Bradley Stoke Journal, November/December 2020

Delivered FREE to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke

Nov/Dec 2020 • Issue 83

SCHOOLS P8-9 | WHAT’S ON P10-11, P15 | SPORT P23, P30-31 | DIRECTORY P38

GIPSY PATCH SHAME: New bridge “stuck”

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Proudly trailed as the “heaviest bridge move of its kind ever undertaken in the UK”, the operation to install the replacement railway bridge at Gipsy Patch Lane saw it left stranded tens of metres short of its intended position.

The closure of the mainline railway has been extended, at a likely cost of millions of pounds. Full story: Pages 4 & 5

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Saturday 31st October

Autumn in the Stokes

Scarecrow trail

Photo competition results P12-13

Half-term charity event is a hit

P34-35

PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE l First homes at Filton Airfield go on sale l Detailed plans go in for first 144 homes along Stoke Gifford By-Pass l Options revealed for increasing number of secondary school places l Santas on the Run goes freestyle! l Christmas events you can still enjoy this year l Updates from South Gloucestershire Council l Autumn in the Three Brooks nature reserve l Lifeline grant for Aerospace Bristol l Travelodge & Greggs scheme set for approval l The virtual road to the London Marathon 2020 l Grant award a welcome boost for local charity

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Nov/Dec 2020

News First homes on former Filton Airfield go on sale, priced from £436,250 for 3-bed 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: 33 The Courtyard, Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 4NQ. 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 2020. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

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

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

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

Our next issue: January 2021

• Advertising copy deadline: Friday 18th December • Article copy deadline: Monday 21st December • The magazine will be distributed from Saturday 2nd January Subject to change due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Please check www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/magazine for latest information.

T

he developer behind the huge new mixed-use Brabazon development on the former Filton Airfield is now inviting sales enquiries for the first new homes on the site, which are expected to become available in early 2021.

Once complete, Brabazon will incorporate more than 2,600 homes, 62 acres of employment space, three new schools, a public park, health centre and retail and leisure facilities, including the recently approved YTL Arena.

Construction of the first phase of the development, consisting of 302 homes, began early this year and the first properties were ‘topped out’ in September.

This first phase has been named the Hangar District, after three historic aircraft hangars on the airfield site which are all being transformed for new uses.

It features a range of one and twobedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom homes.

A sales brochure recently

emailed to prospective purchasers describes the properties on offer as being “built of solid red brick and designed by award-winning architects” adding that they will be “spacious, warm and welcoming”.

A key marketing point claimed for homes in the Hangar District is that they are “25 percent larger than others would build, compared against the national minimum space standards”.

Three-bedroom homes in the Hangar District will start from £436,250, with Help to Buy available on selected homes reserved before 15th December.

Sales of apartments and twobedroom homes will begin in 2021.

Planned new transport links include a new railway station, adjacent to the forthcoming YTL Arena complex, and the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension, a fast bus service between The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and Bristol Parkway Station.

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News

FINAL MOMENTS

WB Essentials AW.qxp_Layout 1 17/09/2020 23:04 Page 1

The old railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, Little Stoke, pictured minutes before its arch was collapsed. More on pages 4 & 5.

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Nov/Dec 2020

News

Gipsy Patch Lane megabridge move runs into trouble on soft ground

T

he installation of a £26m replacement railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, Little Stoke didn’t quite go to plan over the final week in October, when the 4,260-tonne mega-structure became stuck in soft ground as it was being wheeled into position.

The setback happened midway through a 13-day closure of the main London to South Wales railway during which the existing narrow-arch bridge was to be demolished and replaced with a much wider precast concrete structure which had been built in an adjacent compound, around 150m away.

Getting under way in the early hours of Sunday 25th October, the project got off to a good start with overhead line equipment and track first being removed from above the existing bridge.

Excavators then worked away at demolishing the old bridge, with its distinctive arch finally collapsing in the early hours of Tuesday 27th October.

Once the debris had been cleared away, pile rigs were brought in to install sheet piles between the pile caps (these are the four corner foundation points for the replacement bridge which, over many months, had already been piled to a depth of 24m).

Not wishing to encourage crowds of spectators (in view of the current pandemic), South Gloucestershire Council had chosen not to release the planned time for the new bridge to be slowly wheeled into place, but the word on the street was that it was set for 7pm on Thursday 28th October. The operation, which was expected to last between three and five hours, was billed as the heaviest bridge move of its kind ever carried out in the UK. In the event, the piling works overran, and a small group of VIPs were called in to witness the start of the bridge move in the

early hours of Friday. By 8.30am, the monster new bridge had almost made it to the gap in the railway embankment, perhaps 20-30m from its final resting place. But there it stayed … and stayed.

South Gloucestershire Council’s PR machine, which had previously been posting regular photo and video updates on Facebook, fell silent. Later on Friday, eye witnesses report seeing workers packing wooden sheets under the wheels of the modular transporters on which the bridge was being carried.

The word was that some of the transporters’ wheels had sunk into the ground, impeding further progress and allowing the base of the bridge to drop such that it was in danger of fouling.

Saturday morning saw piles of thick wooden sleepers being delivered to the site and in the afternoon an effort was made to push the bridge back using two excavators, but without success.

As we went to press on Sunday, we heard that a further attempt to free the stuck bridge was going to be carried out using heavy dumper trucks pulling on cables attached to the transporter units, supplemented by other vehicles pushing from the other end.

Whatever the outcome, the delay of three days in “landing” the new bridge was thought to have massively increased the risk that the project cannot be completed in time for the railway to be reopened early on Saturday 7th November as planned, bringing with it penalties of millions of pounds a day.

Once the bridge has been successfully lowered into position and secured, the further work that needs to be carried out includes infilling the embankment, relaying the track and reinstating the overhead line equipment.

By the time you read this, you should know if they made it!

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News

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1

2

3

4

5 6

1 Removing overhead line equipment. 2 Clearing the gap after old bridge demolished. 3 Sheet piling along the sides of the gap. 4 The new bridge about to start its journey. 5 The new bridge stuck in soft ground, sitting skew to the road and around 30m short of its intended destination. 6 Two excavators attempt to push the new bridge back.

Photos 1 & 5 taken from west side; 3, 4 & 6 taken from east side.

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Nov/Dec 2020

News

Detailed plans go in for first 144 homes along by-pass

H

ousebuilder Crest Nicholson has submitted its first ‘reserved matters’ (detailed) planning application for the East of Harry Stoke (EoHS) New Neighbourhood, where 2,000 homes are expected to be built over the next six years.

The application, for phase 1 of Crest’s land south of the railway line, relates to a parcel of land lying to the west of the Stoke Gifford By-Pass, immediately south of Hambrook Lane. When travelling south along the by-pass from Bradley Stoke, it is the area on the right just after the traffic lights at the Hambrook Lane crossroads.

Designated ‘Lower Hambrook’, the development will incorporate 144 homes, of which 111 will be ‘open market’ houses ranging in size from two to five bedrooms.

A further 26 properties, comprising apartments and two to four-bedroom houses will be

available for ‘affordable rent’. The remaining seven two to threebedroom houses/maisonettes will be offered with shared ownership.

Existing hedgerows and mature trees on the site will be retained and the ‘spine road’ through the development will be tree lined.

Building heights will generally be two storeys, stepping up to two-and-a-half and three-story gable-fronted dwellings along the by-pass frontage (see image).

Dwellings with garages or on-plot parking to the side will be provided with an electric vehicle charging point.

Outline approval for the Crest

land was granted in principle in October 2018, when the housebuilder said it hoped to be ‘on site’ by spring 2019, but delays in signing the associated S106 infrastructure agreement, finally achieved in March 2020, have put back the schedule.

The Journal understands that this parcel of land is being developed first as it is not crossed by either of the two high voltage overhead power lines which traverse the EoHS New Neighbourhood. These are currently in the process of being ‘undergrounded’ around the perimeter of the wider site.

Access will be from a new signalised junction on the bypass, a short distance south of the Hambrook Lane crossroads.

Once development of the area east of the by-pass comes forward this junction will become a crossroads, allowing east-west and west-east movement of traffic through this part of the EoHS New Neighbourhood The Hambrook Lane junction with the by-pass will be modified to be ‘left-in and left-out only’ on the west side. There will be no access for motor vehicles to or from the east side.

Within the wider EoHS New Neighbourhood, a local centre will be built close to the junction of the by-pass with the A4174 and a community building and sports facilities will be provided on land east of the by-pass, close to the M32 motorway. ● Planning ref: P20/17975/RM

By-pass looking south. Development site is on opposite side from viewpoint.

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Lower Hambrook: Planning layout

North

Existing housing

Ha m

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La

ne

Existing traffic lights

Planned new crossroads

ke Sto

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B y-

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Future housing development area

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Schools

Options revealed for increasing secondary school Rebuild of Patchway Community School and increased places at Abbeywood Community School on the cards

T

he need to cater for a East of Harry Stoke and the massive increase in continuing development of expected demand for Charlton Hayes. secondary school places in the South Gloucestershire Bristol North Fringe over the Council secured land and £21 coming years looks set to see the million from developer YTL building of a brand new school, under planning conditions the extensive redevelopment for a school at Brabazon, the of an existing school and an new neighbourhood on Filton increase in the intake of a third.

Airfield, with the original aim to A report tabled at a meeting of have 1,050 secondary students South Gloucestershire Council’s (seven-form entry) from 2027.

Cabinet on 5th October estimates However, newly identified site that 2,476 additional places reconfiguration opportunities (15.6 forms of entry) will be could allow the secondary needed in the area, principally school’s capacity to be increased to accommodate demand from to 10-form entry with a 300-place new neighbourhoods that sixth form. are included in the council’s The report says the new approved strategic plans. These options would cost between £71.1 include developments of 5,400 million for an all-through school homes at Cribbs Patchway, with a two-form entry primary 2,675 at Filton Airfield, as well and eight-form secondary with Winter BSJ ad.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2020 16:24 1 million as Wallscourt Farm, Frenchay, no sixth formPage to £90.9

Patchway Community School, which looks set to be redeveloped

for a two-form entry primary, 10form entry secondary school and a 300-place sixth form.

In addition to the new school at Brabazon, the report also outlines the potential for “redeveloping” Patchway Community School, which currently provides 900

A HAPPY RETIREMENT IS JUST ROUND THE CORNER

places for 11-18 year olds.

A redevelopment of the school would provide a new building on the existing site, with the existing school remaining operational while construction takes place.

The cost of replacing the Patchway school ranges from

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places in North Fringe

The former Filton Airfield site, where a new school is to be built

£50.6 million for an eight-form entry school with no sixth form to £71.7 million for an allthrough school with a 60-place nursery, 420-pupil primary and 1,200-student secondary.

According to the report, “the strategic need for places” indicates that both site options (Brabazon and Patchway) would need to be delivered in order to secure sufficient secondary school provision across the North Fringe.

The report notes that a third site, Abbeywood Community School in Stoke Gifford, has already been earmarked for future expansion to accommodate some of the 360 secondary-age children expected to be yielded from the 2,000 home development at East of Harry Stoke. Total developer contributions from this site are estimated at £5.1 million and the Olympus Academy Trust (OAT) has agreed “in principle”

to increase Abbeywood‘s capacity by two forms of entry. A separate scoping exercise to expand the existing accommodation at Abbeywood has been completed by the council and is currently with OAT for comment.

Following a decision to further progress the studies and “develop the detail of potential schemes and options”, Olympus CEO Dave Baker said: “We are delighted that Cabinet members approved moving forward with the proposals. We look forward to working with South Gloucestershire Council and YTL, developers of the Brabazon site, on these projects.”

The next steps will include engagement with local partners, including council members and parents/carers, and assessing funding opportunities.

Discussions will be held with the planning department on the planning context, constraints and process moving forward.

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What’s On

Santas on the Run goes freestyle!

Virtual event will support local children’s hospices

B

ristol’s annual Santas on the Run event is back but not as you know it!

Taking place over the weekend of 11th-13th December, supporters will be able to choose their own distance, route and festive dress.

The annual festive fundraiser usually takes place on Bristol Harbourside, but Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), the charity which hosts the event, has taken the decision to hold it virtually this Christmas due to the pandemic.

Kiley Pearce, CHSW events fundraiser, said: “This year, Santas on the Run is going freestyle! Although we can’t all come together in the usual way, together we can still spread some joy and laughter and we’d encourage everyone to

go crackers with their festive fundraising!”

Whether you twinkle in tinsel or rock it like Rudolph, you can get creative with your costume and complete a distance of your choice, your way.

Over the years, the Santas on the Run events have seen thousands of people join together raising vital funds for CHSW and its three hospices – Charlton Farm in Bristol, Little Bridge House in North Devon and Little Harbour in Cornwall.

Together with community partner Whirlwind Sports, CHSW is asking this year’s participants to raise sponsorship or make a donation to enable the charity to continue to provide care for children and families when they need it most, whether that be in

the hospice, at home, or virtually.

Kiley continued: “Over the weekend of 11th-13th December we will have a warm-up for people to join online each day as well as lots of prizes including for the best-dressed family, child and dog! Individuals who raise £15 or more will also receive a medal.”

“It’s undoubtedly been a

challenging year and we would encourage people to get involved however they like this Christmas, but most importantly help us raise money to continue supporting local children living with life-limiting conditions and their families.”

To register for the event, visit www.chsw.org.uk/santas

Throwback to a previous year’s Santas on the Run on Bristol Harbourside

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What’s On

Christmas events you can still enjoy this year Bradley Stoke Lions Club

The Float Group / Southmead Hospital Charity

Bradley Stoke Lions look forward to bringing their Santa Claus sleigh round the streets of Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford this December.

Check out their Facebook page for dates and times. N.B. All collections are subject to weather conditions. If raining or inclement weather, they may be cancelled.

Almondsbury Christmas lights display Graham and Sue at 42 Cope Park have announced that, after careful consideration, they will be going ahead with their charity Christmas lights display this year, albeit in a modified format. The traditional ‘switch on’ event will not take place; instead the lights will just come on at the end November / early December. Visitors will need to maintain social distancing when visiting the lights and they are asked to wear face masks. A one-way system will be in operation and viewing times may be limited at busy times. A collection is made for St Peter’s Hospice and Pauls Place.

This enormous Christmas carnival float, towed by a tractor, will be visiting the Stokes on the following dates. Raising funds for the Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital. Volunteers will be wearing PPE and collections will be made at a safe distance.

Date Friday 11th December Saturday 12th December

Route Ratcliffe Drive area Webbs Wood Road area

Starting from Tesco Express Tesco Express

N.B. Routes are indicative only, based on those used in previous years. For updates, search for ‘The Float Group’ on Facebook, where a link to a live online tracker is usually provided on the night.

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Photo competition: Autumn in the Stokes The Journal would like to thank everyone who entered this year’s ‘Autumn in the Stokes’ photo competition in which we asked readers to record the beauty of the season in the Five Stokes area (Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Stoke Lodge or Harry Stoke. We received a fantastic response, with more than 100 photos being submitted over the four-week period for which the competition was open (17th October to 1st November).

The full set of entries may be viewed on the Bradley Stoke Journal Facebook page in the album ‘Autumn 2020 in the Stokes’ or on Google Photos: bit.ly/stokes-photos-2020 Choosing the prize-winners from so many fantastic entries has been a difficult task, but the editor’s decision is to award first prize (£30) to Louisa Alford for photo #1 taken on the path behind BSCS in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, Bradley Stoke. The three runnersup prizes of £10 each go to Caroline Murray (#2, taken in Meade Park, Stoke Gifford), Amber Turner (#3, taken at Little Stoke playing fields) and Karolina Kończak-Golis (#4, taken on one of the recently upgraded footpaths in Savages Wood, Bradley Stoke).

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What’s On

‘Church for changing times’: Community event to share proposals for building alterations

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lans to revamp Stoke Gifford’s medieval church to make it ‘fit for the future’ are being shared with villagers.

The changes to the interior of the church at The Green, Stoke Gifford have been designed to increase visibility and accessibility, improve safety and add extra seating.

The proposals, which will need to be approved by the Diocese of Bristol, will: • Replace the worn and uneven flooring and level the floor • Remove the raised platform at the altar which was added in the 1970s • Take out the large stone pillars between the north aisle and the nave and reduce the size of the remaining roof support at the east end of the chancel (in front of the organ) • Provide two toilets in the vestry, one to be accessed from inside the church and the other from the outside • Replace the external vestry door with an approved fire escape door • Replace the Victorian pews with comfortable and flexible seating which will enable a wider range of activities to take place within the building There has been a church in Stoke Gifford since Saxon times and the present building, which is thought to date from the 14th century, is in the top eight percent of listed buildings in

England and Wales.

The Rev. Canon Simon Jones, rector of St Michael’s said: “We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the building and increasing its use as our legacy for generations to come, whilst honouring its history. We are a church for changing times.”

The refurbishment will be funded through the St Michael’s Heart of the Community project, which was launched in 2012 with the aims of: • Creating a spacious, modern church and community centre • Repairing and upgrading the Old School Rooms

• Funding outreach and anti-poverty projects locally, nationally and internationally • Restoring and enhancing the church building for future generations The Rev. Canon Jones added: “We saw the first of these ambitions realised with the opening of St Michael’s Centre on North Road, which boasts a 550-seater auditorium and hosts the two larger Sunday gatherings at St Michael’s as well as conferences and events throughout the week.”

“In the last two years we have also invested more than £220,000 on repairs to the

church tower, stonework, boundary wall and new roofs.”

“The church building is still very much in use on Sundays and during the week (present lockdown excluded!) and is always packed at Christmas, Easter and other popular services. Last Christmas we were in the unfortunate position of having to turn people away from our afternoon carol service as we ran out of room. These plans will not only give us extra space and more seating, but also greater flexibility on how we use that seating.”

Anyone who is interested in finding out more, or would like to comment on the plans, is invited to an information morning in the church on Saturday 28th November. To book a place, head to the website at www. stmichaelsbristol.org

● For the latest news on our

Christmas services & celebrations, visit: stmichaelsbristol.org/ christmas2020

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Nov/Dec 2020

News

Trench Lane coned off at the roundabout on Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke

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n important route between Bradley Stoke and towns and villages to the north looks set to remain closed for at least another three weeks after a bridge refurbishment project being carried out by Highways England encountered further unanticipated issues.

Trench Lane, which links Woodlands Lane in north Bradley Stoke with Old Gloucester Road, has been closed since 27th July 2020 to allow Highways England to carry out repairs to the M4 motorway over bridge. The work was originally scheduled to be completed by the first week in September, but the anticipated

completion date was put back to 19th October, and then again to 22nd October.

As the revised date approached in mid-October, Journal readers contacted us to point out that little work seemed to have been carried out on the top side of the bridge since early September.

Photographs of the site taken on 20th October suggested that a reopening in October seemed highly unlikely.

Later that week, in response to a query from the Journal, Highways England revealed that the project had experienced further delays and issued a revised completion date of “end of November”.

Readers’ comments on the BSJ Facebook page Hayley S: It’s an absolute joke, but, as usual, they can do what they like and not be held accountable to anybody. I bet it’ll still be closed in January. Perhaps if they actually worked a full shift each day, they might have reopened a lot sooner!

Karen L: Is anyone surprised? What a joke they are. What normally takes 5 minutes to get to Winterbourne is now taking 15 minutes.

Harry C-G: Looks exactly the same as when they started.

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News Trench Lane road closure extended to end of November Continued from facing page

Highways England project manager Tom Elliott explained: “Since starting the bridge refurbishment scheme, we’ve identified additional maintenance work requiring further surveys and design work. The work has involved overnight closures of the M4 carriageway and we are working hard to complete this as quickly and safely as possible.”

“The Trench Lane bridge will be reopened as soon as it safe to do so. We are currently working towards a revised completion date at the end of November, and we thank people for their patience while this essential work is carried out.”

A post on the SGC StreetCare page on Facebook gives a slightly more specific end date: “They [Highways England] are now working towards Friday 27th November 2020 for completion.” ● twitter.com/HighwaysSWEST

The scene at the motorway over bridge on 20th October, just three days before the road was scheduled to reopen

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Nov/Dec 2020

News

Stokes councillor becomes first black Cabinet member

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Bradley Stoke councillor and former soldier has been appointed South Gloucestershire Council’s first black Cabinet member.

Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi will be a ‘champion for equality of opportunity’ in a newly created portfolio position which also includes public health. Prior to this, Cllr Owusu-Antwi had served as the Cabinet assistant for community safety.

He has pledged to encourage and celebrate diversity and will work closely with the voluntary community sector, as well as taking responsibility for the local authority’s Armed Forces Covenant.

As a former soldier in the British Army, serving in Afghanistan before being redeployed to the MoD at Abbey Wood, Cllr OwusuAntwi has worked as a logistics consultant since returning to

civilian life, advising the MoD, NATO, the United Nations and other organisations on a range of international projects in aid of developing and newly independent nations.

Outside of this, he founded the charity Assistplus, which supports veterans in the community, and he is also an active member of the Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion.

Commenting on his Cabinet appointment, Cllr Owusu-Antwi said: “Being given the chance to serve on this administration is nothing short of a privilege and I am delighted to begin work on this portfolio. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, South Gloucestershire Council has had to adapt with pace to ensure we are best placed to protect our residents, our communities and our local way of life, and I am pleased that the emphasised role

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Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi, newly appointed Cabinet member at SGC

of public health is enshrined within the new cabinet position.”

“Locally, we have been affected to a lesser extent by Covid-19 than some other parts of the country, but there is no room for complacency as every infection poses a risk and every death is a tragedy. It impacts both physical and mental health, personal relationships, jobs and our environment and, nationally, has had a disproportionate effect on people from the BAME community and has the potential to widen the existing gap of inequalities. Something that needs to be addressed with a focused yet holistic approach.

“As a Conservative, I am proud to be part of the most diverse group in the council’s history and as its first black cabinet member, I am keen to further that work to support, encourage and

celebrate diversity across South Gloucestershire. This applies not just to race, but to gender, sexuality and every other feature that makes each of us unique. I also want to ensure we promote diversity of thought, and the sentiment that everyone doesn’t have to think the same for us to be a welcoming and respectful society.”

Cllr Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, commented: “Franklin will be an asset within the Cabinet and a benefit to the people of South Gloucestershire. I know that with his wealth of experience and positive attitude, this new role will give the administration a fantastic opportunity to tackle some of the biggest and most delicate challenges we face in our communities.” ● www.southglos.gov.uk

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Have your say South Gloucestershire Council Budget 2021/22

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outh Gloucestershire Council is inviting residents, council tax and business rate payers to have their say on its budget and council tax for 2021/22.This is your opportunity to comment on the council’s priorities, council tax and its proposals to improve services and increase efficiency.

Changes To ensure sustainable services that continue to provide value for money, the council is proposing to repeat last year’s council tax increase of 1.99 per cent. This will help cover increased costs in providing services, coupled with an expected adult social care precept of two per cent. This will help meet the continued growth in demand for services, particularly those that support the most vulnerable. These changes will mean an increase of approximately £61.58 per year in overall council tax bills (equivalent to £5.13 per month) for a Band D household.

Better value for money By the end of 2021/22, the council will have made cumulative savings of over £100m in annual spending through efficiency measures. Wherever possible, this work has prioritised protecting frontline services from spending reductions, while delivering better value for money to residents. The council is continuing to implement a Transformation and Savings Programme to help meet the budget challenges ahead but even assuming the full savings plan is achieved, there is still a predicted budget gap of £22.5m by

2022/23. The council is identifying further potential savings to balance the books. It continues to make the case to Government for additional funding for areas of work where demand and costs of delivering those services are rising significantly.

Balancing the books South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Ben Burton, said: “Our top priorities are to deliver the best possible educational outcomes for all of our young people; to maintain and improve the places where we live; and to achieve the very best value for money. “We have been delivering millions in support to residents and to businesses who are impacted by Covid-19 and it will have an ongoing effect on our budget. This draft budget sets out how we would like South Gloucestershire to recover from Covid-19 and to continue to be such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. As demand for services needed by the most vulnerable, the young and the old increases, we need to deliver those services and ensure we get value for every pound we spend and balance the books. This why each year we ask residents to have their say as we plan for the future.”

View from the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage WELCOME - We’re very proud to partner with The Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford Journals, a great local business, for this special supplement. We bring you news on our budget and council tax and invite you to have your say.

We have also included our new Council Plan and update you on support for those struggling with Covid-19. Unfortunately, coronavirus cases are rising here and if we are to avoid stricter measures, protect ourselves and our loved ones and keep South Gloucestershire safe, we must follow Government guidance.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space.

Thank you all for your hard work so far and continuing support.

A full council meeting on 10 February 2021 will consider the consulta 20

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Ambitious new Counc advertising feature

How to have your say on the budget SOUTH Gloucestershire Council



• Promoting sustainable inclusive

now has and a new Plan for by 3 January communities, View the budget at www.southglos.gov.uk/budget thenCouncil send your comments 2021: infrastructure and

the next four years. growth  Writing to The priorities and • Realising the full potential of Freepost RTXL-YJXJ-BXEX,  Completing a survey, available online or download from commitments the council people and delivering value for SouthisGloucestershire Council, the council website www.southglos.gov.uk/budget outlining in this plan will help money.

Corporate Research & Consultation Team, Council  Telephoning 01454 868154 to ensure our district remains a Offices, Badminton Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5AF Delivering value for money, great place to live, work and visit.

A full council meeting on 10 February 2021 will consider the consultation responses and decide the council’s budget. addressing the climate The plan offers a new means of emergency and promoting demonstrating how the council equality of opportunity are is making a difference for you, ‘threads’ that run through the delivering ‘real value for money’ plan. services.  Email consultation@southglos.gov.uk

Ambitious new Council Plan in place Action Plans

South Gloucestershire Council now has a new Council Plan for the next four years. The priorities and commitments the council is outlining in this plan will help to ensure our district remains a great place to live, work and visit. The plan offers a new means November, of demonstrating how the council is making a difference for you, delivering ‘real value forIn money’ services.the council will

Your feedback

Your feedback ● The council ran a public consultation on the draft plan earlier this year.

The feedback from this consultation has shaped a really exciting and ambitious new plan.

Key priorities Building on your responses, the plan sets out four key priorities: ● Creating the best start in life for children and young people ● Identifying and supporting those most in need and helping people to help themselves ● Promoting sustainable inclusive communities, infrastructure and growth ● Realising the full potential of people and delivering value for money.

Delivering value for money, addressing the climate emergency and promoting equality of opportunity are ‘threads’ that run through the plan.

Action Plans

The council ran a public consultation on the draft plan as raising educational attainment, the earlier this year.

The feedback council can make the biggest long-term from this consultation cross generational impact. has shaped a really exciting and ambitious The second priority is to identify and new plan. support those most in need, with a focus on helping people to help themselves.

Key priorities

Thirdly, the council wants to promote

Building oninclusive your responses, the sustainable, communities, plan sets outand four key priorities: infrastructure growth.

It has a play start in shaping •significant Creatingrole thetobest in life for future places.

It’syoung making people real progress children and a Climate Emergency Action Plan •onIdentifying and supporting to ensure that growth ambitions those most in need and helping are delivered whilst maintaining a people to help themselves strong commitment to protecting the environment.

Wash your hands regularly.

approve 20 commitments Fourthly, it has setAction a priority to realise and associated Plans the full potential of its staff and setting out how it acts on these services, to keep value for money front challenges and how progress is of mind. measured.

TheFirstly, timing of this Council Planits is it will work with important. It takes into consideration partners and communities to the significant challenges that were create possible start evident the longbest before Covid-19.

The in life for children and young council has also drawn on lessons people.

Bythe focusing ontooutcomes learnt from response the pandemic such aseducational keeping residents such as raising better informed, working with attainment, theand council can make those who have stepped up to the biggest long-term crosshelp communities play an active role in generational impact. finding answers to local issues.

The second priority is to Find out more the those plan at most identify and about support www.southglos.gov.uk/councilplan

*Wear a face covering in all shops, indoor and hospitality venues, on public transport & taxis.

Keep your distance from others.

*Exemptions include: ● children under the age of 11 ● people with breathing difficulties ● people living with a disability

In November, the council will approve 20 commitments and associated Action Plans setting out how it acts on these challenges and how progress is measured.

Firstly, it will work with its partners and communities to create the best possible start in life for children and young people. By focusing on outcomes such

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ation responses and decide the council’s budget.

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eed, with a focus on helping money front of mind. ple to help themselves.

Working with residents, businessesThe andtiming of this Council Thirdly, the council wants Plan is important. It takes into organisations acrossto the district, South mote sustainable, inclusive consideration the significant Gloucestershire Council is continuing mmunities, and challenges challenges that were evident long to infrastructure tackle the increasing of wth. It has a significant before Covid-19. The council has climate change. role play in shaping future places. also drawn on lessons learnt from As an area we are: making real progress on a the response to the pandemic ● Reducing our carbon toas keeping residents better mate Emergency Action Plan emissions such become carbon neutral by 2030 nsure that growth ambitions informed, and working with those Restoring nature delivered● whilst maintaining a who have stepped up to help ● Adapting to the local impacts of a ng commitment to protecting communities play an active role in changing climate. environment. finding answers to local issues.

Fourthly,What it hasisset a priority to the council doing? Find out more about the ise the full potential itsanstaff plan at www.southglos.gov.uk/ The council setofout action plan and services,isto keep value for councilplan delivering this work in partnership

with others. You can read details of this plan on the council website. Current projects include an area-wide study of renewable energy opportunities, upgrading the energy efficiency of new Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Rachael Hunt, next to one of the new solar school buildings, a study looking at rural powered bins on Kingswood high street needs for electric vehicle infrastructure, Support nature: Autumn and winter be considerably wetter and summers trials of managing highway verges to are a great time for planting trees, hotter. Check out the Met Office’s increase biodiversity, and flood water putting out bird food, and building insect Weather Ready website for advice on risk mapping. Each December, the and hedgehog homes. Your local Wildlife preparing for and coping with severe council will review progress and set Trust has lots of useful tips and guidance. weather here www.metoffice.gov.uk/ out a plan for the next year. To deliver Visit www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk or weatherready THE Government’s new national Testwith and Trace Support scheme the 2030 goal, it needs to work call 0117 9177270. everyone in the area. makes payments of £500 to those who are struggling to self-isolate Join a climate emergency group: because of financial constraints. To be eligible, you will need to have Climate emergency volunteering: Join What can you do now?

Our area-wide Climate Emergency received notification from NHS Test and Trace to the self-isolate, started Conservation Volunteers who do Community Engagement group Sign the Gloucestershire self-isolation on South or after 28 September 2020, andamazing meet certain other work in our area. Visit meets every three months. www.tcv.org.uk or call 01302 388 883. criteria. Climate Emergency Pledge here: To sign up to this group email: www.southglos.gov.uk/climatepledge The scheme is here to ensure that people on Be lowprepared incomes selffor severe weather: In climate.emergency@southglos.gov.uk Retrofit your home to save energy: The isolate when they test positive or are identified as contact, and thea South West, winters are likely to or call 01454 868004. following schemes can support you:

Test and Trace Support Payment

to encourage more people to get tested. This will help reduce the ● Green Homes Grant - Vouchers transmission of Covid-19 and avoid further social and economic for energy efficiency improvements restrictions, including local lockdowns. or low carbon heating up to £10,000 To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, you must ● ECO Funding - Grants for insulation have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because Making better choices today can for those on low incomes you’ve tested positive for Covid-19 or have recently been closeon your physical have a biginimpact ● Warm Homes Fund - Grant funded contact withscheme someone who has tested positive, and be employed or You South and mental health. One to install first time central self-employed and unable to work from home and will lose income Gloucestershire is here to help you heating as a result. get healthier and feel better with free ● Renewable Heat Incentive - Payments tips, tools and support.

Whether it's You will for alsolow need to be currently receiving one or more of carbon heating systems moving more, eating more healthily or the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income based ● Lendology - Low-cost council checking yourself, the One You team Employment and Support Allowance, income based Jobseeker’s funded loans for energy efficiency can help you make small, practical Allowance, Income Support, Housing benefit, or Pension Credit. and renewables. changes that in with your life. It’s To find out more, including whether you are eligible, and fit how To find the right scheme for you, offering services such as courses to apply, call visitSevern www.southglos.gov.uk/apply-test-and-trace-supportWye who run our councilonline and advice on the telephone. paymentfunded or callservice the South Glos500 team on 01454 434087. on 0800 3076 The team is here and ready to help

Looking after your wellbeing

or visit www.warmandwell.co.uk

you take the next step in improving your health. To find out more visit www.oneyou.southglos.gov.uk or call us on 01454 865337. For anyone who is choosing to shield at this time because you are clinically vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19, you can still contact us for support on 0800 953 7778.

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Redundancy support

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for people and for many they are now facing the challenge of redundancy from their jobs. If this applies to you, there is support and information available to help you find a new job, look at training options available to you, understand what benefits you can claim and provide you with useful sources of information.

Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ redundancysupport or call: 01454 868009.

Can you help?

Residents, you can help stop the spread of Covid-19 by sharing South Gloucestershire Council’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram messages on your own social media channels.

If you are on the Nextdoor app, be sure to recommend it to your neighbours so the council can continue to grow its South Gloucestershire online community and share messages of specific importance to your area.

Businesses and community groups will find images, posters and flyers to share online or download and print. Visit www.southglos. gov.uk/covid19resources

Test and Trace Support Payment The Government’s new national Test and Trace Support scheme makes payments of £500 to those who are struggling to self-isolate because of financial constraints. To be eligible, you will need to have received notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, started self-isolation on or after 28 September 2020, and meet certain other criteria.

The scheme is here to ensure that people on low incomes self-isolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact, and to encourage more people to get tested. This will help reduce the transmission of Covid-19 and avoid further social and economic restrictions, including local lockdowns.

To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, you must have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because you’ve tested positive for Covid-19 or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and be employed or self-employed and unable to work from home and will lose income as a result. You will also need to be currently receiving one or more of the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing benefit, or Pension Credit.

To find out more, including whether you are eligible, and how to apply, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/apply-test-and-trace-support-payment or call the South Glos team on 01454 434087.

www.southglos.gov.uk/coronavirus

Subscribe for the latest news Sign up to receive a weekly update on South Gloucestershire Covid-19 cases and advice, and council service updates including waste and recycling news.

Register for our enewsletter at:  www.southglos.gov.uk/covid19newsletter or if you would like a printed copy please let us know on  01454 868009.

tokkeeeepp I’I’mmhheelplpininggto rsrshhirireeSSAAFFEE e t s e c u e t lo s G e c h t u SSoouuth Glo #keepsouthglossafe

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Sport

News

Bradley Stoke pair clinch trophy in delayed championship final

Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) autumn update

By Sara Messenger, BSiB e are slowly getting back to ‘normal’ although as Covid-19 recedes the wet wintry weather arrives! Our last few workdays were spent going over some of our established areas, the Aztec triangle, the Brook Way rose garden, the community herb garden and the Baileys Court corner. Although the weather was chilly, the atmosphere was not, as we welcomed Emma, Jo-Hannah and Amanda to the group.

Bradley Stoke Rotary Club have approached us as they would like to plant purple crocus bulbs along with a small plaque to highlight their work in helping to eradicate polio. We had hoped they could be planted on the bare bank by Rabbit Roundabout although I have now unofficially

W

been told that is about to be planted with shrubs, so we are looking at another couple of sites.

More good news is that at August’s Bradley Stoke Town Council meeting, the councillors offered to fund the replacement of the figures stolen from our Manor Farm Roundabout display – Debbie the calf and Treacle the dog. The town clerk has been able to source some suitable replacements and it was agreed at the most recent meeting that they could be purchased. We hope to install them as soon as we reasonably can, along with some additional security measures. As always, we greatly appreciate all the support we are given by the town council from both the councillors and the staff.

Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

Men’s Pairs champions Michael Cove (left) and Dennis Overton

The Championship competition finals at Thornbury Indoor Bowls Club should have been played in March but were delayed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, writes Arthur Allan of Bradley Stoke Bowls Club.

The Men’s Pairs event was eventually played on 11th October between Michael Cove and Dennis Overton, of Bradley Stoke Bowls Club, and their opponents David Quick and James Wood.

By the 15th end (of the 21 played) the Bradley Stoke

players had a lead of 22 shots to 8. However, their opponents pressed hard to cut the score to 22-18 with three ends left.

Eventually the Bradley Stoke team won 24-19 after a threehour game.

Dennis revealed after the game that, to avoid Covid exposure, he had not played bowls for seven months, and that having lost one of his bowls, he was playing with a borrowed set a size larger than usual! ● Website: bsbc.webs.com

A cow figure purchased

by Bradley Stoke Town Council to replace one stolen from the Bradley Stoke in Bloom display on Manor Farm Roundabout.

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Nov/Dec 2020

News

Autumn in the Three Brooks nature reserve

By Sara Messenger of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

D

espite the challenges of 2020, we have been making some progress on the reserve. Some were teeny tiny steps like replacing orienteering post no. 4 or sending in our limited newt survey returns.

While others, like Green Gym’s return to weekly workdays, or the improved paths project, were giant strides towards us making the best we can of the reserve and this strange year.

Improved paths

Hopefully, you will have experienced for yourself the new paths that snake through Savages Wood. Although on the first couple of days the site looked as though a giant demented mole had run amok leaving giant sandy piles everywhere, they were soon transformed into dry and safe walkways. When I popped down to see the finished job, the paths were already remarkably busy and were being enjoyed by both young and old and all those in between. Progress often has its price and this project’s price was the loss of some of the ash trees and a small wooden bridge removed to make way for the vehicles. As I and several other Green Gym members helped make that bridge, we were none too pleased to see all our hard work ripped out and tossed aside and promised dire retribution

A family enjoying the recently improved paths in Savages Wood

should it go! However, seeing the low sun slanting through the trees and the leaves gently falling on the dappled path as a young couple used it to soothe their new baby into sleep, we may just concede it was worth it. But please don’t tell SGC I said that!

Green Gym

Green Gym may now have to do without their mid-morning coffee and biscuits, but nothing gets them down for long and they have achieved much in the last couple of months. For the fourth year running we took part in Bristol Avon WaterBlitz, which aims to monitor the health of the rivers and waterways. This year, 313 ‘citizen scientists’ took part and collected samples at 266 locations giving Bristol Avon

Rivers Trust a fantastic spread of data across its catchment areas.

We were also able to survey our dormouse boxes. Although we have no dormice, I discovered they are not unused. Much to the annoyance of the three field mice who, in one of them, had been happily snoozing and dreaming of fat juicy corn. Somehow a reproachful look seems so much harsher when it’s coming from something that small!

We have had several ‘away days’ – one at Jubilee Green where we tidied the empty Davis Pond and the area around it and bagged up a huge pile of bark chippings given to us by BSTC. As a thank you, we first weeded and covered their gardens and the netball court side area with some of the chippings so that waiting parents could more easily socially distance. Another away day was the pond on Dewfalls Drive which is now also empty although we do not know the reason for this. Dewfalls required a herculean effort to return it to a tidy state but we managed.

You may wonder why we left the fence edges so bare but this is so that when this winter we return to plant a new hedge we will not be disturbing any of the protected great crested newts that were once found here in abundance. We were told a few years ago that this used to also be a farm pond which was cobbled, although previously we dug down a couple of feet we were unable to find any and so dismissed the

idea. However, some animal has dug it’s own den here and a few cobbles have been unearthed so perhaps we just didn’t go deep enough. If anyone has any knowledge or pictures of this pond before the surrounding houses were built, we’d be very interested in them getting in touch.

The Common East

This area is jointly managed between Green Gym and the ‘in Bloom’ group and we spent another two weeks here and there wasn’t a lot we didn’t do: bramble bashing, putting up signs, attending to the insect hotel, adding bark to the path, pond maintenance, scything and tree trimming & removal, to name just a few!

Many of the trees on the path between here and Cornfield Close have died and several have come down onto residents’ fences. We have reported the trees to SGC and although they arranged for the fallen ones to be removed the others have yet to be dealt with so we donned our hard hats and took down all those that are within our limits, while another group trimmed back the willow that appears to be on the losing side of its weekly battle with the bin men’s lorry!

Two of the group headed off to Primrose Bridge to bramble bash and to clean the bridge’s nameplate, a task we think had not been done since the bridge was installed, as amazed walkers

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News it, it does have many ramshorn snails which are an indicator of a healthy pond.

Lake desilting

Ah, so that’s what it’s called! A clean up for the nameplate on Primrose Bridge.

Continued from facing page

said they had been coming that way for over a decade and had never seen it before!

Our other big task was giving the pond some attention. As I and some other young naturalists have found newts in this pond, we are unable to do any maintenance during the warmer

months. Although October may seem a little early, we were careful to return immediately to the pond any wildlife we found and to ensure that the rest of the plants were placed at the very edge of the water so that anything we missed could find it’s own way back in. Although this pond no longer has any stickleback fish in

The plans for the lake to be desilted are slowly progressing, although the start date has yet to be set. Robocut has again been in and cleared ‘the bun’, which is where the silt will be deposited.

Professional ornithologists have told me that, in their experience, if the lake is just scooped out and left as a large deep basin, we will loose all our wading birds, the ducks, the herons and the egrets, as they all require shallow areas to feed. In addition I think the conservation group will have to clear the islands of some vegetation as at the moment the ducks roost safely on top of the silt and when that is removed they will have nowhere to go other than the islands or floating platforms. Although I haven’t measured the platforms recently, I’m fairly sure they won’t hold all of our 94 ducks!

The group has yet to see the proposed plans or be told which ecologist is advising SGC, but I am confident that we will all be able to work together to deliver a project that is beneficial to both humans and the wildlife that depends on us.

See page 26 for a statement from SGC on the desilting work.

● Contact the Three Brooks

Nature Conservation Group… t: 07497 006676 e: info@three-brooks.info w: www.three-brooks.info and on Facebook too!

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The Only Cure for Litter is YOU KEEP Bradley Stoke

Nov/Dec 2020

In Brief Town council grants awarded in October Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee approved the following grants and service level agreements at its meeting on 19th October 2020: • Service Level Agreement of £2,300 to Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club • Grant Aid of £500 to Bradley Stoke Town Football Club towards the development of an additional Saturday team • Grant Aid of £500 to Severn Area Rescue Association towards the costs of refurbishment of the Sharpness Lifeboat Station • Grant Aid of £417 to Bradley Stoke Ladies Football Club towards the costs of pitch hire ● Bradley Stoke Town Council has a range of grant funding streams which eligible groups and organisations can apply for. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/bstc-grants or phone 01454 205020.

Start of the Three Brooks Lake desilting Desilting of the Three Brooks Lake is due to take place between November 2020 and February 2021. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We are currently working with the Environment Agency on preliminary work required before carrying out the desilting. Once that has been completed, we will be in a position to provide further information on the details, and a timescale for the work.”

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News

Lifeline grant for Aerospace Bristol museum Award will help centre weather impact of pandemic

L

ocal aviation heritage centre Aerospace Bristol has been awarded £514,000 as part of the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure it has a sustainable future.

Located on the Patchway side of the former Filton Airfield site, Aerospace Bristol is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.

The award to the local museum was part of a total of £257 million of investment announced in midOctober as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Aerospace Bristol reopened its doors to the public on 1st August. The grant from the Culture Recovery Fund is vital in allowing the museum to remain open and continue to provide the opportunity for people to enjoy and learn about the region’s rich aviation heritage, including Concorde.

The grant will protect key jobs and skills and allow Aerospace Bristol to resume its learning and community outreach programmes. It will also enable

the museum to further develop its digital content, adapting for a ‘post-Covid’ world.

With a comprehensive range of Covid-19 safety measures in place, Aerospace Bristol is currently open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Opening days and hours may vary during school holidays. Tickets must be booked in advance via aerospacebristol.org Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.”

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Lloyd Burnell, executive director at Aerospace Bristol, said: “We are delighted to have received this grant from the Culture Recovery Fund which should safeguard the future of Aerospace Bristol, our wonderful collections of objects and archives, our important learning and community engagement programmes and, of course, jobs and skills. We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors to the museum”

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Get well · Stay well

Nov/Dec 2020

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

Looking after your feet is a two-way street

A

s I write this article, a fairly certain fact is that it is highly unlikely we will be throwing shapes on the dance floor at our 2020 office parties or embarrassing our children with serious parent moves this festive season. But, every cloud has a silver lining… at least we won’t be wearing inappropriate shoes!

If shoes make your feet hurt, you will know exactly I mean.

If your feet hurt, even without fancy shoes, you will know exactly what I mean. If your feet do hurt, for whatever reason, it is time to seek out a qualified and regulated foot health practitioner to help you look after your feet.

There is so much that a practitioner can do to help you with your foot health. We can manage nails and calloused skin, we can treat corns and pressure points. We can give you advice on infection – fungal, viral or bacterial. We can deal with ingrowing toe nails and talk to you about your footwear.

Don’t be self-conscious or embarrassed to visit us, we are trained to manage your foot health concerns and, over time, your practitioner will become your partner in your foot health.

However, it is important to note that part of the responsibility is yours – there is only so much a practitioner can do to help. The daily routine of looking after your feet is up to you. The basic advice is to:

• Wash your feet every day • Dry careful and gently, especially between your toes.

• Use a good quality foot care cream to moisturise your feet and to help manage dry skin • Wear comfortable shoes that support your feet properly • Change your socks every day • Inspect your feet regularly and note any changes • Don’t ignore foot pain, it probably won’t just go away • Go for a walk every day We hope that you have a special festive season, however and whatever that means to you.

But more than anything, we hope that your feet don’t hurt!

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

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News Council officers recommend Abbey Wood Travelodge and Greggs scheme for approval Late objection from parish council still to overcome

A

planning application for the construction of a Travelodge hotel and a Greggs drive-through near the entrance to the Abbey Wood Retail Park in Filton was recommended for approval by officers at South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) in mid-October.

However, the case is now having to be reconsidered by the planning department after it was pointed out that although most of the development site lies within the Filton town boundary, a small part sits within Stoke Gifford and the parish council there had not been formally consulted.

The proposed development site is a 0.4ha area of grassland located between the access road into the retail park and the A4174, just to the east of the existing McDonald’s restaurant.

The four-storey, 85-bed Travelodge and single-storey Greggs outlet would share a new 49-space car park, accessed from the existing road which leads into McDonald’s.

The development would create 25 full-time-equivalent jobs.

The applicant envisages that customers of the Greggs outlet will predominantly use the parking spaces in the day with the guests of the hotel using these during the evening and morning hours. Registered hotel guests will

be also be allowed to use the main parking area at the shopping park as an overspill. In their report, council officers accepted the applicant’s analysis, saying they “do not consider [car parking provision] to be a problem”.

Referring to SGC’s local plan, which calls for more ‘comparison’ retail space to be provided within the Stoke Gifford District Centre, the applicant had claimed this requirement is out of step with market demand, and says this has been “exacerbated by Covid-19”. In their report, officers acknowledged that the evidence underpinning this policy is now “very dated”, conceding that it is “unlikely to be an accurate reflection of today’s retail need”.

Justifying the need for another hotel in the area, the applicant had claimed the forthcoming YTL Arena in Filton could be expected create a “significant level of demand”. Officers agreed, saying the hotel would play a part in fulfilling the economic demands created by the arena.

Concerns raised by the council’s landscape and urban design specialists have resulted in the applicant revising some aspects of the scheme, to the satisfaction of officers. The revisions include additional tree, hedge and shrub planting, the introduction of feature paving and a change to

Top: Visualisation of Travelodge & Greggs. Above: Aerial view showing site.

lighter-coloured metal cladding panels on the hotel.

As we went to press, we learned that Stoke Gifford Parish Council, after considering the application at its planning committee meeting on 27th October, had lodged an objection.

The grounds for objection are given as lack of parking bays, the area already having sufficient hotels, the site not being designated for C1 hotel use,

loss of trees, traffic congestion and pollution.

SGC officers say they will now reconsider the case and determine it according to the council’s constitution. Should the officer recommendation remain one of approval, local ward members could, in sufficient numbers, ‘call in’ the application for determination by an SGC planning committee. ● Planning ref: P20/08495/F

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Nov/Dec 2020

Sport

The virtual road to the London Marathon 2020 Nicola Phillips describes how members of local ladies-only running group Sole Sisters supported one of their fold to prepare for and complete in this year’s virtual race.

L

ast October Claire Stone was lucky enough to be selected to run her first marathon, the London Marathon on 26th April 2020 with one of the Sole Sisters’ ‘affiliated running club’ places.

Training started in earnest in January and was progressing well with several long runs under her belt … but then lockdown happened! This resulted in the 40th edition of the London Marathon being postponed (eventually to October) and Sisters running solo throughout March, April and May as we were

not permitted under England Athletic rules to meet as a group.

In April, Claire ran a mile every day with her daughter Ella (aged seven), finishing on the original date of the London Marathon with the 2.62 Challenge running around Cheswick Village in her wedding dress, in the process raising funds for the Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal.

Claire raises funds for the Grand Appeal following her friend’s 3-year-old daughter Phoebe Waite from Patchway being diagnosed with a Wilms’ kidney tumour. The good news is that Phoebe was able to ‘ring the bell’ to signify the end of her treatment in early October.

At the start of June, as lockdown restrictions were eased, we were able to start running in groups of up to six, Claire was

Left: Claire running up Alveston Hill during her virtual race.

Facing page (l-r): Claire in her wedding dress completing the 2.62 Challenge with Ella; Phoebe & Claire; Nicola, Mary & Claire at the finish of the virtual race

looking for running buddies to complete longer runs with her as part of her training for the rescheduled London Marathon date in October. At this point Mary Mainwaring and I joined Claire and on a Monday night instead of doing our usual sixmile route, we started to up the mileage towards the marathon goal. We didn’t do our usual long Saturday runs as we were aiming to complete the Rapha 100K ladies cycling sportive. Both myself and Mary are fortunate enough to have previously had Sole Sisters marathon places, so thought we could run up to 16 miles with Claire.

Lockdown restrictions had not really changed that much by August – we were still not able to meet as a running club and were restricted to groups of six. The chances of the London Marathon taking place seemed slim with 40,000 runners meeting on the start at Blackheath Common.

More and more running events such as the Great North Run were cancelled. Then it was announced that the marathon in London would just be for a few elite runners and the mass event would be held “virtually”, meaning that each participant would complete the 26.2 miles “their own way”.

Claire entered the virtual event, and after a few days and maybe a glass of wine Mary and I decided to join her. At this point we were still doing lots of miles on the bike and running was a

bit disjointed. The plan was to run the first half of the marathon distance, stop for coffee and cake, then walk the remaining miles.

The Rapha 100Km was completed with our Spinning Sisters on 6th September. Cycling was then put on pause to focus on the marathon.

As part of our training, we decided we would do the Virtual Great North Run on 13th September with thousands of other runners across the UK. We met at Warmley Waiting Rooms and ran 13.1 miles along the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path, on a beautiful early autumn day.

There were no Red Arrows or Tyne Bridge, but we had our local sights!

When the day of the virtual London Marathon (4th October) arrived, the weather, as predicted, was monsoon wet. We set off from the Jubilee Centre in Bradley Stoke cheered by fellow hardy Sole Sisters who had braved the weather and our relatively early start. We then proceed to run through Little Stoke Park to Patchway before joining the A38 to Thornbury.

In Thornbury, the plan changed and we decided we would try to run as much of the distance as possible. The weather was truly wet, but we were cheered on by motorists, friends and family members meeting us at various points along the route. On the return leg, we were joined by Penny, our club chair, to run the last six miles, which lifted our

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31

Sport

Continued from facing page

spirits. At the finish it was great to be greeted by a cheering party.

What next? Claire has had her place in the October 2021 London Marathon confirmed,

while Mary and I have entered the ballot for London. We have also decided 2021 will be the year we attempt our first Ultra Marathon ‘Race to the Stones’ – 100km over two days in July.

We will be running this for charity, Mary for Prostate Cancer UK and myself for Alzheimer’s Research UK. If you could spare a few pennies we would be very grateful.

• justgiving.com/fundraising/ claire-stone23 • justgiving.com/fundraising/ Nicola-Phillips26 • justgiving.com/fundraising/ mary-mainwaring

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Nov/Dec 2020

Ask the Doctor with Dr Sophie Kilmartin of Bradley Stoke Surgery Domestic violence and abuse

I

was prompted to write about the difficult subject of domestic violence and abuse after receiving a copy of the IRIS newsletter and being reminded of the enormous impact that domestic violence has on individuals and our communities. IRIS, which stands for ‘Identification and Referral to Improve Safety’, is a social enterprise established to promote and improve the healthcare response to gender based violence. All staff at Bradley Stoke Surgery underwent their excellent training a couple of years ago to help us recognise that the way in which our team approaches domestic violence and abuse with a person can make an immense difference to that person’s life and the lives of affected children.

All of us should be able to feel safe and respected at home but

sadly we know that this is not the case, and that every year nearly two million people in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse (1.3 million female victims or 8.2 percent of the population, 0.6 million male victims or 4 percent of the population).

On average two women are killed by their partner or ex-

The good news is that we are open and here to help in primary care. Whilst we are conducting more consultations by telephone or video to reduce Covid-19 risk, the IRIS team and the Royal College of GPs have given us good guidelines for these remote consultations to help us safeguard victims of domestic

“Every year nearly two million people in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse.” partner every week in England and Wales (ONS, 2017). These terrible statistics are likely to be worse with the restrictions that the current pandemic are having, which mean that victims and perpetrators are being forced to live in closer quarters, normal support mechanisms such as family and friends may not be available, and health and voluntary organisations may be less accessible.

violence. We also have access to a dedicated IRIS worker who can help us answer any queries and support our patients in the most appropriate way. The main message of this article is to say that if you are suffering domestic violence or abuse, you are not alone and it is not your fault. Please make contact with an organisation to help you whether it be your GP, a national 24-hour helpline 0808 2000

Funeral Directors and Cemetery Tel: 01454 414999 • Email: admin@memorialwoodlands.com

247 or a website such as www. womensaid.org.uk Womensaid has a lot of valuable safety information on their website such as if calling 999 because you are in immediate danger and you can’t talk, if you cough, tap the phone or press “55” the operator will know it’s an emergency and you are not safe to speak. Remember – you are not alone and we are here to help.

Dr Sophie Kilmartin Bradley Stoke Surgery www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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33

News

Grant award a welcome boost for local charity

T

he Brightwell in Bradley Stoke, has had some very good news that’s sure to brighten the day of their 350 members. The charity has been awarded a grant of £57,548 from the government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund.

The fund was created for charities, like The Brightwell, after the massive shortfall in funding caused by the pandemic.

The Brightwell offers oxygen therapy, physiotherapy, clinics, advice and support for those living with long-term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and fibromyalgia, and it is an invaluable lifeline. Recently it has also begun to see people with ‘long Covid’, symptoms of which include fatigue, brain-fog, breathlessness. These are often helped enormously by oxygen therapy.

Paul Spaven, chair of trustees, said: “The Brightwell is a hidden gem, doing so much, for so many, while receiving no statutory funding to help with annual running costs of over £300,000.

This grant really is a lifesaver.

As lockdown began, the centre closed until full safety procedures could be introduced and it’s a credit to the team that of the 60 similar centres across the UK, The Brightwell was one of the first to reopen its doors.”

Centre manager Doro Pasantes added: “Our aim has always been to help people stay independent, mobile and active for as long as possible. Now that the NHS is under increasing pressure it is vitally important we continue doing just that, keeping people well, keeping them safe and out of hospital. This grant not only helps the centre, it helps our local community; the knock-on benefits are huge.”

During lockdown the team rallied to make sure the members weren’t left in isolation. A virtual community began where daily physical challenges and exercises were held, every week there was a different social get-together, sometimes a tea party or a quiz

Physiotherapy assistant Louise Hadley (left) and physiotherapist Carman Cristea celebrate the award of a grant to The Brightwell from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund

and, occasionally, a puzzle to solve. There was even a virtual pet parade. Weekly exercise classes on Zoom proved so popular that the classes have continued so that those who are still isolating are involved. For those without internet, especially the more vulnerable members, the team kept in touch by phone.

This has been such an important step-change in services, as social isolation and deteriorating

mental health is a terrible reality for many with long-term illness.

The Brightwell had planned a packed calendar of fundraising events over 2020, including the celebration of the centre’s 35th anniversary but, sadly, that couldn’t happen. However, with re-ignited enthusiasm, the team have pulled together with an amazing offering of online opportunities to get behind, like the Brightwell Bazaar, a virtual

Christmas market, Christmas card sales and the Brightwell Bonus Ball Bingo.

The centre is open five days a week. Social distancing and strict protocols mean that things are a little different, but thanks to the grant the team are back to doing what they love; helping people with neurological conditions live their best lives.

To find out more, or to donate, visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk

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Nov/Dec 2020

News

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radley Stoke’s first ever charity scarecrow trail held over the half-term school holiday was a resounding success with an estimated 600 families taking on the challenge of visiting all 26 figures.

The scarecrows, each depicting a famous witch or wizard, were created and hosted by local residents, community groups and businesses.

Having obtained their trail maps in exchange for a £1 charity donation, participants were set the task of naming each of the figures, aided by clues on display at each site.

Everybody taking part was asked to name their favourite scarecrow and also the one they considered to be the funniest.

Those returning their completed forms to the town council offices were entered into a prize draw for the chance to win £50.

The event was the idea of Bradley Stoke mayor Cllr Tony Griffiths, who saw it as providing an affordable and fun family activity that would be compatible with the current Covid-19 social distancing guidelines.

A prize of £100 was awarded to the makers of the favourite scarecrow, £50 to the one voted funniest. A third prize of £100 went to the mayor’s personal favourite.

Commenting on the success of the initiative, Cllr Griffiths said: “I am delighted that we were able to put on this community event during this year of Covid, when we have had to cancel so many.”

“The event was the initiative of the deputy town clerk, Odile McIntosh, who deserves a good pat on the back for coming up with the idea and, mostly singlehandedly, organising everything.

Odile was delighted to see the children and adults arrive at the various centres, really excited to find the scarecrows scattered around the town.”

“This was a very successful event where the community could occupy the children at halfterm at a very affordable cost.

Seeing some of the parents going

Mayor’ Tony Griffiths’ favourite: Nearly Headless Nick

round, I engaged with one parent who said her six-year-old was a little frightened but was really enjoying finding the scarecrows.”

“I would like to thank the event sponsors: Andy Wynn, manager of the Willow Brook Centre, for his continued support; Chris, the manager of the Hollow Tree public house; and Specsavers for their generosity.”

“I would also like to thank all who participated in making the scarecrows and those who purchased the maps, from which the profit will go to my two mayoral charities for this year, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Next Link Domestic Abuse Services.”

Deputy town clerk Odile McIntosh added: “Personally I would love to thank all the sponsors who helped us start this event so we were able to offer prizes. A massive ‘thank you’ to all of the scarecrow makers, the votes were so close and the quality of the scarecrows very high.”

“It was lovely seeing families, children, parents, dogs and grandparents braving the trail in all weathers. Lots of the children dressed up as they walked around the town and everyone said it was lots of fun.”

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News

Half-term scarecrow trail a hit with families THE WINNERS Favourite Scarecrow* (£100) No. 24 Dobby the House Elf

By Wildhearts Childcare Funniest Scarecrow* (£50) No. 3 Ron Weasley By the Wass family Mayor’s Favourite No. 3 Nearly Headless Nick By the Owen Family Trail Map Prize Draw (£50) Charlene and Adam * As voted by participants

Ron Weasley

Dobby the House Elf

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Bradley Stoke Scarecrow Trail: Editor’s Picks More scarecrows form the recent trail. These by (l-r) Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, The McIntosh family and Friends of Wheatfield School.

Lord Voldemort

Rubeus Hagrid

Professor Sybil Trelawny

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37

News

Bradley Stoke scarecrow trail hijacked! had to hijack Bradley Stoke Town Council’s scarecrow trail. The theme was Famous Wizards and Witches and I thought that these two fitted in perfectly. Location is everything and this is located right outside the [council offices].”

“Hopefully it will get a few smiles from the adults and kids while it lasts, but I am not expecting the Conservative council to appreciate it.”

Someone who did appreciate it was the town council’s sole Labour member, Fabrizio Fazzino, who tweeted a photo of himself standing next to the installation (see below).

Families on the recent Bradley Stoke ‘Famous Wizards and Witches’ scarecrow trail who visited Baileys Court Activity Centre in search of the Abacus Pre-School figure shown on the trail map may have been confused to find not one just scarecrow at the site, but THREE! The second scarecrow was down to a misunderstanding leading to the Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club figure being wrongly shown at a residential address on the trail map, but the art installation that had appeared in the Baileys Court play park on the opening day of the trail was an imposter!

Labelled ‘Running Through the Wheat Fields’ with the hashtag #JohnDoh, the piece showed images of Boris Johnson and Theresa May standing at the bow of the Titanic (according to the name on a dangling lifebelt).

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 36 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 2 Bathrooms JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 18 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 16 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 18 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 39 Northavon Carpentry, Page 9 Steve Corris Carpentry, Page 39 Carpet Cleaners Bonne Fresh Clean, Page 27 Carpets & Flooring Trinity Floors and Blinds, Page 35 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 13 Children’s Activities Bristol Riding School, Page 16 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Curtains & Blinds Trinity Floors and Blinds, Page 35 Cleaning & Domestic Services Niko’s Mobile Cleaning Ltd, Page 6 Dentists Patchway Dental Practice, Page 9 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 10 Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 23 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 12 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 18 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 34 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 36 Memorial Woodlands, Page 32 MW Funeral Directors, Page 17 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 24 LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 4 Tyres Direct, Page 26 Gardening & Landscaping Services ColourFence, Page 11 Garretts Landscapes, Page 33 Painting Petals, Page 37 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38 Smart Patios, Page 16 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 25 Hairdressing WBS Barber Shop, Page 29 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 5 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 28 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 27

Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 38 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 34 More in directory on BSJ website Office Space Biz Space Bristol, Page 14 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 PestBGone, Page 37 Pet Services & Supplies Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 39 Pharmacies Bradley Stoke Pharmacy, Page 28 Physiotherapy The Physio Clinic, Page 10 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 6 Plumbing & Heating Fastfix Heating, Page 15 Fastfix Plumbing & Drainage, Page 30 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 18 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 39 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Panache Plumbing, Page 39 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Page 40 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 39 JJ Plumbing & Building, Page 18 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 39 P.J.R Plastics, Page 39 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 39 Public Notices Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 26 South Glos Council, Pages 19-22 Retirement Homes Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham, Page 8 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 36 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 7 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 4 Star Legal, Page 31 Sport & Leisure Bristol Riding School, Page 16 Taxis & Private Hire See directory on BSJ website Tutoring Services High C’s Music Services, Page 34 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 39

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Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 1pm. (last service 1 hour prior to closing times) 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 2020

t: 01454 300 400

39

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

WINDOW CLEANING

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

So Clear

Professional Gutter Clearing Services • • • • •

Experienced cleaners Gutters cleared up to 5 storeys high Fully Insured Telescopic camera check Competitive prices – free quotation

www.soclear.co.uk 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

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

No too job sma ll

corriscarpentry@gmail.com

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning

Call Darren on 07901 910361

07523 961 869

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

PANACHE

“Always on tap”

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FB:Stevecorriscarpentryandhomeimprovements

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

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

Local, friendly and reliable professional

info@soclear.co.uk ● 07851 847 079

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

Steve Corris Carpentry & Home Improvements

• Gutter clearing • Gutter cleaning • Fascia cleaning • Patio cleaning

Call or book online

PET SERVICES

Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk 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

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Peace of mind for you

Images show a typical ExtraCare village apartment

and your loved ones Stoke Gifford Retirement Village provides safe and secure homes within a vibrant and active village with everything on your doorstep – the way retirement should be!

There has never been a better time to consider retirement village living for you or your loved ones. In addition to the government’s stamp duty exemptions, we are offering £5k** towards your brand new home if you reserve a property with us before 31 December 2020.

Call 0117 440 3068 to book an appointment and visit us safely.

Shared ownership and limited availability T&Cs apply – contact the sales team for more information

*

**

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1YF Registered Charity No. 327816

There’s no stress, everything you want is here. But it’s the peace of mind for me and for my children – that’s what’s most important.

Myrtle

 stokegifford@extracare.org.uk  stokegiffordvillage.co.uk  facebook.com/stokegiffordvillage