidence at all in the decision making process at SGC.

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January 2018

News

Pilates and ‘strictly solo’ dance classes now into their 10th year!

T

he exercise classes on a Tuesday evening in the Dance Studio at Bradley Stoke Community School, have been keeping the community fit for ten years now.

Strictly Solo is a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ style dance class where you can learn all of the Ballroom & Latin dances, and more; and each of the dances are choreographed to an appropriate track, so that each week you are able to learn, perfect, and perform a routine.

You still learn the proper foot patterns for each dance; and you are also taught the correct techniques; footwork; and styling specific for each dance. You will do a different dance each week. No previous experience is necessary, and this class is suitable for all – any age, level, or ability – however, you will dance strictly SOLO, NOT with a partner.

This UNIQUE class guarantees to be a fun and enjoyable way for you to keep fit, and learn how to dance at the same time! Tuesdays at 7:30 pm.

Perfectly compliment this dance class with the general level Pilates class before it at 6:30 pm, to improve your posture, muscle tone, balance, strength and flexibility.

Both classes are expertly taught by Laili Brooks – an experienced instructor who has been working locally in the fitness industry for 30 years. £6.00 per class, pay as you go; or a £40.00 monthly tariff allowing unlimited access to all six Bradley Stoke and Chipping Sodbury classes is available.

Visit Laili Brooks’ website at www.exercisewithlailibrooks.com for full information. ● See advert below.

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Conservation group volunteers take a rest during the June 2017 workday

Hedgelaying weekend: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th January 2018

Why not come and join our annual weekend hedgelaying party? Using traditional tools and methods we are continuing to create a dog-proof hedge along the length of Bradley Stoke Way and it’s an excellent way to work off that extra mince pie we treated ourselves to!

Although, on the Sunday, we lose some of the calorie brownie points by supplying a lunch of hot bacon butties (or vegetarian sausages) cooked on site. For both days the meeting point is behind the leisure centre at 10am. We hope to see you there!

£6:00 per class; or £40:00 monthly tariff inclusive of the Monday & Wednesday Chipping Sodbury classes as well www.exercisewithlailibrooks.com Ring 01454 618488, or email laili@tiscali.co.uk, or just turn up

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January 2018

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News

Conservation group review of the year

By Sara Messenger, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

W

e’ve seen many highs and lows on the reserve this year.

The highs being winning the battle of the balsam, seeing our biodiversity increase, excited kids, the otters, our first swan ringing, the kingfishers, a brown long-eared bat being heard for the first time, being cheered on by the wagging tails and “thank yous” from those passing by, and the really great bunch of volunteers who turn out five times a month in all weathers to make the reserve a better place for everyone. We’ve had more than our fair share of lows though. We lost two group members, Charlotte Edwards and Colin Davies, ash dieback arrived to blight our trees, constant vandalism and graffiti scar the reserve, the lack of noctule bats by the lake and the death of our cygnet Angelo.

The year has been incredibly busy and we’ve seen many changes, including the works currently being undertaken by Wessex Water and, as part of British Science week, holding a Tree Measuring Day. Our committee changed when Andrew Deakin was finally persuaded to join it, Becks Sankey was co-opted to take on the information board project and the knowledgeable David Baker stepped down as chairman and was replaced

by Paul Smith. Several of the group have completed the brushcutter training course and are now being sent on a first aid course, although we are hoping they never get to use that training! Bradley Stoke Town Council generously funded the Green Gym with branded polo shirts and high viz vests as well as supporting the conservation group with an annual grant. And, with South

more than just a gym

Gloucestershire Council and professional ecologist Rupert Higgins, we have agreed a new five-year management plan.

Not bad for a group who are all unpaid volunteers, juggling their commitment to the reserve along with family and careers.

We have completed a tremendous amount of work in 2017. Thursday’s Green Gym averages 13 volunteers each week and has clocked up nearly 2,000 hours of work on site, and the Saturday group has added well over 1,000 more. In addition to the manual work on site, the committee also put in many additional hours on administration and organizing everything from bat walks to training courses, while several members of the group have newt licences and undertake annual newt surveys of ponds, both on and off the reserve. Both groups have a steady membership, but are always on the lookout for new members. We’re a great bunch of people and you get free tea and biscuits and a great sense of achievement thrown in! Contact greengym@three-brooks.info / tel: 07497 006676 for Green Gym (every Thursday, 10am1pm) and info@three-brooks. info / tel: 07497 006676 for the Saturday group (first Saturday of the month, 10am-4pm). So why not make us your New Year’s Resolution?

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January 2018

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1 Meadowbrook Primary School (Reception): ‘Born in a Barn’. 2 St Chad’s Prim re-telling of the Nativity, through the imagined X Factor style show.” 3 Bradley S ‘The Nativity’ – “A traditional retelling of the Nativity story told through song.” 4 – “Set on Christmas Eve when the children are going to bed and wish to hear a

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mary School (Year 2): ‘Lights, Camel, Action’ – “A modern Stoke Community School Primary Phase (Reception): St Michael’s Primary School (Reception): ‘A King is Born’ a story…” 5 Bowsland Green Primary School.

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1

Primary School Christmas Productions 1 Holy Trinity Primary School (Year 1): ‘The Innkeeper’s Breakfast’.

2 St Mary’s Primary School (Year 2): ‘It’s a Cracker’.

2

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Managing Director Graham Bayley feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing

is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do

the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

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January 2018

News Bradley Stoke Christmas lights raise funds for hospice rebuild

Grand switch-on event: To the right of Santa are Terry James, Mike Checkley and Sam Huddison of St Peter’s Hospice

T

he owners of a house in Watch Elm Close, Bradley Stoke, are hoping their extravagant Christmas lights display will raise more than £2,000 towards the St Peter’s Hospice ‘Room to Care’ appeal.

Mike Checkley and Terry

James have decorated the outside of their home with a spectacular light show that incorporates around 25,000 individual bulbs.

The display has grown from just a single Christmas tree seven years ago to what must now be one of the largest in the area.

Additions this year include over 40 new illuminated silhouettes, including baubles, stars and snowflakes, a snowman and three new Santa figures.

Setting up this year’s display took around four weeks, with Mike and Terry calling in their

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window cleaner to help with the enormous task.

The display covers the whole of the house and there are also illuminated Christmas trees behind many of the windows.

The garden contains a number of lit obelisks and there are lights draped over many of the shrubs and hedges. The lights also extend to the converted garage, where Santa and his reindeer can be seen on the roof.

A grand switch-on event was held on Friday 1st December, attended by more than 50 neighbours, family members and friends, along with a representative from St Peter’s Hospice. Guests were asked to wear festive jumpers and hats and around 15 children were delighted to receive presents from Santa, who paid a flying visit courtesy of ‘Visits from Santa Bristol’.

The Room to Care appeal aims to raise the remaining £1.5 million needed to modernise the in-patient unit at St Peter’s Hospice, in order to meet the 21st century needs and expectations of patients and their families.

Explaining the couple’s reason for supporting St Peter’s, Mike said: “My father was cared for by the community nursing team from the hospice in the last few weeks of his life. The hospice does a fantastic job helping people at a very difficult time in their lives – whether as inpatients or out-patients.”

“Anything we can do to help raise the money to rebuild the inpatient unit at the hospice will be so worthwhile and we are looking forward to supporting the charity in its drive to bring this exciting and forward looking plan to fruition.”

The display will be poweredup every night, between 5pm and 9.30pm, until Tuesday 2nd January 2018. Anyone visiting the display may leave a donation in a collecting bucket positioned on the drive of the property.

Donations may also be made online via mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/terrymikeed ● The postcode of the property is BS32 8AN and it is located opposite the Long Close junction.

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January 2018

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Sport

In Brief

Sole Sisters can get you running

Peculiar pub names under the spotlight

Karen Gaman of Sole Sisters ladies-only north Bristol running club writes: The Sole Sisters Beginners’ Course is ideal for any ladies who want to start running, but don’t know how to begin. Three times each year, we offer a training course for women who wish to start running, have never run before or are returning after a long period of rest, illness or injury. Our next course starts on

Monday 8th January 2018.

We follow a realistic six-week training programme, with a gradual build-up of mileage, after which you will be able to join one of our main groups and hopefully enjoy it with a certain amount of self-satisfaction.

Many of our current members started out on this course and

are now running regular 10ks, half marathons and even full marathons, so what we offer is a trusted method.

The course costs £15. Full details and an application form are available from www. solesistersrc.co.uk/beginners.php ● The 2018 Bradley Stoke 10k will take place on 11th June.

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South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society’s next lecture takes place on Thursday 18th January when John Ericson will present ‘The Artwork and Stories behind Peculiar Pub Signs’.

John will show some of the most interesting and distinctive signs and explore the fascinating stories behind the origins of some of their peculiar names.

Who could fail to be intrigued by the stories behind the ‘Bucket of Blood’, the ‘Blazing Donkey’, the ‘Cow and Snuffers’ or even the ‘Eager Poet’?

The lecture takes place in the Primary Phase building at Bradley Stoke Community School, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Visitors and new members welcome.

To enquire about joining the society, please call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401, email sallykitching@googlemail.com or visit sgdfas.org.uk

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January 2018

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery An unwelcome but essential “seasonal feature”

I

always struggle with this time of the year, the days are short, grey and chilled, the Christmas tree lies naked on the pavement waiting for the council chipper, and there is the long drag until the clocks go forward to welcome the spring.

The season of good cheer and excess is a fading, belt loosening memory.

There is, however, one seasonal feature which I can confidently predict we will continue to experience over the next couple of months, regardless of age, gender, job or favourite football team. It is mucous, snot, boogers, phlegm, bogey, catarrh – call it what you will. That slippery cloying goo that blocks your nose, trickles down your throat, and dries your mouth out while you try to fitfully get some sleep.

So what is the point of this mucinous torrent? Our airways

are not dry flues, but lined with a thin moist layer designed to humidify the air we breathe as it enters the body, and catch microscopic particles to prevent them becoming lodged in our lungs. If the airway is exposed to a large amount of particles in the environment, or a passing virus, cells in the airways produce more mucous to deal

tells you that your system is responding to the infection. The secretions in a healthy airway are normally transparent, but as the defence response develops, the secretions become thickened and discoloured. So next time little Freddy is walking around with candlesticks hanging out if his nose, take solace that this is a sign of a vibrant immune

“Green snot on its own with no fever or breathing difficulties does not need medical intervention” with the challenge. The mucous then moves up the airway to be expelled through the nose or throat, so clearing the foreign invasion.

So snot actually plays a very important role in keeping our airways functioning, inconvenient and unpleasant though the slimy slick may seem. If you pick up a cold, the arrival of those boogers

response and not a developing pneumonia. It also explains why the cocktail of irritant fumes produced by tobacco gives smokers their chewy cough.

So to those of you who show your doctor the contents of your hankie, phlegmy selfies on your smartphone, or descriptions like a Dulux colour chart, thank you, but green snot on its own with no fever or breathing difficulties

does not need medical intervention, and should be recognised as a normal immune response. While it may not be the topic of polite drawing room conversation, be grateful to boogers, and the immune system that has served the human species so well for several million years.

Dr Tim Garrod Bradley Stoke Surgery t: 01454 616262 www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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January 2018

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News

Santa runs raise over £1,800 for Parkinson’s

T

he organisers of two charity Santa Runs, believed to be Bradley Stoke’s first, say they are delighted with how the events went after all the places were sold out in advance and nearly 140 people took part.

Local running enthusiasts Karen Taylor and Vicky Lovell staged the two events to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, which is the charity they have chosen to support through their planned participation in the Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones in July 2018.

Speaking after the first event, on Saturday 2nd December, which attracted 60 runners and walkers on the day, Karen said:

participants; it was especially popular with young families and new runners, who had just graduated from their ‘couch to 5k’ course.”

The second event, on Saturday 9th December, attracted just under 80 participants.

On the organisational side, Karen and Vicky say they had “wonderful support” from family and friends, as well as from local gym Anytime Fitness, who agreed to sponsor both events.

The pair also say they were grateful for helpful advice and support from Sole Sisters and North Bristol Running Group.

Thanks are extended to the Willow Brook Centre (venue),

Special thanks go to ‘Visits from Santa’ for helping judge the fancy dress, along with Phillip Lovell and Andy Ward, and to Tom Phipps from Parkinson’s UK’s Bristol Group for attending the event to talk about the disease and local research studies.

The grand total raised from both events came to £1,180, which Karen and Vicky say is a “fantastic result”. For more information, search for “Vicky & Karen’s Race to the Stones – Parkinson’s UK” on Facebook. ● www.parkinsons.org.uk

SCHOOL OF DANCE Above: Participants warm up in the town square at the Willow Brook Centre

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Left: The start of one of the routes

“All our participants joined in the festive spirit, with some wonderful fancy dress, especially one of our 10k runners, who came as a 7ft Christmas tree!”

“We had really positive feedback from a number of the

Bradley Stoke Radio (music and snow), Mitre Printing (signs), Hobbs Bakery (cake), Joe’s Bakery (mince pies), Cool Cakes (cup cakes), Deans Fruit & Veg (bananas and oranges) and Paula Gregory (cakes).

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Tel 07871436600 www.danceworks.uk.com liesel@danceworks.uk.com

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Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

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January 2018

News Thornbury Aerial Services Your local friendly service Call for free estimates on Aerial & Satellite installation, service and repairs - extra points added CCTV & Home Security Installations & maintenance

By-pass opens to general traffic but MetroBus won’t be using it until “summer” Stoke Gifford Transport Link

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Cllr Matthew Riddle (right), leader of South Gloucestershire Council, plants a sycamore tree on the embankment near Kings Drive, to mark the opening of the by-pass on Monday 18th December 2017

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radley Stoke motorists who need to access the A4174 Ring Road and M32 motorway were given an early Christmas present on Monday 18th December when the longawaited Stoke Gifford By-Pass, officially known as the Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL), was opened to general traffic.

The news will also be warmly welcomed by residents of Stoke Gifford “village”, as it is hoped that the new road will help reduce the flow of traffic along Hatchet Road and Brierly Furlong, which currently suffer from severe congestion during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

The new road, which is 1.6km (one mile) long, has been constructed through open countryside to the east of Stoke Gifford (see map on facing page). It links Parkway North Roundabout on Great Stoke Way (A) and the A41474 Ring Road (D), emerging at a junction opposite the Holiday Inn. Its construction has required the installation of two new bridges, one over the main railway line (B, near Kings Drive) and the second over the Ham Brook (C, close to the new Crest Nicholson housing development at Highbrook Park).

Work on the road began in August 2015, when Alun Griffiths

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Now open to ALL traffic: The Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL)

(Contractors) Ltd set up a site compound near Parkway North Roundabout. A major milestone was reached when beams for the new bridge over the railway were installed in May 2016. However, the project suffered delays in recent months due the late completion of the second new bridge, over the Ham Brook.

It was originally intended that buses on the Cribbs Causeway to Hengrove MetroBus route would begin using the new road as soon as it opened, but delays in the construction of other sections of the MetroBus network and the supply and installation of iPoints (information and ticket machines) mean that the service is now unlikely to start until “summer 2018” (according to a recent press release).

At a tree planting ceremony staged to commemorate the opening of the new road, which will forthwith be known as ‘Rosedown Avenue’, Cllr Matthew Riddle, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: ‘This is a very exciting day for the region. MetroBus has built a road that will bring significant improvements to the region.

It will take traffic away from unsuitable residential roads and provide local businesses with a long awaited direct route from Aztec West to the M32 and the city centre. The planting of a tree is highly symbolic. The MetroBus project is about sustainable transport for the future. It’s about tackling congestion, improving air quality and making the region a better place for us, our children and grandchildren to live. The planting of trees along the road creates a daily visible reminder of our environmental responsibilities.”

The new road will, in due course, provide access to the proposed East of Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood (the area lying between the SGTL and the M32, where it is foreseen that 2,000 new homes will be constructed by 2027. Planning applications for 1,617 of these are currently under consideration.

These are additional to the 1,000 new homes planned, and in part already built, at Highbrook Park.

Bradley Stoke

Stoke Gifford

A

Parkway Station

B

SGTL

Hambrook Lane

C Highbrook Park

Ring Road

D Holiday Inn

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M32 J1

Indicative only

30

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January 2018

Get well · Stay well

by Craig de Groot, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

New Year resolutions for a healthy spine 2018 has arrived and, like many of us, you may be considering what you can do better in the coming year. Here are some ideas that you can use to improve the health of your spine and your overall wellness.

1. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you exercise.

Start with simply stretching and walking if you have not exercised in a while. From small acorns, large oaks grow…

2. Breathe deeply. Taking a deep breath, mindfulness and taking breaks throughout the day help to reduce stress.

Lowering your stress level can boost your immune system and decrease tiredness.

3. Laugh! Laughing fires off physical reactions and ‘feel good’ hormones that benefit your health. So get giggling.

4. Eat your veg. Our bodies need vitamins, minerals and fibre that fruit and vegetables give us. Maintaining a healthy diet, including fruit and vegetables, helps to maintain a healthy spine.

5. Sleep better.

Think about your sleeping environment. Is it tidy and comfortable? Is it the right temperature? Do you put your tech away before bed? Changing your sleeping environment can improve the quality of sleep that you get. Better sleep improves your wellbeing and your posture.

6. Lose weight. Really try.

Aim for a pound a month – by December you could have lost 12! Less weight on your skeleton makes it easier for the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments to move; taking the pressure off your spinal, and other, joints.

7. See a chiropractor. Your spine plays an important part in your overall health by ensuring that your nervous system functions smoothly.

Chiropractors do not only relieve pain from spinal conditions, but can also help to manage and maintain your overall health.

New resolutions are not always easy to follow. Pick one, start small and give it a go!

● See our advert on page 9.

The Willow Brook Clinic, East Offices, The Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke

Looking for a service or tradesperson in Bradley Stoke?

Visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory

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January 2018

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31

Bradley Stoke Gymnastics Club

Members of Bradley Stoke Gymnastics Club took part in their annual show on 2nd December at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Based on ’Grease Lightning’, the 90-minute show saw around 40 young people perform in costumes that combined leotards with 1950s skirts.

Highlights of the show were seeing all of the gymnasts pushing themselves to new limits, experiencing new moves and having a great time. The performance was hugely appreciated by the audience of around 150 family and friends.

Club coach Rachael Moore commented: “The show was the culmination of hours of hard work from both gymnasts and coaches.

We had an amazing time and all gymnasts looked fantastic. It was great to see so many smiles - it made all the coaches very proud.”

Bradley Stoke Gym Club runs classes for children from age four upwards. They meet on Mondays, 4pm or 5pm, in the main hall at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. For more information visit www. bradleystokegymnasticsclub.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

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January 2018

News

Dance school wows Christmas show audience

By Laura Mortimore he Stoke Gifford School of Dance have performed their Christmas show ‘Beyond the Rainbow’ to an audience of family and friends.

The show, which took place at King’s Oak Academy, Kingswood on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, was a huge success.

The cast, which consisted of 47 girls aged between 3 and 18 years old, showcased their wonderful talents in ballet, modern and tap.

Eve Brewer, principal of the school, explained what preparation is needed to put together a show of this magnitude: “We have been working on the show since the start of term in September. The preparation includes music editing, choreography, organising costumes, designing the tickets and programme, and rallying up the support of parents and friends for ticket sales and to help with the smooth running of the show, and all that before we even start teaching the dances to the children! In the final week leading up to the show, the children are all very excited and we look forward to seeing the result of all their hard work on stage.”

The performance was based on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man taking centre stage to lead the rest of the cast through 26 different songs and dances that followed the theme of colour, including ‘Purple Rain’, ‘Men in Black’ and ‘Follow the Yellow

T

Brick Road’. With dances ranging from pre-school and reception ballet all the way up to senior tap and modern, there was plenty of variety for the audience to delight in. Lisa Rush, who watched the Sunday performance, described the show as “very enjoyable; it flowed well and the dancers performed beautifully and confidently”.

Talking to me after the show, Eve expressed how happy she was with the weekend’s performances: “The children should all be very proud of how hard they have worked. Both on and off stage they were wonderful. A great time was had by all”.

It is now time for the dancers and the teachers to have a break and enjoy the Christmas holiday, although I am sure they are all

The four main characters in the show (l-r): Yuying, Grace, Ruby and Grace

looking forward to seeing where their dancing journey takes them in the new year!

● Classes are held in the Trust

Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford. www.stokegifforddance.co.uk

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January 2018

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33

Sport

McDonald’s kit boost for BSYFC Under-7s

L

ocal grassroots football team, Bradley Stoke Youth FC U7s, has received a brand new free kit, courtesy of local McDonald’s franchisee Mike Guerin and the McDonald’s and FA Accredited Club Kit Scheme.

Now in its fourth year, the McDonald’s Accredited Kit Scheme has reached a new milestone, by providing over 250,000 free kits to grassroots football clubs across the UK, with a further 70,000 to be delivered this season alone. Last year saw a record number of applications from clubs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with over 6,300 accredited clubs eligible to order a brand new kit, which come in a range of styles and colours.

As a long-standing partner of the FA, McDonald’s is this year celebrating its 15th anniversary of championing those who enable children and young adults of all genders, ages and abilities to play and enjoy football.

Local McDonald’s franchisee Mike Guerin, who is a keen supporter of grassroots football, said: “Bradley Stoke Youth FC is a fantastic example of a grassroots club with a real community spirit and is a club that’s close to my heart – it’s great to meet with the team for a second year in a row and see how they’re getting on. It’s important that we support local teams to help them create the best possible experience for young aspiring players. It’s great to see that the McDonald’s Accredited Kit Scheme is thriving again this year, as it’s a great reward for grassroots clubs up and down the country.”

Bradley Stoke Youth FC is a local grassroots football organisation that aims to provide its players with the opportunity to realise their full potential and improve their skills. Children are encouraged to work hard, enjoy the sport and develop friendships with their team mates.

Martin Lee, community link officer with Bradley Stoke Youth FC, said: “We’re hugely

Local McDonald’s franchisee Mike Guerin (back row, centre) with BSYFC coaches and U7 players

grateful to McDonald’s and Mike Guerin for donating a new kit for our U7s team.

An average team strip costs around £500 per season, so this really is a huge saving for us and means we can spend the money on other areas of the club that need it. The kids absolutely love wearing their new strip.

Having the kit has created fantastic unity and team spirit and has given the kids extra motivation to train and have a great season.

We are really grateful to Mike for everything he does to support us, and hope to continue our relationship in the future.” ● Visit the club website: www.bsyfc.co.uk

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34

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News Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports

I

’m pleased to report that we haven’t seen a repeat of the 2016 spike in burglaries this autumn/winter.

In recent years we’d seen a new trend of burglars breaking into homes specifically for gold jewellery, which disproportionately affected people of Asian heritage living in Bradley Stoke.

We worked closely with our investigative colleagues to tackle the offenders, carrying out targeted patrols. We visited local community groups to raise awareness of the issue and offer home security advice.

It’s good to see fewer incidents this year, but we’d prefer to have none, so I’d ask everyone to carry on looking out for each other by calling us straight away to report anyone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s home. It’s 999 if they’re obviously breaking in, otherwise ring 101.

We were also really pleased to be able to get involved with supporting the community in other ways – helping at Bradley Stoke Festival and going into schools, including supporting careers events. My colleagues PC Claire Fletcher and PCSO Alicia Harvey even started a running and wellbeing group!

Hopefully, you will have all enjoyed Christmas – don’t forget, if you were lucky enough to be given a new smartphone or tablet, make sure you install

tracking apps just in case they are lost or stolen.

Elsewhere in these pages you’ll see we’ve recently had a number of bike thefts, so if your child got a new bike, please do come along and get it marked with your postcode on the frame and any upgraded parts.

Make sure they have (and use) a good quality lock too!

Nominate your policing heroes now!

The Be Proud Awards are organised jointly by Avon and Somerset Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, to acknowledge the dedicated officers, staff and volunteers who work to keep the communities of Avon and Somerset safe.

You can submit nominations for the following categories: Neighbourhood Officer of the Year; Response Officer of the Year; Investigator of the Year; Police Staff Member of the Year; Police Support Volunteer of the Year; Special Constable of the Year; Specialist Operations Award and Policing Team of the Year.

The closing date is 27th January 2018; nominate online at www.beproudawards.com ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes

t: 01454 300 400

January 2018

News

Festive farewell for Little Acorns staff Emotional send-off for long-serving manager & deputy

L

ittle Acorns Pre-School, based at the Jubilee Centre in Bradley Stoke, said a sad farewell to two long-serving senior members of staff at a special function held on Friday 8th December.

Natalie Robbins, manager, and Noleen Clarke, deputy manager, who have both worked at the setting for 15 years, were given a festive send-off as children staged a Christmas production in their honour.

Speaking of her time at Little Acorns, Natalie commented how lovely it had been to build relationships with local families and, in many cases, care for a succession of siblings coming through the pre-school. Some of the children from her early days have since returned on work

experience placements, which she said was particularly moving.

She added: “I’m going to miss everyone at Little Acorns and I would like to wish them all good luck. It’s been an honour being such a big part of the children’s lives and I hope to still see them around in Bradley Stoke.”

Noleen said she would miss working with the pre-school owners, the “brilliant” staff and all the children.

She added: “I can’t believe it’s been 15 years. It’s been very rewarding watching the different generations come through. Every day is different, which makes it such a rewarding experience.”

“Bradley Stoke has become a much more diverse community in recent years and it has been fascinating to learn about the

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January 2018

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News different cultures and languages of our families, who have been so supportive.”

Helen Taylor and Tina Corney, directors of the owning company LA Childcare, said: “We would like to thank both of them for their commitment and dedication over the past 15 years.“ “Both Natalie and Noleen will be missed by all the staff and parents and we wish them both every happiness as they enter new job roles outside of the early years sector.”

“We are very happy to welcome Faye Ward who will take over the manager’s role and Donna Worth the deputy role. Both are highly experienced and are looking forward to the exciting term ahead in January.”

● Little Acorns Pre-School has

an open afternoon on Tuesday 16th January 2018 between 1pm and 2pm. If you are unable to make this date, please phone 07837 707331 to arrange an alternative time.

Noleen Clarke (3rd from left) and Natalie Robbins say their goodbyes to some of the children at Little Acorns

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Film Review

by Dominic Merrien

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (12A)

I

t’s that time of year again! No, not the passing of Christmas… something much, much better.

Although the latest Star Wars offering has been awash with Santa’s distinctive colours – crimson red and snow white, I can assure you, sadly that is where the jolly bearded fat man’s distinction with the First Order parts company!

The Last Jedi is the new Star Wars film in the well-liked collective.

Lucasfilm has successfully subdued the hype and pushed the brand perceptively, whilst giving little about the plot away, and peddling the belief that Star Wars need not brag. The saga’s continued success spanning generations, speaks for itself and who are we to argue with that? So here’s my review for Star Wars: The Last Jedi…

A fantastic effort from Rian Johnson. This film is a Star Wars film of two tales. From the outset, the story mainly concentrates on a failed resistance attack against the First order, with the attacking convoy then being repeated harassed and pursued by Snoke

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January 2018

Welcome to the latest article in an occasional series in which we invite our readers to share their passion for a hobby or interest.

(voice of Andy Serkis) and the First Order. The other part is that of Rey’s (Daisy Ridley) enrolment into the Jedi religion. This is under the tutorship of the now conflicted and embittered Luke Skywalker (played by the fantastic recently resurrected Mark Hamill). Rey’s journey is not straight forward as she is coaxed primarily by Kylo Ren (role reprisal for Adam Driver), to the darker side of the force. This was a simple and resonating theme that we now know went somewhat unhidden by the earlier film teasers.

From the beginning, we are propelled straight into the action with Poe Dameron’s (Oscar Isaacs) X-Wing. With his swashbuckling moves, he takes on a mighty Dreadnought class Destroyer. The success is short lived as Poe is then demoted for his brave actions. This was a fantastic start but the theme did

not carry through. Overall the story was a bit slow and clunky, probably as a result of extensive reshoots.

The big stand out moment in this story was Snoke’s abrupt loss of command. A curve ball moment that triggered the film’s action to intensify.

His Praetorian body guard and the battle that ensued was the absolute highlight!

Nevertheless, Snoke’s loss of power, the Dreadnought attack and the raid on Crait did not have harmonious juxtaposition in the film. Each could have been a satisfying finale in their own right but only if the editing and reshoots had not been overworked.

The fat could have been trimmed further by sparing us the token inclusion of ‘DJ’ (the reinvented Lando styled Benicio del Toro) and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) whose stories,

although acted out well were a bit of a cul-de-sac.

The highly anticipated Finn and Phasma’s battle was over all too quickly. The message conveyed about Casino Planet was protracted to the point that it could not be saluted in the way that Lucasfilm originally intended.

Albeit slightly overcooked, but a welcomed lightening of the film’s ambiance, was the injection of some wonderful comedic moments from Finn (John Boyega) and the Porgs. The latter’s inclusion is a marketing and merchandising master stroke from Disney. The dialogue in the film was a boost and the emotions felt between Kylo and Rey seemed genuine as you were left to speculate about what might happen next. This would have got a wink and a nod from George Lucas as it paid tribute to the soap operatic style of the older films.

A really good film! The Last Jedi gets three and a half (roasted) Porg out of five from me. Rest in peace Carrie Fisher.

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January 2018

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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers C&M Services, Page 4 Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, Page 17 Alternative Therapies Equilibrium MST, Page 28 Bathrooms Concept Property Maintenance, Page 10 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 6 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 14 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 6 Cake Makers & Decorators Visit directory on BSJ website Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 37 Northavon Carpentry, Page 37 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 34 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 10 Carpets & Flooring Phoenix Flooring Limited, Page 3 Child Care Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 33 Happy Days Nursery, Page 37 Tockington Manor School, Page 11 Children’s Activities Babyballet Bradley Stoke. Page 7 Bristol Riding School, Page 9 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Cleaning & Domestic Services Felina Contract Cleaning, Page 24 Computer Services goto iT, Page 28 Conservatories Britannia Windows, Page 40 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 7 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 7 Double Glazing Britannia Windows, Page 40 Cloudy2Clear Windows, Page 22 JDC Windows, Page 6 Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 27 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 12 Electricians Bradley Stoke Electrical, Page 10 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 10 Ernest Till, Page 20 Price Electrical Services, Page 4 Entertainers Earthquake Sounds, Page 13 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 25 Events Bike Fest @ The Stokes, Pages 6 & 7 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 10 MW Funeral Directors, Page 31 Furniture Complete Furniture Services, Page 36 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 13 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 16

Plan-It Garden Design, Page 7 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38 Smart Patios, Page 4 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 1 Riverside Leisure Club, Page 19 Hairdressers Visit directory on BSJ website Health & Beauty The Tanning Shop, Page 2 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 28 Launderettes Wash Shop Plus, Page 39 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 20 Opticians Specsavers, Page 30 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 37 Rick Murphy, Page 37 Pet Services & Supplies New Passage Cattery, Page 39 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 39 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 38 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 39 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 35 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 10 Gregor Heating, Page 1 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 6 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 39 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Panache Plumbing, Page 39 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 39 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 10 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 6 P.J.R Plastics, Page 39 Recruitment Brunelcare, Pages 34 Home Instead, Page 26 RAC, 23 Removals & Storage Managed Mayhem, Page 18 Restaurants DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Page 14 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 32 Star Legal, Page 8 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 15 Sport & Leisure Bristol Riding School, Page 9 Danceworks, Page 27 Exercise with Laili Brooks, Page 18 MeFit, Page 37 Taxis South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 39 Z Cars, Page 30 TV & Aerials Thornbury Aerial Services, Page 28 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 39

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PLUMBING & HEATING

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PET SERVICES

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Tel: 01454 632456 Website: www.catkennels.co.uk

GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

P.J.R. Plastics

Replacement and Maintenance: ● Guttering, Downpipes ● UPVC Fascia Boards ● Soffits and Cladding ● Unblock & Gutter Cleaning All work guaranteed

Call Paul for free quote 01454 850201 or 07980 001109

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

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS FOR

WINDOWS • DOORS & CONSERVATORIES

Add charm and character to your home and make draughts a thing of the past.

See our beautiful range of windows & doors at our Clevedon or Brislington showrooms.

Call for your FREE quote

0117 9716067 INTEREST FREE FINANCE OPTIONS BUY NOW PAY 2019

Visit our website for more...

www.britanniawindows.co.uk