Bradley Stoke Journal, May 2018

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

May 2018 • Issue 60

POLICE P32 | WHAT’S ON P36 | DIRECTORY P38 Social enterprise to run Bradley Stoke MetroBus route Twenty-one biogas vehicles on order

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METROBUS OPERATOR ANNOUNCED but start date still unknown

Pages 6 & 7

Town council objects to plans for McDonald’s and Starbucks at the Willow Brook Centre Planning & Environment Committee shows support for concerns of residents in neighbouring properties, but decision on planning application rests with South Gloucestershire Council Pages 20 & 21

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PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE l SGC gears up to improve Rabbit Roundabout l BSCS Young Enterprise team make regional final l April in the Three Brooks nature reserve l Local hotel opens new alfresco dining area l Council admits that sorted recycling was handled as residual waste l FINALLY! Leisure centre installs CCTV cameras to cover bike parking l Frustration at lack of action over graffiti plague l Bradley Stoke in Bloom spring 2018 report l Coming soon to Bradley Stoke: Proms in the Park l New platform officially opened at Bristol Parkway l New wave of jewellery burglaries hits the Stokes

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News

SGC gears up to improve Rabbit Roundabout

W

ith the jury still out on whether South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) recent £4.2m scheme to improve the Aztec West Roundabout and A38 has actually made matters worse, the council is already at the early planning stage of its next major roundabout improvement scheme, this time at the other end of Bradley Stoke Way. The new scheme is intended to increase capacity at Great Stoke Roundabout (a.k.a. Rabbit funding award stated that the Roundabout) as part of a package project is expected to cost a total of investments to support the of £4.7m, including development Filton Enterprise Area and and construction costs. the Cribbs/Patchway New Topographical and ground Neighbourhood (CPNN). penetrating radar surveys were An initial £550k of funding due to be carried out around was allocated to the project Great Stoke Roundabout as we last November by the West of went to press.

England Combined Authority A council spokesperson (WECA), for the purpose of explained: “The project will developing a business case. A be designed to reduce traffic BSJ updated ads.qxp_Layout 21:16 Page 1 journey report submitted ahead of that 1 23/04/2018 congestion and improve

times and reliability (for cars as well as for MetroBus and other bus services). By reducing journey times we will reduce emissions. We also hope to make improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.”

“We have allocated £550k to the feasibility assessments and pre-construction planning, which is expected to take place by spring 2020. At the end of these processes we will be able to

calculate the full project cost and the council will seek funding for the later phases and construction of the project through grants.”

“Public consultation on the project will begin in August 2018, with project completion expected in the winter of 2022.”

Further details revealed in the WECA report are that the resultant reconfigured roundabout is likely to be a three-lane circulatory system, including a segregated left-turn slip from Winterbourne Road east and three-lane entry from Winterbourne Road west.

The report notes that any proposed construction start date will be “subject to the ability to occupy the network, depending on other programmed works” such as the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension and Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge replacement (currently scheduled to start in October 2019).

Looking good in the heart of the community

WillowBrookCentre willowbrookcentre.co.uk

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May 2018

Schools

A

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

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About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal website and magazine are published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: 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.

company set up by a group of thirteen A-level students from Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has made it through to the regional final of the Young Enterprise scheme after being crowned ‘programme winners’ in the area final.

Their business, Phonic Farm, is a literary company which sells phonic inspired cookbooks and recipes to encourage children to learn whilst having fun.

Guided by a volunteer business advisor, Nicole Crompton, marketing manager at Dunkley’s Accountants in Bradley Stoke, the students began their Young Enterprise journey last September. Their first tasks were to decide on a company structure and assign themselves individual roles on the board of directors, along with selecting a company name and a product range.

During the first term, various milestones were achieved, such as deciding to produce a Christmas cookbook with

accompanying festive cookie cutters for their first trade fair experience at St Nicholas Market in Bristol. Here, the company did extremely well selling over £130 worth of product and being placed third within the overall Young Enterprise company competition on the day.

Following this success, the company decided to continue down the recipe route and develop a set of recipe cards. A second trade fair at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway in February saw the students sell £70 of product and receive positive feedback about the unique qualities of their product.

The area final, held on 26th April at Kingsweston House in Lawrence Weston, saw the BSCS students competing against seven other teams. The format of the event involved each enterprise using a trade stand to showcase their product to a team of judges, who also quizzed each group about their company reports. This was followed by

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Schools

BSCS Young Enterprise team progress to regional final a series of four-minute formal presentations, after which the judges retired to a ‘secret room’ to make their final decisions.

Half-an hour later, everyone was called into the hall to hear the results. With a total of twelve awards on offer, Phonic Farm were delighted to be presented with the trophy for ‘innovation’ but their joy reached another level when, at the climax of the event, they were named ‘programme winners’.

The next stop for the BSCS students is now the south west regional final in Exeter in June.

Business advisor Nicole Crompton commented: “After six months of hard work, I could not have dreamed of a more perfect result. To see the look on their faces when their name was called was priceless. I am immensely proud of them and cannot wait to see how well they succeed at the regional final. Bring it on, I say!”

Members of the Phonic Farm business celebrate their victory in the area finals held at Kingsweston House

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May 2018

News

Bradley Stoke MetroBus operator announced but still no start date

A

Bedminster-based social enterprise has been announced as the operator of services on the MetroBus route that will serve Bradley Stoke.

Bristol Community Transport (BCT) will be operating the M1 MetroBus route under contract to First West of England, and is investing in a fleet of 21 biogas buses running on gas generated from food waste – creating up to 60 new driver and support positions at its Bedminster depot.

BCT is Bristol’s largest community transport operator and a part of leading transport social enterprise HCT Group, which operates major transport contracts in London, Jersey, Guernsey and Leeds. As a social enterprise, they reinvest the profits from their commercial

work into further transport services or projects in the communities they serve. BCT already provides four regular bus routes in Bristol, operating under contract to Bristol City Council.

The operators for all of the first three MetroBus routes have now been announced. In addition to the M1 service that will be operated by BCT, the other two routes, M2 (Long Ashton Park & Ride to city centre) and M3 (Emersons Green to city centre), will be operated directly by First West of England.

The M2 route was initially planned to be the first to open, but has reportedly been beset by technical problems. Priority is now being given to getting the M3 service running, with MetroBus saying some months ago that it was expected to

start “immediately after the completion of the Bromley Heath viaduct work on the A4174 Ring Road”. The M3 start date has now been confirmed as 29th May, which will come a month after the lifting of the contraflow over the viaduct.

As noted in our February magazine (and only recently picked up by the regional media), the previously advertised MetroBus route between Emersons Green and Parkway Station via UWE has been quietly shelved, with the route between Emersons Green and the city centre (now known as M3) being altered to take in UWE and use the new bus-only M32 junction on Stoke Lane. Consequently, there will be now be no MetroBus services accessing Parkway until the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus

Extension is completed in 2021.

The biogas vehicles that BCT will operate on the M1 route will conform to stringent low emission standards. Indeed, all vehicles will conform to the emission standards that are laid down in the MetroBus Quality Partnership Scheme (QPS). First West of England will be operating on MetroBus routes using the very clean Euro VI emission diesel buses at launch, but these will be replaced by biogas buses within two years.

In a manner that is already well established locally, each MetroBus route has a designated colour to make it easy for passengers to recognise the route they want. The colours are magenta for M1, orange for M2 and green for M3. There will be spare vehicles sporting red

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News First Bus hints at what will happen to existing services once MetroBus starts

P A MetroBus vehicle on show at the MetroBus operator announcement event

colouring that will be used on any route.

The specially designed vehicle interiors have a new seat fabric, wi-fi and USB charging points, while the drivers will wear special MetroBus uniforms, distinct from any others in the city.

Asked by the Journal when we can expect to see MetroBus services running in Bradley Stoke, Dai Powell, chief executive of HCT Group (the parent group of BCT) said: “We’re very keen to get started as soon as possible, after all, we’re investing £7m into the city’s transport and we need to start making that investment work financially in the shortest possible timescale.

Yet we also have a significant gas infrastructure project to undertake, one with a lot of moving parts – civil works to pipe the gas on site, the build of the installation and so on.”

“We’re also having a fleet of brand new vehicles built – a

project in its own right. As a consequence, we don’t want to give a timeline at this stage as it would be a hostage to fortune.

As the project gets into gear and we know more, we aim to be open and transparent about our progress – so we’ll keep everyone posted.”

We also asked First why it had chosen to subcontract the M1 route rather than run it itself.

A company spokesperson said: “It’s primarily to do with depot capacity: Our depots are at capacity, and remaining capacity is already allocated to forecasted growth in parts of our network.

The customer benefit is that this arrangement allows simplified ticketing on MetroBus services and across the wider network, which keeps things simple for the travelling public.” ● What can we expect to happen to the current 73 & X73 services once MetroBus start? See the article to the right.

lenty of people have raised concerns about what will happen to existing local bus services once MetroBus starts operating. Up until now, First West of England has been saying it is “too early to say” what might happen to Bradley Stoke’s 73 and X73 services.

With the MetroBus service now having taken a step closer to starting, we asked First Bus for an update on its plans for our current local services. A spokesperson told the Journal: “The introduction of a high frequency direct link to and from central Bristol on MetroBus is bound to have some effect on the 73. We will be carefully assessing how M1 will impact passenger demand for the 73 and we will be reviewing the route and frequency of that service. We will, however, remain committed to providing the 73 as a local bus service.”

He added: “The current plan is to run a slightly modified version of the current 73 while the M1 ‘beds in’. The X73 will be withdrawn because it would not be commercially viable once Service M1 starts.”

The planned withdrawal of the X73, which starts at Aztec West and travels down Brook Way before heading for the city centre via Parkway Station and the M32, will pose difficulties for some commuters, particularly those living on roads to the west of Brook Way. Those living north of Manor Farm Roundabout will at least have the option of taking the 73 and changing to MetroBus at the Willow Brook Centre (although still involving a walk to transfer) or at Webbs Wood Roundabout. Those living further south will find themselves having to walk a considerable distance to access MetroBus services.

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May 2018

News

April in the Three Brooks nature reserve The lake

By Sara Messenger of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

Green Gym

The Green Gym have, as always, been very busy. Our tasks this month have included clearing the school bank of bramble, removing burnt out motorbikes, cleaning off graffiti, making a new pond, planting rowans and starting the annual slog of Himalayan balsam bashing.

Considering the weather we’ve had, it is a little early for balsam bashing, but, armed with hoes, we like to remove the first growth as soon as it appears.

It’s an uncommon method but one that seems to be paying off as each year we have less and less balsam to contend with.

The team have also created a new pond alongside the main path (behind BSCS), although maybe the underground spring created it, we just tidied it up a bit! We were asked to remove the attractive tree in front to get some light onto the water but we decided to remove the dead and unattractive blackthorn behind it instead and we now have a sizeable pond. We have in the

A new pond has been created on the main path through the reserve, behind BSCS

past found a couple of newts in the water here, but as we’ve been asked not to put in plants but to let it colonise naturally, it will be a long time before it would be a suitable habitat for them to breed in. As well as some pretty ancient litter, we also found a professional dog walker’s collar and returned it, but no good deed goes unpunished and now we just need to find for her the other four that her charges left behind!

Green Gym have also managed to plant on the side bank of the

Tump another 20 rowan trees supplied by SGC. The previous 60 supplied by BSTC were too small to be planted in established grass, so were planted around the community orchard. At the new site we also found an old established den, made from motorway fencing and neatly decorated with the carpet from under our harrow, and two areas where the grass had been set alight. Hopefully, the occupants will be too busy to trash the new trees, but only time will tell.

Wessex Water have finally removed all their equipment from the lake area, although as requested, they have left us the low fence around the edge of the lake. The picnic area looks quite different now and I’d quite forgotten what the plaque looked like! Our noticeboard has yet to be reinstalled, but I’ve been promised it as soon as they find where they put it! The path from Juniper Way is at present being dug up; this is because they will be installing a box for the sewage monitoring system and it requires electricity to run.

Although we cleared the island and the birds have been using it to roost, Brooke is nesting again by the path, although without a mate it would seem a futile exercise. Nugget, as we call her cygnet, would usually have been sent packing by now, but Brooke seems content to let it stay. Mute swans don’t breed in their first year, so perhaps they’re not missing out by staying at home a bit longer. The oil spills seems to have ceased and it doesn’t look as though any long lasting damage was caused, although we have purchased an oil spill kit, so if it happens again this time we will be prepared.

We were also concerned last year by the apparent absence of bats around the lake so we are planning two spring bat walks to see if they have returned now the works have finished. The walks will be open to the public and we’ll let you know the dates as soon as we can.

Second year students from BART (Bristol Avon River Trust) have, as part of their course work, been monitoring the water on the reserve and have had some interesting results. I’ve also visited another lake and have discussed with them their solution to their silt problem, so hopefully between us we can come up with a more economically viable plan to improve our lake.

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News ‘Living Well with Dementia‘ roadshow in Bradley Stoke

R

esidents in the Stokes who have recently been diagnosed with dementia and their family, carers and friends are invited to a ‘Living Well with Dementia’ roadshow in Bradley Stoke on 23rd May. The event, which is free to attend, will take place from 6pm until 8.30pm at Baileys Court Activity Centre (BS32 8BH).

The roadshow will offer practical, emotional and health advice and is intended to provide people with the information they need to understand their diagnosis, find out what support is available to them and learn how to live well with dementia.

During the roadshow, experts will be on hand to answer questions and attendees will be able to take home a handy guide to all of the relevant services and support that’s available.

There will also be talks about managing your affairs and all the help that’s on offer from Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Memory Service.

Cllr Ben Stokes, Cabinet member for adult care in South Gloucestershire, said: “A dementia diagnosis can leave the person with dementia and their family with lots of questions about what to expect and what they can do to plan for the future.

This roadshow will provide useful information to help answer these questions and provide reassurance that you’re not on your own.”

Dr David Soodeen, local GP and clinical lead for mental health at Bristol, North Somerset

and South Gloucestershire CCG, said: “People do not always experience dementia in the same way. We would encourage anyone who thinks they may have dementia to go to their GP as soon as possible. An early diagnosis means that we can start to help. As GPs, we can signpost to a wide range of support services in the community to improve quality of life.

“The roadshow event is designed to connect people with dementia and their families and friends with the services and support available. Finding the right support and meeting others going through a similar experience can make a huge difference, and this event will be a great way of achieving this.”

Attendees at previous roadshows have commented that the best part of the event was: “Learning about organisations I hadn’t known were available” and “How it was aimed at patients and carers equally and covered feelings, not just facts.”

The Living Well with Dementia roadshow is free, but places should be booked in advance by using one of the following methods: • Online at www.eventbrite. co.uk (search for “Bradley Stoke Dementia Roadshow”) • Email cchengagement@ southglos.gov.uk • Phone 01454 862356

● For more information and

details of future roadshows, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ dementia

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May 2018

Advertising Reflections Bradley Stoke offers more than your average hair salon…

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eflections Hair Group is a family owned business established in 1971 with its flagship salon currently celebrating 10 years at the Willow Brook Mall, Bradley Stoke.

With a bespoke shampoo room with Shiatsu massage chairs, ambient lighting and complimentary head massages with every appointment, this salon is the ideal location to relax and enjoy some expert advice and pampering from Reflections’ friendly, professional staff.

Salon Manager Paige Trehearne says: “We offer all the latest cutting techniques and can create any colour from classic naturals to trend-led rainbow and unicorn hair. We also have a specific Barbers area offering everything from skin fades to perms, a really big trend with young guys at the moment.”

Phil Murkin, Reflections’ Technical Director and resident Wella Master Colour Expert is also on hand to give expert, in-depth colour consultations and advice.

Paige Trehearne (front row, centre) and her team at the Bradley Stoke salon

Phil gained his qualification after successfully completing four intense course stages and is one of only a few Master Colour Experts in the South West of England.

With great transport links and free parking available right outside making it easy and convenient to visit, we highly recommend giving Reflections a try for your next hairdressing service.

Reflections Bradley Stoke are currently offering 30% OFF for New Clients (quote “New Client” when booking) and a FREE Olaplex Treatment for all existing clients (quote “Olaplex”)!

To make an appointment pop in any time or call Paige and her team on 01454 610318.

● Visit the Reflections website at www.reflectionshair.co.uk

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11

Business

Local hotel opens new alfresco dining area

L

ocal hotel and restaurant DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North, located in Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, has created a fantastic new alfresco social and dining space in part of a previously underutilised grassed area in the centre of the complex.

Known as ‘The Courtyard’ and accessed from the rear of the existing public lounge area, the pergoda-style structure (a hybrid between a pergola and pagoda) offers a sheltered dining space with built-in heaters and mood lighting.

The roof is of a transparent polycarbonate design that allows full natural daylight to permeate and this sits atop an oak-framed structure which the hotel says was designed and constructed by local businesses and contractors.

The capacity of The Courtyard for alfresco dining is 45 covers, however, it can hold more people for social gatherings and when use is made of the opportunity to extend onto the grassed area.

The new flexible outside space will also allow the hotel to cater for a multitude of other guest experiences, including pre-arrival banqueting drinks, wedding ceremonies and corporate BBQ events.

Bradley Stoke mayor Andy Ward was invited to officially open the new pergoda at a special launch event held on Thursday 19th April, at which local business people, supporters and stakeholders were treated to an arrival drink (sponsored

by Thatchers), canapés and a barbecue-themed buffet.

Representatives of the hotel’s

Bradley Stoke mayor Andy Ward cuts a ribbon to officially open the new pergoda at DoubleTree by Hilton, watched by Nadine Rees, general manager

two local charities, The Grand Appeal and Avon Autistic, also joined in the fun and everyone enjoyed the beautifully sunny weather that blessed the occasion.

Speaking after the ribbon cutting, Nadine Rees, general manager, said: “The DoubleTree

by Hilton Bristol North is

delighted to officially open our new flexible and unique outdoor space, The Courtyard. This concept has been an idea of mine for two years, so I am thrilled to finally see this come to life. This space will allow both myself and the team to enhance our guests’ and local residents’ experiences within the hotel.”

Trinity Pre School, Bradley Stoke Vacancy for a Pre School Manager to start September 2018 Recent experience of working in an Early Years setting essential and must hold a minimum Level 3 childcare qualification + 2years post experience.

In depth knowledge of EYFS/OFSTED guidelines and be up to date with safeguarding requirements.

HOURS: Mon to Fri 8am to 4pm (38 weeks term time + 2 weeks) PAY: £10/12 per hour depending on experience Closing Date: 23 May 2018 For information pack please email Chairperson angela.mortimore@virginmedia.com Trinity Pre School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children.

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May 2018

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13

News Council admits that sorted recyclables were processed as black bin waste

R

ecyclable waste that had been carefully sorted by Bradley Stoke residents for South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) regular weekly kerbside recycling collection has ended up in the residual waste (black bin) processing chain, the Journal can reveal.

The news came to light after two readers contacted us to say they had seen their sorted recyclable waste all thrown into the back of a regular ‘black bin’ refuse vehicle during a Saturday morning ‘catch-up’ collection following a missed recycling collection the previous day.

One resident, in Juniper Way, told us: “Yesterday our recycling was not collected as usual. This morning, however, I have just witnessed our recycling being taken away and I am shocked at what I saw. All the recycling was loaded into a white waste truck.

Everything was put in together, nothing was separated. That will now end up at a landfill. All that sorting of recycling for nothing!

The council should be ashamed of themselves.”

More generally, social media channels have also regularly been receiving complaints about missed recycling collections across the Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Filton areas.

In response to a request for a statement about recycling collections being missed on a frequent basis and the specific

claims of sorted recyclables being mixed together on this one recent occasion (21st April), the following response was provided to the Journal, attributed to Cllr Heather Goddard, the South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet member responsible for communities: “We are very sorry for any disruption and are working closely with our contractor, SUEZ to review the collection rounds to make sure that recycling is collected on the scheduled day.”

“Residents are advised to report any missed collections to the council via the website or contact centre. SUEZ will return to collect missed items within two working days.”

“Isolated incident”

“We have taken the issue of collecting mixed recycling up with SUEZ and they have investigated the incident reported in Bradley Stoke. Following a missed collection on the Friday, SUEZ returned the next morning to ensure the missed collections were rectified. However the crew took it upon themselves to collect the materials in one vehicle. We are sorry that the material was not sorted at the kerbside as it should have been but SUEZ have assured us that this was an isolated incident.”

“SUEZ are carrying out extensive training with all staff to remind them of the value of

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Archive image of a white-coloured refuse vehicle used to collect black bin waste

the resources they collect and the importance of keeping the different waste items separate.”

When the Journal asked for clarification of the extent of the rogue collection, a council spokesperson said: “This was an isolated incident limited to two roads in Bradley Stoke. The

material that was collected was included in the residual waste stream and therefore went to the mechanical biological treatment (MBT) facility. We have taken this incident very seriously and addressed the issue with our contractor, SUEZ.” ● www.southglos.gov.uk/sortit

Bradley Stoke Community Festival 8, 9, 10 JUNE 2018

For further information, to book a stall or include your event contact Rob Goodwin 07971 619501 info@re-energize.co.uk or Bradley Stoke Town Council 01454 205020

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May 2018

News

FINALLY! Leisure centre installs CCTV cameras to cover bike parking

T

hree new close-up, hidefinition CCTV cameras have been installed to cover the bike parking areas at Bradley Stoke Leisure (BSLC), a location which has become a hotspot for bike thefts over the last six months.

Bradley Stoke is currently suffering an unprecedented spate in bike thefts, with 25 reported stolen in the six-month period from November 2017 to April 2018, compared with just one in the corresponding period twelve months earlier. Of these 25, thirteen were stolen from the leisure centre, some distance ahead of the seven taken from the nearby Willow Brook Centre.

With the first theft from the leisure centre occurring on 3rd November, closely followed by six more before the end of the year, several of the victims, and even the local police, remarked on the “completely inadequate” CCTV coverage of the bike parking areas at the centre, which the Journal understands relied on a camera located around 40m away.

Following numerous calls from theft victims (or more usually their parents) saying the leisure centre needed to “up its game” on the security front, the Journal obtained a statement from Circadian Trust, the centre operators, in mid-November

which unhelpfully said that “any property, including bikes, is ultimately the individual responsibility of the owner”.

The statement said nothing specifically about CCTV for the bike parks, but added that they were “currently looking at increasing CCTV coverage generally in the car park”.

Suggestions that notices could be erected warning customers that the area was being targeted by bike thieves, a common practice elsewhere, such as at Parkway Station, were ignored.

Following a welcome reduction to just one theft in January, possibly influenced by publicity surrounding the Bike Fest @ The Stokes security awareness event on 6th January (organised by a local bike theft victim), the crime rate at the leisure centre soon shot back up with four bikes being taken in February.

With growing disquiet on social media over the lack of action being taken by the leisure centre management, the mother of the next victim (of a theft occurring on 2nd April), chose to escalate the issue to her local South Gloucestershire ward councillors. The Journal understands that it is this action which has finally brought about the installation of the new dedicated cameras for the bike

Dedicated CCTV camera and police warning notice installed at Bradley Stoke Leisure centre in mid-April, nearly six months after a spate of thefts began

parking and a plethora of police warning notices.

The Journal contacted the centre to ask why it had taken so long to install CCTV cameras, why warning notices had not been displayed from the outset, when and how had it been decided to install the cameras and who had funded them.

Unfortunately, our specific questions weren’t answered; instead we were sent a statement which talks about security in very general terms (see facing page).

Reacting to the news, Sue Harding, whose son Josh organised the Bike Fest in January, said: “I am delighted that BSLC have finally made improvements to the security around the bike sheds. Months of working with the local police team and one other local mum, has finally paid off! It’s a shame it has taken so many bike thefts to occur for the security to be improved, but it is very much a step in the right direction. All we need now is for the Willow Brook Centre

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15

Statement from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre

News

Rob Candlin, centre manager at Bradley Stoke Active Lifestyle Centre, said:

Arrest following “serious sexual assault”

“The centre follows best practice guidelines by regularly reviewing and updating security measures.”

“We provide our customers with two well-lit bicycle racks that are monitored by a recently upgraded set of high-definition CCTV cameras.

This camera system is linked to a 24-hour CCTV monitor in the duty manager’s office. We have also installed signage that draws customers’ attention to good security practice in the centre car park – an area that is regularly checked by staff.

“Whilst any property left unattended on-site, including bikes, is ultimately the individual responsibility of the owner, we want our customers to feel confident that their property is as safe as possible.”

“We advise bike owners to take good caution when leaving their bike, ensuring that they use bike marking kits and a high-quality lock.”

“We will continue to review our security measures on a regular basis, but would like to remind our customers to report any suspicious activity to a member of staff immediately so that it can be investigated.”

to do the same, and continue to the bike racks. Unfortunately, encourage bike owners to use it comes too late for those who D-type locks at all times.” have already had their bikes The mother of the victim whose stolen, however, this will have an bike was stolen on 2nd April outstanding impact on any thefts told us: “I would like to say a big in the future as it is an excellent thank you to Cllr Roger Avenin deterrent. What’s more, if any for backing up my letter which bikes are stolen, these cameras was sent to BSLC. Following this, will drastically improve the three new HD cameras have been chances of recovering the bike Bradley Stoke Journal hi-res.pdf 1 09/03/2018 16:25 installed outside looking onto and catching the criminal.”

A police officer removes a tape barrier at the scene of the reported assault

A MAN has been arrested following reports of a “serious sexual assault” in Bradley Stoke on Easter Sunday (1st April).

News of the arrest came three days after a police cordon was seen to be in place for several hours on Easter Sunday morning, centred on a footpath connecting Brook Way with the playing field at Patchway Common (behind Bradley Stoke Surgery).

A number of Journal readers living in the area, near Oaktree Crescent, also reported that police had conducted house-to-house

enquiries on Sunday morning.

The investigation scene was finally closed down at around 12.15pm on Sunday.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called at about 7.30am on Sunday 1st April to reports of a serious sexual assault in Oaktree Crescent, Bradley Stoke.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested and released under investigation.”

We were told that no further updates were available when we went to press in late April.

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Ride On Cycles

Bradley Stoke police beat team report on graffiti issues We have a number of areas in which parts of Bradley Stoke have been defaced by graffiti being written/sprayed onto walls, electric sub stations and even bins. This is not a new problem and is indeed not isolated to Bradley Stoke. However it does cause a nuisance and an eyesore for residents.

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The problem is not confined to one particular area but seems spread around the town, including the nature reserve. The underpass at Huckley Way has recently been cleaned of graffiti by the council, however, on talking to the contractors, they state that the paint being used can often be difficult to remove. A new bin, which I am told was only in place for about five weeks, had also been tagged at the Huckley Way entrance to the underpass.

The tag was ‘Drop’, which is one of the more common in the town and is often rather larger than the other tags. This tag I have seen while on foot patrol not only in Bradley Stoke but also in a number of locations including the A38, on the foot underpass and on two locations where the train line runs beneath the A38.

A couple of weeks ago a male was arrested while committing criminal damage by tagging an electricity substation in Patchway.

He was caught in the act by officers who were responding to another incident and happened to be driving past while he was busy tagging. He is currently under investigation to ascertain if any other criminal damages can be linked to him. As yet, I have not found his tag anywhere in Bradley Stoke.

Unless the suspect(s) are caught in the act, this is a hard crime to actually stop. The tag can be drawn/sprayed in seconds. We do now have powers to stop and search for items used in criminal damage, this was not always the case. However, we have to have reasonable grounds to perform the search.

I have photographed a number of the areas in Bradley Stoke which have been tagged and have graffiti. I have created an ongoing crime report to collate the information gathered if any suspects are caught. This will enable a quick search of any potential linked crimes. I have passed the crime reference number to the local council clerk.

Going forward from this date we are currently one PCSO short in Bradley Stoke, however it is hoped that this is only for the short term. We will be looking to prioritise our future patrols around the Jubilee centre and Baileys Court which as the days grow longer tend traditionally to see an increase in ASB and criminal damage.

These are areas in which a lot of the graffiti is centred on and the surrounding parks and streets are affected.

PC Jamie Shiels

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Editorial

Frustration at lack of action over graffiti plague

A

nyone living in, or travelling through, the Stokes cannot have failed to notice the plague of tagging-style graffiti vandalism that has swept across our area over the last twelve months.

The damage ranges from very large (2m+ wide) tags sprayed on public infrastructure in highly prominent locations to a proliferation of smaller tags sprayed and drawn on bus shelters, road signs and utility cabinets. In some roads, such as Braydon Avenue, it is difficult to find a single piece of street furniture that hasn’t been targeted by the taggers.

Readers who have contacted us on the matter have questioned why our local councils, business property owners and the utility companies aren’t acting to remove the graffiti in a timely fashion. Part of the problem may be that graffiti is simply not being reported, most likely because people don’t know who to contact or are frustrated by the need to make lengthy phone calls or fill in over-complex website forms (this shouldn’t be a problem for Bradley Stoke residents, thanks to BSTC – see panel below).

However, investigations by the Journal have revealed that even when issues are reported, no action is being taken or organisations are frequently failing to meet the timescales they have committed to in their own policies on graffiti removal.

Notable examples include graffiti that appeared underneath the Bradley Stoke Way bridge over Stoke Brook in the nature reserve, where two massive tags were sprayed in late 2017.

Despite South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) having a policy for removing graffiti from its own property within three working days, it took two reminders and 48 working days to finally address this instance.

Whether the council’s solution of untidily painting over the graffiti with badly matched

cream-coloured paint (on a grey concrete background) is actually an improvement, or in any way acceptable in a sensitive conservation area, is open to debate. Needless to say, the newly provided “canvas” was resprayed with new tag within just a few weeks.

SGC also took more than three weeks to remove several large tags from the underside of Primrose Footbridge (over Bradley Stoke Way), first reported by a resident on 1st April.

Another example of inaction by a publicly funded body relates to a massive tag sprayed on the corner of the swimming pool hall at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, directly underneath one of the centre’s CCTV cameras (so no excuses of not knowing about it!). The Journal was made aware that this had been reported to the police by a local community group on 21st March.

By 21st April, it still hadn’t been removed, so the editor reported it directly to SGC. With it still not having been removed by 25th April, as this article was being prepared, a statement was requested from Circadian Trust, operators of the leisure centre.

Within 36 hours of sending an email, efforts had been made to remove the tag, although more work will be needed to obliterate it completely.

Over in Stoke Gifford, frustration at Network Rail’s refusal to remove a large tag in a very prominent position on Parkway Bridge (on the Brierly Furlong side) is understood to have led one resident to take matters into his or her own hands by neatly painting over the offending graffiti.

SGC says it will only remove graffiti from its own property.

We asked if it refers reports of graffiti on other property to the relevant owner; it said that it didn’t, on the grounds that it “has limited resources” and needs to focus on “delivering our statutory services”. The council confirmed

Top: Tagging underneath the Bradley Stoke Way bridge over Stoke Brook in the nature reserve. Above: Tagging on Parkway Railway Bridge (Brierly Furlong side). Right: Tagging on the swimming pool hall at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, directly underneath a CCTV camera.

that Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre is part of its property portfolio, although it is leased to operators Circadian Trust.

Despite SGC’s response that it doesn’t report graffiti to other property owners, it has clearly been in touch with Network Rail (NR) over the Parkway Bridge incident, as an email reply from NR to SGC seen by the Journal states: “As an arm’s length publicly funded body, Network Rail is constrained by law in how we spend public money. Having reviewed your case it was felt that the graffiti should not be removed by Network Rail on this occasion. This is because the graffiti is not offensive.”

Back in Bradley Stoke, the town council (BSTC) has had very large graffiti tags sprayed on its property at the Jubilee Centre, Brook Way Activity Centre and at the skate park (one on a container and one on a wall). In all cases, the vandalism occurred overnight and although captured on CCTV, the images were [filmed from] “too far way to discern the culprits”.

Another issue is that very few incidents are being recorded as a crime, which in turn means that the police cannot justify devoting resources to investigating them.

SGC says only that it “shares information on hate-related and extremist graffiti” with the police, while the town council “only tends to report the large graffiti as a crime” (four in 16 months).

Following discussion about the

“increasing problem of graffiti” at a recent BSTC meeting, the local police beat team were asked to attend a future meeting. PC Jamie Shiels later replied that they were unable to attend, but provided a written report (see facing page).

In light of the increasing occurrences of graffiti and the time being taken to remove it (from its own property) BSTC has decided to purchase, at a cost of £3,882, a specialist steam cleaner capable of removing graffiti from many different types of surface.

In due course, the council hopes to be able to use the equipment to remove graffiti from residential property, at no cost to the owner, subject to a disclaimer being signed. ● Disclosure: The editor has been active in reporting many instances of graffiti to the authorities and urging BSTC to take up the matter.

Ways to report graffiti Report graffiti to SGC via its website at www.southglos. gov.uk/report or by phoning Street Care on 01454 868000 Inform BSTC about graffiti within Bradley Stoke, via its dedicated webpage at www. bradleystoke.gov.uk/graffiti. php, email administrator@ bradleystoke.gov.uk or phone 01454 205020 Report graffiti and other issues via the FixMyStreet website or smartphone app

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May 2018

News

Bradley Stoke in Bloom spring 2018 report

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB)

Big Spring Clean

I had put in a request for good weather, but I think the email got lost as we took part in the annual Big Spring Clean on what must have been one of the coldest days of the year! Although we only went from the Brook Way Activity Centre to Patchway Brook Roundabout, and then onto the Aztec West Roundabout, we managed to collect 22 bags, as well as a strange assortment of other rubbish. We stopped at the central verge on the A38 to cut back the bramble which has been annoying me for the last year (when we get a spare afternoon, we plan to replace it with some periwinkle), but by lunchtime it was below zero degrees, and we could no longer feel our fingers or toes, so we called it a day and

managed to get home just as the snow came down. Several additional hours have been spent, mainly at The Common East, cleaning off graffiti and picking up empty cans and pizza boxes, smashed glass and another used syringe, which is not really how I want to spend my afternoon off!

The Common East

We received an email from South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) informing us that the pond here was overflowing. We checked the overflow pipe and cleared away some debris that was slowing the drainage. Feeling accomplished, we were a bit surprised a few minutes later when a dog walker pointed out that the water was now flooding the road around the corner! And it was! The road was

BSiB volunteers with the rubbish collected on their Big Spring Clean day

now ankle deep in pond water.

The good news was that we could identity it by the large amount of duck weed we’d managed to get out of the pond. We checked the ditch, which was clear, but talking to residents we found out that the drain leading to the ditch has been blocked for a couple of years and, although it has been reported to StreetCare several times, nothing has yet been done. We’ve also reported it to StreetCare and there is nothing else that we can do.

The pond was brimming with frogspawn, which hopefully has now turned into tadpoles. I have read that a large clump of frogspawn can have 2,000 eggs in it, but only five of those would live long enough to breed, but I’m hoping that, with no large fish in the pond, the frogs here will fare better than most. One of our decoy ducks, Kate, made a bid for freedom, so it was removed so that we can repair her tether,

and it looks as though all our bird boxes are in use again this year.

In the orchard, our attempt at hedgelaying was successful and it is already springing back to life. Contractors employed by SGC took down the tall ash in the orchard which overshadowed a neighbour’s front door and trimmed the oak tree. They also took down several dead trees from along the hedge line and removed a tree that had fallen onto a back garden fence on Cornfield Close. As a favour to us, they also shredded the numerous Christmas trees that littered the cut through and have left us the bark chippings for the paths. Once they had finished, Ceri and I pruned the orchard and repaired the old dead hedge.

We also reseeded our wildflower patches in the orchard and we’re hoping that the kidney vetch thrives again, as this is the only plant that supports the life cycle of the rare small blue butterfly.

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News

In Brief Overflowing pond at The Common East, Bradley Stoke

Best Front Garden Competition 2018 This year, we have decided to split our competition into two categories: Small garden (terraced or semi-detached house) Large garden (detached house)

Many thanks to Roger, both for the strawberry plants and for growing seeds up for us – his first task is growing enough alyssum for the Manor Farm Roundabout.

Thanks also to Frances and Graham for their donation of lots of tools – many of which have already been put to use – and to Fred, who has given us some trees that he grew from seed.

Brook Way

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You may have noticed that the stands of hazels on the verge of Brook Way, opposite Cornfield Close, have gone. SGC thought they were in poor condition, so

have agreed with Urban Buzz to turn these areas into wild flower patches. They have already been cleared and seeded. Although some of the plants may not flower this year, many will, and we’re hoping that when the sun starts to shine at least some of the 28 varieties will make an appearance! Among the 28 are wild carrot, buttercups, corn, chamomile, cornflowers, ox eye daisy, poppies and a hoary plantain. The mix used supports bees, butterflies and other pollinators and contains 81% of species recommended by the RHS as perfect for pollinators.

We decided on a change, as some prospective entrants felt their small gardens couldn’t compete with the larger ones.

We’ve also discussed having a separate ‘Best hanging basket’ competition, but we’re not sure how well supported it would be; if you would be interested, please email us or leave a message on Facebook and we will look into it again.

The judging will take place in mid-July and, as always, the categories are: ‘Well kept frontage’, ‘Quantity/quality of plants’, ‘Outstanding character’ and ’Well kept lawn, paths and driveway’.

Good Luck!

Volunteers needed for Reading Challenge South Gloucestershire Libraries are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to join the team running Mischief Makers, the Summer Reading Challenge for 2018.

Volunteers will spend their time helping children do the Reading Challenge, talking with them about the books they’re reading and helping at a range of fun activities in the library.

This is a great opportunity to develop skills in communication, team working and creative projects, whilst having fun and making new friends.

The closing date for volunteer applications is 30th June.

Volunteers must be aged 13 or over. For more information ask a member of staff at any South Glos library, email emma.fisher@ southglos.gov.uk or visit www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries ● Follow @southgloslibs for Mischief Makers updates.

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Wheatfield Drive Bradley Stoke Way

Dewfalls Drive

McDonald’s

Willow Brook Centre car park

Two additional (non-food) retail units

Willow Brook Centre Development Masterplan From the formal planning application, reference PT18/1491/O Orange outline: Phase one

Starbucks Rearranged car park and access road

May 2018

Poundstretcher

Existing retail terrace

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Blue outline: Phase two This plan shows the proposed layout of the car park and access road at the end of phase 2.

For phase 1, the access road will remain as it is at present, except for the first righthand turn being widened to allow easy access for delivery vehicles serving the two new food and drink units.

May 2018

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News

Town council objects to Willow Brook development Support shown for residential neighbours concerned at impact of proposed McDonald’s and Starbucks units

T

he Willow Book Centre’s plans to expand its tenant base through the addition of two new drive-through food and drink units (foreseen to be occupied by McDonald’s and Starbucks) and two new retail units have received a setback after a Bradley Stoke Town Council (BSTC) committee voted to raise an objection to the formal planning application, submitted on 26th March.

The town council’s views will now be sent for consideration by planning officers at South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), which is the body charged with determining the application.

Full planning permission is being sought for the food and drink units (phase 1) but only outline permission for the retail units (phase 2), meaning that a further ‘reserved matters’ planning application will be needed in due course for the latter.

A decision on the application is likely to still be several months away, due to the size of the proposed development and the fact that a number of statutory consultees have also raised concerns which will need to be considered by planning officers and discussed with the applicant.

Meeting on 25th April at the Jubilee Centre, in the presence of around 15 members of the public, BSTC’s Planning & Environment Committee listened to the views of local residents for around 30

minutes before examining a small subset of the 50+ documents that form the application.

Permission is being sought for 24 hours per day and 7 days per week opening for the Starbuck’s and McDonald’s units, with the former expected to provide employment for the equivalent of 20 full-time staff and the latter employing more than 65 full and part-time staff.

Phase 1 will result in a net loss of 80 car parking spaces at the centre. No further spaces will be lost if phase 2 is implemented, thanks to a “reconfiguration” of the car park.

The initial right-hand bend into the car park will need to be widened as part of the phase 1 works, to allow easy access for delivery vehicles servicing the new food and drink units.

At the time of writing, more than 60 comments have been made on the planning application by members of the public, all of them registering objections.

SGC’s environmental protection team has also raised concerns, stating: “We have serious concerns however about the effect of phase 1 … on the nearby housing with regard to potential noise from cars idling; voices and noise from people in cars; any sound equipment being used in cars; and the potential for light from headlights in residential properties as the cars enter the new developments.”

Comments made on the

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Journal’s online channels are more balanced with roughly equal numbers for and against.

Neighbours speaking at the meeting described the proposals as “grossly inappropriate” in view of the units’ proximity to housing. Fears were expressed over increased litter (said to be already a problem around the centre) and the potential for an increase in the rat population.

One resident, whose property would be just tens of metres away from the food and drink units, expressed concerns over the potential for noise from air conditioning units on the roofs of the units and said he would be “gassed out” by cooking fumes.

Another resident asked whether it was wise to build a McDonald’s “next to two schools” and argued that there are already sufficient McDonald’s and Starbucks branches in the

area. He also raised concern over increased traffic and air pollution, saying this would negate the benefits claimed for MetroBus. The potential for anti-social behaviour was also raised, with one resident saying: “We know the type of clientele that McDonald’s attracts. Nobody here will say it won’t cause problems.”

Following a short discussion, councillors voted unanimously to object to the application on the grounds that it would lead to an increase in traffic levels, also citing “highways and transportation issues, environmental concerns relating to noise and lights plus the impact on local houses”.

Speaking after the meeting, the neighbours said they were happy that town councillors “seemed to be on the same wavelength”, but accepted that the decision process was likely to be a “long haul”.

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News

Stoke Gifford resident Matthew Moran, ready to leave for his three-anda-half month fundraising trip

USA cycling trip is raising funds for Stoke Gifford RBL

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56-year-old resident of Stoke Gifford has embarked on the trip of a lifetime to raise money for the local branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Matthew Moran flew to San Francisco on 1st April and is going to spend three-and-a-half months cycling across America.

Matthew isn’t making the trip easy for himself, as his route is going to see him take a few detours on his way across the country. He began his journey by heading south from San Francisco to take in some of the Californian coastline before heading east to Fresno. After Fresno, Matthew will conquer the aptly named ‘Death Valley’ en route to Las Vegas. Once there, he plans to visit the Grand Canyon before slowly continuing on to the city of Denver through ‘Monument Valley’.

After Denver, Matthew will head South East towards Memphis, via Kansas, and on arrival, will be able to take in all the Mississippi river has to offer.

Another slight detour will see him head predominantly north as he aims for Chicago, before heading east towards Washington D.C. via yet more famous cities such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

After three-and-a-half months of

gruelling cycling, Matthew will reach New York, bringing his sponsored trip to an end.

Matthew has already spent time raising funds for the RBL when, in 2011, he was joined by his son Fraser and together they cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Again, they decided not to take the most direct route and instead took in five of the highest peaks in the UK, making their journey 1,100 miles instead of the normal 830 mile distance. With support from friends, family and members of the local community, that trip raised over £2,000 for the RBL. This time around, Matthew has a target of raising £7,500 for the charity.

David Bell, press officer of the Stoke Gifford Branch of the RBL said: “This is wonderful news.

Matthew, and his family, are such great supporters of the RBL and this is a great feat and we hope people will be generous in their support of Matthew’s efforts and the RBL. We would like to thank Matthew for his great work supporting the RBL.” The branch hopes to have updates on Matthew’s Journey on its Facebook Page: www. facebook.com/StokeGiffordRBL The RBL has always been a charity close to Matthew and his family’s hearts as they supported

23

his father-in-law, David Griffiths, who served in the Royal Army Service Corps. David was suffering with lung fibrosis when the RBL stepped in to help him, providing him with a mobility scooter which gave him a new zest for life and enabled him to travel around the village again.

It was this help and support that encouraged Matthew to start raising funds for the RBL and his current trip across America is in

memory of David.

If you would like to support Matthew during his incredible journey and donate to the RBL, you can visit his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ CyclerideUSA The money raised for the Poppy Appeal goes to the RBL’s Welfare Fund, which is used to give help and support to current and ex service personnel and their families.

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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (I/100km) for the Dacia range are: urban 35.3 (8.0)–76.4 (3.7); extra-urban 45.6 (6.2)–83.1 (3.4); combined 41.5 (6.8)–80.7 (3.5). The official CO 2 emissions are 155–90g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EU legislation and may not reflect real-life driving results. *Prices shown are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, available on featured new vehicles ordered and registered by 30 June 2018. Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Cars shown with optional metallic paint at an extra £495.

Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.

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The New Volvo XC40 T3 R-Design

£299 per month* on Personal Contract Hire Initial rental £4,087 48 monthly rentals 10,000 miles per annum Excess mileage charges apply

BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE TODAY CONTACT CITY MOTORS VOLVO

City Motors

City Motors BS4 3AX carcogroup.co.uk/volvo 01179 723030

Official fuel consumption for the new Volvo XC40 T3 R-Design (Manual) Model Year 19, in MPG (I/100km): Urban 37.2 (7.6), Extra Urban 52.3 (5.4), Combined 45.6 (6.2).

CO2 emissions 144g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Important information: Carco Group Ltd trading as City Motors are a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. 18s & over, subject to status. You will not own the vehicle and it must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage will be charged at 7.56p per mile for the first 5,000 excess miles. After 5,000 excess miles, excess mileage will be charged at 10.08p per mile. Subject to availability at participating retailers. Offer ends 30/06/2018. Guarantee may be required. Not available with other promotions. Contract hire provided by Santander Consumer (UK) PLC trading as Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR.

1

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4/18/2018 2:21:20 PM

May 2018

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Advanced Comfort Seats Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™ (PHC) Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink® EAT6 6-Speed Automatic Gearbox Citroën Connect Nav

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW

FROM ONLY

£219

PER MONTH PLUS INITIAL RENTAL ON PERSONAL LEASE°

Model shown: New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch PureTech 110 S&S Manual Flair with optional Emerald Blue Metallic paint from £219 per month.+

12 driving aids

Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/lOOkm) and C02 emissions (g/km) for the New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch Range: URBAN 46.3-67.3mpg (4.2-6.1L/100km); EXTRA URBAN 68.9-85.6mpg (3.3-4.1L/100km); COMBINED 58.9-78.5mpg (3.6-4.8L/100km); CO2 emissions 94110g/km. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. + Actual model shown: New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch PureTech 110 S&S Manual Flair with optional Emerald Blue Metallic paint initial rental £188 followed by 36 monthly payments of £219 per month on Personal Lease. °Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying models ordered & registered 01/04-30/06/2018 or until such time as offers/prices may be withdrawn by Citroën at its complete discretion & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months' graduated vehicle excise duty. Optional paint available at extra cost. Elect 4 Personal Lease rentals shown apply to New Citroën C4 Cactus Hatch - Feel PureTech 110 S&S manual. An advance rental of approx 20-30% of the cash price of the vehicle will be required followed by 35 monthly rentals at the rates shown & a significant optional final rental. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one months’ rental. You will not own the vehicle. Finance subject to status. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Ltd (company registration number 01024322), RH1 1QA. PSA Finance UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Carco Ltd trading as City Motors are acting as a credit broker and not a lender. To finance your vehicle we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details.

Subject to stock availability.

CITY MOTORS 0117 9723030 CASTLE COURT, ST PHILIPS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL, BS4 3AX dealer.citroen.co.uk/Bristol-Arnos-vale

Renault KADJAR

S MAY 24 IN CINEMA © 2018 & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

Take the alternative road

£189 a month.

*

Book a test drive at renault.co.uk/solo for a chance to win the SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Italian Adventure.** The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (I/100km) for the KADJAR Dynamique Nav TCe 130 are: Urban 41.5 (6.8); extra urban 57.7 (4.9); combined 50.4 (5.6). The official CO2 emission is 126g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EU Legislation and may not reflect real-life driving results. *Monthly payment shown based on KADJAR Dynamique Nav TCe 130. £6,277 deposit, 36 monthly payments of £189, optional final payment of £8,499. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 495, Watford, WD17 1BR. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be a UK resident (excluding the Channel Islands) and over 18. Offer based on 6000 miles pa, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Terms and conditions apply. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers. Prices and offers shown are available on specified new vehicles when ordered by 9 July 2018 and registered before 31 August 2018. Car shown with optional i.d. metallic paint an extra £650. See www.renault.co.uk/offers. **Any UK customer who takes a test drive in a new Renault car (Retail customers only) at a Renault approved dealership by 9 July 2018 will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win the Italian adventure for two adults or one family (2 adults and 2 children under 16). Over 18s only.

For full terms visit www.renault.co.uk/solo

0% APR representative

CITY MOTORS S J COOK & SONS Castle Court, St Philips Causeway Station Road, Kingswood BS15 4XX Bristol BS4 3AX Tel 0844 247 9469 Tel 0844 247 9473 www.carcogroup.co.uk/renault

Book a test drive

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

25

26

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May 2018

News

Coming soon to Bradley Stoke: Proms in the Park

By Andy Ward, Bradley Stoke Carnival Committee radley Stoke Carnival takes a break this year, although the Carnival Community Zone (inflatables) will make an appearance at the Bradley Stoke Festival in June instead.

However, it’s not all bad news as the Carnival Committee thought it would be nice to bring a new event to Bradley Stoke this year, and so on Saturday 14th July, ‘Proms in the Park’ will take place on the Jubilee Green.

It will be a free community event put on for the town and kindly supported by Bradley Stoke Town Council and the Willow Brook Centre, amongst others. The occasion will be a ‘community picnic / bring your chairs and a blanket’ type event, so you can sit down in the early evening and enjoy Live performances from two amazing live acts as well as the main event

Save the date

B

SATURDAY 14th JULY 2018 Jubilee Field with a 50-piece wind orchestra bringing the Last Night of the Proms to life here in Bradley Stoke.

Bring your singing voices as you join in with the traditional Proms classics such as Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem and many more of your traditional proms favourites alongside some other well known classics.

The evening commences at 4pm (gates open at 3pm) with a set from the spectacular Rock Pipes followed by some

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traditional sea shanties from Storm Force Ten, a second set from Rock Pipes and then the main event of the evening when the WorleWind Band take to the stage to perform the first of two sets (with an interval) culminating with a traditional sing-along Proms ending.

Union flags and bowler hats will be available on the evening and all we ask is a small donation of your choosing to our chosen charity on the night.

On site catering will be available, as will a few small children’s rides such as the Tea Cups etc. Bradley Stoke Town FC will be running their popular bar.

Please remember this is a community picnic event, so do feel free to set up your spot on the field and settle down and enjoy a traditional evening of early summer entertainment with a lovely picnic – it’s an ideal event to get all the family together. You are welcome to bring along and set up gazebos etc., but we would ask that you site them to the left or the right of

the main viewing area, and if in doubt seek advice from a marshal before setting up.

We are hoping for some lovely weather, however, the event will run whatever the conditions (unless deemed dangerous).

There will be a large marquee on site, which will be available should you wish to use it to seek cover from the sun or inclement weather!

One or two things are still in the process of being finalised at the moment, however a leaflet giving all the information on this event will be popping through your letter box in the June issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal.

Please note that for this event, no parking on site or on Savages Wood Road will be available (other than for Blue Badge holders). The Willow Brook Centre has kindly agreed to remove its parking time limit after 3pm, so please leave your car in the Willow Brook Centre car park and walk over to the Jubilee field.

Hope to see you all there!

The Journal: Serving the community 24/7 since 2008

Is your Accountant really helping your business?

We not only specialise in ensuring that sole traders, and small businesses get the greatest possible benefit out of their statutory financial compliance, but also tailoring advice on business planning and growth strategies, to meet with ongoing business needs, all on time and on budget.

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May 2018

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27

News

New platform officially opened at Bristol Parkway

S

ecretary of state for transport Chris Grayling was in Stoke Gifford on 13th April to officially open a new (fourth) platform at Bristol Parkway station.

The installation of the new platform is part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan in the west of England, representing a multi-million pound investment and including its biggest ever signalling upgrade which took place earlier this month in the Bristol area. The brand new platform 1 will allow for an increase in capacity on the network, enabling new services to be introduced and reducing delays.

Bristol Parkway is an important station in the west, servicing passengers from Wales and south west England as well as Birmingham, the

Midlands and beyond. Train operating companies GWR and CrossCountry will benefit from the increased capacity on the network, and improvements to the track layout will be advantageous for freight companies such as Freightliner.

Unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening, transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “We are investing in the biggest modernisation of the railways since the Victorian era, delivering better, more frequent and faster journeys for passengers.”

“This vital upgrade at Bristol Parkway is a fantastic example of how we are enhancing rail travel up and down the country, benefiting millions of passengers.

These improvements will boost reliability, increase the number of trains serving Bristol and along the route, and also allow

Transport secretary Chris Grayling unveils a plaque on the new platform 1

new intercity trains to stop at the station too.”

Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail’s Western route said: “The opening of the brand new platform 1, together with the extension of existing platforms at Bristol Parkway marks another key milestone in the Greater West Programme.”

“This region will continue to benefit from investment in the

railway as later in the year we will be doubling the number of tracks into Bristol allowing more services to run to London and the west, as well as improving reliability and punctuality for services to the south west, Birmingham and the north.”

GWR will be releasing a new timetable in early 2019, providing more seats and reducing journey times to London Paddington. ● www.networkrail.co.uk

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-school Excellent childcare for 0-5 year olds.

Great Park Road 2 4RU Bradley Stoke BS3 01454 617111

Baileys Court 2 8EJ Bradley Stoke BS3 0117 979 4190

Join us for our Open Day on Saturday 19th May 2018, 10:00am-12:00pm!

This is a great chance to come and have a look around our fantastic facilities and meet our wonderful staff. You can discuss your childcare requirements and which funding options are available. Come along to find out more!

www.mamabear.co.uk

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Get well · Stay well

May 2018

with the Willow Brook Clinic

by Laura Jane Woodward, clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist

Let’s talk about Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

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o you want to feel relaxed, happy and in control? Do you want to thrive – not just survive? Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a form of hypnotherapy that helps you to access your potential, to solve problems in your life and achieve your goals as effectively and quickly as possible in a friendly, positive and confidential environment.

Treatment is effective for people of all ages, backgrounds and professions.

Whatever your challenges and whatever has happened to you in the past, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help. We work with you to find out what you would like your preferred future to be like. We don’t dwell on the past. We move forwards.

Hypnosis is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions, accepting directions to empower you, to promote change and achieve your full potential. Brain waves change during this process, we become more focused, calmer and able to make decisions with clarity.

We all have the ability to change if we are motivated.

With the knowledge and skills acquired during sessions, you will be able to understand why you are feeling the way you do and make a decision about how to react to the situations in your life. Working together we remodel your brain and patterns of thinking, to create a new strong, confident, calm and

controlled state of mind.

Take yourself from a place of fear and anxiety to one of joy and peace. Learn how to feel happy every day and how to sleep. Reduce your anxiety, and crucially learn how to stop allowing others to define your own sense of self.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can effectively help those committed to change with a wide range of issues including, but not exclusively: Anxiety • Stress • Low Mood • Insomnia • Panic Attacks • Fears and Phobias • PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Bereavement • Postnatal Depression • ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • Pain Management • Childbirth • Confidence and Motivation • Self-Esteem • Weight Management • Sports Performance & Rehabilitation • Giving up Smoking • Support during Chemotherapy The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 9.

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

www.bradleystokeelectrical.co.uk T 01454617473 M 07443476097 E info@bradleystokeelectrical.co.uk

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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May 2018

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29

News Police issue warning as the Stokes hit by new wave of jewellery burglaries

T

he Stokes and Patchway area has been hit by a spate of jewellery burglaries, with eight incidents of this type of crime being reported between 1st and 27th April.

The series of incidents came to light after two local residents who had been victims of the crimes contacted the Journal to request that we put out an appeal for witnesses and raise awareness.

We were first contacted by sources close to the victim of a burglary that had occurred in Ellicks Close, Bradley Stoke on 10th April and, in reaction to an article published on our website, by the victim of a second burglary in Beaufort Crescent, Stoke Gifford on 4th April (see right).

Enquiries by the Journal have revealed that, over the same four-week period, there were five further burglaries in Stoke Gifford in which jewellery was taken – two in Sandringham Road, one in New Road, one in Travers Walk and one in Fabian Drive. There was also a second burglary in Fabian Drive in which nothing was taken.

Police are also investigating a jewellery burglary at a property

in Elm Hayes Road, Charlton Hayes (Patchway) on 19th April.

The Bristol Post has reported that £17,000 worth of gold jewellery and watches was stolen in this incident.

A 34-year-old man of no fixed abode has been arrested and charged with a burglary on 17th April in which jewellery was stolen from a property in Fabian Drive, Stoke Gifford. He appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ court on 18th April and was remanded in custody for trial in May. Avon and Somerset Police urge anyone with family gold or other high value jewellery to: • Keep high-value jewellery with a specialist secure storage company – thieves have been known to steal entire safes from homes • Keep photographs and a description of items with sentimental value • Use a traceable asset marking liquid on jewellery or antiques “Remember, if you see someone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call the police straight away. If they’re obviously breaking in, ring 999. Otherwise, call the nonemergency number 101.”

Case 1: Beaufort Crescent, Stoke Gifford (6th April) Police are appealing for information following a high value burglary at a house in Beaufort Crescent, Stoke Gifford, between 10am and 5.30pm on Friday 6th April.

Thieves smashed a patio window with a rock to gain access to the property and stole a significant amount of high value gold jewellery, watches, cash in Sterling, Euros and Iranian currency and personal papers.

Crime scene investigators have examined the property and officers have carried out house-to-house and enquiries, however no arrests have been made.

A police spokesperson told the Journal that enquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information which could help the police investigation is asked to get in touch with officers, either through the Contact page on the Avon and Somerset Police website or by calling 101, quoting reference 5218073152.

Alternatively, ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call. You could even qualify for a reward and still remain anonymous.

Case 2: Ellicks Close, Bradley Stoke (10th April) Avon and Somerset police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Bradley Stoke on Tuesday 10th April.

The burglary, at a property in Ellicks Close, is believed to have taken place sometime between 12.30pm and 4.30pm.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5218076321.

Sources close to the burglary victims have also appealed for anyone walking on the footpath in the nearby Three Brooks nature reserve to report seeing or hearing any suspicious behaviour between the stated times.

One source told the Journal that “thousands of pounds worth” of jewellery had been stolen in the burglary, but a police spokesperson declined to confirm this.

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MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

COME and enjoy a classic Murder Mystery Evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North on Friday 18th May! During the pre-dinner drinks, the professional actors will arrive and start introducing themselves as they mingle with the guests, setting the scene before joining them for dinner. Throughout the threecourse meal, each actor will visit each table at least once and answer any questions the guests may have and talk about their relationship with the other characters. This is a great chance for the guests to interrogate the characters and start thinking who the murderer is.

During the meal, there will be a death (or two), with clues and evidence from these handed to the guests for further scrutinising

and questioning. The evening concludes with a stunning denouement during which the murderer is finally discovered and apprehended.

Feedback from last November’s event, sent direct to the Murder Mystery actors: “I thought your company were fantastic last night at the Hilton in Bradley Stoke.

I enjoyed every last bit of the performance. I will be getting tickets to another event! Really massive well done. Five stars” ● Quote ‘BSJ18’ when booking for a 25 percent discount!

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

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May 2018

Ask the Doctor

with Dr Sophie Kilmartin of Bradley Stoke Surgery

Understanding the PSA Test At the time of writing this article, there has been a recent upsurge in the number of men who are booking consultations to discuss the PSA test. This test has been at the forefront of people’s minds following the announcement by two public figures that they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stephen Fry is reported to have had a routine PSA test which revealed the likelihood of cancer. This was quickly followed by the diagnosis and an operation which removed all the cancer. Bill Turnbull, former BBC breakfast host, seems to have been less fortunate. His cancer is said to have spread to his bones and is not curable. He mentioned in one newspaper article that he had aches and pains for a year and a change in his urinary pattern which he originally put down to old age before visiting a doctor.

These different experiences reflect the lack of a good national screening test for prostate cancer. PSA stands for prostate specific antigen and it is a substance produced by the cells of prostate which is a walnut sized gland and sits underneath the bladder. Levels of PSA in the blood increase if the prostate is affected by certain conditions such as gradual enlargement with age, prostate inflammation (prostatitis) or prostate cancer.

It is not a good screening test as the rates of false positives and false negatives with it are high. A false positive is when the test is positive but the person doesn’t actually have the condition being tested for. In the case of prostate cancer it might lead to unnecessary tests such as prostate biopsies. A false negative is when the test is negative but the person does actually have the disease, so it will falsely reassure with the possibility of delaying a diagnosis.

PSA testing can have its drawbacks as a national screening test, but some men will decide with all the information available that they would like to go ahead with it.

Certain men have a higher risk of prostate cancer such as a family history in a brother or father, being over 50 years old and black men. The other test often used to check the prostate is a digital rectal examination (DRE).

Prostate Cancer UK have a very comprehensive leaflet about understanding the PSA test on their website which would be a good starting point. If you feel you would like the test then do book an appointment to discuss things further with your GP. www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

Advertise in this * space for just £30 Get your business noticed

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

Circulation: 8,700 delivered plus 700 left at pick-up points *Price of a one-eighth-page display advert, when committing to six monthly issues

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May 2018

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31

News

New express bus service to serve Bradley Stoke

A

new express bus service linking Bristol city centre with Thornbury is set to become the first regular service to make use of the new Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL, a.k.a. Stoke Gifford By-Pass) and the new bus lanes on Bradley Stoke Way that have been created principally for MetroBus. Commencing operation on Sunday 27th May, First’s new T1 service will operate every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 60 minutes Sunday / Public Holiday daytime.

Service T1 will start and terminate at Colston Street in Bristol city centre and will not stop in Bristol Bus Station. This means that customers from Thornbury and along the A38 (Thornbury to Aztec West) will benefit from direct access to and from the city centre, as opposed to Bristol Bus Station.

The route of Service T1 will

be via the M32, A4174, Stoke Gifford Transport Link and Bradley Stoke Way to Aztec West, where the current Service 78/79 route will then be followed to Thornbury town centre.

During the day, service T1 journey times from Bristol City Centre to Thornbury town centre will be 45 minutes, providing a considerably quicker journey than at present.

Bradley Stoke residents will also be able to benefit from service T1, which can be accessed from all regular bus stops along Bradley Stoke Way, as well as the Willow Brook Centre.

Draft timetables seen by the Journal on the Traveline SW website show a journey time of just 26 minutes from the Willow Brook Centre to Bristol city centre in the middle of the day,

Funerals from £1,995

increasing to 32 minutes during the morning peak. For travellers wishing to reach the city centre as quickly as possible, these journey times will make the T1 a very attractive alternative to the 73 and even the X73 (which also uses the M32 but takes a longer route through Stoke Gifford ‘village’ to reach it.

A First West of England spokesperson said: “We envisage this service will be much quicker than travelling by car by virtue of the fact that the route will be using dedicated bus lanes on parts of the route. We have allocated some of our newest high-spec EuroVI double decker vehicles to the T1 service, which means much more seating for passengers (effectively doubling the capacity).

Once introduced, the MetroBus M1 route, running every 10 minutes will provide the town’s main service to the city centre.

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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

32

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In Brief

Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports Time to review your shed and garage security?

B

ikes, tools, sports kit, gardening equipment and even food are among the items we’ve had reported stolen from sheds and garages.

We don’t always make sure they’re as secure as they should be. It might be better to have any lock rather than none: but think how much it would cost to replace all the items in your shed or garage.

It’s worth investing in the best quality lock and door fittings that you can afford – check out www.soldsecure.com for ratings on security products independently tested by locksmiths.

Thieves don’t like to draw attention and are generally looking for the easiest option.

Install motion-sensing lights (solar-powered products are available) and fit a ‘shed alarm’ to make breaking in noisy and conspicuous.

If you’ve got an ‘up and over’ garage door, secure it with a padlock or bolt through the runners, or a custom lock.

“Layered” security is a good idea – secure your boundaries using thorny plants, trellistopped fences and locked gates, make it difficult to get into your shed or garage, and then lock items such as bikes and ladders to a ground anchor and keep tools in a secure box bolted to the ground.

Joining Neighbourhood Watch deters thieves because they know neighbours are

May 2018

looking out for one another and will report suspicious incidents. If you hear sounds of intruders in a garden, or a shed alarm, look outside, if it’s safe to do so. If you see someone call 999 straight away.

If you can see damage or other obvious signs of a break-in, ring 101 immediately.

There’s more advice on our website, www. avonandsomerset.police.uk @ASPTheStokes

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

Footbridge replacement at Patchway Station The existing footbridge at Patchway Station needs to be replaced as part of the ongoing railway electrification works.

A temporary footbridge will be installed before the existing footbridge is demolished. A new permanent, accessible footbridge, complete with lifts, will take its place by summer 2019.

The temporary footbridge will be installed between Saturday 12th May and Friday 25th May. The existing footbridge will then be demolished in June.

Normal working hours will be from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 11pm to 7am Saturday to Sunday. ● Find further information at www.networkrail.co.uk

The Journal is proud to be Bradley Stoke’s ONLY locally edited community news magazine Did you know we have over 10,000 followers on our social media channels?

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May 2018

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33

Advertising

Win a year’s free gym membership at Anytime Fitness in Bradley Stoke ... and worldwide!

A

nytime Fitness is the world’s largest 24hr gym chain with 4,200 sites worldwide. There are currently four sites in Bristol, one of them located in the Willow Brook Centre at the heart of Bradley Stoke, with the others in Cribbs Causeway, Clifton and Yate.

Founded in 2002 in the United States, Anytime Fitness quickly grew its global portfolio to take on Australia, New Zealand, Europe and in 2010 came to the United Kingdom. Anytime Fitness was built at the Willow Brook Centre in January 2012 and has been proudly serving the local community ever since.

Featuring state-of-the-art Precor gym equipment and open

Lewis Erskine, Club Manager at Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke

24hrs a day, all year round, Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke is the fitness club that fits into anyone’s lifestyle.

Lewis Erskine, club manager at Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke, says: “We all lead busy lives, and so often we never find the

time for exercise, even though we know we should. At Anytime Fitness we do believe we have the best, most convenient facilities in the area. Our members can train when they want and because they’re not paying for additional extras their workout experience is much more effective. Talk about no more excuses!”

Enter our exclusive free prize draw before 5th June 2018 for a chance of winning a year’s free membership to Anytime Fitness gym at the Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke.

Your membership allows you to use any of the 4,200 Anytime Fitness gyms around the world (145 in the UK), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other benefits of your Anytime Fitness membership include: • A safe and secure environment: State-of-the-art security system • FREE fitness orientation: Every new member is entitled to one!

• State-of-the-art equipment with extensive free weights • A fun workout: Personal viewing screens on cardio equipment • Personal training at affordable rates • Exclusive members’ app, with access to over 1,100 workouts; create your own program and track your progress • Refer a friend scheme For more information, visit the Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke website at www.anytimefitness. co.uk/gyms/UK-0009/bristolengland-bs32-8bs or phone us on 0117 927 7225.

Win a free year’s membership at Anytime Fitness Go online now to enter our free prize draw! www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/anytime6 Closing date 5th June 2018. Terms and conditions apply (see website).

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

34

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News Aspirations’ first prize winner of 2018 for family tickets to Wild Place Project ASPIRATIONS Financial Advice (based at the Willow Brook Centre) are happy to announce our first winner of 2018, for a family ticket to Wild Place Project, writes Debbie Whitton of Aspirations.

As part of our ongoing sponsorship of the Cheetah Enclosure, we are able to offer a set of family tickets to all clients who have signed new business with Aspirations in this first quarter. With their permission, clients have been entered into a prize draw to win the tickets.

The draw took place on Thursday 29th March, and on Wednesday 4th April our lucky winner came and collected her prize.

Huge congratulations to Leanne Dowling, Stephen Fitzpatrick and boys Elias and Bodhi. We hope you have a lovely day out at Wild Place Project. There will be another

Leanne Dowling, with sons Elias and Bodhi, collecting her family tickets from Julie McDonald of Aspirations

draw for another set of tickets at the end of the next quarter (July). The same rules apply. For more information go to www. aspirations-ifa.com or call us on 01454 501959.

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t: 01454 300 400

May 2018

In Brief Marshals needed for the Bradley Stoke 10k Run Karen Gaman of Sole Sisters writes: Volunteer marshals are required to help us deliver a memorable, enjoyable and safe running experience for the runners taking part in our annual Bradley Stoke 10k Run on Sunday 10th June.

You will be required to meet at the Jubilee Centre at 8am on race day. A Sole Sister will escort all marshals to their road crossings, where we need you to cheer, clap and encourage the runners, whilst ensuring a safe crossing over the roads.

We anticipate marshals being able to stand down after the last runner, which is usually 90 minutes after the race starts.

The race starts at 9.30am, but marshals need to be available from 8am in order for them to walk to their positions.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact us via our website www.solesistersrc.co.uk so that we can allocate you a position.

Town council grants awarded in April Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee approved the following grants and service level agreements at its April meeting: • Service Level Agreement of £2,000 to Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group • Grant Aid of £500 to Bradley Stoke Community Singers towards running costs • Grant Aid of £500 to Sole

Sisters Running Club towards the running costs of the 10k event at this year’s Community Festival • Grant Aid of £500 to South Gloucestershire Asian Project towards running a Holi event at this year’s Community Festival • Grant Aid of £250 to Pursey Drive Neighbourhood Watch towards running costs • Youth Grant Aid of £500 to Bradley Stoke Youth FC towards running costs of the youth football tournament at this year’s Community Festival • Youth Grant Aid of £500 to Five Stokes & Patchway Assemblies Team towards running costs of a youth schools event this July ● Bradley Stoke Town Council has a range of grant funding streams which eligible groups and organisations can apply for. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/bstc-grants or phone the town council office on 01454 205020.

Labour MEP in town to talk about Brexit Clare Moody MEP is coming to Bradley Stoke on Friday 18th May to attend a public event hosted by the Bradley Stoke branch of the Labour Party. She will be updating constituents on Brexit and its impact across the south west from Gloucestershire to Gibraltar. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session.

The event takes place at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road (BS32 8HL) starting at 7.15pm. Free tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.co.uk (search for ‘Clare Moody’).

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

May 2018

t: 01454 300 400

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35

News

Stokes Singers on track for 25th birthday celebrations

L

ocal community choir, Stokes Singers, have been out and about as part of our 25th Anniversary celebrations writes Chair, Anne King. A first for us this year was a performance at Temple Meads Station as part of Youth Music’s ‘Give a Gig’ fundraiser. Temple Meads was one of ten major railway stations to host a musical event and Stokes Singers joined other choirs from the Bristol area to entertain travellers and raise some vital funds.

Youth Music is a national charity investing in musicmaking projects for children and young people facing challenging circumstances. They believe everyone should have the chance to make music. Their projects help young people develop musically but they also have personal and social outcomes too. Those facing difficulties – economic problems, lifelong

Stokes Singers complete challenge no. 20 in the cafe at Bristol Temple Meads

conditions, tough circumstances or behavioural issues – are often the ones who get the most out of music-making. Each year more than 350 Youth Music projects are happening across England.

That’s around 75,000 children and young people regularly making music. In our area, Youth

Music is supporting projects at Knowle West Media Centre and Redcliffe Children’s Centre and Nursery and we were very pleased to be involved.

It was a very musical day for us as we took the opportunity to sing on the train journey down to Temple Meads, then on

Platform 3 and in the Station Café and finally at Bristol Parkway Station. We were able to tick off numbers 18 to 21 in our Sing 25 Challenge and are looking forward to completing the final five singing performances in the spring and summer.

On Monday 28th May, we will be at the Bank Holiday Fête at Stoke Gifford’s Trust Hall and in June we will return to the Buskathon at Southmead Hospital. Our own summer concert will be at the Church of Christ the King, Bradley Stoke on Saturday 7th July at 7.30pm. The Red Tie Choir from Little Stoke Primary School will be joining us and our guest musicians will be confirmed very soon. Details of these performances are at www. stokessingers.org.uk along with photos of our Sing 25 events. For more information you can use the contact form on the website or phone Liz on 01454 614148.

At Capricorn Plumbing, our qualified plumbers apply the same high standards of quality, integrity, tidiness and politeness in everything they do. And you can be sure of a fair price too. But don’t take our word for it – call us for a free, no obligation quote today!

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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 (6th May – 3rd June) Sunday 6th May 6am: Dawn Chorus Walk in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/tbdc1805 7am-5pm: Car Boot Sale at Trench Lane, BS32 4JZ. One of the biggest in the West! More info: http://bit.ly/trenchlane Subject to ground conditions!

[Weekly until 28th October] 8.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Two Welsh Castles. Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a carsharing scheme is operated.

More info: http://bit.ly/ssramb [Further organised walks on 11th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 25th & 27th May]

Tuesday 8th May 7pm: Girls and Young Women’s Night at the Jubilee Centre. Girls-only youth club night. [Weekly on Tuesdays; term-time only] 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Family history – fact or fiction?

More info: Jannice 01454 615040

Wednesday 9th 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] 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: Helen on 0117 969 0302

7pm-8.30pm: Coffee and Support at Baileys Court Activity Centre. For parents and carers of children (aged 0-25) with additional needs and disabilities.

More info: www.sglospc.org.uk 7pm: BSTC Annual Town Assembly at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcata

t: 01454 300 400 For more details and further events, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/whats-on/

Saturday 12th May 10.30am-12pm: Adult Craft Group meets at Bradley Stoke Library. Ask staff for details.

1pm-4pm: Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party at Stoke Gifford Baptist Church.

Monday 14th May

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

9am-11.30am: Refresh Café at Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church.

Everyone welcome. [Weekly on Mondays; term-time only]

8pm: BSTC Annual General Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcagm

10.30am: Baby Rhymetime at Bradley Stoke Library. [Weekly on Mondays; term-time only]

Thursday 10th May

6.30pm: Bristol Small Business Forum Meeting at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

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

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

Organised by City Church.

May 2018

Thursday 17th May

bsib@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07582 634107. Please get in touch to find out where we will be meeting and working.

Monday 21st May 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos

Wednesday 23rd May 6pm-8.30pm: Living Well with Dementia Roadshow at Baileys Court Activity Centre. See news article on page 9.

7pm: BSTC Planning & Environment Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcpec

Monday 28th May 2pm-5pm: Stoke Gifford Village Fête at the Trust Grounds, North Road. Traditional stalls and entertainment. FREE entry and refreshments. N.B. Parking on site will be restricted to Blue Badge holders only.

11am: Walking for Health.

Organised walk (2.5 miles) starting from the town square.

More info: http://bit.ly/sgcwfh or phone 01454 868006.

[Further walk on 24th May]

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

1pm-2.30pm: Bradley Stoke Breastfeeding Group meets at Bowsland Green Primary School.

More info: http://bit.ly/bs-bfg [Weekly on Thursdays]

7pm: South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. This month: ‘John Piper - Master of Diversity’ by Alexandra Epps.

More info: http://sgdfas.org.uk

Tuesday 29th May

Friday 18th May

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

Friday 11th May 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

7.15pm: Clare Moody MEP: ‘Brexit Update’ at the Jubilee Centre. See article on page 34.

Saturday 19th May 10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom Workday. More info:

2pm-4pm: May-time Magic.

Drop-in activity session at Bradley Stoke Library. Parental supervision required.

Saturday 2nd June

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May 2018

t: 01454 300 400

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PAINTING & DECORATING

TAXIS & PRIVATE HIRE

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

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

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Tel: 07400 000084 CARPENTRY & JOINERY

Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd • • • •

Airport transfers Private trips Parcel deliveries Accounts welcome

We are open 24 hours & 7 days a week

Tel: 0117 901 2565 Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd www.bradleystokecabs.co.uk Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

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PAINTING & DECORATING

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

07816 854978 Email: r_murphy35@hotmail.com

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C&M Services, Page 26 Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, Page 22 Bathrooms Concept Property Maintenance, Page 36 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 4 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 11 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 4 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 24 & 25 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 37 Northavon Carpentry, Page 21 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 28 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 16 Child Care Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 40 Mama Bear’s Nursery & Pre-School, Page 27 Children’s Activities Bristol Riding School, Page 18 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Computer Services goto iT, Page 4 Conservatories Britannia Windows, Page 12 Filmcote, Page 15 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 16 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 16 Double Glazing Britannia Windows, Page 12 JDC Windows, Page 14 Education & Learning Olympus Academy Trust, Page 30 Electricians Bradley Stoke Electrical, Page 28 Ernest Till, Page 26 Price Electrical Services, Page 23 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Events Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 13 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 21 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 28 MW Funeral Directors, Page 31 Furniture Complete Furniture Services, Page 6 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 7 LCM Automotive, Page 16 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 8 Painting Petals, Page 37 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 7 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38 Smart Patios, Page 9 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 33 The Way Gym, Page 23 Hairdressers Reflections, Page 10

Health & Beauty

The Tanning Shop, Page 2 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 30 Launderettes Wash Shop Plus, Page 39 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 21 Opticians Specsavers, Page 20 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 37 Digby Decor, Page 37 Painting Petals, Page 37 Rick Murphy, Page 37 Personal Trainers MeFit, Page 4 Pest Control Aman Pest Control, Page 37 Pet Services & Supplies New Passage Cattery, Page 39 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 39 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 38 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 39 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 35 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 36 Gregor Heating, Page 1 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 4 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 39 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Panache Plumbing, Page 39 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 39 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 36 David Coombs Services, Page 37 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 4 P.J.R Plastics, Page 39 Recruitment Trinity Pre-School, Page 11 Removals & Storage Managed Mayhem, Page 18 Restaurants DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Page 29 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard, Page 37 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 34 Star Legal, Page 32 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 19 Sport & Leisure Bristol Riding School, Page 18 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 37 Z Cars, Page 13 Tiling Services Tileworx Tiling Services, Page 39 TV & Aerials Visit directory on BSJ website Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 39

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

May 2018

t: 01454 300 400 PLANT HIRE

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

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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

May 2018

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PLUMBING & HEATING

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk PLUMBING & HEATING

39

WINDOW CLEANING

PANACHE

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Call Darren on 07901 910361

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

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TILING SERVICES

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

• Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires • Safety Certificates

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

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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

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GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

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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

Childcare from 3 months to 5 years of age at Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol.

Providing a safe, caring environment for children from three months to five years of age.

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