Delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to all homes in Bradley Stoke
February 2014 • Issue 10
LETTERS P12-13 | SCHOOLS P16 | POLICE P26 | WHAT’S ON P36-37 | DIRECTORY P38 Page 9
CONSULTATION SPECIAL
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THESE LOCAL ISSUES…
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PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood
Page 4
Page 7
Primary age provision at BSCS
Brook Way Activity Centre Hard Court
Willow Brook Centre staff news
Brook Court parking crisis
Manager moves on after 6 years P20-22
Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal
Residents ask council for help P15
l Mayor fails to fend off roundabout advertising l Hollow Tree pub manager highlights car park issue l Town council considers yellow lines at surgery l New bus service links Aztec West with Parkway
l Dad to run half-marathon for Children’s Hospital l Ben Walker to contest general election for UKIP
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February 2014
Don’t moan later: Have your say now! Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB
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About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal 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, the Stoke Gifford Journal website and the Filton Journal website. North Bristol Press is independent of any other media company or network operating in the Bristol area. We accept no responsibility for anything stated by advertisers, who are themselves responsible for complying with all relevant legislation. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2014. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.
Welcome to the tenth edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal, which, once again, has been extended to 40 pages, so that we can include all the month’s news. We’ve called this issue a ‘consultation special’ because it contains articles about no fewer than three public consultations that have recently opened on matters that could have a significant impact on the town. Bradley Stoke Town Council is asking for ideas on the future of the hard court area and general site at its Brook Way Activity Centre (you will know it if you have visited Bradley Stoke Surgery); Bradley Stoke Community School is consulting on its proposal to become an ‘all through’ school for the 4-19 age range; and South Gloucestershire Council is inviting views on its vision for the Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood, an area within a few miles of Bradley Stoke where the building of 5,700 new homes and the creation of up to 6,000 new jobs is foreseen by 2027. With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to “have your say” on proposals like these, e.g. via a website or email, so why not
spend a few minutes studying the consultation documents and giving your feedback? We can only hope that our comments will be fairly considered! All of these consultations started during January and will conclude on 28th February, which nicely demonstrates why we believe it’s important for our town to have a monthly news source. If our publication were quarterly, these consultations might easily have “been and gone” between successive editions. But, of course, the Bradley Stoke Journal isn’t just a magazine; our website is updated regularly and we’re putting more and more news on our Facebook page, where we have recently passed yet another milestone: 2,500 fans. It was pleasing to see how our Facebook page recently enabled the community to work together to rescue a lost cat that was stranded on a garage roof in Shepherds Walk and reunite it with its owners (see page 12). Of course, if you’re a real BS32 newsaholic, you’ll also need to become a fan of @TheBSJournal on Twitter! Stephen Horton
We deliver 9,250 copies of this magazine As well as being delivered to ALL of the 8,650 homes in Bradley Stoke, a further 600 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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February 2014
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3
News
Mayor fails to fend off roundabout advertising
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radley Stoke Mayor Brian Hopkinson has failed in his bid to prevent planning permission being granted for the installation of advertising signs on some of the town’s roundabouts. Under its Income Maximisation project, South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) decided in December 2012 that it would seek to generate income of around £180k p.a. from selling advertising space on council owned assets and land such as roundabouts and lampposts. A planning application to install “four non-illuminated post-mounted [advertising] signs” on the Savages Wood Roundabout on Bradley Stoke Way (near the leisure centre), received a frosty reception from town councillors at their October 2013 Planning Committee meeting, where they unanimously agreed to
object to the application on the grounds that the proposed signs would be distracting for drivers and contribute to an overproliferation of signs in the area. The application was subsequently “called-in” by Cllr Hopkinson, leading to it being considered by SGC’s Development Control (West) Committee on 21st November 2013. At that meeting, another Bradley Stoke councillor, Keith Cranney, attempted to defer a decision on the matter by insisting that the council “undertake an up to date road safety impact assessment and audit of the Savages Wood Road roundabout”, but his proposal found no supporters other than Cllr Hopkinson. Members of the committee then proceeded to grant permission for the advertising signs by a vote of nine to two. The town council raised no
Newly-installed advertising sign on the Savages Wood Road Roundabout
objection to a later planning application for advertising signs on the Patchway Brook Roundabout (near Aldi). An objection from a member of the public who claimed that the signs would violate guidance given in the Department for Transport’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges was dismissed by planning officers, who claimed
the guidance applied only to trunk roads. Advertising signs were subsequently installed on the Patchway Brook Roundabout between Christmas and New Year (although they have recently been removed, for some unknown reason) and on the Savages Wood Roundabout within the last few days.
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February 2014
News
BSCS consults on becoming ‘all through’ school
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he Olympus Academy Trust has opened a public consultation on a proposal to extend the age range of Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) to provide an ‘all through’ school for the 4-19 age range. It is planned that this will be achieved by the provision of a new purpose-built primary facility on land that is currently part of the BSCS site, adjacent to the existing school buildings, to provide 210 places across the primary phase. Funding for new primary school provision in Bradley Stoke was secured last July, when it was confirmed that South Gloucestershire Council had made a successful bid to the government’s £982 million Targeted Basic Need (TBN) programme, which is intended to provide more school places in areas of high demand. The new primary age range
facility is planned to open in September 2015. The consultation runs until 28th February 2014. For details of how to respond, see the panel below. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback in person at meetings to be held at 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday 11th February 2014 at BSCS. The Olympus Academy Trust’s Admissions Policy will also be updated to reflect the proposed changes. Consultation on the draft policy is open for the same period. BSCS currently has 180 places in each year group from Year 7 to Year 11. The draft policy explains: “BSCS will also have 30 places in Reception (September 2015) and will expand by one year group each year (with the same number in each year group) until reaching capacity in September 2021. In September 2022 the number
COME AND GET FIT AT
of places available for external allocation in Year 7 at BSCS will drop to 150. Students already on roll at BSCS at the end of Year 6
will be guaranteed continuation into secondary phase and a place in Year 7, should they wish to remain at BSCS.”
The case can be viewed at: www.bradleystokecs.org.uk or www.olympustrust.co.uk Paper copies are available at: Abbeywood Community School, New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8SF Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 0DJ Please send any feedback or comments to: Lisa Stevens, Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke BS32 9BS Tel: 01454 868840 Fax: 01454 868841 Email: admin@bradleystokecs.org.uk
Bradley Stoke Journal GET OUTDOORS. MAKE FRIENDS, HAVE FUN AND FEEL GREAT! [SO ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH?] Every Saturday * 08:30-09:30 * £5 Bradley Stoke Community School BS32 9BS To book please contact Kate kate@howedynamic.co.uk * 07799 834014
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5
News
Hollow Tree landlord complains to council over alleged improper use of pub car park
T
he manager of the Hollow Tree public house and restaurant in Brook Way, Bradley Stoke, has claimed that his business is losing up to £500 of potential trade a day because staff and customers of neighbouring businesses are using his pub’s car park without permission, leaving no space for patrons of the pub during the peak hours of 12pm – 4pm. Speaking during the public questions session at a meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council
on 15th January, landlord Gary Millard said he had heard that staff at Bradley Stoke Surgery had been advised by the town council to use his car park as an alternative to the often congested car park at the doctors’ practice. He also said he suspected that staff at other nearby businesses including the Rowe Veterinary Centre, Reed Recruitment and Busy Bees Nursery were using his car park during working hours. The town clerk assured Mr Millard that the town council had
10.45am on a recent Thursday morning: Pub not yet open, but car park full
“never issued such advice” to the doctors’ surgery. Mr Millard explained that he had confirmed with South
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February 2014
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7
News
Town council opens consultation on future of Brook Way Activity Centre hard court area
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of the community centre and the access drive into the site from Brook Way. With reference to the aerial view, the hard court area can be seen at the bottom and the building housing the council’s community centre and Bradley Stoke Surgery at the top right. The consultation asks a single question: “Do you have any ideas as to what the hard court area and general site could be used for in the future?” but also includes a field for further general comment. To complete the consultation online follow the link on the homepage of the council’s website: www.bradleystoke.gov.uk
Postal submissions to: Bradley Stoke Town Council, The Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road,
SH NEW OW !
radley Stoke Town Council has launched a public consultation on the future of the hard court area and general site at its Brook Way Activity Centre. Councillors decided to launch a consultation to gather ideas for future uses of the site after Mayor Brian Hopkinson failed to gain the support of Full Council for a proposal that would have seen two buildings constructed on the currently unused hard court. The scope of the consultation, shown by the black outline in the aerial view (right), includes not only the hard court, but also a sizeable area of land to the west
Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8HL. Responses must be received by 28th February 2014.
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February 2014
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News
Amazing fundraising at BSCS
Rotary Club calls for Swimathon entries
By Paula Warren ast year (2013) was a bumper year for fundraising at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS). Students and staff all pulled together to support numerous charities and the results have been amazing. In total we raised £11,242.40! We’ve had non uniform days, cake sales, car washes, sponsored silences, a staff bakeoff, musical performances, bag packing, wet sponge throwing and a whole host of other creative and generous acts of kindness. Charities we have supported are: • St Peter’s Hospice (in memory of Sally Lilley) • Transplant Sport (in memory of Sarah Port) • DEKI • Comic Relief • Cancer Relief: Race for Life • The MS Centre in Bradley Stoke • Children in Need
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 (from 6pm to 9pm). 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 or peter.randall@rocketmail.com. ● The Rotary Club of Bristol Aztec meets every Friday for breakfast at the Bristol Golf Club.
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• The Disasters Emergency Committee • World Challenge One highlight was the first ever BSCS Race for Life. Hundreds of girls dressed in pink to make it an occasion that will always be remembered. It was pouring down with rain but it definitely didn’t dampen the occasion and
it will become a firm favourite in our fundraising calendar. Natalia C-Case said: “It was great to take part in the first ever BSCS Race for Life. Lots of us dressed up in pink fancy dress and really got into the spirit of the event. It helped to raise loads of money for Cancer Relief which is great”
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9
News
Council unveils vision for Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood 5,700 new homes and up to 6,000 new jobs foreseen for former Filton Airfield site and surrounding area
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etailed plans for the development of the Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood, which includes the former Filton Airfield site, were published by South Gloucestershire Council on 20th January, marking the start of a six-week consultation period. The draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), details the council’s vision for the future of the area and the facilities and infrastructure that will be required as part of a significant mixed-use development. The council’s proposals will see more than 120 acres set aside as employment land as part of a new Filton Economic Area focused on aerospace and advanced manufacturing and with the potential to create up to 6,000 high quality new jobs. The plans also allocate land for emergency air services including the Great Western Ambulance Service and for Concorde and the Bristol Aero Collection, helping to ensure that the area’s aerospace heritage is safeguarded for future generations. Up to 5,700 new homes including affordable and extra care housing are proposed for the new neighbourhood site, and the draft plans detail the new schools and community facilities that the new community will require. The new neighbourhood will also see significant investment in new roads and public transport infrastructure, and land will be safeguarded for two new railway stations on the route of the Henbury Line. Welcoming the launch of the consultation, Chair of the council’s Planning, Transportation and Environment Committee Cllr Brian Allinson said: “The Cribbs/Patchway New
Neighbourhood is a key element in our vision for the North Fringe area and will include new homes, new employment areas and new infrastructure including public transport facilities, walking and cycling routes, schools and open spaces. “It is especially exciting to see in greater detail the council’s vision for the development of employment land in support of a new Enterprise Area focused on aerospace and advanced manufacturing. This development has the potential to support up to 6,000 high-quality new jobs while also attracting significant inward investment.” “Long-term projections suggest that the North Fringe will continue to grow as the region’s economic powerhouse and I am sure that the provisions set out in this detailed planning document will play a vital role in safeguarding the area’s future economic prosperity.” “Over the next few months we will be inviting local people to comment on our detailed plans and I encourage everyone to make their views known whether online, by post or at one of our engagement events.” Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Colin Skellett said: “Filton’s Enterprise Area will be a key part of the future West of England economy, helping to generate new jobs and attracting inward investment to our region.” “The draft planning documents set out an exciting vision for how this enterprise area will be delivered as part of the Cribbs/ Patchway New Neighbourhood and I hope that many local residents and businesses will read it and share their views.” “I know that local employers are strongly committed to the
vision of a new aerospace centre of excellence in Filton and we look forward to working with employers and the council as the new neighbourhood takes shape in the coming years.” Katherine Bennett, Airbus Vice-President Public Affairs said: “The Enterprise Area in the Filton area is an important boost to the aerospace industry nearby. Airbus has just completed part of the new £70m Airbus Aerospace Campus and we look forward to working with South Gloucestershire Council and other aerospace companies locally in the next stage of development.” John Pritchard, VP & MD Metallics - GKN Aerospace said: “At GKN we consider the growth of high value engineering aerospace jobs vital to underpin the South West’s position as a high technology leader. The inclusion of a dedicated aerospace and advanced manufacturing zone will help drive innovation, creating a world class engineering environment, and will strengthen our position as one of the UK’s leading centres
for aerospace excellence.” The six week consultation period runs until the end of February and a revised planning document, incorporating feedback from the consultation, will be considered by councillors in March. Further information about the consultation is available online at http://bit.ly/CPNNSPD. Paper copies of the SPD may be examined at the following local locations: • Bradley Stoke Library • Patchway Library • Patchway One Stop Shop Consultation events will also be held in early February at the following local locations: • Tuesday 4th February at BAWA Filton (6pm-9pm) • Thursday 6th February at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway (3pm-7pm) Comments can also be made by email to cribbspatchway@ southglos.gov.uk or by post to PO Box 299, Major Sites Team, Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 0DR. All comments must be received by 28th February.
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February 2014
News
Ben Walker chosen to fight 2015 general election for UKIP
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radley Stoke councillor Ben Walker has been chosen as the UKIP candidate for the Filton and Bradley Stoke (FABS) parliamentary seat in the 2015 general election. The party has also announced its first wave of prospective South Gloucestershire Council candidates. Speaking after his selection, Cllr Walker said: “I’m honoured to have been selected as the Filton and Bradley Stoke UKIP candidate and will continue to work for people across the constituency and South Gloucestershire. Our branch continues to grow from strength to strength as does our public support and we look to contest as many South
Gloucestershire Council seats as possible.” “People want change as they have been consistently let down by successive parties; we are that change with the representation of people at our core.” Filton town councillor Keith Briffet was selected to stand as a South Gloucestershire Council candidate in Filton, along with Alan Tink, a former Filton town councillor and chair of council. Derrick Powell from Bradley Stoke was also selected to stand for South Gloucestershire Council in Bradley Stoke. Speaking after their selection, Keith Briffet, Alan Tink and Derrick Powell said: “We are the fastest-growing party in Britain and the first new
Nominations open for community awards
Cllr Ben Walker will stand in FABS
political force for change for a hundred years. People are joining us in their thousands every month because we are prepared to say what they’ve been thinking. Only UKIP want to leave the costly, meddling EU, end mass immigration, stop soaring energy bills and cut foreign aid.”
Nominations are now open for the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Awards for 2014. The annual awards, which will be presented in May, recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution local unpaid volunteers make to life in South Gloucestershire. Suggestions for nominations include those who have contributed to community development, promoting equality, arts, sports, play, environment, working with older or young people, advice and advocacy or have simply been a good neighbour. Nominate your community hero online at www.southglos. gov.uk/communityawards. Alternatively, call 01454 863019 or email communityawards@ southglos.gov.uk The deadline for nominations is Friday 21st March.
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11
News
Council may paint double yellow lines at doctors’ surgery
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radley Stoke Town Council is looking at the possibility of painting double yellow lines along the access drive into the Brook Way Activity Centre and Bradley Stoke Surgery site, to deter inconsiderate parking that could potentially hinder emergency vehicles responding to an incident. Officers informed January’s meeting of Full Council that the cost of installing the lines would be £270 or £340, depending if they were painted on just one or both sides of the road. Some councillors were sceptical of the value of the exercise, with Cllr Roger Avenin commenting that yellow line parking restrictions on private
property are “unenforceable and so a waste of money” and Cllr Andy Ward saying it would “only move the problem elsewhere”, adding: “We’re damned if we do and we’re damned if we don’t”. Other councillors, including Tony Griffiths and Paul Hardwick expressed renewed support for the idea of bringing the unused hard court area at the site into use as a temporary parking area, but the town clerk warned than the cost of doing that might be seen as a waste of taxpayers’ money if the council subsequently decided on another use for the area (see consultation announcement on page 7). The meeting was told that the surgery management has
Vehicles struggle to get in and out of the car park at Bradley Stoke Surgery
so far failed to respond to a letter sent by the council in December asking that they “look at improving parking for their visitors and remind their staff about off-site parking”. Cllr Ben Walker observed: “A private business [the surgery] is ‘playing’ with us at the moment. We have their business manager effectively forcing the council to
make decisions.” Councillors asked the town clerk to invite representatives from the surgery to attend the council’s next Planning Committee meeting on 12th February “to discuss parking issues on the Brook Way site”. ● See page 7: Consultation opens on future of Brook Way Activity Centre hard court area.
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February 2014
Letters and Opinions The privatised post office has a chance to make a difference Now that the Post Office is privatised I think they should consider providing a better service to the public they represent than they have done hitherto. Originally, when nationalised, they drew the wrath of regular users – the elderly in particular – who relied on post offices for their pensions, by closing them indiscriminately. I possess a listing of post office closures in the area. Obviously when faced with continuing losses in maintaining numerous post offices – some lesser used – they had to bridge the gap. But they did so at the expenses of those who depended on them. It reads like the ‘Magna Carta’. The cost of stamps now is almost prohibitive whilst e-mails are beginning to be used more frequently further damaging Post Office profits. Deliveries are later timed with post office access wider spaced. The absence of a post office in Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre seems particularly conspicuous. You can purchase stamps though, but only in books – twelve at a time. In its new privatised format the Post Office needs to look more at how it serves the public. Not only must it satisfy its shareholders, it needs to look more closely at how it serves the public.
Even in the realm of the internet, it must regain its ‘first class’ status. The ‘postie’ must keep with us yet. Cllr Douglas Daniels Bradley Stoke
Journal Facebook page helps rescue cat This is Kit-Kat safe and sound after going missing. [photo, right] She was spotted stuck on a roof in Shepherd’s Walk and a picture of her was posted on the Bradley Stoke Journal’s Facebook page by a concerned resident. Luckily, we spotted her picture and were able to rescue her from the roof. Thank you to all concerned in helping us get her back home safely. Laura Lokier
Bradley Stoke night bus - use it or lose it! I would like to encourage residents of Bradley Stoke to fully use the 73/x73 bus service from Bristol city centre to Cribbs Causeway via Bradley Stoke. First Bus recently extended the timetable to include a night bus service, leaving Bristol city centre at 00.05, 1.05 & 2.05, Monday to Saturday. If people do not use the service, they may take it away. Considering the cost of Bristol taxis, this is a very good addition to the bus service. Gary Luton Bradley Stoke
Kit-Kat reunited with her owners thanks to The Journal’s Facebook page
Could you spare an hour of your time to help cancer charity? I am appealing to your readers to volunteer for Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Great Daffodil Appeal, and help people with terminal illnesses in Bristol get the care they need. We’re looking for people who can donate an hour of their time this March to collect for Marie Curie by simply giving out daffodil pins in return for donations at scheduled
collections in Bristol. Marie Curie nurses provide free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes. To ensure we can continue to provide this vital care we need people to help make this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal a great success. If you’re able to donate an hour of your time to help someone in their final hours then please contact me on 01179 247 275 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/ daffodil Thank you for your support. Delanwy Arthur Community Fundraiser Marie Curie Cancer Care Bristol
The Journal: Connecting people in Bradley Stoke
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February 2014
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Letters and Opinions Surgery parking should have priority When will this ridiculous situation regarding the parking in this area change? The Brook Way Activity Centre is paid for by the very same people (approx. 15,000) who use the surgery, yet they are now denied access to the underused Activity Centre parking which has been available for many years. Yes, there is additional parking nearby at Aldi, but this is becoming less and less available with the popularity of the store and the newly-revamped pub, all of which I believe is privately owned. I do not think the disabled, elderly and mums with tots would be too enamoured with the suggestion they should use this parking and walk. There are also two other publicly funded venues in Bradley Stoke which have
facilities for hire and are not used to full capacity, so one could argue that one at least should be closed to save the public purse, especially when South Gloucestershire Council is forever looking for other ways to stealth tax everything, starting with the green bins, which is probably just the beginning. We are stuck with what we have and councillors must be reminded who pays the bills and that Bradley Stoke is not their personal Little Kingdom and Epitaph. At least we must be grateful that there is a consultation online with the Bradley Stoke Journal or direct contact with the council, despite the Mayor trying to bulldoze a development through without public consultation. The obvious solution is an additional parking area for all, not another building. We shall see! Patients visit the doctors because they are ill, not for tea and biscuits. Fred Hillberg Bradley Stoke
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Almondsbury Allotments news Plant and seed catalogues studied
A
nd so with the arrival of 2014 comes our second year on the allotment. Time to plan the new season and to look forward to those long sunny summer evenings to come. Along with the traditional post-Christmas bills, the postman has delivered our 2014 plant & seed catalogues which have been duly highlighted and corners folded over. As far as allotment action goes, not much to report. The recent cold, wet and windy weather has put a stop to most activities. We have dug the plot over, and hopefully the coming frosts will do the breaking down on our behalf.
The weather does not seem to have deterred the Almondsbury rabbit population though, some of whom appear to have learned how to breach cabbage defences over Christmas. No spring cabbages for us then! Fortunately, they have yet to develop a taste for garlic, which is doing quite well. Andrew Allotment 23
For more information, visit: www.horthamfarm.co.uk 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.
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February 2014
News
MP urges councils to fully implement the Military Covenant
J
ack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, has written to the Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson, and to Amanda Deeks, the Chief Executive of South Gloucestershire Council, expressing concerns about the implementation of the Military Covenant. Mr Lopresti says he is shocked that Bristol City Council has not yet signed the Military Covenant, given Bristol’s large military community and rich military history. He is “delighted” that South Gloucestershire Council has signed the Covenant, but has asked for an update on what policies the Council is introducing to fulfil their obligation to the country’s
servicemen and women. He also questions the Mayor about the lack of an official Armed Forces Day in Bristol and asks the Mayor to rectify the situation by arranging one, particularly as this year marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. The MP said: “As someone who served in the Armed forces I want Bristol Council to live up to its moral obligation to Armed Service Personnel and sign the Military Covenant immediately.” “The Military Covenant creates a fairer system for people who give, and risk, so much in service to our Country. In Bristol and South Gloucestershire we are proud of our rich military heritage and I am disappointed
ocean
R O
The Big Spring Clean returns in March & April
that we have not been amongst the first to put in place policies that support our current and former servicemen and women.” “The Military Covenant needs to be signed and fully implemented by both Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils as soon as possible.”
Businesses, community groups and residents across South Gloucestershire are being asked to support the annual Big Spring Clean, which returns from 1st March to 30th April. The event encourages people to take action against litter and give the district’s neighbourhoods and open spaces a spring clean. Volunteers can request free bin bags and gloves and can also borrow litter pickers and hoops (litter picking equipment is available to loan throughout the year). After the event, the council can arrange to collect and dispose of the rubbish and recycling. You need to register by Friday 21st February to take part. Download a booking form from www.southglos.gov.uk/ bigspringclean Alternatively you can request a form by emailing streetcleansing@southglos.gov. uk or calling 01454 868000.
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Best in the West ? You be the judge.
Naturally, we’re delighted that Ocean has been named “Best Medium Sized Estate Agency” in the South West by a distinguished panel of independent experts for the second consecutive year. To add to this we were also presented with a national silver award for the Best Customer Service and also silver for the Best UK Financial Provider. This is an amazing achievement and a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. Also adding to the success of 2013 for Ocean was being named the “Best Medium Sized Lettings Agency’ in the South West, we also received the bronze for National Customer Service. We are very delighted to be entering 2014 on such a positive note! However, we will not be resting our laurels and will continue to ensure we find new ways to improve our service to the most important people of all, our clients. When you are ready to judge for yourself what gives us the edge over other estate agents, we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us for a free market appraisal to help you with your property needs, we will do everything we can to assist you.
estate agents | letting & management | mortgage advisors | property lawyers | surveyors | wills & probate To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
February 2014
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15
News
Residents appeal to town council for help in solving parking crisis
Brook Court residents David Tovey (left) and Roger Grimshaw
R
esidents of an apartment complex in Bradley Stoke, who claim they have been provided with only half the number of car parking spaces than are actually needed, have appealed to the town council for help. Representatives of the residents’ association at Brook Court, a 50-unit ‘later living’ development recently constructed on Savages Wood Road, near the Three Brooks public house, told councillors at the January Planning Committee meeting that the 18 spaces provided at the site are “inadequate”, meaning that many residents and visitors are forced to seek parking space elsewhere.
Roger Grimshaw, secretary of the association, explained that the problem had become worse since the nearby Willow Brook shopping centre had imposed a four-and-a-half hour restriction on parking. He added that there are currently 16 residents on a waiting list for reserved parking spaces at Brook Court and said there was concern that the shortage of spaces might make the apartments less attractive to potential buyers when the owners come to sell.
No spaces for visitors
David Tovey, chairman of the association, said that despite
having one of the reserved spaces himself, he often had to drive round neighbouring residential streets to find a parking space when he has visitors, having allowed them to use his allocated on-site space. Concerns about inadequate parking at the development were raised by local residents at the planning application stage in 2011, but these were dismissed by McCarthy & Stone (the developers) and South Gloucestershire Council who claimed that the close proximity of local services and the elderly nature of the development’s residents would result in a low level of car ownership. However, Mr Grimshaw pointed out that the complex had been marketed as being for ‘later living’ rather than ‘assisted living’ and therefore it should have been anticipated that levels of car ownership would be higher.
Temporary measures
Mr Grimshaw told The Journal that McCarthy & Stone have responded by negotiating the use of eight parking spaces in the car park of the adjoining Three Brooks public house and a small number of spaces at the far end of the Willow Brook Centre car park, although both of these agreements are understood to temporary in nature. Making it clear that residents
‘Later living’ at the Brook Court apartments in Savages Wood Road
on the waiting list would be prepared to pay for a guaranteed parking space in the immediate vicinity of the complex, Mr Grimshaw asked councillors if they were aware of any possible sites that could potentially be used for parking, even on a temporary basis.
Vacant plot suggested
The possibility of using the vacant plot of land opposite the nearby Tesco filling station was suggested, but Cllr Keith Cranney exolained that it is currently being investigated by its owners, South Gloucestershire Council, as a possible site for self-build housing. If that did not come to fruition, it was likely that the land would be sold off for residential housing, at a price in the region of £1 million. Cllr Cranney also suggested that residents look into using ‘rent your drive’ schemes, which have become popular recently. The town council agreed to write to McCarthy & Stone (with a copy also being sent to South Gloucestershire Council).
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Around the schools by Judith Summers of Bradley Stoke Radio Pupils prepare to receive overseas visitors
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heatfield Primary school will welcome 16 teachers and 20 students from European countries to Bradley Stoke in January. This is part of the Comenius programme, a two year project involving schools in England, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Bulgaria and Turkey, who will be working together on a topic entitled ‘Hand In Hand for a Wonderful Land’. Some of the international students will stay with Wheatfield Primary pupils to experience our language and family life. Lottie, Maddi and Abbi (Year 5) and Finlay, Mark and Taya (Year 6) have already written and received letters to and from their guests. The guests will spend a week at Wheatfield, learning about our education system and the environment in which we live.
Also during this time, they will be involved in a school project to develop an allotment and school grounds and will have the opportunity to learn some traditional country dance. ● See visit report on page 17. The children at Baileys Court Primary are practising hard for their musical ‘Seussical’ which will be performed at Bradley Stoke Community School at the start of April. Bradley Stoke Community School would like to congratulate Sophie Morgan who was the winner of the local heat of the Futurechef competition that was held recently at Gloucester College. Sophie had to cook a twocourse meal with a budget of £7. She will now compete in the regional finals of the competition on 11th February, which will be held at River Cottage HQ.
The students are also busy reading in order to help decide the winner of the The Concorde Book Award. This South Gloucestershire award is now in it’s seventh year and books are nominated and the winner chosen by children. At present, five schools and two library groups are reading the short listed books and will vote for their favourite on World Book Day (6th March). 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 - in fact anything they feel they want to share. It is aired on Monday evenings during term time, between 6pm and 7pm. To find out how to listen in, visit www. bradleystokeradio.com
February 2014
First Group seeks views on recent bus fare changes
Bus company First is inviting people to share their views about the recent bus fare changes in Bristol, which followed extensive public consultation during 2013. It has launched an online survey, found at www.firstgroup. com/bristolfaressurvey, and is asking all bus users in Bristol to take part in it, sharing their views on the consultation process, the changes implemented as a result, and the way the changes were communicated. The survey takes around five minutes to complete, and all those filling it in will be entered into a prize draw.
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February 2014
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17
News
Wheatfield welcomes international visitors
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ctive Ambassadors (pupil helpers) representing each class from Wheatfield Primary School recently met 16 teachers and 20 pupils visiting from schools in Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and Bulgaria, as part of the Comenius exchange programme organised by the European Union and funded by the British Council. The Ambassadors explained their Active Travel to School project to their European visitors and talked about their activities, plans and ideas for promoting sustainable travel to school. The visitors spent three full days with the local school, participating in a range of activities that were designed to explore the themes of sustainability and endangered species. The project’s title is ‘Hand In Hand for a Wonderful Land’. Cllr Ian Blair, Chair of South
Wheatfield’s Active Ambassadors with their European visitors
Gloucestershire Council’s Children and Young People Committee, said: “This is an excellent opportunity which provides both students and teachers from Wheatfield Primary School with a unique chance to share knowledge with schools from a range of European countries. The Active
Ambassadors have been doing a great job of encouraging their fellow students to change the way they travel to school, and will be able to pass on their tips for promoting sustainable travel, as well as learning new ideas from their visitors.” As part of an Active Travel to School project running
throughout South Gloucestershire, all of the pupils at Wheatfield Primary School were given the chance to apply to become an Active Ambassador (pupil helper). One pupil from each class in Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11) has been chosen for the role and will have the responsibility of encouraging everyone in their class to walk, cycle or scoot to school. Active Ambassadors decide their own methods of encouraging their fellow students and, in turn, parents, to change the way they travel to and from school. The Active Travel to School project is funded by the Department for Transport as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Coordinated regionally under the West of England partnership, the project is delivered in partnership with sustainable transport charity Sustrans and local authorities.
BRAND NEW DANCE AND PILATES SCHOOL BASED IN FILTON
Dance and Pilates
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Brook Court news from Grahame Holloway
February 2014
News
Bradley Stoke drama student secures Bath Theatre Royal part
Residents raise £50 for air ambulance
T
he opening of a charity box at one of Brook Court’s recent coffee mornings has seen the local Air Ambulance as the beneficiary of a £50 cheque winging its way. The collection was the brainchild of Jim Durlacher and his wife Margaret who suggested, pre-Christmas, that rather than residents send cards to each other, the sum saved be placed in the box. Following a vote by residents the Air Ambulance was chosen as the recipient charity. However, don’t expect a quiet time in the communal residents’ lounge on a Thursday
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evening when it is “eyes down for a full house” and the weekly bingo session. Local resident, Nick Pearce, a man of many talents, plays the part of ’caller’ in real professional style and since its introduction a couple of months ago the evening’s entertainment has proved very popular.
Thursday night is Bingo Night at Brook Court
Bradley Stoke Journal: 2,500 fans
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budding actress who attends a performing arts academy in Bradley Stoke has been cast to share the role of the ‘Girl’ for the stage production of ‘The Big Meal’ at the Theatre Royal Bath. Directed by Michael Boyd, Theatre Royal Bath Productions and HighTide Festival Theatre present a truly compelling and humorous story of a modern day family’s journey through life. Courtnei Danks, 13, honed her acting skills at the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) of Performing Arts, which runs classes every Saturday morning at Bradley Stoke Community School. PQA students receive tuition in comedy & drama, musical theatre and film & television and students at PQA Bradley Stoke performed in their own West End show during the summer last year. The young student is delighted to have won her part in the production through PQA’s dedicated agency Quirky Kidz, which exclusively represents PQA students interested in auditioning for professional jobs. David Verey, Principal of PQA Bradley Stoke said: “Everyone here is so proud of Courtnei and
Courtnei Danks of PQA Bradley Stoke
thrilled that she will be flying the flag for PQA Bradley Stoke, in front of hundreds of people every night. It’s a real credit to her hard work and that of the staff here at PQA Bradley Stoke that she has reached the standard demanded of a performer of such a high profile production.” Quirky Kidz has secured parts in many high profile projects including Charlie and the Chocolate factory, One Direction music video and Eastenders. For more information, visit their website at www.quirkykidz.co.uk or call 01494 415196.
Do you have a ‘good news’ story to share? Contact us on 01454 300 400 or info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk
JRT Computing Ltd PC / Laptop running slow? Do you have a virus? Are you looking for IT support? Call 01454 610 516
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February 2014
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19
News
Abseil the Avon Gorge for MS Therapy charity!
S
et yourself a new challenge in 2014 and abseil the Avon Gorge for the Bradley Stoke based MS Therapy Centre on Saturday 26th April. The charity doesn’t just support people with Multiple Sclerosis, but other neurological conditions including Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Disease in their specialist facilities at their Wheatfield Drive site. It costs just £10 to take part, and you’ll get the experience of a lifetime as you lean back over the edge of the gorge to begin your abseil. Carol Haines, who took part last year, despite her fear of heights, said: “It was a fantastic experience, I was so nervous to start with – I’m petrified of heights, but once I had started I really enjoyed it.” “You get a great view of the Avon Gorge and the Suspension
do this’, and now I know I can.” Sign up now to have an experience of a lifetime by going
to www.mstherapybristol.org. uk/events or call 01454 628725 for more information.
Conquered fear: Carol Haines
Bridge while you’re abseiling. I raised over £1,000 by taking part in the abseil, knowing how much that money would help people really helped me lean back over the edge. I just had to think, ‘I can
Advertising feature
New streetdance group in Bradley Stoke
Infinity dancers perform at the 2013 Bradley Stoke Community Festival
Infinty DC is a new streetdance group based in Patchway and Bradley Stoke. It was founded in March 2013 after the school that the children danced with closed down unexpectedly; the children and parents involved at the time did not want to stop dancing so Infinty DC was born. Infinity DC is a non-profit community organisation run by parents and carers, and currently consists of two teams that compete all over the UK and Europe. The teams also take part in local community festivals and charity events, and in the summer of 2013 performed at the Harbour Festival.
The ages of the current members are 6-18. There is an open class on a weekly basis for children aged 6 and up, so others can have the opportunity to experience the fun element involved with dance and at the same time build confidence and self esteem, to join the upand-coming under-10’s team. The group is also looking for anyone with previous dance experience to possibly join one of its existing teams or to become part of a new team. If you would like any further information, please contact Abi Thorne on 07540 592 325 or email abithr@aol.com
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February 2014
Feature: Scott Lahive Interview
End of an era as Willow Brook Centre manage Scott Lahive, manager of the Willow Brook Centre (Bradley Stoke’s “shopping and town centre”) since it opened in October 2008, is moving on to pastures new after six years in the job. Journal editor Stephen Horton caught up with Mr Lahive as he prepares to hand over the reins to his successor in early February. When did you start work at the Willow Brook Centre? I started work in March 2008, six months before the scheme opened. In fact, I had involvement from February, so it’s just coming up to six years ago! The centre opened in October 2008, after which the old Tesco store was demolished and, a little while later, the ‘retail terrace’ (now containing Boots, Brantano etc.) was constructed. My previous job was at a predominantly leisure-focused scheme in Cheltenham called The Brewery. When I arrived in Bradley Stoke, the foundations and first columns of the Willow Brook Centre were just being established and I was based in a Portakabin in the site compound (roughly where the McCarthy & Stone and Merlin flats are now). Whilst the centre was under construction, my tasks included facilitating client visits, recruiting the centre team and procuring services such as cleaning and security. These are things often done by outsourcing specialists but, in view of the economic climate at the time, it was decided that they could be done by the manager-designate of the centre. How did the opening day (13th October 2008) go? It went really well! The one thing that overwhelmed us was the sheer volume of customers – far greater than we had expected. In particular, we couldn’t believe the amount of footfall from local youths; we’d really underestimated the numbers of young people who would pass through the centre on their way to and from Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS). With only four stores
open on the first day, we had expected footfall of around 30,000 per week but actually got 50,000 per week, a figure which increased to 60,000 per week by late November/early December. That’s an amazing figure considering that we had only been projecting 50,000 per week once the scheme was fully completed and at that point we hadn’t even commenced work on the second phase (the retail terrace)!
Opening day in October 2008
How well do you feel the Willow Brook Centre has been received by the public? It would be naïve to suggest that we have managed to please everyone. People do approach us with requests for certain types of store (predominantly clothing retailers), so whilst I would hope that the vast majority of people are very happy that they can do their shopping in Bradley Stoke and they can buy, and do, more in Bradley Stoke than ever before, there will always be an element of the population that wants to do other things that we are unable to fulfil. I would hope that people are very happy with the centre and the fact that you can’t just buy things here – you
can go to the dentist, have your eyes tested, get medicines from our two pharmacies (one of which is open late into the night), have a meal at Harvester or go for a coffee with friends at Costa. A lot of people would have wanted to see other retailers here, but, sadly, our close proximity to Cribbs Causeway means that the likes of Next and Marks & Spencer have never seriously considered coming to Bradley Stoke when they are able to trade from one of the country’s top regional shopping centres just two miles away. What have been the low and high points of your time at the Willow Brook Centre? Compared to what has happened elsewhere, we’ve lost a relatively small number of traders over the last few years. [Ed: These have included Curves, Nationwide, Panasonic and Peacocks] To lose a retailer of the quality of Panasonic was very disappointing, especially when you’re trying to maintain a balance of value and mainstream outlets and not become biased towards one end of the spectrum. What has been very positive, however, is that whenever a unit has become available, there have always been one, two or sometimes three interested parties, meaning that we have been able to re-let within a few months. Actually we’ve had far fewer “casualties” than other local schemes, such as Yate and Thornbury, and are proud to have been between 98% and 100% ‘let’ over the last three years, which is better than any other shopping centre in the south west. A high point has got to be our achievements in the area of waste management during 2013, for which we have won a number of national awards. Within a short space of time we reduced the amount of waste going to landfill from a relatively high value to just 5%, a value that hasn’t been seen for many, many years in the industry. And in terms of
our general sustainability, we’ve been able to reduce gas usage by 80%, electricity usage by 35% and water usage by 15% - figures which even the largest shopping centres have been unable to match. In fact, it’s really a double success, because the savings have been achieved over a time period in which the numbers of retailers
Willow Brook Centre manager Scott Lahive (rig
and customers have grown. Are you happy with the range of shops and services currently at the centre? It’s always been our ambition to broaden the range of retailers at the centre. It’s disappointing that we haven’t been able to attract a big fashion store or sports outlet, but we will certainly continue to approach them. The catering element at the centre has been hugely successful. Although we only have one coffee shop (Costa) and one sit-down restaurant (Harvester), both of them trade extremely well, and we’re currently looking at how we could expand our offering. This will be
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February 2014
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21
Feature: Scott Lahive Interview
er Scott Lahive moves on to pastures new difficult, as we’re 100% let, but it may be, as the market continues to pick up, that we can look at ways of expanding the centre’s footprint. Alternatively, we may find that opportunities to bring in new catering and leisure retailers arise as leases expire. The centre’s takeawayorientated catering outlets
ght) with centre administrator Joy Souch
(Subway, KFC, Domino’s and Greggs) have also been a hit with customers. We were disappointed when the post office very publicly said they would not support any form of facility here, albeit we didn’t have a tenant lined up to take on a franchise. That was a shame, because it would have been a great service and we would have been prepared to support them by actively looking for a suitable tenant. Some policies of the centre have been poorly received (I’m thinking of the road humps and the parking restrictions and fines). How do you feel about this?
For every policy that has been negatively received by some members of the public, there has been at least an equal number who have benefited. If you chose to only adopt policies that nobody would find controversial, you would probably end up making no decisions whatsoever and you’d never make any decision that would benefit the majority of customers. It’s always disappointing when people are publicly concerned, because we don’t want to go out of our way to either inconvenience people or offend them. But if we’re happy that we’ve considered all the issues and we make a decision for the greater good of the shopping centre, its tenants and its customers, then, yes, I’m happy to be the face of that. What many people perhaps don’t understand is that we’re never the first to adopt these policies – we do what’s been tried and tested elsewhere. On the subject of parking fines, we don’t have a quota of people who we can “let off” and we’re not allowed to intervene in situations where someone has breached the terms and conditions, although we are able to ask for a fine to be waived in a few situations, such as when a disabled driver has genuinely forgotten to display their blue badge. And on the parking time limit, at four-a-half hours, ours is longer than Yate’s, despite there being more attractions in the immediate vicinity of their centre. The centre is supposed to be a town centre as well as a shopping centre. To what extent do you feel it has fulfilled that role? In the time frame over which the centre was developed and has been open, the public’s expectation of a ‘town centre’ has changed dramatically. In practice, people no longer go into a town centre to buy, for example, clothes, because they now like to do that online. It’s now about doing things that you
can’t do online, such as having your hair done, going to the bank, visiting the post office etc. We’ve been able to ensure that many services that previously weren’t represented in Bradley Stoke are now available. For example, you can now go to the dentist, visit a coffee shop and access children’s education centres, an accountant and a recruitment consultant. These are all things you would expect to find in a town centre, albeit the layout isn’t that of a traditional high street. But that’s why the centre has been so successful, because the traditional high street model is actually something that is failing, so it would have been wrong to build that sort of very traditional scheme in Bradley Stoke just
Community Showcase in 2010
at time when we, as customers, were turning our backs on the concept. In fact, a lot of other areas are now building similar schemes that aren’t the size of the town centres of twenty years ago, but actually provide the services that people need in order to survive, and at a time of day that they want to us them. So, at 6pm, after you’ve finished work, you can go and have your eyes tested, buy a greetings card or have a coffee with friends – all things that you wouldn’t be able to do after 5.30pm in a traditional town centre. I think not only have we done a very good job in fulfilling the majority of town centre services,
but we’ve also redefined what services should be in a town centre. We’re pleased that we have been able to provide space for local community groups to showcase themselves in the town square or elsewhere within the centre and we’d love to do more of that. We want the local population to see the centre as “their” space rather than “ours”. It’s something that we don’t charge for and I’d really like to encourage more groups to come forward in this way. Town centres often act as a magnet for young people, which can sometimes lead to anti-social behaviour. How have you managed this? We have followed on really from the ethos and policies of Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS), in that we’re “firm but fair” and have a zero tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour. We always had a very good relationship with BSCS and if we’ve had problem youths we’ve been able to approach them and seek advice on how to manage that. But to be fair, the majority (and I would say 95%) of the local youths are very well behaved and are a very good customer for us. In fact, some of our tenants, like Subway and KFC are held up by the younger end of the market! The town council chose to build its new office at the Jubilee Centre rather than renting space at the Willow Brook Centre. Was that a disappointment for you? Yes, most definitely. We appreciate that they made their decision based on public finances and we totally respect that, however, we were very open to negotiation for them to be here, because, again, we are aiming to continually evolve the offer here and make it even more of a town centre. So the fact that the council decided to relocate their offices to an “out of centre” location, albeit with parking, which is effectively what it is, was
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February 2014
Feature: Scott Lahive Interview … Continued from page 21 a disappointment, especially as we’re trying to encourage public transport and a mix of services. Financially, I don’t believe there was a great deal of distance between the two options. If they had taken ‘already built’ and redundant space, we could have understood it, but the fact that they chose to build their own accommodation rather than take vacant space at the centre was a disappointment. More bus services are now calling at the centre. Is this something the centre has encouraged and has it boosted trade? Yes, it’s something that we are encouraging and we’ve been liaising with the local bus operators for many years now to increase the level of service and our success in doing this was is one of the justifications for introducing our new parking policy, since staff members now
have more options for getting to work other than having to take the car. We also hope that the centre will benefit from the major public transport investment that is planned for the town in the coming years. How well do you feel the centre has co-existed with its residential neighbours? As soon as we’ve been made aware of an issue by our neighbours, we have been quick to respond. Some of these issues weren’t anticipated when the scheme was being developed and only became apparent once it opened. But when you consider that the centre is right in the middle of quite a densely populated housing area, we receive very few negative comments from our residential neighbours. We will continue to work with them to achieve positive changes. In hindsight, the application to convert a unit a the top end of the
car park to a late night takeaway [Domino’s] wouldn’t have been an ideal use and we support the view of local residents, which is why we didn’t pursue that after concerns had been expressed. We have, however, successfully applied for planning permission for a click and collect kiosk in the car park and it’s now down to Tesco as to if and when they choose to construct that facility. Where is your career taking you next? I’m moving on to take charge of a new shopping and leisure scheme that will be opening in Hereford, which is commutable from where I live in Gloucestershire. Whilst the scheme may be bigger, I wouldn’t like to say it is better. I’m very sad to be leaving Bradley Stoke and I think, as somebody who was new to the town when I came here in 2008, to see and to feel the community spirit in such a new town and, even though we may not always appreciate it, to see how proactive the town council and South Gloucestershire Council are, is very different to what you’ll see elsewhere in the country. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, the fact that people want to engage with you and the fact
that people do take an interest in where they live to such a degree as they do in Bradley Stoke. It’s got such a tremendous community spirit and it’s very sad to be leaving that behind. Any final thoughts? If I could change one thing about Bradley Stoke, it would be the roads and the communications Although there isn’t much more development planned for the defined boundary of Bradley Stoke itself, the pressure that is now on the roads of Bradley Stoke and our communication links to the motorway or where people need to travel to work is just getting more and more difficult. I’ve seen it worsen over the five years I’ve been here – my office is right on Bradley Stoke Way and every year I’ve seen the tailbacks coming further and further down the road. Whilst I agree that we do need to invest more in public transport, we also need to invest in our roads and we need to do something very quickly before the town is brought to gridlock, which I believe we’re only a couple of years away from. Ed: Thank you for your time. Good luck in your new job!
Discover local volunteering opportunities
H
ave you ever thought about Volunteering but don’t know how to get involved? Discover local volunteering opportunities in a speedmatching event to find your perfect match! The Volunteer Centre Patchway, Filton and The Stokes are holding an event for everyone who would like to hear about volunteering opportunities. The Volunteer Speed-Match event will take place at Coniston Community Centre in Patchway (BS34 5LP) on Tuesday 18th of February starting at 5.30pm and finishing at 7pm. Volunteer Speed-Match will allow potential volunteers to meet with local charities and hear about a wide range of volunteering opportunities.
Learn how you can share your skills and benefit personally from volunteering. Volunteering offers flexibility and can offer shortterm and long-term placements, suiting all different skills and life styles! The event is run in two sessions; the first half you will meet a number of local organisations and hear a snap-shot of their volunteering opportunities. The second half you can choose to meet with the three organisations you are most interested in and spend a 10 minute session with each finding out more. If you like what you hear and want to get involved you can sign up there and then. For more information please contact: info@volunteercentrepfs.org.uk or 01454 868 986.
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February 2014
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News
Dad raises funds for hospital that cares for heart condition son
A
Bradley Stoke father of two is currently in training to run the Bath Half Marathon on 2nd March to help raise money for the Bristol Children’s Hospital where his young son, Jamie, is being treated for a number of heart problems. Steve Marshall of Stanley Mead, is so grateful for the outstanding care that his son has received, that he is overcoming his own injuries in order to raise money for the hospital so that other children can be helped in the future. Jamie was born with a number of heart problems that went undetected throughout his mother’s pregnancy. Two days after arriving home, he
became unwell and was taken by ambulance to the A and E department at the Children’s Hospital in Bristol at 10pm. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the ICU and underwent surgery the following morning. Three days later he was moved to Ward 32 where he underwent further surgery to fix a hole in his heart as well as other problems Although Jamie was discharged a few weeks later, he returned to the hospital numerous times during the first year of his life as he became vulnerable to infections. Jamie has had feeding difficulties and the problems he experienced in his early days of life affected the development of his feet, so he is
still not walking unaided despite being almost two years old. It has been a particularly traumatic time for the family. Steve fainted watching Jamie having blood taken and hit his head, and the family suffered two bereavements during the times Jamie was in hospital. The staff at the Children’s Hospital were always helpful, professional and supportive despite being very busy, and it is because of this care that Steve and his wife, Claire, want to raise as much money as they can to help other families with ill children. They feel so lucky to have such a good hospital on the doorstep that they want to raise its profile in our community. Although Jamie is now developing well, he will need regular check-ups and a further operation at some stage. Steve and Claire would like to raise money to help fund a Hybrid Theatre, which could have helped Jamie to have had one operation rather than two. You can find out more information on the Grand Appeal’s website. If you would like to sponsor Steve, please visit his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/ JamieGrandAppeal
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Bradley Stoke through the camera lens by Becky Ward
O
n 11th January, I attended the opening of a new community playground in Cross Tree Grove. The new structure, dubbed “the field”, was the result of a collaboration between Knightstone Housing Association and younger residents of Bradley Stoke, who helped to build the structure.
On the day of the opening, representatives of Knightstone Housing gathered alongside mayor Brian Hopkinson and those involved in the building of the structure, with Bradley Stoke Radio providing the music for the event. “The field”, previously just a small patch of green at the end of the road, now features a
February 2014
Cross Tree Grove playground opening
wooden climbing frame, with a platform overlooking the centre of the structure along with some gorgeous metal sculptures. The launch party gave plenty of opportunity to road-test the new equipment (an opportunity that was definitely seized!). Cllr Hopkinson then officially opened the playground and presented certificates to
everyone involved. It may have been muddy, but that certainly didn’t deter the local residents from enjoying themselves. It was great to see everyone coming together to improve their local area, and their hard work really has paid off!
A permanent home for Concorde at the Filton Airfield site?
Artist’s impression of the Concorde hangar at the proposed Bristol Aerospace Centre
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February 2014
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25
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News
New Wessex bus service links Aztec West with Parkway Station … and Bristol city centre
W
essex Bristol has launched a new bus service, the 3B, linking Bristol Parkway Station and Aztec West via Bradley Stoke or Little Stoke. The new public service replaces a shuttle bus that Wessex previously operated between Bristol Parkway Station and Aztec West on behalf of a group of private sector organisations based at Aztec West. In the early morning, buses run in a clockwise direction, starting from Baileys Court Inn and running via Hatchet Road, Bristol Parkway Station, Hatchet Road, Braydon Avenue and Gloucester Road into the Aztec West Business Park. In the late afternoon, and early evening, buses run in an anti-clockwise direction from
No. 13 bus (another Wessex service) at the Willow Brook Centre
Aztec West, via Gloucester Road, Braydon Avenue, Hatchet Road, Bristol Parkway Station and Hatchet Road back to Baileys Court Inn. The peak hour journeys described above are timed to
connect with trains arriving at (in the morning) and departing from (later in the day) Bristol Parkway Station. Although the private shuttle service only operated at peak times, the new Wessex 3B runs
throughout the day. From 9.37am until 2.37pm, the 3B runs every hour from Aztec West to Bristol City Centre, via Bradley Stoke Way, the Willow Brook Centre, Baileys Court Inn, Hatchet Road, Bristol Parkway Station, Brierly Furlong, Great Stoke Way, Station Road, Gloucester Road and Cheltenham Road. It returns from Colston Avenue every hour between 9.40am and 2.40pm. A single ticket between Parkway Station and Aztec West costs £1.30. For longer journeys, the £3 Wessex day ticket is available, which is also valid on the Wessex Red 13 service between the Willow Brook Centre and Bristol city centre. For further information visit the Wessex Bristol website at www.wessexbus.com or phone 0117 321 3190.
Advertising feature
New pre-school now open at Meadowbrook Abacus Pre-School are proud to announce their opening at Meadowbrook Primary School, Bradley Stoke, providing affordable care accessible to all families. We offer FREE registration and uniform to all children who join interactive whiteboard. us before April 2014 and have Abacus aim to provide a firm FREE Nursery Education Grant foundation on which to build sessions available for 2, 3 and 4 future academic, social and year old children who are eligible. emotional success, providing We are open between the hours a seamless transition from of 8.30am – 3.30pm every pre-school to primary day, during term time. education. We will Quality We have a very develop the levels of Assurance experienced team of attainment achieved Award & practitioners including prior to entering graded ‘good’ an Early Years Teacher reception class. by OFSTED keen to provide quality Abacus also provide education for the children childcare for 2 – 4 year to learn through play in olds in the communities our well resourced indoor and of Winterbourne, Filton and outdoor environment with an Mangotsfield.
“We are very excited to be working in partnership with a high quality pre-school enhancing our early years provision.”
For further details and to book a viewing contact: Tel: 01454 867 285 or 07712 398 015 enquiries@abacuspreschool.co.uk | www.abacuspreschool.co.uk
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Chair of Governors Meadowbrook School
26
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Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports
W
hile crime levels are low in our area, we in the neighbourhood team don’t want to see people in Bradley Stoke falling victim to crime. We were surprised to find that two-thirds of cars and vans which have been broken into recently had been left insecure. Please make sure you take a few seconds to lock your vehicle and make sure you haven’t left anything on view and remember your insurer may not pay out if your car or van wasn’t locked up. One of the things we ask our cadets and PCSOs to do is to check vehicles in car parks – such as the Willow Brook Centre – and see if they are left insecure or with property on view. We then write with crime prevention advice to the registered keeper of the vehicle. That advice includes marking your property with your postcode and registering it at
www.immobilise.com. This helps to deter thieves by making it easier for us to identify the rightful owner.
Tip: Fit tamper-proof screws to vehicle plates Thieves are even stealing number plates from vehicles – which they can then use to try to get away with other crimes, leaving you at risk from a visit from us if your registration comes up in our enquiries.
Thankfully, that sort of theft is easy to prevent by replacing the standard fixings with tamperproof security screws. You can find lots more security advice on our website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk On another note, we’re trialling a change in the way we manage our neighbourhood policing teams across South Gloucestershire. We’re working much more closely with the officers who respond to emergencies, trying to make sure that we’re there for you when you need us. The neighbourhood PCs and PCSOs are still patrolling the area, but part of the sixmonth trial involves Sergeant Adrian Fallows moving to a role co-ordinating our work with partner agencies to tackle ongoing issues across South Gloucestershire. He has been replaced by Sergeant Vicky Barker.
February 2014
Masked men confront elderly homeowner in attempted “drugs” robbery A man who answered his door was confronted by two men in balaclavas in an attempted robbery in Bradley Stoke. The incident happened at 6pm on Saturday 28th December in Broad Croft (off Pear Tree Road). A man in his 80s answered his door when two men pushed their way into his home and demanded he tell them where “the drugs” were. They forced him to sit in a chair while one of the men ran upstairs where his wife was in bed and seconds later the offender ran back down and they both left. An investigation into the incident has begun and police say they would like to hear from anyone who knows who the men were or saw them arriving in or leaving the area. Please phone 101 and quote crime reference 129468/13.
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February 2014
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27
News
Edwards expand to serve Bradley Stoke
I
ndependent estate agents Edwards have announced the opening of a new branch office to serve the Bradley Stoke area. The firm, which has its head office in Southville and a branch on Gloucester Road North, Filton, has opened a third office at 2430/2440 The Quadrant on the Aztec West Business Park. The new Bradley Stoke branch is managed by Karl Sweatman, supported by negotiators Aaron Wallace and Ross Clappison. Karl has ten years experience in the estate agency business, having started as an apprentice with another local firm at the age of 16, and has managed Edwards’ Filton branch since it opened in March 2013. The business is owned by Matthew Edwards, who opened
the company’s first branch in Southville in 2006. Karl said: “As a fullyindependent agency, we are trying to break away from the old clichés that are sometimes associated with our trade. Customer service is our top priority. We don’t just value property, we value people (i.e. our customers) too.” The company is looking forward to working closely with schools and community groups within Bradley Stoke, building on its recent experiences in Filton, where it has helped the friends’ groups at two local schools raise over £2,000. Speaking about the firm’s move into the BS32 postcode area, Karl said: “Bradley Stoke has a massive range of property, ranging from bedsits to executive
l-r: Karl Sweatman (Branch Manager), Ross Clappison and Aaron Wallace
properties valued at up to £500,000. Once people choose to live here, they tend to stay because they are happy with the area. There are lots of major employers within reach of the town and we see great potential for the rental market.” The company is offering
an introductory fixed fee of £699+VAT for clients selling property in the BS32 area and six months free property management for landlords (terms & conditions apply). Visit www.edwards-online. co.uk or phone 01454 501 411 for further details.
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Fitness Focus with Craig Rimmer
Grants awarded
Max fat burning workouts
O
ne of the most effective training methods to burn off stubborn body fat is the use of supersets. Supersets involve working hard on one exercise, taking a short rest (approx 20-30s) and then changing to a completely different exercise before resting and repeating again (usually for 3-4 sets) The main advantage of this is that you get a lot more work done in a shorter period of time. The greater work volume “amps up” the fat-burning effects of a Exercise 1) Back squat Lat pulldown 2) DB alternating lunge DB military press 3) BB deadlift Seated cable row 4) Hanging leg raises 45-Degree DB incline press
workout. Unfortunately, many workouts using supersets are not designed efficiently to melt the pounds away. Below is a good example of how to train with supersets to burn some serious fat. These exercises are all good choices because they are multijoint movements that create a large metabolic demand on the body. The order is such that mental and physical energy is sustainable for most levels of fitness. This is just one example, to Sets 3 x 10-12 3 x 12-15 3 x 10-12 3 x 12-15 3 x 10-12 3 x 12-15 3 x 15-20 3 x 12-15
Tempo 4010 3010 4010 3010 4010 3010 2010 3010
February 2014
Rest 30 secs 90 secs 30 secs 90 secs 30 secs 90 secs 30 secs 90 secs
learn more or have the most effective fat burning sessions for your body designed for you please get in touch. Great results are waiting! See you in the gym! 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
Bradley Stoke Town Council has agreed the following grants and service level agreements:
● A Youth Grant Aid award
of £500 to St Mary’s Old Boys Rugby Club towards the cost of rebranding the youth element of the club as “Bradley Stoke Youth Rugby at St Mary’s Old Boys”, giving it a closer connection with the town of Bradley Stoke.
● A Youth Service Level
Agreement to the value of £3,000 with Bradley Stoke Cricket Club.
● A Service Level Agreement
to the value of £1,700 with the Bouncing Babies Group.
Key: DB = Dumbbell BB = Barbell Sets = Amount of times you repeat exercise Tempo = Pace of exercise e.g. ‘4010’ = 4s down, 0s rest at bottom, 1s up, 0s rest
● A Service Level Agreement
to the value of £1,158 with the Patchway, Filton & The Stokes Volunteer Centre .
● A Grant Aid award of £281 to
The Sow & Sows Allotment Group.
Advertising feature
Independent Co-educational All age Lower School 3 -11 Upper School 11-18
Colston’s next headmaster meets children and parents at Year 7 examinations
Taster Days will resume during the Spring Term January 27 – February 28 (8.15am- 4pm)
Join a Year 7 class for a full day, and experience Colston’s for real
Further information from Denise Sollis 0117 965 5207 or email denisesollis@colstons.bristol.sch.uk Colston’s School, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BJ www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk
Scholarships and Bursaries available Registered Charity No 1079552
Jeremy McCullough, who becomes Headmaster of Colston’s in September, visited the school to meet children who were taking examinations for Year 7 entry. “I will also be a new boy starting in September with your sons and daughters, and I am very excited about that,” he told parents who gathered for coffee and refreshments in the dining hall. “For me the most important thing is that boys and girls at
Colston’s should be happy – happy pupils work hard, play hard and achieve great things. We want our young people to strive to achieve standards of excellence in everything they do here.” Mr McCullough is currently Second Master at Lancing College, the very successful independent co-educational school in West Sussex. Interim Headmaster at Colston’s is Deputy Head Pete Goodyer.
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February 2014
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29
Quiz Quiz for all, No. 5 (easy/hard, old/new) Another ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 31. 1. What is the name of the former lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs,who,along with Kylie Minogue,became a replacement judge for the 2014 series of the TV show, ‘The Voice’? 2. What colour star links the national flags of Vietnam, Suriname and the Democratic Republic of Congo? 3. In 1766, which British scientist proved the existence of Hydrogen? 4. Which metal links top 30 hit singles for East 17, Beverley Knight and Spandau Ballet? 5. Playing the role of Ginger McKenna, which 1995 film, provided the actress Sharon Stone, with her only Academy Award nomination (to date)? 6. Kerberos and Styx are the two most recently discovered moons of which dwarf planet? 7. Opened in August 1971, which was the first European country to open a McDonald’s outlet? 8. During which decade of the 20th century was Algeria granted independence by France? 9. Assisting in cleaning and lubrication, by what name is cerumen, usually known, when referring to the human body? 10. Sharing its name with an English city, what is the state
capital of Nebraska? 11. Appearing in over 70 films between 1932-1966, which Hollywood actor was born in Bristol, with the name Archibald Leach? 12. The Hoover Dam is found on which American river? 13. In the human body, what is the more common name for the calcaneus? 14. What was the occupation of the 1980s Harry Enfield character known as ‘Loadsamoney’? 15. In which Asian country is the Rungrado May Day Stadium, the world’s largest by capacity? 16. Containing vital antibodies, what is the name of a mother’s first breast product following a birth, which occurs before the milk flow begins? 17. What is the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet? 18. Ruling between 1485 and 1509, who was the first English monarch to represent the House of Tudor? 19. Which country hosted both the 1971 and 1975 World Snooker Championship Finals? 20. On which British overseas territory is ‘Margaret Thatcher Day’ commemorated every year on January 10th?
Prize quiz question
from Paul Philpot
Win a copy of The Chambers Dictionary The Chambers Dictionary contains more words, phrases and meanings than any other singlevolume 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. In which decade of the 19th century was The Chambers Dictionary first published? 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 19th February 2014. Congratulations to Andrew Connor, winner of our January quiz! Answer to January’s prize quiz question: The 1750s
Indepe n Financ dent ial Advice
Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org
Bradley Stoke Journal
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Ask the Doctor with Dr Norman Douglas of Bradley Stoke Surgery Blue Monday! This is the Monday of the last full week in January. Hopefully, when you have read this, it will have passed us by. It is meant to be the most depressing day of the year, probably, because it is after a weekend and also when the credit bills start to come in from the excesses of Christmas. Depression, as a medical condition, is one of the most common conditions associated with morbidity and is now the most likely reason for someone to be off work for any length of time. Clinical depression is a serious medical condition and can have disastrous consequences for the individual, their families and for the community. It is an illness just like asthma or diabetes but it is a diagnosis we often feel ashamed to admit to. We are too proud, too capable, too macho to suffer with what we see as a weakness. Nonsense! At
The
least two thirds of us will suffer depression to some degree over the next number of years. Why? I am sure the increased prevalence is down to societal changes, loss of family and community support structures, impossible expectations of ourselves and of others, lack of sleep, lack of physical activity and lack of sunlight. The associated factors are multifactorial but they all increase our stress levels which will use up our coping and enthusiasm hormones, which then makes us depressed. So what can we do about it? We probably can’t change society so we need to protect ourselves from its ravages. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Talk to your family, friends and even work about your problems. Remember a problem shared is a problem halved usually because an objective view gives
Olympus Academy Trust
perspective. There are numerous services that can help: churches, schools, GP surgeries, Lift Psychology, Off the Record, Samaritans etc. etc. To be able to help they have to be contacted, so don’t be shy. The therapies offered are numerous, ranging from simple exercise to ECT, but the majority of people benefit most from ‘talking therapies’. Don’t try to self medicate with alcohol or drugs as it makes it worse and don’t discount medication as it may rebalance your hormones to give you the enthusiasm to start curative treatment with psychological input. The most important message is: “Don’t keep it to yourself!” Have a great month. Dr Norman Douglas www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk
February 2014
Police launch survey on anti-social behaviour Avon and Somerset Police have launched a survey to ask people about their experiences and views on anti-social behaviour (ASB). Chief Supt Nikki Watson, who is the force lead on ASB, said: “We especially want to hear from people who are unsure about reporting incidents of ASB, or how to report, or who are unsure whether the police, the council or other agency is the right one for them to speak to about the problem.” “Through the survey, which is anonymous, we want to gather more information about the types of ASB people may have experienced in their area, and the impact this has had on them, especially people who may not have reported these incidents to their local neighbourhood police team.” The survey is available online at: www.consultation. avonandsomerset.police.uk
State of the art facilities for hire in the Bradley Stoke area Available for hire all year round
• Conference facilities and classrooms
• Specialist ICT and catering facilities
• Dance and drama studios
• Floodlit astro turf
• Sports hall
• Floodlit hard courts
For further information please contact Karen Holt on 01454 868840 or email lettings@bradleystokecs.org.uk www.bradleystokecs.org.uk
Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, BS32 9BS 01454 868840 www.bradleystokecs.org.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
February 2014
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31
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News The Concorde Book Award 2013/14 The Concorde Book Award, which is now in its seventh year, exists to celebrate the great fiction being written for secondary students and promote reading for pleasure. This South Gloucestershire Award has been supported by Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) since it began. Unlike other awards, children choose the books! A panel of librarians then read the long list over the summer holidays and this year ‘Slated’ by Terri Terry, ‘Wonder’ by R. J. Palacio, ‘Maggot Moon’ by Sally Gardner, ‘Gangsta Granny’ by David Walliams, ‘The Bonehill Curse’ by Jon Mayhew and ‘Tom Gates’ by Liz Pichon were chosen as the best and made it onto the shortlist. Five schools and two library groups are currently reading the books and will vote for their favourite on World Book Day (6th March). The winning author will be invited to receive their prize at an award ceremony
Quiz answers (see page 29) 1. Ricky Wilson 2. Yellow 3. Henry Cavendish 4. Gold 5. Casino 6. Pluto 7. The Netherlands 8. 1960s 9. Earwax 10. Lincoln
being held at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in March. The Bristol Post is writing a series of articles on the award, the most recent of which appeared in the paper on Thursday 9th January. The Post will also be visiting each school involved and writing a feature on the school’s nominated book. BSCS’s reading group will be talking about ‘Gansta Granny’ by David Walliams, so please keep a look out for our article! Pictured above: Students in the BSCS reading group (l-r): Tia Davies 7R, Jennifer Simpson 7O, Thomas Hill 7B, Matthew Barker 7B and Smriti Kumar 7B. 11. Cary Grant 12. Colorado 13. Heel bone 14. Plasterer 15. North Korea 16. Colostrum 17. Gamma 18. Henry VII 19. Australia 20. Falkland Islands
BSCS presentation evening for KS4 & KS5
Paul Warren writes: On 18th December, we celebrated the successes of our GCSE and A-level achievers last year. The evening began with the Key Stage 4 presentations followed by the Key Stage 5 presentations.
Both events were supported by Bristol City FC as Jordan Wynter and Elliott Parish presented certificates along with Cllr Ian Boulton, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, who also gave a very motivational speech.
Just look at me now! Unlike other weight loss options, you’re never on your own with Cambridge Weight Plan. You'll have your own Cambridge Consultant who will support you through every step of your weight loss journey and explain the very real benefits of our flexible programmes.
Your Independent Cambridge Consultant:
Rachel Cotterell 01179315674 07761570236
Rachel.diet@googlemail.com
Anna before
Anna after
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Caerleon is a brand new purpose built Childcare Centre with custom designed garden. After over £350,000 of investment, Caerleon has the most modern equipment and facilities. Daily supervised visits to Jump before it opens and exclusive Jump benefits. Conveniently located within only 5 minutes of Aztec West Business Park and The Mall Cribbs Causeway. Flexible, free government places accepted and limited term time only contracts available.
If you would like to visit our wonderful new facility or would like more information you can either send us an email on info@caerleonbristol.co.uk or call 0117 9798980. www.caerleonchildcare.co.uk
22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5TB
£10 Party! Is your child celebrating a birthday or just wanting to enjoy some fun with their friends?
22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5TB www.123jump.co.uk
Enjoy our Afterschool Party, Monday - Friday term time for £10 per child! Birthday child goes free.
ASDA
To book or for more information, call our party advisors on
0117 931 2733
Terms & Conditions - Applies to new bookings only and cannot be added retrospectively. Minimum Number of 8 paying children. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Applies to Afterschool Parties only and does not include Weekend/Holiday Activity, Laser, Toddler, Teenage or Adult party events.
February 2014
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33
News
21st birthday celebrations for Stokes Singers
I
n June 1993, a group of music enthusiasts and Musical Director Nick Breeze created the Stokes Singers for people in the North Bristol area who wanted to sing and have fun Over the years, the choir has built up a tradition of performing popular music from the 1930’s to the present day and although there have been many changes in the choral line up and several musical directors, the choir is still going strong and is looking forward to celebrating its 21st anniversary year in 2014. This year’s summer concert will be a celebration of those 21 years with the programme selected from songs performed at each concert over that period. Stokes Singers will be inviting past musical directors and choir members to join them, not only for the concert in June, but also at an Anniversary Party planned for mid-May. They are hoping
to get together as many previous choir members as possible and would love them to join them at rehearsals and take part in the summer concert. The choir, now under the musical directorship of Phil
Lawrence, rehearse at Coniston Community Centre, The Parade, Coniston Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5LP at 7:30pm every Thursday. So if you’re a previous member of the choir, or enjoy a good old
sing and want to shake off the winter blues – come and give it a try, the Stokes Singers will be pleased to see you; just contact Liz Gazzard on 01454 614148. See www.stokessingers.org.uk or ‘Stokes Singers’ on Facebook.
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Advertising Features Bristol Fashion Week Spring/Summer coming soon to The Mall at Cribbs
Bristol Fashion Week returns with five days of fashion and styling at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway between Wednesday 26th March – Sunday 30th March. The city’s biggest fashion event will feature 18 catwalk preview shows displaying the latest Spring/Summer styles and must have wardrobe trends and colours. Hosted by TV stylist Mark Heyes and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, audiences can expect to action packed shows filled with fashion tips, celebrity gossip and style advice. The Mall is hosting a makeover competition where five lucky people will win the opportunity to receive a personal styling session with Mark Heyes, re-style at a top Bristol hair salon and cosmetic consultation with Bobbi Brown at John Lewis. The models
will then get the chance to strut their stuff on the Bristol Fashion Week catwalk, revealing their new look. To enter or nominate a friend, visit www.mallcribbs. com from 3rd February for more details.
Tickets for Bristol Fashion Week start at £8.95 and will go on-sale in early February from www.mallcribbs.com and The Mall’s Information Desk.
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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk
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February 2014
What’s On (2nd February - 2nd March) Sunday 2nd February 9.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Wye Valley. Field, farm and woodland tracks. Few steep ascents and descents. A walk of about 11.5 miles. Meet in the Aldi car park – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit.ly/bq1Hxd [Further ramblers’ walks on 9th, 14th, 16th, 23rd & 28th February and 2nd March]
the internet. The evening’s programme should give parents the confidence to speak to their children and young people and how they can assist in helping them to stay safe and be respectful to other internet users. Spaces for this event are limited. To confirm your place and for more info, see: http://bit. ly/1iHEZT8
Friday 7th February
10.30am: SCC Novice Bike Ride to Warmley. A novice ride to Warmley stopping at cafe on the old platform. About 15 miles (round trip).More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc [Further SCC rides on 9th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd February and 2nd March]
10.30am-12.30pm: Macmillan Cancer ‘Drop-In’ Advice Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Free, confidential advice from a Macmillan cancer support specialist. More info: http://bit. ly/12r6ves [Further sessions on 14th, 21st and 28th February]
Thursday 6th February
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/ [Further session on 21st February]
3pm-7pm: Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood Consultation Exhibition at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway. South Gloucestershire Council is considering whether to adopt the draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the proposed new neighbourhood at Cribbs Causeway and Patchway (including the former Filton Airfield site). This drop-in exhibition offers the chance to view the proposals and give comments. More info: http://bit. ly/CPNNSPD 6.30pm-8pm: Police Internet E-Safety Parents’ Evening at Bradley Stoke Community School. This event is designed to raise parents’ awareness and knowledge of how children and young people are using
Sunday 9th February 6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Monthly evening ‘drop in’ surgery, at which local police officers are available to discuss any issues or concerns and give advice, without a prior appointment being made. More info: http://bit.ly/12r6ves
Monday 10th February 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/
Tuesday 11th February 4pm & 6pm: BSCS Primary Provision Consultation Meeting at Bradley Stoke Community School. An opportunity to provide feedback on a proposal to extend the age range of Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) to provide an ‘all-through’ school for the 4-19 age range, with a one-form entry primary phase due to open in September 2015. More info: http://bit.ly/bscs-psp 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: “I’ve retired - now what?!” More info: 01454 617645
Wednesday 12th February 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI). A forward thinking, diverse and vibrant organisation that enables women to be listened to and act upon our concerns. We are always pleased to welcome visitors at our meetings, so please come along and see us – it might be just what you are looking for! This month: Demonstration of craft box making. More info: Telephone Maureen Mackenzie on 0117 9046099
7pm - 9pm: LIMIT Support Group meets at Baileys Court Activity Centre. Anyone who is close to someone struggling with a drug or alcohol problem will know just how worrying that can be, and find it difficult to cope. LIMIT is a new informal group offering support and information for families and friends which meets on the second Wednesday of every month. For more information please contact Esther Harris on 07971 562 676 or estherharris333@aol.com 7pm BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. The committee meets once a month and makes recommendations on all planning applications within Bradley Stoke to the planning authority (South Gloucestershire Council) and considers all associated planning, footpath and licensing issues. This committee also considers matters relating to the local environment in general, including litter, grass verges, pavements, roads and other similar matters The press and public are welcome to attend. Agenda: http://bit.ly/bMeaIa 8pm: BSTC Finance Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. The Finance Committee meets approx. six times a year and makes decisions and recommendations to Council on all financial and policy matters. This committee also is responsible for personnel matters and will be responsible for ‘best value’. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/18AzVfr
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February 2014
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What’s On (2nd February - 2nd March) Friday 14th February 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
Saturday 15th February 10.30am-11.30am: Football Coaching for Children with Disabilities at Bradley Stoke Community School. For children aged 6-11 years. Organised by Bradley Stoke Youth FC and run by FA Qualified and FA CRB checked coaches. More info: Martin Lee on 07785 384618 [Further session on 1st March] 11am-11.30am: Family Rhyme Time at Bradley Stoke Library. Rhyme time for pre-school children and their families. More info: http://bit.ly/X2LpPJ 10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom Workday. We will be installing bee and butterfly ‘corridors’ along Brook Way and beyond. Meet at the doctors’ surgery on Brook Way. 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
Monday 17th February 11am: Walking to Health: Bradley Stoke Roads & Reserves. Devised by one of our volunteers, this walk takes in the Three Brooks Reserve and residential footpaths around Bradley Stoke. Refreshments and toilets available from leisure centre café after the walk. Meet outside the leisure centre. More info: http://bit.ly/14LTOMG or phone 01454 868006 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s at the Jubilee Centre. Patchwork and quilting group. If you are interested in joining our group, whether you are a beginner or experienced, please come along. 7.30pm: BSTC Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. The Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee meets approx. six times a year and is responsible for, and promotes the Town Council policy on sports, leisure and recreational activities within or affecting the town. Agenda: http://bit.ly/duGDXG
Tuesday 18th February 5.30pm-7pm: Volunteer Speed Matching at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway. Discover volunteering - fast. Share your skills! An informal
event where you can meet local charitable organisations and find out about their volunteering opportunities. Learn how you can share your skills and benefit personally from volunteering. More info: http://bit.ly/u8CsVN or phone 01454 868986
Friday 28th February
Friday 21st February
Saturday 1st March
10.30am-11.30am: Animal Crackers at Bradley Stoke Library. Free craft activity session for children and their families. Suitable for ages 3-11. More info: http://bit.ly/18zfLCW
10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Coppicing in Webbs Wood. 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
Tuesday 25th February 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 7pm: Southern Brooks Area Forum at Abbeywood Community School, Stoke Gifford. Members of the public, local organisations, parish and town councils are invited to attend their local area forum to help shape and influence decisions made by South Gloucestershire Council that affect them. Local ward councillors for the area will also be present along with council officers. There will also be an opportunity for members of the public to ask any questions of councillors present on any matter in the area. Agenda (usually available online five days in advance of the meeting): http://bit.ly/sbaf-1402
9am-2pm: Bradley Stoke Farmers’ Market at the Willow Brook Centre. Producers from the surrounding countryside bringing a wide selection of locally grown/produced wares.
11.30am-1pm: NCT Nearly New Sale at Brook Way Activity Centre. Our Nearly New Sales are a great way to get all your baby equipment, toys, clothes and maternity wear at a bargain price! Entrance is £1 for adults. NCT members get priority entry from 11.15am. Refreshments available. More info: http://bit. ly/19vmaCd
If you have an event you would like us to publicise, please email details (including start/ end time, location and contact for further info) to events@ bradleystokejournal.co.uk Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter to receive reminders.
DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS Accountants TJS Business Solutions, Page 16 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 38 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 38 Cars & Vans Vanarama, Page 40 Catering Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 38 Yummy Scrummy Catering, Page 35 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 25 Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 16 Caerleon Child Care, Page 32 Trinity Pre-School, Page 12 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Cleaning & Domestic Services Broadcare, Page 38 Classic Cleaning, Page 9 More in directory on BSJ website Computer Services JRT Computing, Page 18
Cycle Repairs
Ride On Cycles, Page 15 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 18 Double Glazing JDC Windows, Page 1 Driving Schools Visit directory on BSJ website Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Edwards, Page 1 Ocean, Page 27 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 34 Gardening Services Plan-It Garden Design, Page 16 Gyms & Health Clubs LivingWell Health Club, Page 34 More in directory on BSJ website Hair & Beauty Beauty Plus, Page 23 Beauty Secrets, Page 38 Karen Mobile Hairdressing, Page 38
Limelight Hair & Beauty, Page 24 Peachy Stylist, Page 38 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 8 Kitchen Transformations, Page 27 Quality Bathrooms & Kitchens 4U, Page 9 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Wash Shop Plus, Page 38 Legal Services Hutchinson Legal & Associates, Page 36 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 29 Opticians Specsavers, Page 33 Pet Services & Supplies Friends for Pets, Page 28 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 26 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 27 Plumbing & Heating C & S Plumbing, Page 11 Phil Ashton Plumbing, Page 29 Richard Joseph, Page 15
Pubs & Restaurants Visit directory on BSJ website Room & Facilities Hire BSCS Lettings, Page 30 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Self Storage Simply Self Store Ltd, Page 38 Shopping Mrs Willows Treats & Sweets, Page 31 The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Page 39 The Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Slimming Clubs Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 31 Slimming World, Page 13 Sport and Leisure Get Tough Bootcamp, Page 4 Infinity Streetdance, Page 19 RhiActions Dance, Page 17 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 38 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 38 Tutoring KJ Tuition, Page 4
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38
February 2014
www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
BROADCARE LTD For all your home care and support services within Bristol & S Glos areas: • Domestic cleaning, spring cleans • Gardening services • Home care (support and care for you or your relatives). CRB/DBS checked & insured Contact: Hilary Broad for an informal discussion of your requirements. tel: 01454 619554 / 07876 666458 or email: hilaryb66@btinternet.com BEAUTY SERVICES
TAXIS
Business Directory Advertise here for just £20 per month (when you sign up for three issues) Phone us now on 01454 300 400 CAKE MAKERS & DECORATORS
To advertise here, phone 01454 300 400
Sweet Tracey Cakes Stoke Gifford - Bristol
Wedding Cakes, Cake Pops, Cupcakes and all types of Celebration cakes, all beautifully handmade to order. www.sweettraceycakes.co.uk Contact Tracey on: 07821 436907 Email : sweettraceycakes@yahoo.co.uk LAUNDERETTES
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11 The Parade,Patchway Bristol BS34 5LP Tel : 0117 947 0284
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Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding & Curtains washed, Dry cleaning Tailor repairs/alterations, Ironing service.
CARPET CLEANING
HAIRDRESSERS
Jim Reid Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• LEATHER SUITES CLEANED • ORIENTAL RUGS CLEANED
Mon - Fri 10am to 4.00pm, Sat 10am to 1pm.
(last service 1 hr. prior to closing times)
Telephone: 01454 615349 Mobile: 07836 377697
RUBBISH CLEARANCE
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To advertise here, phone 01454 300 400
Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance We load and clear Same day service Household, garden, garage & sheds cleared Single item jobs Cheaper than a skip No VAT
Freephone Stuart or Sue on 0800 0234 995 Licensed waste carrier
To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
Wednesday 26th – Sunday 30th March 18 catwalk fashion shows presented by TV fashion stylist Mark Heyes and celebrity hair stylist Andrew Barton. Tickets from £8.95 available early February at mallcribbs.com Supported by
#BFWSS14
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