Bradley Stoke Journal, November/December 2019

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Nov/Dec 2019 • Issue 76

SCHOOLS P7, P14-15 | WHAT’S ON P10, P19 | SPORT P18, P34-35 | BUSINESS P22, P31 | DIRECTORY P38 Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal

PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

GOLD STANDARD Bradley Stoke Community School recognised for excellence of student-led health & wellbeing work Full story: Pages 14 & 15

Gipsy Patch Lane

Bradley Stoke Gymnastics Club

Medal haul at South West Champs

P18

Railway bridge work ramps up

P4-5

l Royal official opening for Almondsbury helibase l Wheatfield Primary’s new facilities officially opened l Bradley Stoke man takes first place at national modelling exhibition l Local Poppy Appeal launched at Parkway l Huge growth for local Facebook group that supports families in need l Flooding brings renewed calls for lake dredging l Scouts invite all to Remembrance event l Rabbit Roundabout work to overlap bridge closure l Dunkley’s named top independent firm in SW l Hospice charity shop in need of more stock l Trains to run non-stop Parkway to Paddington

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News

Royal official opening for Almondsbury helibase

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

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About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal 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?

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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: January 2020 • The advertising copy deadline is Friday 6th December • The article copy deadline is Monday 9th December • The magazine will be distributed from 27th December

G

reat Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to officially open their new purpose-built emergency operations base in Almondsbury on Wednesday 25th September.

Moving to the new site, located alongside the M4/M5 motorway interchange, was a huge milestone for the life-saving charity, which celebrated its tenth birthday last year.

GWAAC’s Critical Care Team moved into their new home in October 2018, after a successful capital appeal raised £1.3 million needed to purchase the site and secure the future of the charity’s operations.

During his visit, His Royal Highness met a range of people who all made last year’s purchase possible, from charity staff and operational crew to supporters, trustees, patrons and volunteers.

Amongst some of the 80 guests were also members of the South Western Air Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and Babcock Mission Critical Services, who provide the charity’s helicopter, Helimed 65.

The Duke was given a tour of the new facilities, which culminated in the hangar, where he unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening and met a former patient of GWAAC, Ali Layard and the specialist paramedic who attended to him, Pete Sadler.

The Duke gave a speech to guests after unveiling the plaque, saying: “It’s great to see such a splendid building which has all the equipment you need to do such an important job. It’s clear to see how passionate everyone here is about the charity and all the important work that it does.”

GWAAC chief executive, Anna Perry, said: “We were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to the base today for the official opening – the event was the perfect opportunity to get

The Duke meets former GWAAC patient Ali Layard (left) at the event

everyone who helped make this possible together and celebrate the hard work that has gone in to this move over the last year, allowing us to keep providing our life-saving service to those who need it the most. Without everyone here today, this would not have been possible, and we were honoured to show His Royal Highness the incredible work that we do here at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.”

Also in attendance on the day were representatives from the National Police Air Service (NPAS), who lease half of the base for their operations. Almondsbury is one of 14 NPAS bases across the country. The network provides borderless air support to police forces across England and Wales 24/7, 365 days a year, flying to around 20,000 tasks annually. Air crews and a single NPAS helicopter operate from Almondsbury – in the first year at the base, crews have flown to more than 1,200 tasks.

Chief Superintendent Scott Bisset, chief operating officer of NPAS, said: “The base at Almondsbury provides NPAS with an excellent facility and we’re grateful to GWAAC for allowing us to share their building. Our crews fly from here supporting police forces across the South West and beyond on tasks such as searching for suspects and missing people, vehicle pursuits and the policing of major disturbances and events.

We’re delighted to have welcomed His Royal Highness and guests as part of the opening event.”

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News

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester (centre, standing behind the plaque) officially opens the new GWAAC airbase in Almondsbury. Full story on facing page.

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News

New bridge (looking east)

New bridge (looking west)

2019

Cribbs Patch MetroBus Extension Construction programme (excluding San Andreas Roundabout)

JulSep

OctDec

2020 JanMar

AprJun

JulSep

2021 OctDec

JanMar

AprJun

JulSep

OctDec

Gipsy Patch Lane bridge & associated road works Network Rail contractors start on site & compound establishment Highway & rail site pre-possession works Contsruct bridge on compound site Land bridge Easter 2020 rail possession Post main possession work, incl. road lowering & utility diversions Hatchet Road bus stops, including mobilisation Gipsy Patch Lane east of bridge works, including mobilisation Gipsy Patch Lane west of bridge works, including mobilisation Top: Visualisations of how the replacement bridge will look, once completed. Above: CPME construction programme (correct as of October 2019).

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News

Gipsy Patch railway bridge works step up a gear

C

onstruction activity at the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge site stepped up a gear in the fourth week of October as contractors Alun Griffiths began excavating the railway embankment on the east side of the bridge following a period of vegetation clearance.

The excavation work, to both flanks of the bridge, is a precursor to the commencement of piling work necessary to create foundations that will support the much wider replacement bridge at each of its four corners.

In late September, South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) announced that piling work at the site was expected to start on 14th October and last for around three months. However, as we went to press in late October, it still hadn’t started and we understand that a new commencement date of 4th November has been scheduled.

The excavation work on the east side of the bridge has required a large amount of material to be transported under the bridge to the site compound on the other side, which has necessitated the use of traffic control using stop/go boards. This work has so far been restricted to off-peak times, which has minimised disruption on the road network.

The new bridge will weigh approximately 4,500 tonnes and it will sit on foundations piled to a depth of 25 metres. To minimise disturbance for local residents, noise mitigation measures such as sound barriers will be used

around the piling equipment.

Most of the piling will take place during the daytime between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. However, SGC says it is not expected that piling will be carried out every day during this time.

It is anticipated that overnight work will be required for approximately 18 nights during the first two months of the piling.

This will be carried out between the hours of 6pm and 3am. If weekend work is required, this will only take place on Saturday mornings between 8am and 1pm.

In other news, SGC has published a more detailed construction programme for the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension project (see facing page) which shows that highwaywidening works on Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge will now not begin until autumn 2020. This is a change to the programme previously published as part of the planning application which foresaw this work starting in summer 2019 and requiring a one-way closure of a stretch of Gipsy Patch Lane for 12 months.

An eight-month full closure of the road at the railway bridge is planned to start in mid-March 2020, ahead of the replacement bridge being manoeuvred into position during a closure of the railway over Easter 2020.

Construction of the new bridge, within the Griffiths site compound on the Horizon 38 business park, is due to start

Excavations in progress in the railway embankment alongside Station Road, Little Stoke, in preparation for the start of bridge foundation piling work

Works programme summary (Alun Griffiths) November 2019

Start building the bridge Finish pile cap sheet piling Start bored piling Construct pile cap Install timelapse cameras

in November. The completed bridge will be moved from the compound and into its final position by an array of selfpropelled modular transporters (SPMTs). A source at Network Rail has described this operation as “the largest lift of its kind ever undertaken in Europe”.

SGC has declined to reveal its revised plans for traffic management associated with the highway widening works east and west of the bridge, which are needed to create new bus lanes.

December 2019

Continue bridge build Continue pile cap construction Start prep works for culvert extension Construct temporary cable bridge foundations

Construction of a new eastbound bus lane on Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge (towards the Hatchet Road Roundabout) has proved controversial because it requires the removal of 22 mature trees on the south side of the road.

● For further information visit

SGC’s dedicated CPME webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/ CPmetrobus and the Journal’s MetroBus Extension Build page at http://bit.ly/cpme-build

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7

Schools

Wheatfield’s new facilities officially opened

W

heatfield Primary School formally unveiled its new play equipment and multi-use games area (MUGA) on Friday 11th October. Despite the rain, children, families and staff came out to watch the mayor of Bradley Stoke, Cllr Tom Aditya, cut the ribbon to officially open the facilities.

The MUGA will allow children to use the school’s outdoor space throughout the winter months for sporting activities such as football, netball and dodgeball. The new play equipment includes rope walks and a miniature climbing wall, encouraging the children to develop a range of skills.

The redevelopment of the Key Stage 2 playground and installation of the MUGA was possible after the school, in conjunction with the Friends of Wheatfield Primary School, raised over £20,000 across the last academic year in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the school’s opening.

This was done through a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, including movie nights, school discos and quiz nights. Families and local businesses were also able to sponsor a brick as part of a legacy pathway being built within the school.

The school came very close to winning the Aviva Community Fund challenge back in November last year. Despite

Mayor Tom Aditya cuts a ceremonial ribbon (held by headteacher Phil Winterburn, left)

overwhelmingly receiving the highest number of votes in its category, the Aviva selection panel unfortunately decided on another project, although the school was still awarded £500 as a finalist. However, this didn’t slow the fundraising efforts down, with the Marathon Boys’ amazing contribution and the culmination of the year’s

fundraising being Wheatfest, held in July, which raised a staggering £6,000.

Headteacher Phil Winterburn said: “I am enormously proud of the effort and commitment, on behalf of so many people, which has helped to deliver this project.

Our children and community now have the facilities they deserve – a fitting way to mark twenty years

of Wheatfield Primary School.

I would like to extend my thanks to the families, children, staff and sponsors whose support was exceptional. A special thank you to our Friends group who excelled in their fundraising efforts – £20k for 20 years!’ ● www.wheatfieldprimary.com

Legacy pathway leading to the new MUGA. Inset above: Inscribed brick.

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Nov/Dec 2019

News Bradley Stoke resident Steve Briancourt shares the story of his success in the world of Meccano modelling

I

f you’ve ever thought about resurrecting a hobby that you used to do in the distant past, don’t discard the idea, as what you enjoyed doing many years ago could once again fire that enthusiasm you had as a youth. It might be playing an instrument, or canoeing, or in my case – building models in Meccano.

After many years of toil at work, and the pleasure of watching my family mature, it was time to think about winding down and getting back to more leisurely pastimes.

Anyone of a time before computers were a household essential will remember games and toys that were battery free.

One of these was Meccano, but not the sort you see on sale now.

No, this was good old fashioned ‘build anything’ Meccano. Not so much a toy, more of a challenge

of the mind and fingers.

A few years ago I joined a local modelling club to recapture those days when I spent time doing hobby things to relieve the pressure of schoolwork. The difference now is that I have more time to spend on hobbies, and at last – more money. And so it was that in the run up to retirement I found myself buying old fashioned Meccano (there’s lots available, and run-of-themill stuff isn’t expensive) with the intention of joining the ranks of model engineers in building something from scratch. On the encouragement of others, I started to build something before retirement, splitting my limited leisure time between restoring old Meccano and building with it.

So here we are, over six years later, and I have completed my first entry into the world of Meccanomen. It is a 100th scale model of the American battleship the USS Missouri.

That scale sounds quite small but a battleship is big, and

Steve Briancourt (2nd from left) is presented with the prestigious Issigonis Shield awarded for 1st place at the 2019 SkegEx Meccano Model Exhibition

even at this scale the model is 9 feet long and weighs 72kg.

I chose to build this over the usual cranes and vehicles for a number of reasons including not having seen anything like it in Meccano before, and having the opportunity to include many functioning features for which Meccano excels. This example has operational main turrets, 10 smaller turrets, gun director radars, anchors, propellers and rudders, all remotely operated from a control box. The main turrets feature rotation, gun elevation and gun recoil.

In June of this year, the ship was displayed at the UK’s largest gathering of Meccano enthusiasts, held in Skegness. This exhibition - affectionately known as SkegEx – is also a competition open to all in the UK and abroad. The USS Missouri won first place against stiff competition. The award is called the Issigonis Shield, named

after the famous designer of the Mini, who was also a Meccano enthusiast.

I now have to restock my supplies before embarking on my next challenge. Now retired, I hope to divide my time between this and other hobbies, as well as earning back some DIY brownie points with my wife who has been very patient during the build period. Having any modelling hobby is very satisfying, and I would encourage anyone of any age to try their hand. There are lots of clubs of similar minded people for all kinds of interests.

As I live in Bradley Stoke, my club is the South West Meccano Club, based loosely in north Bristol but covering all of the South West and parts of Wales.

If anyone is interested in joining we can be found on the internet at www.southwestmeccano.org. uk, or by just searching for South West Meccano.

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9

News

Local man bags first place at national modelling exhibition

Steve Briancourt’s prize-winning Meccano model of the USS Missouri is 9 feet long, 2 feet high and weighs 72kg. It incorporates numerous moving features driven by a total of 17 motors under remote control.

Full story on facing page.

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Nov/Dec 2019

News

Local Poppy Appeal launched at Parkway

L-r: Ron Stevens (D-Day veteran), John Honey (Chelsea Pensioner), Jack Lopresti MP, David Bell (RBL) and Tim Bowles (West of England mayor)

T

he Stoke Gifford branch of The Royal British Legion (RBL) launched its 2019/20 Poppy Appeal with a ceremony in the foyer of Bristol Parkway Station on Friday 25th October.

The branch was pleased to welcome a special guest, Chelsea Pensioner John Honey, who cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the start of the local appeal. Mr Honey retired from the army in 1960, having served overseas in Aden and Kenya with the Royal Army Service Corps. He became a resident at the Royal Chelsea Hospital in 2012, at the age of 72.

The ceremony was also attended by D-Day veteran Ron Stevens, 95, a resident of Filton.

Mr Stevens joined the army at the age of 14 and served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Based on Jersey in the early part of World War 2, he was evacuated on the last boat to leave the island before the Germans invaded. On D-Day, he landed at Juno Beach and went on to serve at vehicle workshops in France, Holland and Belgium.

His military career spanned more than 30 years.

Also present at the event were West of England mayor Tim Bowles, Jack Lopresti MP and representatives of several local groups including ATC North Bristol Squadron, Stoke Gifford Scouts and RBL Riders (motorcyclists).

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 and the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke.

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.

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.

Details of local Remembrance parades and ceremonies may be found on page 19.

● The Stoke Gifford branch of

the Royal British Legion has its own Facebook page. To find it, search for @StokeGiffordRBL

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Nov/Dec 2019

News

Huge growth for local Facebook group that supports families in need

A

Facebook group started by a local mum that allows people to make unwanted items available free of charge to families in need has grown its membership to more than 5,000 members in less than two years.

The Mama’s Swaps & Freebies Bristol group was launched 18 months ago by Patchway resident Paige Josham with the intention of allowing a small group of her friends to give away or swap items such as clothing, toys and pushchairs.

Members of the group can advertise unwanted items which they are happy to give away for free. The items generally need to be collected, but in some cases

(e.g. where the recipient is in great need and has no transport) the person offering or another group member may be able to deliver locally without charge, or for the cost of fuel only.

Attracting members from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, the group soon became so popular that Paige found it necessary to bring in a team of friends and acquaintances to help run the group and she has been joined in the task by Kelsey Lee Booy, Amy Jane Bland and Daisy Louise Till The ethos of the group is that it exists to help anyone, regardless of background or situation, as Kelsey explained: “We have gone on to help the homeless, parents

in emergency refuge or fleeing domestic violence, single parents and working class families, as well as families that could be perceived as ‘comfortable’” One member, Natalia, when asked about the group said: “Babies grow so quickly and need so many things for such a short time. This group reduces the amount of plastic and clothing ending up in landfills! I have had perfect condition toys and clothing from the wonderful ladies here that would otherwise have gone in the rubbish, whilst I would have bought them new and then added my lot to the dump, too. I also love knowing that things I’m done with will be loved by others, whilst not having

the guilt that they’ll be thrown out straight away. This group helps us protect the environment for our little ones, whilst growing and strengthening our local community.”

An example of an emergency situation in which the group was able to offer assistance was when an urgent plea for help came in from a woman who had been given the care of a 5-weekold baby girl whose mother had been taken to hospital after a domestic violence case. The child had nothing but the clothes on her back and a few spare nappies to see her through the night.

Paige was able to post an urgent request and get hold of the bare necessities that the baby would

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News

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Holy Trinity Primary School DUE TO START SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER 2020? �e �armly invite you to a�end one o� our

OPEN VISITS

Group founder Paige Josham (centre) with other admin team members at the 2019 Stars of the Stoke presentation evening in June 2019

need to see her through the next few days until the child could go back into the mother’s care.

Earlier this year, Paige was nominated for a Stars of the Stokes award by members of the group (by then numbering 2,700).

At the presentation evening, it was revealed that Paige had received more than 70 individual nominations, the highest in the four years history of the Stars of the Stokes awards programme.

With the admin team at Paige’s side, she was honoured to be named as winner of the Unsung Hero category, receiving her award from event host Paul Sinha, star of ITV’s The Chase.

In June, the group staged its first so-called #Live event.

This involved the admin team collecting and storing donated items for an entire month and then bringing them to a local venue. Hundreds of people

attended the event to collect items they needed for their little ones and £500 was raised for Bristol-based charity The Baby Bank through a raffle, refreshments and optional donations for items collected.

Soon to be a properly constituted organisation, with the support of Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, the group plans to organise further #Live events as well as coffee mornings and play dates to link families who share similar trials such as post-natal depression, anxieties and children with special needs.

Kelsey concluded: “Please make the effort to find us on Facebook under Mama’s Swaps & Freebies Bristol, where you can find out what the team are doing next, contribute items to families in need and help grow our community even further!”

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Phone: 01454 866735 Email: HolyTrinityPrimary@sgmail.org.uk Holy Trinity Primary School, Broad �ro�, Bradley Stoke,

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Donations are piled high at the group’s first #Live event in June 2019

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Nov/Dec 2019

Schools

BSCS recognised for student-led health and wellbeing work

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taff and students at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) are celebrating the achievement of an award which recognises excellent practice in the promotion of health and wellbeing for everyone within the school community.

South Gloucestershire Council’s ‘Health in Schools’ programme brings together the best evidencebased health promotion practice and sets achievable challenges to improve health and wellbeing.

The potential benefits of the scheme also go beyond health, as research shows that when children are happy at school, they achieve more.

The Bradley Stoke school had already been recognised with the Bronze (2016) and Silver (2017) awards, but it has now become one of only three schools across the local authority area to achieve the top Gold award.

One of the main initiatives to have been introduced at the school is the training of Year 11 peer mentors, focussed on supporting incoming Year 7 students during their transition between primary and secondary school. The older students attend transition days in the summer, as well as parent events. When initially launched, the scheme saw around ten students volunteering to be mentors, but this year the number has risen to over 30.

Other strands of student leadership that have been introduced at the school include anti-bullying ambassadors, time-to-talk mentors and EAL (English as an additional language) mentors.

In an effort to challenge the stigma around mental health, the

school promotes the concept that body and mind are connected and it encourages conversations about health in general, defined to include both physical health and emotional health. Wellbeing ambassadors are recognisable to other students around the school as they all wear a distinctive pink lanyard.

Elsewhere, the school’s Student Council has had a say in changing the food supplier in order to improve the range of food options and a student support group has been established that meets weekly.

As part of their work towards achieving the Gold award, the student leaders created a video which explores the training they underwent and gathers feedback from some of the peer students they have supported.

Susie Beresford-Wylie, director of student support and Olympus Academy Trust safeguarding lead, said: “We are immensely proud of the student leadership in the school. The culture of students supporting students with their emotional health and wellbeing is a real strength in BSCS and we know it makes such a difference being able to talk to someone who is nearer to your own age.”

“It is fantastic to see the Year 11 peer mentors sitting and talking to groups of Year 7 students to help them settle in school and overcome any worries they may have. The development of student leadership for emotional health and wellbeing in the school over recent years has added to this and we now have a solid foundation of student-to-student support and students leading change in their

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15

Quotes from year 7 students Peer mentors, time-to-talk mentors, anti-bullying ambassadors, EAL mentors

They are fun and make you feel better when you are finding things hard

It’s like having a big brother in school

They really helped me when I had problems with my friends He gives me good advice and makes me want to try my best

They help us think about ways that can help

I like talking to my mentor because she understands

They are kind, and they listen

I like it when I see them around school because they say Hi and it makes me feel safe

BSCS head girl Jemina Paramore (right) accepts the Gold Award from Sarah Godsell, health & wellbeing partnership officer at South Gloucestershire Council

Attending the presentation were School Council representatives, 6th Form wellbeing ambassadors, Year 11 peer mentors, time-to-talk mentors, antibullying ambassadors and English as an additional language (EAL) mentors, along with some of the staff who support them.

own school. We know that our students will continue to develop this work and are 100 percent committed to working with staff to further improve the school’s provision.”

“As the only school in the locality to receive this Gold Award for Mental Health, we

couldn’t be prouder of the student leadership team and their video has been shared far and wide and will, we know, help support other schools in developing their approach to tackling mental health and the support that young people sometimes need.”

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Ask the Doctor

with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery

Buyer beware

A

mong the usual junk mail offering cut price power tools, leather sofas, and extra garlic bread with a hot ‘n’ spicy pizza, I recently received a letter from a company offering health screening clinics.

I am usually dismissive of letters limply addressed to “The Occupier”, but I thought I would read this one, given that I am in the healthcare business.

The covering letter had a very impressive looking corporate logo, explaining how clinics were being offered at local hotels, with only limited places available on two specified days. There were references to high tech equipment, and a battery of tests covering a multitude of bodily functions.

All this would be undertaken in a single appointment, and a blood sample would be taken by courier to an approved laboratory for detailed analysis.

The data from the investigations would be presented in a personal health report, with simple to follow colour coding to highlight abnormal results, and clearly explained by a health specialist. Having drawn us in slack-jawed at this celebration of modern medical science, there were figures comparing their prices with other private screening firms, demonstrating remarkable value for money, and even an additional Over 50s package at no extra cost.

No guessing which market they were after then.

Inside the letter were flyers carrying anonymised quotes from clients, praising the service they received, and that it was good enough to recommended to their friends. One quote claimed that two tests had highlighted a potentially serious problem which neither they, nor their GP were aware of. There were also illustrated discounts available by ringing their 0800 number.

Finally, they quoted various ISO standards and CQC regulations to reassuringly demonstrate the standards they work to.

There was also a money back

guarantee, though no details on how that would actually work.

Superficially, this was no more than five pages of a slickly presented sales pitch. Initially it made me angry. Let’s raise anxiety levels by suggesting the possibility of serious illnesses you don’t know you have, ratchet it up a bit further by stating limited access to potentially life changing clinics, and then sweeten the whole stomach churning, pulse racing dilemma, with the soothing balm of discounted prices and nationally approved professional standards.

But it also set me thinking about how many of the tests were actually clinically appropriate, and would alter an individual’s medical management. There is no doubt that some conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease can develop without symptoms.

But I would also argue that many of the tests on offer would certainly be normal in a healthy individual, so why do them? Simple answer, to make money. In the NHS, we advise that tests are appropriate only if they change the management of a given clinical situation. I am not claiming that the results gained in a private clinic are inaccurate, but questioning whether or not they are actually relevant to that person’s wellbeing. You could put your car through a complete service every week, but it would prove very expensive, and unlikely to make your journey any more enjoyable. If you want to consider a health screen, or are concerned about other aspects of your wellbeing, contact your GP and they will advise you on what investigations would be relevant and helpful, and all through the NHS. If you want to spend your hard earned cash on private screening then please do, but ask yourself: Do you actually need it?

Caveat emptor, as they say.

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Nov/Dec 2019

News

Flooding brings renewed calls for lake dredging

A

nother episode of flooding in Bradley Stoke’s Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, on the morning of Friday 11th October, saw paths covered in several feet of water, making them impassable for children walking to school and commuters using the Concorde Way cycling route.

The incident has brought renewed calls for South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) to expedite dredging of the Three Brooks Lake (a.k.a The Duck Pond) to remove the high levels of silt that have accumulated since the task was last carried out in 2005.

In a response reported in our November 2018 magazine, SGC said it was “still in the investigation stage of the [de-silting] project” and was “awaiting an estimate and method statement” from its selected contractor. It added that it was “still in the process of identifying and securing funding”.

The current town mayor Tom Aditya identified the issue as a priority when he took office in May and the town council subsequently wrote to SGC asking it to “investigate the desilting of the lake at the as a matter of urgency”.

The town council’s letter added: “It has been observed that one day the lake can be flooded and then a couple of days later there is significant amounts of

mud exposed with the water levels very low. This would indicate that the lake is not doing what it was designed for i.e. an attenuation pond. The flooding, in turn, causes damage to the paths surrounding the lake.”

However, a response received from SGC’s chief executive officer insists that “the lake is not an attenuation pond, it is an amenity lake”, referring to details in the consent granted by the National Rivers Authority in 1993 ahead of the creation of the water feature.

The response goes on itemise progress being made on the project, including: • The commissioning of an ecological method statement • The commissioning of aerial images of the site pre works • The working up of estimates of silt to finalise cost estimates In response to an enquiry from the Journal, an SGC spokesperson said: “We have now assessed the quantity of silt that will need to be removed and have carried-out a Reasonable Avoidance Measures for protected species (RAMs) report for the site. The guidance recommends that the work takes place between November and February to minimise any impact on protected species such as Otters, Water Voles and nesting birds. We are still exploring the options for funding the work and will keep the town council fully informed as the project progresses.”

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17

The bridge at the Three Books Lake almost fully submerged during a flooding event on 11th October. Inset: Mud banks exposed at the lake less than a month earlier.

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Nov/Dec 2019

Sport

Success for Bradley Stoke gymnasts at SW Champs

M

embers of Bradley Stoke Gymnastics Club put in some fine performances at the 2019 South West Acro Championships held at Yate International Gymnastics Centre on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th October.

A team of 15 Bradley Stoke gymnasts (making up seven partnerships), three of them competing for the first time, made the short trip to Yate, where they joined around 300 other competitors from across the south west.

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

Out of the seven partnerships, four of them came away with medals. Amelia Budding and Lara Davidson came away with gold - after working together for just four weeks. Feebee Hartanto and Lara Davidson got silver in their category – in Feebee’s firstever competition. Alissa Fulco and Tahlia Jennings-Smith got silver, also their first competition, while Sophie Dean and Leoni Miller also secured silver.

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

“We are also proud that some of our gymnasts have now retired from competing but continue to support the club by coaching and passing on their knowledge to the younger members. The coaching team could not be more grateful to have so many special people in the club.”

Fellow coach Chris Wilcox added: “We would like to thank all of our assistant coaches – Mia Vindel, Ellie Bennett, Amy Price, Holly Price, Karen Price and Kelsey Booy – for supporting us

in keeping the club going and helping give all our gymnasts the opportunity to compete.”

Bradley Stoke Gymnastics

Club runs classes for children from age four upwards. They meet on Mondays, 4pm or 5pm, in the main hall at Bradley

Stoke Leisure Centre. For more information visit www. bradleystokegymnasticsclub. co.uk or find them on Facebook.

To find out more, or to book, call our team on 01454 201144 or email info@doubletreebristrolnorth.com DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 4JF www.doubletreebristolnorth.com

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Nov/Dec 2019

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What’s On

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19

1ST BRADLEY STOKE SCOUTS INVITE YOU TO THE

Scouts invite all to Remembrance parade and ceremony on Sunday 10th November

By Katherine Robinson of the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group embers of the 1st Ahead of the event, our Scouts, Bradley Stoke Scout Cubs, Beavers and Explorer Group are busy Scouts will be giving the war preparing for the town’s annual memorial its annual wash and Remembrance parade and brush-up while helping with the ceremony on Sunday 10th Royal British Legion’s annual November. We are expecting Poppy Appeal. We will also once record numbers of parade again be making window displays participants again this year with for the Willow Brook Centre ten other local youth groups main entrance. joining us. Our own Scout We would like to extend an group will, of course, have all invitation to all members of its sections represented and will our community to attend the be joined by the Trident and ceremony. You are very welcome Solar Explorer Units, 1st Little to lay a wreath or cross at the Stoke Scout Group, 1st Stokeway memorial (a small sand box will Rainbows, 1st Bradley Stoke be put out next to the memorial Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, nearer the day).

2nd Bradley Stoke Brownies, 2nd Please note: The bus stop at Winterbourne Brownies and 1st the Willow Brook Centre will be Little Stoke Brownies. temporarily relocated to the front Representatives from our local of Boots for the morning. Traffic town and county councils will be in and around the parade route present and the Reverend Paul from the Jubilee Centre to the Hinckley will be representing the town square will be temporarily churches of Bradley Stoke. halted while the parade moves Once again, the excellent Filton through the town. We apologise Concert Brass band will join us in in advance for any disruption the town square to complement this may cause and respectfully our own Scout marching band ask that members of the public who will be accompanying the remain patient while our parade. volunteers keep our young people This year, our young people are safe. This is not a military parade going to commemorate the 75th and as such timings and parade anniversary of D-Day. content may vary on the day.

M

Local Remembrance parades and ceremonies Bradley Stoke: Sunday 10th November – Parade from the Jubilee Centre at 10.30am. Ceremony in the town square from 10.45am.

Stoke Gifford: Sunday 10th November – Ceremony at the cenotaph, North Road at 10.15am followed by church services at the St Michael’s Centre and Rock Lane Baptist Church.

Patchway: Sunday 17th 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.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY PARADE AT THE WILLOW BROOK CENTRE ON SUNDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2019 LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS WILL PARADE FROM THE JUBILEE CENTRE AT APPROX 10:30AM

CEREMONY IN THE TOWN SQUARE LED BY MEMBERS OF OUR LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS AT APPROX. 10:45—11:30AM EVERYONE WELCOME PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A MILITARY PARADE - ALL ORGANISERS ARE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS - PARADE AND CEREMONY TIMINGS MAY VARY ON THE DAY

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Nov/Dec 2019

The scheme involves the following works: • Localised widening and modifications to road markings on the circulatory and on all approaches to increase from two to three lanes • The introduction of Toucan crossings on each of the four arms which are prioritised for pedestrian and cyclists, as this will be an attractive alternative to cyclists using the roundabout • The introduction of high quality carriageway entry and exit points for cyclists which are clearly signed, coloured and marked • Widening of shared use foot and cycle paths where possible, to a suitable width with a high quality surface finish.

View a hi-res version of this plan online at bit.ly/GtStokeRbt

Reader comments on our Facebook page CP: This is a “perfect storm” just waiting to happen. You should NEVER use “council” and “planning” in the same sentence.

JB: Why does something that looks fairly simple, cost so much and take 12 months to complete? It’s a great idea, and needed, but come on, £2.9 million! Are they having a laugh?

TB: So, they ask for residents comments … “Great idea, but please don’t do any work at the same time as Gipsy Patch Lane” … and ignore their feelings completely. Unbelievable!

MM: Muppets! You couldn’t make it up. Let’s double-up on roadworks on an already busy area of Bradley Stoke. South Gloucestershire Council: Decisions made by people who live outside of the town without any consideration of those who live in it, yet again.

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CO: More traffic lights just after exiting roundabouts. More rear end stunts coming up.

JMS: Why do everything at the same time? Gipsy Patch Lane, Harry Stoke and development near Sainsbury’s – and now this! Looks like right hand not talking to the left one! Project leaders!

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CM: Haven’t they just recently carried out work on [the roundabout] for the MetroBus route? How can they not think ahead and have done this work at the same time? Madness!

DP: 12 months? Jeez! On holiday last year at Lake Tahoe [it was noted that] they managed to re-tarmac the whole town within a day. Yet in the UK it’ll take us 12 months, will be over budget and probably crack and warp in a few weeks of use.

BR: Why don’t they just start by saying it’s going to take 24 months instead, so we can all be surprised if it actually did take 12?

CO: At least you will be able to get to the roundabout quicker once they widen the Gipsy Patch Lane bridge.

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News

Great Stoke Roundabout improvement works to run concurrently with Gipsy Patch Lane closure

C

ommuters in the Stokes look set to be once again heading for a double dose of roadworks-induced misery after South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) announced that it is to begin work on a £2.9 million scheme of improvements to Great Stoke Roundabout (a.k.a.

Rabbit Roundabout) in January next year.

The timing of the work, which will take 12 months to complete and involve lane closures and some full road closures, means that it will overlap a planned eight-month full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane due to start in March 2020 (see pages 4 & 5).

The two work locations lie on the same east-west route between Winterbourne and the A38 and are separated by just 1.3 miles.

News of the implementation overlap came following funding approval for the Great Stoke scheme from the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) on 4th October.

As previously reported, the scheme will increase capacity at the roundabout by widening all approaches as well as improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians with the introduction of new toucan crossings. Full details are shown alongside the plan on the facing page.

A council spokesperson said: “The area will be subject to lane closures during this work. We will do everything we can to minimise the need for full road closures but there will be times when these are essential to enable us to carry out the work safely.”

The council’s own StreetCare department will carry out the work, with specialist contractors being used as required.

Site clearance will take place between now and Christmas.

Some temporary walkways will also be installed before

Christmas, ready for the main construction works to commence on 6th January. Residents directly affected by these works will be notified by letter.

SGC’s Cabinet member for planning, transport and the strategic environment, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “We are very pleased that the Great Stoke roundabout full business case has received approval from Weca.

This is a significant investment at a key location in the North Fringe where we are seeing rapid housing and economic growth.

Improving and widening this junction will help promote all forms of transport and will help us to keep the region moving now and in the future.”

Asked by the Journal to explain the logic in scheduling two major sets of roadworks in close proximity to run concurrently, a council spokesperson said: “Currently, at peak times, there is often queuing on most arms of the roundabout, therefore, as funding is available now, the opportunity is being taken to complete this work. It is important that the scheme is completed prior to substantial construction of the East of Harry Stoke housing development, to improve capacity and provide the cycle and pedestrian crossing facilities.”

“Also, due to the closure of Gipsy Patch Lane, it is expected that here will be less traffic travelling east/west through the roundabout. Delaying the scheme until after Gipsy Patch Lane re-opens will mean a delay to the improvements being made.”

“Investing in these improvements and increasing the roundabout’s capacity now will help future proof the highway network, support planned housing and employment growth in the area, and encourage greater use of sustainable travel methods.”

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Nov/Dec 2019

Business

Dunkley’s named top independent firm in SW

A

Bradley Stoke accountancy firm has been honoured with a ‘Best in the South West’ accolade at a national awards ceremony.

The nation’s top accountants gathered and celebrated in style on 25th September at the British Accountancy Awards in London.

This prestigious event recognises innovative business practices and celebrates professional excellence within the world of accountancy.

This year, Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants (based in Woodlands Lane) were nominated for three awards: ‘Independent Firm of the Year: South-West, England’, ‘Outstanding Advisory’ and ‘Best Employer’.

Directors Lisa White and Matthew Dobbins, alongside client partner Natasha Miller, attended the ceremony held at the Grosvenor Hotel and, with three nominations hopes were high.

The Dunkley’s party were

Natasha Miller (left), Matthew Dobbins (2nd from left) and Lisa White (2nd from right) receive the award, in the presence of TV comedian Sean Lock (right)

delighted when their company was declared the winner of the ‘Independent Firm of the Year: South-West, England’ award.

Lisa White explains what winning this award means for the business: “Winning such a prestigious award is a perfect

time to thank every one of our employees for the commitment and hard work they give to the firm every day, without which none of this would be possible.”

“We as a firm are continually striving to improve process and aim to always provide

excellent client service. For this to be acknowledged at a national level is quite something and a reinforcement that the team are doing all the right things. We should all be very proud of what has been achieved.”

Matthew Dobbins commented: “This award is a real testament to the team’s constant hard work and dedication to our clients. The calibre of the other entries was high, so for us to be recognised in this way is incredible.

Achievements such as this help us demonstrate to current and prospective clients that we deliver an excellent, professional and reliable service.” ● www.dunkleys.accountants

Send us your news!

January magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 9th December

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Nov/Dec 2019

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23

News Mama Bear’s Beth celebrates ten years service at childhood nursery in Bradley Stoke

A

nursery worker from Bradley Stoke has celebrated ten years of service at the same setting she attended herself as a child.

Bethan Jones is an Early Years educator at the Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School at Baileys Court, Bradley Stoke where previously she attended as a pre-schooler.

Having celebrated her tenth anniversary with the family-run nursery group in its under-threes room, Bethan said she is now “part of the furniture”!

Bethan said: “Whilst studying for my A-levels at school, I helped out at the nursery as bank staff and thoroughly enjoyed it, so naturally I wanted to pursue a childcare career.”

“When I was given the opportunity to work within the nursery as a full-time member of staff, I jumped at the chance and have since gained a Level 3 childcare diploma.

“In the past ten years I have cared for a great number of children, watching them grow and move on to school and new adventures. I really enjoy my job and can’t see myself doing anything else. Watching the children grow and develop into confident individuals is so rewarding.”

“I have such fond memories of coming here myself, along with

my siblings, so it is great to now help build memories for more children coming here.”

The under-threes unit in which Bethan works provides a homefrom-home environment for the children who attend the setting.

Mama Bear’s Baileys Court nursery manager Emma Tolley said: “Beth has been here so long she really is part of the furniture and both children and parents miss her when she tries to sneak away for a holiday or welldeserved break!”

“Beth is great at providing many learning opportunities for the children and supporting their individual needs through fun activities which promote their learning and development.”

“Parents speak highly of Beth and we regularly have families returning with younger siblings for her to care for.”

“We’re very lucky that Beth attended our nursery all those years ago and decided to come back and work here!”

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is a family-run business with settings across Bristol, Somerset and Devon. The day nurseries are aimed at providing children with their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.

If you would like to find out more about Mama Bear’s visit www.mamabear.co.uk

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Nov/Dec 2019

Advertising

Nursery’s new approach shows “immense impact”

By Lorraine Doyle, nursery manager AMBOURNE HOUSE Day Nursery has been caring and educating children since 1991.

Since then, we have established ourselves as a highly respected nursery within our community.

We follow the Early Years Curriculum to teach and plan activities for the children in our care. In April 2018 we introduced the Montessori Approach to teaching. This requires specialist training which I completed several years ago. Other members of staff are currently undertaking theirs through the St Nicholas Montessori Charity in London.

As with all improvements, within the setting we are truly led by the children, reflecting constantly and changing the environment to meet their needs and interests. After just six months had passed, the impact measured was immense.

For example, a parent has noticed the difference in her child’s core stability that has led on to her development in writing skills and hand and eye coordination.

The Montessori ethos focuses on the individual child. We know that children develop at different rates - within our practice, we

present the child to a piece of Montessori apparatus for them to repeat and perfect the task ahead.

The Montessori curriculum is separated into areas of learning such as Practical Life, Mathematics, Culture, Language and Sensorial Activities. Further details can be found in the information panel below.

The Montessori Approach Introduction to Maria Montessori (1870-1952) Maria Montessori originally qualified as a medical doctor and from this her work lead her into the teaching and education field. First Maria’s work started with children who had learning difficulties and then as her theory was progressing it was then introduced into her normal teaching! Her theory is set as an alternative type of education in which it highlights the child’s natural ability to learn.

Overview Montessori is a child led form of education; the materials are specifically designed to meet each of the children’s developmental needs and interests. The children have full access to the Montessori equipment throughout the whole day at their leisure or within a planned activity. The staff at Ambourne House will demonstrate how to use the equipment on a one-to-one basis or within a small group. Once the children have been shown this, they are then free to explore the environment.

Practical Life This area is where the children start to develop their independence within an environment. Practical life materials are real life objects that children will be used to seeing; for example introduce transferring water with jugs, spoons etc. Whilst completing this activity it will teach the children respect for their environment Sensorial These activities encourage the children to explore with their senses.

Colours, shapes, dimensions, smells, sounds and tastes are all introduced with a wide range of activities. We start with the knobbed cylinders as this starts the understanding of size and one-to-one correspondence. Colours and shades are introduced through pairing and grading activities with the colour boxes.

Language This is developed through hands on activities, giving the children concrete experiences which they are able to understand and relate to. Letters are introduced in a physical way through sandpaper letters. This allows the child to feel each letter shape and gain confidence in its formation before moving on to mark making.

Mathematics This area is quite similar to the language activities. They are very hands on and give the child concrete experiences of number, seriation (ordering), addition, subtraction and multiplication.

Mathematics begins with number rods, to introduce the child to counting in a concrete form before moving on.

Cultural This area explores the environment that we live in; it is divided into geography, botany, biology, history and science. Each area introduces knowledge of our world and encourages the children to decentre. Encouraging them to be respectful and caring towards others and helping to develop empathy towards others.

Creative During these activities children are able to explore their senses, develop thoughts and ideas and express their feelings. Creative activities consist of painting, dancing, singing and many forms of arts and crafts which you will see children enjoying regardless of the method of education being used.

Conclusion Montessori is a child centred education and through each of these areas the child is able to develop and progress with safety and given the knowledge that they crave and are entitled to! ● Read more at www.montessori.org.uk

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25

News

Hospice charity shop in need of more stock

A

Bradley Stoke hospice charity shop is appealing for more donations of womenswear, shoes and fashion accessories.

Residents and employees of local businesses have been urged to bring their unwanted items to the local Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) shop at the Willow Brook Centre.

Since opening in August (we reported in our September magazine), the shop has been well supported but is now in need of more donations. Shop manager Simon George said: “We offer some fantastic preloved and brand new items but are asking for an increase in the amount of womenswear, shoes

and fashion accessories we receive.”

Stock donations can be dropped off at the shop anytime Monday-Saturday between 9am and 6pm, and Sunday 10am4pm. Dropping off donations is easy; simply park in the drop off-zone at the rear of the shop and ring the door bell. Look for the CHSW sign on the door along from the cash machines.

All CHSW shops rely on donations of good quality items.

Every bag of stock given to the charity helps make a real difference to the children and families it supports.

For more information about CHSW shops, visit www.chsw. org.uk/shops

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Nov/Dec 2019

News

A tale of two camps

By Nick Nelson, group chair, 1st Bradley Stoke Scouts

T

his year, our youngest and oldest sections held camps a week apart in September, both challenging but in different ways.

Firstly, 30 Beaver Scouts (aged 6 to 8) from across all four colonies enjoyed a weekend camp in glorious sunshine. Many of them had never been away from home before, so camping out was a true adventure! The main aim was to introduce some basic Scouting traditions and campcraft, so one of their first tasks was to put up their own tent. Other activities included fire lighting, mini-archery and team challenge games. After supper, the Beavers were introduced to the concept of washing-up!

Once it began to get dark the Beavers sat around the campfire, singing songs and toasting marshmallows.

After a little bit of sleep, the Beavers were up at the crack of dawn and ready to go again!

Packing their own beds away was a challenge all of its own, but they then also got stuck into pioneering with making catapults and got creative with carving soap sculptures. Their final tasks were learning knots, map reading, mini-pioneering and a Kim’s game (to test their memories!). All too soon it was time to pack up and leave, but not before sharing the closing and prizegiving ceremony with many of the parents. They

were able to share with us in congratulating the Beavers for a brilliant weekend that will hopefully be the first of many as they start their Scouting journey.

A week later, and 35 Scouts (aged 10.5 to 14) from three troops enjoyed a rather more austere camp at Cranham, Gloucestershire. When your kit is being quad-biked down to your campsite, you know you are a little more into the wild.

As we build skills through the sections, similar activities were conducted albeit with the Scouts doing more on their own.

So as well as fire lighting from flints and steel, the Scouts used Kelly Kettles in a race to boil water. Time and again good teamwork proved to be a winning combination over single Scouts trying to do everything (that’s something else we teach them – work together. Gradually, they remember). And building skills means that they are responsible for more routine activities with everyone taking a shift of cooking and cleaning up afterwards. Just like the Beavers, sleep comes harder the first night although by the second, they are tired and go to sleep much earlier (even after a campfire with traditional chocolate bananas and s’mores).

The big difference was the weather, as the early hours of Sunday saw a thunderstorm arrive (exciting to see your tent light up at 2am!) and it didn’t

let up much throughout the final day. It did mean that when the kit was quad-biked off the camp, it got really muddy, so we have to clean everything again before the next camp.

Neither camp would have been possible without adults volunteering their time and considerable effort, so we would like to pass on our sincere thanks to them all. We would also like to thank 2nd Patchway Scout Group for letting us use their lovely Scout HQ and grounds for our Beaver camp.

If you have been inspired, we are always looking for more adults to join the adventure, why not contact us? Please visit our website 1st.bradley-stoke-scouts. org and click on the ‘Join 1st BSS’ tab.

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Nov/Dec 2019

From the Churches We will remember…

E

ach year, many people gather on Armistice Sunday [this year 10th November] or on Armistice Day [11th November] and at 11am, taking two short minutes to silently remember. This year many of us will gather at the Willow Brook Centre war memorial to remember those who died in wars and conflicts in their sacrificial commitment to bring peace to our world.

Each year, this time to remember recalls two simple but deep questions for each of us – what are we remembering – and how can we remember well?

To answer the first question, a Scottish chaplain to the forces recently wrote: [We] “Remember the courage, the comradeship, the ingenuity, the spirit of working together for a common cause, the planning together for a better world that would come with peace.”

“Remember the call to arms, the patriotic songs, the partings which were such sweet sorrow. The sound of the drum, the skirl of the pipe, the prayer that God would be on our side.”

“Remember the carnage; the colossal horror of war.

Remember the widows of sixty years and more, the old men and women who never knew their fathers.”

“Remember the love that was lost, the wisdom wasted, the minds that are still pained by memories.”

Remember the families bereft by recent wars and conflict. Remember this day the children who will die while nation fights nation.”

So how can we remember well? Over the years, a phrase I’ve found helpful is that we remember more than our history – we remember our future. That might be a strange idea, but it is built into the act of remembrance – to call to

mind the kind of future we long for, pray for, work for and even fight for.

Remembering our future is recalling our hopes and desires for a world without conflict, and more than this – a world with peace – where all are valued, every person secure in their homes and communities, all people living without fear and living with hope.

The Bible has an image of “beating swords into ploughs” – getting rid of the hardware of war in order to create the hardware for productivity. This is remembering our future – our hopes, prayers and ambitions for a more just world, a world without poverty or starvation, without enemies and where national budgets, once distorted by warfare are reshaped to ensure sufficient provision for welfare.

Amidst the poppies and memories of past and present conflict, memories of those whom we love and see no longer; amongst memories of those whose present was sacrificed for our future, we are invited to remember our future. This is at the heart of remembering well, to remember the future we long for, pray for, work for.

Alongside the Armistice ceremony at 10.45am at Willow Brook on Sunday 10th November, each of the churches in Bradley Stoke offer different opportunities to mark the Armistice moment on Sunday 10th November in order to remember our future. Christ the King and Holy Trinity join for a short service of prayer at 9am at Holy Trinity Church prior to the town ceremony at Willow Brook; City Church meets at 10am and Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church meets at 10.30am.

Paul Hinckley Vicar of Bradley Stoke

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News

New trains to run non-stop Parkway to Paddington

A

dditional train services will help reduce the fastest journey times between Bristol Parkway and London Paddington to just 68 minutes when GWR introduces its first wholesale timetable change since the 1970s from Sunday 15th December.

GWR’s Intercity Express Trains (IETs) will take advantage of infrastructure improvements to run to a fully electric timetable between Bristol and London for the first time.

Two additional ‘super-fast’ services in the morning and evening peaks will operate from South Wales to Bristol Parkway and then direct (non-stop) into London Paddington, giving three trains an hour on the route at these peak times. Consequently, customers will need to be aware that, unlike at present, not all London-bound services will call at Swindon and Reading.

A GWR Intercity Express Train pictured at Bristol Parkway in July 2016

GWR says it plans to extend these extra peak time trains to operate throughout the day from May 2020.

The fastest journey times between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington will similarly be cut to 1 hour 19

minutes, 17 minutes faster than is possible today.

One downside is that there will be fewer off-peak trains between Bristol Parkway and Filton Abbey Wood once the new timetable comes into operation.

Regular users of all GWR’s

train services are being advised to check their new journey times ahead of the timetable change as around three-quarters of journey times will be different from how they are today.

Improvements carried out at Bristol Parkway Station in support of the introduction of the new trains and timetable have included the opening of a new (fourth) platform and extending the length of the three existing platforms.

West of England mayor Tim Bowles said: “This is great news for the West of England and will help people switch from cars to public transport, reducing congestion and improving the air we breathe. The new timetable will support the new rail services we have planned across the region through MetroWest and it’s great to see even more investment in both track and train.”

More details: gwr.com

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Get well · Stay well

A

Nov/Dec 2019

by Craig de Groot, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

Autumn is here!

utumn brings a whole range of garden tasks; time to cut back the dead plants, clear up leaves, do winter planting and put the greenhouse to bed. Our bodies are very well adapted to a variety of tasks, but we need to be careful not to take advantage of this and push our bodies to breaking point. The stress and strain we put our bodies under can easily be overlooked when we are enjoying ourselves in the garden. Here is some advice on what to do to ensure that your body is well managed during autumn gardening: Don’t wear clothes that are tight or could constrict your movement. Loose fitting comfortable clothes will make it easier to move about.

Gardening is like any other exercise; you need to warm up first. Don’t go straight into heavy garden work; start off with lighter jobs as this will lessen the chance of muscle strain.

Get as close as possible to the things you are pruning and avoid overstretching to reach the area you are dealing with. Invest in some long-handled secateurs

to reach plants and bushes that are beyond normal reach.

When using a ladder or steps, make sure you are always facing it, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.

Rather than leaning or reaching, move the ladder or step regularly to keep up with where you are. Any kind of ladder must be firmly and safely planted in position and, if possible, have someone else there to keep an eye on things.

Vary your activity by spending no more than 20-30 minutes on any one thing and make sure you take regular breaks.

Take advantage of the last walk around the garden at the end of your day’s work to stretch and let your body cool down before settling in for the evening.

If you have any concerns about your body and wellbeing, contact your chiropractor for advice and treatment.

The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

● See our advert on page 13.

Bradley Stoke Journal

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31

Business

New look for Ocean at Willow Brook

A

fter ten busy years in the Willow Brook Centre, Ocean estate agents found they were bursting at the seams. The sales, lettings and lawyers teams had all expanded over the previous decade and they certainly needed a more flexible work space. More importantly, they wanted to provide a better experience for their customers - whether selling or buying, letting, renting or coming in to arrange a mortgage or complete those important legal forms - they wanted to ensure a really positive customer experience. The team have always known that they received lots more of their customers and walk-ins than their colleagues in other Ocean offices.

So everything had to change – a whole new layout was designed and a completely new office space created. Now there’s a work bar for groups of friends or a family to sit with a sales or lettings team member and hot desks for other customers, a new waiting area, team workstations and all of the private consultation offices have been refurbished. Full height glass screens have been installed to create zones and reduce the noise when busy. And the new Ocean branding has been incorporated throughout, adding to the overall atmosphere.

Staff were immediately struck by the new feeling of

Stefano Missiato, sales manager

space and openness, which the first customers to pop in commented on straight away.

Since then, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the working day definitely even more fun, especially when there have been lots of customers visiting.

Ocean Bradley Stoke now has a unique identity within the Ocean group, one that’s very much for its local customers and one that is apparently the envy of many of the other Ocean offices across Bristol.

Branch sales manager Stefano Missiato commented: “Despite all the political uncertainties, the branch has had its best-ever year in 2019. The office refit has been a massive benefit to the business and has certainly helped us to achieve that record.”

“If you’re thinking of buying or selling in the near future, do pop in for a chat over coffee to discuss the state of the market.”

New Art Class for Beginners Looking for an introduction to art?

Or want to improve your skills?

New 12-week art course starting this January is designed for complete beginners or improving amateur artists and is held in Winterbourne Down.

The courses run once a week, for three hours during the day and all your materials are provided.

If you have always wanted to learn how to draw or paint but have no idea where to start then this course will show you how. The curriculum is comprehensive, interesting and fun, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Our qualified tutor provides step by step guidance each week, covering sketching, pastels, watercolour and acrylic painting. By the end of the course you will have at least eight pieces of your own original art including a pastel pet portrait and an acrylic country landscape! You can then show off your new found skills to family and friends at the end of course exhibition!

For more information including dates, times and venue, please call Tracy on 01454 227116 FIND US ON FACEBOOK AT www.facebook.com/loveartclass or www.loveartclasses.co.uk

Art can help reduce stress, create a feeling of well-being and provide relaxation but most of all – it’s fun!

Student numbers are kept low to ensure that everyone gets maximum benefit so to reserve a place on our next course or for more information call today on 01454 227116 or email tracy@loveartclasses.co.uk

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Starts January 2020

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Nov/Dec 2019

News

Have your say on council’s 2020/21 budget proposals Council tax bills set to rise by 4 percent from April 2020

S

outh Gloucestershire residents, council tax and business rate payers are being invited to have their say on the council’s budget and council tax for 2020/21.

The current outline budget foresees a council tax rise of 1.99 percent from April 2020, which when coupled with a ringfenced 2 percent adult social care precept would see total bills rising by just short of 4 percent (around £59 for a band D household).

A financial plan produced in 2018 highlights that the council is likely struggle to balance its budget in the coming years, despite a rigorous savings plan being in place. However, the recent government spending review has provided the council with an unexpected fillip in the

form of £14.3m extra funding for 2020/21 – split between £11.4m on a one-off basis and £2.9m recurrent should the council proceed with the new adult social care council tax precept.

A statement from the council reads: “Despite [council tax] increases in previous years, our financial planning indicates we will need to make more savings over the next four years to keep pace with increasing cost pressures. Until we have certainty about potential further funding increases in the future, we have to treat those announced this year as one-off, if we are to responsibly balance our books.”

The statement continues: “Since 2011, we have made cumulative savings of nearly £87m in annual spending

through a range of efficiency measures. Wherever possible, this work has prioritised protecting frontline services from spending reductions, while delivering better value for money to residents.

Based on this approach, we have developed a Transformation and Savings Programme to help us meet the budget challenges ahead.

It will allow time for meaningful consultation with staff as well as with the public, depending on the saving being proposed, and sustainable implementation, so that we can set budgets with confidence and not have to make short term, in-year cuts.”

The medium term financial plan assumes savings of £15m expected from the council’s Transformation and Savings Programmes between 2020/21 and 2021/22.

“Even with the assumption that the full savings plan is achieved, there is still a predicted budget gap amounting to £11.9m by 2023/24. This means that work is ongoing to identify further potential savings in order to balance the books.”

Cabinet member for resources, Cllr Ben Burton, said: “We welcome the recent one-year spending review for 2020/21 and real terms funding increase this sets out for local government and

look forward to the longer term budget certainty that a multi-year spending review can bring from 2021/22 onwards.”

“We are totally committed to delivering the services that our communities need and rely on.

Our top priorities are to deliver the best possible educational outcomes for all of our young people; to maintaining and improving the places where we live; and to achieving the very best value for money the public money we spend.”

“In the face of continually increasing demand for the services needed by the most vulnerable in our society, the young and the old, we need to balance delivering those services and ensuring we get value for every pound we spend, with balancing the books.

And that is why each year we ask residents to let us know about their views and priorities as we plan for the future.”

Residents can find out more and complete an online survey at consultations.southglos.gov.uk Paper copies of the survey and consultation documents can be obtained at any local library or by phoning 01454 868154.

The consultation closes on 5th January 2020 and the results will be considered by Full Council on 12th February 2020.

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Bradley Stoke Study Centre Sarah Nutchey 07808 720208

Boost your child’s confidence

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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Nov/Dec 2019

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In Brief

Will your Fence weather the next storm?

Autumn bus issues haven’t been solved Autumn often brings with it an increase in complaints about local bus services and this year has been no exception, despite the introduction of “improved” services, such as the T1 and M1 MetroBus since summer 2018.

The T1 Thornbury to Bristol express service, which passes along Bradley Stoke Way, only runs every half hour but is favoured by some users over the more-frequent M1 as it is scheduled to get them to the city centre faster. This is because it accesses the M32 at junction 1 rather than going into the UWE campus and using the new busonly junction. However, traffic congestion on the A38 between Thornbury and Aztec West at peak times has meant that the T1 buses can be full by the time they arrive at the Great Meadow stop in south Bradley Stoke.

Meanwhile, the off-peak frequency of the M1 MetroBus may have been reduced, but it seems the peak hours service is becoming more and more popular. Since 15th September three extra M1 journeys have been added between Bradley Stoke and the city centre in the morning peak. However, it seems this is still not enough as there are reports of buses being full by the time they reach the Great Stoke stop near the north end of the Stoke Gifford By-Pass.

There have also been reports of M1 buses being held up in congestion on the A4174, on the approach to Coldharbour Lane.

Northavon Carpentry

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With Autumn upon us – it’s the perfect time to start preparing your garden for the Winter weather. At the point the fence blows down or rots and falls it becomes a real headache and an urgent problem to fix in order to keep your garden secure.

Many customers install ColourFence for the peace of mind that storms won’t leave them the bill, and hassle involved in getting urgent repairs done. ColourFence stands up to the British weather, resisting rusting and rotting in the rain, cracking, warping or shrinking in the sun and fallen panels when the wind blows.

entire length of the 25-year guarantee.* Don’t wait for your fence to blow down this winter, our revolutionary metal garden fencing is the cost effective, low maintenance alternative to traditional fencing, call now for a free, no-obligation site survey and quote today.

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

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Sport

By Matteo Bianchi, BSYFC radley Stoke Youth FC’s (BSYFC’s) Under-10 Blues team has just started the new season with training sessions and competitive matches as part of the Hanham Minor League Division B group.

In August 2019, the team was lucky enough to be one of eight teams selected to participate in the pre-match on-pitch parade at the FA Community Shield, representing McDonald’s grassroots football sponsorship.

An excited party of boys, parents and siblings met at Baileys Court early in the morning, departing for Wembley Stadium promptly at 7.45am.

After an uninterrupted journey, we finally saw the twin towers come into view and arrived in good time, allowing the opportunity for a team photoshoot in front of the famous statue of the 1966 World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore.

The 17 lucky boys wearing team kit who had been selected

B 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)

No Alcohol No Sparklers

Nov/Dec 2019

to join the parade then met with FA staff, picked up their VIP wristbands and entered the stadium. Once inside, the boys received an official briefing, had photos taken pitch-side and practised walking in formation ready for the parade.

Pre-match parade role

The accompanying parents had time for coffee and window shopping prior to the turnstiles opening at 1pm, whereupon we took our seats ready to see the action. Following the players’ warm-up session, two community choirs from Liverpool and Manchester City sang rousing versions of You’ll Never Walk Alone and Blue Moon respectively, and as these songs rang out the boys paraded into the stadium waving their flags, our boys and coaches leading the parade out at the Manchester City end of the pitch.

Pre-match ceremonies complete, the boys paraded off and then made the journey up

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Sport

BSFYC U10 Blues at the FA Community Shield Wembley trip made possible through support from McDonald’s grassroots football sponsorship Continued from facing page

into the upper tier of the stadium to join their families and enjoy the game.

An excellent and tightly fought match followed which finished 1-1 at full time. The game went straight to a penalty shoot-out which was a tense affair at the Liverpool end of the pitch, Manchester City winning 5-4 after Liverpool’s third penalty was saved. Liverpool fans streamed out of the stadium leaving the Manchester City fans to enjoy the trophy ceremony.

For the BSYFC U10 Blues team, this had been a fantastic day out and some brilliant memories made.

BSYFC is an FA Charter Standard Community Club with our primary focus being that football is accessible to children of all levels. In order to better support the team improving the standard of training and material, we are seeking new opportunities for sponsorship to help fund some of the everyday costs that the club faces such as pitch fees, the cost of new kits and renewal of training equipment.

If anyone is interested in joining the team or wants more information, please contact Matteo Bianchi (team manager and head coach) on 07966 762234, email matteobianchi. ing@gmail.com or visit the team’s webpage at www.bsyfc. co.uk/teams/134076

Top: Seated in the upper tier of Wembley Stadium. Above: On a pre-match tour, in front of the Bobby Moore Sculpture.

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Nov/Dec 2019

In Brief Arts society talks in November & December The South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meets at Bradley Stoke Community School on the third Thursday of each month, from October to June, writes Millie Parker.

We start our talks with tea / coffee at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

On 21st November, the talk will be by Philip Taubenheim on ‘Life on the Antiques Roadshow’.

Philip will also make a valuation on just one item from each member present.

Search your cupboard or attic for an unusual item or jewellery – you may be surprised to learn of its value!

On 12th December, Matthew Williams will be talking about the life and work of William de Morgan (1839-1917).

He was a founder member of the Arts and Craft Movement, a painter, a potter, stained glass maker and most famous for his design and making of tiles.

You will be welcome to join us for either of these talks. To find out more, visit sgdfas.org.uk

Dairy date: Stokes Singers’ Christmas Concert The Stokes Singers’ Christmas Concert will take place on Saturday 14th December at Church of Christ the King, Bradley Stoke (7.30pm start).

Special guests are Barn Ringers (handbell ringers from Lincombe Barn, Downend), who will be playing seasonal handbell music.

The chosen charity for the event is Teenage Cancer Trust.

Tickets on the door: £6 adults and £3 children aged 5-16.

BRADLEY STOKE TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS 2020 Day Wednesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday 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

Date 15 22 17 19 4 11 25 6 15 22 6 20 27 5 6 7 15 17 24 24 8 22 17 19 26 16 23 19 21 28 1 18 25 14 16 23

Month January January February February March 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 Leisure, Youth & Amenities Finance Planning & Environment Council Planning & Environment Leisure, Youth & Amenities Finance Planning & Environment TOWN ASSEMBLY Annual Town Council Meeting 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

Time 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900

1900 1900 1900 2000 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900

Lions on the move and preparing for Christmas The Bradley Stoke Lions have now moved their meeting place from the DoubleTree at Hilton Hotel to the Willow Brook Centre where we have the use of a conference room on the first floor. Our meeting night has also changed to a Monday evening starting at 7.30pm. We are hoping that this change of venue and timing may suit more people looking for a club to join to help give something back to the community in which we live. Willow Brook is on a direct bus route for those without cars and of course you can do your shopping in Tesco’s on the way home as the store is open 24 hours a day! How useful is that?

Our club has recently purchased eleven children’s books from teacher and author Ellie Jackson which talk about the problems of plastic floating about in our oceans. The books are beautifully illustrated and are aimed at primary school children to inspire and engage this new generation across the UK to become involved and tackle the issue in their own community.

The books offer solutions to the problems to give hope and empower children to realise they can make a difference. These books have been placed in eleven local Primary Schools and seem to have been well received.

We hope the children enjoy reading and learning about this important subject.

It’s the time of year when we all start to think about Christmas

again and the Lion’s Santa Claus is looking to have his elves polish up his sleigh and make sure it is in good working order for the Christmas season. The BS Lions intend to cover as much of Bradley Stoke as we can, weather permitting and of course dependent on the availability of collectors to run with the sleigh.

For further information nearer the time, please look at BS Lions Facebook page which we will endeavour to keep updated with our schedule of collections.

If you would like to know more about the Lions, or are interested in joining us, please get in touch with the Bradley Stoke Lions on 0845 8336745 or use the number given below. We would love to hear from you.

Lion Ailsa Young Tel: 07737 106836

Dairy date: BS Community Singers’ Christmas Concert The Bradley Stoke Community Singers’ Christmas Concert, featuring Meadowbrook Primary School Choir, will take place on Tuesday 10th December at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke, starting at 7pm.

Tickets for the concert (£5 adults; £3 children) are available by phoning 07725 890120.

The Journal Send us your news!

January magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 9th December

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

Note: Council and committee meetings are subject to change. Due notice will be given.

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Nov/Dec 2019

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PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

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

www.amanpestcontrol.ltd

Professional Wall & Floor Tiling

Tel: 07400 000084

GARAGE SERVICES

LAUNDERETTES

WASH SHOP Launderette 11 The Parade,Patchway Bristol BS34 5LP Tel : 0117 947 0284 www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding, Curtains, Sleeping Bags washed, Dry cleaning. Fast winter drying, Ironing service. Free parking. Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 1pm. (last service 1 hour prior to closing times)

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

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

07816 854978

Email: r_murphy35@hotmail.com

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

38

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 8 Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, Page 23 Bathrooms JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 15 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 28 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 15 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 12 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 37 Northavon Carpentry, Page 33 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 32 Bonne Fresh Clean, Page 14 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 25 Children’s Activities Bristol Riding School, Page 16 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Cleaning & Domestic Services Visit directory on BSJ website Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 36 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 30 Driving Schools 2nd2None Driving School, Page 1 Education & Learning Holy Trinity Primary School, Page 13 Kumon Study Programme, Page 32 Love Art, Page 31 Meadowbrook Primary School, Page 21 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 19 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Events Willow Brook Centre, Page 40 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 28 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 2 MW Funeral Directors, Page 22 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 34 Filton Central Garage, Page 35 GH Motor Services, Page 37 LCM Automotive, Page 30 Gardening & Landscaping Services ColourFence, Page 33 Garretts Landscapes, Page 7 Painting Petals, Page 37 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 31 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38 Smart Patios, Page 8 Gyms & Health Clubs Visit directory on BSJ website Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 20 DentalCare Plus, Page 11 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 23 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 10

Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 37 Locksmiths Visit directory on BSJ website Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 28 Opticians Specsavers, Page 17 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 37 Digby Decor, Page 37 Painting Petals, Page 37 Rick Murphy, Page 37 Pest Control Services Aman Pest Control, Page 37 Pet Services & Supplies Four Paws Pet Care, Page 39 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 39 Physiotherapy The Physio Clinic, Page 14 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 38 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 33 Plumbing & Heating Bristol Plumbing & Heating, Page 3 Great British Heating, Page 26 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 15 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 39 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Panache Plumbing, Page 39 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 39 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Page 27 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 37 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 15 M & D Property Maintenance, Page 37 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 39 P.J.R Plastics, Page 39 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 4 Public Notices Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 36 Recruitment North Bristol NHS Trust, Page 6 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Restaurants DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Page 18 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 5 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 15 Star Legal, Page 29 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 9 Sport & Leisure Bristol Riding School, Page 16 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 39 Z Cars, Page 14 Tiling Services Tileworx Tiling Services, Page 37 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 39 More in directory on BSJ website

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

Nov/Dec 2019

t: 01454 300 400

PLANT HIRE

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

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

Price or day work

t: 07900 372349

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

GARDENING SERVICES

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

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

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

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

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

Nov/Dec 2019

t: 01454 300 400

PLUMBING & HEATING

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk PLUMBING & HEATING

39

WINDOW CLEANING

PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

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

“Always on tap”

Call Darren on 07901 910361

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

TAXIS & PRIVATE HIRE

Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd Specialist in AIRPORT pick ups & drop offs All types of repair and replacement work Evening and weekend appointments available Fixed rates - no job too small

07967 567 394 Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

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

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092

LEAFLET DELIVERY

Leaflet Delivery in Bradley Stoke

We are open 24 hours & 7 days a week

Tel: 0117 901 2565 Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd

Covering north Bristol and South Glos

www.bradleystokecabs.co.uk

GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

PET SERVICES

P.J.R. Plastics

Replacement and Maintenance: ● Guttering, Downpipes ● UPVC Fascia Boards ● Soffits and Cladding ● Unblock & Gutter Cleaning All work guaranteed

Call Paul for free quote 01454 850201 or 07980 001109 Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning • Gutter clearing • Gutter cleaning • Fascia cleaning • Patio cleaning

Call or book online

Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk We deliver 8,700 leaflets for £220 Contact the Journal on 01454 300 400

Tel: 8528 Mob: 056558 Tel:0117 0117 370 3708528 Mob: 07543 07543056558 Serving North Bristol &Bristol South Glos Based in Downend,

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

WB Lights 19 BSJ fp.qxp_Layout 1 16/10/2019 21:10 Page 1

FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

Christmas starts W at illowBrook!

It’s all starting at 5.30pm with...

DA HAYE VID SOF SW KING ING

LOZ & FIRE MARKY- G JUGGLIN

& LIGHTS S RK FIREWO Y DISPLA

LIGHTS SWITCH ON & FIREWORKS AT 7.30PM LIVE MUSIC FIRE ACT STALLS AND LOTS GOING ON FROM 5.30PM!

HOSTED BY BRADLEY STOKE RADIO

R OTHE

E E R A F EVENT TOOK AN

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OWB

WILL

WillowBrookCentre

Great shopping in the heart of the community

willowbrookcentre.co.uk