April 2018

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

April 2018 • Issue 59

LETTERS P24 | POLICE P34 | WHAT’S ON P36 | DIRECTORY P38

GIPSY PATCH PAIN

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PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

EIGHT MONTH ROAD CLOSURE ON THE CARDS FOR 2020 Replacement railway bridge will be widely welcomed, but council says installing it (and some new bus lanes for ‘MetroBus 2’) will require a FULL CLOSURE of Gipsy Patch Lane for up to EIGHT MONTHS Pages 6 & 7

Bradley Stoke Gymnastics Club

Youngsters’ competition success

Lidl comes to Stoke Gifford

P25

New store set to open this month

P15

l Primary schools get active for Sport Relief l BBC Antiques Roadshow coming to Patchway l March in the Three Brooks nature reserve l Diabetic mum prepares for marathon challenge l Tatum shoots up the judo world rankings l South Glos honours community heroes l Grant could see new homes built near Tesco l Bradley Stoke man’s marathon charity walk l SGC mulls “mitigation measures” to fix Aztec West traffic woes l Guides dart around the world on ‘Thinking Day’ l Abbeywood School rated ‘good’ but must face ‘full’ inspection next time

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April 2018

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Schools Primaries get active for Sport Relief

S

taff and children at Wheatfield Primary School held a series of events throughout the week leading up to Sports Relief on Friday 23rd March.

This included hula hooping, penalty shoot outs, Zumba classes and the whole school taking part in a one-mile run around Bradley Stoke.

On the actual day, staff at the school challenged some of the parents to a netball match – competition was fierce with the parents coming out on top by a wide margin. Parents were asked to send in donations for children completing all of the challenges and tea and cakes were on sale for spectators of the netball match to raise money for the event.

Bowsland Green Primary School went Sport Relief crazy by taking part in lots of

challenges. The children created ‘wake and shake’ routines, took part in a danceathon and walked a mile during Sport Relief week.

As well as this, some of the teachers at Bowsland Green decided to complete a 24-hour football challenge. Mr Stephenson, Mr Young and Mr Thomas (left to right in photo) started playing football at 4pm on Thursday 22nd March and finished at 4pm on Friday 23rd March. They stayed on the school grounds for the whole 24 hours, playing matches, learning new tricks and by keeping the ball at their feet. During the event, both staff and students supported them by joining in and encouraging them to continue.

Sponsorship money is still coming in, but it is hoped that the event will raise at least £750.

Top: Bowsland Green football challenge. Above: Wheatfield netball match.

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April 2018

News

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.

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BBC ONE’S ever-popular Sunday evening programme Antiques Roadshow is coming to north Bristol on Thursday 17th May. Fiona Bruce and the team of Antiques Roadshow experts will be waiting to welcome you, so dust off your family heirlooms and dig out those car boot bargains and bring them along for free advice and valuations to visitors.

The Roadshow will be filming at the home of Concorde – Aerospace Bristol. The new museum, located off Hayes Way in Patchway, celebrates the city’s historic links to the birth of aviation and the development of supersonic travel.

At the centre of this new attraction is Concorde Alpha Foxtrot - the last Concorde to be made and the last Concorde to fly.

Last year, the programme celebrated four decades on the road with some truly amazing finds, as presenter Fiona Bruce explains: “Can this year be even better than our last? We’ll have to go some way to top the most

Fiona Bruce, presenter of BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow

valuable Fabergé ever seen on the programme, a correction to Darwin’s theory of evolution by the great man himself and one of the best collections of show business memorabilia ever seen by our experts.”

“But I have every confidence we’ll do it and the thousands of

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April 2018

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News

BBC Antiques Roadshow jets into Patchway Popular TV show will be filming at Aerospace Bristol on Thursday 17th May Entry to the event is free

people that come along to see us will pull some extraordinary things out of their bags/trolleys/ bits of newspaper/suitcases/ boats - and one year even out of a cart led by a dog. I can’t wait.”

Robert Murphy, series producer of Antiques Roadshow, said: “It’s a hometown show for many of the team and Aerospace Bristol is fast proving

one of the most fascinating and entertaining new venues in the southwest. We’re looking forward to a bumper turnout and can’t wait see what kind of cherished objects emerge from the attic!

“It’s a great free, family day out and you can see how we make one of BBC One’s most popular programmes. Our team of experts are on hand to help visitors

discover the hidden history of their objects – you never know, it might just be your item that turns out to be something very special and potentially very valuable!”

Doors open at 9.30am and close at 4.30pm. Entry to the show is free, everyone is welcome, and no tickets or preregistration is required.

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frequently asked questions, and parking information can be found at: www.bbc.co.uk/ antiquesroadshow or on the show’s Facebook page. ● Although entry to the Antiques Roadshow event is free, this does not include boarding Concorde itself or any of the Aerospace Galleries, which will require a standard entry ticket as normal.

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Railway bridge

April 2018

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Queensway

Gipsy Patch Lane

Site compound for precasting new bridge

Smithcourt Drive

Top: Photomontage of the proposed replacement railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, looking westwards. From planning application PT18/0986/F. Above: Proposed new bus lanes on Gipsy Patch Lane (indicative only; refer to planning application PT18/0987/R3F for definitive drawings).

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News

‘MetroBus 2’ planning applications submitted • Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension will run between The Mall and Bristol Parkway Station • Existing railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane to be demolished and replaced with a wider concrete bridge • Full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane for eight months and westbound-only closure for 12 months

T

he long overdue replacement of the old railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane in Little Stoke has taken a significant step forward with the submission of a formal planning application.

The railway bridge planning application, along with three others associated with South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) proposed Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) scheme, was submitted at the end of February and, following validation, duly appeared on the council’s website on 9th March.

Once complete and services start operating in 2021, the CPME will extend part of the North Fringe to Hengrove MetroBus route which is currently being built. Passengers using the extension will be able to benefit from a direct link between Bristol Parkway Station and The Mall bus station, along a route which will pass through the former Rolls-Royce East Works site (now known as Horizon 38) and the soon-to-be redeveloped Filton Airfield site.

The second CPME planning application of local significance is one which proposes the widening of Gipsy Patch Lane on both sides of the railway bridge to accommodate new bus lanes.

To the west of the bridge, the widening (along a 107m length) will result in a new bus lane in each direction. To the east of the bridge, the widening (along a 340m length) will result in a new bus lane in the eastbound direction only.

To facilitate the provision of the new bus lanes, the existing carriageway will be widened by between 7m and 9m. Works to widen the carriageway will all be within the existing adopted highway boundary, however,

they will entail the removal of approximately 22 trees along Gipsy Patch Lane.

Two sets of MetroBus stops will be provided along Gipsy Patch Lane between the junction with the Horizon 38 site and Hatchet Road Roundabout.

Bus stop upgrades will also be provided to two bus stops on Hatchet Road.

The existing masonry railway bridge has a height clearance of only 4m and creates a ‘pinch point’ on the local road network.

The replacement bridge will be of concrete construction and will span 24m, approximately 14m wider than the current bridge.

To accommodate taller vehicles, such as double-decker buses, the carriageway will be lowered by approximately 1.7m as it passes under the bridge.

The scheme also involves the demolition of a Second World War pillbox located on the western railway embankment just to the north of the existing bridge.

The new concrete bridge structure will be precast in a site compound (located in the north-east corner of the Horizon 38 site) over a period of six to nine months, in advance of the demolition of the existing bridge.

The compound will be used for spoil and plant storage, general working, welfare, site offices and parking. It is envisaged it will be required to be in place for a period of 24 months during the construction works.

Demolition of the existing bridge and construction of the new bridge is now scheduled to take place during a twelve-day “possession” (closure) of the railway over Easter 2020.

The planning applications may be viewed on the SGC website, or at Patchway One Stop Shop during normal opening hours.

Pinch point: How the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge looks today

Construction schedule and details of road closures Construction work at the railway bridge site is expected to take place between October 2019 and December 2020. A full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane will be required at this location for up to eight months between February 2020 and September 2020.

Carriageway works east of the bridge are expected to take place between July 2019 and June 2020.

Carriageway works west of the bridge are expected to take place between January and March 2021.

A closure of Gipsy Patch Lane in a westbound direction only will be required between July 2019 and June 2020.

Diversion routes, including one taking traffic along Brook Way in Bradley Stoke, are detailed in the planning applications.

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April 2018

News

Latest candidates for Bags of Help funding

By Laura Mortimore hree new organisations have now been chosen to go to vote in Tesco stores across the Stokes throughout March and April; each hoping to collect enough tokens to receive the highest amount of funding.

The West of England MS Therapy Centre (MSTC) is looking for funding to develop a therapy garden for their members and carers to enjoy at their base in Bradley Stoke. They want to use any money that they receive towards the preparation and ground work of the area, such as levelling any uneven areas, adding in appropriate pathways and generally making the area accessible for all. The centre, located in Bradbury House on Wheatfield Drive, aims to provide a range of therapies, services, information and support for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions.

Sarah Vincent, events and community officer at the centre, commented: “We have some land within the centre grounds and our ambition is to turn this into an accessible therapy garden within which people can enjoy what the great outdoors can offer, relax and even receive therapies such as physiotherapy and reflexology in this space, to mention but a few.”

“Many of our service users

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have limited access to outside space or gardens – they may be restricted due to lack of mobility or have the need to be near accessible facilities including WCs, or simply due to the fear of falling or becoming fatigued and being unable to get assistance.”

“Our centre users are just one group of beneficiaries from this project. The area will also be used by our neighbours Wheatfield Primary School as part of the children’s learning. Biodiversity forms part of the school curriculum and the therapy garden will enable children to learn about wildflowers and animal/insect habitats as well as general learning in a different environment.”

The Friends of Shield Road Primary School in Filton are planning on using any money that they receive to create an outdoor classroom for the school.

They want to put down decking and develop their conservation area to enhance children’s learning and educate them about the environment in an engaging and hands on way.

St Ursula’s E-ACT Academy, Westbury-on-Trym, are also looking to use the money to

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News Trench Lane Boot Sale starts 8th April

Volunteers from Pelican Business Services, Rolls Royce and Avon Wildlife Trust plant small trees ready for the garden development at the MSTC, Bradley Stoke

develop the outdoor area of their school. They are planning on developing the school’s outdoor space with an allotment area, including planters, a pond and fruit trees. They are hoping that this area will provide the children with the opportunity to foster an understanding and appreciation of nature.

Voting for the current round of funding will continue until Monday 30th April when all of the tokens will be collected and counted. Look out for a report on the results in our June issue. ● In the January/February vote, Bradley Stoke United FC secured the greatest number of tokens to secure the top grant of £4,000.

A POPULAR car boot sale that takes place near Bradley Stoke is due to re-open for the 2018 season later this month.

The weekly Trench Lane Boot Sale, held on Sundays on a farmland site opposite the entrance to Woodlands Golf Club (BS32 4JZ), will open for the first time this year on 8th April, subject to ground conditions.

As in previous years, the sale will open to buyers at 7am.

Trading goes on until around

3pm, although the number of buyers usually drops off after midday. Sellers are charged £7 for a car or £10 for a van.

For buyers, there is an entrance charge of £1 for a car or 50p for a pedestrian. Free parking is provided in adjacent fields.

The organisers ask sellers to arrive no earlier than 6am (when the site opens), to avoid traffic queues forming on Trench Lane.

The final sale in 2018 will take place on Sunday 28th October.

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April 2018

News

March in the Three Brooks nature reserve

By Sara Messenger, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

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I’m not sure who were the most excited to see the snow, the children or the dogs! Although for many, both two- and fourlegged visitors, this was the first time they had seen proper snow, and they were all determined to make the most of it.

While Juniper Way and the community orchard (behind Bradley Stoke Community School) both have small slopes, the Tump slope proved the most popular, and it was heaving with squealing youngsters trying out their toboggans. We were pleased to see parents standing in front of the boulders at the bottom to avoid any crashes, and to my knowledge the only thing that got hurt was the parents’ pride when racing their kids to the bottom and being soundly beaten. No names mentioned!

We were really pleased to see that, unlike other places, our reserve was not left littered with rubbish and broken toboggans, so either the litter fairy cleared it all away or we have much more considerate residents here in Bradley Stoke – you’re all greatly appreciated. By the way, a set of car keys was found on Juniper Way; are they yours?

For the first time in 12 years I cancelled our weekly Green Gym. Stepping outside to be greeted by -13°C gusts, knee-deep drifts

of snow and a car that wouldn’t start, I was persuaded that maybe we should give this one a miss.

Harry and I had attended a first aid course the night before, but it didn’t cover frostbite, so I think it was a wise decision. Well done to Frank though, who didn’t see the early email and battled his way through only to realise that the rest of us were wussies!

Our Saturday workday was also affected, as it wasn’t possible to coppice trees in deep snow, so we took a walk around the reserve, clearing patches of snow and putting down seed for the birds.

Our swans Brooke and Nugget were also fed; we thought of breaking the ice so they could get to the bench, but they managed to find us so we left it and then adjourned to the pub to thaw out.

We were a bit concerned to see very small (children’s) footprints on the ice on the newt pond though. Our ponds can be quite deep and, judging by the hole, the ice wasn’t thick enough to support the child’s weight.

Fortunately, it looked as though only a foot went through, but it’s something we’d suggest they don’t try again.

Vandalism

We noticed that the viewing platform at the lake had been damaged again. The lower rails had been removed, which meant

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April 2018

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News Concern over “oil spill” in Stoke Brook

A

Tobogganing on a slope of the Tump, behind Bradley Stoke Community School

anyone could slip through into the lake, so this was reported and has since been repaired.

The weir cover, which was previously removed, still has a temporary cover, but we’re hoping that it will be replaced with a more secure padlocked metal plate soon.

Our ‘Run England’ sign (near the leisure centre) was so badly vandalised it had to be removed completely. Unfortunately, the company that produced it are no longer trading, so we don’t know when it will return.

We are again being plagued with graffiti. I’m not going to call them graffiti artists as that suggests they have some semblance of talent, which as they can only spray swear words and crude pictures, shows that they have none. Every instance of graffiti is reported to the police and the town council and the cost of its removal is logged. When they’re caught, they are going to be landed with quite a hefty

bill! If you see any please let us know as soon as possible on our dedicated email address reportit@threebrooks.info and we can deal with it. Photos are vital as evidence, so please email those to us too. We’d prefer them not to go on Facebook as we don’t want to advertise their ‘art.’

There are lots of things we would like to do to improve the reserve, including the provision of more seating and a play area for smaller children, but each time I suggest it, we look at the vandalism we have and think,“Is there any point?” as it wouldn’t last. It is hugely demoralising to see our efforts constantly trashed, but the reserve itself and the steady stream of people who stop to say, “Well done, you’re doing a grand job,” have persuaded us that, despite all the setbacks, it is still a job worth doing and one that we take great pride in. So I’m afraid you’re stuck with us for a while yet! ● www.three-brooks.info

s the snow disappeared at the beginning of March and everybody breathed a sigh of relief that they could go back to work and school on the Monday, the melt-water was bringing an unwelcome delivery for our local nature reserves.

Somewhere upstream of Forty Acres in Stoke Gifford, an oily substance had found its way into the Stoke Brook and was flowing downstream through the area.

The Environment Agency were contacted, as they are responsible for investigating pollution events in the water courses. South Gloucestershire Council and the town council were also informed and there were many messages and comments on the TBNCG Facebook page. The concern and

walk back up the brook until the culprit is found, but the brook is culverted under the railway and splits in several places. The oily substance is a light hydrocarbon and easily mixes with water, only showing on the surface where the water flow is slow. This means that booms or sponges in the brook won’t retain or absorb the oil and therefore haven’t been deployed.

The extent of the leak appears to be diminishing at the time of writing and there have been no visible effects on the local wildlife, yet. With events like this, it is very important that the public help by reporting direct to the Environment Agency.

Investigations can then be conducted straight away.

A rainbow sheen on the surface of the water at one of the weirs on Stoke Brook is a telltale indicator of a pollution incident upstream in Stoke Gifford or Filton

interest from the public has been enormous.

The Environment Agency, along with Wessex Water, have spent many hours out searching for the source of the pollution. It may sound like a simple job to

If you spot a worsening of this spill, please phone 0800 807060 and quote incident reference number 1594021. Please also report any future spills on the same number.

Rob Williams, TBNCG

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April 2018

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News

13

Diabetic mum prepares for marathon challenge

A

young Stoke Gifford mum is aiming to raise funds for a national diabetes charity by running the London Marathon just 12 months after giving birth to her first child.

Eight weeks into her pregnancy, Shannon Jones was found to have a high glucose reading and the condition was initially treated as gestational diabetes. However, following three to four weeks of further investigations, doctors confirmed that she in fact has Type 1 diabetes, the rarer of two forms of lifelong diabetes.

Shannon’s husband Daniel, who will also run the marathon, alongside his wife, explained: “Following the diagnosis, Shannon quickly became insulin dependent. The NHS were great and gave us a lot of support and reassurance. The diagnosis was a massive shock, but she has dealt with it tremendously, despite the obvious life-changing adjustments.”

Just six weeks after the arrival of their daughter, Bronwen, in April 2017, the couple decided they would like to run the 2018 London Marathon and raise funds for Diabetes UK. Shannon began her training just four months after giving birth and says she “must be mad” to do it whilst looking after and feeding a baby, not to mention managing her ongoing diabetes.

Daniel continued: “Diabetes not only affects the person diagnosed but also their family.

Nothing can really be done on a whim, we always have to make sure we have insulin, glucose testing and food/drink to boost sugar levels.”

Daniel helps to recognise if Shannon has low blood sugar levels (which can result from exercising more than usual) and says that as he has been with her throughout her journey, “it’s only right that we share the journey to and through the marathon”.

During the race, Shannon will monitor her blood sugar levels by using a hand-held device to scan a sensor in her arm, and the couple will carry supplies of energy drinks and jelly babies for Shannon to use should the levels drop too low.

Daniel added: “As those who have done a marathon will know, it is a really tough challenge and the diabetes will certainly make it that much tougher, but we are determined to do this!”

Shannon said: “It has been a major shock trying to adapt to life with a newborn as well as multiple daily injections to manage my diabetes. It’s been challenging but I have really enjoyed the training and cannot wait for the big event now.”

The couple say the 2018 London Marathon will be “just the first step in years and years of fundraising for Diabetes UK” and they are asking local residents to show their support by donating securely through their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ shannon-daniel-jones

Shannon and Daniel Jones, who will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 22nd April, pictured with their one-year-old daughter Bronwen.

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April 2018

Sport

Tatum shoots up the judo world rankings

B

radley Stoke Judo Club player Tatum Keen has shot up from 90th to 18th in the world rankings following an outstanding silver medal-winning performance at a prestigious international competition in Croatia.

The success has come despite Tatum suffering a serious knee injury at the Adidas International Judo Cup in The Hague last November. Overcoming injury and illness, Tatum battled through to become British champion for the third time and then gain selection for the GB Identification Squad, entitling her to attend European Cadet Cup events.

On the second weekend in March, Tatum travelled as one of only seven girls in the England squad, and the only 52kg, to attend the Croatia Cadet Cup in Zagreb, one of the most wellknown tournaments for young judokas worldwide, having grown from 220 participants to more than 800 judokas from 36 countries.

Tatum was ranked 90th in the world before going to the competition, out of 50 girls entered into her weight category, and was in pool C with the number 3 seed. Her first fight was against a strong Austrian who had previously won a European medal. After a tough fight where Tatum nearly got caught with a big throw, she managed to hold the girl down and win to get through to the second round.

In her second fight, Tatum came up against a very tall Serbian, but she won with an arm-lock and progressed to the third round, which was her highest achievement so far in a Cadet Cup. Next, Tatum came up against the number 3 seed from Israel.

The fight was a tough battle and went into ‘golden score’. With a change of tactics, Tatum managed to throw her opponent and won in the fight, therefore progressing to the pool final. Here, she came up against another strong Israeli and managed to win this fight with a confident display of judo,

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Tatum Keen, wearing her Croatia Cadet Cup medal, with coach Pete Douglas

thereby winning her pool and unbelievably progressing to the semi-final, where she was up against the number 1 seed from Italy who is an excellent strong fighter and had looked confident all day. Tatum attacked and looked confident throughout the fight and with just over a minute left to go, she managed to hold down her opponent and win the fight.

In the final, she came up against the number 2 seed from Austria and after a good battle, she was eventually held down by the stronger, more experienced player and came away with the silver medal.

Club coach Pete Douglas commented: “England took 17 players, Wales 3 players and Scotland 7, but only England came away with two medals and Tatum’s was one of them.

Tatum shocked the competition with this result and it will help greatly towards selection for the European Championships in Sarajevo end of June.”

Tatum, who is only 15 yet fights in the U18 age group where many of the 17-year-olds train full-time, will compete at two more tough competitions in Germany over the coming weeks whilst balancing school work and revision.

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April 2018

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15

News

Lidl set to open in Stoke Gifford on 5th April

D

iscount retailer Lidl has announced that it plans to open its new Stoke Gifford store on 5th April, the Thursday after Easter.

Located within part of the former B&Q building at Fox Den Road, the store occupies a unit that sits between The Range and Poundstretcher.

Customers are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8am and will be offered the chance to sample some of Lidl’s award winning products throughout the day, along with The Lidl store at Fox Den Road nears completion (pictured on 25th March) exclusive deals and offers on selected products for the first toilet, baby changing facilities create more jobs and investment week of opening. and ample parking for both cars opportunities in the area, and The new supermarket forms and bicycles. we can’t wait to start serving our part of the company’s ongoing Lidl UK’s regional head multi-award winning products to expansion and regeneration of property, Glen Stidever, the local community.” plans in the UK and has created commented: “We would like The prospect of a Lidl 40 new jobs for the local to thank all those who have supermarket opening at the community. The store features an played a part in bringing this Fox Den Road site was first in-store bakery, longer-style tills new Lidl store to Stoke Gifford. revealed by the Journal in Bradley Stoke Journal hi-res.pdf 1 09/03/2018 16:25 with dual packing, a customer It is great for us to be able to September 2016, after the firm

commissioned a report that was included with a planning application for subdivision of the former B&Q building.

A ‘retail assessment’ report submitted with that (since approved) application anticipated that the Asda store at the nearby Abbey Wood Retail Park would experience the highest level of trade diversion as a result of the proposed development, due to an overlap in target market. The new Lidl store is expected to derive 30 percent of it turnover from this source, representing a 10 percent impact. The adjacent Sainsbury’s store is also expected to be affected, but to a slightly lesser degree, resulting in a 5.4 percent impact on convenience turnover.

The opening of the Lidl store means that the building is now fully occupied for the first time since B&Q reduced its floorspace some years before closing down completely in June 2016.

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Veronika Caradine: Community Award winner Veronika is a long standing member of the Stoke Gifford Royal British Legion branch, during which time she has taken on considerable voluntary responsibility for providing welfare services.

Veronika regularly visits the elderly or disabled, together with many telephone calls and hospital trips for exservicemen, women and their families. She is dedicating a significant amount of time, money and effort which is far exceeding what could be expected of an individual.

Veronika also extends her support to anyone who is lonely or unwell in the community, not just ex-service personnel. Because of her long standing experience, she is able to put people at ease very quickly. Veronika always has a ready smile and can very quickly cheer up people of all ages and backgrounds.

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April 2018

News

South Glos honours community heroes

C

ommunity heroes from Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Patchway were among nearly 30 volunteers honoured at the South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s 2018 Community Awards event held at South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College’s WISE Campus on 7th March.

The annual awards recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution local unpaid volunteers make to life in South Gloucestershire. These people give up their time freely to help others and bring our communities together, and were rewarded for their efforts at the special ceremony.

Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Ian Blair attended along with the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter and Vice Lord Lieutenant Robert Bernays, Group Chief Executive & Executive Principal

of SGS College Kevin Hamblin and Principal and Deputy Chief Sara-Jane Watkins.

Throughout the evening, award winners from across South Gloucestershire, and from a wide variety of backgrounds, were presented with their certificates

by Cllr Blair and Sara-Jane Watkins. The final round was the Lord Lieutenant’s Special Award, which saw Dame Janet Trotter and Robert Bernays present £100 to representatives of the Patchway Memory Café, a group of volunteers from the local area who offer a friendly welcome for anyone affected by dementia, or who is worried about their own or someone else’s memory.

Cllr Ian Blair, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “In my role as Chair, I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet people from around the area from all walks of life and these awards are a great way to say thank you to

some of the many volunteers who make South Gloucestershire such a great place to live and work.

“Whilst reading through and shortlisting the nominations it was obvious that those put forward for an award are held in high esteem in their local communities. The positive impact which their commitment and hard work has on others is extremely uplifting and encouraging. Well done to all the winners, you are an inspiration to us all.”

The annual awards event is sponsored by SGS College and offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers in the community who display outstanding commitment in giving up their time and effort to help others. The evening also saw students from the Level 3 Musical Theatre group, based at the WISE campus, perform some of their latest productions.

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April 2018

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David Baker: Community Award winner

Alfred Sollars: Community Award winner

David has been a member of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group from its inception twelve years ago. He has particularly shone in his role as Chair of the group, which he has approached in an energetic and organised manner. He is very knowledgeable and always willing to share his experience and expertise with both young and old, either through the group’s workdays, special events and training days or by giving talks to other interested groups.

David was also an active part of the Bradley Stoke Green Gym until ill health forced him to step down, but he still sets the programme and supports newcomers. Another group which benefits from David’s local knowledge is the Archaeology and Local History Group where they have made great strides in documenting the early life of Bradley Stoke.

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Alfred leads the committee of the Royal British Legion in Patchway and organises the annual Remembrance Day parade which is attended by hundreds of local residents. It is led by colour parties from the Legion Branch and representatives of Army, Air Force, Navy, local Cadet Forces, Scouts and Guides. This commemoration is very important for younger members of the community, particularly during the centenary of WW1. It is striking how many young members of uniformed organisations in Patchway are involved in the remembrance parade and this event is a source of considerable community pride and contributes to community cohesion in the area.

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Mary Oliphant and Sue Peard, representing Patchway Memory Café: Special Award winner Patchway Memory Café has been operating since 2013. The café is run entirely by volunteers with around 20 local people volunteering at any one time, most of whom are from the local Patchway area. Several of the volunteers have previous experience of caring for someone with dementia and are able to offer support to others who are going through the same with their loved ones.

All volunteers are dementia friends, meaning that they have attended an information session to learn about the impact of dementia on the person affected. Additionally, several volunteers have been trained to be dementia friends champions, and regularly deliver the dementia information sessions to the public.

The group also maintains an information table in Patchway library and are actively involved in dementia awareness activity; for example, manning an information stand at Asda, Cribbs Causeway.

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Advertising

April 2018

Schools

After school and holiday club expands Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club is set to expand in April 2018. Due to popular demand, the after school and holiday club will now be collecting from eight schools in Bradley Stoke and the surrounding area including Bowsland Green, Holy Trinity, Meadowbrook, St Chad’s, St Mary’s, St Michael’s, Stoke Lodge and Baileys Court.

Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club provides a unique service to the local community. Rather than just providing child care for parents who work, a wide range of activities are on offer for the children to take part in after school and during holidays.

There are structured arts and crafts sessions, study time and a selection of free choice activities.

During the school holidays, we take the children on weekly trips and endeavour to involve our children in local events, groups, activities and charities.

The two clubs located at the Jubilee Centre and Baileys Court

t: 01454 300 400

Activity Centre are the ideal locations for after school and holiday clubs and ample car parking is available. A pickup service is available after school Monday to Friday.

The feedback and comments we have received from parents over the past four years pays testament to our commitment and service to our customers: ‘“I am delighted with the club. The staff are great with the children and are always involved in the activities.”

“The focused tutorial is brilliant. It is so reassuring to know they are doing some academic development with you … it makes the challenging balance of being a working parent a much more positive experience.”

If you would like to make an appointment to come and meet the staff and look around, please contact us on 07938 192973 or email us at bradleystokewiseowlsclub@ gmail.com

Almondsbury school’s ‘Slimefest for charity’

Making money from slime. L-r: Dilly King, Amelia Griffiths and Gabi White

O

ver the past month, some of the students at Almondsbury C of E Primary School have been busy preparing for a monumental fundraising event.

Amelia Griffiths, Dilly King, George Wrigley and Gabi White have been creating an impressive amount of potted, colourful slime. Using ingredients bought with the support of others and with their very own pocket money, they have spent many hours of their time, just to support a worthy cause.

All of the money raised from selling the slime will be put towards making a sensory room,

so that children with additional needs can benefit from their own purposefully designed space.

Leading this forward-thinking idea is the school’s special educational needs coordinator, Mrs Jo Duffy.

On the last week of term 4, these inspirational students sold their handmade, creative products outside the school library, where other students were able to purchase them for various prices.

Headteacher Mr Smith commented: “We are so proud that the children are using their initiative to support our fundraising efforts in this way.”

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April 2018

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19

News

Grant could see new homes built near Tesco

M

ore than a dozen new homes could be built on a vacant plot of land bordering Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre after South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) received a £200,000 grant from the government’s Land Release Fund (LRF).

The 0.357 hectares (0.88 acres) plot, opposite the Tesco petrol filling station and bordering properties in Hornbeam Close, was previously allocated in SGC’s Local Plan to accommodate a health centre, but the authorities later decided that there was no longer a requirement for this purpose, in view of the planned expansion of existing doctors’ surgeries in the area.

In November 2006, the council made a decision to dispose of the site and it was subsequently placed on the market, albeit still as a “health care opportunity” Later, in July 2013, local ward

Archive photo from 2012

councillor Brian Hopkinson put forward the idea of using the land for a self-build scheme, saying that if it wasn’t needed for health purposes, “It should be used to benefit our town in other ways.”

The adoption of the SGC’s Policies, Sites and Places Plan in November 2017 finally saw the ‘healthcare’ allocation removed, paving the way for alternative uses to be seriously considered.

Speaking about the successful bid for central government money, Cllr Colin Hunt, SGC Cabinet member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, commented: “LRF funding is designed to help bring housing projects forward to make new use of council-owned land. The funding could, for example, be used to help bring infrastructure and services to the

site, but we are looking at a range of options. We are particularly keen to provide space for selfbuild housing projects, and this may involve us working with a registered provider of affordable housing.”

Asked how many homes might potentially be built on the site, Cllr Hunt replied: “That would depend on a number of factors, but we estimate that at a reasonable density for the surrounding area, around 13 homes could be built on this land.”

In response to a query from the Journal, a spokesperson said the council is not currently in negotiations with any potential purchasers or developers of the Savages Wood Road plot.

Nationally, 79 projects shared a total of £45m of LRF funding, which the government hopes will unlock enough council-owned land to provide at least 7,280 new homes by 2020.

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April 2018

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Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for outstanding community engagement and personal achievement in the Almondsbury, Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Stoke Gifford, Frampton Cotterell or Winterbourne areas?

Willow Brook Centre has teamed up with many local services and businesses to launch the Stars of the Stokes awards, a set of community awards to recognise the personal achievement of individuals in our local area.

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The nominations will close on Tuesday 1st May and the awards evening will be hosted by television celebrity Shaun Williamson on 15th June at the Aztec Hotel.

NOMINATION FORM Please hand in completed entry forms to the Willow Brook Centre Management Office on the first floor or you can nominate online at www.starsofthestokes.co.uk before Tuesday 1st May.

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AWARD CATEGORIES

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Champion Carer

Star Teacher Do you know a teacher who works in the area and goes above and beyond what you would expect? Has a teacher you know made a huge difference to your life?

Maybe you know a teacher who has motivated and inspired students to achieve their best and who is always willing to give that extra time and effort.

Pre-School Carer of the Year Can you see the difference your child minder or nanny makes to your child’s development? Does your child have a favourite member of staff at their nursery or pre-school who brightens their day? Maybe your child carer ends up caring for the whole family, or has helped you with short notice cover during family emergencies over the last year.

Carers, be they family, friends or professionals, are crucial to many families. Does someone you know provide care that is ‘beyond the norm’?

Have they changed lives or put their lives on hold to help and care for you?

Parent / Guardian in a Million What do parents you know do to make them a parent/guardian in a million? Do they collect your children from school every day so that you can work? Do they fight to make sure you have everything you need and deserve? Perhaps something has happened in the last year that you couldn’t have got through without their support.

Coach of the Year

Do you know someone who achieves great things against the odds? Has someone you know overcome illness or disability to return to work, faced a battle to achieve something important to them, or achieved sporting prowess when told that they wouldn’t be able to?

Do you know someone who gives up their free time to coach others? Perhaps a youth football coach or a cycling coach. Maybe you know someone who works in sport but goes above and beyond what would be expected. Perhaps a teacher who runs an out of school exercise club, or a personal trainer who has helped you achieve your goals in the last year.

Young Hero

Unsung Hero

Do you know someone aged 18 or under who is a hero? Have they spent a lot of free time volunteering?

Perhaps someone you know has achieved great things in sport or started a new hobby and become renowned for it. Maybe they care for their parents, mow the lawn for a neighbour, or have raised money for a cause that is close to them.

Do you know someone who is a hero to you but doesn’t see it themselves? Maybe they give their life to volunteering or have done the same job for many years. Perhaps they run a local sports team, raise money for charity. It may be that they are simply a hero to you and you’d love them to receive some recognition.

Achievement Against the Odds

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April 2018

News Bradley Stoke man’s marathon charity walk to mark employer’s 150th anniversary

A

seasoned long-distance walker from Bradley Stoke is to join two friends on a four-day 140-mile challenge to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Neil Thompson has chosen to use the 150th anniversary of his employer, National Friendly, based in Queen Square, Bristol, as an opportunity to raise money for the mutual society’s charity of the year.

He will be joined on the trek, which is scheduled to take place from 16th to 20th April (timed to finish on the actual day of the anniversary), by friends Andrew Bailey and Julian Rigby.

Two years ago, Neil completed the ultra marathon Green Man Challenge around the outskirts of Bristol (45 miles in under 24 hours) with Julian. He followed this last year by joining Andrew on a walk from Bath to Cheltenham (100km in under 24 hours).

Neil Thompson (left) and Wayne Carter outside the National Friendly office

National Friendly was formed in Albury, Surrey where the local reverend set up a friendly society to help villagers prepare for the contingency that ill-health might prevent them from working. The Reverend Canon Portal was a keen walker and he and novelist Lewis Carroll often walked the

Surrey countryside together.

Now based in the centre of Bristol, what better way to mark the society’s anniversary than to make the physical journey from Albury to Bristol? Better still, the walk hopes to gain publicity and raise money to support research of one of the UK’s most common

life-shortening inherited conditions.

The charity was proposed by head of sales and marketing at National Friendly, Wayne Carter, whose own brother and sister died from cystic fibrosis.

Wayne said: “I very much appreciate National Friendly choosing Cystic Fibrosis as their charity of the year, it being so close to my heart following the death of my younger brother and sister from this disease and also witnessing the devastating effect the deaths had on both my parents. I work in the same team as Neil, so I hear first-hand of all the work he does for charity.

It is heartwarming and moving.

Please give generously for this brilliant charity, striving to help eradicate this dreadful disease.”

To support Neil and his friends, you can donate securely via their fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/ companyteams/walk150

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April 2018

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News

SGC considers “mitigation measures” to fix Aztec West traffic woes created by its own £4.2m scheme

S

outh Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has revealed that it is considering a range of “mitigation measures” to address the widely held view that a recent £4.2m scheme of “improvements” on the southbound A38 near Aztec West has worsened peak time traffic congestion for the majority of road users in the area.

The latest development came just days after one local councillor said he had raised the issue with West of England metro mayor Tim Bowles and asked him to speak to members of SGC’s Cabinet.

Pressure is also being applied to Highways England (HE), which has responsibility for the roundabout at the neighbouring M5 J16 roundabout, asking it to liaise with SGC over the lack of synchronisation between traffic signals there and at the Aztec West Roundabout.

In a letter sent by Bradley Stoke Town Council to HE, mayor Andy Ward referred to “an issue with the sequencing which causes congestion when traffic leaving the Motorway attempts to integrate with the Aztec West roundabout approach road network”. He went on to write: “The traffic in the local area has worsened significantly since the

recent improvements were made.

Our residents are understandably frustrated having endured many years of roadworks in and around the town only to find that once completed the promised improvements have not materialised and in fact the opposite is the case and congestion has significantly worsened.”

Speaking at a BSTC meeting on 14th March, Cllr Brian Hopkinson reported that SGC is “considering taking over responsibility for the M5 Junction 16 traffic lights from Highways England,” although it was noted that there were financial issues which would need to be addressed before this could be done.

Earlier, a meeting of the local SGC Community Engagement Forum on 22nd February had been told that: “Several mitigation measures outside the scope of the road scheme which was substantially completed

Clean

More traffic signals being installed – Highways England warns of overnight slip road closures A new set of traffic signals is currently being installed by Highways England on the southbound entry slip road of the M5 at J16. The new toucan crossing is intended to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists traversing the western side of the J16 roundabout.

Work on the scheme began in mid-March and is due to be completed by 23rd May. Highways England says it plans to carry out the work at night, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8pm and 6am.

A Highways England spokesperson said: “The majority of the works will be carried out under lane closures on the southbound entry slip road and on the A38 roundabout. However, we will require some overnight full road closures of the M5 southbound entry slip at J16; closure dates will be displayed on site via black on yellow signing. During these closures, a fully signed diversion route will be in place.”

in October 2017 have been identified to assist in alleviating the current issues.” These are listed in the minutes as: 1. Do nothing, beyond continuing to lobby HE for improvement to M5 J16 2. Make lane 1 (nearside) from between the Aztec West Roundabout and the M5 J16 southbound on-slip lane ‘left only’ 3. Create four lanes on the A38 northbound approach to M5 J16, designated: (1) M5 southbound; (2) A38 northbound; (3 & 4): M5 northbound

4. Implement a Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit the left-turning manoeuvre from the Bradley Stoke Way lane out of the business park onto the A38 northbound 5. Experimental temporary signalisation of the first internal roundabout within the business park between 3pm and 7pm The positive and negative attributes of each option are detailed in the forum minutes (available via the magazine links page on the BSJ website: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links).

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April 2018

Letters Do we really need more food outlets at WBC? Veterans Community Support initiative I WOULD like to take exception to comments made by Andy Wynn, centre manager at the Willow Brook Centre (WBC), who says “currently there is insufficient food and beverage provision with seating” (Bradley Stoke Journal magazine, March 2018, page 7: “Willow Brook Centre reveals plans for McDonald’s and Starbucks”).

Within the centre, there are five units with seating (Costa, Gregg’s, KFC, Subway and the Harvester). How many more do we need? And who is going to pick up all the extra litter deposited by inconsiderate customers of the existing and new retailers?

I would also like to know how many customers who use the centre have asked the management for extra food and beverage provision. Is it

a handful, dozens, hundreds, thousands etc.?

I am a regular user of the shops at the Willow Brook Centre, as are many of my friends and neighbours, but have not heard anyone suggest that more food outlets are needed. Maybe the proposed introduction of new units are a good source of additional revenue for the centre.

Could this be the reason for the suggested changes, rather than public demand?

I understand the need to keep the centre fresh and up to date, but to make changes such as have been proposed is, in my humble opinion, unnecessary and will cause inconvenience, not only to existing customers, but also to those households adjacent to the centre.

Tony Flintoff Bradley Stoke

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ASSISTPLUS is our local Veterans Community Support initiative, which seeks to enhance the support that our ex-Armed Servicemen and women living and working in Bradley Stoke and South Gloucestershire area receive in our local communities.

Stakeholders who had voluntarily signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant give this support in various forms and in a number of areas including, but not limited to: childcare, housing, education, healthcare, family life and employment.

The Community Covenant is not just about the government delivering commitments on a national level. More than 200 local communities have signed a Community Covenant – a voluntary statement of mutual support between civilians and the Armed Forces in their area.

We bring together the various support organisations to understand the kind of core community issues veterans face locally, deciding which are most important and what actions can be taken collectively, adding value to the

Working in partnership with local councils, businesses and service charities, we aim to enhance the implementation of the community covenant in our local area. Specifically, we: • Perform reviews with stakeholders to ensure ongoing support requirements are sustainably fulfilled and plans are in place for necessary improvement to delivery, if required • Help develop and maintain support relationships among stakeholders, which facilitate the achievement of short and long term veterans support goals locally

day-to-day work undertaken by individual stakeholders.

Assistplus is our local ‘one-stopshop’ for Ex-Armed Servicemen and women living and working in Bradley Stoke and South Gloucestershire area. We are here to make your voices heard and your needs met, as enshrined in the Community Covenant.

“We will achieve greater visibility in the veteran support chain in Bradley Stoke and South Glos area…”

Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi Bradley Stoke Town Council t: 0117 370 0822 Ext.2 e: assistplus.uk@gmail.com Twitter: @Cllr_Franklin

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April 2018

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25

Sport

Competition success for Bradley Stoke gymnasts

M

embers of Bradley Stoke Gymnastics Club put in some fine performances at the South West Prelims competition held at Yate International Gymnastics Centre on Saturday 17th March.

A team of 16 Bradley Stoke gymnasts (making up seven partnerships), five of them competing for the first time, made the short trip to Yate, where they joined around 200 other competitors from across the south west.

The competition format requires each partnership to perform a two-minute routine consisting of five team moves and three individual moves. Routines are judged for tidiness, sparkle, performance and artistry.

The club’s trio of Sophie Dean, Grace Blumire and Charlie Osborne delighted their coaches by coming away with bronze medals. Reflecting on her experience, Charlie said: “I enjoyed the competition, however it was hard as there were some quite good trios in our group.

The best part of the competition was collecting my first medal, and I really liked watching other people competing.”

Rachael Moore, club coach, said: “All of the gymnasts performed excellent routines, making us very, very proud. To have so many of our ‘new ones’ compete for the first time and shine like stars put smiles on our faces. We couldn’t be prouder of all the girls, and that’s what makes us a real ‘gym family’”.

Fellow coach Chris Wilcox added: “We would like to thank all of our assistant coaches – Kelsey Booy, Ellen Smith, Mia Vindel, Amy Price, Ellie Bennett and Karen Price – for supporting us in keeping the club going and helping give all our gymnasts the opportunity to compete. We are all so proud.”

Gymnasts from the club will stage a display at the Baileys Court Primary School summer fête on Saturday 7th July and will be competing in the South West Championships in October.

Fifteen of the 16-strong squad which Bradley Stoke Gymnastics Club sent to the South West Prelims. Wearing the pink leotards are the bronze medal-winning partnership of (l-r) Sophie Dean, Charlie Osborne and Grace Blumire.

Bradley Stoke Gymnastics 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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April 2018

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery

W

hen I submit my musings to the Bradley Stoke Journal, I try to make them light hearted and free of jargon, in an attempt to engage and make medical issues more accessible.

Please indulge me on this occasion, however, because I am angry, and I need to unload and have a rant. The subject of my ire is the current state of medical politics.

A few months ago, several of the national papers published leading articles stating that GPs were earning up to £700,000 a year, arguing that there was something perverse with a system which allowed these enormous salaries to be generated at the taxpayer’s expense. The articles did not however lead with headlines which explained that all practices are now contractually required to declare their doctor’s salaries, and a few simple clicks on any

surgery website will demonstrate this. This shows earnings a magnitude below the six figures being quoted. The papers also failed to properly explain that these incomes related to GPs heading up large private companies running multiple NHS practices in London and the South East, acting as company directors rather than providing the face to face consultations we traditionally associate with general practice. The question then is, why did the papers present this story in the way they did? Headlines like this usually appear when the government need to distract readers from potentially awkward political realities.

Contrast this with what is actually happening at street level. There is a national shortage of GPs as doctors leave the profession through retirement or disillusion, training places are being left

unfilled, and the Department of Health is having to actively recruit overseas to try and shore up the system. Hardly the stuff of mega salaries. In the Bristol area, surgeries are threatened in some of our most challenging and deprived communities, with partners forced to resign their contracts with the NHS, as funding cutbacks and escalating costs have meant their practices were deemed no longer tenable. This has resulted in the loss of decades of professional experience and personal continuous care. In the hospital sector, thousands of operations have been cancelled as wards are full of emergency admissions, occupying a stock of hospital beds which has reduced nationally by tens of thousands in recent years I am angry because I have no idea where the current administration is taking us as doctors and patients, and

the way the situation in being covered in the press and being presented by the government. The NHS is facing a crossroads as it approaches its 70th anniversary. The fundamental issue is capacity and how to fund it. Whether you believe in a universally accessible system funded through central taxation, a system paid through individual private insurance, or a combination where patients make a nominal contribution each time they use a tax funded service, we need some direction from government. All I ask for is for some honest, mature debate from our political leaders and press, rather than sensational headlines being used as a cover for a system that is clearly under unprecedented pressure.

Thank you. Rant over.

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April 2018

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News

Guides dart around the world on ‘Thinking Day’

W

orld Thinking Day is celebrated by Girl Guides around the world, and has taken place annually since 1926. It’s a day when everyone in Guiding across the world explores and celebrates how we’re all part of a bigger movement, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

This year, it was suggested that the Girl Guiding units in Bradley Stoke and Winterbourne should get together to celebrate.

There were seven units participating in the event, which included Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, and all their leaders, totalling over 150 people celebrating together at Meadowbrook Primary School.

Each Guiding unit was allocated a region of the world and had to include a number of activities, relating to their region, to entertain all the girls, aged from 5-15! Regions represented were the Arab region, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Other tasks included Thinking Day activities and Girl Guiding Promise activities.

The activities definitely kept the girls occupied and were nicely varied. Africa included colouring in tribal masks and basket weaving, Asia had origami butterflies and creating Chinese fans. The Arab regions included henna designing and star weaving, the Americas had traditional American Camp songs and creating maracas.

At the Europe stop you’d create Norwegian heart baskets and windmills. And much more!

As leaders, we manned our stations and tried to keep up with the endless supply of girls who wanted to take part in each and every activity. Some units had created passports to be taken to each stand to be stamped, others created small bags for the girls to keep their creations in.

At the end of the event, all girls were given time to reflect on the impact they have by being a Girl Guide and think of Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide. Trying to get some opinions of the night at this time proved valuable: “I liked hanging out with others; I have friends in other Guide units and it was nice to do things together” (Guide, 1st Bradley Stoke Guides).

“I liked seeing old friends and seeing Rainbows who’ve now

moved to Brownies, and helping everyone.” (Young Leader, 1st Bradley Stoke Rainbows) “Lovely evening, lots of busy, happy young ladies.” (Leader, 1st Winterbourne Guides) “I liked doing new things and seeing lots of people” (Brownie, 2nd Stoke Lodge Brownies)

When the whole group was asked if they’d had fun, the chorus of “YES” which followed was deafening.

As leaders, we have already decided this should become an annual Bradley Stoke event and hope to grow the size of the event year on year. Watch this space!

School stops over Easter, learning doesn’t have to

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the year to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Bradley Stoke Study Centre Sarah Nutchey 01454 610389 kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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April 2018

Schools

Abbeywood School rated ‘good’ but must face ‘full’ inspection next time

O

fsted inspectors who visited Stoke Gifford’s Abbeywood Community School at the end of February have confirmed the academy’s ‘good’ grading but at the same time identified priorities for improvement.

The ‘short’ inspection was the first carried out since the school was rated ‘good’ in October 2014, following its incorporation into the Olympus Academy Trust (OAT) on 1st January 2013.

Inspectors noted that the headteacher, Dr David Howe, who was appointed in January 2015, has successfully developed a culture of collaboration among staff and secured the confidence and support of the vast majority of parents. As a result, the school has grown in popularity and

the number of pupils on roll is steadily rising.

The report points out that pupils’ progress fell in 2017, but acknowledges that support from the trust and other sources has been used to ensure that “the progress of most groups of pupils currently in the school is now better”.

Inspectors describe the school as “highly inclusive”, adding that it provides a “friendly, orderly environment”.

On the topic of safeguarding, the report states: “The school’s policies and procedures for keeping pupils safe are well organised and effective.”

“Pupils feel safe and well cared for in school. They are aware of how to keep themselves safe when using the internet.”

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“Both pupils and parents say that any bullying that happens is dealt with quickly and effectively.”

Senior leaders at the school are praised for continually seeking improvements in teaching and learning, while governors are said to be knowledgeable and prepared to “challenge senior leaders robustly”.

Inspectors report that pupils are proud of their school, saying that it is a welcoming and inclusive place where all pupils are accepted. Pupils’ transfer from primary school is supported by teachers very effectively. As a result, relationships between pupils and staff are typically positive and constructive from the beginning.

The vast majority (91 percent) of parents who responded to the Parent View survey over the last 12 months said they would recommend this school to others.

On the downside, the report expresses concern over students’

attainment at GCSE level in maths, geography and history and says the most able pupils are not being challenged consistently across the school.

It is also noted that the proportion of disadvantaged pupils who attained a grade 5 or better in both GCSE English and mathematics was less than half that of other pupils nationally.

Furthermore, efforts to improve disadvantaged pupils’ attendance has not been successful in some cases.

In the light of the fact that inspectors identified a number of priorities for improvement, the school has been told to expect a ‘full’ inspection next time, which Ofsted guidelines indicate will be within the next two years. ● Students and parents at another OAT secondary, Bradley Stoke Community School, have been told to expect an Ofsted inspection “soon after we return to school after the Easter holidays”.

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T YTHERI NGTO N We would like to welcome you to the newly-refurbished Swan at Tytherington, where you will receive a warm and friendly welcome.

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EVERY MONTH We’re the only publication delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to all homes in Bradley Stoke

Circulation: 9,200 delivered plus 700 left at pick-up points *Price of a one-eighth-page display advert, when committing to six monthly issues

April 2018

by Moira de Groot, foot health practitioner at Willow Brook Clinic

Let’s talk about fungal toenails

ungal toenails – such an easy thing to get and a real challenge to get rid of. It is a very common condition and thankfully, most of the time, it is cosmetic and does not cause any pain or other problems. However, left untreated, nails can become thickened, misshapen, ingrown and painful. The infection could also damage your nail plate.

Nails can become unsightly and this can affect a person’s selfesteem and choice of footwear.

We all have fungi that live on our bodies and in our environment. Toenail fungus is caused by picking up an infection in the nail. Fungal toenails can start after injury, illness or stress. It is more common in the elderly, diabetic patients and those with poor circulation.

The infection causes nails to discolour, thicken or crumble, making them hard to manage without professional help.

It can affect all or some of your nails. It can be slow growing or it can spread very quickly. There are a number of pathogenic fungi that can cause disease in humans and it does depend on the fungi and your nails, as to how the infection develops.

Luckily, there are options available to treat this condition, starting with a strict foot care regime. Wash feet thoroughly in a mild soap and dry feet gently, especially between the

toes. Wear clean socks made from a natural material such as cotton or bamboo and change them daily. Let your shoes dry out between wearing them, alternating with another pair of shoes every day. Wear wellfitting shoes. If you can, go barefoot and let the sunshine and air get to your feet. Treat other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

A trained professional can manage infected nails by reducing the thickness of the nails and keeping your nails short. There are medicated options available which you can discuss with your foot health practitioner or podiatrist.

If you have any queries or concerns about your feet or nails, contact a foot health practitioner or podiatrist for the correct advice.

The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 7.

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April 2018

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News

MetroBus update: March 2018 This month, the West of England Council’s MetroBus team were unable to provide any specific news relating to services through Bradley Stoke, but they have kindly provided this update on what is happening across the wider MetroBus project

T

he three-route 50km MetroBus network is due to be operational in the spring – starting with the M3 service running from Emersons Green via UWE to the city centre.

The Bromley Heath Viaduct works need to be completed first – currently their end date is the end of April. The other routes will start afterwards.

As MetroBus is ‘buy before you board for faster services’, the information and ticketing points have had to be developed. This will make MetroBus the only service outside London where you have to pay before you board – significantly reducing delays.

The introduction of a Travelwest smartcard, use of mobile phone apps, existing concessionary cards and

top ups online from the travelwest.info website have all had to be incorporated into the system. This week, the first iPoint at Long Ashton Park & Ride was switched on, and the team are checking and testing that it all works as it should – the 1,000th and 10,000th ticket is as important as the first. The iPoints along the M3 route will be put in place soon.

MetroBus has already made positive changes to the way people are moving around: • The new city centre arrangement is allowing traffic to flow more freely, with savings of six to seven minutes from the bottom of the M32 to the harbourside at some times of the day • Over 60 buses have had their timetables revised as they are

now running faster and more reliably • The new bus lanes in other areas are allowing all buses to keep to time and avoid hold-ups • The new bridge at Bathurst Basin is safer for pedestrians and has improved traffic flows • In south Bristol, traffic has been removed from unsuitable residential roads and there are easier and quicker links for businesses to the main roads.

MetroBus is another piece in the jigsaw helping to tackle congestion, improve air quality and provide a rapid and reliable choice for people who need to travel longer distances by public transport. ● Frequently Asked Questions: travelwest.info/metrobus/allyou-need-to-know

The first MetroBus iPoint was powered up at Long Ashton Park & Ride during the third week of March

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April 2018

In Brief Bradley Stoke Bowls Club prepares for 2018 season A large crowd attended the Spring Meeting of Bradley Stoke Bowls Club on the evening of Thursday 15th March, when new members were welcomed and the activities of the club were unrolled.

The proceedings, led by chairman Robert Bertram, began with a minute’s silence as mark of respect for the late Jim Durlacher, and continued with a short resume of relevant events. These included thanks to the town council for the major funding of a complete overhaul of the sprinkler system and other improvements to the green, to which the club had also contributed a large sum.

Somewhat to the amusement of the audience, Bob Wilkins, the club captain, described a hitherto successful novel deterrent using water filled plastic bottles to ward off the attention of hole-digging foxes; a serious nuisance.

The membership secretary, Janet Wilkins, issued fixture cards for the season ahead. This comprehensive list was compiled

by Mark Griffiths; a mammoth task. She also revealed that the current membership stands at 93 (59 men and 34 ladies, including seven new members).

The programme for the summer season was unveiled, and specific dates emphasized.

These include an open taster afternoon on Sunday 10th June as part of the Bradley Stoke Community Festival, and the club tour to Bournemouth in September.

Subject to the approval of the ground staff, it is hoped to open the green on Monday 16th April for a roll-up.

For more information, visit www.bsbc.webs.com

Free tennis coaching on offer at club’s open day Almondsbury Tennis Club is celebrating the Great British Tennis Weekend with an open day on Saturday 14th April.

There are coaching lessons in the morning for all ages and then ‘play as you like’ in the afternoon.

It’s all free - just go online to sign up and book your slot!

The club has also announced the launch of Tennis Xpress, a six-week course giving adult absolute beginners the chance to pick up tennis with a specially designed course run by accredited coaches. It’s just £45 for the six-week course, and you can choose between Monday evenings 7.30pm to 8.30pm

and their musical director, Ange Kewley, we had a very enjoyable evening and hope to sing together again soon.

Stokes Singers hold regular Thursday evening rehearsals at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway, starting at 7.30pm.

Liz, our membership secretary, can give you further information on 01454 614148. There are no auditions and the first two rehearsals are free of charge. or Saturday mornings 10am to 11am. The course starts 21st/23rd April. Pre-booking is essential, via the club website www. almondsburytennis.org.uk or by calling John on 07951 584669.

Harmony as local choirs meet up for first time Spring is in the air and our 25th Birthday year is well under way, so Stokes Singers are busy with rehearsals and performances writes publicity officer Sue Callow. The 17th event in our Sing 25 challenge was a visit to another local choir, Bradley Stoke Community Singers (BSCS), to share some music making.

Although the Community Singers are in their 5th year this was the first time the two choirs had met to sing. Thanks to BSCS members

BRADLEY STOKE TOWN COUNCIL Hereby gives notice that the Annual Town Meeting will be held at The Oak Hall, The Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke BS32 8HL 7.00pm Wednesday 9 May 2018 The meeting includes the launching of ASSISTPLUS – your Local Veteran Community Support Initiative Sharon Petela, Town Clerk Council Office, The Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, South Glos BS32 8HL (01454) 205020 www.bradleystoke.gov.uk

Ex-BSCS students urged to collect exam certificates Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has asked the Journal to publicise the following request: “Any ex-students who haven’t collected their exam certificates need to do so ASAP as under new data regulations we are only allowed to retain them for a year, and after that we have to destroy them.”

Council forks out £595 to hoist flag at Jubilee Centre Bradley Stoke Town Council (BSTC) is to install a flagpole at its main community centre and office site, the Jubilee Centre on Savages Wood Road.

The idea first came to light in January, when the town clerk informed a meeting that it “had been suggested” that the council consider installing a flagpole at the Jubilee Centre site.

A quote was tabled, showing indicative costs of purchasing a flagpole with an internal halyard (to minimize the noise nuisance for the local residents).

Councillors were also told that planning permission might need to be obtained.

Following discussion, Cllr John Ashe proposed that BSTC purchase a 6m single piece, glass fibre, internal halyard, hinged base, gold finial flagpole at a cost of £265. A vote was taken, (12 in favour, 1 abstention) and the proposal carried.

Enquiring whether planning permission would be required (it is) has added £99 to the bill, followed by £231 to actually make the application (PT18/0942/F).

The outcome is awaited.

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April 2018

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News An update from Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke

I

n January, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment.

By doing so, I pledged my commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust. Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations are held annually on 27th January to remember those who died in the Holocaust and to mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.

I would encourage as many schools, faith groups and community organisations to engage with Holocaust Memorial Day to ensure that the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides are never forgotten.

It is essential that future generations are taught about historical atrocities to make sure that they are never repeated.

The Organ Donation Bill has great potential to save lives, and tackle serious medical conditions affecting some of the most vulnerable in society. While organ donors have increased by 75 percent in the last decade, more needs to be done. Today there are approximately 6,500 people awaiting an organ transplant. By presuming consent, more organs will be available for the extremely ill people who need them so urgently.

Of course, I recognise that this is a hugely sensitive and personal issue – the right to opt out must be absolutely preserved, and families must be consulted. I am therefore pleased that the bill

has now proceeded to committee where these safeguards will be reviewed.

After several years of disruption due to various road improvements, Aztec roundabout and all approaches continue to be a headache for local residents – particularly at peak times. It appears that the main problem is the phasing of the traffic lights on the roundabout with those controlling traffic at J16 of the M5 [see page 23].

The solution, however, is not as simple as some have suggested. The traffic signals on Aztec are the responsibility of South Gloucestershire Council, whereas those on the motorway junction are controlled by Highways England. I am actively involved in the negotiations to have the two organisations devise a practical solution and have also asked the Mayor for the West of England Combined Authority, Tim Bowles, to expedite this.

I will also be meeting with Ministers in the Department for Transport to discuss longer term solutions.

If you’d like my help on any issue, please call my office on 01454 617783 or email me at jack.lopresti.mp@parliament.uk

Have your say: Reader letters Do you have strong views about something that’s happening in or around Bradley Stoke?

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

Send your letter to letters@bradleystokejournal.co.uk or post it to: Reader Letters, Bradley Stoke Journal, 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8GB Please include a phone number, in case we need to contact you.

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Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Claire Fletcher reports Latest news on bike thefts • Dealing with ASB

I

am pleased to report, following on from the Bike Fest in January, that as I write this (in mid-March) there have only been two reported cycle thefts in the past 28 days.

A red Carrera Hellcat mountain bike belonging to a 14-year-old boy was taken between 8pm and 9pm on 24th February after being left insecure on Brook Way. The other report concerned a black and red Diamond Back mountain bike taken from Sherbourne Avenue between 1st and 21st February and reported stolen on 24th February.

Please secure bikes to an immovable object using a quality bike lock – check out www.soldsecure.com for products graded by locksmiths.

We get more calls about anti-social behaviour (ASB) as the weather improves. The term

covers a wide range of issues, including noisy neighbours, inconsiderate vehicle use, littering, damage and rowdy or drunken behaviour.

Because of this, we, South Gloucestershire Council and housing providers all have powers to deal with different aspects of it, and work closely so we can all enjoy our community spaces and feel safe in our homes.

We need evidence to take action, so please report issues as they happen, with as much information as you can. It helps us build a picture of what’s happening, where and when, enabling us to target our response and bid for resources.

Find more information on reporting ASB from www. avonandsomerset.police.uk or www.southglos.gov.uk Young people often get

blamed for ASB. We’ll tackle those who cause issues, but remember most just want to meet their friends. Parents and carers can help to keep their children safe and out of trouble by making sure they know where they are and who they’re with.

Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre Thursday 5th April – 10am to 12pm N.B. All surgery events are subject to change due to operational commitments @ASPTheStokes

● The public enquiry office at Patchway Police Centre, Gloucester Road BS34 6PY is open 8am to 8pm daily.

Avon and Somerset Police website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

April 2018

In Brief Suspect arrested over graffiti in the Stokes A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into graffiti in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford.

Tags have been found on electricity substations and bus shelters.

A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in Hayes Way, Patchway, just after 1am on Sunday 25th February after patrolling officers came across fresh graffiti. He was later released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information which could help the investigation is asked to get in touch online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 5218042426.

A police spokesperson added: “If you witness someone causing this sort of damage, please call us straight away. It’s 999 if they’re still in the area, otherwise ring 101.”

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April 2018

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35

Advertising

Popular country pub flourishes under new team THE SWAN @ TYTHERINGTON, which is just 15 minutes from Bradley Stoke, is a traditional country pub offering homecooked quality food.

It reopened in September 2017, having undergone a huge transformation, with £250,000 being spent on its great new facelift, which includes a new kitchen, a patio area and brand new toilets (including an accessible toilet).

The refurbishment has maintained the establishment’s warm, traditional feel, but given it an added modern twist.

The Swan has been taken over

by Nikki and Shane Clark, who sold their home in nearby Yate to finance the refurbishment. Their focus is on ‘exceptional food at accessible prices’ and you will find country pub favourites such as pie and mash, lasagne, and cod and chips, all of which are homemade to a high standard, along with

their specialty of homemade sausages of various flavours.

Lunch is served from 12pm to 2.30pm Monday to Friday, followed by dinner between 5pm and 9pm. On Saturdays, food is available throughout the day (12pm to 9pm). Sunday Lunch is served between 12pm and 3pm followed by dinner from 5.30pm until 8pm. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

The Swan also offers a great range of real ales such as Butcombe, Bath Ales Gem, London Pride and a guest slot used by local brewers such as GWB, Wickwar Brewing and Cocksure Brewing to name but a few. There is also a focus on locally made Bristol spirits with 6 O’Clock Gin, Bristol Dry Gin, Psychopomp and the Espensen range making appearances.

Funerals from £1,895

Live music is arranged for the last Friday of every month and acts have been booked for the whole of 2018, with a great selection of solo artists.

The Swan is a family and dog friendly establishment. For more information, please see our advert on page 29 (offering 10% off food during April) and check out the website at www. theswantytherington.co.uk

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Funeral Directors

0117 950 4100 High Street Westbury on Trym www.mwfuneraldirectors.com To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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What’s On (1st April – 6th May) Sunday 1st April 9am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Mathern. Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit. ly/ssramb [Further organised walks on 13th, 15th, 27th & 29th April and 6th May] 9.30am: Stokes Cycling Club Short Bike Ride to Abbey Wood. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/stokescc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560. [Further organised rides each Sunday]

Monday 2nd April

Wednesday 18th April

2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: Helen on 0117 969 0302

7pm: BSTC Finance Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcfin

Friday 6th April

7.30pm: Bradley Stoke Lions Club meets at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. More info: Robin Young on 07712 046644

7pm-8.30pm: Parent/Carer Coffee and Support at Baileys Court Activity Centre.

9am-11am: Coffee Morning at Church of Christ the King.

Everyone welcome. No charge for refreshments; donations accepted. [Weekly on Fridays] 1.25pm-7.45pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre. More info: www.blood.co.uk

Saturday 7th April

Saturday 14th April

Sunday 8th April

7pm: Girls and Young Women’s Night at the Jubilee Centre. Girls-only youth club night. [Weekly on Tuesdays; term-time only]

7am-5pm: Car Boot Sale at Trench Lane, BS32 4JZ. One of the biggest in the West! See news article on page 9. More info: http://bit.ly/trenchlane [Weekly until 28th October]

10.30am-12pm: Community Coffee & Cake at Brook Way Activity Centre. Open to all.

Organised by City Church.

Friday 13th April 4.30pm: BIGGERbooks Library Group meets at Bradley Stoke Library. For children aged 11 to 14. Please ask a member of staff for details.

Tuesday 3rd April

Thursday 5th April

For more details and further events, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/whats-on/

Wednesday 11th April

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 07497 006676 [Also on Sunday 5th May]

10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays]

April 2018

7.30pm: The Stokes Crafters meet at the Poplar Rooms, North Road, Stoke Gifford. More info: The Stokes Crafters group on Facebook [Weekly on Thursdays]

11am: Stepping Forward.

Organised walk (4 miles) starting from the leisure centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sgc-wfh or phone 01454 868006 [Further walks on 12th & 26th April (check meeting point)]

Wednesday 4th April

t: 01454 300 400

Monday 9th April 6.30pm: Bristol Small Business Forum Meeting at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

More info: http://bit.ly/bsbf-fb

Tuesday 10th April 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Conservation of marine life.

More info: Jannice 01454 615040

10.30am-12pm: Adult Craft Group meets at Bradley Stoke Library. Please ask a member of staff for details.

10am: Chatterbooks Library Group meets at Bradley Stoke Library. For children aged 9 to 11.

Please ask a member of staff for details.

Monday 16th April 9am-11.30am: Refresh Café at Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church.

Everyone welcome. [Weekly on Mondays; term-time only] 10.30am: Baby Rhymetime at Bradley Stoke Library. [Weekly on Mondays; term-time only] 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos 7pm: BSTC Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstclya

Thursday 19th April 10.30am: Pre-School Storytime at Bradley Stoke Library. [Weekly on Thursdays; term-time only] 12pm-2pm: Volunteer Centre Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Pop in for a chat with a volunteering advisor.

More info: http://bit.ly/vc-pfs or call 01454 868986 7pm: South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. This month: ‘The New Ashmolean Collection’ by Dr Steve Kershaw.

Saturday 21st April 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.

Wednesday 25th April 7pm: BSTC Planning & Environment Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcpec Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter to receive daily reminders about events taking place in Bradley Stoke

Ride On Cycles The Mobile Cycle Workshop That Comes to You Full range of servicing & repairs carried out by a City & Guilds quali�ied mechanic Contact Andy on: 01454 880872 07443 333219 andy@ride-on-cycles.co.uk www.ride-on-cycles.co.uk

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

April 2018

t: 01454 300 400

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PAINTING & DECORATING

BEAUTY SERVICES

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

Bradley Stoke based pest control expert ● Rats and mice ● Bed bugs ● Carpet moths ● Flies and all other insects Member of the National Pest Technicians Association

www.amanpestcontrol.ltd

Tel: 07400 000084 CARPENTRY & JOINERY

COSMETIC TATTOOING FOR EYEBROWS, EYELINER & LIPS • Beautifully shaped eyebrows • Smudge-free eyeliner • Full and defined lips Fully insured and licensed

20% off with this advert sp-makeup.com Tel: 07513 303020 The Treatment Room, Winterbourne Down, Bristol

OVEN CLEANING

PAINTING & DECORATING

Top of the Range Oven Cleaning

RICK MURPHY

Professional, bio-friendly, non-toxic oven cleaning service Covering Bristol, Bath, South Glos and the surrounding area

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

PAINTING & DECORATING (formerly of Inside Out) Interior and exterior painting All work guaranteed Call Rick for a free quote on

Call Andy on 07738 941645

07816 854978

Top of the Range Oven Cleaning

Email: r_murphy35@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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38

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers C&M Services, Page 14 Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, Page 12 Alternative & Complementary Therapies Janet Alexander, Page 24 Bathrooms Concept Property Maintenance, Page 27 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 30 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 33 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 30 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 37 Northavon Carpentry, Page 8 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 13 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 23 Child Care Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club, Page 18 Mama Bear’s Nursery & Pre-School, Page 26 Children’s Activities Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club, Page 18 Bristol Riding School, Page 4 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Computer Services goto iT, Page 28 Conservatories Filmcote, Page 15 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 36 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 33 Double Glazing JDC Windows, Page 37 Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 27 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 19 Electricians Bradley Stoke Electrical, Page 4 Ernest Till, Page 17 Price Electrical Services, Page 8 Entertainers Earthquake Sounds, Page 36 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Events Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 32 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 8 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 8 MW Funeral Directors, Page 35 Furniture Complete Furniture Services, Page 31 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 24 LCM Automotive, Page 23 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 25 Painting Petals, Page 37 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 33 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38 Smart Patios, Page 30 Gyms & Health Clubs Riverside Leisure Club, Page 10 Hairdressers Reflections, Page 22

Health & Beauty

SP-Makeup, Page 37 The Tanning Shop, Page 2 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 10 Launderettes Wash Shop Plus, Page 39 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 8 Opticians Specsavers, Page 34 Oven Cleaning Top of the Range, Page 37 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 37 Digby Decor, Page 37 Painting Petals, Page 37 Rick Murphy, Page 37 Pest Control Aman Pest Control, Page 37 Pet Services & Supplies MadDogz, Page 30 New Passage Cattery, Page 39 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 39 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 38 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 39 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 6 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 27 Gregor Heating, Page 13 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 30 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 Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Page 40 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 27 David Coombs Services, Page 37 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 30 P.J.R Plastics, Page 39 Removals & Storage Managed Mayhem, Page 18 Restaurants The Swan Inn, Tytherington, Page 29 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 11 Star Legal, Page 16 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 9 Sport & Leisure Bristol Riding School, Page 4 Danceworks, Page 14 Taxis Z Cars, Page 28 More in directory on BSJ website Tiling Services Tileworx Tiling Services, Page 39 TV & Aerials Thornbury Aerial Services, Page 4 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 39

Visit our online directory: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory

April 2018

t: 01454 300 400 PLANT HIRE

T. EDWARDS PLANT Digger and Driver Hire • • • • • • •

Site/garden clearance Footings Drainage/soakaways Driveway preparation Stump removal Fencing & turfing Narrow access equipment

Price or day work

t: 07900 372349

t.edwardsplant@gmail.com CPCS/CITB qualified & insured

GARDENING SERVICES

Professional Gardening Services • Fencing, Decking, Sheds, Greenhouses (supplied & erected) • Driveways, Patios, Pathways, Turfing • Garden Maintenance, Tree Lopping Free quotes & friendly, trustworthy service (work references supplied) Please call: 07804 608053 Email: profgarden60@yahoo.co.uk Website: profgarden.vpweb.co.uk

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier We load and clear Same day service Household, garden, garage & sheds cleared Single item jobs Cheaper than a skip No VAT

Contact Stuart or Sue on 0800 0234 995 (Freephone) or 07770 944727 stuart.thistlewood@yahoo.co.uk

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

April 2018

t: 01454 300 400

PLUMBING & HEATING

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk PLUMBING & HEATING

39

WINDOW CLEANING

PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

• Complete bathroom refurbishment • Ceramic tiling • Heating & general plumbing services • Clean & tidy workmanship • Competitive rates

“Always on tap”

Call Darren on 07901 910361

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

TILING SERVICES

Your Local Gas, Boiler and Heating Engineers • Boiler Installation • Central Heating Installation • Gas Boiler Servicing

• Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires • Safety Certificates

Call Dan on

assistplumbingandheating.co.uk Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

0117 214 0949

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

For a no obligation quote call Shayne on 07983 511 501 or 0117 960 5943 info@tileworxtilingservices.co.uk www.tileworxtilingservices.co.uk

Professional Wall & Floor Tiling PET SERVICES

New Passage Cattery

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc….

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092 LAUNDERETTES

WASH SHOP PLUS

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

www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding & Curtains washed, Dry cleaning Fast winter drying, Ironing service.

Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 1pm. (last service 1 hr. prior to closing times)

All types of repair and replacement work Evening and weekend appointments available Fixed rates - no job too small

07967 567 394

Friendly, local cattery 10 mins from The Mall • Quiet rural location • Viewing welcomed

Covering north Bristol and South Glos

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

AUOPE TU NIN MN G 20 IN 18

STOKE GIFFORD RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Later life.

Why wait – enjoy it now!

A remarkable new village is opening in Stoke Gifford.

If you’re 55 or over, you’ll find so much here to help you get the most out of later life, with 261 affordable new one and two bedroom apartments available for purchase, rental and shared ownership. Homes are light, comfortable and spacious, equipped with the latest safety and security features. Built around a host of high quality social and leisure facilities, they include a gym, bar, bistro, shop, hair and beauty salon, village hall, hobby room, IT suite and library, and a greenhouse. Imagine what a wonderful opportunity this is to remain active and independent for longer, discovering hidden talents and learning new skill amongst friends and neighbours.

Village Show Homes Open for viewing - Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm.

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Off Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1EJ For more information please call 0117 321 6632 or email stokegifford@extracare.org.uk or online at www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village

StokeGiffordVillage

Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136. Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright © 2018 - The ExtraCare Charitable Trust.