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October 2019 • Issue 75

WHAT’S ON P11, P35 | SPORT P18 | SCHOOLS P29 | DIRECTORY P38

Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge: Uncertainty over traffic plans as piling work set to begin P8-9

Bradley Stoke in Bloom

Land at Harry Stoke

Best Front Garden winners

Final go-ahead for 763 homes

P20-21

PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE l Work set to start soon on Brook Way car park l One Below discount store coming to Willow Brook l Airfield transformation set to get under way l Call for action as another bus strikes bridge l Bramble-munching goats return to Parkway l Bradley Stoke in Bloom autumn 2019 update l Local building firm steps in to sponsor U12 girls l Former mayor launches new political party l Parties submit cases in McDonald’s appeal l Might golf course homes scheme now resurface? l BSCS: Realistically, how close do you have to live? l Conservation group report for September

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News

Work set to start soon on Brook Way car park 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

20 new parking bays here

About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal magazine is published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: Equinox South, Great Park Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4QL. Our other publications include the Stoke Gifford Journal magazine and website, the Patchway Journal website and the Filton Journal website. North Bristol Press is independent of any other media company or network operating in the Bristol area. We accept no responsibility for anything stated by advertisers, who are themselves responsible for complying with all relevant legislation. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2019. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

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. Our next issue: November/December 2019 • The advertising copy deadline is Friday 18th October • The article copy deadline is Monday 21st October • The magazine will be distributed from 2nd November

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Outline location of new parking bays on the hard court area (indicative only)

ork to create 20 new parking spaces at Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Brook Way Activity Centre site could finally get under way in October, more than six years after redevelopment proposals were first put forward. The future of the dilapidated hard court area at the centre has been the subject of much controversy, not least when, in September 2013, the then mayor Cllr Brian Hopkinson proposed the construction of two new buildings on the site, one for a charity and the other for youth provision. A subsequent public consultation showed that 59 percent of respondents wanted to see additional parking facilities provided at the site, with just 20 percent supporting the need for a “new building” of some form. A working group formed to consider the results of the consultation failed to produce any formal reports over a period of more than two years and, in the words of Cllr Elaine Hardwick, was deemed to have “died a death” by July 2016. In that month, the town council agreed to use earmarked reserves to extend the car park at the Brook Way site, remove the hard court and create a grassed ‘village green’. A planning application for the proposed scheme was

subsequently submitted, in April 2017, to South Gloucestershire Council (SGC). However, it was later withdrawn after SGC officers had expressed concerns about the loss of trees and the potential for excavation works to damage the roots of some retained trees. A planning application for a revised scheme was submitted in January 2018 and consent was granted in May 2018. In the approved scheme, 20 additional parking bays will be created within the footprint of the hard court. In contrast to the previous scheme, no deep excavations of the hard court surface will be carried out. Consequently, there will be a “graduated incline” between the existing car park area and the new parking bays. Engaging a contractor to carry out the necessary work has been a lengthy process as the council was obliged to advertise the job specification on a national procurement website. After this failed to attract any enquiries, quotes were subsequently sought from local companies and the lowest received tender of £37,650 has now been accepted. The council’s premises manager John Rendell says he is hopeful of agreeing a start date in October and it is anticipated that the work on site will take three weeks to complete.

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October 2019

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News

One Below discount store coming to Willow Brook ONE BELOW, a new UK discount shopping brand from the original founders of Poundworld, is set to open a store in Bradley Stoke, creating 20 local retail jobs. As we went to press, we learned that the new store was scheduled to open in the former Poundworld unit at the Willow Brook Centre on Friday 27th September. The independent chain claims to be the only discount store in the UK selling everything for £1 or under and it specialises in frequent ‘get it before it’s gone’ one-off deals. Shoppers queue outside one of the first One Below stores to open in March 2019 It sells a wide range of wellknown brands including Coca pair were the original founders Retail Park in Fishponds. Cola, Pedigree, Heinz, Kellogg’s of former high street retailer Poundworld entered and Cadbury’s. Poundworld Retail Limited administration in June 2018 One Below, which opened its before it was sold to American and all its stores were closed by first stores in March 2019, is private equity conglomerate, August that year, with the loss of independently financed by father TPG Capital in 2014. more than 5,000 jobs. and son retail entrepreneurs The new venture now has more A spokesperson for the new Christopher Edwards (36) and than 50 stores, with the nearest venture said some of the 13 WB BSJ BALLOON 1 06/06/2019 PageHill 4 Christopher EdwardsADS.qxp_Layout Senior. The currently being at22:17 Channons staff members who lost their

jobs when the Bradley Stoke Poundworld outlet closed have been taken on at the new One Below store. Christopher Edwards, managing director of One Below Retail Limited, said: “We’re delighted to be opening a store at the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke. It’s a great location and we’re hoping that the store is going to go down well with shoppers looking for some great deals.” Andy Wynn, centre manager, commented: “We are delighted to welcome One Below to Willow Brook. The company has been expanding rapidly in recent months and will make a great addition to Bradley Stoke. In a tough retail climate, the new opening will make Willow Brook one of only a handful of UK shopping centres to be fully let.” ● For opening offers, see the One Below advert on page 6.

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October 2019

News

Green light for 763-home development at Harry Stoke

ousebuilder Crest Nicholson has secured final planning approval for a 763-home development on land at Harry Stoke. The new estate will also have a community centre, nursery and shops, but there will be no GP or dental surgery. A baseline of 194 affordable homes (25.4 percent of the total) are to be provided through a joint venture between Crest and Sovereign Housing Association. Plans for a 1.5-form-entry primary school are also in the pipeline but are the subject of a separate planning application that is yet to be determined. The greenfield site is bordered by the A4174 Ring Road to the south, Harry Stoke Road to the west and north and the Ham Brook to the east. It forms part of a wider area that was designated in South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s)

Local Plan, adopted in 2006, for the construction of a total of 1,200 new homes. Outline planning permission for the whole neighbourhood was subsequently granted in 2007, but to date only 166 homes have been built – at the site now known as Highbrook Park, further to the east. A reserved matters (detailed) planning application for the 763-home development was submitted by Muben Investments in December 2017. However, the land was subsequently acquired by Crest Nicholson, who submitted a swathe of revised plans in late November 2018, in part to substitute its own housetypes. The move angered close neighbours who claimed the style of housing proposed along the western “rural edge” had been “completely changed” and was out of keeping with the existing architecture in Harry Stoke hamlet.

Concerns were also expressed about the height of properties (up to 4-storeys) on the highest part of the site and the preservation of an archaeological feature within the site which was originally thought to be a moat, but was later identified by an expert as likely being the remnants of a medieval fishpond. Objections were received from 78 residents and from Stoke Gifford Parish Council, which described the proposals as “unimaginative” and “too urban near Harry Stoke Road South”. A report written by SGC’s planning officers ahead of a meeting of the council’s Strategic Sites Delivery Committee on 19th September had recommended that the plans be approved, despite the numerous objections. The report said that ‘design codes’ agreed in 2012 to control the detailed design phase had not been strictly adhered to in some parts of the development, but in most cases this could be justified due to changes in circumstances such as the construction of taller buildings on neighbouring sites bordering the A4174. They concluded that the deviations “would not result in material harm”. Committee members were informed that Historic England had rejected a request for the moat/fishpond to be formally designated as an asset and that the council’s conservation officer and archaeologist both considered it “not to have any

significant heritage importance”. Accordingly, the feature was not deemed to be of such significance as to warrant retention ‘in situ’. As previously reported, an extension of Oxleigh Way from Highbrook Park to Westfield Lane to provide an east-west link road is currently under construction, in line with a condition on previously approved planning permissions. Concerns expressed that this route might be used as a rat run were dismissed as being outside the scope of the current application. There will also be a northsouth spine road through the site, emerging at its southern end onto the A4174 near the Coldharbour Lane junction. Access at this point will be controlled by a bus gate, enforced by ANPR cameras. Crest recently said it hoped to complete the first homes on the site before the end of this year. It is being marketed under the name ‘Brooklands Park’. Some of the land has been sold by Crest to Linden Homes, who are have named their part of the site ‘Brook Park’. The Journal understands that the development will be completed in three phases, with the northern section (284 homes) being delivered first, followed by the central section (206 homes) and finally the southern section. Delivery of the full quota of homes is anticipated by 2028, according to a housing supply report recently published by SGC.

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October 2019

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Crest Nicholson Brooklands Park masterplan

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk Reactions from some of the objectors

Hambrook Lane

The Aviva Centre car park

Highbrook Park

Harry Stoke

Primary school site

Future housing site

A4174 Ring Road

Residents of Harry Stoke South are very disappointed both with the handling and approval of the Crest application by South Gloucestershire Council. We as residents were given to believe there are rules and regulations governing planning e.g. The Design Code. However, it is apparent from our experience that SGC officials, developers and councillors can flout these rules when it suits. So, instead of having a gradual transition from rural to urban with “1.5-2 storey detached and semidetached properties, with natural stonework on the periphery of the development and in particular Harry Stoke Road South”, there will be high density, up to 4 storeys, and urban core type properties with no natural stonework up to the edge along Harry Stoke Road South and to the southern border of The Yews, a Locally Listed property. Interestingly, this has not happened in the northern periphery where the developer has already built sizeable properties. Harry Stoke Development Action Group I am so disappointed that, despite the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan listing hedges, dry stone walls, the great crested newt and ponds in their Priority Habitat and Species list, members of the planning committee seemingly ignored their own guidelines and effectively voted for the destruction of the historic medieval fishpond. Adrian Kerton, local history enthusiast

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October 2019

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News

Airfield transformation set to get under way First major construction contract awarded ahead of work starting later this autumn

Advertising boards already on display at the site, near the Trust Ford dealership

he first major construction contract to transform the historic former Filton Airfield into a thriving new neighbourhood has been awarded to a West Country firm Vertase FLI, based in Portishead. The historic former airfield – the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel – is set to become a new urban community, known as Brabazon. Vertase FLI will carry out the necessary enabling works so that construction can begin later this autumn. The first phase of new homes at Brabazon, to be built on a parcel of land close to the Trust Ford car dealership on Hayes Way, have been designed by Stirling Prizewinning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. The architecture of the 278 new properties reflects the heritage of the site, with the rooflines at Brabazon designed to echo the profile of an airplane’s tail-fin while also maximising

light for the homes’ energyefficient solar panels. The announcement of the first contract by YTL Developments comes almost exactly 70 years after the Brabazon – the visionary aircraft from which the new neighbourhood takes its name – made its first flight. The Brabazon first took off from Filton Airfield on 4th September 1949, in the process testing new technologies that paved the way for modern commercial aviation as we know it today. Brabazon is designed to live up to that legacy, creating a place for the next generation to live, work and thrive. The works entail the excavation of over 18,000 cubic metres of earth, weighing over 38,000 tonnes. That’s equivalent to the weight of 300 Concordes. Vertase FLI has designed the works to be as sustainable as possible, ensuring that all of the excavated material will be reused on site.

Visualisation of the proposed architecture in the first phase. Some of the rooflines are designed to echo the profile of an aeroplane’s tail-fin.

Once construction begins later this year, YTL Developments anticipate that the first new homes at Brabazon will go on sale in late 2020, with the first residents set to move in early in 2021. Rob Benson, construction director at YTL Developments said: “Awarding our first construction contract is a major milestone in the transformation of this historic local landmark. Awarding this contract to a renowned local firm demonstrates how we hope this thriving new neighbourhood will create not only new homes but also new jobs and new opportunities for people and businesses across the local community.”

Michael Longman, project director at Vertase FLI said: “We have been following the developments of this prestigious site for many years and we are delighted to be working with YTL Developments on this initial stage which we hope will be the first of many. The skills and expertise of my colleagues at Vertase FLI, many of whom live locally, will ensure we deliver this project in the most safe and sustainable manner possible.” ● www.brabazon.co.uk

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October 2019

News Latest on Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge works

ork around the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge has intensified in recent weeks after the main construction period for the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) began in early August. Activity close to the bridge has focused on clearing trees and shrubs to permit access to locations where excavation and pile driving needs to take place in order to create load-bearing foundations for the replacement bridge (see facing page). As planned, three-way temporary traffic lights have been in operation at the bridge during off-peak times only since Monday 2nd September. These have sometimes caused long tailbacks along Gipsy Patch Lane, although it has been observed that the one-way flow under the bridge has meant that queues disperse

quickly during the ‘green’ phases. The temporary lights were supposed to be in place for two weeks before being replaced by the intermittent use of stop/ go boards, however, it was announced in mid-September that the lights would be needed for at least a further week. The extension was said to be needed to “enable additional work to lower a utility cable”. An eight-month full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane remains on the cards for early next year, either side of a 12-day closure of the railway line over Easter during which the existing bridge will be dismantled and its much wider replacement moved into place. The precise dates of the full closure have not been announced, but information on roadworks.org suggests that it will commence on 5th March.

Three-way traffic lights in operation during the third week in September

Gipsy Patch Lane: What happens next? Planned works on Gipsy Patch Lane for autumn 2019 will see the continuation of preparation works for the replacement railway bridge. This work will include further clearance of trees and shrubs around the existing bridge, the dismantling and removal of the pill box, preparation for foundation works at the four corners of the new bridge and piling works. We will be writing to residents and businesses near to the bridge concerning the piling works. Work will also start in the construction site in the Horizon 38 Business Park where the new bridge will be built before being moved into place next year. We are in discussions with the CPME Stakeholder Liaison Group regarding the planting of replacement trees at alternative locations within the Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke areas. Source: South Gloucestershire Council

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October 2019

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Still frame from Alun Griffiths video showing construction of the four ‘pile caps’ on which the new, much wider concrete bridge will eventually be supported

Date

Project milestone

Summer 2019

Preliminary works start on Gipsy Patch Lane

Autumn/winter 2019

Vegetation clearance at San Andreas roundabout and on Hatchet Road

Early 2020 Spring 2020 Winter 2020 Early 2021 2022

Construction begins at San Andreas roundabout and on Hatchet Road Gipsy Patch Lane closure for bridge construction (approximately 8 months) Gipsy Patch Lane reopens Works on Gipsy Patch Lane (west of the bridge) Construction complete

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Project timetable published on SGC’s dedicated CPME information page. This covers work on the wider scheme, including San Andreas roundabout (near The Mall) and the installation of new MetroBus stops on Hatchet Road.

Start/end dates

Traffic management

23rd September 2019 5th March 2020

Traffic control (stop/go boards)

5th March 2020 3rd November 2020

Road closure

Description of work Access for construction of foundations for new rail bridge outside highway boundary including sheet… Demolition of existing rail bridge and installation of new bridge including associated construction...

Gipsy Patch Lane: Details of planned work shown on roadworks.org Continued from facing page

Uncertainty surrounds details of the traffic management that will be in place between now and the start of the full road closure in spring next year. A Traffic Management Framework document submitted with the planning application for the bridge works indicated that a 12-month one-way closure of Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge would be necessary from July 2019 to June 2020. With no other detailed upto-date traffic management plans being available on South Gloucestershire Council’s

dedicated CPME webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/ CPmetrobus, we asked if this information could be provided for inclusion in this article. A spokesperson replied: “We are currently undertaking further detailed programming work to confirm the precise timescales and the most appropriate forms of traffic management for the widening of Gipsy Patch Lane to the east and west of the railway bridge. We will engage with the Stakeholder Liaison Group regarding this in the near future and we will then publish further information when confirmed.”

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October 2019

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News

Call for action as another bus strikes Parkway bridge

Top: A number 19A bus operated by First Bristol & West pictured jammed under the brick arch part of the bridge on 10th September 2019. Above: The roof of a double decker bus, completely sheared off and lying on the road surface under the bridge, following an incident on 2nd November 2018.

toke Gifford councillor Brian Allinson has repeated his demand for a separate pedestrian and cyclist tunnel to be constructed alongside Parkway railway bridge following another vehicle strike incident. The bridge is actually formed of two separate structures, a steel deck bridge to the Hatchet Road side and a brick arch bridge to the Brierly Furlong side. While the steel deck bridge has constant height across the carriageway, the brick arch bridge has a lower clearance, both in the centre of the road and more so towards each side. As well as the usual warning signs on and before the bridge, lines painted in the road are intended to remind drivers of high vehicles that they need to move towards the centre of the road when passing under the structure. An incident in December 2018 saw the whole roof of a double decker bus sheared off under the bridge. There were no passengers on board the bus at the time, and the driver was reported to be “unhurt but shocked”. Fortunately, there were also no pedestrians passing along the narrow footways under the bridge; if there had been, the outcome might have been much more serious. The recent incident, on 10th September, saw a First Bristol number 19A bus become jammed

under the bridge because the driver had failed to move the vehicle towards the centre of the road where the clearance is greater. There were no reported injuries. In addition to the dangers posed by bridge strikes, Cllr Allinson says the narrow footways under the bridge put pedestrians and cyclists at unacceptable risk on a daily basis. Speaking at a meeting of Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Cllr Allinson said he was aware that plans for a parallel pedestrian tunnel at the site had been drawn up some years ago when the cost was estimated at £10m but following the recent electrification of the railway line this had risen to £20m. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “Following the recent bridge strikes, we are reviewing the existing warning signs which alert bus drivers of the height restrictions in place on the bridge. We are in regular contact with First Bus and keep them informed of changes to signs or road markings.” “We recognise that this is both a narrow and highly used bridge. However, with a number of other major transport projects currently taking place in the area, we need to evaluate the impact these schemes will have once complete, in order to fully assess our options at Parkway.”

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October 2019

News Visibility screens installed at roundabout

f you’ve noticed these green boards recently appear at the Winterbourne Road / Hatchet Road roundabout and wondered what they’re for, here’s an explanation from South Gloucestershire Council, reproduced from a notice displayed on parish council noticeboards around Stoke Gifford.

Background

Collision records show that there is an issue with vehicles on the B4057 over-running give way lines at Hatchet Road roundabout and colliding with vehicles on the circulatory carriageway. Funding has been prioritised to address this issue by providing visibility screens on the B4057 approaches, to reduce vehicle approach speeds.

Purpose of the scheme

The purpose of the scheme is to reduce the number of collisions occurring, by reducing vehicle

speeds on the B4057 approaches. Currently, the very good visibility on the approach to the roundabout means that drivers can make a very early decision as to whether to enter the roundabout or not; consequently, these drivers do not reduce speed significantly, and some misjudge their entry leading to a collision. The provision of screens which reduce forward visibility forces drivers to slow down and wait until they approach the give way line, where they regain visibility, to make a decision on whether to enter the roundabout or not. Such installations have been successful in reducing collisions at similar sites (including A4174 Wraxall Road, in South Gloucestershire).

Proposed scheme

It is proposed to introduce visibility screens on both B4057 approaches to the roundabout. The screens will be dark green in colour and approximately 1.8 metres in height.

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October 2019

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News

Bramble-munching goats return to Parkway

herd of goats, that were, until recently munching their way through brambles around the old gun emplacements on Purdown (Stoke Park), has taken up residence at a site near Bristol Parkway railway station. The animals, managed by community urban farming group Street Goat, have returned to scrubland alongside the Parkway Park & Ride facility in Hunts Ground Road. They are being deployed as part of a ‘conservation grazing’ initiative which aims to restore grassland and encourage the growth of wildflowers on sites that are important for wildlife. The aim of the grazing at Parkway is to increase the population of the small blue butterfly (cupido minimus), which is classified as a ‘priority species’ in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This species of

butterfly feeds solely on a wildflower called kidney vetch which grows at this location. With the goats clearing the brambles and shrubs, this makes way for more kidney vetch to grow, which will then hopefully increase the numbers of small blue butterflies. As previously reported, Street Goat first introduced goats to the Parkway site in January 2018. They were subsequently transferred to Goblin Coombe in the spring but made a second visit to Parkway in the summer. The goats are very friendly

Goats devouring brambles behind the fence at Parkway Park & Ride

and members of the public are more than welcome to visit them, although Street Goat requests that you don’t feed them as they have sufficient natural food to keep them healthy. The animals are expected to be at the Parkway Park & Ride site

until December or January. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer goat herder, which involves helping to monitor the goats and reporting any issues to Street Goat, is invited to get in touch via their website: www.streetgoat.co.uk

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October 2019

News

Bradley Stoke in Bloom autumn 2019 update By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB)

lthough we were delighted to welcome some newbies to our team (Kamil, Kelly, Suzanne, Stevie and Tom), as soon as they started we entered the holiday season and we all took some well earned time off. We haven’t been completely slacking off though, as in one week we managed to take part in a South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) ‘working in water’ training day, run a volunteers’ day, present prizes for a decoy duck competition, be interviewed by the BBC and be judged by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). In between showers, we’ve also managed to replant our ‘Welcome to Bradley Stoke’ planters. We appreciate they are not as showy as Thornbury’s but

we are a much smaller group. Neither do we have the luxury of having them watered by council staff, so we keep ours more low maintenance and sustainable. We did, though, have time to oil the ‘welcome’ and herb garden planters themselves and, before winter sets in, we hope to add another coat – if only we can find a dry spell long enough! The Aztec triangle also took a long while to weed and dead head all the flowers that had gone over, but it looks so much better for it. We also managed to get in a few autumn flowering plants At home, I sometimes feel we are the Mecca for all of the town’s slugs and snails who happily chomp their way though anything I buy, including the grasses and sunflowers that I had been given

Newly named decoy ducks Daisy and Donald on the pond at The Common East

as a birthday gift. So, in an effort to save them, they have been planted at Aztec too (just please don’t tell my mother). At The Common East pond, our decoy ducks were vandalised and although they were replaced (the new ones were ‘launched’ by Cllr Paul Hughes when he delivered our Bees’ Needs Award), we decided the new ones should

have new names, so the Friends at Wheatfield School ran a small competition to choose them. Connor won with ‘Daisy and Donald’ although Isabelle’s suggestion of ‘Suki and Rocket’ was a close second. We really hope that Connor and Isabelle enjoyed their small duck ‘thank you’s’ and that everyone appreciated their certificates.

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October 2019

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News

BSiB volunteers with the RHS judge on Manor Farm Roundabout

New animal figures in the display on Manor Farm Roundabout

Manor Farm Roundabout

to overwinter. The local Girl Guides are busy making us some butterfly displays to mark out the area as a butterfly garden. We were delighted to be told that we had been nominated by a friend to join up with the company Carbon Footprint Ltd to take part in their UK Tree Planting Project. This is where commercial partners sponsor trees to be planted around the UK to support biodiversity, enhance the natural landscape and offset the sponsor’s carbon

When we were interviewed by the BBC, it was all about Debbie and her friends and their unwanted adventures of which they do seem to have rather a lot of, mostly on bank holiday Sundays. The interviewer was most impressed that we hadn’t just given up and removed everything but, as we said to the RHS judges, we feel that this display has given Bradley Stoke its heart. We’ve had more posts and had more questions about Debbie and her roundabout than all the other ‘in Bloom’ sites put together! While I was away, Debbie and Super Pig gained another friend, or two to be precise – a dog to watch out for those ‘pesky adults’ and a wise owl to watch over them all. There was a bit of concern by their previous owners when it was discovered that footage was taken of vandals on the roundabout but we didn’t think adding to the menagerie counted as more vandalism, so their identity shall remain a secret that is safe with us. Debbie is looking a little tired by all her adventures and we are thinking that maybe, as with all cows, she should not be left outside in the cold rain all winter. So, don’t be surprised if one day soon she leaves the roundabout, although we promise she will reappear in the spring.

RHS judging

Ceri and I both dashed home from work to meet Guy Rawlinson who was our RHS ‘In Your Neighbourhood’ judge this year. It was expected that we would show Guy and his charming wife three of our sites

in just over an hour However, we all seemed to find much to talk about and more than two hours later they departed in good humour and just in time to catch a film with friends. The RHS results are given at their main awards presentation event in October, which this year is being held in Newquay so until then we shall keep our fingers crossed. We have been helping out with the wildflower strips on Brook Way, mainly removing weeds such as rape seed oil plants, so we were just a little surprised one day to see that the grass had been cut and left but the wildflowers had been cut and removed. We have always been told to cut and then to leave the arisings for a while so that all the seeds can drop, we contacted SGC to ask why the change in method and it seems they have a new contractor. Although it seems so long ago now, we were delighted to be asked by local company Lionbridge if they could help out, so we decided on continuing Green Gym’s work on Primrose Bridge. Although it was a very hot day, their 14 staff buckled down and managed to remove much bramble, which was replaced with more bee- and butterflyfriendly plants. Although being south facing, the bank is an ideal spot. The ground was too tough to dig, so we used a battery operated drill with an auger attachment, it may not be an orthodox method, but it certainly worked. After a break for lunch, with several delicious homemade cakes supplied by Liz, we also put up several butterfly boxes which will provide a place for butterflies

emissions. We have several areas where we wish to plant more trees, but we would open to any suggestions if you know of an area in need of a little greenery.

● How to contact BSiB…

t: 07582 634107 e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk w: bradleystokeinbloom.com … and on Facebook too!

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October 2019

In Brief ‘Barnum’ musical coming to Thornbury in October

BAILEY’S COURT PRIMARY SCHOOL BREACHES GATE, BRADLEY STOKE, BRISTOL BS32 8AZ Tel: 01454 838320

www.baileyscourt.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD FOR SEPTEMBER 2020? Here at Bailey’s Court Primary School, we are very proud of our children and we would love you to come and visit us. Our school is a happy place, where children, staff and parents all work together and you are very welcome to come and see us in action. If you would like to come for a tour of our school, please see the dates below.

You don’t need to book to visit us, simply pop in at 9.15 am on any of these dates:

Thursday 3rd October • Thursday 10th October • Thursday 7th November

Award winning Thornbury Musical Theatre Group are well advanced in their rehearsals for the circus-based musical ‘Barnum’ which will be performed at the Armstrong Hall in Thornbury from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th October. This show marries musical theatre and circus to tell the true story of a charming man who wanted to sell his vision to the world. Phineas Taylor Barnum, the self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Showman on Earth’, will never be satisfied unless he is living a life full of colour, fame and fortune. From humble beginnings selling lottery tickets to being one of the world’s most celebrated showmen, courted by presidents, kings and queens and producing such greats as the magnificent Tom Thumb, Jenny Lind and Jumbo the Elephant. A joyful and moving musical portrait of the nineteenth century’s greatest show-biz legend, ‘Barnum’ is a colourful, dynamic spectacle full of circus, side-show legends, toe-tapping songs and immense heart. Come follow the band! Performances will be at 7.30pm every night and there will also be a matinée on Saturday at 2.30pm. Adult tickets £12.50 and concessions £10.50 are available online at www.tmtg.org.uk or contact the Box Office on 07516 270140. Tickets are also available from Lisa Costa Residential Sales and Lettings at 53 High Street, Thornbury.

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October 2019

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News

Wise Owls welcome special visitors to the club

radley Stoke Wise Owls after school and holiday club enjoyed a fun-packed summer holiday programme and as part of ‘Heroes Week’ welcomed some special visitors from Avon and Somerset Constabulary. PC Leanne Weeks and Special Sergeant Harry Gregory came along to the club in their riot van! They answered questions from the children and demonstrated some of their equipment, whilst educating the children about some serious issues in a fun and exciting way. Vicky Norris from Wise Owls said: “The children had an amazing time today. They loved being able to go into a real life riot van and setting off the sirens. We would like to say a big thank you to Leanne and Harry for providing such an interactive and exciting event for the children to enjoy.” ● www.wiseowlsclub.com

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October 2019

Sport

Local building firm steps in to sponsor U12 girls In the back row (l-r), Lewis Colling, John Iles and Colin Broomsgrove of sponsor LNJ Construction Services Ltd join the Bradley Stoke Youth FC U12 girls after presenting them with their new match day kits

he U12 girls at Bradley Stoke Youth FC are now dressed for success thanks to sponsorship from local building firm LNJ Construction Services Ltd. Lewis Colling, director at LNJ, whose youngest step-daughter plays for the team, contacted manager/coach Lee Lawson when he heard the team were

looking for a kit sponsor. A conversation about the team and how LNJ could help led to the firm agreeing to sponsor 24 new full match kits, 1 full goalkeeper’s kit and a spare goalkeeper’s shirt. Lee says he had been in the process of drafting out emails to local businesses prior to Lewis getting in touch and he is pleased

that word of mouth brought a quick offer of support. Once the order was delivered, the girls were presented with their new kit at a photoshoot alongside Lewis and his partners at LNJ, Colin Broomsgrove and John Iles. Lee Lawson, BSYFC U12 manager/coach said: “The girls look fantastic in their new kit

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and are looking forward to the season. The coaches, girls and parents would like to extend their thanks to Lewis and LNJ for their generosity in sponsoring the team.” “It’s excellent to see companies like this supporting the local community in which they do business.” LNJ Construction boasts a combined 76 years of experience covering all building and construction works ranging from basic renovation to new builds. The company can also supply windows, doors and conservatories, custom made sheds, bases and summer houses. Further details are available via the firm’s Facebook page or by phoning Lewis on 07872 590253. BSYFC was established in 1998. It is an FA Charter Standard Community Club covering all age ranges from Reception age upwards. It also runs football sessions for children with disabilities. Parents of any children wanting to give club football a try can find further details on the Bradley Stoke Youth FC website www.bsyfc.co.uk The U12 girls train on Friday evenings on the grass pitches at Bradley Stoke Community School.

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October 2019

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News

Former mayor launches new political party “We will reinstate the voice of the people and the spirit of our nation”

oters could see a new party name on their ballot papers at the next general election after a former mayor of Bradley Stoke launched a new political party with ambitions to expand its membership across the UK. Cllr Elaine Hardwick, who was first elected to the town council on a Conservative ticket in 2011 and served as mayor in 2016-17, resigned from the party in August 2018 after a disciplinary panel upheld allegations of bullying and harassment made against her. In the May 2019 polls, she was successfully re-elected to the town council as an independent but failed in a bid to win the Bradley Stoke South seat on South Gloucestershire Council. Cllr Hardwick’s new party, The Citizens Movement Party UK, was successfully registered with the Electoral Commission on 10th September. Speaking to the Journal, Cllr Hardwick said she had decided to form her new party “due to residents being disillusioned with the current political situation and wanting change locally and nationally”. Citing voters’ concerns over the state of the NHS and the possibility of the pension age being raised to 75, she added: “I have listened to many people about what concerns them,

locally and nationally. Their concerns are [our] party’s concerns.” She continued: “The Citizens Movement Party UK will bring change, bringing back old and new values to align with each other, bring the people together, to work together and bring back a nation that was once great.” “The party will bring back the ‘voice of the people’ and the ‘spirit of our nation’, as these values have been eroded by parliament.” Pressed by the Journal to reveal more about the new party, Cllr Hardwick said membership had reached 26 in the first week after being officially registered, adding “this is only the start”. She aims to grow membership further through conducting rallies, canvassing, leaflet posting, social media and by attending festivals. Policy documents are in the process of being written and it is hoped to complete these “within a month”. Asked about her declared party affiliation at Bradley Stoke Town Council, Cllr Hardwick said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all those who voted for me as an independent in the May 2019 local election. As the party leader of The Citizens Movement Party UK, I have decided to be affiliated to the new party. My concern is the residents.”

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Launch event (l-r): Mary Bowden (treasurer), Casey Hardwick (nominated officer), Cllr Elaine Hardwick (leader), Laura Griffiths (policy & marketing), Terry Port (prospective candidate) and Brad Bowden (secretary)

Looking forward, Cllr Hardwick says her new party has prospective candidates ready

to contest elections at town council, district council and parliamentary levels.

Please park in Willow Brook Centre Car Park and walk to the fireworks

Sunday 3 November 2019 Bradley Stoke Jubilee Centre •Gates open at 4.30pm •Hot food will be served from 4.45pm •Fireworks display starts at 6.00pm NO ENTRY FEE, there will be various collection points in aid of the three Mayor’s Charities: Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, National Autistic Society (South Gloucestershire Branch) and NHS Blood & Organ Donation Campaign (under the auspices of Bristol Multi-Faith Forum)

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October 2019

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Bradley Stoke in Bloom 20 By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) s our annual best front garden competition is now in its seventh year, I think we can justifiably claim it is now a firm fixture in our calendar. Each year we think you can’t do any better and then you do just that! But as each year increases and each garden grows, so does the difficulty in choosing an outright winner and again this year there was just a point between the top two scorers. So, after much conversation (and maybe a pint or two), we decided to again have joint overall winners. Richard & Gill Love have, for the third time, scooped the top spot along with Maureen Hopkins & Evelyn Coates. Maureen is no stranger to the top spot though, as this is also her third time to win the shield! In the absence of a town carnival this year, we are grateful to Almondsbury Garden Centre, not only for generously donating vouchers to every contestant, but for again allowing us to take over their café where the prizes were awarded by our mayor, Cllr Tom Aditya, and BSiB member Pepi Lateva. Every garden we saw was unique, with such a wide variety of tastes and styles, but each reflecting their owners’ desire to make their own space a glorious one. The contestants not only brightened up their own homes but their home town too and for that we’re all very grateful, as it makes us feel we really are part of a lovely community. So we hope next year even more people enter into the community spirit and take part in our little competition. Previously, we really enjoyed running a children’s tallest sunflower competition (last won by Sophie & James Dent) and, if there is enough interest, we hope next year to again have a children’s category – either another tallest sunflower or maybe ‘a garden in a pot’. 1st prizes were a personalised glass trophy to keep, a framed certificate, an engraved gold medal and a £25 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre. 2nd prizes were a personalised glass trophy to keep, a framed

Prize winners: Large Gdn. 1st: Richard & Gill Love Brackendene 2nd: Bluebell Gardens team Savages Wood Road 3rd: Alisa & Richard Aquilina Juniper Way 4th: David & Jenny Neale Address withheld Runners-up: Large Gdn. (in alphabetical order) Krishnan Rambadhran Malarvizhi Mookkandy & Ravishankar Yetrivel Prize winners: Small Gdn. 1st: Maureen Hopkins & Evelyn Coates 2nd: Fred J Hillberg 3rd: Christine Price Facebook favourite Richard & Gill Love Overall winners (who for a year, will share the engraved BFG shield) =1st: Richard & Gill Love =1st: Maureen Hopkins & Evelyn Coates certificate, an engraved silver medal and a £10 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre. All runners up received a framed certificate, an engraved bronze medal and a £5 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre. ● How to contact BSiB… t: 07582 634107 e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk w: bradleystokeinbloom.com and on Facebook too!

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019 Best Front Garden competition: The winners

SG/3rd

LG/2nd

Above (l-r): Pepi Lateva (BSiB), Gill & Richard & Love (large garden winners), Cllr Tom Aditya, Maureen Hopkins & Evelyn Coates (small garden winners) and Sara Messenger (BSiB). Below and right: Views of the prize winning gardens.

SG/2nd

LG/1st

phone The Journalâ€™s sales team on 01454 300 400

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October 2019

Ask the Doctor with Dr Sian Langdon of Bradley Stoke Surgery Concussion to the fore in an exciting year of sport

his year has been one sporting event extravaganza after another and there has been one condition that finally seems to have been brought to the forefront of people’s minds – concussion. This condition is not something that just professional sports people suffer from but something that each and every one of us could experience at some point in our lives. Granted, playing contact sports such as rugby and boxing increases this risk, but non-contact sports (such as cricket) and other falls, bumps and knocks where there is an injury to the head can cause it too. Concussion is a temporary brain injury which is usually short lived, but for some it can have longer-lasting effects. The symptoms include headaches, dizziness, feeling sick, memory loss, balance issues, blurred vision, confusion and sleepiness.

These often become apparent shortly after the injury and, for many, the symptoms are mild and can be managed at home. Sometimes the symptoms can be more significant or severe and need to be assessed within the A&E department of your local hospital. If there has been a loss of consciousness, persistent

important to avoid activities that could make things worse. Getting plenty of rest, using pain relief medications for the headache, avoiding alcohol, avoiding strenuous activity or sports for at least a week, and contact sports for at least three weeks. The RFU and WRU have clear guidance on rugby

“ Most people recover from concussion within a few days or weeks but sometimes it can take longer. Children are especially affected…

”

vomiting since the injury, change in behaviour, clear fluid from the ears or nose, persistent severe headache that doesn’t get better with pain killers, fitting or visual issues, then an assessment needs to be done as soon as possible. Most people recover from concussion within a few days or weeks but sometimes it can take longer. Children are especially affected and it is extremely

players and returning to the sport; it is important to follow this guidance – it is in your best interests. Repeated concussions or blows to the head have been linked to serious problems including permanent brain damage, which is preventable. Sport should be a fun social activity. It has been shown to have a number of physical and mental health benefits.

Whatever activity you do it is important to stay safe, wear safety equipment that is recommended (especially helmets when riding a motorcycle, bicycle or horse), wear seatbelts and ensure that activities are supervised correctly. I hope the year of sport so far has inspired you to try something new or continue to take part in a sport you enjoy. Just remember to stay safe! Dr Sian Langdon Bradley Stoke Surgery www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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October 2019

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News

Parties submit cases in McDonald’s appeal

he parties involved in the Willow Brook Centre’s appeal against a decision to refuse planning permission for additional development at the town centre site have been making their final written submissions to the Planning Inspectorate. The centre wants to build two new drive-through food and drink units (foreseen to be occupied by McDonald’s and Starbucks) and is also seeking outline permission to add two new units to the existing retail terrace (beyond Poundstretcher), with an associated reconfiguration of the car park. The proposals have proved controversial because of the proximity of the drive-through units to residential properties in Wheatfield Drive, with the single-storey Starbucks being just 22m away from the nearest dwelling. The adjacent two-storey McDonald’s building would be 50m distant. The centre has taken the case to appeal after two different planning committees at South Gloucestershire Council refused permission on the grounds that allowing it would result in “a harmful concentration of food and drink uses resulting in a prejudicial impact on residential amenity due to noise, general disturbance, fumes, smells, and late night activity”. It was also ruled that the proposals “fail to

promote the economic, social and environmental character of the area”. Following on from the submission of the appellant’s ‘statement of case’ (reported in our previous issue), an ‘appeal statement’ has now been submitted by consultants acting on behalf of the council. The two parties have also agreed a ‘statement of common ground’, which confirms that the reasons for refusal relate only to the two proposed food and drink units, i.e. the proposed retail terrace expansion is acceptable to the council. In the statement, the council confirms that the general principle of building two drivethrough food and drinks units at some location within the town centre site is acceptable. It is also agreed that proximity to schools does not relate to any aspect of the reasons for refusal. The parties are also agreed that “the proposals would not be harmful based on the number and distribution of food and drink units at the Willow Brook Centre or wider area of Bradley Stoke”. Whilst the need for additional conditions on any potential planning permission is not agreed between the parties, the appellant reiterates a previous statement that a condition restricting the opening hours of

the food units to 6am-11pm for Starbucks and 6am-midnight (Sun-Thu) / 6am-1am (Fri & Sat) for McDonald’s would be acceptable if the inspector considered this would “serve a purpose in limiting disturbance”. The council’s own statement contends that the location of the proposed food and drink units (close to the present Waves hand car wash) will have the effect of “breaking the consolidated form of the shopping centre … drawing some expenditure and footfall from the principal shopping area”. It adds that an alternative location

closer to the existing shop units “would subvert the identified impact on existing residents which have formed the basis for refusing planning permission”. Whilst acknowledging that the proposed drive-through units “will have some economic benefit through the provision of additional employment”, the council argues that the benefits are not sufficient to outweigh the harm or the conflict with policy. According to a source at the Planning Inspectorate, a decision on the appeal is unlikely to be made before the end of October.

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October 2019

News

Councils told to start again on strategic housing plan

masterplan that defines the strategy for delivering 105,000 new homes across the West of England by 2036 lies in tatters after government inspectors recommended that it should be rewritten from the ground up. The Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) was worked on by the councils of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol City, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire over a period of more than three years, prior to being submitted to the government in April 2018. Its purpose is to provide a strategic, overarching vision and framework to help deliver the number of new homes, land for employment purposes and the supporting infrastructure that it is anticipated will be needed over the next 20 years. One of the main purposes of the JSP is to identify socalled strategic development locations (SDLs) which have the potential to deliver large scale development (500+ dwellings) over the plan period. A large number of SDLs were identified in an ‘issues and options’ consultation that was put out to the public in November 2015. These were finally whittled down to a list of twelve sites by the time the JSP was submitted for examination by government inspectors last year. The chosen SDLs in South Gloucestershire are the proposed Buckover Garden Village

(Tortworth) along with sites in Charfield, Coalpit Heath, Thornbury and Yate. A proposed development of 2,000 new homes on the site of Woodlands Golf Course, near Bradley Stoke (see facing page), didn’t make it into the final list. But the two governmentappointed inspectors who have been examining the JSP for “soundness” over the past 16 months have now dropped a bombshell by stating that they have “significant concerns” over the way the twelve SDLs were selected. In a letter sent to the four councils on 1st August, the inspectors wrote: “We are not persuaded that there is evidence to demonstrate that the SDLs, and thus the overall spatial strategy, have been selected for inclusion in the plan, against reasonable alternatives, on a robust, consistent and objective basis.” In a further letter sent on 11th September, the inspectors said they had concluded that there are “very substantial soundness problems with the plan”, adding that an “enormous amount of work” would be needed to produce a plan “capable of being found sound”. The inspectors suggested that it would be appropriate for that the councils to now return to the drawing board to “formulate a robust, consistent and objective framework against which candidate SDLs can be selected

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for inclusion in the plan”. Speaking on behalf of the four West of England councils in response to the latest letter from the inspectors, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet member for spatial planning and city design Cllr Nicola Beech said: “We are disappointed by some of the conclusions drawn by the Inspectors, but we are also pleased to see they have confirmed the benefits of our strategic approach to planning, and our co-operation across the region. We remain fully committed to working together to achieve the best outcomes and while it is clear that we will not pursue the JSP in its current form, we will now consider their detailed comments carefully as we work to determine the best way forward.” “We share the desire of the residents and businesses who make up our communities and want to see us working together effectively. We are still totally committed to

working co-operatively to provide the homes, space for jobs, the living environment and the infrastructure we need to meet the challenges of the future - including addressing the housing crisis, the need for jobs and affordable housing, and responding to the climate emergency.” “We will fully consider the technical details carefully and the potential options open to us to move forwards, in addition to considering the implications for the ongoing development of Local Plans. We will do this in the coming weeks and anticipate submitting a formal response to the Planning Inspectorate as soon as practicable.” Below: South Gloucestershire councillor Brian Allinson holding copies of the JSP public consultation documents in November 2015.

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October 2019

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News

Might golf course homes scheme now resurface? The entrance to Woodlands Golf Course and Country Club on Trench Lane, just over the M4 motorway from Bradley Stoke

development company’s promotion of Woodlands Golf Course as a potential site for up to 2,000 new homes could be given renewed impetus following the news that a strategic housing plan has effectively been thrown out by government inspectors (see facing page). South West Strategic Developments Ltd (SWSD) put forward the Trench Lane site as a candidate for large-scale housing development when the first draft of the West of England’s Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) was being formulated in 2015. It failed to make the final version of the document, but SWSD contested the rationale behind that decision and continued to push for the site to be included after the JSP entered its ‘examination in public’ stage. SWSD also submitted a second proposal, for a smaller development of 500 homes at Woodlands. This alternative plan would see one of the two golf courses retained. However, it was emphasised that this was being put forward “without prejudice” to its efforts to have the larger scheme included. Local Conservative councillors John Ashe and Roger Avenin have voiced strong opposition to the Woodlands proposals, claiming that the development, if allowed to go ahead, would cause considerable problems for residents and businesses in Bradley Stoke. They also promoted a petition against the proposals in the run up to the

local elections in May. With the JSP inspectors now questioning the rationale used by the four West of England councils in selecting the final list of strategic development locations for inclusion in the plan, it looks likely that previously rejected sites will have to be re-evaluated. On being approached by the Journal for comment, a spokesperson for SWSD said: “We are aware of the government planning inspectors’ findings relating to the JSP and await the response from the four West of England councils.” “SWSD has been promoting the Woodlands Golf Club site as an opportunity to deliver a highly accessible and sustainable development, close to thousands of jobs, everyday facilities and Bristol city centre.” “Given the JSP findings, the Woodlands Golf Club site is one of many sites which is likely to be reconsidered as an opportunity for new housing development within South Gloucestershire.” “Whilst it is for the West of England councils to consider the way ahead, SWSD would like to assure the community that any future proposals for Woodlands Golf Club would be positively planned through engagement with local residents and councils to provide a wide range of facilities, infrastructure and road improvements.” For further information, visit the Woodlands Garden Village information page on the Bradley Stoke Journal website.

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News

BSCS: Realistically, how close do you have to live?

radley Stoke Community School (BSCS) is one of the most popular schools in South Gloucestershire and it consistently attracts significantly more 1st-preference applications for Year 7 entry than there are places available. Hence the perennial question we hear around this time of year as parents are making secondary school applications for their offspring: How close do you have to live to BSCS to have a realistic chance of getting in? In a typical year, around 40 percent of successful entrants are allocated a place without consideration of how far they live from the school because they are in one of the prioritised categories that include: children with special educational needs, looked-after children and siblings of children already at the school. Once places have been allocated to the prioritised cases, proximity to the school comes into play for the remaining applicants, based on hometo-school distances. Within this process, distances are all measured to three decimal points in a straight line between the

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BSCS ‘catchment area’ in a typical year Radius: 0.666 miles

address point of the child’s main residence and the address point of the school, using the council’s mapping software, to ensure consistency for all applicants. It should be added that a second geographical factor, namely residence within the school’s ‘consortium area of responsibility’ (roughly comprising of the Stokes, Filton and Patchway) can theoretically come into play during the process. However, since BSCS opened in 2005, no places at the school have been allocated in any entry year to applicants living outside the consortium area. As can be seen from the table below, applicants not satisfying the criteria for one of the prioritised categories have typically needed to live within two-thirds of a mile of the school to qualify for a place at BSCS. Disclaimer: Past years’ statistics may not be a reliable guide to the actual outcomes in future years, due to changes in demographics and other factors. The description given above is a simplification; please consult the admissions brochure for definitive information.

Bradley Stoke Community School (180 place entry into Year 7) Year No. of 1st No. of places No. of places Maximum of preference allocated NOT allocated by distance entry applications using distance using distance (miles) 2017 218 63 117 0.792 2018 279 75 105 0.599 2019 254 81 99 0.670

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News

Raise Christmas cheer in your Santa gear! Register by 14th October to save 25% on entry fee

hy not support Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) this year by taking part in Bristol’s biggest festive fun run, Santas on the Run? The 2k course, which begins at Lloyds Amphitheatre and winds its way round Bristol Harbourside, is suitable for all ages and abilities and takes place on Sunday 8th December. It’s a sponsored event with every Santa encouraged to raise as much money as possible to help CHSW care for local children and families at its hospice just outside of the city, Charlton Farm. It certainly is an experience to be part of – thousands of people dressed in Santa suits, dogs dressed for the season,

prams turned into sleighs for the day. This year CHSW hopes to raise £45,000 from the event which will help support over 220 children and families who use Charlton Farm. Help CHSW raise Christmas cheer in your Santa gear and register to take part today! It’s a brilliant festive day out with face painters, music and entertainment in the event village. Entry includes a free Santa suit and festive treat. Sign up before 14th October and grab early-bird entry at 25 percent off normal ticket prices! Thereafter, the price will be £16 for adults and £8 for children. Age 2 and under are free. For more info, or to sign up, visit www.chsw.org.uk/ santasbristol

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October 2019

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Schools

North Fringe’s newest primary officially opened

new primary school has opened in the Bristol North Fringe to serve the growing demand from housing developments surrounding the former Filton Airfield. Charlton Wood Primary Academy in Charlton Hayes was officially opened on Friday 13th September by head teacher Neil Lankester and South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for schools, skills and employment, Cllr Erica Williams. The school has been built on the Northfield part of the former airfield in Charlton Hayes, Patchway at a total cost of £6.25m and is being run by the Endeavour Academy Trust. It has been funded from Section 106 contributions that the council secured from housing developers who are building new homes on the former airfield. In its first year, Charlton Wood Primary Academy is providing places for 90 pupils in Reception and Year One. Each year, 60 additional places will be created at the school until pupil intake reaches a maximum capacity of 420 in 2025. Cllr Williams said: “It is fantastic to see this state-ofthe-art new school open to its first intake of students, in the heart of this new and growing community. Improving educational standards is our number one priority in South Gloucestershire and we want to make sure that our pupils have the best school facilities available that we are able to provide.” Headteacher Neil Lankester said: “The children have made a really great start to the school year and it has been lovely to finally see them engaging in learning on our fantastic site. Our founding families have been very supportive and we look forward to the year ahead!”

South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet has approved a record £78 million investment into schools over the next four years, funding the creation of new schools as well as capital improvements to a number of existing school buildings. Above: Headteacher Neil Lankester cuts the ceremonial ribbon Right: External view of the school in Borkley Street, Charlton Hayes

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News Get well · Stay well

October 2019

by Lee Wickham, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

Benefits of chiropractic care for older adults Treat pain without side effects We all get our share of aches and pain as we age. Prescribed medications can sometimes mask the actual problem while causing other side effects. Trained chiropractors can help you manage and, in many cases, resolve your aches and pains without the need to take medication. Increased mobility in the spine and joints Imagine playing outside with your grandchildren, taking a long walk in the woods, hitting the golf ball an extra 40 yards, digging over the allotment … don’t let aches hold you back from the daily activities you previously enjoyed. Chiropractic treatment will allow you to move more comfortably by reducing pain in your back and joints. Improve balance and coordination Degeneration of joints and tissues can reduce your ability to keep your balance and complete steady movements. Spinal adjustment will allow you to improve your coordination and overall body positioning. Your chiropractor will give you exercises to do to help you maintain or improve your balance and coordination. Decrease degeneration of the spine Misalignment of the spine can wear out joints and cause degeneration of the bones of

the spine. With proper positioning, bone and joint health will improve. Increased mood and quality of life With less time focused on pain, your energy can go towards living life fully. The simple things that you may have found difficult to do may become straightforward again. Reduce the risk of falling The improvement in mobility, posture and overall body strength makes you less susceptible to accidental falls that can cause fractures. Protect your body by seeking chiropractic care and live with a reduced risk of falling. Less need for assistance The reduced risk of falling, increased mood and quality of life, improved balance and coordination, and increased mobility of spine and joints allows older adults to maintain their independence. An experienced chiropractor will have a variety of modalities and treatment protocols to use to help you. Chiropractic care is not all about adjustments. Soft tissue work, gentle mobilisation, acupuncture and myofascial release are just some of the alternative treatments that chiropractors offer. The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre

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Bradley Stoke Journal, October 2019