Bradley Stoke Journal, June 2018

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June 2018 • Issue 61

LETTERS P34 | WHAT’S ON P36 | DIRECTORY P38

Town to host TWO giant Gromit sculptures Figures at Dunkley’s Accountants and the Willow Brook Centre expected to draw the crowds… Pages 6 & 7

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PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

COMING SOON TO BRADLEY STOKE

Bradley Stoke Community Festival 8th-10th June Programme of events: Pages 20 & 21

l Aztec West office block granted listed status l Latest on Willow Brook and Gipsy Patch Lane planning applications l Former Stokes resident celebrates 100th birthday l Final presentation evening for BSYFC Girls l Bradley Stoke in Bloom: Ducklings & carrots! l MetroBus is GO! But still SEVEN MONTHS before it arrives in Bradley Stoke l Stoke Gifford couple sing in royal wedding choir l Happy 25th birthday to Stokes Singers! l Meet the new mayor: Councillor Ben Randles l New information panels installed in nature reserve l Golden experience for Heidi at royal palace

June 2018

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News

Aztec West office block granted listed status

M

otorists queuing to get out of the Aztec West Business Park during the afternoon peak certainly have plenty of time to take in their surroundings, but how many of them realise that they are crawling past an architectural gem recently given protected status by Historic England?

An office block at 210 to 290 Park Avenue, visible on the left of the internal roundabout when driving into the park from the A38, is one of 17 bold, playful, 250 Park Avenue, Aztec West: Granted grade 2 listed status by Historic England brightly coloured postmodern buildings of the late 1970s to marked a revival of interest in elements of Art Deco design 1990s to have recently been postmodernism. such as the over-scaled building ‘listed’ by the public body.

The units at Aztec West, numbers used as canopies over Postmodern architecture designed by the architects the main doors (now removed, emerged in the 1970s as a critical CZWG, have forecourts that but soon to be replaced). reaction to modernism. In follow the turning circle of a car, The buildings have high, Britain it was closely associated celebrating the form of transport continuous parapets that hide the with the economic boom of the that enabled the development of mono-pitch roofs into the internal 1980s. After a period out of out-of-town workplaces. They courtyards. Beneath the parapets, favour, the 2011 exhibition ‘Style lend the buildings a Hollywood double-height windows give a BSJSubversion’ gromit ad.qxp_Layout 15:04 Page 1 by and at the V&A 1 24/05/2018 glamour, accentuated sense of scale and grandeur, and

act as classical columns around the building. The two-storey buildings have banded cladding of red and buff brick. Completed in 1987-1988, the commission represents a key project by CZWG that combines bold geometries, colours and traditional materials to dynamic effect.

Piers Gough of GZWG, who worked on the design of the Aztec West building, told BBC Radio Bristol he was “completely thrilled” to hear of the listing, describing it as a “wonderful accolade” and a “fantastic retrospective appreciation”.

Speaking about the 17 new listings, Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Postmodern architecture brought fun and colour to our streets. These are scarce survivals of a really influential period of British architecture and these buildings deserve the protection that listing gives them.”

GROMIT IS COMING TO WILLOWBROOK IN JULY WATCH THIS SPACE #SummeratWillowbrook

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June 2018

News

Planning applications latest: Willow Brook and Gipsy Patch Lane

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.

R

esidents living near the Willow Brook Centre who have raised objections to a planning application for two new drive-through food and drink units at the site could be denied the right to attend and ask questions at a site meeting of the council committee that is likely to be tasked with determining the case.

Site inspection meetings, which give councillors a chance to visit the area of a proposed development and listen to the views of those for and against, are currently open to the public, but plans recently put forward by the conservative-led administration at South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) would see them become closed meetings.

The change is part of a raft of proposed measures intended to modernise the planning system and help the council defend its decision making against potentially costly appeals.

The reforms were due to be discussed at SGC’s annual general meeting on 16th May, but the agenda item was dropped at the last minute following outcries from the opposition parties, who described the proposals as “a body blow to local residents’ rights” and accused the Tories of operating a “culture of concealment” by publishing the proposals without prior consultation.

The proposals will now be brought to SGC’s Full Council meeting in July, following “engagement with opposition

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News

councillors in a spirit of openness and cooperation”.

As reported in our May magazine, Bradley Stoke Town Council has objected to the Willow Brook proposals on the grounds that the development would “lead to increase in traffic levels”, also citing “highways and transportation issues, environmental concerns relating to noise and lights plus the impact on local houses”.

At the time of writing, 136 members of the public have formally registered objections to the application, with three writing in support.

Asked when the application was likely to be brought to SGC’s Development Control (West) Committee for determination, a council spokesperson said: “At present, given the high level of public comments received in relation to the drive-through element of the proposal, this is something that is likely to be the subject of ongoing discussions with the applicant.”

Meanwhile, an SGC site inspection meeting was held on 4th May in connection with the planning application for the replacement of the old railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane in

Little Stoke. This application is one of four currently being considered for the proposed Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) scheme, which will provide a direct express bus link between Bristol Parkway Station and The Mall bus station via the planned new developments on Filton Airfield.

As reported in our April magazine, work at the railway bridge site will require a full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane for up to eight months, which is likely to cause significant disruption to traffic flows in surrounding areas.

Two businesses located very close to the railway bridge, Strenco Tools and Tyres Direct, have raised objections, citing concerns over access and impact on trade, and calling for a thorough assessment of the impact of the road closure on the local economy to be carried out.

SGC officers have been asked to report back to councillors with details of future consultation and public engagement with regard to arrangements for the construction period, and in particular the closure of Gipsy Patch Lane. They have also been asked to consider whether there are any options available to enable the works to be accelerated.

An SGC spokesperson said: “Following on from the site inspection meeting, this application, along with the related one for widening works on Gipsy Patch Lane, is expected to go to the meeting of the Development Control (West) Committee on 12th July.”

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June 2018

News

TWO giant Gromit figures coming to Bradley Stoke!

Dunkley’s Accountants and the Willow Brook Centre to host sculptures on hugely popular arts trail

W

allace and Gromit fans in Bradley Stoke will be delighted to hear that the town will be hosting TWO giant sculptures on the Gromit Unleashed 2 arts trail that starts in early July.

Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, The Grand Appeal, has announced the locations and sponsors for its sixty-plus sculptures of Academy Awardwinning characters Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw and local accountancy firm Dunkley’s and the Willow Brook Centre have been revealed as proud hosts for two of the figures.

From 2nd July until 2nd September, trail visitors can expect to see over sixty sculptures, each individually

designed and decorated by high-profile artists, designers, innovators and local talent, spread across the city and the surrounding areas. Thornbury represents the most northerly point, with Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park and Chew Valley marking the East and South boundaries respectively, and Weston-superMare in the West.

This will be the third year that Dunkley’s have supported The Grand Appeal’s awardwinning sculpture trails. In 2013 Dunkley’s sponsored the ‘Two Eds are Better than One’ Gromit as part of the first Gromit Unleashed trail and in 2015 they sponsored ‘Shaun of the Jungle’ as part of the Shaun in the City trail.

Gromit Unleashed 2 sculptures revealed at the Clifton Observatory on 16th May

Dunkley’s director Lisa White said: “We are really excited to be playing a part in such a highprofile Bristol-led event. As a business, we are looking forward to inviting our clients, friends from the business world and local community to our offices to embrace this opportunity. Giving back to the local area is very important to us as it is strongly rooted in our company values, so we are thrilled to be a big part of

The Grand Appeal’s initiative.”

Lisa added: “We are still in the process of finding out which Gromit we will have, so all we can say now is ‘expect the unexpected!”

For the Willow Brook shopping centre, 2018 will be their first year of involvement with the hugely-popular charity arts trail.

Centre manager Andy Wynn said: “We couldn’t be prouder to be playing our part to support

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Details from the first four Gromit Unleashed 2 sculptures revealed on 16th May

this fantastic charity. We won’t ‘just’ have a Gromit, we’ve also got a summer of exciting activities celebrating his stay with us.”

Andy added: “The Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Unit are amazing resources that we are privileged to have on our doorstep. We are honoured to be playing our part to help raise much-needed funds for this invaluable charity.”

The Willow Brook Centre will be updating and sharing information on The Grand Appeal and the latest Gromit Unleashed updates on its social media: Facebook @WillowBrookCentre, Twitter @WillowBrookCtr and Instagram @willowbrookcentre Nicola Masters, director of The Grand Appeal said: “We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a wonderfully diverse city, and we are proud to showcase as much of beautiful Bristol and its surrounding areas as possible through our third charity arts trail.”

“Over the last year, we have worked with our amazing sponsors, local community groups and the council to determine the best locations for each sculpture. It’s only with the support from our local community that we can continue to support sick children and their families at Bristol Children’s Hospital, so we are delighted that we are able to give something back to our supporters.”

A Gromit Unleashed 2 app will be available to help avid trail fans to hunt down sculptures, while a special passport trail will be created to celebrate the trail’s innovation themes. New Gromit Unleashed 2-inspired products, including the popular figurines, will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting patients and families cared for by Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

The ‘Two Eds are Better than One’ Gromit at Dunkley’s in 2015

Other locals businesses and attractions hosting Gromit sculptures on this year’s trail include Aerospace Bristol, AJ Homes in Winterbourne and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. ● Fore more details, visit www.gromitunleashed.org.uk

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June 2018

News

Former Stokes resident celebrates 100th birthday

A

woman who lived in Bradley Stoke for almost thirty years before recently moving into a care home in Winterbourne has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Betty Hiscox, formerly of Breaches Gate, was joined by her large family and numerous friends at a party held at Little Stoke Social Club on Sunday 20th May. Betty was born in Barton Hill, where she grew up with her younger brothers and sisters.

When she was 16 years of age she met George, also from Barton Hill. A few years later they were married and remained living there. Betty and George were blessed with seven children – four girls and three boys.

The growing size of their family saw them more from their home in Granville Street to a larger house in Lockleaze Road, Horfield. In due course, they were thrilled to have 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

In later years, they decided to downsize to a modern two-bedroom house with a manageable garden, so in 1989 Betty and George moved to Breaches Gate in Bradley Stoke.

Sadly, after only three weeks in their new home, George passed away.

Betty gradually adapted to life on her own and joined Stoke Gifford Eventide Club, where she always looked forward to Wednesday afternoons and the lovely coach trips throughout the summer.

Many a day she would venture out on different bus routes. It was quite usual for her to go to Bedminster, then into town and on to Kingswood all in one day.

At the age of 74, she bravely travelled alone to Australia to visit her sister Ann and husband Ben. Her house in Breaches Gate was near the entrance to Baileys Court Primary School and she loved seeing the children going to and fro – often they would chat with her, which really made her day.

In recent years, Betty had been more confined to her

Betty Hiscox (seated) at her family party with children (l-r) Tony, Janet, Bernice, Clive, Anita, Linda and Terry

home and eventually moved to Blossom Fields care home in Winterbourne. On Saturday 19th May, the day before her actual birthday, the home celebrated the royal wedding with a party for Betty being incorporated.

Speaking at her main party on the Sunday, Betty said she had always hoped to live to 100 and was proud of reaching the milestone.

She said she had loved living in Bradley Stoke for 29 years, during

which time she had enjoyed going for meals at local pubs.

Two of Betty’s children live in Bradley Stoke, and she says she is lucky to have them so close.

“If I need anything, the family is always there.”

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Advertising

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June 2018

Sport

Final presentation evening for first cohort of BSYFC Girls

By Martin Lee of Bradley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC)

T

he management team of the BSYFC U16 Girls’ squad, Martin and Ross Lee, started girls’ football at the club back in May 2008 when Ross was just 14 years old. The U16 squad was formed in 2010 when the girls were just 7 and 8 years old and they have stayed together to finish fourth in the Bristol Girls League in their final season as U16 girls. We have all had a great time together but now it is time to say goodbye to youth football and start our adult football life together!

The present U16 Girls’ final presentation evening was a red carpet event on 20th April at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Bradley Stoke, where the squad walked the red carpet into the venue sipping mocktails while posing for photos and viewing the complete history of the team showcased through historical photographs over the many years. Then, after being seated at their tables for the welcome introductions from the host for the evening, Martin, the traditional annual video show was presented. Everyone enjoyed the two-course meal while being entertained throughout the evening with Eurovision Song Contest Spot Quiz (with air

Managers (l-r) Ross and Martin Lee

horns), the annual Managers’ Quiz, the table game ‘Dates’, the Shirt Number game, the mystery players photo quiz, the “Where am I” quiz, the Team History Slideshow and the BSYFC 2018 Comedy Puppet Show, complete with scenes from Titanic, Dirty Dancing, Opera, Ballet, Xmas Songs, Cake Making and Mastermind. Trust me, you had to be there! The disco was playing throughout the night and we finally finished the celebrations in the early hours.

The girls now move to ladies’ football for the season starting in September with great memories of their time in youth football.

This will start the process of girls at BSYFC youth football transitioning to the Ladies’ team

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Sport Award winners on the night Club Person of the Season Hanna O’Reilly Long Serving Club Person Rebecca Humphrey Players Player of the Season Faye Wyatt Managers Player of the Season Heather Wearmouth Long Serving Managers Player Emily Holbrook

when they become 16 years old.

For Martin and Ross, this signals the end of their time in girls’ youth football, but they have also been running the Ladies’ team for the last three years, so they will just focus on ladies’ football now into the future and help the young girls with their move into adult football.

Ten years after starting girls’ football, the club now boasts 115 female players in dedicated female-only teams. The Bradley Stoke Ladies’ team had 30 players registered with the club last season and will be starting a new

second team ready for the new season in September. Once a girl starts at BSYFC, she can now play from Reception class age all the way through to adulthood without having to leave the club, making the transition from youth to adult football very easy.

Anyone interested in playing

for the Bradley Stoke Ladies’ team can email Martin at mlee1@ btopenworld.com or visit their website at bradleystokeladies. wixsite.com/bslfc The club welcomes all players and we will have two teams next season, so we are looking for players to help build the squad.

Clockwise from top left: Arrival at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

Fun and games during the evening.

BSYFC U16 Girls pictured in March 2018. The current U16 team as young players in the early days of girls’ football at BSYFC.

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News

Bradley Stoke in Bloom: Ducklings & carrots!

Credit: Chloe Messenger

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB)

The Common (East) – We are parents!

We were delighted to receive a message that we had ducklings on The Common (East) pond! We had, for a while, seen Millicent on the pond, but Maurice was nowhere to be seen. Then, to our relief, he finally appeared, oblivious to all our concerns, of course. We did what we could to encourage them to stay, but they seemed to disappear again, so we thought they had moved on – but now we know they were just nesting somewhere out of sight.

Millicent managed to hatch ten ducklings and proudly revealed them to quite a large adoring crowd. While they were being given a hearty meal of porridge oats and grain by the primary school children, one young lad

busily made them their own duckling-sized nest which I’m sure they appreciated. They are incredibly cute, whizzing around like small clockwork toys and taking tiny leaps to catch the lowflying insects. Please can we ask if you come to see them you bring some healthy food with you?

Porridge oats, grain, unfrozen peas and shredded vegetable peelings should ensure that they grow up healthy and strong and that the water remains clear.

Bread has very little nutritional value and pollutes the water, and mouldy bread can give the birds a fatal lung disease.

Thank you to Adrienne Wheeler who designed a poster for the Three Brooks lake, which we’ve borrowed again for the pond.

Ducklings rest in grass beside the pond at The Common (East), Bradley Stoke

Apologies to whoever left the half dozen alcohol security tags on the island, we’ve returned them to the store and the bottles of wine went in the bin.

(Although it was done with a very heavy heart as it was a wine I’m rather partial to.)

You may notice in the ‘insect hotels’ bowls of water with marbles in. Please don’t take them! These are bee or insect waterers – the marbles give the insects a safe place to land so they can drink without drowning.

They are a huge help to our struggling wildlife and are very easy for your children to make, so we’re hoping every garden in Bradley Stoke will soon boast its own bee waterer.

Rabbit Roundabout

You know you’re a proper Bradley Stoke resident when you refer to the Great Stoke Roundabout on the Winterbourne Road as ‘Rabbit Roundabout’, and are able to reminisce about the times when it rather resembled the Teletubbies’ garden! (Although our bunnies were normal sized not the Flemish giants they have.) Sadly there are no more bunnies, and although there were many theories as to where they went, I think their disappearance had much to do with the vixen and her three cubs who also took up residence in the roundabout undergrowth. We had hoped to clear the bramble that untidily sprawls across the corner and

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‘OFFER OF THE MONTH’

Above: Volunteers from the Bradley Stoke in Bloom group take a well- deserved break from their work on ‘Rabbit Roundabout’. Below: A giant “carrot”.

is the first thing you see as you enter our town but, in view of the proposed new roadworks here [see May’s Journal magazine], it would make sense to wait until they have finished. We still checked out the site though, stopping only to celebrate Pepi’s birthday with fizzy bubbles and cake.

Our other plan to return Rabbit Roundabout to its former glory would be to install a giant wicker rabbit made by artist Tom Hare, but what do giant rabbits need? Giant food of course!

Which is why, with thanks to Stuart and Joe from Kwik Fit, five giant carrots have mysteriously appeared on the roundabout. ● Contact Bradley Stoke in Bloom on 07582 634107.

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Bradley Stoke Journal

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June 2018

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MetroBus is GO! But still SEVEN MONTHS before it arrives in Bradley Stoke

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MetroBus M3 launch event at the Bristol & Bath Science Park on 18th May

T

he first service on the Greater Bristol area’s new MetroBus network finally got under way at the end of May with the launch of the M3 Emersons Green to city centre route. However, it is likely to be at least another seven months before MetroBus begins operating in Bradley Stoke, according to a recent statement put out by the West of England councils and MetroBus operators.

The M1 Cribbs Causeway to Hengrove route, which will link Bradley Stoke with UWE and Bristol city centre, was originally due to start operating in September 2017, immediately following the planned completion of the Stoke Gifford Transport Link (a.k.a. Stoke Gifford By-Pass). However, delays in construction of the by-pass and other road infrastructure on the route, combined with problems with the iPoint ticketing and information machines that will be installed at all MetroBus stops, have meant that the projected start date has been repeatedly pushed back.

The last start date given to the Journal (in January 2018) was “late summer”, although notices displayed at the new MetroBus stops in Bradley Stoke were more vague, stating only that services

would “start in 2018”.

A statement put out by MetroBus on 15th May has now shared the “good news” that services on the M1 route will begin in January 2019. This means that the M1 route will be the last of the (now) three routes in the MetroBus network to commence operations, as the M2 Long Ashton Park & Ride route is now expected to start “in autumn” once issues with the problematic guided busway on part of the route have been resolved.

The M1 announcement came less than a month after the boss of the parent company of Bristol Community Transport, which will run the service, declined to predict a start date, telling the Journal he “didn’t want to give a timeline … as it would be a hostage to fortune”.

The other two MetroBus routes shown in the original funding bid submitted to the Department for Transport (and as recently as July 2017 in the MetroBus Quality Partnership Scheme document) have been quietly shelved. These include the route between Emerson Green and Parkway Station, which appears to have been absorbed into the second-phase Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension scheme, due to begin operating in 2022.

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News

MetroBus ticket prices

Details of the MetroBus fare structure were revealed by operator First West of England at a launch event for the M3 route held at the Bristol & Bath Science Park on Friday 18th May. The M3 MetroBus will have its own (two) fare zones, distinct from the inner and outer zones that apply to First’s other services.

The boundary between the two zones is at the new bus-only junction on the M32 at Stapleton.

A single journey within one zone costs £1.50; across two zones it is £2.50. Unlimited travel for a day costs £4 (includes travel on MetroBus in both zones and all First buses in the regular Bristol inner zone). The Journal understands that the same zone and fare structure is planned for the M1 route.

MetroBus is a ‘buy before you board’ service. Tickets may be purchased on the First mTicket smartphone app or using a Travelwest smartcard. Paper tickets may be purchased from

iPoints using a credit or debit card (but not cash). Existing First paper tickets bought via Paypoint shops are also accepted on MetroBus, as are concessionary passes.

MetroBus tickets can be used equally on the First West of England network in Bristol and vice versa; tickets bought on First services (including mTickets) can be used on MetroBus routes.

Speaking at the M3 launch event on 18th May, James Freeman, managing director of First West of England, said: “MetroBus combines low emissions, new customer-facing technologies and infrastructure on a massive scale. It will revolutionise public transport with faster journeys and a much higher standard in passenger experience. It provides the foundation on which we can build a public transport system fit for the future in the city region which is the powerhouse of the regional economy.” ● travelwest.info/metrobus

MetroBus stops being dug up again!

SEVERAL readers have contacted us to ask if we know why all the MetroBus stops in Bradley Stoke are being dug up again, several months after they were supposedly completed.

The Journal understands that the current work is associated with the preparation of plinths and the provision of power and communication connections for the iPoint ticketing and information machines which

will eventually be installed at all MetroBus stops.

A MetroBus spokesperson explained that because different contractors are responsible for various aspects of the work, coupled with the fact that health and safety legislation forbids holes being left in the pavement for long periods, it can sometimes be necessary to reinstate the block paving and then remove it again at a later date.

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June 2018

Children at the two Abacus Pre-Schools in Bradley Stoke spent several days preparing for their own celebrations of the royal wedding, held on Friday 18th May, the day before the real thing.

At Baileys Court (top photo), the children made crowns, painted union flags and iced cakes. A family picnic held in the setting’s garden was a great success with more than 15 families attending.

Over at Meadowbrook (above), children completed crafts including cake decorating, wedding dress designing, crown making and carriage building. They also made cards to send to the happy couple.

Children attending the celebration were encouraged to wear their finest dressing-up clothes or red, white and blue. A ‘street party’ lunch was held in the setting’s decorated garden, followed by party dances.

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News

Stoke Gifford couple sing in groundbreaking gospel choir at royal wedding

By Laura Mortimore hile millions of people switched on their televisions to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot on Saturday 19th May, Vernon and Kim Samuels from Stoke Gifford had the honour of being part of the gospel choir that sang at the wedding.

The Kingdom Choir, led by Kim’s sister Karen Gibson, sang a beautiful rendition of ‘Stand By Me’ during Prince Harry and Meghan’s service. Having a gospel choir sing at the wedding was, in fact, the idea of future king, Prince Charles, and the Kingdom Choir were sought out about two months prior to the big day. They then had to keep their involvement in the wedding quiet, so it was quite a shock for their friends and family when they spotted them singing in the chapel!

Speaking to us about the lead up to the wedding, Kim said: “It was a little bit like being in a dream. It took a while to believe that it was actually happening. In fact, it wasn’t until we arrived at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on the Thursday evening before the wedding that I allowed myself to believe that we were really going to be singing at the royal wedding! In the days leading up to

W

the wedding it was all about preparation spiritual, mental and physical preparation​.”

As the Kingdom Choir is based in London, the majority of the members are from that area. In fact, Vernon and Kim were the only ones to sing who live outside of London. This did mean that preparing for the wedding proved quite difficult as they only had the opportunity to have two or three rehearsals.

Having such a small amount of time to prepare made their performance even more impressive as they also sang a cover of Etta James’ medley of ‘Amen’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine’. These were sung right at the end of the ceremony by which time the royal couple had moved out of the chapel onto the steps.

The day of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding will be remembered by millions of people worldwide for many different reasons, including the dress, the flowers and the nuptials. However, for Vernon and Kim they will remember that they “were a part of history and our contribution to the royal wedding will last forever.”

To listen to the choir singing their rendition of ‘Stand By Me’, visit @thekingdomchoir on Twitter. Their performance is also included on ‘The Royal Wedding – The Official Album’.

Above: Vernon and Kim Samuels at Windsor Castle. Below (l-r) The Kingdom Choir outside the chapel; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after the ceremony

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

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

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June 2018

News

‘It’s Our Party!’: Happy 25th birthday to Stokes Singers!

By Sue Callow, Stokes Singers f you lived in the new town of Bradley Stoke back in the early 1990s, you may well remember local musician Nick Breeze putting out a call for residents to join him in forming a choir. The Church of Christ the King was the venue for the first meeting in June 1993 which attracted singers from all around the area. In the following September, weekly rehearsals started in earnest and with a first performance on the horizon, it was time to name the new choir.

Taking their name from the local communities of Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Stoke Lodge which were home to many of the members, Stokes Singers were ready to entertain!

The choir presented their first Christmas concert on 10th December 1993 and longstanding members recall it being a slightly nerve-wracking

I

Stokes Singers in rehearsal for their 25th anniversary concert on Saturday 7th July

occasion with the audience of loyal family and friends numbering only a few more than the singers on the stage!

However, encouraged by the enthusiasm of Nick and his wife Maureen, as well as his distinctive arrangements, Stokes Singers were soon performing regularly at community events.

Fast forward 25 years to summer 2018 and Stokes Singers are once more preparing to entertain with a packed programme. Musical directors Sian Walters and

Philip Lawrence have created a mix of old favourites and new pieces which reflect not only the traditions built up over the years but also fresh directions for the 30 men and women who make up the choir.

Of course, a celebration is not complete without some special guests, so the Red Tie Choir from Little Stoke Primary School will be coming along to sing their own songs and to join with the adult voices. And to bring a particularly summery feel to the evening, Steel Storm band from Castle School,

Thornbury will be playing some sunny tunes. Equally important is an enthusiastic audience, so please come along and share the fun at the final event in our Sing 25 challenge. If you are a former member of the choir we would love to see you again.

‘It’s Our Party’ is at the Church of Christ the King, Mautravers Close, Bradley Stoke on Saturday 7th July. Doors will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7.30pm. The nominated charity for the evening is Clic Sargent, which supports children, young people and their families through cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Advance tickets (£5 adults, £2.50 children aged 5 -16) are available from choir members or from Liz on 01454 614148. Some tickets will also be available on the night at £6/£3, but please book early to be sure of your seat. www.stokessingers.org.uk

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June 2018

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19

Community Festival Public invited to participate in powder-paint-throwing ‘Colour Fest’

B

radley Stoke’s main Community Festival event at the Jubilee Centre on Saturday 9th June is set to conclude in a blaze of colour thanks to volunteers from the local Asian community.

The South Gloucestershire Asian Project (SGAP) is inviting the whole community to participate in a ‘Rang Barse’ – a fun music event with a difference.

SGAP chair Sachin Singhal explains: “‘Rang’ means colour and ‘Barse’ means a shower, so it is literally a ‘shower of colours’.

Whilst you dance to Bollywood party music, volunteers will shower you with bright powder paints, creating the most amazing, vivid colour explosion you’ll ever see. When you finish, you’ll be well and truly rainbowed!”

Rang Barse traditionally forms part of the celebrations

associated with the Hindu festival of ‘Holi’, also known as the ‘festival of colours’. The twoday festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the end of winter and the arrival of spring. On the second day of the festival, known as ‘Rangwali Holi’, people chase each other around public spaces throwing handfuls of coloured powders at each other, while getting drenched with water.

Holi falls somewhere between the end of February and the middle of March, but with this year’s local celebrations thwarted by the ‘Beast from the East’ snowstorms, SGAP has decided to stage a delayed renewal of Rang Barse at this year’s Community Festival, giving everyone the opportunity to take part.

The initiative has received the support of Bradley Stoke Town Council which awarded SGAP a

SGAP members at a Holi ‘colour throwing’ event in Bradley Stoke (2017)

grant of £500 towards the cost of staging the event.

The Rang Barse will take place on the dance stage in the main arena, commencing at 5.05pm, and is scheduled to last for 20 minutes. An area surrounding the stage will be cordoned off, such that between 100 and 150 people can participate, whilst also maintaining a safe separation

distance from spectators.

Cleaning stations with soft brushes will be provided so that participants can give themselves a good dusting off to remove most of the powder after the event.

SGAP advises anyone travelling to the event by car to leave a towel in their vehicle to cover the seat, or bring spare clothes to put on over their “rainbowed” ones.

Rang Barse: Frequently asked questions (extract) How old do you need to be to take part?

Our Rang Barse will be open to those aged 5 years and over. Those aged 5 to 15 years must be accompanied by a participating adult.

About the paint: What’s in the paint?

Rang Barse powder paint is non-toxic, 100% safe and biodegradable.

If you have a skin allergy or respiratory condition we would recommend that you don’t take part or that you consult your doctor for advice.

About the paint: How is paint administered during the event?

The paint will only be thrown in our designated area by our trained volunteer throwers. The paint will be aimed onto the body of the participants rather than the face to reduce the amount of paint getting into the mouth, nose and eyes. However we recommend that you consider wearing sunglasses/goggles to protect your eyes from the colour as you will inevitably get some paint on your head/face.

About the paint: What shall I wear? Will it get ruined?

Come along wearing a shiny white t-shirt or anything you don’t mind getting messy or perhaps wear something more unusual like a wedding dress, tutu or fancy dress! So long as it’s white so you can see the multi-colours in all their splendour at the end.

The coloured pigment should wash out of most fabrics, but some of the more stubborn colours may stain certain fabrics so please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.

After testing the paint, we know that white is never white again after being rainbowed. The paint is water-soluble so you can wash the clothes as normal, but avoid washing it with nice clothes. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it, the better.

Participants are advised to read the full set of FAQs available on the ‘SGAP (South Gloucestershire Asian Project)’ page on Facebook.

The FAQs will also be displayed at the entrance to the event.

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June 2018

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Bradley Stoke Community Festival, 8th–10th June Friday 8th June from 10.30am at the Jubilee Centre BS32 8HL

The Picnic in the Park, for parents and toddlers, starts at 10.30am and runs until 2pm at the Jubilee Centre. Professor Panic presents his range of circus skills, juggling and entertainment in the Big Top, alongside a bouncy castle hosted by Bradley Stoke Radio providing music and entertainment.

Refreshments will be served during the morning with face painting also available.

Saturday 9th June 11.30am to 6pm at the Jubilee Centre BS32 8HL Jubilee Green hosts the King Ramps skate park half-pipe and displays will be given by pro riders throughout the festival. There will also be a street art demo with ‘have-a-go’ sessions for local children and adults. St Mary’s RFC and Dragon Tang Soo Do will be giving impromptu displays in front of their respective stalls.

On the main field, music will be provided by local bands Obsidian and Limited Edition, Rock Pipes, Andalus Quartet (Gypsy Kings tribute band) plus Marc Williams and his Robbie Williams tribute act. Local dance groups will perform in between the bands and include: Babyballet, Danceworks, Street Envy, and Stoke Gifford School of Dance along with other local clubs and associations.

At 5.05pm, South Gloucestershire Asian Project will stage a ‘Rang Barse’ (Colour Fest) powder-paintthrowing event around the dance area on the main field (see page 19).

Fun rides for the children include the huge Noah’s Ark inflatable, trampolines, giant slides, football games, Wipe Out, Bungee Run, Surf Simulator, a helter skelter and, new for this year a kids’ go-kart circuit. Look out also for the Vertical Xtreme Climbing Wall, alongside the Bradley Stoke Scouts providing longbow archery and other activities. The bazaar marquee on Jubilee Green will again feature a range of arts & crafts stalls. Sideshows and community stalls will offer a wide range of local products and novelties.

The Bradley Stoke Youth FC Football Tournament for Year 1 children, with 13 schools taking part, starts at 12.30pm on the top field soccer pitches (prizegiving at 3pm).

Sunday 10th June from 9.30am at the Jubilee Centre & Baileys Court A 10k multi-terrain race organised by Sole Sisters starts at 9.30am from the Jubilee Centre (where it also finishes). Over 600 competitors are expected. The ‘Church in the Park’ outdoor service from the Bradley Stoke churches will also be at the Jubilee Centre this year, starting at 11.45am (see page 34).

At Baileys Court Activity Centre, a Kwik Cricket tournament (starting at 12pm) will again be run by Bradley Stoke Cricket Club, featuring under-11 players from four local clubs. There will also be a BBQ, stalls and evening entertainment in the clubhouse. Also at Baileys Court, Bradley Stoke Bowls Club will offer ‘have a go’ sessions for visitors between 12pm and 4pm (see page 34).

Bradley Stoke Skate Park will be hosting its annual Festival competition along with the King Ramps half-pipe, demos and circus skills. Action takes place between 1pm and 5pm (see page 23).

Venues: Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road BS32 8BH • Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, Fiddlers Wood Lane BS32 9BS

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Bradley Stoke Community Festival, 8th-10th June Saturday’s main arena programme At the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke BS32 8HL Band / Performance

Location

Time

Duration

BSCS/Rose Bruford

Music stage

11.30

30 minutes

Danceworks

Dance stage

12.00

20 minutes

Obsidian

Music stage

12.20

40 minutes

Street Envy

Dance stage

13.00

20 minutes

Marc Hopkins (as Robbie Williams)

Music stage

13.20

40 minutes

Babyballet

Dance stage

14.00

20 minutes

Limited Edition

Music stage

14.20

40 minutes

Stoke Gifford School of Dance

Dance stage

15.00

20 minutes

Andalus Quartet (Gypsy Kings tribute) Music stage

15.20

45 minutes

Kirsty Husher Dance Group

Dance stage

16.05

20 minutes

Angel Heart

Music stage

16.25

40 minutes

SGAP ‘Rang Barse’ (Colour Fest)

Dance stage

17.05

20 minutes

Rock Pipes

Music stage

17.25

45 minutes

Festival ends:18.10

For the latest Community Festival news, visit: • www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk • ‘Bradley Stoke Journal’ on Facebook

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June 2018

News

In Brief

First adventure with new tents

Next Bradley Stoke community forum

By Jenny Thompson of Bradley Stoke Woodcraft pring camp this year was made all the more special as it was the first time we’ve been able to use our new tents, which we were able to buy with the grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme earlier in the year.

It didn’t take long before all our tents were up and we settled in to fun packed weekend. With such a warm weekend water games proved particularly popular, as were the giant bubbles. Sunday saw the whole camp head into the shade of the woodland for a code breaking challenge, once all the teams had completed their individual tasks they came together to solve the final piece of the puzzle and unlock the mystery box with a camp badge for everyone.

Cooler evenings were spent round the fire, singing, playing and of course toasting

The next Community Engagement Forum (CEF) for Bradley Stoke, Stoke Lodge and The Common takes place at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road BS32 8HL on Thursday 28th June, starting at 7pm.

South Gloucestershire Council’s CEFs, previously known as Safer and Stronger Community Groups, are about listening and responding to local people’s real issues. People in their communities know best what works for them and what their real needs are.

CEFs have been developed through working with various partner agencies including Avon & Somerset Police, Avon Fire & Rescue, health authorities, town & parish councils and local organisations.

To find out more, visit www. southglos.gov.uk/cef or phone the community engagement team on 01454 868113.

S

marshmallows. Our older groups set off on a bat walk round the lake, and were not disappointed as they got to watch the bats come out and feed.

For many, the most memorable part of camp was Sunday morning as two hot air balloons came over the camp and landed in the field just behind the tents. It’s not everyday you get to watch hot air balloons land while eating your cornflakes!

Bradley Stoke Woodcraft is open to children aged 6 to 12 and we meet every Wednesday during term time. If you would

like to find out more about the group, have a look at our blog bradleystokewoodcraft.blogspot. co.uk or find us on Facebook.

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June 2018

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23

Community Festival

Festival skate park and street art events Exciting programme of demos and have-a-go sessions

L

ocal young people and Bradley Stoke Town Council (BSTC) youth workers are again planning and organising two days of exciting activity, competitions, demonstrations and have-a-go sessions at both the main Community Festival site (on Saturday 9th June) and at the skate park, alongside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre (on Sunday 10th June).

Saturday 9th June

The Jubilee Green side of Saturday’s festival will be slightly revamped this year with the King Ramps skate park half-pipe and the art sessions side-by-side in a slightly more prominent position.

By popular demand, the street art demos and have-a-go painting sessions are back, with artists (The Paintsmiths) working alongside youth workers and young volunteers. Over the last

couple of years these sessions have proved extremely popular with children and young people, and last year children created about 50 individual pieces of artwork to proudly take home for display. The sessions have also led to community art projects like the large pieces displayed at Bradley Stoke skate park.

You will also see the return of the Kings Ramps halfpipe and the chance to see some exceptional skate park demonstrations by top BMX, scooter and skateboard pro riders and skaters, as well as regular

have-a-go sessions (with some equipment provided), music and an MC. At the youth work tent, there will be the chance to find out about and discuss other Bradley Stoke youth work projects and developments, as well as signing up for Sunday’s skate park competition.

Sunday 10th June

The annual Festival Skate Park Competition features a mix of competitions in all skate park disciplines, interspersed with pro rider demos. The King Ramps half-pipe will also be moved alongside the skate park to provide extra capacity, and there will also be a circus skills tutor, music and much more. There will be competitions for scooter, BMX, skateboard and inline skate disciplines.

The Sunday competition will run between 1pm and 5pm with registration between 11am and 12.30pm (but please try to get entry forms in before the day as it will greatly help with planning).

General information, including event poster/flier, competition entry and consent forms and the planned running order of the day can be found on the Bradley Stoke Town Council website www.bradleystoke.gov.uk and on the young people’s Facebook page (‘Bradley Stoke Skatepark’).

There will be separate competitions for BMX & skateboards with the following categories: 12 years old & younger; 13 to 16 years and 17+ years (and sponsored riders).

However, within the scooter competitions there is a slight change to the age groups, with competitions for 12 years old & younger, 13 to 15 years and 16+ (and sponsored riders).

There is a £3 entrance fee for each competition with an array of prizes to be won.

Wearing appropriate helmets is compulsory and a limited

BMX riders at the 2017 Community Festival Skate Park Competition

number will be available to loan.

All are welcome to both days, so come along and be amazed by some of the skills and talents of local young people, both as competitors and organisers.

Young people’s involvement in planning and organising the festival is supported by Bradley Stoke Town Council’s youth development & participation worker and other youth work

staff. If you are a young person living in the Bradley Stoke area and aged 11 to 19 who would like to find out about our other youth work and youth participation projects, or would like to get involved as a young person or volunteer, please contact the youth development & participation worker on 07900 253826 or email graham.baker@ bradleystoke.gov.uk

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June 2018

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Car shown: Logan MCV Stepway Lauréate TCe 90 with optional metallic paint £12,590

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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.

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June 2018

News

Meet the new mayor: Cllr Ben Randles

C

ouncillor Ben Randles has been elected as the new mayor of Bradley Stoke.

He was formally handed the chain of office on Wednesday 9th May at Bradley Stoke Town Council’s annual general meeting.

Ben, who represents the Lakeside ward, was first elected as a town councillor in a by-election in October 2013. He has chaired both the Finance Committee and the Youth, Leisure and Amenities Committee, as well as being the press spokesperson for the past four years. He takes up his role with the unusual ‘claim to fame’ of being the first councillor appointed to the position of mayor who was born after the formation of the council in 1992!

Local upbringing

Ben has lived in Bradley Stoke since his family moved here in 1997 from Chichester, West Sussex; attending Baileys Court Primary School, The Ridings High School and the University of the West of England. He remembers seeing Bradley Stoke as a building site and has fond memories of spending time on the local nature reserve and enjoying being outdoors in the area as a child.

Ben has always been interested in local politics and local governance. While in secondary school, he become old enough to vote for the first time and

is grateful that the school was very keen to promote politics and encourage the students to get involved. However, his first engagement with politics started even earlier, back in primary school as an elected member of the School Council. Ben recalls a significant memory: “I remember being in school (Year 5) on the day of the attacks in New York on 11th September 2001. My teacher at the time, Mr Higginson, attempted to explain to a group of 9-year-olds what had happened and why things like that happen more generally across the world. He explained how we in the UK express our differing ideas in a non-violent way through democracy. Given, it’s not always that simple, but it really struck a chord with me.”

Representing residents

As mayor, Ben is looking forward to being more involved in the running and governance of the council itself, ceremonial responsibilities and representing residents at events and visits. He has recently completed his first formal event, the opening of a new 999 Control Hub by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall for the South Western Ambulance Service. He is also keen to champion progress and wants to see Bradley Stoke not being adversely impacted by significant changes beyond our boundary.

Newly elected mayor of Bradley Stoke Cllr Ben Randles (right) is congratulated by previous mayor Cllr Andy Ward after receiving the chain of office

Responding to concerns

The traffic problems in the area continue to be a source of misery to many local residents and Ben empathises with these frustrations. He is using what functions he has available to him to raise his concerns and he is attending additional functions and forums addressing the matter. More recently, he has been championing writing to the relevant bodies who have the powers to help out. He is hoping to build on the positive responses he has had so far. Ben is also keen to tackle the growing plague of graffiti in the town by helping residents to find ways to remove this “rot” from private property.

Ben’s charities for the coming year are the West of England MS Therapy Centre (based locally in Wheatfield Drive) and the Stroke Association.

Finally, we asked Ben how he fills his free time: “I enjoy being busy and I enjoy council work – it isn’t work, it really is an interest that’s just pure joy. I learn lots from it and I get to help the community too.”

“I also like to go running; it’s a good way of keeping up-to-date with things happening around the town and can be valuable thinking time to clear my mind.”

We wish Councillor Randles a very happy and successful year in office.

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June 2018

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27

News

Stars of the Stokes shortlist announced

T

he Willow Brook Centre has announced the nominations shortlist for the Stars of the Stokes 2018 community awards.

The programme, which recognises individuals who have shown outstanding community engagement and/ or achievement of personal goals, is now in its third year. It is sponsored and promoted by a variety of local businesses, led locally by the Bradley Stoke Journal.

Andy Wynn, centre manager at Willow Brook, said: “We have been delighted with the range of nominations this year, with more than 60 people having been nominated across the eight

categories. In some categories we have been overwhelmed by the number and variety of nominations, with one category having more than 20 different people nominated. It has made the judging process harder than ever before, however we now have our shortlist and are in the process of contacting them all to invite them to the awards night at Aztec Hotel and Spa.” “We are pleased that we are in a position to invite more people than in previous years to join us on 15th June and can’t wait for the awards night.”

The glittering event will be hosted by actor Shaun Williamson, best known for his role as Barry Evans in Eastenders.

Stars of the Stokes 2018: Nominations shortlist Coach of the Year Gary Patterson Dave Swanson Phil Whitlock Achievement Against the Odds Olivia Watkins Mandy Bains Star Teacher Wendy Collins Joanna Duffy Emily Brown Dominic Bareau

Parent / Guardian in a Million Katrina Curley Kim Clark Liz Evans Unsung Hero Nicola Morris Adrian Clover John Thomas Lynda Cordukes Dave Barter Jeremy Wide

Champion Carer Wendy Smith Carla Golledge Bailey Cooper Award for Young Heroes Shelly Melhuish Calum Morris Amelia Roff Lauren Bennetts Pre-School Carer of the Year Kaylie Hill Amanda Lacey

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June 2018

Ask the Doctor with Dr Sian Langdon of Bradley Stoke Surgery

“There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone’s business.” Vikram Patel

T

he week of 14th to 20th May, just before the Royal Wedding, was dedicated to Mental Health Awareness and in particular this year’s focus was on stress.

Stress affects us all at sometime in our lives. It can be both positive (makes us more alert and perform better) and negative (prolonged or overwhelming episodes). How we manage our stress can depend on our mental wellbeing.

Mental wellbeing describes your mental state – how you are feeling and how well you cope with day to day life has an enormous affect on how we experience stress. It is recognised that if you experience low mental well being over a long period of time this can develop into a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety. Being diagnosed with a mental health condition can also have a negative impact on our mental well-being.

So, what can we all do to help promote a positive mental wellbeing? This is something we should all be focusing on regardless of our own experiences of mental health issues.

Loneliness and isolation can challenge our mental well being so take steps to minimise this. Build positive relationships by making

doing something you enjoy can help build self-esteem and allows us to focus on those issues we have the power to influence.

But our mental wellbeing cannot be divided from our physical wellbeing either. Being active, eating well, sleeping well and managing our alcohol intake; all things we know we should do, can

“Being active, eating well, sleeping well and

managing our alcohol intake … can have a significant impact on how we experience stress” time for the people you love, join a group with a joint interest such as a craft, sport or outdoor pursuits, and talk about the way you feel to someone you trust.

Don’t forget to take time for yourself. This helps build resilience and helps us to manage our thoughts and feelings, especially when stressed.

Mindfulness, learning a new skill,

have a significant impact on how we experience stress. Making time to focus on these can improve our productivity and effectiveness and therefore reduce many of the pressures we feel.

As focusing on small “wins” can bring about large positive changes I would like to set you a challenge.

Take a moment to review how you feel, what is causing you a problem

and try to identify the cause.

Then look at what you can do to change that. What small things could help and do something about it, take control. Only you have the power to change your mindset so don’t be afraid to try. It could have a big influence on how you deal with the next stressful period of your life.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change” Wayne W Dyer Dr Sian Langdon Bradley Stoke Surgery www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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June 2018

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29

News

Party celebrates local couple’s “rainbow baby”

A

couple from Little Stoke recently hosted a party to celebrate the long awaited arrival of their baby, River Bodhi, and to fundraise for a local charity, The Willow Tree Centre.

Becky and Andy Martin held the event at their home in Smithcourt Drive on Saturday 12th May. Their garden was adorned with a large rainbow arch made from balloons and the guests enjoyed face-painting, a cocktail station and impressive cake all on a rainbow theme to celebrate their “rainbow baby” having lost their first baby late into pregnancy following genetic complications.

Through a raffle and donations, the party raised over £600 for The Willow Tree Centre based in Yate. The charity, which relies on donations, supports people who have gone through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and neonatal loss. Becky and Andy accessed the charity, which provide specialist counselling for free, after they lost their first baby in April 2014.

Becky told the Journal: ‘We really wanted to give something back to such an important service. Having the counselling allowed us to work through aspects of our loss. For me especially, the counselling provided a space to offload and to really explore ways to cope whilst

Left: Becky, Andy & River Bodhi Above: Rainbow party in full swing Photo credit: Rachael Allen

facing the long journey that lay ahead trying again for a baby.”

Becky and Andy went on to have two rounds of genetic screening via IVF in order to be

able to have baby River. Becky also had to endure several operations following postdelivery complications when they lost their first baby.

Further details of the services offered by The Willow Tree Centre can be found on their website www. thewillowtreecentre.org.uk

Netball, Tennis & 6-a-Side Courts available at The Jubilee Centre

We currently have availability for block bookers and one-off hires Why not visit our website: www.bradleystoke.gov.uk for details of our hire charges?

For more information, please contact Bradley Stoke Town Council on 01454 205021 To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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June 2018

News

Mayor presents end of term charity cheques

Matt Eager, fundraiser and rider for Freewheelers EVS, receives a cheque

T Is your PC frustrating?

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he annual general meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council on 9th May saw outgoing mayor Andy Ward present cheques to his two chosen ‘charities of the year’.

In accordance with the mayor’s wishes declared at the start of his term in office, Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service (commonly known as ‘Blood Bikes’) and Cardiomyopathy UK were awarded equal shares of the amount collected over the year, with each receiving £ 4,381.

The money handed to the groups derives from fundraising events organised by the town council over the past 12 months, principally the Community Festival in June and the firework display in November.

Freewheelers EVS operates a fleet of motorcycles (along with volunteer riders) that provides a free out-of-hours medical courier service to hospitals in the south west. It can be used to transport blood, pathology and microbiology specimens, patients’ notes, x-rays, breast milk, medication and other medical supplies.

Cardiomyopathy UK provides support and information to people affected by the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy.

It works extensively with medical professionals to ensure best practice in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy and campaigns for members of affected families to have genetic tests and regular heart checks.

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goto iT 28 Gloucester Road North , Filton, Bristol, BS7 0SJ

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Steve Holliday, SW representative for Cardiomyopathy UK, receives a cheque

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June 2018

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31

Schools

I

n September 2018, Holy Family Primary RC School will be celebrating the fact that the school has been open for 50 years. On 4th September 1968, Holy Family opened its doors with Mr PD Driscoll as headmaster and just four classes totalling 104 students. Two of those first pupils are still at the school as current members of staff: school administrator Anne Collins (née Hewlett) and teaching assistant Alison Bush (née Greenman). Were you part of that original class or are you an ex-pupil, parent or member of staff from the 50 years in between? If so, come and join us this summer as we mark our golden anniversary with a series of celebrations.

Mass with Bishop Declan

Past pupils, teachers and families are invited to join us for a celebration Mass at 10.30am on Thursday 28th June, which will be led by Bishop Declan.

Mass will be followed by the

party atmosphere by wearing something gold.

Summer Fun Day

Past pupils, teachers and families invited to celebrate school’s 50th anniversary Staff at Holy Family RC Primary School, Stoke Lodge (l-r): Alison Bush (teaching assistant), Anne Collins (administrator) and Caroline Carter (head)

unveiling of our 50th anniversary mosaics and refreshments in our memory café. If you have any old photographs or memories to share please drop them in to the school office beforehand, so we can add them to our collection.

Golden Street Party

Current pupils and families are invited to join us on the playground for our 50th Celebratory Street Party on Friday 29th June at 2pm.

Make sure you join in the

The celebrations will continue at the Holy Family Summer Fair on Saturday 30th June where everyone is welcome. We hope pupils, parents and neighbours past and present will join us for the annual fun day from 12pm until 2pm.

We are hoping to see lots of familiar faces for our celebrations, so spread the word to anyone you know who has been part of the Holy Family team over the past fifty years – and come and join the fun.

Caroline Carter, Head of School t: 01454 866786 (office)

Send us your news!

July/August magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 25th June

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Get well · Stay well

Y

June 2018

by Louisa, massage therapist at Willow Brook Clinic

Let’s talk about massage

our face represents what you feel and think. If you are not at peace, have unresolved issues or are stressed, it will show on your face, no matter how many products you use or what else you do. Nothing makes you more beautiful than a sense of harmony.

Tension in your neck and shoulders, and your face, can bring about a number of health concerns. By simply managing this tension through massage, these health concerns can be averted.

Having a regular professional facial massage is the best skin regime. There is a big difference between facial massage and a facial. A massage stimulates the muscles and lymphatic system.

Different areas of the body can respond to facial massage.

We have over 300 pressure points on the face, which relate to different parts of the body. Stimulating these points can aid healing and promote relaxation.

Get good skin from the inside out. Money spent on skincare products won’t make much difference if the body is not providing what the skin needs to repair itself.

Not getting enough sleep is a major culprit. In deep sleep, our bodies activate their most effective detoxification

processes. It is only after we’ve been asleep for a few hours that the skin benefits from the repair work the body undergoes during deep sleep.

Being relaxed and de-stressed helps us to sleep – these are both benefits you will receive from a facial massage.

A face neck and shoulder massage is a tailored facial treatment, incorporating consultation, detailed skin analysis to determine your skin type, facial diagnosis to unveil signs of inner health and well-being issues, and comprehensive aftercare advice.

A trained massage therapist will develop a facial massage best suited to nurture your skin type and emotional state. Your facial massage will combine skin nourishment and soothing massage, leaving skin feeling fresher and looking clearer and more radiant.

Imagine the pleasure of relaxation, tension slipping away and stress leaving your body. Imagine the long term benefits of looking after your skin and your health and wellbeing. Book a facial massage and feel the results for yourself.

The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 19.

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

June 2018

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33

News

New information panels installed in nature reserve

Ride On Cycles The Mobile Cycle Workshop That Comes to You Full range of servicing & repairs carried out by a City & Guilds quali�ied mechanic Panel unveiling in the community orchard. L-r: Jamie Bowkett (senior ecologist, Wessex Water), Robin Jones (chair, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group) and Cllr Rachel Hunt (chair, South Gloucestershire Council).

A SET of five new interpretation panels has been installed at places of particular interest within Bradley Stoke’s Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve.

The panels were funded

by Wessex Water, which has recently completed a major tunnelling project within the reserve, as part of the Frome Valley relief Sewer scheme.

The information on the panels was put together by volunteers from the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group, who wanted to raise awareness about the plants and the wildlife – including swans and slow worms – which can be found within the reserve.

The interpretation panels have been placed around the reserve at separate locations, with each describing a different habitat.

There is one at the lake, one on the Tump, one in the community orchard (behind BSCS), one in Savages Wood and another in Bowsland Meadow.

The panel in the community orchard was formally unveiled

by Cllr Rachael Hunt, the newly appointed chair of South Gloucestershire Council, on Tuesday 22nd May, in the presence of several members of the conservation group. ● For more information, visit www.three-brooks.info

Contact Andy on: 01454 880872 07443 333219 andy@ride-on-cycles.co.uk www.ride-on-cycles.co.uk

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www.bradleystokeelectrical.co.uk T 01454617473 M 07443476097 E info@bradleystokeelectrical.co.uk Interpretation panel at the Three Brooks lake (a.k.a. ‘The duck pond’)

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June 2018

Letters

In Brief after the summer break will take place on Thursday 17th October.

For more information about the society, visit sgdfas.org.uk

Bradley Stoke Bowls Club season off to a flying start Thanks to some glorious weather (and some not), and a green well under repair, the Bradley Stoke Bowls Club season has made a good start. Coaching sessions have begun for new and improving members.

Membership stands at 98, thirty-five of whom are ladies.

The in-house Club Monday Evening Triples began on 14th May on a fine evening, capped off with a fish and chip supper for 57 members, organized by Steve and Linda Woodruff.

As part of the Bradley Stoke Community Festival, we look forward to welcoming visitors on the afternoon of Sunday 10th June, between 12pm and 4pm, to try their hand at the game. If you are coming, please wear shoes without heels.

For more information, visit our website: www.bsbc.webs.com

Free tennis on offer at Community Festival Come along for some free tennis with Almondsbury Tennis Club on the tennis courts at the Jubilee Centre during the Bradley Stoke Community Festival on Saturday 9th June. For details of this,

Ladies’ running course for beginners starts soon

or the ‘Great British Tennis Weekend’ open day on Sunday 8th July, ‘Tennis Xpress’ for adult beginners, or for a whole variety of kids’ holiday courses, visit www.almondsburytennis. org.uk

Arts society to host lecture on Venetian glass South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society’s next lecture takes place on Thursday 14th June when Charles Hajdamach will present ‘Venetian Glass and its Influences’.

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

This is the last lecture of the current season. The first lecture

Karen Gaman of Sole Sisters ladies-only north Bristol running club writes: The Sole Sisters Beginners’ Course is ideal for any ladies who want to start running, but don’t know how to begin.

Three times each year we offer a training course for women who wish to start running, have never run before or are returning after a long period of rest/illness/injury.

Our next course starts on Monday 4th June.

We set a realistic training programme, it’s a gradual buildup of mileage which, at the end of six weeks you will be able to join one of our main groups and hopefully enjoy it with a certain amount of self-satisfaction.

Many of our current members started out on this course and are now running regular 10ks, half marathons and even full marathons, so what we offer is a trusted method.

The course costs £15. Full details and an application form are available from www. solesistersrc.co.uk/beginners.php

Festival Sunday: Church without Walls Every year on Festival Sunday in Bradley Stoke [this year, 10th June], we are reminded that the Christian churches are placed in our community to serve our community and to offer a warm welcome to all-comers. On Festival weekend, we make a public statement of this, given that we are more visible and accessible than most weeks as members of our churches invite neighbours and friends - and all-comers [that’s you, reader] – to our open air worship. This year our Church without Walls will open at 11.45am on Jubilee Green. So if you are running the Festival 10k, or watching the runners, do hang around afterwards and join us. Our worship is open to all ages, from the youngest to old[er] people and everything between.

We also want to make this annual open air gathering of people from across the town and across all of our churches as the start point for those who have not yet made it across our usual church buildings for worship through the rest of the year.

We hope that it will give you an appetite to join us week by week.

Come once, come when you can, come every week.

Those who watched the recent royal wedding are very likely to recall the powerful words about God’s love and a universal invitation to experience his love through the life of Jesus of Nazareth and the Christian church. Our local churches are full of the same life and love, and on Festival Sunday you don’t even need to walk into our building, just come and see our Church without Walls on Jubilee Green at 11.45am on the main stage.

Our warmest welcome, Paul Hinckley Vicar of Bradley Stoke (On behalf of the Bradley Stoke churches)

Send us your news!

July/August magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 25th June To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

June 2018

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35

News

Golden experience for Heidi at Buckingham Palace

A

former student of Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has been presented with her gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at a ceremony attended by several members of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.

Heidi Sermulins completed her bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards at BSCS and then joined a group of students from Bristol Cathedral Choir School to complete her ‘gold’ before she joined the Royal Navy.

In the ceremony, held in the palace grounds on Thursday 17th May, Heidi’s group from Bristol was addressed by HRH The Earl of Wessex and she was presented with her certificate by the actress Nina Wadia (best known for her role as Zainab Masood in the BBC’s EastEnders).

But this wasn’t to be the end of Heidi’s mingling with royalty, as her mum, Alex, explains:

“Later on, as we were walking around the palace gardens, The Princess Royal spotted Heidi in her Navy uniform and headed directly towards us to engage her in conversation. They discussed her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award achievements and the princess congratulated Heidi on attaining all three awards, which is quite unusual.”

“She also asked her about her Navy training and wished her well for her future after, saying: ‘Well you’ve had a busy twelve months’!”

Heidi said she was amazed at how “natural and engaging” Princess Anne had been, and later commented to her mum that she couldn’t believe she had “actually been talking to the Queen’s daughter!”

Proud mum Alex told the Journal: “Memories of this special day will remain with us for many years to come.”

Heidi chats with The Princess Royal after receiving her ‘gold’ DofE Award

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What’s On (3rd June – 8th July) Sunday 3rd June 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] 9.30am: Stokes Cycling Club Bike Rides to Slimbridge and Chipping Sodbury. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit. ly/stokescc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560. [Further organised rides on 10th & 24th June and 1st & 8th July] 10am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Cleeve to Redhill. Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit. ly/ssramb [Further organised walks on 8th, 10th, 17th, 22nd & 24th June and 1st & 6th July]

Monday 4th June 9am-11.30am: Refresh Café at Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church.

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

Tuesday 5th June 7pm: Girls and Young Women’s Night at the Jubilee Centre. Girls-only youth club night. [Weekly on Tuesdays; term-time only]

Wednesday 6th June 10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More

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

info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays]

11.45am: Festival Church in the Park at the Jubilee Centre.

See letter on page 34.

Thursday 7th June

12pm-4pm: Festival Cricket and Bowls at Baileys Court Activity Centre. See page 20.

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

Organised by City Church.

11am: Walking for Health.

Organised walk (2.0 miles) starting from the town square.

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

[Further walk on 21st June] 1pm-2.30pm: Bradley Stoke Breastfeeding Group meets at Bowsland Green Primary School.

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

Friday 8th June 9am-11am: Coffee Morning at Church of Christ the King.

Everyone welcome. No charge for refreshments; donations accepted. [Weekly on Fridays] 10.30am-2pm: Festival Picnic in the Park on Jubilee Green.

For parents and toddlers. See page 20 for details.

Saturday 9th June 10.30am-12pm: Adult Craft Group meets at Bradley Stoke Library. Ask staff for details.

June 2018

t: 01454 300 400

1pm-5pm: Festival Skate Park Competition at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. See page 23.

More info: http://bit.ly/vc-pfs or call 01454 868986 7pm: South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. For details, See article on page 34.

Saturday 16th June

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

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

10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom Workday. More info: bsib@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07582 634107. Please get in touch to find out where we will be meeting and working.

Tuesday 12th June

Monday 18th June

7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Andy Ward talks on ‘A year of Being Mayor of Bradley Stoke’.

More info: Jannice 01454 615040

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

Monday 11th June

Wednesday 13th June 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

11.30am-6pm: Bradley Stoke Community Festival at the Jubilee Centre. See pages 20 & 21.

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

Sunday 10th June

Thursday 14th June

9.30am: Bradley Stoke 10k Run from the Jubilee Centre.

More info and interactive route map: http://bit.ly/bs-10k

12pm-2pm: Volunteer Centre Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Pop in for a chat with a volunteering advisor.

Thursday 28th June 7pm: Community Engagement Forum at the Jubilee Centre. Addressing issues within Bradley Stoke and Stoke Lodge. See page 22.

Saturday 7th July 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 11am-3pm: Summer Fair at Baileys Court Primary School.

See advert on Page 15.

7.30pm Stokes Singers’ 25th Anniversary Summer Concert at Church of Christ the King. With guests The Red Tie Choir from Little Stoke Primary School. See article on page 18.

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

uph olst ery !

June 2018

t: 01454 300 400

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

37

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PAINTING & DECORATING

TAXIS & PRIVATE HIRE

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

www.amanpestcontrol.ltd

Tel: 07400 000084 CARPENTRY & JOINERY

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 TILING SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

RICK MURPHY 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

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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38

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C&M Services, Page 10 Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, Page 6 Bathrooms Concept Property Maintenance, Page 13 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 33 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 32 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 33 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 24 & 25 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 37 Northavon Carpentry, Page 16 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 12 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 36 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 1 Children’s Activities Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club, Page 4 Bristol Riding School, Page 20 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 19 Cleaning & Domestic Services Felina Contract Cleaning, Page 8 Computer Services goto iT, Page 30 Conservatories Filmcote, Page 9 Curtains & Blinds Thomas Sanderson, Page 27 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 33 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 30 Double Glazing JDC Windows, Page 32 Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 17 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 10 Electricians Bradley Stoke Electrical, Page 33 Ernest Till, Page 14 Price Electrical Services, Page 4 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 16 Events Baileys Court Primary School, Page 15 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 14 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 19 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 13 MW Funeral Directors, Page 22 Furniture Complete Furniture Services, Page 28 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 37 LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 7 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 34 Painting Petals, Page 37 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 30 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38 Smart Patios, Page 23 Gyms & Health Clubs The Way Gym, Page 4 More in directory on BSJ website

Hairdressers Health & Beauty

June 2018

t: 01454 300 400 PLANT HIRE

Reflections, Page 31

The Tanning Shop, Page 2 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 13 Launderettes Wash Shop Plus, Page 39 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 14 Opticians Specsavers, Page 35 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 37 Digby Decor, Page 37 Painting Petals, Page 37 Rick Murphy, Page 37 Pest Control Aman Pest Control, Page 37 Pet Services & Supplies Five Stokes Pet Sitters, Page 39 MadDogz, Page 32 New Passage Cattery, Page 39 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 39 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 19 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 38 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 39 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 21 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 13 Gregor Heating, Page 7 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 33 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 39 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Panache Plumbing, Page 39 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 39 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Page 40 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 13 David Coombs Services, Page 37 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 33 P.J.R Plastics, Page 39 Removals & Storage Managed Mayhem, Page 26 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard, Page 12 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 13 Star Legal, Page 18 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 11 Sport & Leisure Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 29 Bristol Riding School, Page 20 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 37 Z Cars, Page 36 Tiling Services Tileworx Tiling Services, Page 37 TV & Aerials Visit directory on BSJ website Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 39

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

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

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

Price or day work

t: 07900 372349

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

GARDENING SERVICES

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

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

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

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

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

June 2018

t: 01454 300 400

PLUMBING & HEATING

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk PLUMBING & HEATING

39

WINDOW CLEANING

PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

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

“Always on tap”

Call Darren on 07901 910361

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

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Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

PET SERVICES

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

• Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires • Safety Certificates

Call Dan on

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

0117 214 0949

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Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

New Passage Cattery

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

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092 LAUNDERETTES

WASH SHOP PLUS

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

www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

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

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

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

07967 567 394

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

Covering north Bristol and South Glos

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

GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

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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

N 8 I NG 201 I EN MN P O TU AU

STOKE GIFFORD RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Make later life

PRICES FROM

£139,975*

the time of your life.

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village is not just about having a new place to live, it’s about giving people over the age of 55 the opportunity to begin an exciting new chapter in life. When this state of the art retirement village opens its doors in Autumn 2018, it will provide people with a fulfilling lifestyle as an active and valued member of a vibrant local community, where you are never far from a great choice of things to do. And better still, the company of friends and neighbours to enjoy them with!

At ExtraCare, our philosophy is that later life is a time for doing more rather than less. A time for doing all the things in life that you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to or found the time for.

Why not visit our show homes Monday – Friday, 10am-4pm and have an informal friendly chat with a member of our team about all the facilities our brand new village has to offer.

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Off Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1EJ

Contact us today for an informal chat 01173 216 632 or www.stokegifford@extracare.org.uk

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village

StokeGiffordVillage

*Subject to availability. Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136.

Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright © 2018 - The ExtraCare Charitable Trust.