Bradley Stoke Journal, May 2021

Delivered FREE to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke

May 2021 • Issue 85

SCHOOLS P10-11 | BUSINESS P14 | SPORT P15, P16-17 | WHAT’S ON P22 | DIRECTORY P30

BRIDGE MAY NOT REOPEN UNTIL DECEMBER…

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and once it does, much of Gipsy Patch Lane will be ONE-WAY ONLY for up to a year, with side roads blocked off Pages 4 & 5

Follow us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal

PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

Local elections on 6th May

Community Festival (June)

Candidate profiles

Final decision expected soon

Pages 12, 20 & 26-27

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Page 29

l 84-year-old’s walkathon for Alzheimer’s charity l More wildflower beds coming to the Stokes l Military helicopters over the Stokes l Volunteer groups back at work in nature reserve l Wheatfield pupils care for rescued hedgehogs l Play area to be replaced at cost of up to £105,000 l Local accountancy firm celebrates 30th birthday l Outdoor bowls returns to Baileys Court green l ‘BS in Bloom’ volunteers quietly hatching plans l Grant’s double marathon for local football charity l Honey bees rescued from giant nest in chimney l Easter egg hunt raises over £1,200 for centre

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84-year-old’s walkathon for Alzheimer’s charity 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 2021. 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: June 2021

• Advertising copy deadline: Friday 21st May • Article copy deadline: Monday 24th May • The magazine will be distributed from Saturday 5th June Subject to change due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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

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Joan walking in Little Stoke Park with brother David and nephew Kevin

A

n 84-year-old Bradley Stoke pensioner has taken on a month-long challenge to walk three times a week around Little Stoke Park to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

Joan Osmond, who herself lives with the early signs of Alzheimer’s and hardly left home during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, has been encouraged to get active again by son Philip, with the support of several other family members.

Joan was one of the first residents of the new town in the early 1980s and prior to retirement ran a delicatessen and fruit & veg business.

Philip said: “The last year has been very tough for our folks, as it has for thousands of families.

Sadly, Mum has spent much of the past year in bed.”

With Joan having received both her Covid-19 vaccine doses and social mixing restrictions being relaxed, Philip felt it was now safe to start walking with his mum and set her a challenge.

To his delight, she said, “Yes, let’s do it,” and he wasted no time in ordering new walking clothes and boots for her, which she was delighted to receive.

The walkathon’s initial sponsorship target of £750 was reached by 8th April, and the amount raised is now well over £1,000, heading for a new target of £1,500 by the end of April.

To support Joan’s chosen charity, search for ‘Joan Osmond April Walkathon for Alzheimer’s Society’.

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News

More roadside wildflower beds for the Stokes

A

journey along either of the two main routes through Bradley Stoke could become a colourful experience this summer if a plan to significantly expand the number of roadside wildflower meadows comes to fruition.

Wildflower strips totalling around 150m in length were created along Brook Way (either side of the Saxon Way junction) in 2018 and have resulted in much-appreciated displays of blooms in the last two summers.

New wildflower strips being created alongside The latest scheme will see wildflower Bradley Stoke Way, south of the leisure centre strips created along a 200m-long section of grassland alongside Bradley Stoke Way, in A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire front of homes in Champs Sur Marne (just Council said: “We are committed to improving south of the leisure centre). The existing biodiversity and managing our land in a way wildflower strips along Brook Way are also that supports habitats and connectivity for being extended southwards by around 150m, wildlife and pollinators and helps to make our almost as far as Merryweather Close. communities attractive and pleasant places The meadows will consist of colourful for our residents. Over the last few years perennial flowers such as oxeye daisy, we have carried out trials to adopt a more knapweed, birdsfoot trefoil, cowslips and natural approach to our verge management buttercups. There will also be some annual which supports the flora and fauna while plants sown to give an even more colourful also ensuring visibility at road junctions is display in the first couple of years. They will maintained and safe for road users.” be cut in late summer and the grass removed, ● To comment as the meadows develop, WB Generic more AW.qxp_Layout 12:38 Page 3 to encourage wild flowers1 to09/02/2021 grow. email communityspaces@southglos.gov.uk

Brook Way, Bradley Stoke (May 2019)

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Bridge reopening further delayed and one-way system announced

M

otorists in the Stokes have been dealt a double blow with the news that the road under the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge may now not open until December, and once it does, most of Gipsy Patch Lane will be restricted to one-way traffic flow for many months thereafter.

Confirmation of the reopening delay comes after we revealed in our March/April issue that engineers had decided a larger than originally anticipated pumping station and drainage system is needed to prevent flooding of the lowered highway under the bridge.

Due to this upgrade in the drainage system, Network Rail has applied for a renewed Temporary Traffic Regulation

Order (TTRO) allowing it to keep Gipsy Patch Lane fully closed to traffic at the railway bridge for a further 18 months, although it states that it is anticipated that the closure extension will last seven months (from mid-May), suggesting a revised reopening date of mid-December.

However, South Glos Council says it is working closely with Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths Ltd “to understand if there is opportunity for a partial reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane one-way in the autumn, which will allow for some traffic under the bridge but maintain sufficient space for work to continue safely”.

It adds that any such reopening of the road under the bridge would need to be co-ordinated with the road widening works

Huge drainage pipes being installed west of the bridge (Rolls-Royce side)

on Gipsy Patch Lane, which are due to commence either side of the railway bridge during the summer.

Passage under the bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will continue to be available throughout.

One-way system

Road widening is needed on Gipsy Patch Lane further to the east and west of the railway

bridge to enable the creation of new bus lanes. During these construction activities significant traffic management measures will be needed in order to allow safe and efficient working.

In particular, once the road under the bridge is partially reopened, be it in autumn or December, a westbound one-way system will be installed along a 775m stretch of Gipsy Patch Lane extending from the junction

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Gipsy Patch Lane Traffic Management

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Side road restrictions while the westbound one-way system is in operation along Gipsy Patch Lane following the partial reopening of the road under the bridge

with Little Stoke Lane east of the bridge to the mini-roundabout at Rolls-Royce west of the bridge.

This will mean that traffic will only be able to travel along this section of Gipsy Patch Lane towards the A38 junction.

Traffic needing to travel eastbound will need to use the existing diversion route via the A38, Bradley Stoke Way and Winterbourne Road (although it is likely that motorists with local knowledge will choose shorter alternatives).

For safety reasons, the council is insisting that side roads to the east (Little Stoke side) of the railway bridge that fall within the one-way system will to be closed at their junctions with Gipsy Patch Lane (see map above).

A council spokesperson said: “Closing these side roads is considered the safest approach once the one-way system is

installed to prevent drivers potentially turning the wrong way out of these junctions.”

West of the bridge, access to Pegasus Park (home to Tyres Direct, Stagecoach and Strenco) will be retained, but traffic entering and exiting will need to comply with the one-way system.

Side road restrictions while the one-way system is in force For safety reasons, all side junctions to the east of the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane which fall within the one-way system will need to be closed to all traffic while the one-way system is in place. This will include Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service road, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue. Motorists needing to access properties in Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive, or the Stokers Pub will need to use the eastern access to Bush Avenue, nearest to Little Stoke Lane. They will need to exit the same way.

Bus stop work

The bus stop upgrade work being currently carried out on Gipsy Patch Lane is reported to be on schedule to complete in early May. At this point, the current westbound road closure will be removed. However, the council warns that further traffic management measures, such as temporary traffic lights, will be required on Gipsy Patch Lane this spring/summer in advance of the planned partial reopening of the bridge. ● southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

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he frequency at which military helicopter are seen flying low over Stoke Gifford and the surrounding areas seems to have increased over the last year or so, although this may be because we have had more opportunities to spot them as a consequence of the Covid-19 ‘Stay home’ guidance. But where are the helicopters going and what are they up to?

There has been plenty of speculation on local Facebook groups, but reliable information is scarce, so we thought it was time for the Journal to investigate.

The distinctive pulsating sound of tandem-rotor Chinook helicopters has been heard regularly over the Stokes for

several years, usually travelling east-west once a week at normal operational height along the M4 corridor. But the increased activity seen in recent months involves a different type of helicopter, the Puma, often operating at a very low level.

Online chatter has suggested that these helicopters are landing at Mod Abbey Wood or the Nightingale Hospital at UWE, but investigation by the Journal has confirmed that they are in fact landing on the sports field at the Mile Straight Sports & Social Club on New Road, Stoke Gifford, roughly mid-way between the Travis Perkins building supplies depot and the Aviva Centre.

Information shared by the RAF (see panel below) confirms that

Background information provided by the RAF The Mile Straight Sports & Social Club sports field is an official Helicopter Landing Site (HLS) and has been for many years.

The RAF, and in this case, Puma helicopter crews, use a variety of HLSs around the whole of the UK for training and vary their routes and training locations to maximise training benefit; for example, recently our Pumas have been training in the Bristol, South Wales, Birmingham and the Manchester areas.

This site and the multitude of others used, enable RAF crews to train in urban environments in preparation for operations in places such as Afghanistan where the Puma Force provides support to the ongoing NATO RESOLUTE SUPPORT mission.

The RAF Helicopter force is also on high readiness to deploy around the world, in support of operations such as the hurricane relief effort in the Caribbean in 2017 (Op RUMAN) and the ongoing effort to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK (Op RESCRIPT).

Utilising HLSs, such as this one in Stoke Gifford, forms an invaluable part of this training for the Puma Force.

Where possible, we notify local communities of training activity that may be taking place in areas that are not used to seeing such activity, as per our recent social media posts. However, we will not offer full details for security purposes.

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News

Explained: Military helicopters over the Stokes Continued from facing page

the sports field is a registered helicopter landing site (HLS) and has been for many years.

A source connected with the sports club has confirmed that military helicopter landings at the site have become more frequent since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, initially in connection with the construction of a Nightingale Hospital on the nearby UWE Frenchay Campus.

Eyewitnesses say that in recent times there have been roughly two landings a month, some of them taking place at night.

A video shared with the Journal shows a helicopter taking off from the site, from a point very close to homes in the adjacent Cobb Court, in the dark at around 7pm on 9th March. Other videos and photos show a daytime landing of two helicopters on 24th March.

The 24th March event matches

Left: An RAF Puma helicopter on the sportsfield at The Mile Straight on 24th March. Right: Pumas in flight (stock image)

a post from that day on the Facebook page of RAF Benson: “Two Puma helicopters are expected to be operating in the Bristol and Cardiff areas this afternoon and into this evening.

These flights are part of the essential training for our crews before they deploy on Operation TORAL in Afghanistan.”

An RAF spokesperson confirmed: “RAF Puma

helicopters have recently been operating at the landing site [at the Mile Straight club]. These essential operational training events being designed to ensure that our crews continue to be ready for global operations.”

The spokesperson added “It is possible that some landings were associated with the Nightingale Hospital during the early stages of Covid, however, those by RAF

Benson aircraft in recent months have not been related to this.”

“As this location is an HLS next to an MoD facility it is likely that use of the site by our assets will continue; however, we are unable to say how often this particular HLS is likely to be used as it depends on numerous factors.” ● Ministry of Defence Low Flying Complaints and Enquiries telephone number: 01780 417558

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May 2021

News

Volunteer groups back at work in nature reserve

By Sara Messenger, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

I

can only apologise now that your Thursday morning walk on the reserve will no longer be a quiet solitary affair should you stumble upon the newly returned Bradley Stoke Green Gym. We’re the Liquorice Allsorts of the conservation world – while we are all different shapes, genders and ages, we are all the same in that we are so relieved at finally being allowed back out. Although we know the restrictions put in place were aimed at keeping us physically safe, mentally we have all greatly missed the camaraderie, the friendships, the satisfaction of seeing a good job done and the laughter that resounds through the woods every time we meet.

Although my creaky knees may not have been physically up to it, our attitude certainly was up to

‘hitting the ground running’ and on our first week back we headed off to Primrose Bridge where one team cleared the stream blockage and any overhanging cover, while also checking for any remaining signs of the pollution that had earlier blighted the brook.

Meanwhile, the other team made a log pile hibernaculum with the wood, repaired a hedge, cleared the ubiquitous bramble that seems to spill out over every path, and litterpicked.

Our champion litter picker Paul found a purse with debit cards and £45 cash in it, which has now been returned to a stunned but very grateful owner.

Michelle told us that she lost her purse 18 months ago after leaving it on her car roof and had long given up thinking it would be returned, let alone returned with

A pregnant female newt in one of the ponds in the nature reserve

all its contents. I did suggest that as it was obviously her lucky day maybe she should buy a lottery ticket!

Our second week back was no less productive when we completed an almost identical set of tasks at the other end of the brook, although we managed to include the planting of another row of rowan trees donated by local company CGI. And we finally got to meet group members Stephen and Lorna’s son Oben, who at just 8 weeks old we are counting as our youngest and, strangely, quietest Green Gym member.

There is a large dead tree that crosses the stream that at one

time it was suggested we remove.

However, as it was the favourite roost for a pair of collared doves, we left it alone and I’m glad we did as Dave told us when his boys were little, they used it as a favourite landmark and now his grandchildren can do the same. The stream bank is already covered in wild garlic whose smell often turned my thoughts to lunch until the wind changed direction slightly and we caught the rather less pleasant smell of a dead fox. We have recently found dead several ‘healthy’ looking foxes, rats, squirrels and on The Common East, four hedgehogs and a couple of pigeons and can

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Aurora showing young Toby a ringed bird near the Juniper Way bridge

only wonder what at could be causing this. I understand that during lockdown rats became unwelcome visitors to many gardens and poison was put down, but I am wondering if now other animals are now picking up either slug pellets or the rat poison, which is killing both them and those that predate on them.

Pond life

Some of us have newt licences and have undertaken a couple of surveys. Although I missed the survey of the ponds on the reserve, I’m told they were like ‘newt soup’. I’m hoping that meant there were a lot of them, not that they were floating with carrots in chicken stock!

However, I did get to survey the pond on The Common East and we lost count of the number of newts there. No great crested newts but plenty of smooth and palmate newts and many of the females were gravid or pregnant.

Although this pond doesn’t look ‘tidy’, it is a very healthy pond as shown by the number of newts, ramshorn snails, tadpole and other larvae that we found. We also found several goldfish had been put in, but as they will eat all the efts (baby newts) we hope to remove them to another pond soon. Dewfalls is another pond we manage, although it has been dry for the last couple of years. However, when two of us went over to plant a small hedge there, with more trees from CGI, we discovered it has water and according to the neighbours

has had so for the last month.

We couldn’t see any newts in the daylight, so will return one evening to do a proper survey.

As this was one of our best great crested newt breeding ponds we are hopeful at least some of them will have returned.

Saturday group

The Saturday group have also returned and have already managed to pull up nearly 2,000 Himalayan balsam seedlings and have spread bark on the very muddy lake path. We had a very enjoyable day, we found an odd ‘nest’ in the reeds which might have been made by a roc or possibly deer bedding down, and we were kept entertained by the large number of families who were taking part in the Easter trails put on by the church and the football club and we absolutely did not help everyone find a picture of orienteering post no. 5 or the phone number of fox welfare!

Our bird ringer Aurora was also out during the workday and while I was there she ringed a wren, a robin, a blackbird and a long-tailed tit, I’m nowhere near as knowledgeable as she is so shall leave it to her to tell you next month more about what she does.

● 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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May 2021

Schools

Primary school pupils care for rescued hedgehogs

N

ine rescued hedgehogs that have been looked after over the winter by volunteers from Hedgehog Rescue Bristol & South Gloucestershire (located in Yate) have been released into the grounds of Wheatfield Primary School in Bradley Stoke.

Pupils from the school’s ‘EcoClub’ carried out a litter pick ahead of the release programme and a trail has been set up for pupils to follow and learn about Britain’s favourite wild animal.

The hedgehogs will spend their days in hedgehog houses built by pupils last November, whilst at night they will forage for food within the school grounds and beyond. Supplementary food is also being provided to ensure they are well cared for.

The release programme is part of the school’s ‘Our Nature Needs’ biodiversity project, which aims to increase wildlife within the school grounds and the surrounding community. Pupils have already built bird boxes that

Top: School pupils with some of the rescue hedgehogs in the school grounds.

Above: ‘EcoClub’ members out a litter pick ahead of the release programme.

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Schools

Pupils making ‘hogboxes’ in which the hedgehogs can hibernate

have been put up in the school’s ‘Wildwood’. There has also been a successful bird ringing project which has seen nearly 60 birds weighed, sexed and aged. So far 12 species have been recorded through the project.

The next phase of the project is to create a series of ‘hedgehog

highways’, starting from the school and expanding out into neighbouring gardens.

Hedgehogs can travel up to two miles a night in search for food, so the pupils are keen to make holes in garden fences to allow the hedgehogs to roam around the town.

A ‘hogbox’ installed in the school grounds, with a ‘Please don’t disturb us’ sign

The project has received funding from South Gloucestershire Council’s Climate Emergency Fund and the Member Awarded Funding scheme. The Almondsbury Charity has also kindly donated to the community wildlife project. The project is also being

supported by the Friends of Wheatfield Primary School. It is hoped that lessons can be learnt from the project and shared with other schools in the area to boost biodiversity within Bradley Stoke. ● Hedgehog Rescue Bristol & South Gloucestershire: hedgehogrescue.info

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May 2021

Elections

West of England ‘metro mayor’ election

Dan Norris, Labour

Jerome Thomas, Green Party

The Regional Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority and makes decisions on issues that impact people living and working across the region, including, transport, homes, business, jobs and the economy.

What is your background and relevant experience?

Dan Norris: I’m West of England through and through. I went to school here and have lived and worked locally all my life as an NSPCC-trained child protection officer, an MP and Environment Minister. When I was MP, my constituency had the lowest unemployment in the UK. I’ve run my own businesses and I’m also a champion for charities that help children and disabled people. I’m hugely proud of, and ambitious for, our area.

Jerome Thomas: I’ve had a long career running a business specialising in safety and I’ve been a Bristol Councillor for six years, so I know how business and government work. I’ve listened to the experts on climate change and I recognise we need a realistic plan based on a green economy which delivers homes and jobs for everyone. That’s why we’ve drawn up the Green New Deal for the West of England.

Samuel Williams: I grew up locally, in a single parent home, with an English mother and Jamaican father. I am a product of the community that helped raised me and I owe it a great debt. As a businessman, I have a track record of creating jobs and working with charities to help get people back on their feet. I’ve delivered big projects with big budgets that have helped improve people’s lives.

Samuel Williams Conservative

Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrats

The West of England Combined Authority also leads on the recovery plan for the region, to make sure that the right support and infrastructure is in place for residents and businesses to drive the region’s recovery.

Stephen Williams: Stephen was the MP for Bristol West from 2005 to 2015. He was minister for Communities and Local Government during the Coalition government. Prior to being an MP, he was a local councillor in Bristol and on the Former Avon County Council. He worked as a professional adviser to small businesses in the West of England.

He says: “As a former MP and Minister I know how to work the system to get great deals for our region.”

How do you view the role of metro mayor?

Dan Norris: It’s about bringing people together and making sure our area is firmly on the map: nationally and internationally. The pandemic has increased the need for effective leadership. It’s not good enough that money to support our High Streets is languishing in the bank when it’s desperately needed now. I’ll be an active and visible Metro Mayor to lead our recovery.

Jerome Thomas: The Metro Mayor’s job is to put into action the steps which are possible locally, working with communities who know what is needed, and to work with national government to get the policies and resources we need to create a successful green transition in the region. We can only do so much on our own. It’s vital that we press for national policy change.

Samuel Williams: The Mayor has a central role to play as the region builds back from Covid in delivering investment to create jobs and support business, improve transport infrastructure and deliver homes in the right places. But also in bringing people across the region together to deliver projects of the scale needed to take our region forward.

Stephen Williams: This role really matters to people’s everyday lives because the mayor decides where a lot of money is spent to improve buses, cycling and other ways to get around, new housing and creating new jobs.

What are the key policies you would aim to implement, if elected?

Dan Norris: I’ll be a jobs first Metro Mayor. I will get people back to work launching my Green Recovery Plan to create 23,000 new jobs, rejuvenate our high streets, value our key workers, double investment in affordable homes, improve public transport, tackle the climate emergency and make the West of England the bee capital of the UK. Let’s build a society where we value what’s truly important.

Jerome Thomas: We need significant investment in housing, business and transport to make them fit for the future, so I will seek to free up £1bn of existing regional funds for our local economy. I will prioritise building new homes on brownfield sites, keeping our green

Find links to the websites and social media accounts of all the candidates at www. bradleystokejournal.co.uk/ elections spaces for farming and wildlife.

I also want to see bus services improved substantially through partnerships with bus companies and community transport.

Samuel Williams: I will invest over £100 million over the next four years to secure the recovery of our skills and business. Furthermore, I will also safeguard our economy, facilitate growth, and deliver improved skills training. I will deliver at least six new train stations and crucial rail improvements; alongside pioneering new hi-tech ‘on-demand’ transport services, as part of an overhauled regional mass transit system. I will build 140,000 affordable homes, focusing on the significant brown-field redevelopment opportunities in our towns and cities.

Stephen Williams: The actions of the mayor in the next four years will help determine how far we recover from the two shocks of Brexit and Covid. My plan for a green revival includes: • Building thousands of affordable homes and council houses to the highest climate friendly standards, while protecting our green spaces • Creating new bus routes, with non-polluting buses, and new train stations to link up our cities, towns and villages • Making the West of England into a national Centre of Excellence for green technology • Planting one million trees using native tree species in new areas

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News

Play area to be replaced at cost of up to £105k

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popular children’s play area within the grounds of one of Bradley Stoke Town Council’s three activity centres is to be replaced over the summer at a cost of up to £105k.

The play park at Baileys Court Activity Centre has been in use for over 26 years, but council officers say the equipment has become “tired” and spare parts are becoming harder to source.

Despite its small size, the park is well used by local families, users of the activity centre and pupils attending the nearby Baileys Court Primary School, who often visit the park with younger siblings at pick-up times.

Following years of discussions, councillors have finally agreed a budget for the redevelopment of the play park, to include removal of the existing equipment, installation of new equipment and laying of safety surfacing.

A council spokesperson said: “The project has the support of the local school, parents, visitors and the vast number of regular hirers of the activity centre. The aim is to provide the community with an exciting, valued and new play space providing regular access, and opportunity for free, inclusive local play for many children and families.”

In February 2020, play area suppliers were invited to visit the site and suggest ways of improving it with replacement equipment. Various designs

were received and delivered back to the council in March 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 emergency, the council decided to temporarily halt any new projects until end of year financial data was available.

Initial quotations ranged from £75k to £90k, but as none of these included any fully inclusive (i.e. accessible-to-all) pieces, the budget was later increased to £105k, to achieve better value “in the long run”.

A formal ‘invitation to tender’ (ITT) was published on the town council website on 1st April and play area designers are currently visiting the site in advance of the tender submission deadline of 14th May. The equipment specified includes two multi-play towers (for differing age ranges), a seesaw, swings, a roundabout and somersault bars.

The ITT calls for the work to be carried out during the school summer holidays, specifically 22nd July to 25th August; this is because the nearby primary school has an exit gate positioned within the play area.

Council officers have managed to secure two external funding sources: £30,000 from Enovert Community Trust and £14,195 from Ibstock Enovert Trust, leaving the remaining balance of up to £60,805 to be covered by the town council. ● www.bradleystoke.gov.uk

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May 2021

Business

Accountancy firm celebrates 30th birthday DUNKLEY’S CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS, a multi awardwinning accountancy practice based in Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, is celebrating a significant milestone this year – its 30th birthday!

In April 1991, director Mike Dunkley started the business from his back bedroom with a cat for company. Thirty years on and Dunkley’s is now recognised as one of the leading independent practices in the South West.

Mike comments: “This is a very special year for us as we acknowledge how far Dunkley’s has come and recognize everyone who has supported the business along the way.

Dunkley’s would not be where it is today without its wonderful clients, hardworking staff, and supportive community. Thirty years in business is a significant milestone and an achievement that is worth celebrating.”

The success Dunkley’s have seen can be attributed to its forward-thinking, hands-on approach to accountancy and its constant desire to put its clients first and ensure the service they receive is second to none.

This approach continues to drive the business forward and has helped Dunkley’s expand its service offering and reach to individuals and businesses across the UK. Today, Dunkley’s is far more than a local practice and instead is a leading figure in the accountancy industry.

The journey the business has been on to get to where it is today, would not have been achievable without a dedicated and knowledgeable workforce.

Over the last 30 years, Dunkley’s has grown from one employee to 46. The practice now has three directors, each equally invested in the business, and a management team of seven

Directors Mike Dunkley, Lisa White and Matthew Dobbins

to support Dunkley’s continual growth and development into the future. Dunkley’s has always been a supportive employer, investing in its workforce to ensure it can develop future leaders of the business. With the business continuing to move forward it is providing an opportunity for all involved to share in its success.

Lisa White comments on the recent restructure: “Matthew and I have been directors of Dunkley’s for over five years and are delighted to have been given the opportunity to invest further into the business working alongside Mike. Dunkley’s has continued to show significant growth over the last few years,

and we are looking forward to building further on this success.”

Dunkley’s has grown from strength to strength over the last 30 years in terms of client base, service offering and employee numbers, but what has not changed is the ethos that the business was built on. Dunkley’s continue to be the approachable, affordable, and personable practice which looks after each and every one of its clients to ensure they receive a bespoke service suited to their individual needs.

For further information about Dunkley’s and its journey over the last 30 years, visit www. dunkleys.accountants

Bradley Stoke Journal

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS IN BUSINESS T: 01454 619900 E: ADVICE@DUNKLEYS.ACCOUNTANTS WOODLANDS GRANGE, WOODLANDS LANE, BRADLEY STOKE, BS32 4JY

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Sport

Outdoor bowls returns to Baileys Court green

By Arthur Allan, BSBC lessed with fine weather, Bradley Stoke Bowls Club (BSBC) reopened for the new season on Monday 12th April. Out of respect for the late Duke of Edinburgh, members first kept a minute’s silence. As required by law, limited numbers enjoyed two club events to welcome back members, many of whom had not bowled since the 2019 season.

Members had been told about the planned programme of friendly and league fixtures, which they could view on the newly created club website www. bradleystokebowls.com By tradition, the club’s two men’s league teams play each other before the start of the league season. This was the first opportunity for the club president, Bob Wilkins, to present mementoes to the Bristol and District (B&D) players who,

B

as Division 3 champions in 2019, were promoted to Division 2.

The North East (NE) Players had been presented with theirs at the end of 2019, as they, Division 2 champions, had been promoted to NE Division 1.

During his presentation, the president said that the club would be running a recruitment campaign to attract new members, be they new or experienced bowlers.

He also said that the numbers allowed on to the green were limited and anyone who wished to find out more about bowls and the club should go to the club’s website and click on the ‘Contact Us’ link.

He stressed that the club would be applying the same Covid-safe sanitisation, booking and playing procedures that had been developed during the 2020 season, until they are no longer required.

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May 2021

News

Sport

‘BS in Bloom’ volunteers quietly hatching plans

Grant’s double marathon for local football charity

Easter decorations on the ‘Welcome’ planter near Orpheus Avenue

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) ecently, we haven’t able to do much other than plan what we want to do when both the chill morning mist and lockdown are lifted.

However, we did manage to put out a few Easter decorations and we are very pleased to report that this year none of the decorations hopped it!

The Common East is keeping us busy; we are either tending the pond, removing unsafe dead trees, or adding more fruit trees and wildflowers to the small orchard that we have there. We have also secured a promise of some mechanical assistance from South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) to replough and replant the meadow.

We’ve contacted SGC’s tree officers regarding the trees between The Common East and Cornfield Close. These were planted by SGC but are now too large and overshadow many of the gardens. In fact, several of them have come crashing down through residents’ fences.

No one wants to see them all removed, just lowered to a more manageable height, and we are hopeful that soon we can all agree on a management plan.

R

Our workdays are always on the third Saturday of the month, but this has clashed with the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, so we postponed it to the following Saturday. His death has reminded us that we hoped to create a garden of remembrance, somewhere with a quiet seat and where anyone could plant a tree or some forget-me-nots in memory of someone they have lost.

Although we have yet to agree on the perfect location, we were very pleased to receive from Hannah and Damien Jack a lovely gazebo frame in which we plan to install a couple of seats and to use roses, jasmine and honeysuckle as a living roof. In memory of the Duke of Edinburgh and his Greek heritage, we thought an almond tree would be an appropriate addition. In Greek tradition it is a symbol of love and hope with five sugared almonds being given to couples at their weddings as insurance for long life, happiness, prosperity, well-being and fertility. ● How to contact BSiB… t: 07582 634107 e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk w: bradleystokeinbloom.com and on Facebook too!

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personal trainer from Bradley Stoke is aiming to run 52 miles in a single day to raise funds for a local charity set up to honour the memory of two local footballers.

Grant Rees will be taking on the ‘Two Legends, Two Marathons’ challenge on Sunday 25th April in aid of the Franklin Butt Foundation, a Patchwaybased charity which supports initiatives to help young children in the local community who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.

The charity is named after Jason Franklin and Darren Butt, two former Patchway Town FC players who lost their lives in tragic circumstances in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Grant, who grew up in Patchway and was a teammate of Jason and Darren, says he dreamt up the fundraising

challenge as a way of keeping fit and healthy at a time when largescale organised sporting events are not able to take place due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The double marathon will see him visit the grounds of every team that the successful Patchway Reserves played at during their double (league and cup) winning season in 2004/5, when both Jason and Darren were in the squad.

Grant’s endurance run will be formed of 15 legs, on each of which he will be accompanied by five other runners (in compliance with current Covid-19 guidelines). Each leg is available for sponsorship by a local business and donations will also be made by the runners taking part.

The final leg of the gruelling day will be from the Gloucestershire

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Sport Continued from facing page

FA headquarters at Oaklands Park, Almondsbury (scene of the Patchway Reserves’ 2004/5 cup victory) to Scott Park, Patchway, where a specially commissioned bench was installed last year in memory of Jason and Darren.

Grant said: “All monies raised will go to supporting initiatives in and around Patchway. One beneficiary will be Mamas Bristol CIC who provide important help to people within the community who may be needing support; and currently due to the impact of Covid-19 that number is going up. As well as supporting Mamas Bristol CIC, the money will be used to support sporting initiatives to help youngsters get into sport and remove any financial barriers.”

To sponsor Grant, please visit his dedicated GoFundMe page at gofund.me/162cc41b ● Further information about the Franklin Butt Foundation may be found on their Facebook page.

Winter BSJand ad.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2020 16:24 Page 1 Right: Grant his “support crew”

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May 2021

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Advertising

Innovation and transformation We caught up with local businessman and entrepreneur Jordan Farrell, to ask him about what he thinks makes a successful retail business, especially in these challenging times.

How did it all begin for you?

My very first role was as a flooring specialist.

Trade Floor was my first company. I was selling and fitting high-quality floors at highly competitive prices. The quality products and workmanship shone through and I soon earned the trust of many customers.

This initial success allowed me to take over Charisma Blinds where I applied the same ‘high quality, yet affordable formula’. We built a large volume of highly satisfied customers from both businesses, so it made sense to combine the companies. We became Trinity Floors and Blinds. At Trinity we sell one thing: quality products and service at a fair price.

What do today’s customers want?

These days, customers are more discerning when it comes to their homes. They know the ‘look’ they want to create. We’re here to­­­­­help them create their uniquely individual look, and to their budget.

What’s in the pipeline for Trinity?

It’s long been a dream of mine to help customers with every part of their home improvement journey. Our new name ‘Trinity Transformations’ reflects just this. In this past year the home has proven to be an ever more valuable asset, with more and more of us now working from home.

With so many online retailers, what makes you competitive?

A sense of honesty and trust can sometimes be missing from internet shopping. Online stores and services are one dimensional, lacking in what should be an exciting, emotional experience. Online buying can quickly reveal the best price, but it also presents a gamble if it’s quality and a friendly service you’re after. It’s better to see, feel and touch – so you can imagine how things will look in your home. Expert, friendly advice is always on hand too.

Tell us about your new showroom Our new showroom launches in Patchway soon. Both our Thornbury and Patchway locations will offer an interior advice service.

Prepare to be Floored

Jordan Farrell of Trinity Transformations

Many customers already work out what they want from their interior and we merely help them realise their vision.

The future for Trinity Transformations.

I’m really excited about building a community of highly satisfied customers, helping them to realise their dream homes. It’s my firm belief that Trinity Transformations will continue to thrive through constant innovation.

The new Trinity Transformations showroom opens soon at: 81 Gloucester Road Patchway Bristol BS34 5JQ Tel: 01454 775 177 www.floorsandblinds.co.uk

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News

Honey bees rescued from giant nest in chimney

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Little Stoke apiarist has rescued a colony of bees from a massive nest discovered inside a redundant chimney stack above a building on the A38 Gloucester Road in Patchway.

Tim Hewer says he was contacted by a builder who was working on the property and had noticed “a few bees” flying around the chimney stack, which was about to be demolished.

Knowing that worker bees fly when the air temperature is above 10 degrees, as it was on the day in question, Tim went to investigate and was able to confirm that the insects were indeed honey bees.

With the identification confirmed, Tim started to dismantle the chimney stack, with the help of one of the builders who had kindly volunteered and been equipped with a spare beekeeper’s suit.

Tim explains: “The air temperature on the day was 14 degrees, so the bees were out foraging and bringing in pollen (protein) and nectar (carbs) to feed their larvae. This told me it was a healthy colony of about 20,000 bees, and after stripping the bricks away I found the brood chamber and put it in a nucleus box.”

“I moved the box 5 yards from the stack and the worker bees started fanning at the entrance to indicate to the flying bees that the queen was in residence. I returned at night with the builder

Left: 6ft bee nest exposed in the partly dismantled chimney. Right: Apiarist Tim Hewer at work during the rescue mission.

and collected all the bees that had returned.”

The bees were fed that night and locked in for 24 hours.

Tim continued: “As my apiary is in Little Stoke, I couldn’t keep the bees as common wisdom is that you should only move a colony less than 2ft or more than 5 miles [otherwise there is a risk of the bees returning to the precise previous site of the colony, failing to find it, and dying].”

The bees were therefore moved to a friend of Tim’s in Ashton Vale and he reports that they have settled very well there.

Tim estimates that the nest in the chimney stack was 6ft tall and around four years old.

Anyone who thinks they have identified a swarm of honey bees that may need removal is advised to consult the website of the

British Beekeepers Association (www.bbka.org.uk) through which contact can be made with a nearby beekeeper.

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May 2021

Elections

Police and crime commissioner election

Kerry Barker, Labour

Cleo Lake, Green Party

Heather Shearer, Liberal Democrats

Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for holding the Chief Constable and police force to account on the public’s behalf. They oversee how crime is tackled in their area and aim to make sure that the police are providing a good service.

What is your background and relevant experience?

Kerry Barker: As a barrister for nearly 50 years I dealt with the most difficult cases of abuse and sexual assaults. I also undertook judicial review cases involving challenges to public bodies such as the police and local authorities.

Cleo Lake: I am Bristol born with family connections in Somerset. I have over a decade of community work experience primarily through the arts. I was elected as a Councillor for Cotham in Bristol in 2016, served as Lord Mayor of Bristol 2018/19 and have been on the Avon Fire Authority Chairing the People and Culture Committee since its inception 2017.

Heather Shearer: I believe in transparency and fairness when it comes to spending your money and delivering your services. I already scrutinise the PCC, as vice chair of the Police and Crime Panel. I represent the public as a councillor.

Through the Safer Somerset Partnership, I support multi-agency work to reduce crime and create safer communities.

Mark Shelford: I’ve sat on the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel, which monitors the work of the Police Commissioner.

It’s given me a clear idea of what our local police need and how they can be more effectively managed.

In my time as a soldier, I learnt what good policing looks like and how to lead people to ensure it’s delivered. As an elected local

Mark Shelford, Conservative

John Smith, Independent

The role includes: Meeting the public regularly to listen to their views on policing • Producing a police and crime plan • Setting out local policing priorities • Deciding how the budget will be spent • Appointing Chief Constables and dismissing them if needed

councillor, I’ve learnt how important it is to speak to residents directly to understand their issues and concerns.

John Smith: I led the Avon and Somerset PCC’s team for eight years and in 2020 I spent a year as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner to help meet the challenges of policing during the pandemic.

What are the most pressing issues in the force area?

Kerry Barker: The police are meant to prevent and solve crimes.

Across the area the detection rates for crimes which affect most ordinary people (burglaries, robberies, thefts, criminal damage and violent and sexual offences) are dreadfully poor. There has been a massive increase in violent and sexual crime since 2012 when the Police and Crime Commissioner was first elected.

Cleo Lake: I believe we need transparency, supportive scrutiny and systemic reform in order to improve the police service and give value for money for our citizens.

Heather Shearer: Covid-19 has seen a rise in domestic violence, predominantly against women. We must stop the abuse before it gets dangerous. And as we emerge from lockdown we need to make sure women feel safe on our streets and in their homes.

And like many people, I’ve been the victim of burglary. Recent figures suggest that just 1 in 10 burglars

are brought to justice. I want to invest more in our community police teams to improve this.

Mark Shelford: Anti-social behaviour, burglary (often related to ‘county lines’) and dangerous driving, along with the hidden crimes of domestic abuse and cyber fraud.

John Smith: Central government funding has been cut by 30 percent over the last ten years, resulting in 800 fewer police officers in Avon and Somerset. This has been a huge challenge and has meant difficult decisions on what to prioritise have had to be made.

What are your key policies for delivering change?

Kerry Barker: If elected, I will: • Improve neighbourhood policing with more officers dedicated to community policing (more police officers on the beat in your area); • Stop the closure of police stations; and • Bring back the specialist teams of detectives.

At the heart each of those priorities will be the safety and welfare of all women Cleo Lake: My priorities include: • Better action on domestic violence, hate crime, internet fraud and road safety • A preventable approach to crime and to resource interventions • Reduce the disproportionate use of Stop and Search in part by developing new guidelines on policing of personal cannabis use

Find links to the candidates’ websites & social media feeds at www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/ elections • Improve diversity and gender balance • Review and resource the Independent Advisory Groups and set up a youth led IAG • Complete setting up of the ethics committee and support their work Heather Shearer: Policing is just one element in public safety – we need to work with community groups, health and social care agencies, education, probation to prevent crime and protect vulnerable people.

Mark Shelford: I want to return to the Peelien principles of policing, the most important of which is: “The goal is preventing crime, not catching criminals. If the police stop crime before it happens, we don’t have to punish citizens or suppress their rights. An effective police force doesn’t have a high arrest rate; its community has low crime rates.”

John Smith: With additional Government funding now promised for extra police officers, I would ensure these new officers once recruited would tackle areas that local people have told me need focus such as cyber crime, fraud, rural crime and business crime. In addition, my immediate priorities if elected would be: • Supporting the police to enforce Covid-19 regulations appropriately so we can get back to living normally as soon as possible • Protecting the most vulnerable in society and supporting victims • Tackling burglary, knife and drug crime

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News

Easter egg hunt raises over £1,200 for centre

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n Easter egg hunt organised by a local charity which provides support to people living with neurological conditions has raised over £1,200.

To keep local families entertained outdoors over the Easter holidays, The Brightwell, based in Wheatfield Drive, organised an Easter egg hunt around Bradley Stoke. Residents and local businesses very kindly sponsored eggs that were displayed in their windows and four colour-coded trail maps were designed taking families all over Bradley Stoke.

Each egg had a letter on it for children to find and help solve Easter messages.

One family who took part in the Easter egg hunt commented: “The trails have provided so much family fun for us: lots and lots of walking, but we really enjoyed it. Thank you so much

for arranging this.”

Sales of the trail maps together with income from the Easter egg sponsors raised over £1,200 for the charity.

Claire Wingate, community fundraiser at The Brightwell, told us how lovely it had been to host an event for our local families: “Our local children definitely deserved a fun activity to keep them busy during the Easter holidays. Meeting lots of smiley and excited faces when the children came to collect their eggs was the highlight of the Easter Egg Hunt for me.”

“The Brightwell would like to thank everyone from the local community for their support. It has made such a huge difference to our centre to enable us to continue to provide life-changing therapies to our members living with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, stroke, chronic

fatigue and cerebral palsy.”

The Brightwell is now planning an exciting adventure for families to enjoy over the summer holidays. Watch this space!

A lettered Easter egg on display in the window of a Bradley Stoke home

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What’s On

Get well · Stay well

Family activity: Nature Challenge Trail

by Reynold Cruziah, physiotherapist at Willow Brook Clinic

W

ith heritage venues now permitted to open again, Winterbourne Medieval Barn has a selection of community activities coming up in May and June to suit a wide range of ages and interests.

The Barn is less than a mile from the borders of Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford. To find it, just head east along the Winterbourne Road and take the first left (Church Lane) after passing under the motorway.

Why not bring the whole family to take part in the City Nature Challenge Trail on Saturday 1st May? Help the Bristol and Bath area defend its title as the best region in Europe for people and nature by joining us in an epic contest: to discover and record as much wildlife as possible.

Follow the trail around Monks Pool Nature Reserve and back to the Barn, recording nature sightings as you go. We’ll be set up in the Barn grounds for

Back and neck pain

T you to collect a trail map, and we can show you how to use the iNaturalist smartphone app (which is how we record the nature sightings).

Our outdoor cafe will also be open for hot drinks, juice, and sweet treats! Our toilet facilities will also be available.

This is a free event! No need to book, just turn up between 10am and 2pm to pick up a trail map.

Save time by downloading the free iNaturalist app in advance (search for it in your app store). ● winterbournebarn.org.uk

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May 2021

he prevalence of neck and back pain has increased since the first lockdown began. Recent research shows that 57 percent of the UK population are spending more time sitting down due to ‘remote working’.

Although remote working makes everyday life easier, sitting for prolonged periods of time with a poor posture can, over time, add a tremendous amount of pressure to the spine, overstretch the spinal muscles, ligaments and spinal discs leading to neck and back pain.

This type of pain can be disabling and worrying and, although common, is rarely dangerous. Many people recover reasonably quickly.

Staying active, while protecting your spine, will help prevent acute pain from becoming chronic. Here are some selfcare tips to manage posture related complications.

In the first few days of pain avoiding doing activities may antagonise pain. Staying active and returning to activities gradually is important in aiding recovery.

Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.

Getting up every 30 minutes and stretching will take away lots of stress on your joints, muscles and ligaments.

Keep your spine naturally aligned while sitting. Don’t hunch or hold your head in a

bent position.

Support the curve of your neck and back with a rolled-up towel or a small pillow.

Choose the right office chair and set up your workstation so your computer screen is at eye level and your feet are supported on the floor.

Exercises could be helpful for tackling neck and back problems and to prevent future episodes. Start with a low intensity exercise you enjoy and then build up both the amount and intensity.

Getting good sleep is important to reduce stress and improve the feeling of wellbeing. Sleep on a firm surface using a pillow that supports the curve of your neck.

Pain killers, ice or a heat pack and gentle massage may be used in conjunction with exercise to help relax and alleviate acute pain.

If your pain does not resolve after 6-8 weeks, make an appointment to see an expert physiotherapist or chiropractor who, after a thorough clinical examination, will be able to determine the specific cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatments.

The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 13.

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.

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Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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Advertising

The weight is over: Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke welcomes reopening decision from government Local, community owned health club excited to opened its doors to members again on 12th April with comprehensive safety measures remaining in place THE CLUB, located in Bradley Stoke, worked tirelessly to welcome back its members initially from July last year, introducing substantial safety measures such as spaced equipment, significantly upweighted internal cleaning regimes and self-serve cleaning stations, capacity management and increased ventilation.

These measures proved to be hugely successful, with recent data showing that across over 75 million visits to gyms and leisure facilities between July 2020 and January 2021, there was a Covid-19 prevalence rate of 1.7 cases per 100,000 visits.

“This latest lockdown

has arguably been the most challenging of all and we were thrilled to welcome our members back,” said Libby Bell, club manager of Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke.

“Alongside the success of the vaccination programme, we look

forward to playing a key role in supporting the nation’s health and helping the community to bounce back after such a long period of uncertainty.”

“The health and safety of our members, guests and staff continues to be our number

one priority and all of our comprehensive safety measures will remain in place. Health clubs across the country have done a fantastic job of keeping people safe and we’re looking forward to helping our members and local community get their health and fitness back on track!”

Over the next few months Libby urges caution to all gymgoers: “It’s hard but you need to take it easy after a few months of not exercising consistently.” Her best piece of advice is to “take it slow – you’ll regain strength and fitness ability in no time!”

Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke reopened on Monday 12th April 2021. If you haven’t visited the club, make sure to come and down to try our start-of-the-art facilities, with a 1-day free trial today at anytimefitness.co.uk/ bradley-stoke

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May 2021

News Councillor Column

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any residents of Bradley Stoke will be aware of plans for a large 2,000home development that have been talked about for the past couple of years to be built on the Woodlands Golf Course. These plans make no attempt to improve local transport infrastructure and would mean that thousands of additional vehicle movements would be happening through our town every day.

While plans have been opposed

by South Gloucestershire Council, they have re-emerged through the latest ‘Call for Sites’ which asks for landowners to come forward with proposed sites for development that could be considered as part of the council’s new Local Plan to ensure a sustainable approach to growth and development in our area.

This process is one that the council is required to undertake by law and a site’s inclusion on the list by no means infers it has council support – in fact I can confirm that this is definitely the case with Woodlands. The council is not against new development, far from it, and the flourishing communities

being created in the likes of Charlton Hayes, Lyde Green, Filton Airfield and on land to the east of Harry Stoke demonstrate that. The difference is, unlike Woodlands, all these proposals came with sound transport infrastructure schemes.

As your local councillors, Roger Avenin and I will be keeping a close watch on any proposals coming forward.

On the topic of infrastructure, Roger and I have been discussing the proposed traffic calming scheme for Brook Way. Following concerns shared with local residents over the suitability of the scheme, we have met with the council’s traffic engineers to discuss further and have agreed to alter the plans to instead install a speed table on the crossing and

for the rest of Brook Way to be left unchanged. This scheme has now gone out for public consultation and I look forward to its outcome.

Finally, I would just like to remind everyone that we have elections on 6th May. As well as two Bradley Stoke Town Council by-elections, we also have the election of the new West of England Combined Authority (Weca) Mayor and for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). Many people will have no doubt opted for postal votes, but if you are choosing to vote in person, polling stations will be open as usual, with appropriate measures being taken to keep everyone safe whilst voting. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines – you’re also welcome to take your own pen or pencil if you wish!

I hope you all remain safe as we move towards the end of this dreadful pandemic and we can once more enjoy the freedoms we once took for granted.

Cllr John Ashe Bradley Stoke town councillor and South Gloucestershire councillor for Bradley Stoke South ward

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May 2021

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In Brief Townswomen’s Guild Zooms through lockdown Due to Covid-19 restrictions over the last year, Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild has been unable to hold its regular monthly meetings and associated activities. However, the guild has risen to the challenges of lockdown and continued regular contact by innovative means, including via Zoom.

A guild spokesperson said: “Although we’ve not been able to get together in our usual way, members have been enthusiastic about staying in touch by other means. This includes meeting outside in small groups of six when permissible and most recently by using Zoom. This was a new way of communicating for many members, but we’ve gone from strength to strength.

In addition to holding monthly online catchups we also hold Book Club meetings via Zoom which is very successful and enjoyable. We intend to continue these virtual meetings until meetings in person can resume, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.”

“We warmly encourage anyone with an interest in the guild to ‘like’ our Facebook page, where we’ll provide updates as to when activities can begin again.”

The guild usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Jubilee Centre, Bradley Stoke.

New members are always welcome. For further information, please contact Jannice on 01454 615040.

THE TENNIS COURTS AT THE JUBILEE CENTRE HAVE NOW RE-OPENED AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE For more information and to check availability, please email bookings@bradleystoke.gov.uk

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May 2021

Elections Candidates in the Bradley Stoke North ward

Angela Morey (Independent) My name is Angela Morey and I am running as your independent candidate for Bradley Stoke North.

I have lived in Bradley Stoke for seven years, it was my first choice on where to raise my family, great schools, beautiful nature reserve, friendly people. I have five children who attend the local schools, I’m a carer for my grandmother, who has been my inspiration, a woman who committed her whole life to charity and helping others.

Eugenia Ntekor (Conservative) I’m a senior social worker, with further specialisation as a mental health practitioner. I have been working in the local health and social care sector for the last 15 years.

As a mother of three young children, I believe in respect, responsibility and wellbeing, and aim to keep our town safe and secure and free from anti-social behaviour. I will strive to work with all stakeholders to deal with anti-social behaviour within our community. I’m enthusiastic

Anthony Oliver (Labour) I was born and raised in the small village of Redruth to a Cornish tin miner father and a West African civil servant mother in 1985, I settled in South Gloucestershire with my wife and son and another on the way. I attended Truro School and subsequently gained a bachelor’s degree from Kingston University.

Thereafter, I studied at Oxford Aviation and then the United States

I have been responsible for many local community projects, including being a school governor for two years, chairing the PTA for three years and founding the Bradley Stoke Families Facebook group in 2016, which now has over 10,000 members.

I have been so proud to watch it blossom and grow – a real online local community, welcoming to all.

I would like to be your next councillor as I believe I have all the skills to be effective yet approachable. My hopes, amongst other things, would be to see a rejuvenation of some local play parks and, eventually, a community hub, open to all. I am genuinely a local person who loves her area and simply wants to see it thrive.

You can follow my Facebook and Instagram campaign pages: ‘Candidate Angela Morey’ about community engagement and social harmony. I am committed to upholding positive social values within our community.

Bradley Stoke achieved a lot of progress and development, yet we have to achieve more to bring further community cohesion and connectivity. Bradley Stoke has the lowest council tax precept in the region, thanks to the Conservativeled town council. I will work together with our town council and will strive to ensure Bradley Stoke gets the best. With my professional skills and experience in working with the local authorities, I will be a strong voice and campaigner for our community.

I need your support. Please vote for me as your town councillor on 6th May. Together we can make the difference! where I gained my pilot’s licence.

My professional background is in the aviation industry which has enabled me to travel widely, which in turn has helped shape my views on domestic and global matters.

I joined the Labour Party in June 2016, having decided to put my conviction and passion for social and economic justice into some political activism. I am a member of my professional union and believe that, by the strength of our own common endeavour more can be achieved for our communities at large. I am an avid sports fan who is happy to watch anything that involves competition and keeping a score. I am looking forward to working with the people of Bradley Stoke.

For further information about all the elections taking place on Thursday 6th May, visit www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/elections

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May 2021

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Elections

By-elections for two town council wards

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ost (but not all) Bradley Stoke residents casting their votes in the 6th May elections for the West of England Mayor (page 12) and the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (page 20) will also be presented with a voting slip for one of two town

council by-elections taking place on the same day.

Following the resignations of two councillors, there is one vacant seat to be filled in each of the Bradley Stoke North and Bradley Stoke South wards.

There is no vacancy to be filled in the smaller Stoke Brook ward.

Candidates in the Bradley Stoke South ward

Edward He (Conservative) I live in Bradley Stoke South ward and am a local chartered engineer, having worked in R&D, higher education, UK steel industry, oil & gas and aerospace sectors.

I am a passionate community champion and currently serve as a local STEM ambassador, a university career mentor and a trustee for a

Dayley Lawrence (Labour) I am a resident of Bradley Stoke South Ward and live on Champs Sur Marne. I am from Bristol and grew up in Easton. I am from a single parent family and grew up with the help of the welfare system. My great grandfather lived in Woodlands Park prior to Bradley Stoke being built.

I work as a postman at Patchway delivery office and deliver in Bradley Stoke currently around ‘the herbs’ area.

cancer support charity.

The Conservative Bradley Stoke Town Council has one of the lowest council tax precepts in South Gloucestershire. I will fight to keep your council tax low!

Through my industrial links and experience, I am keen to facilitate better planning and budgeting for road and infrastructure projects.

I also hope that my engineering skills will help our local schools and education providers in promoting STEM subjects.

I want to be a strong voice and campaigner for you and do more for our community.

I hope that I receive your support for this election. Thank you!

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I worked in the NHS for over 13 years in facilities on the frontline of our NHS. I was a trade union branch secretary working on staff engagement and helping members in need. I feel strongly about equalities, I have been involved with LGBTQ+, disability and BME groups and campaigns. I understand that some people in our community need support more than others and hope that as a councillor I can stand up for the most vulnerable in our community. It’s important that we represent everyone in our community.

The by-election was called following the stepping down of a Tory councillor after only eight months in the job. Labour did not trigger this election, but I welcome the opportunity for residents to choose who represents them.

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May 2021

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery Spring has sprung … almost

I

love to take our dog out and enjoy Bristol’s open spaces, and forget the pressures of life for an hour or so. On a recent walk through Ashton Court on a cold Sunday morning, the air was crisp, and I turned up the collar of my coat to stop the blustery breeze chilling my neck. Strolling through a copse of hawthorn and beech trees, early sappy leaves were opening, wild garlic thickened the ground, and the occasional early bluebell had flowered. The trees gave cover from the breeze, but as I climbed over a crest onto open ground, I was hit by a blast of biting air, and a squall of swirling snow suddenly appeared. I had to turn my back to avoid the sting on my face, but after a few minutes, as suddenly as it had started, the wind dropped, the clouds broke, and the sun came through again.

Skylarks started to sing, and drifts of vapour rose from the turf.

The weather at this time of year gives a glimpse of the new start that spring brings, and hopefully the sunnier times ahead. This is even more tantalising given the year we have all just endured with

“

effort by the NHS to provide vaccinations, and the selfsacrifice of millions of people to minimise the risk of infection has brought us to this point.

Our national collective effort has made this potentially a historic spring like none before.

As recent scenes from city centre parks across the country

Our national collective effort has made this potentially a historic spring like none before lockdown, social isolation, and sadly for some, the heartache of grief. With the long awaited easing of the pandemic restrictions, we have a real chance of getting back to the lives we want to enjoy. Hugging a loved one, a workout in the gym, or a pint in the pub are all within sight.

But do not forget how we got here. An ongoing massive

”

have shown, there is pent up frustration for social freedoms and relaxation of the rules .

However, like that snowy squall, we are not quite there.

We have to maintain a sensible approach. Covid-19 is here to stay, and may flare up again if we let our guard drop. So don’t get rid of your face mask and hand gel. This summer could be a celebration of everything

that we have achieved during these unprecedented times, but we must continue to be considerate to each other.

It could just be the start of something really exciting and summery.

Do please remember: “Hands, face, space” Take care and stay safe.

Dr Tim Garrod Bradley Stoke Surgery www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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29

News

Staging of 2021 Bradley Stoke festival hangs in the balance

W

ith coronavirus restrictions set to be further eased in the coming weeks, the staging of the 2021 Bradley Stoke Community Festival, due to take place on the weekend of 11th-13th June, is hanging in the balance.

Enquiries by the Journal have revealed that town councillors currently anticipate making a final ‘go / no go’ decision on the 2021 festival at a committee meeting scheduled for 28th April.

However, organisers of the Bradley Stoke 10k Run, due to take place on the Sunday of the festival weekend, have already decided to cancel their event in a physical form, although entrants are being offered the option of taking part in a virtual race.

The Schools Festival of Football, due to take place on the Saturday of the festival weekend, could still go ahead, provided there is sufficient uptake from the

Crowd in the main arena at the last community festival, held in June 2019

participating schools.

A town council spokesperson told the Journal: “No decision has yet been made by the town council with regard to the 2021 Community Festival. In line with the HM Government roadmap (and also event advice from the South Gloucestershire

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Council, Safety Advisory Group), providing that Step 3 of the roadmap is activated by HM Government as of 17th May 2021, the event will be able to go ahead as it is an outdoor event.”

“We would need to ensure there are robust risk assessments and other measures in place, for

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example, increased distances between stalls.”

As for most events of a similar nature, the later a decision to cancel is made, the higher the associated unrecoverable expenses are likely to be.

Cancellation of last year’s festival (decided under delegated powers on 30th March 2020) saw the town council still having to shell out £8,712 of the original budget of £26,200.

Organisation of the festival is contracted out to an event management company and their allocated budget for the 2021 Community Festival is £21,000 plus an extra £4,000 which is separately ring-fenced for the community element of the festival (the same as in previous years). The total figure of £25,000 includes all disbursements necessary to stage the festival plus fees retained by the management company.

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 2 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 14 Bathrooms JJ Plumbing, Page 6 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 19 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 27 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 31 Northavon Carpentry, Page 2 Steve Corris Carpentry, Page 31 Carpet Cleaners Bonne Fresh Clean, Page 22 Carpets & Flooring Trinity Transformations, Page 18 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 5 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 1 Children’s Activities Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 25 Bristol Riding School, Page 27 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Curtains & Blinds Trinity Transformations, Page 18 Cleaning & Domestic Services Niko’s Mobile Cleaning Ltd, Page 16 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 14 Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 22 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 15 Tockington Manor School, Page 32 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 6 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 11 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 21 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 21 Memorial Woodlands, Page 28 MW Funeral Directors, Page 8 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 29 LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 13 Tyres Direct, Page 25 Gardening & Landscaping Services ColourFence, Page 4 Painting Petals, Page 30 Professional Gardening Services, Page 29 Smart Patios, Page 10 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 23

Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 6 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 27 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 26 Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 31 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 21 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 30 Digby Decor, Page 30 Painting Petals, Page 30 Rick Murphy, Page 30 Pest Control Services PestBGone, Page 29 Pet Services & Supplies Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 31 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 5 Plumbing & Heating Fastfix Plumbing & Drainage, Page 26 JJ Plumbing, Page 6 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 19 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 31 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Panache Plumbing, Page 31 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Politics Dan Norris (Labour), Page 9 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 31 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 31 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 31 Retirement Homes Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham, Page 17 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 29 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 19 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 7 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 10 Star Legal, Page 24 Sport & Leisure Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 25 Bristol Riding School, Page 27 Taxis & Private Hire See directory on BSJ website Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 31 More in directory on BSJ website

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