Bradley Stoke Journal, March/April 2022

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March/April 2022 • Issue 91

WHAT’S ON P12, P34, P37 | SCHOOLS P13 | SPORT P27, P36 | DIRECTORY P36, P38-39 Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal

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PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

TWO-WAY traffic to return along FULL LENGTH of Gipsy Patch Lane in late April, says council … Pages 6 & 7 Willow Brook Centre

McDonald’s build now under way

Bradley Stoke by-election

P4-5

the place for you… oceanhome.co.uk

Labour take seat with 3% swing

P25

l First boss grilled over 73 bus route change l Trees felled around site of new Aldi & Costa in Stoke Gifford l South Glos council tax to rise by 2.99 percent l Traders set to return to town square after licensing issue sorted l Major build projects planned at two local secondary schools l Plans to improve Bradley Stoke Way l Advertising feature: Latest news from South Glos Council l Path surfacing works at Three Brooks Lake l Multi-trail Easter Egg Hunt set for return to Bradley Stoke area l Ten-year-old twins selfpublish ‘book of hope’

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March/April 2022

News

A

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

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

About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal 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.

boss from First Bus has defended the firm’s rerouting of its 73 service such that it no longer makes a loop through the south-east corner of Bradley Stoke, along Webbs Wood Road and Baileys Court Road.

Following a change that came into effect on 30th January, the service now traverses the full length of Brook Way, with a small diversion to go in and out of the Willow Brook Centre.

To maintain an interchange with services M1 MetroBus and T1, the 73 now additionally stops at the Willow Brook northbound stop on Bradley Stoke Way prior to entering the Willow Brook Centre.

Aside from the fury that the change caused amongst affected passengers, First has also faced criticism for a lack of advance consultation with local

Notice displayed at a stop made redundant by the 73 route change

councillors and the short notice given to passengers.

Government regulations require bus operators to give 70 days’ notice of a proposed change, formed of 42 days’ notice given to the Traffic Commissioner preceded by a 28-day period of consultation with the local transport authority (locally this is now Weca, the West of England Combined Authority).

Comments on the Journal’s Facebook page

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2022. 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

JT: So no buses will now come down Baileys Court Road! My elderly neighbours use this bus to get to Tesco, and their GP surgery. It’s appalling for First Bus to remove the only bus serving us in South Bradley Stoke.

Do you have strong views about something that’s happening in or around Bradley Stoke?

HM: How do I get to Filton Avenue/ Gloucester Road without getting two buses? Now I have to walk 1 mile to get it.

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

TA: history is repeating itself and the South are again the excluded.

They did this back in the late 90s I recall. Utter disgrace.

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.

CO: In these times of encouraging public transport usage there will be no link from Baileys Court etc. to Bristol Parkway. It has to be said though that when I have used the 73, the patronage from this area is low – sometimes running non-stop along great lengths.

If it’s not viable, it will go.

Next issue: Find details at www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/magazine

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

LP: Brilliant decision as living in Little Stoke I have a lengthy walk to pick up a 73. Now I will be able to walk down to the Braydon Avenue stop on Brook Way, which is where it originally stopped years ago.

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News

First boss grilled over 73 bus route change Continued from facing page

But members of Bradley Stoke Town Council say they were only notified of the change on 4th January, by which time it had already been registered with the Traffic Commissioner (although not properly advertised by that office until 20th January).

First’s operations manager Chris Hanson was subsequently invited to address a meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council on 19th January, where he outlined the firm’s reasoning for altering A First Bus service 73 vehicle, pictured on Bradley Stoke Way the route.

He explained that the bus With government funding due Hanson’s words, “appallingly industry is facing enormous to end in April, the company is unreliable”, with just 63 percent challenges due to the impact having to urgently look at its of journeys classified as being ‘on of the Covid-19 pandemic underperforming services, of time’, compared to First’s target on passenger numbers. The which the 73 is one. of 95 percent. government has provided The introduction of the T1 Mr Hanson said that the support, but the level of this and M1 services has attracted stops on the south-east loop assumes that bus patronage has a lot of passengers who used to were “exceptionally poorly returned to 85 percent of preuse the 73, affecting its financial used”, accounting for less than Covid level, when it is actually sustainability. Another challenge 1 percent of total patronage WB 64 Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2021 12:38 Page is, 3 in Mr only percent in Bristol. is that the 73 service on the route. That meant that

servicing the loop was “taking up a disproportionate amount of time”.

He concluded by saying that the route change was “not necessarily the end of it” and he advised councillors to additionally make representations to Weca.

Asked to explain how leaving out the south-east loop would increase reliability of the overall 73 service, Mr Hanson explained that, depending on the time of day, 16 to 17 minutes would need to be added to some end-to-end timetabled journey times on the route, necessitating the allocation of an extra vehicle at a cost of up to £225,000. However, it was calculated that by saving 8 minutes on all journeys, the need for an extra vehicle could be avoided. And by coincidence, cutting out the Bradley Stoke south-east loop saves almost exactly that amount of time.

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March/April 2022

News Willow Brook Centre development Phase 1: McDonald’s and Starbucks

Tesco Click & Collect pod retained

Realigned bend on access road

Bradley Stoke Way

Starbucks McDonald’s

Willow Brook Centre car park

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News

Work gets under way on McDonald’s & Starbucks units at Willow Brook Two-storey McDonald’s building set to be craned-in during June, ahead of a planned opening in August

W

ork has started on the construction of two new fast food & drink restaurants, both with drivethrough facilities, at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre.

The McDonald’s and Starbucks units were granted planning permission on appeal in January 2020, despite being opposed by the town council and a significant number of local residents, including some living in neighbouring properties.

Permission was granted by a government-appointed planning inspector after the application was twice thrown out by committees of councillors at South Glos Council, in a saga that spanned nearly two years.

An indication that work on the project might soon be about to begin came at the start of January with the sudden disappearance of the Waves hand car wash facility from the north-eastern corner of the shopping centre’s car park, which is where the two new fast food outlets are being built (see plan on facing page).

Contractors moved onto the site about a month later and, following the erection of safety fencing, the first ground was broken in the week commencing 14th February.

August opening

The work is expected to take six months to complete, indicating an anticipated opening date of August for the two new fast food outlets.

The McDonald’s unit will have a floor area of 542 sqm, split over two floors, while the Starbucks unit is single-storey with a floor area of 167 sqm.

Steelwork forming the frame of the Starbucks building will be erected in April.

The McDonald’s building will

be formed of several standardised modules that are manufactured off site. It is expected that these modules will be craned into position in June.

It is understood that work at the site is currently running to schedule. The concrete foundation pads for the McDonald’s building were clearly visible as the Journal went to press in mid-March.

Unrestricted hours

The planning permission does not include any conditions that restrict opening hours, so the two units could potentially trade 24 hours a day. However, it is noted that at one point during negotiations, the applicant’s agent stated that they would be prepared to accept a restriction of 6am-11pm for Starbucks and 6am-midnight (Sun-Thu) / 6am1am (Fri & Sat) for McDonald’s, perhaps giving an indication of the likely trading hours once they are up and running.

According to documents submitted as part of the planning application, the Starbucks unit is expected to employ the equivalent of 20 full-time staff, while the McDonald’s restaurant is expected to employ more than 65 full and part-time staff.

In addition to the two fast food outlets, the approved

An excavator sits atop a pile of rubble where the Starbucks unit will be built

development includes outline permission to add two (nonfood) units to the end of the existing retail terrace, i.e. beyond the Poundstretcher store. To accommodate this expansion, the public access road into and out of the centre will be moved closer to the northern boundary of the site.

This second phase will be carried out at a later date, dependent on demand from prospective occupiers, and will require submission of a further ‘reserved matters’ planning application.

Implementation of phase 1 (McDonald’s and Starbucks) will result in a net loss of around 80 car parking spaces at the shopping centre. No further spaces will be lost if phase 2 is implemented, thanks to a “reconfiguration” of the car park.

Bend widening

As part of the phase 1 work, the sharp bend on the access road into the shopping centre will be widened to allow easy access for delivery vehicles serving the two new food and drink

units. This work is currently scheduled to take place in the week commencing 28th March and take one week to complete.

During this time, traffic coming into and out of the centre will be diverted through the section of car park immediately south of the bend (where the recycling containers previously stood).

The Tesco Click & Collect pod located in the north of the Willow Brook Centre car park lies outside the phase 1 work zone and will continue to operate as normal.

Willow Brook Centre manager Andy Wynn commented: “It has been a long road to get to this point, with further delays caused

by Covid-19. However, we are all excited to see work finally get underway and look forward to seeing customers enjoying both new units in August.”

He added: “It is hoped the Waves hand car wash facility will be able to return, but there is no confirmed location or time frame as yet.” ● For the latest updates, visit http://bit.ly/bsj-mcdonalds

Images showing a single-storey Starbucks and a two-storey McDonald’s similar to the ones being built at Willow Brook

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March/April 2022

News

Two-way traffic to return along full length of Gipsy Patch Lane in late April, says council But ahead of this, a two-week full closure of the road east of the bridge is needed to carry out resurfacing work

T

wo-way traffic is set to return along the full length of Gipsy Patch Lane for the first time in more than two years.

The road linking Little Stoke with the A38 has been subject to full closures and traffic management restrictions since June 2019, to allow the replacement of a narrow Victorian-era railway bridge and road widening works to create space for new bus lanes.

The work has included improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities and is part of the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) scheme, which will help to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users.

South Gloucestershire Council, which has overall control of the project, says the CPME scheme will provide a new quick, reliable public transport system between Bristol Parkway Station and the Mall at Cribbs Causeway and offer a realistic alternative to travelling by car.

The CPME scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

When Gipsy Patch Lane was closed at the railway bridge on

The road was reopened one-way only (westbound) in September 2021

5th March 2020, it was estimated that the full closure would last for eight months. However, work on the CPME scheme has been delayed due to several issues, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the new railway bridge getting stuck in soft ground as it was being moved into position, a redesign of the drainage system under the bridge, and delays in the delivery of drainage pumps.

Passage under the bridge has been possible for pedestrians and cyclists since December 2020.

Some relief for motorists came in September 2021 when the road under the bridge was reopened one-way (westbound only) – 10 months later than originally planned.

The pumps for the pumping chamber that is buried deep in the road underneath the bridge have only recently been installed following delivery from the manufacturer. Final commissioning of the drainage system was due to take place in mid-March, allowing removal of the temporary pumps and dismantling of the Alun Griffiths compound underneath the bridge.

Full reopening plan

To enable Gipsy Patch Lane to be reopened to two-way traffic, resurfacing work will need to take place over the Easter period.

From 8pm on Friday 8th April until 6am on Monday 25th April, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed

to all traffic between its junction with Little Stoke Lane and the entrance to Pegasus Park.

During the resurfacing work all side road junctions along Gipsy Patch Lane that fall within the closure will also need to be closed to traffic. This includes the junctions for Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service roads, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the shared use path along Gipsy Patch Lane and access side junctions.

There will be signed diversion routes in place throughout the closure.

Businesses at Station Road, Gifford Crescent, Pegasus Park and Stokers public house will remain open for business as usual and will need to be accessed via signed diversions.

Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to two-way traffic from 6am on Monday 25th April. All side road junctions will also reopen to traffic from this date.

Road widening work will continue to be carried out on Gipsy Patch Lane, west of the railway bridge (Rolls-Royce side), and to enable this work narrow lanes will be in place along this stretch of the carriageway.

The main construction work for the CPME scheme is due

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News Continued from facing page

to complete in September this year. Other work, such as the installation of bus shelters and iPoints, along with landscaping, will be completed in the autumn.

Cabinet Member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “The Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension is a key step in our ambition to improve public transport, walking and cycling facilities, and the road network in South Gloucestershire as part of our record £174 million investment.”

“It is also part of our commitment to tackle climate change by encouraging more people out of their cars and onto sustainable transport options, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. The reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane to two-way traffic is another move towards the completion of this flagship scheme.”

“We apologise for any

inconvenience caused by this work and thank the local community for their continued patience.”

Embankment issue

The Gipsy Patch Lane Stakeholder Liaison Group has been made aware of an ongoing issue with the stability of the railway embankment on the north-east corner of the new bridge (close to the Station Road junction). A council spokesperson told the Journal: “Network Rail has confirmed that the north-east embankment is currently fit for purpose for both supporting the safe running of the railway and allowing full reopening of the road. To ensure its long-term stability, Network Rail plan to further strengthen the embankment in the form of an extended retaining wall.

The council will update the community when Network Rail confirm a programme for this work and the traffic management needed.”

Timeline of Gipsy Patch Lane bridge and highway works 3rd June 2019

Four-week full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge for BT utility diversion work

5th March 2020

Full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge for an estimated 8 months, to allow the railway bridge to replaced over Easter 2020

3rd April 2020

Council announces postponement of railway bridge replacement due to the Covid-19 crisis

24th June 2020

Council announces new dates for the bridge replacement: 13 days starting 24th October 2020

2nd November 2020

Council warns of a “significant issue” as the new pre-constructed bridge is moved into position

14th November 2020

After being “stuck” for 15 days, the new bridge is successfully moved to its intended position

23rd November 2020

Railway reopens, 16 days later than planned

10th December 2020

A route for pedestrians and cyclists is opened under the newly installed bridge

6th September 2021

One-way (westbound only) reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane, 10 months later than first planned

8th April 2022

Planned start of two-week full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge for resurfacing

25th April 2022

Planned date for two-way reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane along its full length

End September 2022

Planned date for removal of all traffic management

End March 2023

Planned date for CPME scheme completion

CPME project webpage: www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

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March/April 2022

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News

Trees felled around site of new Aldi & Costa Work set to start soon on land behind Sainsbury’s

T

he wholesale felling of trees around a large parcel of vacant land behind the Sainsbury’s store in Stoke Gifford has exposed the site of new mixed-use development that will include an Aldi supermarket, a Costa drive-through, a Premier Inn hotel and a Beefeater restaurant.

The approved plans also include a multi-use building, which does not currently have any pre-lettings. This building will most likely be constructed in a later phase, with its footprint initially being occupied by an interim ‘pocket park’.

Planning permission for the scheme was granted in April 2021, when applicant Baylis Estates Ltd said it expected to complete the project in “early 2023”.

Little happened at the site through the remainder of 2021, baring some minor site clearance and a beefing up of the entrance following a traveller incursion.

In the background, planning applications have been submitted and approved for signage associated with the Costa drivethrough, Premier Inn hotel and Beefeater restaurant.

The silence at the site was broken by the sound of chainsaws in the first week of 2022, when the vast majority of the trees surrounding the 1.8-hectare site

were felled. The very few trees that remain are, it is assumed, the “better-quality mature” ones defined in the approved plans as being worthy of saving.

Some new tree planting will eventually be implemented along the site’s boundary with Great Stoke Way. Vehicles will enter and leave the site via a single access point off Fox Den Road, close to the Sainsbury’s delivery yard (on the right when driving on the access road into Sainsbury’s).

The development will provide 240 car parking bays, including 16 disabled spaces, 9 parent and child spaces and 10 electric vehicle spaces (complete with charging points). There will also be 40 covered and 52 uncovered cycle parking spaces.

The approved scheme incorporates five new pedestrian access points into the site, with three defined routes through it.

To further improve accessibility, the applicant has agreed to fund improvements to an existing informal pedestrian crossing on Great Stoke Way, close to the Aviva roundabout.

A previous statement by Baylis Estates Ltd said it hoped to begin construction at the site in 2021, but the developer’s website is currently showing a date of “Q2 2022”.

Tree felling in progress at the Fox Den Road site in early January

The cleared site in March: Just a handful of mature trees have been spared

Aerial view of phase 1, showing ‘pocket park’ between the hotel (left) and Aldi

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March/April 2022

News

South Glos council tax to rise by 2.99 percent

S

outh Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) element of the council tax levied on local households is to increase by 2.99 percent from April.

The latest rise follows an uplift of 4.99 percent in 2021/22 and 3.99 percent in 2020/21, both of which included ring-fenced levies (3 percent in 2021/22 and 2 percent in 2020/21) to support adult social care.

The 2022/23 increase once again includes a social care levy, this time 1 percent, which is the maximum that could have been applied under government rules spanning the last two years.

The increase means that the South Gloucestershire Council element of council tax for a Band D property for 2022/23 will rise to £1,668.64.

A council spokesperson said: “The priority in producing the budget for 2022/23 has been to deliver on residents’ priorities,

while ensuring the council maintains a sustainable financial position.”

Key investments include an additional £639,000 for street cleaning, more than £12 million on road maintenance and an extra £15.3 million for children’s services.

A new £1 million ‘prevention fund’, focussed on promoting public health messages, will help people stay healthier for longer.

There will also be an extension of the council’s Community Resilience Fund, which is designed to provide support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including those who may not have been eligible for previous government support Additional money from central government means that schools will share an extra £7.3 million of funding, with a total of £191 million being spent – an increase

of 6.6 percent over 2021/22.

Investment in transport infrastructure over the next three years will see public transport improvements along the A38 and A432 corridors, a new park & ride on the M32 and a new railway station at Charfield.

Vital services protected

Cllr Toby Savage, leader of the council, said: “This balanced fouryear budget is one for everyone in South Gloucestershire. We are protecting the vital frontline services that so many people rely on and we are investing to create an even cleaner and greener South Gloucestershire. We want to secure our area’s future prosperity through investment in transport and infrastructure, schools and continued action to play our part in responding to the climate and environmental emergencies.”

“I am really pleased that we have been able to achieve all of Band

this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation in a demonstration of our commitment to delivering value for money as well as excellent services to our residents.”

In addition to the South Gloucestershire element, bills that will be coming through letterboxes in the next few days will include contributions to Avon and Somerset Police (up 4.15 percent, on top of a 5.88 percent hike last year) and Avon Fire & Rescue Service (up 1.99 percent), and the precept raised

by Bradley Stoke Town Council (no increase this year), producing a grand total of £2,113.48 for a Band D property, an increase of 2.94 percent over last year.

2021/22

2022/23

Increase

A

£1,368.77

£1,408.99

£40.22

% Increase 2.94%

B

£1,596.90

£1,643.82

£46.92

2.94%

C

£1,825.04

£1,878.66

£53.62

2.94%

D

£2,053.16

£2,113.48

£60.32

2.94%

E

£2,509.42

£2,583.14

£73.72

2.94%

F

£2,965.67

£3,052.79

£87.12

2.94%

G

£3,421.93

£3,522.47

£100.54

2.94%

H

£4,106.32

£4,226.96

£120.64

2.94%

Total council tax figures for Bradley Stoke residents, comprising contributions to South Gloucestershire Council (including special expenses for services not uniformly provided across the district), Avon & Somerset Police, Avon Fire & Rescue and Bradley Stoke Town Council. Figures for other parishes will vary.

N.B. Homes in tax bands A to D will receive a £150 rebate from the government.

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News

Traders set to return to square after licensing issue finally resolved

A

popular mobile butcher’s van and other market traders are expected to return to the town square at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre in the coming days following a near-six-month break caused by a licensing issue.

Mark’s Mobile Butchers began trading at the Willow Brook site in May 2021 after moving from the Stokers public house in Little Stoke where business was being impacted by the long-term road closure and traffic management on Gipsy Patch Lane.

But on 7th October 2021 the firm announced on their Facebook page that they would not be able to trade at the Willow Brook Centre “for a very short time due to a problem with [the centre’s] market licence”. They added: “We are assured this is a very temporary problem and we will be back ASAP.” A similar message was posted by fruit & veg stall trader Dean Cooper, who was also a regular trader in the town square.

However, the licensing issue turned out to be anything but “very temporary” and weeks and then months passed with no sign of the traders returning.

Confusingly, one particular trader, the Pappu Dosa food van, did continue to trade in the square. Enquiries by the Journal revealed that this was because this business has it own mobile

street trading licence, so was unaffected by the issue with the centre’s ‘block street trading’ licence under which the other traders were operating.

On contacting South Gloucestershire Council, the Journal was told that a routine inspection had discovered that the Willow Brook Centre’s ‘block’ licence had expired in 2017!

Acquiring a new licence might sound like a trivial task when it would effectively be a renewal, but that has turned out to be far from the case. An application form, signed by the applicant on 12th November 2021, was submitted to the council at some unknown date, but it is understood that various issues with supporting documents meant that the council was unable to formally validate the application until several weeks later.

A three-week consultation period was then entered, running from 16th February to 9th March 2022, when neighbours were notified and posters displayed at the site. The Journal has learned that no objections to the application were received during this period, meaning that consent should now be granted without further delay.

Mark’s Mobile Butchers say they plan to make an announcement very soon, while Dean Cooper says he is hoping to return to Willow Brook in April.

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March/April 2022

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veryone now has the opportunity to play at the local tennis courts at Almondsbury and Bradley Stoke Tennis Club via the brand-new Pay-and-Play facility. Just go online to the club’s website and follow directions to book your court at excellent rates.

Club chair Bruce Barnard said: “Numbers at the tennis club have really boomed since lockdown but we hope that pay-and-play encourages more people than ever to give tennis a go! It’s a sport that you can play all your life, all year round, and has so many health advantages as well as just being a lovely way to get to know more people.”

Success in local leagues for both juniors and adults The tennis club has many teams playing in the local leagues, with the ladies first and second teams winning their divisions.

The junior teams have gone from strength to strength with 12 players selected for Avon tennis county squads and six players selected for the Avon 8&U county cup team at the end of March.

Between November 2021 and February 2022, four juniors won LTA tournaments at varying age groups. With 200 juniors playing weekly, there’s lots going on!

Play your way

With more teams, there are varied opportunities for all members to play league tennis and social tennis. Monday’s club night and the box leagues make it extremely easy to find people to play with each week who are about the same standard, even when you don’t know anyone.

With the advent of hybridworking, daytime and lunchtime coaching sessions have started.

Attendees have appreciated the chance to get out in the fresh air and learn a new skill. For those who are really into fitness, they’ll be glad to know a Saturday morning cardio (fun tennisthemed fitness) session has restarted.

Don’t miss the Spring Open Day now booking

The club is running its next Open Day and BBQ on Sunday 10th April. Trial memberships will be available. Membership includes a discount on coaching, as well as access to the great facilities, including free floodlit courts.

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to try out tennis, get some coaching, and see the facilities – all for free!

● Bookings can be made via almondsburytennis.org.uk

Find us just north of the A38 / M5 Junction 16 roundabout, next to Almondsbury Creative

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

March/April 2022

t: 01454 300 400

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13

Schools

Major build projects planned at local secondaries

T

he new year has seen progress being made on plans for major investment at two Olympus Academy Trust secondary schools that serve the Stokes.

As previously reported, it was announced in July 2021 that a proposed scheme to rebuild Patchway Community School had been selected to receive funding through the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.

The final amount of funding that will be made available for the Patchway school is still to be confirmed. According to a government press release, “funding for individual projects in the programme will be determined when the scope and delivery plans at each school are developed.”

Patchway rebuild

The Trust’s intention is to replace the main school buildings with a completely new school, although it is currently anticipated that the existing sports hall and floodlit sport pitches will be retained. It is working towards an opening in 2024 and recently reported that surveyors have been on site for several weeks gathering information. Details of rooming and facilities within the new building are currently being worked through.

Depending on how plans for new housing developments in the Bristol North Fringe evolve, there may be a demand to increase the intake at Patchway or add

a primary phase. However, the government will only pay for a ‘straight replacement’, so any such expansion would require local authority funding. The Trust is therefore looking towards a design that has the capacity to expand at a future date.

Abbeywood expansion

Another Olympus secondary, Abbeywood Community School in Stoke Gifford, could also see building work in the next couple of years after South Gloucestershire Council confirmed an allocation of £4.5 million to permanently increase the school’s Year 7 intake from 180 to 240 students.

The expansion is intended to meet an increased demand arising from new housing in the immediate area, an effect which can be expected to continue as 2,000 homes are built at East of Harry Stoke in the coming years.

Olympus trustees agreed to a temporary ‘breech’ to 210 students in 2021, rising to 240 this year, but are insistent that an intake of this magnitude is unsustainable without the provision of new accommodation.

Discussions with South Gloucestershire Council are said to be ongoing, with a view to having the building work completed in time for the 2023/24 academic year.

Architects are currently examining several options, including adding a new ‘spoke’ to the existing building, raising

Abbeywood Community School, recently allocated £4.5 million for expansion

the height of part of the existing building or adding a satellite building.

Olympus CEO, Dave Baker, said: “This is a great opportunity for our local communities to have high quality school facilities and sufficient school places where

they need them. In the case of Patchway, this is long overdue.

We are committed to making sure the best possible educational provision is available in all our local communities – this has to start with buildings that are modern and fit for purpose.”

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March/April 2022

News

Council’s plans to improve Bradley Stoke Way

S

outh Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has revealed a raft of proposals to improve walking, cycling and travelling by bus along Bradley Stoke Way. If approved, the works could be implemented from “late 2023” and take up to two years to complete.

The proposals for the Bradley Stoke area form part of a wider scheme that also includes improvements on the route between Thornbury and the Aztec West Roundabout on the A38.

The overall scheme includes new bus lanes, improved facilities at bus stops, new cycle tracks, measures to keep cyclists separate from traffic and pedestrians, and reductions in road speed limits.

The proposals for Bradley Stoke Way include a new westbound bus lane through Patchway Brook Roundabout (near Aldi), a new southbound bus lane approaching Savages Wood Roundabout (near Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre) and additional capacity for northbound traffic at this

Patchway Brook Roundabout: “Extension of westbound bus lanes and priority”

roundabout. The existing shareduse path along Bradley Stoke Way would be widened to create segregated walking and cycling paths, and several pedestrian/ cyclist crossings would be upgraded. It is also planned to lengthen the extent of the existing 30mph section of Bradley Stoke Way south of Savages Wood Roundabout and remove the northbound bus stop north of Webbs Wood Roundabout.

A consultation on the proposals closed on Monday 14th March.

Editor’s note: Sadly, too late for our magazine readers, although we gave extensive coverage via the Journal’s online channels whilst the consultation was open.

SGC’s Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “To help address climate change and provide people with more choices for their journeys, we are aiming to make all types of travel in South Gloucestershire more sustainable.”

“We want to transform the Thornbury, A38 and Bradley Stoke Way corridor to give residents and visitors better options for using buses, walking and cycling. Our suggestions include a whole host of improvements to bus stops, the creation of some new bus lanes and segregated cycling and walking facilities.”

A spokesperson for SGC said: “Feedback from local residents, businesses and organisations will be used to shape the proposals and then inform more detailed design work. An outline business case will then be submitted to the West of England Combined Authority in the summer to help secure funding to progress the scheme. This will be followed by a further 12-week public consultation to provide an opportunity for people to comment on detailed proposals.

Work could then start from late 2023 onwards* and could take between 18 months to two years to complete in phased sections.” ● Visit our consultations page: http://bit.ly/bsj-consultations

More information: consultations.southglos.gov.uk/A38/consultationHome

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

Come and join us and . . .

Sing in the Afternoon A friendly choir with a difference!

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Meet Sian our conductor and ‘discover’ great music, with NO CHARGE to attend the first rehearsal. Thousands sing in our 19 Good Afternoon Choirs across the West.

There will be music, fun and concerts with special events and visits.

The choirs support local charities, chosen by the choir members. Grenville Jones founded the Good Afternoon Choirs 11 years ago. He’s been seen on TV and Radio many times for his choir leadership AND as founder of the Golden-Oldies Charity.

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16

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March/April 2022

News

Winter update from the nature conservation group

L: Bramble bashing on the verge of Bradley Stoke Way, near The Brightwell Centre. R: Clearance work at the upper pond in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve.

By Sara Messenger of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group t was September when I last wrote an update and although I know we have been busy, it feels as though both ‘much’ and ‘not a lot’ has happened since.

We finished our annual survey of our bird nesting boxes at the very last minute and several more owl boxes were put up in Savages Wood. Once upon a time we boasted a resident pair of tawny owls, but either they have left us or owl expert Ian McGuire’s ‘owl wooing call’ is not as engaging as it once was. Above our fern garden a new box has appeared emblazoned with ‘Alex’ whether this is the name of the box or the bird we have yet to discover.

Our newt ponds were given a bit of a clear up. Sadly, so as to cause as little disturbance as possible, this has to be done when the creatures are hibernating, which is when the temperature is 6 degrees or less. So, if you enjoy being in unflattering waders, past your unmentionables in very cold water and with bare arms pulling roots from the bottom of a murky and muddy pond, this is just the job for you. Oddly enough, although our Green Gym volunteers are usually a robust bunch, on these days they all become such gentlemen willing to wait on dry land and hold my coat for me at the water’s edge.

Even though it was still cold, several male palmate newts

I

were already awake and hanging around the pond edges and looking for love. What we did find in the lower pond though was not love but a dead parakeet and I am ashamed to say that several of us, who are old enough to know better did repeat ‘that’ Monty Python sketch verbatim!

Green Gym has welcomed several new members and they have been kept busy, although their first day could best be described as ‘interesting.’ We had been clearing a tree that had fallen by the path and moving it away from the brook when a couple from a neighbouring house asked what we were doing and why didn’t we take the wood away and “put it in landfill or something”. We identified ourselves several times (as if the hard hats and green shirts with logos weren’t enough of a clue) and explained what we were doing, but they still reported us to South Glos Council for fly tipping!

Bramble bashing

Undeterred, we carried on and responded to a plea from The Brightwell Centre to help them with the bramble spilling into their grounds from the councilmanaged verge on Bradley Stoke Way. We spent two sessions bramble bashing, weeding and planting, leaving ourselves just enough time to enjoy a very civilised tea break, actually sitting at tables instead of standing around trying to balance both

mugs and madeleines. It was very well deserved though as the weather that day had thrown wind, rain and sleet at us and we all returned home just a little cold and soggy.

Tesco Triangle

In between showers, we have also managed to litter pick, replace an orienteering post, install a compass stone by the gate, put up more of Colin’s boot brushes and tend his allotment, and give the ‘Tesco Triangle’ some attention. Although this area is by the Willow Brook car park, it is actually part of the nature reserve, and we are hopeful that the builders of the new fast food outlets will keep to their assurances that they will protect the roots of these mature trees.

These trees did offer the only shaded area of the car park, a benefit that I am sure will be missed by many this summer.

Our ‘new’ community orchard has two new editions, a plum and a Bramley apple both donated and planted by Rachel & Sheridan in memory of his father John Rendall. They have been put at the front so that from the path, John’s wife will be able to see them growing.

Trees have featured heavily in Green Gym’s recent workload.

For only the second time we turned our hand to hedge laying and completed the live hedge that the Saturday group started by the Savages Wood gate. It now runs

along the entire edge of the wood stopping briefly under the skate park oak and then continuing in the opposite direction around the corner to the bridge. The hedge has proved hugely popular with both people and wildlife; the robins flit in and out looking for food and the squirrels are often seen running along its length.

And when one is chased by a dog, it provides a handy safety barrier for them. I’m not entirely sure what the squirrel was saying from its refuge on the other side, but I’m fairly sure that if I knew, they wouldn’t be words that I could repeat here!

We’ve been told that now this area is more open, and you can see into the woods, it feels ‘safer’ and is much more ‘inviting.’

From a conservation point of view, there are so many benefits to a hedge; some birds will only nest in hedges (not trees) and the low hedges allow light and warmth to enter into the woods, both of which are essential for the flora and fauna to thrive. Studies have shown that flying insects do not venture more than a few feet into woodland as there is little there in the way of warmth or food. Within just a few weeks you could see the undergrowth springing into life. ● 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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March/April 2022

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News

Three generations at Bradley Stoke Scouts

By Nick Nelson, chair, 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group roving that Scouting is a real family affair, we were delighted when three generations came together to celebrate the investiture of our newest members. Richard is one of our longest-serving leaders and enjoys helping the Scouts of Jaguar troop challenge themselves to develop new skills for life. So long that he remembers some of our current leaders as ten-year-olds (and even younger)!

His daughter Amy recently joined the ‘family business’ as a Beaver leader along with her own son Ozzy who joined as a Beaver. After Amy completed her initial training and Ozzy learnt about how fantastic it was to be a Beaver, it was wonderful to

P

see Richard first invest Amy as a leader, and then Amy invest Ozzy as a Beaver.

Not everyone needs a family history of Scouting to join.

And actually, having a new perspective can really help us. So, if you are inspired and looking for a new challenge, we are always looking for more adults to join the adventure. We are in particular need of Cub and Scout leaders as well as some help organising our equipment.

To find out more, please visit 1st.bradley-stoke-scouts.org and click on the ‘Join 1st BSS’ tab.

Richard, Amy and Ozzy

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19

New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities

S

outh Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022-2023 budget.

At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life.

It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network.

This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year – 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.

 Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: ● Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance ● Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million ● A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library ● Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year – the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year ● Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays – a lifeline for some families ● Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.

Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate

VIEW FROM THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL Cllr Toby Savage Welcome – We’re very pleased to partner again with the Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford Journals, great local publications, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund.

We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too – spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies.

I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.

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 Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike.

The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.

 Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district.

In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits.

 Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see below).

In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.

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Many people have struggled financially during Covid-19. With the increase in energy prices and rising inflation, more households are under pressure. If you need financial help, there are several grants currently open.

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Find out more and apply online at  www.southglos.gov.uk/financialsupport or speak to the council’s customer services, in confidence, on  01454 868009 or by visiting your nearest One Stop Shop.

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 Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.

Celebrating the Jubilee

 Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.

We are supporting many community groups to hold Jubilee festivities across South Gloucestershire in June including Bradley Stoke Town Council with their Bradley Stoke Community Festival and Patchway Town Council’s plans for a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee party.

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Looking after our environment  Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.

Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.”

 Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid.

Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid single use plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment.

More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become selfsufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year – making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy.

Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com

Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt

 Join in the spring clean The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April.

If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team.

They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/springclean

The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years.

If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services.

Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF

 Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone.

The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly.

Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath

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Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Further resurfacing work is planned to take place along Gipsy Patch Lane over the Easter period and after this the road will open to two-way traffic. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

 Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee.

The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.

Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services.

To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter

Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at  www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on  01454 868009 Follow our social media channels at  southglos.gov.uk/twitter  southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit  www.southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call  01454 868009

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March/April 2022

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23

Advertising Thumbs up for new fertility clinic from Dannii and Fran

N

ewlyweds Dannii and Fran Thorington-Neve, who are expecting their first baby in August, have given an enthusiastic thumbsup to the new state-of-the-art fertility clinic just opened by Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) at Aztec West.

Fran, 34, said: “We were thrilled to see the scan of our baby, who is the result of our second round of IVF with BCRM. The whole thing is such an amazing experience, and we are incredibly excited about becoming parents.

“Dannii and I opted for reciprocal IVF, which means she is carrying my embryo, and we’re hoping – after a suitable interval – to be able to do it all over again with me carrying Dannii’s embryo next time, to provide a little brother or sister for this one.”

The couple, who married last July, both work for the UK’s leading veterinary charity PDSA, and they live in Totterdown.

Fran said they are both very impressed by BCRM’s new premises at Aztec West.

“The new clinic has a lovely warm feeling to it: much more spacious and airy. It’s easily accessible, near the junction of the M4 and the M5, and there’s loads of free parking. They just have the nicest team of people there, who make you feel so special and well looked after.”

One of the longest-established fertility operators in the South West, the ever-increasing demand for BCRM’s services was a major driver in their relocation, and the planning for the new clinic has focused on enhancing the patient experience, as well as equipping them to treat a

greater number of patients and to continue developing as a centre of excellence.

The Aztec West premises offer a very large consulting suite, the latest technology laboratories, plus energy-efficient features and ultra-modern theatres.

BCRM treats heterosexual couples, same sex couples and

single women, and can help with male as well as female fertility issues. The clinic has some of the best success rates in the country for IVF. Further details are available by emailing Contact@BCRM.clinic, phoning 0117 259 1159 to talk to a Patient Advisor or through the website www.fertilitybristol.com

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In Brief

Ask the Doctor with Dr Faisal Siddiqui of Bradley Stoke Surgery Doomsday scrolling

I

n the last few years, it seems that we have been hit with one bad news headline after another. The Covid-19 pandemic, the looming stresses of climate change, a battle in Ukraine and threats of nuclear war has led many of us (including me) to endlessly scroll on the internet for latest reports. All in the hope of a glimmer of good news!

The world can feel unsettling, uncertain, and unsafe.

At the practice we have found this has had a significant impact on people’s mood. I often talk to friends, patients, and colleagues on how they manage their mental health. I thought I would like to share some of the tips they have given: • If you are working from home make sure you have a routine.

Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day.

• Eat healthily and at regular times. Try to avoid bingeing on

sweets and snacks.

• Exercise regularly. Personally I love running, but I also try to combine this with yoga for a more gentle and mindful workout.

• Try to make time to socialise and talk with friends and family who you make you feel comfortable.

It is also important that you try to limit the information you take on from the news. Try to make sure your information is from a reputable source, such as the Bradley Stoke Journal!

However, for some people the above doesn’t work and you may need more help. Here at the surgery, we have a wide range of professionals who can aid you. We have social prescribers and mental health practitioners as well as GPs available to support you.

There are external organisations such as

Vitaminds1 which offer support to individuals with issues with their mental health in group and one-to-one therapy. They offer a self-referral service for those in need. The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group has also published a wellbeing leaflet2.

The future might look scary, but together we can get through it.

Dr Faisal Siddiqui Referenced website links: 1. bit.ly/bsj2203-vitaminds 2. bit.ly/bsj2203-wellbeing

March/April 2022

Bowls club hoping to welcome new members Are you looking for an enjoyable safe way to make new friends and learn new skills?

If you are thinking of starting a safe, open-air activity and making new friends, then flat green bowling could be the answer.

Bradley Stoke Bowls Club opens for the new season on 11th April and welcomes new members, as well as those who have played bowls previously. All you need is yourself and a pair of flat shoes to get started.

The Club will be organising several taster sessions during the early part of the season.

To find out more, either email bsbc.infoyou@gmail.com, visit www.bradleystokebowls.com or come along and meet many of the members at the club’s Spring Meeting on Thursday 31st March in the Orchard Room, Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke BS32 8BH, starting at 6pm.

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0117 9277225

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News

Labour edge controversial by-election with 3% swing

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he Labour Party has won a second seat on Bradley Stoke Town Council in a controversial by-election that is likely to have cost ratepayers upwards of £8,000 to stage.

The seat, one of seven representing the South ward on the 15-seat town council, became vacant on the sad passing of mayor Michael Hill (Conservative) in November last year.

The by-election took place because ten or more electors called for one, using a right enshrined in the Local Government Act 1972, after the vacancy was advertised in late December 2021.

Taking place on Thursday 3rd March, the by-election saw 1,077 ballot papers issued out of a total electorate of 7,056, a turnout of just 15.3 percent.

However, fewer than half of the votes were cast on the day at a polling station as there were 543 postal votes.

Voting took place at four polling stations, with none of them seeing more than 200 voters over the 15 hours that they were open and one, at the Jubilee Centre, being attended by just 28 people.

The poll was a two-way contest between local mum and NHS employee Kelly Cole (Conservative) and local postman Dayley Lawrence (Labour). It was won by the Labour candidate with a margin of just ten votes.

This represents a swing of 3 percent to Labour compared to the May 2021 by-election in the same ward, when Mr Lawrence also stood but lost out to the Conservative’s Edward He. The winning candidate, who is also a town councillor in Patchway, said: “Thank you very much to the residents of Bradley Stoke South Ward for electing me as their new town councillor.”

“It’s a huge privilege, an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my community.”

“I want to give Bradley Stoke South a compassionate

Councillor who is there for you and listens to your needs.”

“I’d like to thank Kelly Cole, for the very civilised campaign she ran.“ “I look forward to beginning my role and bringing my positive energy to Bradley Stoke Town Council.”

Cllr Lawrence will serve on the council for just 14 months, as the next regular four-yearly full election for the town council is due to take place in May 2023.

Controversy

Some members of the Conservative group on the council criticised the Labour Party for (allegedly) calling a by-election, claiming that the “accepted practice” when a serving councillor dies is for the vacancy to be filled by co-option (this is when the remaining councillors chose a replacement themselves). The minutes of a council meeting held on 19th January 2022 record: “Cllr Tony Griffiths asked for it to be minuted that he and other councillors were appalled that the Labour Party had called a by-election to fill the vacancy left following the sad passing of Cllr Michael Hill. He said that, whilst it was not sacrosanct that if a serving councillor passed away, the position would be filled by co-option rather than calling an election, it was the accepted practice.”

Responding to Cllr Griffiths’ claim that “the Labour Party called the by-election”, a spokesperson for the local branch of the Labour Party said: “As Cllr Griffiths will know, a political party is not able to call an election. Ten electors of the ward submitted the form requesting an election. As we understand it, the form was signed by people of many political persuasions.”

“However, as an election is taking place, the Labour Party welcomes the democratic process to allow the residents of Bradley Stoke South ward to choose who they would like to represent them on Bradley Stoke Town Council.”

Dayley Lawrence (2nd from right) and supporters celebrate after the count

The only other Labour member on the town council is Angela Morey, who stood as an Independent in the May 2021 North ward by-election but announced six months later that she had joined the Labour party.

Cllr Fabrizio Fazzino, elected on

a Labour ticket in the May 2019 North ward election, switched to the Green Party in August 2021.

Bradley Stoke South Ward Candidate

Party

Kelly Cole

Con

Votes 530

Dayley Lawrence

Lab

540

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March/April 2022

News

“Huge thanks” to Bradley Stoke, from The Brightwell

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he Brightwell centre, based in Wheatfield Drive, would like to send a huge ‘thank you’ to the local community for their support in raising vital funds.

The centre is delighted to have been recently awarded a threeyear grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, thanks to the thousands of people who play the National Lottery games.

The grant will mean so much to the charity and ensures they will be able to continue offering physiotherapy services to those suffering from the life-altering effects of neurological conditions.

Physiotherapy helps maintain balance, improve mobility and lessen pain all of which helps members of the centre live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

The centre has been based in Bradley Stoke for 10 years and has helped hundreds of local

people manage their debilitating symptoms. A neurological condition can affect anyone at any time, most are progressive and all of them are incurable.

Without the services provided at The Brightwell, hundreds of local people would have nowhere to turn.

By playing the National Lottery, the local community have ‘given back’, providing much-needed funds for this small charity.

Also, last year, The Brightwell took part in ‘The Big Give Christmas Challenge’ to raise the funds for a community café.

The event was launched by Bradley Stoke councillor Angela Morey, along with neighbours and members of the centre, and the goal was to raise £10,000 in just one week. The charity was astounded at the response with so many generous people rising to the challenge by hosting coffee mornings, attending the bingo

Launch of the ‘The Big Give Christmas Challenge’ at The Brightwell

evening, buying raffle tickets and many other fun events.

Members often have several appointments in a day when they visit the centre and many conditions impact upon their ability to prepare and cook a meal. So having a café, situated in a fully accessible building, that can provide quality nutritious snacks, meals and the occasional treat, will be a very welcome addition. The café project is designed to benefit not just the members but also the local community of Bradley Stoke – when complete it will provide a community hub and rentable

space for community groups.

The charity finished ‘The Big Give’ having smashed the target and are thrilled to announce that the final total is just over £20,000! The Brightwell would once again like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to so many local supporters and businesses for their support, with a special mention for The Artisan Coffee Co., who donated coffee sachets.

Building work has already begun and The Brightwell is looking forward to posting updates on the progress and, in the summer, inviting everyone to the grand opening.

Aerial view of The Brightwell centre, which sits between Wheatfield Primary School and Bradley Stoke Way.

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27

Sport

Swimming club plans to mark centenary in style

By Steph McNally, BNSC club chair his year (2022) is a very special one for us here at Bristol North Swimming Club (BNSC) as we celebrate our 100th anniversary, and we’ve got plenty lined up to mark the occasion!

We’ve kicked the year off with a limited edition team kit featuring a gold twist on our classic kit design. Check out our Masters team proudly sporting their centennial hats at the Welsh National Long Course Championships (see right).

As we move into spring, we’re reaching out to our local community to donate 100 hours of volunteering with local organisations and charities. We’re proud to be members of the North Bristol community, and as we mark this anniversary we want to give back to our neighbours.

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The BNSC Masters team sporting their limited edition centennial hats

If you’re part of, or know any groups that could benefit from a few pairs of extra hands, then get in touch with Steph via chair@bristolnorthsc.org.uk Over the summer we’ll be bringing together past and current members to celebrate

as one Bristol North family with our biggest BBQ yet. We’ll also be getting back in the pool as our club captains co-ordinate what might be Bristol North’s first ever 100-man relay!

Into the autumn we’ll be inviting local clubs to join us

for a centennial fun gala, before wrapping up the year with an extra special Winter Ball to celebrate the successes of our swimmers in 2022.

Throughout the year we’re laying down the gauntlet to our members to collectively achieve 100 challenges in whatever way they like. A few of our Masters swimmers are taking to the open water to complete their challenge in the form of a 10k swim, whilst others are looking to take part in ten parkruns. We can’t wait to see what other club members up with for their challenges, but we know they’re going to be tough.

If you, or anyone you know with a connection to BNSC, have any old photos or stories you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you. Sharing and celebrating our past will help our club of today continue to grow and thrive for another 100 years. ● bristolnorthsc.org.uk

Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13

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Celebrating our 75th Anniversary with the launch of our new Pathway Programme for Year 7 and 8 pupils.

Building on our enviable success rate in delivering entry into first choice Senior Schools.

Discover our small friendly classes, 28 acre grounds, family approach to education and wrap-around care.

Book your private tour : 01454 613229 www.tockingtonmanorschool.com To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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March/April 2022

Councillor Column Schools, Three Brooks Lake, Platinum Jubilee & more

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aising school standards and improving our local roads are two key priorities for South Gloucestershire Council and I am pleased to see both featured in the recent installation of waiting restrictions outside Baileys Court and Meadowbrook Primary Schools.

Having been delayed due to poor weather in recent months, your local councillors have pushed for this work to progress and, with support of local residents, parents and the schools, we have got this over the line. With the double yellow lines in place, it will help prevent estate roads being overrun with traffic and will help make it safer for pupils, parents and carers at picking up and dropping off times of the day.

Many residents will also have noticed that work has commenced on re-laying the footpath at the Three Brooks Lake, part of the substantial council investment into restoring and enhancing the popular local nature space.

We are looking forward to this being completed by the end of April in time to be enjoyed by everyone this summer.

Later this year, Bradley Stoke will join communities across the country in celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a major milestone in Her Majesty’s historic 70-year reign. In order to boost the celebrations, South Gloucestershire Council has awarded £50,000 towards supporting local events across the district – including £1,800 for Bradley Stoke Festival – and will be waiving fees for road closures to hold street parties over the extended Bank Holiday weekend.

The council has also launched a public consultation on suggestions to improve

Cllr John Ashe

sustainable methods of transport in and around Bradley Stoke, including walking, cycling and travelling by bus. Whatever your view on the proposals, it would be great to have as many local people have their say as possible.

Finally, while this column is predominantly for things going on in our community, the attention of many local people will undoubtedly be on the terrible events unfolding in the Ukraine. With thousands of people fleeing the country, we as councillors are keen to see the council step up to help those that find their way to the UK and we stand ready to play our part in any national initiative as we have done so for refugee families forced from their homes due to conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan.

To those in our community who are concerned about the ongoing conflict or if you have loved ones involved on either side and need someone to speak to, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will be more than willing to help you find the support you need.

Cllr John Ashe Bradley Stoke town councillor and South Glos councillor for Bradley Stoke South ward Write to your politicians, national or local, for free.

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29

News

Path improvement works under way at Three Brooks Lake

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he path around the north side of the lake in Bradley Stoke’s Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve has been closed for seven weeks, starting Monday 7th March, for surfacing works.

The footpath improvement is part of a £250,000 lake desilting and improvement scheme, the main body of which was carried out in November and December last year. It involves laying down a more accessible 3m-wide route around the lake. The new stonesurfaced route will have a total length of 290m. It will link up the two stone bridges and provide access to two viewing platforms on the side of the lake.

Contractors have set up a compound on land adjacent

to the picnic table by the lake.

Safety fencing has been erected around the lake and at key access points to protect the public whilst the works take place.

The contractors are operating between 7.15am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The path leading around the lake and its viewing platforms have been closed off for the seven-week period. To help people find an alternative route around the lake, a diversion route has been signposted (see map below). This runs along part of Juniper Way. The main track between the access point at Braydon Gate (on Brook Way) and the lake is being used by large vehicles throughout

A tracked excavator prepares ground for the new crushed stoned path

this period. Residents using this route are advised to be mindful of these slow moving vehicles.

The path leading north from the lake to the Community Orchard and Savages Wood will remain accessible throughout the works, along with the Tump.

A progress report issued on

Friday 11th March said the work was “progressing well”. It was emphasised that access to the viewing platforms is restricted, including at weekends.

On completion of the current work, the surface of the track between Braydon Gate and the lake will be upgraded.

Abacus Pre School are recruiting We are looking for Super awesome team members including a Deputy Manager and Assistants who have a level 3 or above qualification in Early Years. Please note a qualification is essential to apply.

The position is term time only Monday to Friday 8.30am til 3.30pm allowing for a perfect work/home life balance.

We have Ofsted registered settings, based in Bradley Stoke, Mangotsfield and Stoke Gifford, all rated good or outstanding.

Map showing the extent of the work site and the path diversion

We offer a competitive salary and a fun supportive team environment with opportunities for progression.

Applicants are encouraged to be: 🤪🤪🤪🤪 fun loving, ☺ happy go lucky, � ready to release your inner super hero � able to dance your way into the day rain or shine � enjoy four conversations and be your best self still 🥳🥳🥳🥳 celebrate all achievements like you won gold at the Olympics 🤣🤣🤣🤣 enjoy supporting regular hygiene skills 😍😍😍😍 be an awesome team player.

If this applies to you, and you would love to join our awesome team to deliver the curriculum in a fun, caring environment, we need you!

Flooded path around the lake during Storm Dennis on 16th February 2020

We would love to hear from you.

Please forward your cv to enquiries@abacuspreschool.co.uk or give us a call on 01454 867285.

Informal visits can be arranged.

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News

Varied programme on offer at Bradley Stoke WI Members of Bradley Stoke WI enjoy a Shibashi Tai Chi session at their February meeting.

By Janet Hunt, secretary pring is in the air! After a break in January due to the Omicron variant, Bradley Stoke WI members were back and getting fit and flexible at our February meeting when we enjoyed an interactive Shibashi Tai Chi session with Jenny Smith.

Our WI enjoys hosting a wide variety of speakers at our

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monthly meetings. In March we enjoyed an interesting and thought-provoking talk from Alex Raikes from SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality); in April we will be entertained by hand bell ringers; in May we will find out about ‘Pets as Therapy’; and in June we will learn more about Foodbanks South West and The Trussell Trust. As well

March/April 2022

In Brief as listening to our speakers we always have time to socialise and have a cup of tea and a biscuit!

Our weekly table tennis club at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre is going strong as is our monthly book club at Bradley Stoke Library. Our craft club meets monthly and several of our members have been busy recently knitting blankets for Project Linus, a charity that provides a sense of security and comfort to sick and traumatised babies and children, such as those in Bristol Children’s Hospital, through the provision of homemade patchwork quilts and knitted blankets.

Our monthly WI meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2pm in the Oak Hall at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke. If you are interested in making new friends and joining our WI, then you will be made very welcome. Please contact Janet Hunt on 07845 744351 if you would like more information.

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Recent grants awarded by the town council Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee recently approved the following grants and service level agreements: • Youth Service Level Agreement of £3,500 to Bradley Stoke Youth Cricket Club • Community Development Grant Aid of £4,000 to Bradley Stoke Radio • Grant Aid of £500 to Hedgehog Rescue, Yate • Grant Aid of £500 to Bradley Stoke Community Singers • Grant Aid of £500 to Bradley Stoke Town Football Club • Grant Aid of £500 to Sole Sisters Running Club towards the running costs of the 10k Run at the 2022 Community Festival • Grand Aid of £280 to Changes Bristol towards the running costs of an International Women’s Day event in Bradley Stoke ● How to apply for grants: http://bit.ly/bstc-grants

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Get well · Stay well

O

Brand New Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-school Coming Soon to Charlton Hayes This new nursery will be opening soon in 2022 – for babies from 3 months to children of 5 years: Offering a flexible booking system – so you only pay for the care you require

March/April 2022

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

Look after your feet: Self-care tips

ur feet are responsible for our mobility and therefore for our independence. Imagine if you are not able to move around on your feet. Imagine the impact that would have on your lifestyle. Imagine what you would not be able to do.

There are some very simple self-care habits that we need to adopt in order to look after our feet. This is especially important if you have health conditions, particularly diabetes.

If the skin on your feet is not soft and supple, you run the risk of your skin being dry and cracked, which could lead to complications including infection and potential ulcerations.

It is therefore very important to moisturise your skin. Often, and if possible, every day.

As we age our foot shape can change. For example, our toes can retract causing pressure to be placed on the fatty pads on your forefoot.

Higher pressure can lead to callous formation. Foot pain can change the way we use our feet and placing more pressure on parts of our feet that are not designed to take the strain.

This can lead to problems like forefoot pain (metatarsalgia), heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and inflammation of tendons.

Regular exercises help to keep your feet in good condition.

Intervention, such as insoles or orthotics, may be needed to correct problems.

Incorrect footwear can cause a host of problems with your feet.

Shoes that don’t suit your feet or the activity you are doing, shoes that are not properly supportive (like slippers or sliders), shoes that are too narrow or too wide can cause problems like blisters, callouses, ingrown toenails, corns and even musculoskeletal problems with your knees and hips. Choosing comfortable footwear is essential in maintaining good foot health.

Wash your feet and moistur­ ise your feet every day, keep your nails short and clean, wear good shoes and check your feet for any cracks or sores. Seek help from a foot health practitioner if you have any concerns or would like help with your foot health.

Look after your feet and they will look after you.

The Willow Brook Clinic www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

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33

News

Inspector overturns Parkway Tavern new access refusal

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new vehicular access point directly off Hatchet Road could soon be created into the site of the former Co-operative food store near Parkway Station after a planning inspector allowed an appeal against a council committee’s decision to refuse permission.

In refusing the application (in February 2021), councillors on South Gloucestershire Council’s Development Management Committee went against the advice of the council’s officers, who had recommended approval.

Councillors claimed the proposal would result in a “severe highway impact” and expressed concerns relating to “visibility, traffic flows and pedestrian safety”. They also said it might lead to motorists using the site’s car park as a short cut between Hatchet Lane and Hatchet Road.

The applicant, Danolly Limited, submitted an appeal against the decision in June 2021, saying that the grounds for refusal were “not justified with any evidence”.

Rather than employing an external consultancy to defend its decision, the council relied on “additional statements” provided by the three Stoke Gifford ward councillors.

In a three-page appeal decision published on 23rd February 2022, government-appointed planning inspector Tamsin Law rejected all the council’s grounds for refusal and grants permission.

On the question of highway

impact, the inspector accepts traffic flow modelling submitted by the applicant that shows the new junction would operate at 83 percent capacity, “therefore retaining a reserve capacity”.

The proposals include ‘yellow box’ hatching on the southbound lane of Hatchet Road, across the mouth of the new junction. This hatching is intended to prevent vehicles from obstructing the right turn into the site by stopping across the junction mouth. Responding to concerns that this box junction would impact the free flow of southbound traffic along Hatchet Road, the inspector notes that it would reduce the queuing capacity by 2-3 cars, but concludes that “given the overall length of the road and the distance to the next junction to the north, the reduction in queuing capacity would only have a minimal effect on traffic flow.

Responding to concerns raised about visibility splays for vehicles leaving the Parkway Tavern site via the new junction, with reference to drawings submitted by the applicant, the inspector concludes that these will not be impacted upon by buses stopped at the nearby bus stop.

Concerns over pedestrians waiting to cross at the pedestrian crossing 30m south of the junction impacting visibility are similarly dismissed, as is the suggestion that drivers of vehicles leaving the Parkway Tavern site might not be able to

The former Co-operative food store on Hatchet Road, Stoke Gifford

Detail from a drawing showing the proposed new site access point

see the lights at the crossing.

Regarding the provision of a further obstacle for children travelling to and from local schools, the inspector says: “Any vehicle entering or leaving via the new access would be travelling at low speeds allowing for pedestrians crossing the access to be seen. Additionally, the proposed access will be finished with a dropped kerb and tactile paving to facilitate pedestrians crossing the access.”

Proposed measures to reduce the possibility of vehicles using

the site’s car park as a short cut are acknowledged in the report, but the associated safety risks for pedestrians are not considered.

The inspector concludes that the proposal “would not have an unacceptable effect on highway and road safety or create or contribute to severe congestion.”

In a separate report she finds that, in refusing the application, the council demonstrated “unreasonable behaviour resulting in unnecessary or wasted expense”, and awards full costs. ● Planning ref: P20/21170/F

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March/April 2022

What’s On

Photos from the 2021 trail

Multi-trail Easter Egg Hunt set for return to Bradley Stoke area

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ocal charity The Brightwell has announced that its fundraising Easter Egg Hunt is returning to Bradley Stoke for 2022, with a start date of Monday 11th April.

The Brightwell, located in Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, is a centre dedicated to supporting people living with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, stroke, chronic fatigue, and cerebral palsy.

Last year’s Easter Egg Hunt was a great success and raised a brilliant £1,200 for the centre, along with very positive feedback from participants: “Thanks for a lovely Easter activity - we have had a couple of great days completing the trails and have seen some lovely houses and Easter displays! Thanks for all your efforts for a great cause. The kids loved the eggs at the end.”

Like last year, families will follow trails around the Bradley Stoke area to search for hidden letters displayed on decorated Easter eggs that are being hosted by the community. Once all the letters have been found along each trail, children can try to spell out the Easter word or phrase.

On completion of all five trails, families can bring their completed answer sheets to The Brightwell to receive an Easter surprise for their children and enjoy a fun photo opportunity to remember this event.

N.B. One Easter surprise per child per completed trail pack.

There will also be the option to enter the Brightwell Easterthemed raffle with some brilliant family-friendly prizes up for grabs, so don’t miss out!

It’s hoped this year’s trail will be just as popular as 2021 and the centre will benefit from raising further vital funds, whilst delivering a fun event within the local area.

This year’s Egg Hunt will be available to complete during the Easter Holidays from 11th-24th April. Trail maps will be available to purchase from 28th March, either online via thebrightwell.org.uk/easter or, for printed copies, from The Brightwell, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Drive BS32 9DB. The Easter-themed raffle is due to be drawn on 21st April.

For more information, please contact libby.jordan@ thebrightwell.org.uk

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

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35

News

Bradley Stoke twins self-publish ‘book of hope’

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en-year-old twin sisters from Bradley Stoke have worked together to selfpublish a short story that was inspired by their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anveshana and Avantika Nandedkar were assisted in their first publishing endeavour by their friend Rose Baker, who helped refine the plot, which concerns a girl whose life is about to be turned upside down as her parents are on the verge of divorce … “until she finds something incredible that might just change her life – forever”.

Anveshana is the author of the story and her sister Avantika illustrated and edited the content.

Explaining how she came to write the story, Anveshana said: “My sister and I go to St Michael’s Primary in Stoke Gifford where our lovely teachers encourage us to read a lot. Seeing what everyone had to go through

in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, I realised that only ‘hope’ can get us through these tough times. I wanted to express myself by writing a story on the importance of hope.”

“I also wanted to include the topic of climate change in it because I am really passionate about protecting our planet and preserving it for future generations. Thanks to my family’s encouragement and my sister Avantika’s help, I am so glad that I have self-published this book on Amazon. I would be so happy if my story inspires other children to write.”

“I look forward to writing more books around social issues and hopefully fulfil my passion of becoming an author.”

‘The Arctic Blossom’ is available now on Amazon as an eBook and paperback. To find it, search for ASIN B09MZTP94B. Photo (l-r): Anveshana and Avantika

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March/April 2022

Sport

Chiropractor supports mental health research with marathon effort

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ittle Stoke chiropractor Lee Wickham will be running the 2022 Cardiff Half Marathon later this month to raise funds and awareness for mental health research at The Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute at Cardiff University.

Speaking about the event, Lee sheepishly revealed: “I signed up so long ago, I’d forgotten I had, until the 6-week reminder landed in my inbox!”

The ‘Cardiff Half’ is one of the ‘SuperHalfs, a global series of the world’s most prestigious half marathons and is the largest charitable event in Wales.

An expected 27,500 runners will be taking on the 13.1-mile challenge through the Welsh capital on Sunday 27th March.

Lee has never really liked or enjoyed running and has never run a half marathon before. He says he is truly uncomfortable in attempting to “run for 2.5 hours”.

However, he adds: “Doing something that is uncomfortable for me means that I can ask people for sponsorship in support of fellow doctors researching mental health.”

Researchers at The Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute at Cardiff University have recently discovered a common genetic link to ADHD and a developmental link between brain cell maturation and schizophrenia. The researchers at the institute are looking at the human genome and matching

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Lee Wickham, of Fascia First Chiropractic, in his #TeamCardiff running vest

up genetic variances to mental health concerns, as well as novel brain imaging and new medicine development.

To support mental health research, Lee asks that you

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

GARDENING SERVICES

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier Free quotations Rats, Mice, Wasps and Biting Insects our speciality Hygiene cleaning ● Loft clearances Solar Panel Bird Proofing Vegetation and Wildlife Control ● 20 years experience ● Fully insured ● BPCA RSPH Level 3 trained

Contact Andrew on 01454 219296 www.pestbgone.co.uk

consider pledging £5, £10, £20 or whatever you can afford by visiting his dedicated JustGiving fundraising page: justgiving.com/fundraising/ lee-wickham-half-run

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

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

OPEN AS USUAL during bridge works Access from Little Stoke side only!

Patchway - 0117 906 2277 Covid-Secure

Gipsy Patch Lane, BS34 6QD

Yate - 01454 315566

24/26 Station Road, BS37 4PW Work completed while you wait, or pre-book and drop your vehicle off to us for a later collection

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

March/April 2022

t: 01454 300 400

What’s On What can Citizens Advice help me with?

ARE YOU struggling to make ends meet? Do you wonder if your employer is treating you fairly?

We can all face situations which seem complicated and may need some advice to help us though. At Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, we can help with most everyday problems from employment to housing, relationship breakdown to benefit entitlement and debt.

Whether you are struggling to pay your energy bills or need to check if you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to, our experienced advisers are here to give you free, independent and impartial information and advice.

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Hoppy Spring Fun! Come and join us at Bradley Stoke Library for free craft activities

We will give you the knowledge and confidence to find your way forward.

We are at the Jubilee Centre, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8HL, every Wednesday from 10am-12pm. No appointment needed.

No appointment is needed.

Drop-in sessions operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volunteer Centre drop-ins set to return

Friday 22nd April 10:30am -11:30am Limited spaces available Age 4 -11 years To book please email: bradleystoke.library@ southglos.gov.uk

RESUMING from 26th April: Volunteering drop-in sessions at Bradley Stoke Library on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 1pm-3pm.

For those who want to talk about what volunteering opportunities there are in the area, or groups who are looking for volunteers.

For more information, email volunteeringpfs@southernbrooks.org.uk

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

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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Directory of Advertisers Bathrooms

JJ Plumbing, Page 34 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 6 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 26 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 4 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 39 Northavon Carpentry, Page 28 Carpet Cleaners See directory on BSJ website Carpets & Flooring Phoenix Flooring, Page 31 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 8 Charborough Road Nursery, Page 11 Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, Page 32 Tockington Manor School, Page 27 Children’s Activities Almondsbury Tennis Club, Page 12 Chiropractic Fascia First Chiropractic, Page 13 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Cleaning & Domestic Services See directory on BSJ website Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 32 Education & Learning Tockington Manor School, Page 27 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 13 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 25 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Funeral Services Memorial Woodlands, Page 37 Garage Services LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 2 Tyres Direct UK, Page 36 Gardening & Landscaping Services ColourFence, Page 17 Painting Petals, Page 38 Professional Gardening Services, Page 36 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 24 Body and Mind Combined, Page 26 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 23 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 6 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 30 Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 39

Leisure Activities Good Afternoon Choir, Page 15 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 25 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 38 Digby Decor, Page 38 Painting Petals, Page 38 Rick Murphy, Page 38 Personal Trainers Body and Mind Combined, Page 26 Pest Control Services PestBGone, Page 36 Pet Services & Supplies Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 39 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 10 Plumbing & Heating JJ Plumbing, Page 34 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 6 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 39 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 39 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 39 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 39 Public Notices Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 18 South Glos Council, Pages 19-22 Recruitment Abacus Pre-School, Page 29 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 40 Roofing Services Supreme Roofing, Page 39 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 36 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 33 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Skip Hire Earthworks UK, Page 35 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 7 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 10 Sport Almondsbury Tennis Club, Page 12 Taxis & Private Hire See directory on BSJ website TV Aerials & Satellite The Aerial Man, Page 39 Window Cleaning See directory on BSJ website

t: 01454 300 400

March/April 2022

PAINTING & DECORATING

RICK MURPHY PAINTING & DECORATING  Based in Bradley Stoke  Interior and exterior painting All work guaranteed Call Rick for a free quote on

07816 854978

Email: r_murphy35@hotmail.com Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

Visit our online directory: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

March/April 2022

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

PET SERVICES

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

LAUNDERETTES

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION

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

0117

957 5092

We deliver 8,700 leaflets for £220 Contact the Journal on 01454 300 400

GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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 info@soclear.co.uk ● 07851 847 079

TV AERIALS & SATELLITE

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

T HE A ERIAL M AN

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning

TV Aerial and Satellite Specialist Affordable Prices - Reliable Service

Poor Reception Problems Solved TV Aerials and Satellites - Free Home Visit Additional TV Points - Fully Guaranteed Repairs - OAP Discounts Complete WiFi Solutions Available

01454 660 046

www.theaerialman.co.uk | info@theaerialman.co.uk

Leaflet Delivery in Bradley Stoke

Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding, Curtains & Sleeping Bags washed, Fast Dryers. Ironing service.

Free parking. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 3pm, Sat 10am - 12.30pm (Last service: 1 hour prior to closing times) 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

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

Call or book online

Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

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

ROOFING SERVICES

We offer FREE quotes for all your roofing needs!

Based in Bradley Stoke

• Tiled pitched roofs • GRP flat roofs • Lead work • Roof repairs • UPVC fasica, soffit & guttering • Gutter cleaning Tel: 07903 032923 supremeroofingbristol@aol.com supremeroofingbristol.co.uk

Supreme Roofing

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

We are looking for an Early Years professional to join our team!

We want professional quality staff. We’ll pay the best salary, and you’ll have the most fun!

Are you ready to make a little person’s day better? Are you ready to feel a sense of achievement when the little people here at Banana Moon achieve amazing things?

Are you a listening ear to a little person wanting to tell you about their weekend? Can you make a little person smile and want to come back every day to learn?

Banana Moon in Bristol is an established local nursery looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and motivated Early Years Professional. We have lots of opportunities for you to progress your early years career into a senior role if this is your ambition. Here at Banana Moon, we care about each individual member of staff, and will support you to achieve your ambitions.

Full tim e 40 hou r Part tim s e 16 hou rs

Scan the QR code to find out more information and apply today!

Register your interest at

info@bananamoon-bristol.co.uk

Fingerprint biometric access

operates throughout our nurseries

Banana Moon Day Nursery Pinnacle House, 166a Gloucester Road North, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BG Call us on 0117 969 1662 or visit bananamoon-bristol.co.uk