Bradley Stoke Journal, November 2018

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

November 2018 • Issue 65

SPORT P4, P18 & P32 | BUSINESS P22 | LETTERS P33 | WHAT’S ON P17 & P38 | DIRECTORY P46

PARTIAL REPRIEVE FOR X73

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PLUS , IN YOUR 48-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

Commuter service WILL continue after MetroBus starts in January Frequency of 73 service to be reduced Full story: Page 10

Almondsbury helibase

Choppers transfer from Filton

Corbyn in the Stokes

P26-27

Labour leader rallies FaBS troops P24-25

l Celebrations mark 200th junior parkrun l Bradley Stoke to host finish of world famous RAC classic car rally l Firework display to round off Willow Brook lights switch-on l Young ballet stars raise over £6k for Tommy’s l Varied few months for the ‘in Bloom’ team l Boys swim the Channel for Team Bowsland l Public meeting called to discuss 2-year roadworks on Gipsy Patch Lane l Green light for 1,290 new homes between Stoke Gifford and the M32 l Nathan takes gold at taekwondo world champs l Council’s new procedures will apply to McDonald’s planning application

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FREE day trips for the over fifties If you are over fifty and want to discover exciting new attractions as well as meet new people, then SGS College has the course for you.

Locations and dates available: • Artes Mundi/Cardiff Museum – 1st/2nd December – English course • Bletchley Park – 2nd/3rd February – Maths course

Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English or maths at the same time. For further information and to book your place please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327 your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you.

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November 2018

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News

Chelsea Pensioner launches local Poppy Appeal

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he Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) launched its 2018/19 Poppy Appeal with a ceremony in the foyer of Bristol Parkway Station on Friday 26th October.

The branch was pleased to welcome a special guest, Chelsea Pensioner Dennis Morgan, who cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the start of the local appeal.

Mr Morgan, 71, retired from the army in 1987 following 23 years of service with the Royal Corps of Signal during which he completed overseas tours of duty in Borneo, Germany and Cyprus.

Mr Morgan has been a resident of the Royal Hospital Chelsea since January 2017. He is very active in his support of military charities and recently travelled to Spain to take part in an Armed Forces Day event. He is due to visit Paris later this month to attend an international ceremony

Jack Lopresti MP and Chelsea Pensioner Dennis Morgan at the launch event

marking the centenary of the end of World War 1.

The Parkway event was also attended by Jack Lopresti MP (RBL branch vice-president), members of local uniformed groups and motorcyclists from the Bristol RBL Riders.

Parkway Station is one of the main sites for the branch’s fundraising efforts, along with the Asda store in Filton, Sainsbury’s in Stoke Gifford, the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

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Money raised through the Poppy Appeal goes to the RBL’s Welfare Fund, which is used to give help and support to serving and ex-service personnel and their families.

If you or someone you know needs help from the RBL, please contact the national helpline on 0808 802 8080.

The RBL has a drop-in centre at 60 Union Street, Bristol, where people can call in for advice and information on the charity’s support and community services.

The Stoke Gifford branch has raised around £50,000 for the Poppy Appeal in each of the last two years. It is always looking for volunteers for its work; if you are interested, please contact Billy Wylde on 07874 895993 or email rblstokegifford@gmail.com ● See page 19 for details of local Remembrance events, including the 1st Bradley Stoke Scouts’ parade and ceremony.

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NOW OPEN! Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Off Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1EJ *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.

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November 2018

Sport

Celebrations mark 200th junior parkrun Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB

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

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

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

A

nyone walking their dog or taking an early morning stroll through Little Stoke Park shortly after 9am on Sunday 7th October may have been surprised to see scores of children dressed as cartoon characters running enthusiastically around the perimeter of the park. It’s not exactly the usual time of day to host a birthday party, but this wasn’t a child’s party, rather, it was a special celebration to mark Little Stoke Junior Parkrun’s 200th event.

Although the venue’s main weekly 5km parkrun event

have their barcode and finish token scanned so that the results can be processed and published later.

There are those who come to achieve a new personal best or a new milestone (and have a free wristband awarded for running the equivalent of a half, full or ultra-marathon). Then there are those who love coming for social reasons – new friendships are formed and kids run together, play in the park and spend more time with one another outside of the Sunday run.

One participant, Ruby, aged 11, said: “I like going to junior Runners just love cake!

Special 200th birthday cake baked by one of the organisers.

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.

folded in 2016 after the parish council withdrew permission for free use of the park (amid widespread criticism from the running community both locally and nationally), a 2km junior parkrun continues to be staged at 9am every Sunday, attracting an average of 60 youngsters in the 4 to 14 year-old age range.

Children taking part in the milestone event were given the option of completing it in fancy dress and were treated to a specially prepared 200th birthday cake baked by one of the volunteer organisers.

Junior parkrun is open to all and taking part is very straightforward: having signed up for free on the parkrun website and printed their personal barcode, runners turn up at Little Stoke Park shortly before 9am on Sunday, listen to the run briefing, take part in a short, fun warm-up routine, run a lap and a bit of the park, then

parkrun because it’s fun and it keeps you fit and healthy.” So far, she has taken part in 45 junior and 11 standard parkruns and volunteered on eight occasions.

Parkrun is based on two main principles. It’s inclusive, so you are welcome to come no matter what your background or abilities are – and you will never be the last one to finish – the tail walker is always at the end! It’s also free of charge, so it costs you nothing to register, run or to get the time and position listed. The milestone wristbands may act as encouragement for the runners to gain some consistency and form healthy active lifestyles – and – you guessed it – they come free of charge as well! So why not round up your family and come to Little Stoke Park on Sunday just before 9am? ● To find out more, visit www. parkrun.org.uk/littlestokejuniors or search for ‘Little Stoke junior parkrun’ on Facebook.

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November 2018

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November 2018

News

Bradley Stoke to host finish of world famous classic car rally One hundred classic cars to visit RAC Supercentre as part of one of the oldest rallies in the world. Spectators are welcome to attend the event free of charge.

T

he landmark RAC Supercentre in Bradley Stoke is to play host to the finish of one of the most iconic rallies in the world, the RAC Rally of the Tests, on the afternoon of Sunday 11th November, from 2pm.

The first of 100 classic cars competing to win the event will arrive at the RAC in Great Park Road at around 3pm. Over the course of two hours, each will take part in a driving skills test in the car park with the winner of the rally being waved across the finish line.

Promising to be a rare spectacle, the rally – which is open to vehicles built before 1st January 1986 – follows a 750-

mile route, starting in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on Friday, travelling through the East Midlands and South Wales, and finishing in Bristol.

First staged in 1932

Along the way, competitors and their co-pilots will take on multiple driving tests and navigational challenges. The 2018 RAC Rally of the Tests will, in fact, feature 20 ‘regularities’ where competitors drive on public roads aiming to arrive at their destination as close to a pre-set time as possible, together with 30 ‘driving skills’ tests.

The rally, which dates back to 1932, started life as a reliability test with competitors driving

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1,000 miles. Over the years, it transformed into modern stage rallying with the fastest time being the all-important factor. The RAC Rally became synonymous with stage rallying and the RAC name stayed with the event until 1998 when it became the Rally of Great Britain and, several years later, Wales Rally GB.

Authentic tests

In 2001, however, the Rally of the Tests was revived for classic vehicles encompassing authentic regularity and skills tests similar to the original 1930s’ RAC Rally.

In 2016, the RAC name was returned to the event, now run by the Historic Endurance Rally Organisation (HERO), as a result of a sponsorship arrangement between RAC Motoring Services and the Royal Automobile Club.

Spectators are welcome to come along free of charge to see the final test and finish of this year’s rally at the RAC Supercentre in Bradley Stoke from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. This year, there will be a chance to get a close-up look at the cars taking part, which include eight cars from the 1950s, 44 from the 1960s, 28 from the 1970s, seven from the 1980s and one from the 1930s.

Among the most notable cars

are four Volvo PV544s – two from the late 1950s and two from the 1960s, a 1966 Morris Mini Cooper S, a 1963 Porsche 356B, a 1954 Austin Healey 100/4 BN1, and, of course, a 1936 Bentley Derby 4¼.

The two newest cars taking part this year are a 1985 Porsche 924S and a 1985 Porsche 944.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams, who is organising the event at the RAC in Bradley Stoke, said: “There are not many events where you can get to see such a fantastic range of classic cars up close and free of charge, so we encourage everyone, whether they are motorsport fans or not, to come along and enjoy the spectacle.”

“It offers the chance to see some truly amazing cars of yesteryear being put through their paces over a small but challenging course. From an RAC perspective, it will be great for a business that has always been at the heart of British motoring to play host to the finish of one of the most famous rallies which once again carries its name.”

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News

Photo: Shaun King

Photo: Graham Bloomfield

Photos from a stage of the rally held at the RAC Supercentre in 2016

Refreshments and food will be available to buy. Spectators are urged to use on-street parking nearby or public transport (First Bus services 73 or T1).

To find out more, visit the RAC Rally of the Tests 2018 page on the HERO Events website heroevents.eu

Sunday 11th November RAC Supercentre Great Park Road (off Woodlands Lane) Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 4QN

Bradley Stoke Journal

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November 2018

News

Willow Brook salon invites all to tenth Bungee jump boosts Sophie’s fundraising rolific local fundraiser anniversary celebration on 9th November Sophie Mitchell has

P

On Friday 9th November, Reflections Hair Salon, Bradley Stoke will be hosting an event to celebrate ten years at the Willow Brook Centre. Guests are welcome to attend from 7pm and can enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival, party nibbles throughout the evening, a product goodie bag for the first

50 guests, complimentary party hair trials (max of 30mins per guest), manicures, competitions and 20% off all products (£20 off GHDs) purchased on the evening. All guests are welcome, you don’t have to be a current client! Reflections, 9 Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke BS32 8BS Tel: 01454 610 318.

successfully completed her latest challenge, a 160ft bungee jump at the Lloyds Amphitheatre in Bristol, adding more than £200 to the total she has raised for Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorders charity.

Sophie, a former anorexia sufferer, said: “Never in my dreams did I ever think that I would do a bungee jump, however I must say that it was the most liberating experience of my life and one I will never forget.”

“Beat get no funding from the government, so I want to raise as much money for them as I can. Throughout this whole fundraising journey, my mission has been to show people that whatever your size, personality, background or goals, being true to yourself and owning who you are is the way forward and the only way to living a healthy, happy, successful life.”

Sophie’s next fundraising event is a fun sports day at the SGS College WISE Campus on Sunday 2nd December, incorporating bubble football, table tennis and basketball. Anyone wishing to enter a team or take part as an individual can make contact with Sophie via Facebook: ‘Sophie Mitchell – Anorexia Survivor & Fundraiser for Beat’

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News

Reprieve for X73 route but 73 frequency to drop to ‘every 20 mins’

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us operator First Bristol has granted a partial reprieve to the X73 peak-hours-only bus service, which it had previously stated would be withdrawn once the M1 MetroBus service starts in January 2019. However, as widely anticipated, Bradley Stoke’s current main bus service, the 73, will see its frequency reduced due to an expected drop in demand from passengers travelling to the city centre.

The announcements follow an informal public consultation during September, launched at the request of First’s managing director James Freeman, who attended a meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council in August to talk through some of the possible scenarios for current local bus services in the MetroBus era.

Two journeys a day in each direction will be retained on the X73 service, which operates along the full length of Brook Way , in contrast to the MetroBus route along Bradley Stoke Way. In a statement released to the Journal, Mr Freeman said: “We were delighted by the number of people who made time to respond to our request for views about what we should do the with the 73 service as well as the X73 after MetroBus route M1 is

introduced on 6th January 2019.”

“The overwhelming response was that people wanted us to keep things as they are, albeit with a general acceptance that services would need to run at a lower frequency than at present.”

“I am therefore pleased to announce today that we will continue to operate service 73, but every 20 minutes after 6th January, following the present route in every detail.”

“Journeys on weekday evenings and Sundays will run broadly as now.”

“In addition, we have found additional resources to continue the X73 service with two rather than three journeys per day – at 0640 and 0805 from Aztec West, returning from the city centre at 1550 and 1725 on Mondays to Fridays.”

The reduction in the daytime frequency of the 73 means that it will have halved from the ‘every 10 minutes’ rate that was offered back in 2013, after the old 74 service was merged with the 73.

Eagle eyed readers will note that the planned start date of the M1 has been brought forward by a week from the projected date of 13th January given back in August. Mr Freeman told the Journal that this is because First consider it important for the new

Archive image of an X73 bus at the Linden Drive stop on Brook Way

arrangements to commence at the start of the UWE term.

As previously reported, the M1 service will be operated by Bristol Community Transport under contract to First.

M1 will run ‘every 10mins’

MetroBus operators are required to provide a minimum frequency of service to all MetroBus stops on the routes that they serve. For the M1 route, which connects Cribbs Causeway with the city centre via Bradley Stoke and UWE, these are: • Six journeys per hour (i.e. every 10 minutes) between 6am and midnight Mondays to Saturdays • Three journeys per hour (i.e. every 20 minutes) on Sundays and bank holidays.

A timetable for the M1 service has not yet been released, but it is expected that journey times between Bradley Stoke and the

city centre will be similar to those of the recently introduced T1, which takes just 22 minutes at off-peak times. However, First points out that the T1 only runs ‘every 30 minutes’ and there is no service after around 7.30pm, so the M1 will provide the town’s main link with the city centre once it is operational.

Although work on the new bus lanes through Bradley Stoke was finally completed by December 2017 (having started back in September 2015), iPoint ticket and information machines have still not been installed at any of the new MetroBus stops. When we last heard from the MetroBus team, we were told that this work is scheduled to be carried out during the third week in November. ● For more information about MetroBus services, visit www.metrobusbristol.co.uk

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News

Firework spectacular to round off Willow Brook Christmas lights switch-on event New Friday evening spot for popular festive function

T

he official start of Christmas festivities at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook shopping centre will be celebrated with a spectacular firework display on Friday 16th November.

This year’s seasonal lights switch-on is set to be nothing short of sensational, with live music from Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) finalists, fire jugglers and more.

The town square will start to come alive around 5pm with music being played by Bradley Stoke Radio.

Centre manager Andy Wynn, said: “We’ve got a build-up of music and entertainment for more than two-and-a-half hours before the official Christmas lights switch-on at 7.30pm. We’re extremely excited about all the events we have planned for the evening. This will definitely be a night not to miss!”

Born to Swing, who reached the final of BGT in 2014, will take to the stage with live performances at 5.30pm and 6.45pm. Meanwhile, at 6.15pm, fire jugglers Loz and Marky will wow the crowds with their daredevil act.

The big lights switch-on will take place at 7.30pm and will be

followed by a firework display high in the Bradley Stoke sky.

Andy said: “We’re always trying to think of ways to make the start of the Christmas season a fun, family time to bring the whole community together, so we’re delighted to have a whole evening of entertainment planned.”

There’s plenty taking place at the Willow Brook Centre during the festive season, including a Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November.

Small, local and vintage businesses are still welcome and encouraged to book a stall to sell their gifts and goodies.

Stalls are £20 each and can be booked by emailing info@ bertandgerts.co.uk. The weekend is sure to be popular with Willow Brook visitors and is being organised by a national firm that specialises in this type of event.

Live music will provide Christmas entertainment throughout December, with the City of Bristol Brass Band performing on the evenings of Friday 7th and Thursday 20th.

Andy said: “We’re also looking forward to welcoming the Bradley Stoke churches and schools’ carol service, accompanied by a brass band, on Wednesday 19th

Archive image from the Willow Brook Centre’s lights switch-on event in 2015

December. What better way to feel extra Christmassy than with Christmas carols?”

For more information on upcoming events at the Willow Brook Centre during November

and December, visit the website: www.willowbrookcentre. co.uk or follow on social media: Facebook @WillowBrookCentre, Twitter @WillowBrookCtr, Instagram @willowbrookcentre

The Bradley Stoke Journal is an independent newspaper, produced without subsidy from the public purse

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Young ballet stars raise over £6k for Tommy’s

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ittle stars from Babyballet Bradley Stoke galloped, jumped and boogied with Peppa Pig during their weekly class to raise money for baby charity Tommy’s as they took part in a ‘danceathon’ fundraiser.

Boys and girls aged 18 months to 5 years were sponsored to complete five challenges in a Peppa Pig themed dance lesson.

Dressed in their ballet outfits, the children went on an imaginary journey with Princess Peppa from their ballet class to a fun filled tea party. Together, the 24,000 Babyballet stars from across the country aim to raise £500,000 for the charity.

Tommy’s funds four research centres in the UK that investigate causes and find treatments for miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. It also provides advice and support from a team of midwives for all parents-tobe to help them have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. In the UK, it is estimated that onein-four pregnancies ends in loss during pregnancy or birth.

Jane Brewin, chief executive of Tommy’s, said: “Danceathon is a great way for mums and dads to involve their little ones in a good cause. Tommy’s relies on the generosity and hard work of its supporters like Babyballet to continue its pioneering research to prevent pregnancy complications. We hope everyone taking part had an amazing time!”

Local Babyballet franchisee Miss Claire said: “At Babyballet Bradley Stoke we have all loved taking part in the Tommy’s danceathon. Our aim was to raise £5,000 and we really enjoyed our danceathon week. We have already exceeded our fundraising target, and our total stands at £6,791 and counting. This is an amazing achievement and I am so proud of my little stars and their families and friends for supporting this fantastic charity.”

Nardis Roscoe, eOne’s VP of global brand management, family & brands, said: “It’s a pleasure to be joining forces once again with Babyballet and

Bradley Stoke Babyballet pupils pictured after taking part in their danceathon at Baileys Court Activity Centre

Tommy’s for their danceathon.

This fundraising event is a great way to harness the popularity of Peppa Pig and give little dancers an unforgettable ballet lesson whilst also raising vital funds for Tommy’s.”

For more information about Babyballet Bradley Stoke, contact Miss Claire at bradleystoke@ babyballet.co.uk, visit www. babyballet.co.uk or search for Babyballet Bradley Stoke on Facebook.

Send us your news!

December magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 19th November

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November 2018

News

Varied few months for the ‘in Bloom’ team

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB)

W

e’ve had a very mixed few months. When the heatwave finally broke, we hoped to get some planting done only to be thwarted by a constant deluge that would have defeated even Noah! Our Beehive Roundabout only thrives because of the neighbours who water it for us. Our Rabbit Roundabout’s giant carrots and Palmers Corner are mainly cared for by group member Andy, who also has to cut the grass here as SGC refuse to add it to their programme, even though they cut the grass on the other three corners. We did, however, finally manage to get on with some planting and the doctors’ surgery garden and the community herb planters are once again blooming, as are the ‘welcome’ planters.

Although we lost a few plants at the Aztec Triangle, most of it has now grown just a little too well and we’ve had to trim a lot of it back. It seems a gardener’s work is just never done! As it’s so close to the road, we planted for looks rather than wildlife, but we were amazed with just how many butterflies were flitting around this patch and we also found several rather striking pale tussock caterpillars, which we returned to munch their way through whatever they pleased.

We also cleared all the nettles and bramble from around the bus stop and have planted some wild flower seeds there, although at the moment I think a bin is a higher priority as the area always appears to be covered in litter and cigarette ends.

OPEN MORNING Wednesday 21st November 9.30am – 11am Let your child’s learning adventure start at Little Stoke Primary School

OPEN MORNING AT LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL If your child is due to start school in September 2019 please come along to our session to find out more about our school. Please visit our website for further information or ring the school to book a visit.

Please ring the school to book a place.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Vandalised decoy ducks from the pond at The Common East

The Common East continues to be a source of much frustration.

Our butterfly bushes have again been cut down and we removed part of the bench after it was broken yet again. And although I think we’ve fixed the leaking overflow, the pond continues to be quite low on water.

We were so disappointed to be told that vandals had pulled our decoy ducks, Barry and Kate, out of the water and had ripped their heads off and stamped on the bodies. Many of the local school children were hugely upset to see their mangled remains, so we removed the pieces the next day. We have bought new ones but are reluctant to put them out when it is felt by some of the group that they will suffer the same fate. Our gnomes and butterfly boxes on the island had also previously been broken beyond repair, and much as I would hate to be defeated by the

poor behaviour of a few (I prefer to see the problems as a black cloud that momentarily blocks the sun rather than a permanent thunderstorm), there is only so much of our budget that we can spend on replacing things. The hedge to the orchard has had to be repaired again and someone came in and removed every apple, every pear and every plum, which was hugely disappointing as we’d been approached by a juicer and a pickle maker who had offered to make us some produce to sell.

At the same time, the pot we put in place to protect the ground dwelling bees nest was removed and now there remains nothing but an empty nest.

On a positive note, we spent a couple of sessions there with Green Gym and have scythed the meadow and cleared all the bramble from the back entrance of Wheatfield School and Primrose Bridge (sometimes

LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL Little Stoke Lane Little Stoke Bristol BS34 6HY www.littlestokeps.co.uk

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15

News

Cleared and planted ground at Manor Farm Roundabout (Jubilee Green side)

Bradley Stoke Skate Park

I think this is all we do). While doing this we discovered huge cracks in the cycle path, many several foot long and 4-5 inches wide in places. We reported the problem to Streetcare, and although they later assured us the job had been completed, when we checked we could find no evidence of any repairs. Neither have any of the missing fence panels been replaced.

While at the SGC annual volunteers celebration, we met the chap from SGC who is in charge of commons and now we finally have some wording for a not entirely serious ‘common land notice’ which we had planned to put on the original common gate which was rescued from under the hedge and put up by the bench.

Bluebell Corner on Savages Wood Road has also had a tidy up and the cherry tree is doing well.

We didn’t want to remove the

We responded to a plea from the Wheatfield Primary School PTA and Andy and I, along with our friend Gill, spent a rather hot afternoon rediscovering the school’s wildlife pond, which, rather like the bottom of my ironing pile, hadn’t seen sunlight for many a month! It had sadly become just a tad overgrown both

dead tree here as it lends itself well to seasonal decorations, so we’ve given it some summer colour by planting jasmine and clematis to grow up it.

Although we’ve had to put on hold several new projects (including Manor Farm Roundabout and the pond area at Jubilee Green), we have taken on the corner on the other side of Manor Farm Roundabout as it had become a dumping ground for broken fences and green waste. We have tidied the area and put in lots of lilies along the fence line. We have also planted bamboo behind this, which we hope will screen off from view the tatty bits and hopefully a new low-level insect hotel will complete the corner. Although we were not surprised to find litter and a few stray footballs here, we were surprised to find hiding in the depths a full sharps box, a hard hat, 20p and a toy rhino!

around the edges and in the pond itself, but with just a few hours work we managed to restore it to its former glory. We have since offered to return to help out with their neglected planting boxes. In previous years, we have helped create their wild walk and willow tunnels, as well as planting hedges, and it was great to see that they were all doing well.

In return for tea and biscuits we’ve again been helping out at the skate park, as we’re hoping that we will be able to grow hops and grapes along the school path fence. Now where did I put my demijohns? ● How to contact BSiB… t: 07582 634107 e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk

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November 2018

News

Rugby legend Gareth Chilcott opens FND office

B

ath Rugby legend Gareth Chilcott visited Bradley Stoke on 10th October to officially open an office for a group that supports people affected by Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Located within the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Wheatfield Drive, the office has been set up by FND FrieNDs, a charity formed by a group of individuals who all met while being treated for FND. FND FrieNDs was created specifically to support those with an FND diagnosis in the south west of England. Initiatives instigated by the group include setting up a befriending service, offering signposting to patients and their families needing additional help, creating social meet-ups to reduce social isolation, and collaborating with other neurological patient support groups.

By teaming up with other neurological organisations, FND FrieNDs hopes that it will be able to improve services and support for those going through the difficult process of diagnosis, or those who have already been given a diagnosis. The office has not only become the organisational headquarters, it also act as a drop-in venue where people can come for a coffee and a chat and where carers can come for a much-needed break, support or signposting, especially if their cared-for person is in hospital.

The charity also plans to organise social activities such as craft days and will create a library of reading materials to help those diagnosed and their loved ones better understand their diagnosis.

The office will be manned every weekday, 10am to 4pm, with at least one of the charity’s trustees available.

Gareth Chilcott (right) cuts a ribbon to officially open the new FND FrieNDs office; with Lucy Skinner (FNDF trustee) and Kevin Clark (FNDF chairman)

People visiting the office will also be able to take advantage of other services currently available at the MS Therapy centre, such as

the hyperbaric oxygen tank.

For further information, visit www.fndfriends.org or email fnd.friends@yahoo.com

FND Friends chairman Kevin Clark writes: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is as common as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as disabling as Parkinson’s, and is relatively unheard of.

FND can cause a wide variety of symptoms affecting most parts of the body, from weakness, stroke-like symptoms, blindness, bowel and bladder problems, tremor, dystonia and non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD). More recently, other diagnoses such as IBS and ME are thought to come under the FND umbrella.

Historically, FND was thought to be ‘all in the mind’ or ‘non-organic’, as there was no known disease process. Now, research has shown that although a disease process has not been identified, the electrical activity in brains of patients with functional tremor and NEAD is different to that in control subjects, and a recent paper has raised the possibility that the immune system may be involved.

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17

News Public meeting called to discuss planned two-year roadworks on Gipsy Patch Lane

S

toke Gifford Parish Council has called a public meeting to discuss the impact of planned major roadworks on Gipsy Patch Lane which are expected to require the road to be fully or partially closed for around 21 months.

The works, which centre around the railway bridge near the Station Road junction, are associated with the 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 forthcoming new developments on the Filton Airfield site.

Works planned on Gipsy Patch Lane include the demolition of the existing railway bridge, the construction of a new railway bridge to provide a widened carriageway, footways and cycle lanes and works to lower the highway beneath. Works to widen Gipsy Patch Lane between

Public Meeting to discuss planned works on Gipsy Patch Lane, Little Stoke 7pm, Monday 19th November Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, BS34 6HR Agenda Artist’s impression of the proposed new railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane

the junction with Titan Road and the junction with Bush Avenue are also planned.

The closure of the road is expected to have a significant impact on traffic flows on roads through Stoke Gifford and Bradley Stoke as motorists seek alternative routes. It is anticipated that a shuttle bus will be provided to mitigate the impact on non-motorised users.

According to the latest information released by South Gloucestershire Council, the road closures will commence in July

2019 and last until March 2021.

A full closure of the road at the site of the railway bridge will be needed for 344 days between January and November 2020.

The public meeting has been called unilaterally by the parish council with a view to forming a stakeholder liaison group, as required by a condition on the CPME planning permission.

The aim of the liaison group will be “to exchange relevant information, to respond to local comments and to maintain good community relations”.

1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Discussion on planned works at this location 3. Open forum to discuss relevant matters 4. Discussion on mitigating factors during construction works 5. To consider forming a liaison group 6. Summary of meeting and closure Organised by Stoke Gifford Parish Council Enquiries: 01454 865202

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November 2018

Sport

Boys swim the Channel for Team Bowsland

T

hree 10-year-old boys from Bradley Stoke have begun an ambitious aquatic challenge to raise much needed funds for their school.

Finley Palmer, Archie Matthews and Joe Moody, all pupils at Bowsland Green Primary, are collectively hoping to swim the width of the English Channel (22 miles) over an estimated 12 weeks and are collecting sponsorship through an online ‘secure giving’ page.

Money raised through the initiative will be used to improve the outdoor play area at the boys’ school, which the parent teacher association Friends of Bowsland Green describes as “tired and uninspiring”.

Finley explained: “We have enjoyed being at Bowsland and now we are in Year 6 we wanted to do something for the school.

We really want better stuff to play on and when the weather is bad we aren’t allowed on the field, so we just have ‘the boat’ and that’s really old and falling apart.”

The lads are undertaking the challenge at Bradley Stoke Active Lifestyle Centre (a.k.a. the leisure centre), which is supporting them by allowing them to swim for free while they complete the 1,416-length challenge.

The three boys are keen swimmers, all having previously attended lessons at the centre.

More recently, Archie and Fin have also been trialling water polo there too.

Finley’s mum Nichola explained how the challenge came about: “The boys had been looking for a way of fundraising and whilst Fin was doing water polo he, saw a poster about challenging yourself to swim the Channel. Fin asked his friends what they thought then we discussed it as parents and with the school, as we knew it was a massive undertaking.”

The challenge began on Monday 1st October and by the end of the first week the boys had covered an amazing 331 lengths. They are swimming two or three times a week, but the

amount varies due to their other commitments, such as football and rugby.

As we went to press, going into the final week of October, the boys had increased this to 594 lengths. To meet the 12-week target they will need to complete the challenge by Christmas Eve, but they say they ideally want to finish it sooner.

Faye Kitchen, headteacher at Bowsland commented: “We are so incredibly proud of the boys and the way they have shown leadership, initiative and commitment in initiating and completing this huge challenge!

The fact that they wish to leave a legacy for future pupils is simply

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L-r (in both photos): Finley Palmer, Archie Matthews and Joe Moody

inspiring to us all - schools are facing impossible challenges in the present funding climate, much of which is beyond our control. As ‘Team Bowsland’, we are determined to achieve the best play area we can for our pupils; they deserve a high quality breaktime to enable them

to get the very best out of the play environment and, in turn, the very best from their learning. We champion the boy’s efforts and wish them every success! ● To support the boys’ fundraising efforts, visit www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ bowslandswim

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November 2018

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19

News Scouts invite all to Remembrance parade and ceremony on Sunday 11th November

By Katherine Robinson of the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group he 1st Bradley Stoke are going to commemorate the Scout Group and the 100th anniversary of the end of Willow Brook Centre the First world War, the RAF’s are busy preparing for the 100th birthday and the 75th annual Remembrance parade anniversary of the Dambusters. and ceremony on Sunday 11th Before the parade, our Scouts, November. We are expecting Cubs, Beavers and Explorer record numbers of parade Scouts will be giving the war participants again this year with memorial its annual wash and eight other local youth groups brush-up while helping with the joining us. Our own Scout group Royal British Legion’s annual will of course have all its sections Poppy Appeal and making large represented and will be joined World War 1 poppy window by the Trident Explorer Unit, displays at the Willow Brook 1st Little Stoke Scout Group, 1st Centre. We would like to extend Stokeway Rainbows, 1st Bradley an invitation to all members Stoke Rainbows, Brownies of our community to attend and Guides, 2nd Bradley Stoke the ceremony and you are very Brownies and 2nd Stoke Lodge welcome to lay a wreath or cross Brownies. A representative at the memorial (a small sand from our local town and county box will be put out next to the councils will be present and the memorial nearer the day). This Reverend Paul Hinckley will be year, we will also have a small representing the churches of seating area near the memorial Bradley Stoke. Once again, the for any older veterans or disabled excellent Filton Concert Brass members of the audience. If you band will join us in the town would like to use this area, please square to complement our own make yourself known to our Scout Marching Band who will be Scout leaders who will be in the accompanying the parade. town square on the morning of This year, our young people the ceremony.

T

1st BRADLEY STOKE SCOUTS INVITE YOU TO THE

AT THE WILLOW BROOK CENTRE

ON

PARADE WILL MARCH FROM THE JUBILEE CENTRE at approx.10:15am

CEREMONY IN THE TOWN SQUARE led by members of our local youth groups at approx. 10:30 to 11:30am EVERYONE WELCOME

Local Remembrance parades and ceremonies Bradley Stoke: Sunday 11th November – Parade from the Jubilee Centre at 10.15am. Ceremony in the town square from 10.30am.

Stoke Gifford: Sunday 11th November – Ceremony at the cenotaph, North Road at 10.15am followed by services at St Michael’s Church and Rock Lane Baptist Church at 11am.

Patchway: Sunday 18th November – Parade from the car park near Coniston Medical Practice at 10.30am sharp followed by Remembrance service at the war memorial in Scott Park.

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News

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Green light for 1,290 new homes between Stoke Gifford and M32

H

ouse builder Crest Nicholson has been granted outline planning permission to build nearly 1,300 new homes on farm land between Stoke Gifford and the M32. The decision, which follows seven years of preparation and negotiation, was reached by South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) Development Control (West) Committee on Thursday 4th October, following a site inspection on 21st September.

The land to which the planning permission relates forms part of the East of Harry Stoke (EoHS) New Neighbourhood, specifically the area in Crest’s ownership or influence (shown with a red outline in the plan, left) south of the railway line.

The development will be accessed from two new junctions on the recently opened Stoke Gifford Transport Link (a.k.a.

Stoke Gifford By-Pass). One will be a signalised junction approximately 130m north of the existing Oxleigh Way junction.

The second will be a signalised crossroads a short distance south of the existing Hambrook Lane crossroads. There will also be access from Old Gloucester Road, at a point 80m north of the bridge over the M32.

The Hambrook Lane junction with the SGTL will be modified to be ‘left-in and left-out only’ on the west side. There will be no access for motor vehicles to or from the east side.

Andrew Dobson from Crest Nicholson commented: “We are pleased that councillors supported our application to deliver 1,290 new homes in South Gloucestershire, helping the council to meet its fiveyear housing land supply on a site allocated for residential development.”

“This development will also deliver numerous benefits to the local community including

providing opportunities for local shops, a community building as well as landscaping and open spaces for play areas and allotments.”

“The committee’s decision follows an extensive process of public consultation prior to the submission of the application and post-submission engagement with planning officers and statutory consultees.”

“We will continue to work closely with the local community on these proposals.”

Once the accompanying legal agreement has been signed and planning permission granted, Crest Nicholson will begin developing detailed proposals in order to submit ‘reserved matters’ applications, which will set out the finer detail of the scheme.

Subject to planning permission being granted, Crest Nicholson says it hopes to be on site by spring 2019, with the first homes being sold by the end of 2019.

There is a further ‘hybrid’ planning application (i.e. for a mixture of full and outline permission) for Crest Nicholson’s proposals relating to land under its ownership or influence north of the railway line. This will deliver up to an additional 327 homes, as well as land for a new primary school.

This application will be processed in accordance with SGC’s new system for processing planning applications, which came into force on 1st November.

An SGC spokesperson told the Journal: “We anticipate that the ‘Crest north’ application (PT16/4928/O) will go to the new Strategic Sites Delivery Committee at the end of November. There is likely to be a site inspection beforehand and this will fall under the new system. This will also take place sometime in November, but a date has not been set as yet.”

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November 2018

Business

Local accountants scoop marketing award

B

radley Stoke accountancy firm Dunkley’s, well known locally for its support of the Wallace and Gromit sculpture trails, has been named ‘Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year’ in a competition organised by a leading supplier of accountancy software.

On Tuesday 9th October, the crème de la crème of IRIS Accounting Solutions’ customers gathered and celebrated the inaugural IRIS Customer Awards in London.

Dunkley’s were nominated for the ‘Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year’ award, which recognises “the creative thinking and skilful marketing that has enabled a practice to make a market impression, gain new clients and stand out from the crowd”.

Dunkley’s have developed a unique approach to marketing, which includes Gorillas, Gromits,

Shauns and T-Rexs, and with this creative twist included in their application, hopes were high. Managing director Mike Dunkley and marketing manager Nicole Crompton attended the ceremony, held in the members’ lounge at Twickenham Stadium, and were delighted to be announced as the winners!

Lisa White, one of the directors at Dunkley’s, described the achievement as “a reflection of all the effort put in by our marketing manager, Nicole.” She added: “Her ideas, energy and enthusiasm are refreshing. Her commitment to the campaigns undertaken is inspirational!

Winning the award is a real testament to her constant hard work.”

Mike Dunkley commented: “We live in a snowstorm of information and Nicole always ensures our message stands out as a beacon of enlightenment.”

In centre: Marketing manager Nicole Crompton and Mike Dunkley

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23

News

Groups looking for YOUR vote to win funding

A

number of local groups across the Stokes are looking for the support of the community as they hope to win funding for their projects from the annual Aviva Community Fund. The competition, which will finance over 500 projects across four different fund levels, runs over four months allowing time for applications to be submitted, voting by the public to take place and then final judging with the winners being announced in January.

Last year, one of the successful applicants was the Friends of Holy Trinity Primary School in Bradley Stoke. They received funding of £1,000 which was used towards making significant improvements to the outdoor learning areas for the Reception and Year 1 classes.

Local projects that have applied for funding this year include: • The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association at St Michael’s School, Stoke Gifford have applied for funding up to £5,000 which they would like to use towards replacing a large wooden outdoor obstacle course which was well-loved but is now old and deemed unusable.

• Safe Space in Little Stoke, a charity that supports children with additional needs, are hoping for funding up to £1,000 to buy new toys for play therapy including football goals and balls.

• Aretians RFC in Little Stoke are looking for funding up to £25,000 which they would use to extend the clubhouse as the existing building is too small for the number of children and adults who are a part of the rugby club.

• Unit 70 “Avonation” Scout Group based in Little Stoke

would like to use the £1,000 that they have applied for to provide First Response First Aid training for all 40 of their members.

• The 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group have applied for funding up to £5,000. They are hoping to purchase two giant inflatable stand-up paddleboards which would be used with their water activity unit to develop skills and provide new opportunities for the children.

• Wheatfield Primary School in Bradley Stoke are hoping to receive funding up to £25,000.

The Friends of Wheatfield Primary School are hoping to create a new outdoor Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in the grounds to allow the school and community to better utilise a rundown field area prone to flooding, creating an all-weather surface for engaging physical play.

• The Friends of Bowsland Green Primary School in Bradley Stoke are looking for funding up to £25,000 which they would like to use for their ‘playground regeneration project’. At the heart of this project is the redevelopment of an area known as ‘the green area’.

Within this area there is a large wooden ‘ship’ structure as well as some basic wooden climbing equipment. The surface in this area has begun to crack and the wooden elements are tired, dated and not fit for purpose.

• Bradley Stoke Youth FC have applied for funding of £1,000 and are hoping to use this money to purchase some winter training clothing as well as new training equipment such as mini hurdles, training ladders and slalom poles to ensure training sessions remain engaging and interactive for the children.

How to vote

Now that all of the applications have been submitted, the entrants are vying to get enough votes from friends, family and supporters in the community to get their project entered into the finals, where a judging panel will award the funds. The voting for the competition is open from 23rd October until 20th November

2018. Anyone who lives in the UK and registers on the Aviva Community Fund website (www. avivacommunityfund.co.uk) will have ten votes to use during this time and can vote for just one project or spread their votes across different projects. The finalists will be chosen later in November and the winners will be announced in January 2019.

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November 2018

News

Corbyn in Stoke Gifford to rally the FaBS troops

A

round 250 members of the Labour Party packed into the St Michael’s Centre in Stoke Gifford on Thursday 11th October to hear a motivational speech by leader Jeremy Corbyn, in support of Mhairi Threlfall, the party’s new candidate for the Filton and Bradley Stoke (FaBS) seat.

The members-only event was organised as part of a day-long visit to Bristol by Mr Corbyn in connection with Black History Month, during which he visited the Alone with Empire exhibition at City Hall and met civil rights campaigner Paul Stephenson (known for his role in the Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963).

Also addressing the Stoke Gifford meeting was Labour’s shadow minister for women and equalities Dawn Butler, who earlier in the day had joined Mr Corbyn in announcing plans to set up a new educational trust to promote the teaching of slavery and the struggle for emancipation.

Labour supporters in FaBS were buoyed by the performance of their previous parliamentary candidate Naomi Rylatt, who, in the 2017 general election, recorded a 15 percentage point increase in the party’s share of the vote and reduced current MP Jack Lopresti’s majority to just over 4,000. This was despite Mr Lopresti’s share of the vote

increasing by three percentage points to almost 50 percent. The constituency now ranks fourth in Labour’s list of target seats in the south west, which likely explains the reason for Mr Corbyn’s visit.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Threlfall said: “It was fantastic to welcome Jeremy to Stoke Gifford. Before speaking to members, I discussed the key issues facing our local area with him – namely policing, education and transport.”

“Crime levels hit a high in Bradley Stoke in June. Cuts have meant we have lost a significant number of police in our area – so we discussed a commitment to community policing and the vital work they do.”

“SGS College has also recently joined a campaign for better college funding. Jeremy reiterated our pledge for a National Education Service that will support education and training needs throughout our lives.”

“And, for the last 15 months I have worked as cabinet member for transport at Bristol City Council, so we spoke extensively about local transport issues.

I am so passionate about the constituency, that I’ve made the decision to step down from my cabinet role and focus exclusively on FaBS.” “It was wonderful to have the Labour leader commit so vocally to our area.”

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November 2018

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Top (l-r): Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for FaBS Mhairi Threlfall and Labour’s shadow minister for women and equalities Dawn Butler pose for photographs at the end of the event. Above: Jeremy Corbyn addresses a packed house in the St Michael’s Centre.

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November 2018 Left: GWAAC crew with air ambulance G-GWAC on the apron of the new Almondsbury air base Facing page, top: View of air base looking south, towards Bradley Stoke, with the RAC Supercentre in the background.

Facing page, centre: Air base viewed from the air.

Facing page, bottom: Location map showing perimeter of air base site and usual flight paths (from planning application)

A plentiful harvest at Meadowbrook Primary

Celebrate in style CHRISTMAS 2018

SUNDAY LUNCH WITH SANTA Sunday 2nd, 9th, 16th December Spend the afternoon enjoying a sumptuous lunch with family.

Then top it off with a visit from ‘You Know Who’ and a children’s disco to keep the little ones entertained while you sit back and relax.

Join us in the Redcliffe Suite – arrival from 12.30pm, food served at 1.00pm, children’s disco until 4.30pm.

£30.00 per adult £7.50 per child (age 2-4)

£15.00 per child (age 5-12) Under 2’s Free

Package includes three-course menu (pre-orders required, children’s menu available), gift from Santa for all children (up to age 12), one family photo per booking and children’s disco until 4.30pm.

TO MAKE AN RESERVATION OR MORE INFORMATION T: 01454 893438 E: meetings@doubletreebristolnorth.com DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North | Woodlands Lane | Bradley Stoke | Bristol | BS32 4JF

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Tuesday 10th October saw Meadowbrook Primary School hold its Harvest Festival. Families showed overwhelming generosity in their donations, which were passed to North Bristol Foodbank. A member of staff from the foodbank came to talk to the school community about their work, and the children asked lots of very pertinent questions – after singing a special Harvest Samba song!

New Meadowbrook headteacher Nicola Bailey said: “I am so grateful to our parents and families for their generous gifts for our Harvest Festival. I feel really proud to be part of Team Meadowbrook!”

We’re Bradley Stoke’s

most popular* local news publication

*Measured by total number of followers on Twitter & Facebook.

Last checked on 1st March 2017

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November 2018

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News

Air ambulance and police chopper now operating out of new Almondsbury base

G

reat Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has taken up tenancy of a new air base in Almondsbury. The move is a huge milestone for the charity, which had previously been operating from a hangar at the former Filton Airfield.

The air ambulance has been joined at the new site by the local police helicopter, which was also previously based at Filton.

In a move which would ensure stability for the life-saving charity, the landlords of the new base have offered GWAAC the opportunity to purchase the facility at a significantly reduced price.

GWAAC chief executive Anna Perry explains: “We’re thrilled to have moved into the new air base at Almondsbury, however with our current tenancy agreement we could be asked to leave again after ten years. This could be extremely disruptive to our service. Owning our air base will ensure we can continue to carry out our life-saving work well into the future. It’s unlikely we will have the opportunity to buy a facility like this again.”

Earlier this year, GWAAC launched an urgent appeal to help them raise the additional £1.25 million needed to fund the purchase. They are half-way towards their target, but still have a long way to go. As a charity they rely on generous donations from members of the public to stay operational. Excitingly, if they can raise another £315,000 then a generous local organisation has pledged to double this money!

GWAAC lead critical care doctor Ed Valentine added: “The whole crew are really pleased to have moved into our new hangar, which is warm, dry, and has all the facilities we need to train for and deliver our service. Owning

this base would mean that we can continue to expand and continue our work long into the future.

We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has donated so far, and would urge anyone who is able to contribute to the Buy Our Base appeal to do so.”

To make a donation, visit www.buyourbase.com Russ Woolford, assistant operations director for the National Police Air Service (NPAS) said: “We are delighted that NPAS Almondsbury is now operational. The state-of-theart air base, including a 520m lit Final Approach and Take Off (FATO), is a great addition to our national network of bases. NPAS Almondsbury is operational 24/7/365 and our crews will regularly support police colleagues on the ground to find missing people and search for suspects. Air support is a vital tool available to police forces and flying at average speeds of 138mph crews will also help bring many other ‘crimes in action’ to an end, to help keep communities safe. NPAS Almondsbury replaces the existing NPAS Filton site which is now under redevelopment for housing.”

Almondsbury

Bradley Stoke

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November 2018

SPACE IS A LUXURY YOU CAN AFFORD NOW AT City Motors Volvo

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Official fuel consumption for the V60 D3 Momentum (Manual) Model Year 19, in MPG (l/100km): Urban 53.3 (5.3), Extra Urban 72.4 (3.9), Combined 64.2 (4.4). CO2 emissions 117g/km. MPG Figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *T&Cs apply. Contract hire provided by Santander Consumer (UK) PLC trading as Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR. 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 on orders received between 01/10/18 to 31/12/18. Guarantee may be required.

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CITY MoTors 0117 9723030 CAsTLE CoUrT, sT PHILIPs CAUsEWAY, brIsToL, bs4 3AX dealer.citroen.co.uk/Bristol-Arnos-vale

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November 2018

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Renault Scrappage Scheme Au revoir, old car

Get up to £5,000 off* when you swap old for new ZOE CO2 while driving: 0 g/km; MPG: n/a according to NEDC homologation test.

*Scrappage offer available to private retail customers at participating dealers only, when you trade in any passenger or LCV vehicle registered by 31 December 2011. Trade-in vehicle must have been registered to the customer for at least 90 days before the order date of the new vehicle. Alternatively, the owner of the vehicle must be able to show a direct relationship (parental, spouse or sibling) with the individual purchasing the new vehicle. Vehicles part exchanged under this scheme will be permanently destroyed. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other national offers. Scrappage offer only available on a new Renault car when ordered by 7 January 2019 and registered by 31 March 2019. Scrappage allowance of £5,000 off on ZOE, £3,000 on KADJAR, £2,000 on Captur, £2,000 on Clio, £1,500 on Twingo, £1,000 on KOLEOS, £1,000 on Mégane and £1,000 on Scénic.

CITY MOTORS Castle Court, St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS4 3AX Tel 0844 247 9469

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Smart meets spacious Dacia Logan MCV Stepway from £12,095*

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

City Motors Castle Court, St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS4 3AX S J Cook & Sons Station Road, Kingswood BS15 4XX Tel 0844 247 9469 Tel 0844 247 9473 www.carcogroup.co.uk/dacia The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Dacia range are: urban 35.3 (8.0)–76.4 (3.7); extra-urban 44.1 (6.4)– 83.1 (3.4); combined 40.4(7.0)–80.7 (3.5). The official CO2 emissions are 158–90g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EU legislation and may not reflect real-life driving results. Equivalent NEDC value obtained from WLTP figures, aiming to reflect a closer representation of the ‘real-world’ fuel consumption and CO2 figures.

*Prices shown are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, available on featured new vehicles ordered by 31st December 2018 and registered by 31st March 2019. 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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November 2018

News

Parkway to Temple Meads line closed until Sunday 18th November

G

reat Western Railway (GWR) is reminding passengers that trains are not currently able to run between Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads stations due to a three-week period of major engineering work which continues until Sunday 18th November.

Network Rail is laying new track in the Bristol area for two additional railway lines that will relieve congestion at a major bottleneck on the network.

When complete, these additional lines will provide four tracks – two in each direction – between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway stations from early 2019; and will allow for more

Sleepers for the two new tracks in position on Filton Bank

frequent and punctual services.

With enabling works having already taken place, contractors are now laying the new track between Lawrence Hill and

BRADLEY STOKE TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS 2019 Day Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Sunday Wednesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Wednesday

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Month January January February February February March March April April April May May May June June June June June June June July July August August August September September October October October November November November December December December

Event Council Planning & Environment Finance Leisure, Youth & Amenities Planning & Environment Council Planning & Environment Leisure, Youth & Amenities Finance Planning & Environment TOWN ASSEMBLY Council AGM Planning & Environment COMMUNITY FESTIVAL COMMUNITY FESTIVAL COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Leisure, Youth & Amenities Finance Council Planning & Environment Council Planning & Environment Leisure, Youth & Amenities Finance Planning & Environment Council Planning & Environment Leisure, Youth & Amenities Finance Planning & Environment FIREWORKS Council Planning & Environment Leisure, Youth & Amenities Finance Planning & Environment

Location Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre All Sites All Sites All Sites Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre Jubilee Centre

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Filton Abbey Wood stations.

Buses are replacing trains between the stations affected and Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway both remain open.

GWR Operations Manager Rob Mullen said: “I would like to thank customers for their patience during this further period of works. The work to double the tracks in north Bristol will in time allow for more frequent and quicker journeys between Bristol and London, and more punctual services; enabling us to offer the full benefits of new Intercity Express Trains.”

“The trains are already operating on routes between London and South Wales and London and Bristol Temple Meads; providing thousands more seats every day than the trains they are replacing.”

Customers travelling towards Bath Spa from South Wales, Bristol Parkway, Cheltenham Spa or Gloucester can travel via Swindon instead of Bristol Temple Meads.

Further work to connect the new track to the existing railway

is expected to take place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November, as well as Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December.

Network Rail Project Manager Kate Trevorrow said: “This upgrade will transform rail travel for passengers across Bristol. It will enable GWR to run more frequent and quicker services between Bristol and London Paddington providing more seats and better journeys. It will also ease congestion on the network between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway.”

“We thank passengers and the communities that live near the railway for their patience whilst we carry out this vital upgrade.”

Services which normally call at Bristol Parkway will be affected as follows: • Between Portsmouth/Taunton and Cardiff Central, services will run between Portsmouth/ Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads. Connecting buses will run to Bristol Parkway for trains towards South Wales.

• Between Worcester/Gloucester and Bristol Temple Meads, services will divert after Bristol Parkway and will run to Cardiff Central. Change at Bristol Parkway for coaches to Bristol Temple Meads.

• CrossCountry trains will be diverted between Cheltenham Spa and Bristol Temple Meads – calling at Swindon and Bath Spa instead of Bristol Parkway.

For more details visit GWR. com/Bristol2018 The current railway closure follows earlier ones this year to install a new signalling system in the Bristol area and electrify the line through Parkway.

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

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

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

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November 2018

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31

Advertising Feature

Wheatfield Primary needs your help!

W

heatfield Primary School is 20 years old and is marking this milestone with a fundraising spectacular which will leave a visible legacy for the next 20 years.

The school is working closely with its PTA (The Friends of Wheatfield), planning twenty fundraising events to celebrate twenty fantastic years. So far this term the children have enjoyed two cake sales and a film night.

Year teams have also been busy collecting 20p pieces (it’s all about the number 20) in the hope of winning a treat day!

The school will be holding a Christmas Fayre on Friday 7th December (3.45 – 5.30pm) which is open to the local community.

Fundraising will continue across the spring term with Deputy Headteacher, Jamie Woodworth, leading a group of staff and parents to tackle the South

Wales Three Peaks Challenge.

The whole school community plan to round off the year with their own festival – Wheatfest – to celebrate their fundraising achievements and the life of the school.

The school intends to invest the money they raise into revamping their main playground. Plans have been drawn up for the long-term development of this space which includes establishing den building, physical and creative zones. They are also planning to build a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) on a corner of the school field, further enhancing the school’s sporting provision.

Wheatfield’s PTA have recently had an application accepted by the Aviva Community Fund for £25k to finance the MUGA project. They are now encouraging families, friends and the local community to support

this application by voting for them via the Aviva website (www. avivacommunityfund.co.uk).

Voting is open between 23rd October and 20th November and each person can cast ten votes.

Headteacher, Phil Winterburn, said: “We are proud to be celebrating 20 years of Wheatfield Primary School and feel it is fitting to mark this anniversary with a legacy project which will benefit children for the next twenty years and beyond!”

If you are part of a local business or community group and believe you can help to support the school in its ambitions, please get in touch via pta@wheatfieldprimary.com – they would love to hear from you! ● The school’s next open events for parents of children starting reception in September 2019 are on Thursday 8th November 11am to 11.45am and Wednesday 21st November 11am to 12pm.

Whe

Start

We un first sch and inv join us will hea the sch us and

T

T

W

T

W

Wheatfield Primary School Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 9DB Phil Winterburn, headteacher www.wheatfieldprimary.com Telephone 01454 868610

To Boo you can

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32

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November 2018

Sport

Local lad takes gold at taekwondo world champs

A

young local taekwondo player has been crowned world champion and achieved black belt status, all within the space of just over three months.

Nathan Wong, 12, who lives in Bradley Stoke and attends St Bede’ Catholic College, competed in the 2018 Taekwondo International World Championships in July.

The tournament is an annual worldwide event and is the

largest martial arts competition hosted by the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain.

Over 2,000 competitors from 22 countries, including Australia, USA, Canada and Nepal, took part in the two-day event, which was held at the Arena Birmingham.

Nathan competed in two events, sparring and patterns, in the red belt boys 11-14 year-old category. In sparring, he lost his match at the quarter-final stage,

narrowly missing out on a bronze medal. However, he managed to get through to the final round of the patterns category, going on to beat 30 other boys to win gold and take the title of world champion.

Nathan trains twice a week at the Bristol North Taekwondo club run by Russ Martin at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

Since his world championship victory, he has been working hard towards achieving black

belt status and was delighted to achieve this coveted award following his participation in a grading event held at the Bristol TAGB Academy over the weekend of 20th/21st October.

Russ Martin’s clubs in north and south Bristol have produced more than one world champion in recent years. In 2016, Lauren Macauley also won gold in the ladies light heavyweight red belt sparring category. ● www.tkdbristol.com

Top, left: Nathan on the podium at the world championships. Top, right: Nathan with his black belt certificate.

Above: Nathan with his world championship gold medal.

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November 2018

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Letters

Advertise in this * space for just £30

Action needed to save Three Brooks lake Have you visited the Three Books Lake recently? It is in a sorry state and the council does not appear to be in any hurry to do anything about it. More and more of the silt is building up and turning into a solid state i.e. land in which grass etc. can take root.

Where there is water, it is only 3 to 4 inches deep! The residents of Bradley Stoke stand to lose a valuable recreation facility and wildlife sanctuary, unless something is done.

The streams feeding the lake will also back up, as the water will have nowhere to go – we saw signs of this last winter.

33

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

It was interesting to read in October’s Journal magazine of the possibility of a company that can utilise the silt, thereby potentially offsetting some of the costs of dredging. That would be an excellent result. However, when you put the estimated costs of £100,000 in the context that some individuals employed by South Gloucestershire Council, at our expense, are paid that sum as an annual salary, and some twice that amount, I think the wishes of the residents of Bradley Stoke deserve some very serious consideration.

Fred Hillberg Bradley Stoke

Get your business noticed

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

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Statement from South Gloucestershire Council A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “We are still in the investigation stage of the project to de-silt the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve lake. The silt in the lake was tested for contamination and results have confirmed it is safe to dispose of it on site. We plan to use the same area as we did in 2005, when the lake was last de-silted, which has been cleared and is being further assessed.”

“A contractor has been selected and we are awaiting their estimate and method statement before we then commission an ecological management plan and apply to the Environment

Agency for consent to carry out the works.

“We are aware that the lake is heavily silted up. There are protected species in the area (otters and water voles), so we will be restricted to operating at certain times of the year and have no timescales in place at the moment.”

“We are still in the process of identifying and securing funding for this project and, at the appropriate time, we will carry out a community engagement exercise, where we will notify local residents regarding any planned works and footpath diversions.”

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November 2018

Ask the Doctor with Dr Sian Langdon of Bradley Stoke Surgery “Help me … help you”

T

he NHS, its funding and ongoing pressures continue to challenge those who work on the front line. Sadly, there remains a general consensus that most GP surgeries cannot keep up with the demands their patients put on them. However, most practices are changing and evolving to do their best to meet this ever increasing demand.

Most surgeries will now ask for some details regarding why you need to visit the surgery.

This is to ensure that you are seen by the appropriate expert.

This practice has been going on for years in emergency care – a trip to A&E invariably means being assessed by a ‘triage nurse’ to ascertain your ‘clinical priority’ and it ensures that all are seen by the right person in the best time frame.

In my practice, we are training our Patient Coordinators to

make the most of our urgent care system. Many other practices also ‘triage’ or try to manage their appointment systems to ensure that appointments are allocated due to clinical need.

To ensure you get the right appointment with the right clinician, it pays to ‘be prepared’ when you phone. Try

Most GP appointments are only 10 minutes long, so it is important to be prepared.

Keep a symptoms diary and be specific about what you are experiencing. The way your symptoms evolve and change can be very helpful in helping the medical professional to decide their significance and your diagnosis. Explain how

“ Explain how you are feeling and be honest. Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear; it won’t help!”

to summarise your issue in a few words; think about how long it has been going on for and have you seen someone about it before? This ensures you will be given the right type of appointment with the right clinician.

Then, to make the most of your appointment, there are a number of things you can do to get what you need from your appointment.

you are feeling and be honest.

Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear; it won’t help!

Don’t be embarrassed – most health professionals have heard it before, and even if they haven’t, they won’t judge you for it. If you think you may need to be examined, think about what you are wearing. Many a consultation has over-run because of wardrobe issues!

Most of all, keep an open

mind. You are having an appointment with an expert, whether that is a GP, advanced nurse practitioner, pharmacist, mental health practitioner or physiotherapist.

Each has specific skills and expertise in their respective fields. Their opinion will be based on what you have told them, any relevant examinations they perform and their expertise. They are also aware of their limitations and will direct you to another clinician if they feel that this is appropriate.

So, “help me … help you”.

Together we can ensure that you get the appointment you need with an expert who can help you.

Dr Sian Langdon Bradley Stoke Surgery t: 01454 616262 www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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November 2018

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Advertising Feature

35

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visit us razzamataz.co.uk

New principal at Razzamataz Yate GEORGIA DAVIES has recently taken over at Razzamataz Theatre School in Yate and tells us she has some exciting new opportunities lined up: “We are performing in lots of local events – Yate lights switch-on, Yate Rocks, Thornbury Carnival and at Her Majesty’s Theatre February 2020.”

Razzamataz Theatre School offers great opportunities for children – building confidence, acquiring experience in performing, making new friends, developing social skills – all with an excellent team of teachers.

It is a sad fact that performing arts is declining in England’s schools with a recent report by the Department for Education stating that the most commonly withdrawn subjects are drama and performing arts, which have now been dropped in nearly a quarter of schools.

Performing arts stimulate all children’s creativity, from the shyest student to the most outgoing. It helps them make sense of their emotions, develops their ability to understand, allows them to face their fears in a safe environment, challenges their preconceptions and develops their language and communication skills.

Part-time theatre school Razzamataz Bristol North (Yate), prides itself in offering children and young people a strong platform in which to express

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Georgia Davies (principal), and Dan Willamson (vice-principal)

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Performing arts give children skills with which to better express themselves, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem.

We are the ideal place for children aged 3-18 years with an interest in performing to learn Pop Singing, Street Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama! Call us to book your FREE ONE WEEK trial session! Quote ref PT18 BSJ

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Looking for a service or tradesperson in Bradley Stoke?

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November 2018

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News Great results for local Marie Curie fundraisers

Group members display the amount they have raised since forming in 2014

T

he Five Stokes Fundraising Group for Marie Curie met for their AGM on Monday 17th September. The group have been very busy over the year and have organised daffodil collections, serviced collection tins and held a Blooming Great Tea Party. Since forming in 2014, the group have now raised an impressive £37,430.19, which will be enough money to fund 1,871 hours of local nursing care in the community.

Last month, the group organised a hugely successful online auction to raise funds for Marie Curie. The auction ran during the last week in October where members of the local community bid on a wide selection of prizes, including cinema tickets, beauty products and even a signed Worcester Warriors rugby shirt. The auction ended on Sunday 28th October and the final amount raised will be posted on the group’s Facebook page.

Jane Marshall, a member of the group, said: “We chose to end the auction on 28th October as when most of us are enjoying an extra hour of sleep, Marie Curie nurses will be working an extra hour. The middle of the night can be the hardest times for patients and families and it is in those darkest hours that this care can make the biggest difference.

Our Marie Curie nurses, work through the night, providing an extra hour of care to people living with a terminal illness, and their families.”

The group are currently getting ready for their upcoming

events, including running a stall at the Thornbury Christmas lights switch-on, which is taking place on Tuesday 20th November between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, and their big Christmas fundraising event, a wreath making workshop. This will be taking place on the evening of Wednesday 5th December in Stoke Gifford with a minimum donation of £25 to secure your place before the event. This will include all wreath making materials, guidance on making your wreath and refreshments.

For ticket enquiries, please email thefivestokesfundraisinggroup@ gmail.com or contact Jane on 07909 966367.

They are also looking for people to help collect for the charity this festive season.

Signing up for a Christmas collection with Marie Curie is easy and collecting can be extremely enjoyable. If this is something you might be interested in, please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/getinvolved/collecting to find your nearest collection or contact community fundraiser Helen Isbell (details below).

The group warmly welcomes new members and if you are interested in helping to make a difference through raising funds in your local community and would like to find out more about the fundraising group in north Bristol, please call Helen Isbell on 0117 924 7275 or 07880 503513 or email Helen.Isbell@ mariecurie.org.uk ● Facebook: ‘Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group’

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November 2018

News In Brief The volunteers will also have the opportunity to join the ‘Friends of the Stoke Gifford Retirement Village Community Library’ group, due to be established soon.

If you are interested in volunteering, please phone Laura Jones on 01173 216 632 or email laura.jones@extracare.org.uk for an application pack.

Get crafty for Christmas at Holy Trinity Church Rev Paul Hinckley, vicar of Bradley Stoke, writes: Following on from our successful Harvest Bake Off, the churches of Bradley Stoke Parish invite you to our Crafty Christmas afternoon of craft activities on Sunday 25th November, with an added invitation to create a nativity scene in a shoebox and bring it along too.

More details on our website bradleystokeparish.org.uk including details of the five categories in our Nativity in a Shoebox competition.

Our Bake Off brought in a range of excellent cakes from people across our communities, with amazing prizewinners from our guests at this great community building event, raising £285 for MacMillan Cancer Support.

Everyone is invited to our afternoon of themed craft activities based around the

First Bus to launch £2 flat fare in Bristol

Christmas story: Make crafty Christmas cards, build your own Advent calendar, help us build scenes from the Christmas story in Lego and make a nativity snow globe to take home.

The event runs from 4pm to 5.30pm at Holy Trinity Church.

Entry is free and there will be Christmas themed refreshments.

More details on our website

bradleystokeparish.org.uk, including details of the five categories in our ‘nativity in a shoebox’ competition.

WI’s Pre-Christmas sale at the Jubilee Centre Helen Doulton writes: Bradley Stoke WI will be holding a preChristmas sale on Saturday 17th November at the Jubilee Centre, Bradley Stoke. There will be crafts, jewellery, toys, pictures, clothes and Christmassy items to buy, with hot drinks and delicious cakes on sale in the foyer. The sale will start at 11am and run until about 2.30 pm. Do drop by and pay us a visit – we’d love to see you.

Volunteering opportunity at new retirement village The ExtraCare Charitable Trust’s Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, located off Coldharbour Lane, near UWE, is due to open in midNovember.

Working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, the trust is planning to open a community library, located within the village itself.

The library will be opening its doors to allow the wider community to make use of its extensive facilities, with effect from the village opening date.

The library will be fully led by volunteers, therefore ExtraCare is recruiting now for volunteers to support the opening and running of the new facility.

Bus operator First West of England has announced it will be making changes to some of its fares in Bristol and the surrounding area. Amongst the changes, which will come into effect from 11th November, are the introduction of a flat fare for all single trips in Bristol, simplified fare zones, further incentives for customers to save by purchasing tickets before they board the bus, and significant savings for customers who currently buy West of England Zone tickets.

The flat fare will apply to all single trips in the greater Bristol area (currently the Bristol Inner Zone), which covers a radius of approximately 6 miles from the city centre and includes Bradley Stoke and Aztec West.

The flat fare will be £2.00 for those purchasing a pack of five singles on the mTicket app or Travelwest smartcard, while for those for those paying on the bus, the flat fare will be £2.50 (instead of £2.00 for a single short trip and £3.00 for a single long trip at present). The £2.00 single fares will also apply on the MetroBus buy-before-you-board services.

A spokesperson for First said: “The new flat fare system will make bus travel in Bristol simpler and equitable for all, with customers being able to travel in the confidence that their Bristol Zone journey will be the same price, regardless of distance.”

Other changes will bring increases for many on-the-bus payments, e.g. the popular 3-stop-hop ticket will increase to £1.20, the first change since 2013. ● Full details of all the changes: www.mynewticket.co.uk

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

November 2018

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News

In Brief

Tuning up for the festive season!

Grants awarded

By Sue Callow, Stokes Singers e may not have started Christmas shopping just yet but Stokes Singers have a few new festive tunes in our repertoire already!

Our autumn rehearsals at Coniston Community Centre are going well and we’ve been pleased to welcome new singers who’ve quickly settled in to our 30-strong mixed choir. Our two musical directors, Phil Lawrence and Sian Walters, have chosen a great mix of traditional and modern music in preparation for our Christmas concert.

On Saturday 8th December, we’ll return to the Church of Christ the King in Bradley Stoke for our annual celebration of all things festive. We are especially pleased to confirm that our guests will be Oldland Brass who will accompany the traditional carols as well as playing their own choice of music. Founded

W

in 2002, the ensemble is led

by Bob Lavis and comprises cornets, flugelhorn, tenor horn, euphonium and bass. Such an unconventional line up demands some skilful arrangements from Bob resulting in a repertoire that covers everything from ‘Mozart to Modern’ and we look forward to welcoming the players.

Tickets will be on sale from mid-November from choir

members or from Liz on 01454 614148. Our summer concert at the same venue was a sell out so please get your ticket in advance to be sure of your seat.

For further information visit our website www.stokessingers. org.uk where we will soon be announcing the nominated charity for the evening.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Funerals from £1,995

39

Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee approved the following service level agreements at its meeting held on 15th October 2018: • Service Level Agreement of £1,700 for 2018/19 to Bouncing Babies (a weekly parent and baby session held at the Jubilee Centre) • Youth Service Level Agreement of £2,300 for 2018/19 to Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club • Service Level Agreement of £2,404 for 2018/19 to Four Towns & Vale Link Transport 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.

Groups can also apply to South Gloucestershire ward councillors for funding. For details, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/MAF

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

Look after your feet

ur feet are the workhorses of our bodies, yet we give them so little respect. It’s easy to take our feet for granted. They’re just there, putting up with a host of challenges; from being tucked away in shoes and socks, jammed into ill-fitting shoes, taking you on long road runs and heavy workouts in the gym.

Spending just a few minutes a day on foot care and choosing the right shoes can keep you free of problems that may lead to pain and discomfort.

Make sure you wash your feet, especially between your toes, with soap and water, carefully and regularly. If you can’t balance safely, use a longhandled brush or sit on a chair outside the bath to wash your feet under the taps. Be sure to dry feet completely, especially in-between your toes. This wash-and-dry system lessens problems such as athlete’s foot, odour, bacteria and fungus.

If you like to soak your feet, use warm water and a little soap. Use salt water if you are concerned about infection or bad odour. Moisturise your feet after washing, especially if you suffer with dry skin. Something is better than nothing – your foot health practitioner can advise you on what is the best moisturiser for your feet.

Alternate the shoes you wear each day. Change socks or stockings every day.

Your feet should not hurt

– ever. Tight shoes can be uncomfortable and can affect the way that you walk. If you wear high heels, try not to walk any distance in them. Ensure that your shoes have a wide toe box. To protect your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, regularly wear pairs of shoes with differing heel heights.

Choose shoes with broad heels, arch supports and good shock absorbency.

Pregnancy, aging and diabetes all affect your feet.

Look after yourself and look after your feet.

Check your feet for problems every day and see a foot health practitioner or podiatrist for advice and a regular check-up to ensure your workhorses are as well as they can be.

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November 2018

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41

News More delays mean McDonald’s application will now be assessed under council’s new procedures

F

urther delays in South Gloucestershire Council’s assessment of a controversial planning application for proposed development at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook shopping centre that could see drive-through McDonald’s and Starbucks outlets opening at the site mean that it will now be determined under new procedures which have been described by opposition councillors as “antidemocratic” and “a body blow to residents’ rights”.

The Willow Brook planning application was submitted back in March but has been delayed by the need for the applicant’s agent to respond to concerns raised by a number of council departments, including highways, environmental health and tree protection.

Over 140 members of the public have formally registered objections to the application, against just five who have written in support. Bradley Stoke Town Council also voted unanimously to object, citing traffic, highways and environmental concerns.

Opinions expressed on the Journal’s online channels have, however, been more balanced, with plenty of readers saying they would welcome the new facilities.

SGC’s new planning system procedures, agreed by the Conservative-led authority in

July, came into force on 1st November and any current applications not decided by this date will now be decided under the new rules. The authority says the changes are intended to modernise the planning system and help the council defend its decision making against potentially costly appeals.

Features of the new system that have come under criticism include the exclusion of members of the public from site inspection meetings, where planning committee members visit the location of an application to better understand the physical context. Also, it is now much more likely that small to medium size applications will be determined solely by a planning officer rather than being brought to a committee of councillors, since the new system now requires three councillors to refer a proposed officer decision to committee compared to just one previously.

Slap in the face

The new rules are likely to be seen as a slap in the face by the twenty or so objectors to the Willow Brook application who attended Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Planning Committee meeting in April, where they were encouraged by town councillors (some of whom are also SGC ward councillors) to “attend

Residents from nearby properties in Dewfalls Drive and Wheatfield Drive stage a protest against the Willow Brook Centre proposals (Feb 2018)

any site inspection meeting and planning committee meeting if [and] when these happen”.

Night time noise

The latest news from SGC planning department is that the applicant has now submitted a night time noise assessment report, which had been called for to address concerns regarding the potential impact of noise from patrons visiting the proposed restaurants at night. The report references representative data from a McDonald’s restaurant at Hengrove Leisure Park, which is said to have a similar “noise climate” to the proposed development at Willow Brook.

It concludes that proposed restaurant[s] would “not result in any significant night time noise impacts … at the nearest noise sensitive receptors [at a property

17m away in Wheatfield Drive]”.

The applicant has also submitted revised plans to slightly rotate the footprint of the McDonald’s unit to take account of the presence of an ash tree that is protected by a tree preservation order.

Once the revised plans have been assessed, the planning officer will prepare a report for publication on the council’s weekly Circulated Schedule and unless (now) three councillors choose, within five working days, to ‘call in’ the officer’s recommended decision, it will be formally issued.

Should a ‘call in’ be successfully made, the application would go on to be considered by the new Development Management Committee, which has the option of requesting a site inspection meeting before making a decision.

Axis 4-5 Woodlands Business Park Woodlands, Off Woodlands Lane Bradley Stoke BS32 4JT

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November 2018

News

Saturday morning ‘code club’ in Bradley Stoke

C

hildren attending weekly Saturday morning coding and robotics sessions in Bradley Stoke are learning valuable skills which could see them join the next generation of computer game programmers or robotics engineers.

The volunteer-led ‘Scratch Code 4 Kids’ sessions are held at Church of Christ the King in Mautravers Close (off Brook Way) and are aimed at children in Key Stages 1 and 2.

The group offers one-hour sessions starting at 8.30am, 9.30am and 10.30am, with an open session between 11.30am and 2pm.

Sessions may include: • STEM-based activities, including very basic electronics • Practising eye to hand coordination using a mouse and keyboard • Robotics - using Bee-Bot and Blue Bot

Class tutor Theo van der Heiden gives guidance to some youngsters at a special Halloween-themed code club session

• Learning about helicopters and drones Extensive use is made of Lego WeDo, a primary education resource developed for younger primary school pupils as an introduction to control technology and programming using robotics, and Raspberry

Pi credit card-sized single board computers.

The sessions, which are free to attend, are run entirely by volunteers, with parental support. There is, however, a requested donation of £8 per child per month, to cover the costs of room hire.

Taster sessions are offered and a waiting list is maintained at times when places on the regular sessions are unavailable.

Advance booking is essential via scratch.code4kids@gmail.com ● For more information, visit the Scratch Code 4 Kids website https://code4-kids.com

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

November 2018

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News

Wheatfield School grounds workday doubles as 20th anniversary celebration

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L-r: Former headteachers Chris Dursley and Lois Haydon join present head Phil Winterburn in cutting a cake to mark the school’s 20th anniversary

WHEATFIELD Primary School held its bi-annual Grounds Day again on Saturday 13th October.

Staff, parents and children came together to help tidy up and prepare the school grounds for winter. The day also marked the 20th anniversary of the school’s official opening and the launch of a series events that the school will be holding across the academic year to celebrate this important

milestone in its history.

Past and present headteachers from the school (Miss Chris Dursley, Mrs Lois Haydon and Mr Phil Winterburn) all attended on Saturday and they, along with some of the children, planted seeds in a new wildflower garden to recognize the occasion. Those who attended were rewarded with cake and marshmallows around the fire pit.

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November 2018

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C&M Services, Page 6 Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, Page 10 Edge Tax, Page 9 Rowlands Accountancy, Page 24 Alternative Therapies Jean Jones Hypnotherapy, Page 15 Bathrooms Concept Property Maintenance, Page 11 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 35 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 23 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 35 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 28 & 29 Drive Vauxhall, Page 21 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 44 Northavon Carpentry, Page 7 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 14 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 40 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 43 Children’s Activities Bristol Riding School, Page 37 Jump Bristol, Page 12 Razzamataz Theatre School, Page 35 Willow Brook Centre, Page 48 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Pages 11 Cleaning & Domestic Services Mariola’s Angels, Page 20 Computer Services goto iT, Page 40 Curtains & Blinds Visit directory on BSJ website Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 7 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 40 Double Glazing Visit directory on BSJ website Education & Learning Charlton Wood Primary School, Page 38 Holy Trinity Primary School, Page 6 Little Stoke Primary School, Page 14 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 42 SGS College, Pages 2 & 47 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 24 Price Electrical Services, Page 16 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Events Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 30 Willow Brook Centre, Page 48 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 37 Crystal Clear Financial Planning, Page 13 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Pages 11 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 19 MW Funeral Directors, Page 39 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 22 Filton Central Garage, Page 15 LCM Automotive, Page 7 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 32 Mr Lovell & Son, Page 33 Painting Petals, Page 44 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 41 Professional Gardening Services, Page 46 Smart Patios, Page 24

Gyms & Health Clubs Visit directory on BSJ website Hairdressers The Filton Barbers, Page 16 Reflections, Page 8 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 33 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 37 Launderettes Wash Shop Plus, Page 45 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 37 Crystal Clear Financial Planning, Page 13 Opticians Specsavers, Page 31 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 44 Digby Decor, Page 44 Painting Petals, Page 44 Rick Murphy, Page 44 Pest Control Aman Pest Control, Page 44 Pet Services & Supplies New Passage Cattery, Page 45 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 45 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Pages 11 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 46 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 45 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 11 Gregor Heating, Page 1 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 35 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 45 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 45 Panache Plumbing, Page 45 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 45 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 45 Property Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Page 3 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 11 David Coombs Services, Page 44 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 35 P.J.R Plastics, Page 45 Recruitment Clover Health & Homecare, Page 35 Removals & Storage Visit directory on BSJ website Restaurants Saffron Indian Restaurant, Page 41 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 46 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 46 Shopping Jamesboy Records, Page 7 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 4 Star Legal, Page 34 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 17 Sport & Leisure Bristol Riding School, Page 37 Shanthi Yogalay, Page 45 Razzamataz Theatre School, Page 35 Sunglasses Designer Sunnies, Page 18 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 44 Z Cars, Page 40 Tiling Services Tileworx Tiling Services, Page 44 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 45

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YOUR FIRST REAL CHANCE AT SGS! Join us at our Open Event and find out about SGS College’s wide range of full/part-time and Higher Education study programmes, including those starting in September 2019.

• Speak with our specialist course tutors • Meet current learners studying at SGS • Tour the campus to see our industry focused facilities OUR NEXT OPEN EVENT: Saturday 24 November, 10:00–13:00 All subject areas – SGS Filton, WISE, Stroud, Queens Road and Berkeley UTC campuses

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WB Lights BSJ AW.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2018 21:26 Page 1

Friday 16th November

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