December 2013

Delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to all homes in Bradley Stoke

December 2013 • Issue 8

LETTERS P8-9 | SCHOOLS P12 | POLICE P21 | WHAT’S ON P28-29 | DIRECTORY P30

Christmas Special P15-18

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PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE l Town council to consult public on future uses for Brook Way hard courts l New vicar “installed” at Church of Christ the King l Weather hits fireworks charity collection l Funding setback for latest Bradley Stoke war memorial plans

J91821 AF Xmas Advert_Layout 1 20/11/2013 Charity Christmas lights P15

09:19 Page 1

Children in Need report P12

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l Busy month for nature conservation group l Anger over council’s new rules for food traders l Two arrested after graffiti spree in Woodlands Lane

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December 2013

It’s not all about Christmas!

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 website and magazine are published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office 19 The Park, Bristol.

Our other publications include the Patchway Journal website and the Stoke Gifford Journal website.

North Bristol Press is independent of any other media company or network operating in the Bristol area.

We accept no responsibility for anything stated by advertisers, who are themselves responsible for complying with all relevant legislation.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2013. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

Welcome to the eighth edition of the The Journal, the only local publication to be delivered free of charge, EVERY MONTH, to all homes in Bradley Stoke In our first Christmas Special, we bring you all the information you need to enjoy the festive season in Bradley Stoke.

Check out the centre pages for listings of all the church and carol services over the coming weeks and a handy guide to opening times over the Christmas and New Year period.

As you receive this month’s magazine, many of you may be putting the finishing touches to

your Christmas decorations, but not many of you will match the 15,000 bulbs that are currently covering a house in Watch Elm Close! Read more on page 15.

But this edition isn’t all about Christmas. Since our November edition went to press, we’ve had Children in Need, Halloween, the fireworks display and Armistice Day, and you’ll find reports about all of these events too.

Our next edition comes out on 4th January and we’d love to receive your contributions, ideally this side of Christmas!

Until then, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We deliver 9,150 copies of this magazine As well as being delivered to ALL of the 8,650 homes in Bradley Stoke, a further 500 copies of this magazine are delivered in the neighbouring area of Little Stoke. We also leave around 500 copies at public locations in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford.

Find out more and get interactive!

So that you can find out more about the topics included in this issue of the magazine and/or take part in online discussions about them on our website or Facebook page, we have set up an online reference page listing all the related links. Visit: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links or scan the QR code.

Get involved with your local newspaper!

If you have news that you would like to see featured in the magazine and/or on our website, please get in touch by email, phone or post (see contact details on the top left of this page).

We are also looking for people to get involved in the production of the town’s new local newspaper, so please contact us if you are interested in writing articles or taking photographs for us.

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December 2013

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News

Public to be asked for ideas on possible future uses for Brook Way hard courts

B

radley Stoke Town Council has decided to conduct a public consultation to gather ideas for possible future uses for the hard court area at the Brook Way Activity Centre.

The news comes just two months after Mayor Brian Hopkinson was accused of attempting to “railroad through” a decision to build on the land, with half the plot being given over to the Incredible Kids charity and the other to a yetto-be-formed body called the ‘Bradley Stoke Youth Trust’.

September’s meeting of Full Council rejected the Mayor’s plea for an instant decision to be

made, instead calling on officers to produce a report “on all possible proposals”.

Reporting back to the November meeting of Full Council, officers said their investigations had revealed that there appears to be no condition on the current planning permission for the whole Brook Way site, which is leased from South Gloucestershire Council, that would require the hard court area “to remain as such”.

Apart from the possibility of using the site for community buildings, the report also identifies “extra car parking spaces” and “allotments” as

Ideas please! alternative uses.

The cost of permanently converting the hard court into an area suitable for car parking is estimated at £53,000.

The report also suggests that a temporary solution to the ongoing parking problems at the combined community centre and doctors’ surgery site could be achieved for less than £2,000, by taking out some of the hard court fencing and constructing an entrance drive for vehicles.

However, some councillors are sceptical that the current hard

court surface would be adequate for this purpose.

Councillors were told that “it would be advisable … to carry out a public consultation exercise to gauge public opinion” before making any firm decision and they agreed to engage with the local media in Bradley Stoke to launch a first phase of consultation, “asking a simple question about the future of the hard court at Brook Way Activity Centre, with officers reporting back to the next Full Council meeting in January 2014”.

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December 2013

News

Councillors want more consultation on revised war memorial plan

T

he group behind a plan to create a war memorial out of the two granite posts in the Town Square at the Willow Brook Centre has come up with an alternative proposal, five months after its original plan was ridiculed in the national press for being a “memorial for those yet to die”.

Instead of using the existing gate posts, the group’s plan is now to create a “standalone stone memorial of contemporary design”.

But the project has suffered a further setback after a decision on the group’s application for £3,000 of grant funding from South Gloucestershire Council’s Southern Brooks Area Forum was deferred “pending the outcome of further consultation regarding the siting of the memorial”.

On its grant application form, the ‘Friends of Bradley Stoke War Memorial’ stated: “The memorial will be designed for people to be able to reflect and remember not just the fallen from our armed services but, anyone they wish to remember.”

Focal point for parade

“It will also serve as the focal point to an annual remembrance parade, organised by the Friends and the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group, to remember and teach the younger generations about conflicts which our servicemen & women have played a part in.”

It is understood that the Willow Brook Centre has pledged to contribute a further £3,000 to the project.

Cllr Ben Walker (UKIP, Bradley Stoke North), who

The Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), which covers Bradley Stoke, held its annual Remembrance Parade at the war memorial on The Green in Stoke Gifford on Sunday 10th November. Wreaths were laid by representatives of the RBL, parish council, police, armed forces and scouts.

heads the Friends group, along with Katherine Robinson of the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group, reacted angrily to the area forum’s decision, claiming it was politically motivated. He tweeted: “Another poor show from South Glos #Tories who stall decision for a mainly privately funded new war memorial, just because it’s a #UKIP idea!”.

At a meeting in July, town councillors in Bradley Stoke agreed to “support the Scouts in the concept of some form of stone or memorial to remember the fallen”, but they stopped short of endorsing the Town Square at the Willow Brook Centre as a suitable location for it, with several members suggesting that a quieter location elsewhere in the town should be considered.

“Inappropriate” location

The question of location was also raised in a letter read out at the area forum meeting last month, in which Sara Messenger, a member of the Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) group, described the Willow Brook Centre as “an inappropriate place for a war memorial”.

Ms Messenger’s letter continued: “How is it possible to hold a dignified Remembrance Day Service in the centre of a shopping parade? How can we give silent thanks to the 1,300,000 soldiers who gave

Abandoned: Plan based on granite gate posts in the Town Square

their lives in the two world wars, so that we and others can live in peace and freedom when you have shopping trolleys barging past and shoppers shoving doughnuts into their faces while gawping at you?”

Poppy roundabout

An idea that Ms Messenger said she has suggested to the BSiB group is to have one roundabout in the town covered with poppies, with possibly just a simple cross in the centre. She also revealed that the group is looking at the idea of creating a ‘remembrance garden’, which could potentially incorporate a war memorial, at one of several potential sites on Brook Way, near Bradley Stoke Surgery.

Support within the wider community for a war memorial of any kind appears to be less than enthusiastic, judging by the results of a reader poll on the Bradley Stoke Journal website.

Asked: “Should Bradley Stoke have a war memorial, even though nobody from the town has died in military conflict?” 66% of the 294 respondents said: “No”.

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December 2013

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News

Poor weather affects charity collection at firework display

B

radley Stoke Town Council has reported on the amounts raised for charity at its annual firework display, held this year on Sunday 3rd November at the Jubilee Centre.

There is no entrance charge for the popular event, but a ‘bucket collection’ is made to raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities.

This year’s bucket collection raised £2,787 (compared with £3,667 last year), with the decrease being ascribed to

the very rainy weather on the weekend of the event, which is thought to have detered some people from attending.

Collections from food vans added a further £460 (compared with £430 last year), giving a grand total of £3,247 (down £850 on 2012).

The Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec, which manages the barbecue at the event, collected £880 (compared with £1,250 taken last year).

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News

Anger at decision to allow multiple food traders at council sites

A

decision by Bradley Stoke Town Council to potentially allow more than one food trader to operate in the car park of each of its three community centres has been criticised by a number of local residents and one of the existing pitch holders.

Currently, there is one trader (Ozzy’s Kebabs) permitted to trade at the Brook Way Activity Centre and another (Papas Pizzas) at the Baileys Court Activity Centre, but the council’s Finance Committee recently agreed that up to two traders should be allowed at each site.

Ozzy’s Kebabs effectively took over the permit previously held

by Oasis Foods, although it has yet to start trading pending the fitting out of a new van.

There are currently no traders operating at the Jubilee Centre, where it is understood that a previous application for a street trading licence (from South Gloucestershire Council) was turned down following objections from local residents and representations from the police regarding the history of antisocial behaviour at the site.

The first impact of the council’s new policy is likely to be seen at Brook Way, where Papas Pizzas has successfully applied for a

permit to trade on four evenings a week. But that decision has been criticised by Ozay Isitmen, the owner of Ozzy’s Kebabs, who says allowing a second food outlet at the site will affect the viability of his business, once he starts trading. Furthermore, a request by Mr Isitmen that his rent be reduced in view of the presence of a rival business was rejected at November’s meeting of Full Council.

Neighbours of the Jubilee Centre also attended the November council meeting, where they expressed concerns about food traders being allowed at that site. They complained that the council had not honoured a promise made at its September meeting to “undertake consultation with surrounding neighbours [should the proposal be explored in more detail]” and said the decision had been “financially driven”.

One resident, who did not give her name, told councillors: “We’ve always been good neighbours to the Jubilee Centre.

It’s time you became good neighbours to us.”

Another suggested that takeaway vans would be better positioned at Tesco (the Willow Brook Centre), away from residential areas.

Jubilee Centre: Residents upset

Brook Way: Trader unhappy

Town clerk Sharon Petela told the meeting that no interest has so far been shown from traders wishing to operate at the Jubilee Centre. Should any applications come forward, residents would have the chance to raise objections when the business owner applies to South Gloucestershire Council for a

street trading licence.

Councillors have claimed that offering multiple food pitch hires at each of the sites is “beneficial for the area, offering residents a wider choice of multi-cultural takeaway food facilities within the town at the same time as offering an extra income stream for the council.”

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December 2013

Letters and Opinions Highwood Road closure is ludicrous The people of Patchway want to see this situation resolved properly and sensibly; unfortunately we now have councillors who only see millions of pounds (supposedly) coming to South Gloucestershire and cannot see that the reopening of less than half-a-mile of road would bring so much less stress to residents here.

Our lives are so changed since they made the ludicrous decision to shut this piece of road, just in case the money comes from central government for the MetroBus system.

Most of these councillors have never been on a local bus, yet they want all of us in this area, including Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford, to rely on the MetroBus to get across Bristol.

We are quite happy with the buses we have at present! Why we would want, from here, to take a bus all around Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford and the M32, when we have a perfectly acceptable route down the A38, is beyond belief.

K Hemmings Patchway

Remember who you voted for!

After reading the article about the recent council meeting regarding the closure of Highwood Road and the associated item written

by Cllr Douglas Daniels of Filton Town Council, for whom I have a great regard, I can only suggest to the amazing and stoic people of Patchway: “Remember, who you voted for”.

There will be alternative parties at the next elections and they could always put forward independent candidates.

South Gloucestershire Council is controlled by the Conservatives, but it was the Liberal Democrats and Labour who voted to add the £36 p.a. green bin charge to our tax burden.

There is only a hair’s breath between any of them and I have not heard of any reduction in expenses and benefits!

Fred Hillberg Bradley Stoke

Green bin: Opting out should mean lower council tax In support of Mr Blacker’s letter, in November’s issue regarding the issue of the Green bins.

Your response that the service will be an opt-in service of £36 p.a. did not reassure Mr Blacker and your readers that South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) will be reducing next year’s council tax for all who choose not to opt in.

In essence, they are withdrawing a service that we currently pay for, and then charging us again. It would appear that SGC are auditioning to play the Sheriff of Nottingham!

Although I do use my green bin

it can take me six weeks to fill it.

I shall, in future be bagging my lawn cuttings and going to the very friendly, helpful people at the Little Stoke recycling centre.

Lynne Johnson Little Stoke

Your Views

Improved local buses unlikely to help This council beggars belief! They close a main road in Patchway, against local wishes, then are surprised when traffic flows through Bradley Stoke to avoid the car park the A38 has become.

Traffic increased in the town within days of the road closure.

Most of the rush hour traffic is using Bradley Stoke as a rat run to the motorways, so improved local buses will not help.

A motorway link at Emersons Green, a by-pass of Stoke Gifford and re-opening Highwood Road would help.

Unless the Liberal Democrat car haters like Pat Hockey are removed, we can look forward to more misery.

Paul Richards Bradley Stoke

Lack of information on green bin options Once again South Gloucestershire Council has neglected to properly inform residents about an issue that affects many of us.

Until I read Mr Blacker’s letter and the editor’s response in the November issue, I didn’t even know the council had made a

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

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

Would you like to take the opportunity to thank someone for a good deed or praise an achievement?

Whatever you want to say, write to The Journal and we’ll get your message to everyone in Bradley Stoke.

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 telephone number with your letter, in case we need to contact you. decision about the green bin collection.

I had no idea residents will need to “opt-in”.

I have received no information regarding the decision and have seen none advertised locally.

I am sure there are a great

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Letters and Opinions many people, like myself, who have no idea how to opt-in for collection or when they need to do this.

Last week I heard it mentioned that bags can be bought from the council for occasional use, but is that just a rumour?

The council really need to pull their fingers out and send residents the information they need and deserve, now.

R Carpenter Bradley Stoke

By-election result is no guide for 2015 In November’s issue, you reported on the wide margin victory of the Conservative candidate in a recent town council by-election.

For the full voting public to be aware of certain insights regarding this by-election and previous ones, taking stock for the full coming elections in 2015.

Whilst it seems that the

margin is wide, less than 22% turnout was recorded and of that number one must understand that the Conservatives had six times the manpower of UKIP on the door steps and in cars carrying people to the polling station, furthermore they utilized their database to get absolutely everyone possible out, so that is their maximum capability.

In the general elections, such a drive and capability will not be available, as each seat on the town council, county council and the MP position will be contested, with an expected turnout of 36%, meaning that the geo-political balance so well enjoyed currently will be changed significantly.

Cllr Ed Rose Secretary, UKIP Filton and Bradley Stoke Branch

Correction

Jagger (as printed). The Editor apologises for this error.

“I have finished my work for the day” Those of us who use the buses regularly from Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre find them particularly convenient reaching out to Filton and Bristol. I refer specifically to the First Bus no. 73 and Wessex no 13 services.

Unfortunately, however, there has been a bewildering disruption of the no. 13 service which needs to be further explained.

On arriving at the centre at 6.15pm and alighting its passengers, others were prevented from boarding. The doors were closed and the bus departed empty. The driver

remarking: “I have finished my work for the day.”

Being the only person waiting I abandoned my intention to travel and did likewise… returned home.

On a later occasion, the incident was repeated. Yet it affected more awaiting passengers… including myself.

I diverted my journey via the no 73 First Bus to Bristol Parkway Station, intending to take a taxi to a council meeting at Filton, along the Gloucester Road.

Again deadlock! An awaiting queue for taxis… about 25 or more… dispersing at lengthy intervals… taxis returning along a grid-locked route. I abandoned my journey and returned. Taking a lead from that bus driver, I too, did likewise… “Finished my work for the day!”

Cllr Douglas Daniels Bradley Stoke

The letter titled “Do we have too many councils?” (November edition) was actually written

by P J Cook and not by Colin

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December 2013

News

‘In Bloom’ group reports on progress and outlines plans

T

he Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) group held a public meeting on 26th November to share its progress to date and its ambitious plans for the future.

Over the past six months, members of the group have cleared pathways in the Dewfalls Drive area, tidied up a public area near the doctors’ surgery on Brook Way, organised ‘tallest sunflower’ and ‘best kept front garden’ competitions, hosted a stall at the Community Festival, taken part in the Bradley Stoke Carnival, installed planters at the welcome signs at each end of Bradley Stoke Way, taken part in first aid training, planted trees at Bowsland Meadow and earned

an ‘improving’ rating in the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ scheme.

Ideas being discussed as potential future projects include brightening up the 16 roundabouts in the town (with some interesting suggestions for sculptures that might be installed on them) and a ‘Gnomes Unleashed’ trail (a smaller version of the Gromit Unleashed trail that was so popular across Bristol this summer).

There is also talk of creating a community herb garden, with the grounds of Bradley Stoke Surgery suggested as a possible site.

For their last workday, on 16th November, BSiB joined the Three Brooks Nature Conservation

Group, Boy’s Brigade, Rainbows, Beavers and other residents for a Community Tree Planting day, planting 265 trees around the Bowsland Meadow pond.

Once established, these will form a traditional live hedge to provide habitat and protection for wildlife. Members report that it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and a great opportunity to work with other like-minded groups and individuals.

The group’s next workday, on

21st December, will see them installing another two bespoke planters at the Welcome to Bradley Stoke signs and continuing to work on the garden by the Doctor’s Surgery on Brook Way, where they will meet at 10am.

BSiB can be contacted via email at bsib@hotmail.co.uk or by phone on 07582 634107. There is also a ‘Bradley Stoke in Bloom’ Facebook page and a website, bradleystokeinbloom.com, will be up and running soon.

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11

News

New vicar “installed” at Christ the King

T

he Anglican church parish of Patchway. of Christ the King in A profile document published Mautravers Close, Bradley by the Diocese of Bristol earlier Stoke has a new team vicar after this year explains: “Bradley Stoke the Reverend Paul Hinckley has grown to the point that it was “licensed and installed” by now makes sense to reconfigure the Right Reverend Mike Hill, the parish boundaries and form Bishop of Bristol, at a ceremonial a single parish of Bradley Stoke, service on Tuesday 26th to be served by Christ the November.

King and Holy Trinity Rev Hinckley has also churches.” become the ‘incumbent “The fine details of the designate’ of the proposed new boundaries are still to new ecclesiastical parish be decided, and the new of Bradley Stoke, which parish will include some, is expected to be created or all, of the original Bishop Mike: within the next two or village of Little Stoke.” officiated at three years.

The document ceremony At present, the southern concludes: “While half of Bradley Stoke lies within finalising these details will take the ecclesiastical parish of Stoke two to three years, the people in Gifford, while the northern half, both churches are keen to see served by Holy Trinity Church, their outreach and impact grow forms part of the ecclesiastical in the area.”

Meet the new vicar “I was thrilled to be invited to come to Bradley Stoke, and both Julie and I have been touched by the warm and genuine welcome that we have received.

It is poignant to be starting our life with you just as our engagement with the community is focussed on the excitement of our Christmas celebrations. What better way to begin than to place all our attention on Jesus who we celebrate as the one who [in the words of John’s gospel in The Message] “moved into the neighbourhood” whilst we echo the attitude of John the Baptist who said “I must decrease so that he [Jesus] may increase”?

My background is in Aerospace engineering, so it’s a bit of a blast from the past to be moving to live under the shadow of Rolls Royce and Airbus – both playing a part in my industrial experience before I was ordained. Since those days, my vicar-ing has taken me to parishes that are struggling and thriving, larger and smaller, to all points of the compass: North, South, East … and now West.

Julie and I share a passion for God’s work across the globe.

Julie’s work reflects this, working for CMS in a role that links churches with mission partners throughout the world. She has

Rev Paul Hinckley with wife Julie

many stories to tell of God’s work through his people in all kinds of ways and in all kinds of places.

At home and at rest we have interests we share and things that mark us out as different: Julie loves X-Factor, whilst I am a devoted petrolhead.

Both of us love exploring the countryside and searching out a new place to enjoy good pub food. Our roles in the garden are a bit stereotyped – Julie does the pretty bits, whilst I do the practical bits – a partnership that is more effective than the cliché.

As Vicar of the new parish of Bradley Stoke, I will be looking back to the Biblical roots of church, as we devote ourselves to prayer, scripture, worship and fellowship and turn ourselves towards the community that we serve to demonstrate the love and power of Jesus, through the gifts and leading of the Holy Spirit – to the glory of our Father.”

Reverend Paul Hinckley

More info: http://ctkchurch.org.uk/

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December 2013

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Around the schools by Judith Summers of Bradley Stoke Radio Fundraising for Children in Need

Hundreds of pounds were raised for Children in Need by the school children of Bradley Stoke and what’s more, they all had great fun doing it!

Pyjamas, onesies and other fancy attire graced the classrooms and a variety of fund raising events took place throughout the day.

At Wheatfield Primary, a group of Y6 took charge of organising colouring competitions, ‘Guess the name of the bear’, ‘How many sweets in a jar’ and a tombola to raise funds.

Holy Trinity all dressed up for the day and collected money by covering pictures of Pudsey Bear with coins.

Stoke Lodge children all wore a selection of spotty clothes and St Mary’s, who shared funds raised with a charity supporting the Philippines disaster fund, all wore bright colours and raised a fantastic total of £464.

Children at St Chad’s all came to school in pyjamas and spent the day taking part in various competitions, including football. The highlight was throwing sponges at teachers and other adults sitting in the stocks!

Bradley Stoke Community School raised a fantastic £1,567 which will also be shared with the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Hundreds of home made cakes were sold at break time and Chloe and Amber Barley

donated a super Pudsey cake which was raffled. Matthew Winstone organised a ‘guess the sweets in the jar’ competition, there was face painting and a sponsored silence. Pavi Nirwan allowed fellow pupils to throw wet sponges at him which proved very popular.

The Bradley Stoke Radio Schools Show covers all schools in the local area and beyond. We play children’s music and have children reading their poems, topic work and stories. It is aired on Monday evenings during term time, between 6pm and 7pm. To find out how to listen in, visit www.bradleystokeradio.com

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December 2013

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13

News

Opticians’ spooktacular fundraising

T

wo iconic Disney lookalike characters, with a twist, made an appearance at a Bradley Stoke opticians this Halloween to help raise money for Above & Beyond.

Vampire Mickey & Minnie Mouse, courtesy of Emma Woodward from Charactersforyou, joined staff at Specsavers in the Willow Brook Centre to help raise more than £55.

Staff also dressed in their finest scary attire, collecting for the Bristol charity that raises funds for the nine city centre

hospitals, whilst also handing out goody bags.

Ed Stanleigh, store director at Specsavers Bradley Stoke, said: “Halloween is a great opportunity for us to have some fun, but also raise money at the same time.

Above & Beyond is a charity we’ve supported for a couple of years now, so I’d like to thank all those who came along on the day to show their support.”

To make a donation, visit the Specsavers store, call 01454 275020 or visit www.specsavers. co.uk/stores/bradleystoke

L-R: Loren, Minnie Mouse, Carly, Rachel, Julie and Vampire Mickey.

Armistice Day marked at Willow Brook The 95th anniversary of the World War I armistice was marked with a two-minute silence at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre on Monday 11th

November. Members of the Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion recited the Exhortation & Kohima Epitaph and a bugler played the Last Post.

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December 2013

News

Busy month for Three Brooks nature group

By Sara Messenger of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group ovember is usually a quiet month on the reserve, but not so this year!

The monthly workday took place at Bowsland Meadow pond, where the reed mace that was taking over the pond was removed by the roots, not the warmest of tasks in November!

The not so intrepid/smarter members of the group stayed on land to prepare a trench around the inside of the pond fence in preparation for the upcoming Community Tree Planting Day.

N

Goldfish problem

At the same time we took the opportunity to remove about 80 goldfish from the pond. Could we just remind everyone that it is an offence to release fish into public ponds and other waterbodies? It is also an offence to allow your dog to disturb Great Crested Newt habitat; both offences can attract a fine of up to £5,000 or six

shows that the reserve has, at the moment, a thriving population of all three types of newt – confirmation that their hard work is showing great results.

We were also pleased to have a site visit by Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Youth Participation Worker Graham Baker, who was keen to show us the plans for the new skate park and how they would impact on the reserve.

On the 12th the group hosted the ever-popular ‘Owl Prowl’ with freelance owl conservationist, Ian McGuire (Ian@wildowl.co.uk).

We are always guaranteed to see at least one owl as Ian always brings one of his many birds with him, this time a female Barn Owl. Last time we took to the woods we were unable to find any evidence of wild owls, but this time we were delighted to hear, and see a male Tawny Owl in Savages Wood. The female decided to be coy and only appeared after everyone had gone home, but to have resident owls is confirmation that the reserve is being well managed.

Having fun on the Community Tree Planting Day at Bowsland Meadow pond

hard work, a firewok was lit and everyone discovered the culinary delights of Smores (for those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s a melted marshmallow squished between two chocolate digestive biscuits.)

Bradley Stoke in Bloom came to help and stayed late into the

afternoon putting guards on all the trees.

For further information, visit our website, www.three-brooks. info, email info@three-brooks. info, call Hannah on 0797 142 6266 or visit our Facebook page: ‘Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group’.

Indepe n Financ dent ia Advice l

Tree planting day

Large crested newt (underside)

months imprisonment, which is why the pond gate is now locked!

So that we can legally, fully manage the ponds on the reserve, six members of the group have recently been attending ‘Newt School’ and have now gained their Newt Licences, with a protected large crested female newt kindly appearing on cue. We’re told you can recognise individuals by their belly patterns although we have yet to be convinced!

The surveying that the group undertook as part of their training

On Saturday 16th, the group hosted a Community Tree Planting Day, to plant a hedge around the pond in Bowsland Meadow, as this will in time, not only deter dogs but will also provide a habitat for many creatures. The day was organised

by Boys Brigade leader and Three Brooks committee member Rob Williams, although the 265 trees were donated for free by the Woodland Trust.

The day was very well attended with over 50 people coming along, this included local children and some from the Bradley Stoke Rainbow and Beaver Units, they all bought their parents along and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. All the children who came received a certificate and everyone had their photo taken with ‘their’ section. As a reward for all their

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December 2013

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15

Christmas Special

Watch Elm Close Christmas lights to benefit Alzheimer’s charity

T

he owners of a house in Watch Elm Close, Bradley Stoke, are hoping their extravagant Christmas lights display will raise more than £1,000 for a locally-based medical research charity.

Mike Checkley and Terry James have decorated the outside of their home with more than forty sets of lights, incorporating a total of around 15,000 individual bulbs, and are inviting people who visit the festive display to make a donation to BRACE, a charity that funds research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The pair spent three weeks putting up the display, before formally switching it on for the Christmas season on Friday 22nd November and it will be powered-up daily between 5pm

and 9.30pm until 3rd January 2014.

Mike and Terry’s display has grown from just a single Christmas tree three years ago to what must now be one of the biggest in the area. Last year the lights were restricted to the garden and ground floor of the house, but this year Mike and Terry have also decorated the upper part of the property.

They say they chose BRACE as their charity because dementia and Alzheimer’s has affected both their families and Mike’s sister Lynda is a charity coordinator with the organisation.

Anyone visiting the display can leave a donation in a collecting bucket positioned on the drive of the property. It is also possible to donate online, at www. justgiving.com/Mike-Checkley

Terry James (left) and Mike Checkley, with family friend Oscar (aged 6), outside their brightly-decorated home in Watch Elm Close.

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December 2013

Christmas Special: Church Services Church of Christ the King

Community Carol Service

Holy Trinity Church

Sunday 15th December 10am Family Christingle Sunday 22nd December 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Tuesday 24th December 4pm Nativity Service 11.15pm Midnight Communion Wednesday 25th December 10am Family Communion

Thursday 19th December 6pm Brass Band and free refreshments 6.30pm to 7.15pm: Carol Service

Sunday 22nd December 6.30pm Candlelit Carol Service Tuesday 24th December 3pm and 5pm Christingle Service 11.15pm Midnight Communion Wednesday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Morning Service

Mautravers Close, Bradley Stoke

Town Square, Willow Brook Centre

Broad Croft, Bradley Stoke

Holy Family Catholic Church Southsea Road, Patchway

Amberley Road Baptist Church Amberley Road, Stoke Lodge

Sunday 22nd December 11am Children’s Christmas Play Tuesday 24th December 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Wednesday 25th December 10.30am Family Celebration

Tuesday 24th December 6pm Christmas Family Mass 11.15pm Vigil to welcome Christmas Wednesday 25th December 12am Midnight Mass 9.30am Christmas Mass 11am Christmas Mass

Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke

Sunday 22nd December 10.30am All Age Christmas Celebration Tuesday 24th December 6pm Carols By Candlelight Wednesday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Day Celebration

Bridge Community Church

Meets at Bradley Stoke Community School Saturday 21st December 4pm Christmas Production: Bob Knows Best

Christmas message from Reverend Bill MacDougall of Holy Trinity Church

W

hatever we feel about Christmas, and all that goes with it in our culture, ultimately, Christmas is about relationships.

The Gospel writer Luke records that some shepherds outside Bethlehem had an experience of angels who praised God and said, On earth, peace to people upon whom His favour rests.

The word used for peace in the Greek language of the New Testament is shalom in Hebrew, which has several meanings: well-being, prosperity, security and harmony – not just inner

peace, or the absence of war.

We could say that shalom = harmonious relationships – with others, with the world, within ourselves, and with God. When I hear the national and local news, I think that we all struggle with relating. Perhaps it is the longing to get our needs met and the difficulty we have in forgiving those who have hurt us. So how does Christmas come into this?

How has God’s favour towards people been shown? The Gospel writer John says that God so loved the world that He gave

his only son, so that those who believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Eternal life is a harmonious relationship with God - peace with God and peace with ourselves.

Another Gospel writer, Matthew, writes that an angel told Joseph, the husband of the mother of Jesus, that her baby’s name would be Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Jesus means saviour, and we all need one of those.

Happy Christmas and enjoy good relationships with your friends and families.

Reverend Bill MacDougall with his grandson Jacob

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December 2013

Christmas Special: Shopping and Public Services Bradley Stoke Christmas and New Year opening hours Date

Bradley Stoke Tesco Extra

Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre

Bradley Stoke Library

Sunday 22nd December 2013

10am to 4pm

Normal hours

11am to 3pm

Monday 23rd December 2013

24 hours

Normal hours

10.30am to 6pm

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24th December 2013)

Midnight to 7pm

Closed

Closed

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25th December 2013)

Closed

Closed

Closed

Boxing Day (Thursday 26th December 2013)

9am to 6pm

Closed

Closed

Friday 27th December 2013

24 hours

8am to 7pm

Closed

Saturday 28th December 2013

24 hours

8am to 4pm

9.30am to 4pm

Sunday 29th December 2013

10am to 4pm

8am to 4pm

11am to 3pm

Monday 30th December 2013

24 hours

7am to 7pm

10.30am to 6pm

New Years Eve (Tuesday 31st December 2013)

Midnight to 7pm

7am to 5pm

9.30am to 5pm

New Years Day (Wednesday 1st January 2014)

9am to 6pm

Closed

Closed

Thursday 2nd January 2014

24 hours

Normal hours

10.30am to 6pm

For opening times of other stores at the Willow Brook Centre, visit: www.willowbrookcentre.co.uk For more holiday info (including bus timetables), visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/holiday-opening-hours/ N.B. All information is provided without warranty or liability. Check times with store or service provider before travelling.

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December 2013

Christmas Special Bradley Stoke through the camera lens by Becky Ward

O

n Saturday 16th November, I attended the Christmas lights switch on at the Willow Brook Centre. The event ran between 2pm and 6pm with the lights being switched on at 5.30pm.

Throughout the day, a variety of acts performed on stage, and walked around the square spreading the Christmas cheer.

Santa, the Pink Angels and Mike the Knight could be found in the square at various points throughout the afternoon. Santa arrived in style in a bright red car, giving sweets to all those who have been good this year, as well as stopping for the occasional photo! As is the way, he was incredibly jolly and, as evidenced, a good dancer! The Pink Angels walked around the square sprinkling fairy dust and collecting Christmas wishes from the children of Bradley Stoke.

There were also a variety of performances on stage. 1940s

female harmonies band The Cat’s Pyjamas performed their take on Christmas music, with some original 1940s music and some more up to date songs too!

They were incredibly talented, and even had Santa and Mike the Knight dancing, when they weren’t being greeted by hoards of excited children.

We also had performances from musical duo Abi and Olly, with Abi singing current music and a few Christmassy numbers accompanied by Olly on his guitar. Finally, the excellent members of Explode performed a street dance that they had been working on.

The Heartful Dodgers (a local charity), having won a Bradley Stoke Radio competition to win the honour of switching on the Christmas lights, were presented with a £200 cheque from the Willow Brook Centre to help boost their funds and then the younger members of the group

Willow Brook Christmas lights switch-on event

Young members of the Heartful Dodgers switch on the Christmas lights

pressed the button and turned on the Christmas lights!

The evening was brought to a traditional close with a performance by the Bradley Stoke Community Singers, who

were in fine festive voice.

All together, it was a brilliant day with a surprisingly large turn out, and from what I have heard so far, I’m certainly not the only one to have enjoyed it.

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December 2013

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19

News

Nobby celebrates 92nd birthday and recalls wartime experiences

By Grahame Holloway haring champagne and cake with fellow residents of Brook Court last month was sprightly Walter ‘Nobby’ Clark who was celebrating his 92nd birthday.

Born in Bristol on Armistice Day 1921, Nobby’s life has not been short of adventures.

Leaving school to start as an apprentice electrician, as the war clouds gathered over Europe he enlisted in the Territorial Army’s Anti-Aircraft Artillery. He was still only seventeen years of age when his unit was mobilised in August 1939. Armed with 3.7 inch guns they were to spend the next two years manning the air defences of Bristol. Most activity came at night and it was during darkness he was to see one of his most memorable sights, the petrol storage tanks at Avonmouth going up in flames.

However, another memory was a happier one, when the pilot of an enemy aircraft descended below low cloud to ascertain his position. Unfortunately for the pilot, he broke cover only yards from Nobby’s anti-aircraft battery at Portbury. With all guns blazing they quickly brought the enemy’s war to an end, the aircraft crashing on the nearby mudflats and its sole survivor later temporally housed in the Portbury Guardroom.

By 1942, Nobby’s role in

S

the defence of Bristol was no longer deemed a priority and, in February 1943, as a member of REME, he found himself on a troop ship bound for Algiers where he joined the British 1st Army. Advancing through Algeria into Tunisia, he was at Cap Bon when the war in North Africa ended and he recalls the taking of many Italian prisoners.

A short period of inactivity ensued, then, in early September 1943, he set sail again… destination Italy. He recalls the day well, it was the 9th, when he was amongst the first to make the dangerous landing on the Italian beaches at Salerno.

Looking back today, he says the situation was very ‘dodgy’ until they were able to establish a defensive perimeter. As a radio engineer, Nobby’s main role was the maintenance of the Allies’ communications systems. But worse was to come for, after advancing out of the Salerno beachhead, they were to meet extensive enemy resistance at Casino where he says the situation was ‘chaotic’ and they suffered many casualties.

It was also at Casino that Nobby was temporarily attached to a Polish unit and, smiling, he recalls that he can still speak a few words of Polish. Eventually, with the enemy resistance overcome, Nobby and his unit moved northwards, through

Rome, to reach Assisi from where he enjoyed a respite from action with a posting to Egypt for a sixmonth course. Later, returning to Italy, he was posted to Bologna where he was to meet his future wife, Isabella, a Scottish lass who was serving with the ATS. Remaining in Italy until July 1946, Staff Sergeant Nobby Clark finally arrived home for demobilisation, a return to his old employer in Bristol and to marry Isabella. However, he was also to gain professional status as a Chartered Engineer, a role which was to see him take up employment with the NHS and become engaged in many of their capital building projects throughout the South West until his retirement in 1985.

Sadly , after 62 years of happiness, his wife passed away

Nobby celebrates his 92nd birthday in the lounge at Brook Court

five years ago and he moved to Brook Court shortly after its completion. He has two sons and a grandson.

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Jobseeker Help Desk

with Karen Dean from Destiny CV

How can you stay motivated?

We all know what an uphill struggle finding a job can be. So how can we stay motivated?

Imagine you work on commission in a call centre.

Every minute, you have to cold call and attempt to sell someone something. Each rejection can be demoralising, but call handlers have to learn very quickly to take it on the chin. They have to sell a lot of products to meet their targets.

The difference with jobseeking is that you only need that one job.

Getting your CV done can be a huge psychological boost.

Joining a work club is also good for morale, for all participants.

Over coffee and biscuits J you can chat, look through job ads together, smarten up your CV, apply online, and gain valuable input from advisors. Plus, they may organise visitors from local employers for you to question.

Learn something new or update your skills. From job descriptions that appeal to you, pick an aspect you’re unfamiliar with. Find an online course to learn more about it. There are hundreds of online courses, many of them *free*.

Voluntary work can boost your confidence, keeping you in touch with others, developing your transferable skills, ready for opportunities that may come your way. It also looks good on your CV! Just beating the competition to get an interview is a great benchmark – you’re so nearly there. It’s fantastic for building up your presentation skills, honing your interview techniques, researching potential questions and rehearsing appropriate responses.

Ask interviewers for feedback on your performance. Exult in your good points. Develop weaker areas, so that … next time … the successful candidate will be … YOU!

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December 2013

Business News

Mrs Willows tempts with free weekly draw

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Dominick James, manager of the phones4U store, selects the winner of the first Mrs Willows Treats & Sweets weekly prize draw, watched by Trina Willows

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A new confectionery shop at the Willow Brook Centre is offering everyone the chance to win a Victorian jar full of sweets in a free-to-enter weekly prize draw.

Mrs Willows Treats & Sweets opened in the West Lobby area of the shopping centre on 1st November and has been doing brisk business with its range of original old favourites.

Proprietor Trina Willows, who lives locally and has been involved in the sweet trade for a number of years, said she felt Bradley Stoke had been “crying out for a ‘proper’ sweet shop” Open daily from 10am to 7pm (4pm on Sunday), the shop also

sells gift selections, bespoke sweet jars & hampers, sugar-, dairy-, lactose- & gluten-free sweets and vegetarian & Halal sweets.

Dominick James, manager of the phones4U store at the Willow Brook Centre, was invited to select the winner of the first weekly prize draw, which attracted more than 500 entries.

To enter the next prize draw, visit Mrs Willows Treats & Sweets and check out what’s behind Mrs Willows’ Grandmothers clock PINK door. Once you have found out, complete an entry form at the shop or visit: www.

MrsWillows.com See our advert on page 25.

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December 2013

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Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Claire Fletcher reports

T

he Bradley Stoke beat team were present at the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Willow Brook Centre on Saturday 16th November. This was an opportunity that some members of the public took to enquire about crime reduction ideas over the festive period.

Some easy ideas to help prevent you being a victim of crime are: • Don’t leave shopping on display in your car • Don’t leave Christmas presents visible underneath your Christmas tree – keep the magic alive by hiding them away • After Christmas, don’t leave the cardboard boxes of expensive electrical goods outside your house – it’s an advert to thieves • Lock up, set the house alarm and draw the curtains when it gets dark • Keep your purse or wallet and mobile phone in an inside pocket while among the crowds at the shops • Register your valuables at www.immobilise.com • Download tracking software to your smart

phone, laptop or tablet device • Check out the advice on our website, www. avonandsomerset. police.uk It’s also well worth joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme If you need any further information about crime prevention, the neighbourhood team hold a drop in beat surgery at the Willow Brook Centre every Wednesday between 1pm and 3pm and on the 9th day of every month at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre between 7pm and 9pm.

The Bradley Stoke beat team wishes you all a happy and safe Christmas.

Bradley Stoke Journal The

Olympus Academy Trust

21

Two men arrested after graffiti spree in Woodlands Lane area Police have arrested two men after responding to reports of graffiti being painted on street furniture and properties in north Bradley Stoke.

They received two phone calls at about 11.15pm on Friday 8th November 2013 from witnesses reporting suspicious activity in the Woodlands Lane area of the town.

Patrolling officers responded and found that graffiti ‘tags’ had been painted on a bus stop, a bin, a wall and a post box, as well as at nearby businesses in Woodlands Lane and Great Park Road.

Officers searched the area and arrested two young men nearby just before midnight.

Neighbourhood Inspector Bob Evely said: “We’re really grateful to the callers who rang to report this criminal damage as it was happening. This sort of help from the community is so important in helping us tackle this sort of antisocial behaviour and in this case has led to two arrests.”

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Fitness Focus

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December 2013

with Craig Rimmer

Prevent Christmas weight gain with these simple tips to preserve your body composition Food doesn’t just end up in your mouth by accident. Eating and drinking is a choice, and in order to have better health and a lean physique, you must take control of that choice and do what’s best for you.

dinner or a big holiday party is not your best bet. If you skip breakfast, you’ll likely be famished by the big meal, resulting in overeating. Try a meat and nut combination breakfast.

inflammation. You’ll also burn more fat if your omega3s are good quality. If you’re not already taking omega-3s, why not?! Get some good quality ones now!

1) Set a goal Set a body composition and workout goal.

Holiday months are an excellent time to set new goals and ramp up your program. Set goals now and start today!

4) Drink green tea to minimize the negative effects of alcohol Supplement and drink green to minimize the negative effects of alcohol on the body.

Green tea is filled with antioxidants and it is well known to combat oxidative stress all over the body.

7) Avoid processed foods at all costs: opt for whole organic foods Avoid processed foods at all costs. Choose organic whole foods to get more calorie burning from food. Think natural!

2) Choose the least worst option The good news is Christmas meals don’t lack protein. Turkey and other meats will provide an excellent source of protein. The bad news is that there is an overabundance of highcarb foods that will cause major problems for insulin health and fat gain.

To deal with this, choose the least worst option. Fill up on protein-rich foods, and eliminate or minimize high-carb choices as much as possible.

3) Eat breakfast: meat and nuts Eat breakfast for the best body composition results. “Saving” calories for the Christmas

5) Eat a low-glycemic food with your carbs for a better insulin response Pair low-glycemic foods with your carbs to get a better insulin response. Low-glycemic foods have been shown to slow digestion and mitigate the effect of high-glycemic carb foods that normally spike insulin. Managing insulin is absolutely critical for a lean body composition.

6) Get your omega-3s with meals Take omega-3 fish oils with all meals for a better insulin response and lower

8) Train high volume right before eating—don’t do aerobic training!

Train hard with a high volume of repetitions right before eating the holiday meal. This will burn a lot of energy, set your muscle up for serious protein synthesis, elevate fat burning and metabolic rate, and improve insulin sensitivity.

Craig Rimmer is a Personal Trainer from Filton who works at Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke. t: 07841 712955 e: info@theptacademy.com w: www.theptacademy.com

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December 2013

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23

Quiz Christmas quiz (easy/hard, old/new) Another ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 25.

1. Becoming one of the largest grossing Christmas films of all time, which Canadian actor played the title role in the 2000 film ‘The Grinch’?

2. Which type of Christmas decoration was founded in Lauscha, Germany in 19th century and became globally popularised, when FW Woolworth began selling them in his shops?

3. Who is the only British monarch, to be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day? 4. In 2002, the TV show, ‘Pop Stars: The Rivals’ provided the top three singles in the year’s Christmas chart. Girls Aloud became Christmas number one and One True Voice’s single went to number Two. Which ‘novelty’ duo went to number three, with their debut single?

5. In the nativity, the names of the three wise men are traditionally known as Melchior, Casper and which other, who shares his name with the term for 16 bottles of champagne or wine?

6. The Hotelling-Faustmann model is a standard used by many countries, when deciding the price of which Christmas commodity?

7. Which British author wrote the 1978 book ‘The Snowman’, from which a 1984 animated film was taken, featuring the song ‘Walking In The Air’?

8. The ‘Pasterka’ is the name for the midnight mass service in which European country, which also uses Christmas Eve day as a period of fasting?

9. Its name means ‘nativity’ in Portuguese. Which large South American city, sharing its name with a South African region, was founded on Christmas Day 1599?

10. In the 1990 Christmas film, ‘Home Alone’, what is the name of the 8-year old character played

by McCauley Culkin?

11. Elvis Presley had only one UK Christmas number one single in 1962, with which song?

12. Cattleya Maxima is also known as the Christmas flower.

To which species of flower does it belong?

13. In which country is the traditional Christmas dessert known as Risalamande, where the finder of the almond in the centre is entitled to an extra present?

14. Shunned by The Times, The Guardian and the BBC in many of their guides, what word, according to Millicent Fenwick’s 1948 ‘Vogue Book of Etiquette’ should never be used in Christmas greetings cards?

15. Found in the Indian Ocean and famous for its crab migration, to which country does Christmas Island belong?

16. Which Saint’s Day is shared

by Boxing Day? 17. Which 19th century author wrote the novellas ‘The Chimes’, ‘The Cricket on the Hearth’ and ‘The Battle of Life’, as part of their ‘Christmas book’ series?

18. Which singer holds the record for having the most Christmas number two records?

19. Which actress born on Christmas Day 1949, has been nominated for six Academy Awards, winning Best Actress in 1980 for her part in ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter?

20. In 2013, The Saturdays were chosen to switch on the Christmas lights at The Mall in Cribbs Causeway. Which boy band performed this task in 2012?

Read Paul’s blog at: www.justquiz.org

Christmas prize quiz question

from Paul Philpot

Win a copy of The Chambers Dictionary First published in 1872, The Chambers Dictionary contains more words, phrases and meanings than any other single-volume English dictionary – over 620,000 in all. Yet it remains lighter and easier to hold than the rest.

Whether you’re an avid wordgamer or just enjoy revelling in the quirks and curiosities of the English language, The Chambers Dictionary is your ultimate companion.

Find out more at www.chambers.co.uk Q. Who had a 1955 Christmas Number One single with ‘Christmas Alphabet’?

Answers to: 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8GB OR competitions@bradleystokejournal.co.uk A copy of Chambers Dictionary will be awarded to one winner, randomly selected from the pool of correct entries received by the closing date of 25th December 2013.

Congratulations to Linda Williams, winner of our November quiz!

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December 2013

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery Please do not forget the NHS this Christmas As I keep being reminded at home, Christmas is not that far away, and with it the usual organised chaos of card signing, trying to perfectly wrap presents shaped like the sphinx, juggling the politics of who will be inviting Aunty Mildred and her incontinent pug, unable to find which one of the tree light bulbs has failed, forgetting last year’s lesson that the whole of humanity will be found in The Mall late on Christmas Eve while you do the last minute shopping, and separating hyperactive kids who haven’t slept for four days and are fuelled up on a cocktail of Monster Munch , games console adrenalin, and end of term boredom.

Away from the domestic celebrations, the NHS will also be facing one of its busiest

times of the year. As well as the common seasonal coughs and colds, minor injury units and accident and emergency departments will be dealing with the injuries and broken bones brought about through wintery conditions.

Busy time for agencies

Serious illnesses such as pneumonia, strokes and heart attacks also peak during the winter months. Mental health issues will often be more apparent over the festive period as informal support from family and friends may not be available to those who need it, with resulting social isolation and vulnerability.

The same may apply to elderly neighbours who may be alone and struggling with basic daily

activities. Agencies such as The Samaritans, Social Services, and the ambulance service will also see a peak in demand at this time of the year.

Stock up on basics

The NHS hospital and community services will be providing twenty four hour a day cover throughout the holiday season. It is a unique and vital part of our community, so it is important that we all use it appropriately and responsibly at this busy time. Make sure you are stocked up on a few basics such as painkillers, rehydration salts, antiseptics and dressings.

If you, or other members of your family, take regular prescribed medication check that you have sufficient to cover the holiday period when your local surgery

may not be open. Make a note of when your GP is running clinics, and which pharmacy is providing the holiday service in the local area.

Should you need professional help, the dedicated out of hours GP service is available through NHS 111, and will be running emergency clinics at many sites in our locality over the festive period. A few simple measures could make the difference between a really special family occasion, and a stressful and anxious one. Plan ahead, and do not forget the NHS this Christmas.

Have a peaceful, enjoyable, and healthy Merry Christmas.

Dr Tim Garrod www.bradleystokesurgery.co.uk

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December 2013

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info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Competition

Business News

November winner

Bradley Stoke firm hoping to capitalise on Hinkley C nuclear investment

1

2

3 The Bradley Stoke Journal is pleased to announce that the winner of the photo puzzle competition in the November edition of our magazine is: • Kanchan Uppal Congratulations to Kanchan, who correctly identified the official bus stop names as:

Quiz answers (see page 23) 1. Jim Carrey 2. Bauble 3. William I (the conqueror) 4. Cheeky Girls 5. Balthazar 6. Christmas Trees 7. Raymond Briggs 8. Poland 9. Natal 10. Kevin (McCallister)

4 1. Bradley Stoke Surgery 2. Woodlands Park 3. Savages Wood Roundabout 4. Baileys Court Inn She will shortly be receiving her prize of a £50 Argos voucher, kindly provided by the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke.

11. Return To Sender 12. Orchid 13. Denmark 14. Xmas 15. Australia 16. Stephen 17. Charles Dickens 18. Cliff Richard 19. Sissy Spacek 20. JLS

A specialist staffing and training provider based at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre is hoping to see a big increase in business following the government’s recent decision to proceed with the construction of a new £16 billion nuclear power plant in Somerset.

An estimated 25,000 people will be involved in the construction of the Hinkley C plant and everyone working on the site will be required to have a Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) ‘safety passport’ and have passed the ‘Triple Bar’ New Nuclear Build Sites (TPNNBS) test.

The Bradley Stoke branch of Logical PS is an accredited provider of training for the ‘safety passport’ and is one of only a handful of centres in the UK able to offer ‘Triple Bar’ training and testing.

The new power station is to be

built by a consortium headed by France’s EDF Energy and, subject to a final investment decision being made in July 2014, construction is expected to start before the end of next year, with the first of two reactors entering service in 2023.

The Bradley Stoke office currently employs 14 people and this could increase significantly once the Hinkley C project starts in earnest.

The company is currently busy marketing its training services through the Nuclear Skills Academy (of which it is a member) and at networking events across the country.

For more information, visit: http://logicalps.com

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You should always speak to your doctor before starting any weight loss programme.

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December 2013

News

Surgery’s support for patients with a learning disability In our October magazine, we reported on the success of swimmers from the local BSG Marlins club, including Adam Osborne (pictured right), at the Special Olympics GB Games that took place in Bath earlier this year.

In this article, nurse Helen Meacham of Bradley Stoke Surgery (where Adam is a patient) talks about the special support that is available for people with a learning disability.

F

or some people going to a GP when you are unwell can be worrying, but if you have a learning disability and find it difficult to communicate this can be even more upsetting.

All adults over the age of 18 who have a learning disability are entitled to an annual health check.

These appointments are important and can help to diagnose unmet health needs.

People with learning difficulties are more prone to a wide range of physical and mental health problems; therefore, it is important that they have access to the health services that are available.

Barriers and problems can arise when a person with learning disabilities has limited communication skills.

At Bradley Stoke Surgery we encourage people to attend for their annual health check and bring a carer with them if they have difficulty expressing their needs.

Each health check takes

around 30 minutes; however, if more time is needed, arrangements can be made.

If a person with learning disabilities is nervous about attending the surgery for one reason or another, I have visited them at home prior to the health check in order to build up a relationship of trust before attending the surgery.

This may also mean that several short appointments may be appropriate and the health check done in different stages.

Welcoming environment

If you are a parent or guardian of a child with learning disabilities please bring your child to appointments with you when appropriate, in order for them to see that the surgery is a welcoming environment, even if they just attend to stand on the scales and have their height and weight done, because this will help when they attend when they are unwell and may need treatment in the future.

Nurse Helen Meacham (right) Dr Norman Douglas (centre) admire Adam Osborne’s medals from the Special Olympics GB Games

Sharon Langley (Mum to Adam) writes: “Adam has had a yearly check since age 21 with Sister Meacham; it has been a relief to be able to discuss any issues that have worried me as a parent, but to also know that Adam’s health is being regularly checked. It has also been a way to be signposted for any areas that may be of issue and to find out more information for your cared for person and also for yourself as a carer.

For us, we are nearly at a stage where Adam shall be able to attend the Surgery with minimal support – this

is due very much in part to the relationship that has been built between Sister Helen, Dr Douglas and Adam and the coping strategies that we have worked on with Adam.

I hope that if this article helps just one cared for person to have a successful visit to their GP or practice nurse, than this is very much worthwhile.

Bradley Stoke Surgery are doing a very good job in this area and I feel that as a member of the local community, praise should be given to them for this valuable service.”

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December 2013

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27

Advertising Feature

Prevention of skiing injuries

Willow Brook Centre car parking “fines”

Going skiing this winter?

Worried about injury?

Further to our article about the new car parking rules introduced at the Willow Brook Centre (November edition), which used the words ‘fine’ and ‘penalty’, we have been asked by reader Matt Hill to point out that the use of these terms may be inappropriate as the parking regime at the centre is being managed, controlled and enforced by a private company without statutory authority.

I

njury rates amongst skiers are better than they used to be, largely due to better equipment and better mountain safety. However a long awaited and costly ski trip can be ruined by an injury. Most injuries can be avoided by a common sense approach: having good instruction, taking plenty of rest breaks to avoid undue fatigue, good hydration and taking particular care on the first few days.

Most injuries in skiing are to the lower limb with the knee being particularly vulnerable.

Other injuries which make the top division are to the shoulder, thumb and head. Most are traumatic involving a fall or collision but many are from getting on and off lifts, faulty equipment and failure to observe

warning signs.

The most common knee injuries are torn cartilages and anterior cruciate ligament sprains. These often require an operation and the rehabilitation period is 3-6 months. Prevention is very much the better option!

Preventing injury includes proper preparation. Maintaining fitness has to be a priority. For most of us a one week skiing holiday is all we can run to and getting appropriately fit takes at least 6 weeks before hand. As the knees take the majority of the

impact while skiing, making sure that the quadriceps (the muscles at the front of the thigh) and the hamstrings (the muscles at the back of the thigh) are strong and resilient is essential. To compliment this strengthening the gluteal muscles (the muscles of the bottom) is useful as these help control the alignment of the knee. One exercise in particular which includes all of these muscles is the squat.

Remember that the better prepared you are, the less injuries. For a specific exercise programme to help with prevention see your physiotherapist.

Happy skiing. Best wishes from the team at Bradley Stoke Physio.

Louise Dodds Chartered Physiotherapist Bradley Stoke Physiotherapy 01454 618525 www.bradleystokephysio.co.uk

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December 2013

What’s On Rotary Club calls for swimathon entries

Can you help a local family this Christmas?

The Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec is inviting entries for its 2014 Swimathon, to be held at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on Saturday 15th March.

Now in its ninth year, the event has raised over £25,000 for individual ‘good causes’, charities and other local and international Rotary projects.

As usual, each team will consist of a maximum of five members, swimming lengths in a relay for 55 minutes. Teams can be sponsored per length or for the duration.

40% of the money raised goes to support Rotary Charities and 60% to nominated good causes of the swimmers’ choosing.

To enter a team or to find out more about the event, contact Peter Randall on 07860 167899.

Southern Brooks Community Partnership helps local families that struggle financially.

We are collecting donations of tinned & long life foods and small gifts to make hampers for Christmas.

Stokes Singers prepare for Christmas concert

Suggested donations include: • Tinned meats and fish • Tinned fruits and vegetables • Rice and Pasta • Jam, pickles and preserves • Chocolates and Sweets • Mince pies and Christmas puddings Donations can be left at the Jubilee Centre, Bradley Stoke until Friday December 13th or ring Corrina on 01454 867076 to arrange a collection. www.southernbrooks.org.uk

Next meeting: Wednesday 11th December

T

he Stokes Singers are currently rehearsing for their Christmas performance which will take place at Christ the King Church in Bradley Stoke on Saturday 14th December at 7.30pm.

Rehearsals take place on Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Coniston Community Centre, Coniston Road, Patchway, under the direction of the group’s new Musical Director, Philip Lawrence.

There are around 35 members singing soprano, alto, tenor or bass. New members are always welcome, particularly tenors and basses – male or female.

NO auditions or ability to read music are necessary.

Most of the singers come from around Bradley Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Little Stoke and Stoke Gifford, as the name suggests, but the group also has members from Bedminster, Yate, Winterbourne and other places.

Women’s Institute planning busy year for 2014 Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road starting at 1.50pm.

We have a busy year planned for 2014 and we will welcome

new members to join us. More details will be published in the January issue of The Journal.

For further information, please contact Maureen Mackenzie (President) on 0117 9046099.

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December 2013

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What’s On Sunday 8th December 9am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Redwick. Sea level pasture, lanes and tracks. A walk of about 9 miles. Meet in the Aldi car park – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http:// bit.ly/bq1Hxd [Further walks on 14th, 15th, 22nd, 27th & 29th December and 5th January] 10.30am: SCC Novice Bike Ride to Aust. A novice ride of 15 miles (round trip) to Aust.

More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc [Further SCC rides on 14th, 15th, 22nd & 29th December and 4th & 5th January]

Monday 9th December 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at the Aztec Hotel. We meet once a month to network, share skills and information, discuss a range of business related topics and support each other. New members and visitors are always welcome. More info: http:// www.bssbf.co.uk/ 11am: Walking to Health – Bradley Stoke Circuit.

A lovely circular route exploring the many footpaths through Bradley Stoke, including the Three Brooks Way. May be muddy after rain. Meet outside the leisure centre. More info: http://bit.ly/14LTOMG

Tuesday 10th December 2pm-4pm: Volunteering Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Interested in volunteering? Then why not pop in for an informal chat with a

volunteer advisor? More info: http://bit.ly/u8CsVN 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. Make new friends, get to know our area and get involved in local events and activities. We have interesting speakers, demonstrations, outings, arts and crafts and much, much more. This month: Christmas party. More info: 01454 617645; http://bit.ly/17LsCDQ

Thursday 12th December 7pm: European Christmas Market at Bradley Stoke Community School. Come and get into the Christmas spirit, raising money for the MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke. There will be stalls selling food and Christmas gifts as well as games and activities to take part in, all for only £1 entry for adults and 50p for children.

Friday 13th December 10.30am-12.30pm: NCT Bumps and Babies Group at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Primarily aimed at mums-to-be/parentsto-be and parents with babies under six months, this is a chance to get out and meet other parents in your local area and to find out a bit more about the activities held in your local branch. You do not have to be an NCT member to attend. Held in the onsite SOHO coffee shop. More info: http:// bit.ly/14KEBcX 1.15pm - 7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre.

Give blood – please don’t leave it to someone else. More info: http://

www.blood.co.uk/

Saturday 14th December 7pm: Jack and the Beanstalk at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

Christmas panto performed by ‘Wonder Productions’. Tickets: £9.50 (adult), £7 (child), £30 (family). More info: http://bit. ly/1alDAyS [Second performance on Sunday 15th December at 2pm] 7.30pm: Stokes Singers Christmas Concert at Church of Christ the King. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children. We very much look forward to seeing you there!

More info: http://bit.ly/hHoZmE

Thursday 19th December 6pm-7.15pm: Community Carol Service in the Town Square at the Willow Brook Centre. Brass band playing from 6pm. Carol service starts at 6.30pm and finishes at 7.15pm.

There will be children’s choirs, readings from community figures and seasonal refreshments. All free of charge.

Saturday 21st December 10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom Workday. We will be installing another two bespoke planters at the ‘Welcome to Bradley Stoke’ signs and continuing to work on the garden by the doctors’ surgery on Brook Way, where we will meet at 10am. Bradley Stoke in Bloom workdays are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, starting at 10am and finishing at 4pm, with a break for lunch. Obviously

if you need to leave earlier that’s OK, we’re still glad to have you.

Please wear suitable clothes/ shoes and bring a packed lunch, although we will the provide tea/ coffee and biscuits! More info: bsib@hotmail.co.uk 2.30pm: Chatterbooks Reading Group at Bradley Stoke Library. Are you a keen reader aged 9-11? Come and join us! We read books, play games and do crafts. Please talk to a member of staff to register. More info: http://bit.ly/18zfLCW

Monday 23rd December 10.30am: It’s Snowtime like the Present at Bradley Stoke Library. Free craft activity suitable for primary school age children.

More info: http://bit.ly/18zfLCW For Christmas church services, see page 16

Saturday 4th January 10am - 4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Our annual hedgelaying weekend, the perfect way to work off some Christmas indulgences. Meet at the tool store (behind the leisure centre) at 10am on both days. All workdays start at 10am and finish at 4pm, but you are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Wear old clothes and stout boots and bring a packed lunch. We provide all the equipment needed plus the essential tea, coffee and biscuits!

More info: http://bit.ly/bOxe9s [Also on Sunday 5th January]

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS Accountants KES Accountancy Services, Page 19 TJS Business Solutions, Page 13 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 30 Carpenters & Joiners Stowells Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Caravan and Motor Home Servicing Bristol Caravans, Page 7 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 30 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 15 Trinity Pre-School, Page 8 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Cleaning & Domestic Services Felina Contract Cleaning, Page 11 Computer Services JRT Computing, Page 19

Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 15 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 11 Double Glazing Associated Windows, Page 3 JDC Windows, Page 1 Driving Schools Visit directory on BSJ website Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 7 Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Freeman Residential, Page 19 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 17 Gardening Services Plan-It Garden Design, Page 4 Hairdressers

Peachy Stylist, Page 30 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 12 Phoenix Carpet & Flooring, Page 22 Quality Bathrooms & Kitchens 4U Page 9 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Wash Shop Plus, Page 30 Legal Services Hutchinson Legal & Associates, Page 18 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 14 Nails & Beauty Beauty Plus, Page 13 Beauty Secrets, Page 30 Opticians Specsavers, Page 10 Pet Services Friends for Pets, Page 20 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 27

Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 4 Plumbing & Heating Phil Ashton Plumbing, Page 8 Richard Joseph, Page 26 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Simply Self Store Ltd, Page 30 Shopping Gardiner Haskins, Page 6 The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Page 31 The Willow Brook Centre, Page 32 Slimming Clubs Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 25 Sport and Leisure Filton Golf Club, Page 24 Get Tough Bootcamp, Page 23 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 30

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December 2013

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