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March 2014 • Issue 11
SCHOOLS P6 | LETTERS P8 | POLICE P22 | WHAT’S ON P29 | DIRECTORY P30
DECISION TIME
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COUNCIL TO CHARGE FOR GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION FROM 31st MARCH 2014 Will you opt in?
PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE l Multiple major roadworks – delays for next year? l Parking easier at surgery – staff told to park off-site l Santander agency at Willow Brook to close l Council tax frozen for fourth consecutive year l Scouts install war memorial at Willow Brook
Page 16
Green £36 p.a. Bin PAYG £2 each Sacks Superfast broadband upgrade
Works starts for 01454 numbers
Leisure centre car park
P4
Capacity to be increased in March
P9
l Entries open for 2014 Bradley Stoke 10k Run l Teachers in training for memorial cycle ride
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March 2014
Broadband: The long wait could soon be over 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.
I’d like to start with an apology… there’s been so much happening in Bradley Stoke this month that we’ve struggled to pack everything into this edition! Some of the articles are a little shorter than we would have liked, but, as always, you can find out more about most of the topics via the ‘magazine links’ page on our website (see below for details). It’s great to see that work is finally under way to bring faster broadband speeds to around 3,500 of the homes in Bradley Stoke that are connected to the Almondsbury telephone exchange (01454 numbers).
It’s been a VERY long wait – The Journal has been campaigning on this issue since 2010 and the town’s sluggish internet speeds were even featured on the BBC Politics Show West as long ago as 2009! It looks like the new superfast service will be available to order, for some at least, from June (perhaps earlier), but a ‘fly in the ointment’ is that a large number of subscribers are discovering that they are served by ‘exchange only’ lines rather than from a street cabinet, which means they will have to wait longer. 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.
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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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3
News
Multiple major roadworks likely to cause delays for next year
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radley Stoke commuters could face long delays during an £8 million programme of road and cycle improvements that is due to get under way this spring, South Gloucestershire Council has warned. Over £8m is to be invested in a series of major road and cycle route improvements in the North Fringe areas of Filton, Patchway, Aztec West and Hambrook, with the work scheduled to start as early as April. The package of eight major schemes will help to tackle traffic congestion and increase the capacity and quality of the local road network and sustainable travel options, such as cycle and pedestrian routes, ahead of the development of the planned Cribbs/Patchway New
Neighbourhood. As part of the work, key junctions on the A38 and A4174 will be widened and improvements will be made to the local road network at the M5 Junctions 16 and 17 with funding from the Government’s ‘Pinch Point’ road improvements programme. Two cycle and pedestrian crossings on the A4174 – at Hambrook and the M32 Junction 1 – will also be substantially improved, to increase safety and help promote sustainable travel in the North Fringe area. This work is being funded from the Government’s Cycle Ambition Fund following a successful funding bid by the council last year. The road bridge on Church Road in Frampton Cotterell
will also be replaced between March and October 2014 as part of planned maintenance works. Diversions will be in place during this time. Government support for the schemes requires that the works be completed by March 2015 and for this reason some projects will run simultaneously during the works period. However, the schemes have been scheduled to minimise travel disruption where possible and road users are being encouraged to plan ahead to avoid delays, including considering alternative routes or other modes of transport where possible. Up-to-date information on the schemes including details of consultations on individual projects and links to travel planning advice are available on the council’s website at www.
southglos.gov.uk/nfringeworks One the first schemes likely to affect Bradley Stoke commuters is the proposed widening of a 120m stretch of Gipsy Patch Lane, on the westbound approach to the A38 Gloucester Road. The work, which will extend the length of the dedicated left-turn lane onto the southbound A38, is expected to start in April. Public consultation on the proposed scheme for Gipsy Patch Lane runs until 9th March.
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March 2014
News
Work finally gets under way to bring faster broadband to 01454 numbers in Bradley Stoke
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ork is finally under way to bring faster broadband services to the first of around 3,500 homes in Bradley Stoke that are connected to the Almondsbury telephone exchange (serving 01454 numbers) and have no access to the Virgin Media cable network. The homes that will benefit lie within ‘intervention areas’ in which BT, Virgin Media and other prospective network providers said they had no plans to invest in new superfast broadband infrastructure over the period 2012 to 2015, meaning they qualified for inclusion in a state-aided upgrade programme. Subscribers in Marjoram Place and Juniper Way look set to be the first to benefit after excavation work began in the vicinity of BT cabinet no. 35 on Webbs Wood Road, opposite the junction with Marjoram Place. The work to install a new fibre optic cabinet adjacent to the existing one is the first visible manifestation within Bradley Stoke of an investment programme that is being jointly funded by BT, South Gloucestershire Council and central government. The new fibre optic cabinet will be the third to be installed in Bradley Stoke, the first two (in Baileys Court Road and Stean Bridge Road) having been wholly-funded by BT as part
of its upgrading of the Filton telephone exchange (serving 0117 numbers), originally announced in April 2011. There are also signs that work is about to start on upgrading a further four BT cabinets in Bradley Stoke, after notices of planned work appeared on the roadworks.org website. South Gloucestershire Council has previously said that the first homes on 01454 numbers in Bradley Stoke will be able to order superfast broadband services from “summer 2014″, with all work completed by May 2015. An update report provided to Bradley Stoke Town Council on 6th February stated: “[BT] Openreach are making excellent progress with the surveying in Bradley Stoke. Once surveys are completed, work to install the new fibre-enabled cabinets will begin.” “Residents will see increased construction work going on in the Bradley Stoke area over the coming weeks. This work will include engineers laying the concrete plinths and installing the new fibre-enabled cabinets next to the existing ones, digging trenches between both cabinets and the nearest suitable power supply and installing the new fibre connection.” A ‘fly in the ointment’ that has become apparent from our readers’ feedback is the large number of homes in Bradley
Work under way at the site of BT cabinet no. 35 on Webbs Wood Road
Stoke that are connected via socalled ‘exchange-only’ (EO) lines. Such premises are wired directly to the telephone exchange without passing through a streetside cabinet, meaning that they will not benefit from the initial cabinet upgrade work that is now commencing. One Journal reader says the council has told him that BT will ”need to “completely re-arrange the existing copper network” in areas served by EO lines, to make it possible to install new fibreenabled cabinets. To access superfast broadband services once they become available, consumers will have
to sign up for a fibre broadband package from an Internet Service Provider of their choice (e.g. BT, TalkTalk, Sky, PlusNet, EE). These currently cost £5 to £10 per month more than a standard ADSL (copper wire) service and there may be one-off charges for the provision of a new router and activation of the service. STOP PRESS: As the magazine went to press, work had also started on cabinet nos. 22 (Brook Way, serving Dewfalls Drive, Wheatfield Drive and others), 35 (Bradley Stoke Way, serving Brook Court, Champs Sur Marne and Hornbeam Close) and E4 (Woodlands Lane).
When will YOU be able to order superfast broadband? Are you on an ‘exchange only’ (EO) line? To find out, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/superfast
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March 2014
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5
News
Parking easier after disciplinary measures introduced at surgery
T
he car parking situation at Bradley Stoke Surgery has improved significantly after staff at the doctors’ practice were told, in January, that it would become a “disciplinary offence” to park on the site, a meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Planning Committee has heard. Patients of the surgery had complained that they were finding it impossible to find a parking space and many expressed frustration that the town council appeared to be exacerbating the situation by actively discouraging use of the parking area at the adjacent Brook Way Activity Centre. The town council wrote to the surgery in December asking that they “look at improving parking for their visitors and remind staff about off-site parking” and, after
no reply was received by midJanuary, representatives from the surgery were asked to attend the February meeting of the Planning Committee “to discuss parking issues on the Brook Way site”. Dr Norman Douglas and practice manager Sandra Lloyd duly attended the council meeting, and, asked by committee chair Cllr Tom Aditya to explain their “solutions”, Ms Lloyd explained the new enforcement regime for discouraging staff parking, which she said had resulted in an “adequate” number of spaces being available for patients since it was introduced in January. Ms Lloyd added that the surgery maintains a list of the registration numbers of vehicles owned by staff and she regularly patrols the car park to ensure that none of those are present.
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Of the 25 spaces owned by the surgery, two are reserved for oncall doctors, one for a midwife and another for pharmacy staff, which should leave 21 available for patients. However a further two spaces are currently being used by staff who are “incapacitated” (one is pregnant and the other recovering from an operation). Ms Lloyd reported that spaces for patients had been available on every occasion she had inspected the car park since the new policy was introduced. Dr Douglas added that there are now always spaces available when he arrives at the surgery at 8.15am, whereas previously the car park was often full at that time. Asked by one councillor where the bulk of the surgery’s staff are now parking their vehicles, Ms Lloyd replied: “Anywhere legal”.
A further measure being taken by the surgery is the planned introduction, later this year, of Saturday clinics for flu vaccinations, which it is hoped will ease pressure on mid-week parking during the busy months of October, November and December. Councillors also noted that the replacement of a sign which stated that the town council’s side of the car park was “strictly for activity centre users” with one that indicates that it is “open to all users”, unless chained off, has also helped improve the situation.
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Around the schools by Judith Summers of Bradley Stoke Radio BSCS recognised for anti-bullying work
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radley Stoke Community School (BSCS) is celebrating the news that it has gained the National Award from BIG (Bullying Intervention Group) for its commitment to anti-bullying work across the school. Val McFarlane, Director of BIG, said: “It is refreshing to find a school which has recently joined up to BIG, has already got so many different strategies already in place, and has achieved the BIG Award within weeks of their membership. We are delighted to have Bradley Stoke Community School among our BIG Award winners and wish it continued success in its anti-bullying work.” The BSCS Boccianators made their first ever appearance in the Lord’s Taverners Boccia Regional tournament in February. Max Norman, Thomas Humphreys, Dean Chard and Jake Norman were on court, with Owen Damsell acting as the ramp assistant, as the Boccianators won two and lost two matches and narrowly missed out on a place in the grand final. St Mary’s Primary and Wheatfield Primary both took part in sign2sing this month. The national event, organised by SignHealth, involved
BSCS Boccianators
hundreds of children across the country signing and singing the same song. It is hoped it will inspire more children to want to learn sign language, a valuable tool for future health workers, lawyers, teachers and community workers who wish to communicate with the deaf. World Book Day is on Thursday 6th March and children from all over the area are being encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. 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
t: 01454 300 400
March 2014
News Town councillors voice scepticism over development plan for Filton Airfield site
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radley Stoke town councillors voiced some sceptical opinions about South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) “vision” for the development of the Cribbs/ Patchway New Neighbourhood, which includes the former Filton Airfield site, at their February Planning Committee meeting. Discussing how the town council should respond to SGC’s recently published Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which details the infrastructure and facilities that will be required for the mixed-use development, councillors raised concerns about traffic congestion, public transport and broadband provision. Cllr Andy Ward described the SPD as being “incredibly anticar throughout”. He expressed scepticism about the planners’ expectations for a massive increase in public transport patronage, saying: “You can’t legislate for human nature. People will always rely on their cars.” Cllr Roger Avenin agreed, saying: “I despair what the
traffic’s going to be like in a few years’ time.” The lack of a requirement for the mandatory provision of fibre broadband infrastructure was highlighted by Cllr Ben Randles, saying this was “ridiculous”, given the problems that have been seen in Bradley Stoke. Two councillors, Ben Walker and committee chair Tom Aditya, once again expressed their opinion that the airfield shouldn’t have been closed and designated for redevelopment. Cllr Aditya said redeveloping the airfield site was “misuse of a national asset”, while Cllr Walker described the SPD consultation as a “mockery”, adding: “It will be steam-rollered through.” He also predicted that the proposed reliance on public transport “just will not happen”. The town clerk was asked to collate councillors’ comments and then circulate the council’s response to committee members for extra comments prior to formal submission to SGC by the deadline of 28th February.
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7
News
Scouts install war memorial in Willow Brook town square
A
war memorial, in the form of a “simple granite pillar” has been installed in the town square at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook shopping centre. According to a press release issued by the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group, the structure is intended as “a generic memorial to remember all members of our armed forces (and civilians who support them) who have died due to conflict”. The project has been funded entirely by the Scouts and the Willow Brook Centre after efforts to attract £3,000 of public funding from South Gloucestershire Council in November last year were met with calls for “further consultation regarding the siting of the memorial”. The Scout group’s original plans to mount black name plaques onto existing granite posts in the town centre were ridiculed in the national press last summer, because no resident of the town is known to have been killed in military action. At a meeting in July last year, town councillors in Bradley Stoke agreed to “support the Scouts in the concept of some form of stone
or memorial to remember the fallen”, but they stopped short of endorsing the town square at the Willow Brook Centre as a suitable location for it, with several members suggesting that a quieter location elsewhere in the town should be considered. The question of location was also raised in a letter read out at the Southern Brooks Area Forum meeting last November, in which Sara Messenger, a member of the Bradley Stoke in Bloom group, described the Willow Brook Centre as “an inappropriate place for a war memorial”. Ms Messenger’s letter continued: “How is it possible to hold a dignified Remembrance Day Service in the centre of a shopping parade? How can we give silent thanks to the 1,300,000 soldiers who gave their lives in the two world wars, so that we and others can live in peace and freedom when you have shopping trolleys barging past and shoppers shoving doughnuts into their faces while gawping at you?” Katherine Robinson, Beaver Scout Leader, said: “Every year Scouts are heavily involved
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Members of each section of the Scout group (l-r: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers) beside the newly-installed war memorial in the town square
in Remembrance ceremonies around the world and our young people learn of its significance. This new memorial can now be a focus point for observing Remembrance Sunday and ensuring each successive generation never forgets the sacrifices of others.”
Town’s links with warfare
“The town’s geographic landscape has many links to warfare as well as a major MOD base (Abbey Wood) nearby. This year also sees the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, making the memorial’s creation all the more relevant.” “The town square was chosen as it provides a hard standing where a large number of people can safely
gather (our Scout group alone has 200 members and Remembrance takes place in November when more rural locations are often boggy and muddy). The central location is accessible to all, has plenty of parking and is patrolled by security guards to protect the memorial from potential vandalism.” Bradley Stoke Mayor Brian Hopkinson, speaking at the town council’s Leisure, Youth and Amenities Committee meeting on 17th February, said it was a shame the Scouts hadn’t undertaken further public consultation on the siting of the memorial, adding “at the end of the day, we [the council] have no control over it, as it has been erected on private land”.
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March 2014
Letters and Opinions How are we getting on at Bluebell Gardens? We’re glad you asked! We noticed particularly the friendliness when we ‘emerged’ from Filton to Bradley Stoke. Particularly from those we met on arrival. From toddlers to assistants in the Willow Brook Centre … there seemed to be an element of togetherness – despite age difference – as visible from those we met along the way. Here in Bluebell Gardens it’s been difficult to generate social activities due to the restrictive size of the communal lounge and the location of individual flats – i.e. over three floors. Having abandoned bingo, our activities are now more or less centred on coffee mornings. Though recently ‘slimming mornings’ for the ladies are beginning to take hold. As for television in the lounge?
That went up on the wall and hurriedly came down again when damage resulted. Around Christmas, we had an excellent visit to the pantomime, “Cinderella” at the Bristol Hippodrome. We miss the visits from an Elvis Presley look-alike. His “Are you lonesome tonight?” drew an instant response. They abandoned walking sticks and, despite rheumatics, … got ‘rockin’. The size of our present lounge can’t accommodate that kind of activity, though we do indulge in quiz nights with a chat and a cuppa in quieter surroundings. Attempts have been made to form a residents’ committee, but to no effect. Consequently, charity contributions have wilted. We had a tasty ‘morning breakfast’ recently. It brought unexpected guests … the sausages got over-active in the frying pan causing smoke. A ‘ticking off’ from Merlin Housing scuppered it! Maybe as time progresses we
will find alternative activities to bring us closer together to enjoy yet again … those “good old days.” Cllr Douglas Daniels Bradley Stoke
Brook Court parking: “Buyer beware” Whilst I have every sympathy for the residents of Brook Court, as parking generally is becoming an ever increasing problem in Bradley Stoke and elsewhere, surely it is something they must have considered before buying one of these properties? Unless, of course, they do not drive , did not expect to have any visitors, and like to shop in Tesco (not everyone’s choice!). However, the audacity of South Gloucestershire Council planners to put all elderly residents in one category to suit their little box ticking exercise is quite disgraceful and typical. They obviously could not plan themselves out of a cardboard box as previous experience has shown – at great costs and inconvenience to the public they are supposed to serve, and who pay their high salaries. Their only concern is revenue
at any costs, to keep their empire and unelected expensive management afloat. The sharp end always suffers the cuts first, similar to the NHS with the doctors and nursing staff. The construction industry, as we know, try to get away with as little as possible, as it all adds to costs and eat into their profits. Check the financial press: “Let the buyer beware.” Fred Hillberg Bradley Stoke
New charge for green waste collection ● See story on page 16.
Reader comments from The Journal’s Facebook page: Angela Burgess: “What is really narking me is that we’re already paying for this service. And now we’re going to lose it with no reduction in council tax, unless we agree to pay for it again (i.e. twice). Someone needs to take action – it’s not on!” Bert Hindle: “Guess it all just goes in the black bin now? No doubt this will start applying to the glass/cans/paper before long too.”
Almondsbury Allotments news Rain rain go away!
W
ell the highlight of this month’s allotment action has been sorting the shed out. What a month! We have had to settle with some planning and a bit of early Garden Centre browsing. Potatoes are on the shed windowsill chitting, and the first couple of seed trays have been set up on the kitchen windowsill. We were planning on getting our compost heap turned this week, as instructed by our trusty allotment handbook. Looks like this will have to wait. Leeks are still growing, though extremely slowly. Hurry up Springtime! March 1st is new allotment
allocation time at Hortham Farm, so if you fancy joining the men, women and children manning the horticultural trenches, give Oakleigh a call on 01454 612 451, or pop over and have a look around. Britain needs you to grow your own veg! Andrew Allotment 23
For more information, visit: www.horthamfarm.co.uk
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March 2014
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News
Leisure centre to create 20 extra parking spaces
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ircadian Trust, the operator of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, has announced that it is to carry out work during March to create an additional 20 car parking spaces at the popular facility. A notice displayed at the centre explains: “You may be aware that the centre’s car park does not always have adequate spaces during busy times of the day.” “Over the last six months, the centre has been monitoring the usage of the car park at busy times and also listening to customer feedback on the matter.” “To help rectify the problem, work will take place during the next year [2014] to increase the number of spaces in the car park.” “Phase 1 will start in March, with an increase of 20 spaces. Once completed, more work
will be planned to ensure the maximum number of spaces can be achieved in the car park.” Mark Crutchley, Chief Executive of Circadian Trust, told The Journal that the extra 20 spaces will be created by “taking away some grassed areas and rearranging the layout of the car park”. The work is expected to take around three weeks to complete. Looking ahead, space for a further 26 car parking spaces will be released when the current skate park is replaced with one at a new location within the leisure centre site, subject to Bradley Stoke Town Council finding funding and obtaining planning permission for that project. Mr Crutchley added that it might be necessary to look at a “decked” car parking solution
Packed car park at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on a recent Monday morning
at some point in the future, perhaps when the leisure centre is expanded, which could happen within the next two or three years, subject to the availability of funding.
South Glos councillors recently approved the spending of up £100k on progressing plans for the provision of “additional capacity” at leisure centres in Bradley Stoke and Longwell Green.
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March 2014
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Ask the Chiropractor with Craig from the Willow Brook Clinic
Grants awarded
Let’s talk about lower back pain… What is lower back pain treatments are discussed with the and what causes it? patient before being undertaken. It is normally caused by What is that clicky sound overloading the joints or muscles heard when your back is in the lower back. The pain can manipulated? vary from being localised or Chiropractors manipulate can spread to the buttocks and specific joints between vertebrae even into the legs, which can be to ease discomfort and improve as a result of a trapped nerve, movement. The joint has a commonly called Sciatica. capsule around it which holds How can chiropractic help gases and fluids. When a joint lower back pain? is moved, the gas pressure in Patient treatment is according the capsule changes making a to their individual needs. After ‘popping’ sound. taking a history of the problem, Does it hurt? a relevant physical examination Nearly never, however, if there is done. The chiropractor is spasm in the surrounding discusses the best way forward muscle it may be more difficult with the patient and treatment to manipulate the joint. can be in different forms – What are my chances of joint manipulation, muscle recovery? work, massage, mobilisation, Chiropractic care has been acupuncture and home exercises. shown to be extremely effective Do all patients get joint in treating lower back pain. weaBLOCKman[decisions]BSJ 6/2/14However, 12:17 thePage manipulation? longer1 you leave No, only if it is necessary to something, the longer it takes to achieve the best results. All get better.
Do chiropractors only treat lower backs? No. Chiropractors tend to see more patients with lower back problems as they are seen as ‘spinal specialists’. However, they are trained in assessing and treating many conditions including general joint and muscle pain, sports injuries and many more. I particularly enjoy treating neck problems and headaches, some types of which respond very well to Chiropractic care. Is Chiropractic only for adults? All ages can benefit from Chiropractic. Treatment is modified for younger and older patients. Currently my youngest patient is a gorgeous 5 month old and my oldest is a sprightly 91 year old! www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 15.
Bradley Stoke Town Council has agreed the following grants and service level agreements: ● A Service Level Agreement to the value of £1,764 with the South Glos Chinese Association. ● A Service Level Agreement to the value of £2,404 with Four Towns & Vale Link Transport. ● A Grant Aid award of £500 to the Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group. ● A Grant Aid award of £500 to Bradley Stoke Cricket Club, towards the cost of new matting. ● A Grant Aid award of £500 to The West of England MS Therapy Centre, towards the cost of providing oxygen therapy treatment at the centre. ● A Grant Aid award of £500 to Victim Support, towards the cost of outreach sessions. ● A Grant Aid award of £500 to Holy Trinity Church in Bradley Stoke, towards the cost of setting up a monthly afternoon tea project for the 50+ age group.
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11
News
Santander agency at Willow Brook to close “within six months”
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radley Stoke’s only banking facility, the Santander agency branch at the Willow Brook Centre, is to close “within six months”, The Journal has learned. A reader with an account at the branch contacted us on Thursday 13th February to say she had received a letter stating that the Bradley Stoke branch would be closing “later this year”. The news was confirmed two days later by a Santander spokesperson who explained that, following a strategic review, the international bank has decided to consolidate its retail operations into its proprietary branches. Across the country, Santander has served notice on 139 such ‘agencies’ (retail outlets not owned by the bank which provide limited banking services under licence and use Santander’s branding). Steve Pateman, Head of UK Banking at Santander said: “Santander has come a long way
from when it was a collection of three building societies. With a simplified and enhanced product range, we are offering our customers great value every day, and with enhancements in mobile banking, internet capability and the improvements we have made to our proprietary branches, we have a distribution capability that allows our customers to bank with us, in the way they want, when they want.” “Part of enabling customers to choose how they deal with us, is making sure that all of our retail branches offer full banking. Consolidating our operations, following today’s announcement, is a vital next step for Santander, allowing us to concentrate on further enhancements and investment in, our proprietary branch network, including branch openings and refurbishments.” Once the agency branch closes, the nearest Santander branch to
Santander agency branch in the mall at the Willow Brook Centre
Bradley Stoke will be the one in Kingswood. The announcement means that banking services at the Willow Brook centre look set to be lost for the third time in less than five years. The unit housing the current Santander branch originally opened as a Nationwide agency in October 2008, only to close suddenly in February 2010. It then reopened as a Santander agency in December 2010 before closing again in August 2011. It then reopened under the
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Santander brand for a second time, under new management, in September 2011. The disappointed Santander account holder who contacted The Journal said: “When we switched our account last year, the staff were very positive that the agency had a long term future in Bradley Stoke.” “I hope another bank sees that there is an opportunity here, or maybe the Post Office.” The owner of the Bradley Stoke agency could not be contacted and staff at the branch said they had been told not to give any further information to the media. A Santander spokesperson told The Journal: “It may not mean the loss of banking services to Bradley Stoke, as the agent (who, of course, is a third party) might choose to find an alternative supplier. There are some building societies that still use agencies.” He added that Santander offers full internet, mobile and telephone banking services. Speaking a few days after the Santander announcement, Andy Wynn, manager of the Willow Brook Centre, said: “We are naturally disappointed that Santander’s decision to close it’s UK wide network of agency branches will see the Willow Brook branch close, particularly with thoughts to the team that work there. However, our focus now switches to marketing the unit to prospective new tenants over the coming months.”
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March 2014
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Bouncing Babies group in Bradley Stoke By Cheryl Godsell of Southern Brooks Community Partnership s a team, we work with families in different ways; on a one-to-one basis, through training courses and group work. Bouncing Babies is just one of the groups we currently run. Funded through Bradley Stoke Town Council and Knightstone Housing, it is an important group and here’s why: Having a baby can be both an exciting and daunting experience, particularly if it is your first. The early years and, in particular, the bonds we form with our babies form the foundations of the parent-child relationship and are crucial to future development. Children with positive attachments to their parents are less likely to have behavioural problems and more likely to have positive relationships with others as they develop. To support
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this process Southern Brooks Community Partnership runs the Bouncing Babies group for parents/carers and their babies who are under one. Parents and carers come to have fun; there is play and singing at each session. Parents are free to play with their children using the many different good quality toys that we provide to help with the development of the ‘baby brain’ and the parent-child relationship. It also provides a great opportunity to meet other parents in similar situations, share experiences and form new friendships. Experienced staff are on hand to support and answer questions as required and refreshments are provided. The venue and the staff provide a welcoming atmosphere that makes parents and their babies feel relaxed. We would love to hear from parents about activities that
Having fun at the Bradley Stoke Bouncing Babies group
would be of interest, or how we could further improve the group. If you would like to find out more about the group, contact
Tendai on 01454 867076 or Come and join us on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3 pm at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road.
The Bradley Stoke Journal is an independent newspaper, produced without subsidy from the public purse
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March 2014
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J93175 AF BRADinfo@bradleystokejournal.co.uk STOKE journal half page fresh advert_Layout 1 13 11/02/2014
By Sara Messenger espite the dreary weather the group managed to lay a substantial length of hedge along Bradley Stoke Way, although the Sunday was considerably brightened by the group supplying lunch for everyone, Vegetarian sausages and bacon butties cooked on site! February’s task was, starting from the bridges, to cut back vegetation that was over hanging the brooks, this allows more light onto the streams which increases its plant life, which in turn helps the fish, mainly sticklebacks & stone loach. We were pleased to see a flash of blue as one of our resident kingfishers came to inspect our efforts. The group have been regularly monitoring the levels of the lake and the brooks. The brooks are very fast flowing and we would
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entire reserve each week so if you see any vandalism please let us know. But on a positive note, spring is coming to the reserve! Squirrels have been seen pairing up, the birds are inspecting our boxes and the ponds are coming awake with hopeful frogs! We are joining in with the national ‘The big Spring Clean’ campaign and would really appreciate everyone coming to help give their reserve a spring clean. We will supply the bags and litter pickers and we will have some gloves too. We have several dates registered so far; Saturday 1st March 10am – 12pm, Thursday 13th March 10am – 1pm, Saturday 5th April 10am – 12pm, with another Thursday to be confirmed. The meeting point for all dates is behind the leisure centre. We are hoping to give the children that
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Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group monthly report for February
OP 24 EN
News
A fresh approach to fitness! Membership for less than £30 per month!*
Hedgelaying weekend on the nature reserve in January 2014
urge everyone to keep small children and dogs away from the edge. During the autumn/ winter the Environment Agency, “reduce the water level within the lake by manual adjustment of the outlet control conveying flow into the downstream watercourse”. (in other words, when it rains a lot, they pull the plug out downstream). There has again been vandalism on the reserve, with 5 incidents reported to the Police this month; we can’t cover the
come certificates, so it would be very helpful if you could email us and let us know if you’re coming and would like a certificate. We are very pleased to say that local insurance company LV have already registered to help us but everyone is needed to come and join us make the reserve a better, cleaner place. For further information visit our website, www.three-brooks. info, email info@three-brooks. info, call Hannah on 0797 142 6266, or visit our Facebook page.
Call 0845 5196761 or visit www.anytimefitness.co.uk
*Low Cost membership option. Other membership options available. Admin fee applies. Terms and conditions apply.
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Bradley Stoke through the camera lens by Becky Ward
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his month I thought I would like to give you an insight into Bradley Stoke’s very own radio station (BSR 103.4fm). Community radio is a brilliant platform for getting your voice heard, whether you’re a performer, presenter or local community organisation. This month Bradley Stoke Radio are working with Yellow Brick Music’s Coffee House Sessions (a twenty six week university tour) and BSR are hoping to feature various up-and-coming performing artists on the Friday Drive Time show for interviews and possible live sets. The Coffee House Sessions is a scheme put in place by Yellow Brick Music, with help from the BBC Radio 1 presenter Ally McCrae, who has selected the featured acts. Throughout the twenty six week tour, up and coming artists are given a thirty minute slot to perform in
The
Johnny Lucas plays live on BSR
university student unions across the country. The first Bristol gig took place at UWE Frenchay on 14th February, featuring Johnny Lucas. Johnny is the digital version of a one man band. Having written his own songs, he uses a loop pedal in order to record himself playing bass guitar, beat-boxing and singing backing vocals in order to play back
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while he sings and plays lead guitar- all with a huge smile on his face! During his set on BSR, he played three original songs and spoke of his experiences, performing a concert for soldiers in Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, although he did complain that he wasn’t able to keep the Apache helicopter that he was allowed to sit in. The highlights of his trip were performing to 2,000 armed troops and flying in to the base in an RAF Hercules plane, things that he said will stay with him for life! With sunshine in his songs and a huge smile on his face, Johnny was a pleasure both to listen to and to interview, and had me singing about ‘Lilo’ (his recent self-penned hit) for a long time after he’d left. Listen to the interview on BSR’s Mixcloud at: http://bit. ly/bsr-johnny-lucas
March 2014
Street lights could stay on later from October
Street lights in Bradley Stoke that are currently switched off at around midnight (GMT) look likely to be left on for an extra hour from October after Labour councillors negotiated an extra £50,000 of expenditure in South Gloucestershire Council’s revenue budget for 2014/15. A party spokesperson said the concession was being made in response to “widespread concern from residents about the council’s part-night lighting programme”. The cost-saving scheme was introduced in Bradley Stoke in 2011 after a public consultation found that 54% of those replying were in favour.
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
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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
March 2014
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News
Teachers in training for memorial cycle ride
Mr Sharp and Mr Anthony in the school gym being put through their paces by 6th form AS level PE students Zach Miller and Sam Wentland
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n May 2014, two teachers at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) will attempt a non-stop 24-hour cycle marathon in memory of BSCS student Sarah Port, who sadly passed away last summer. They plan to leave BSCS at 2pm on Thursday 22nd May and arrive back at school by 2pm on Friday 23rd May. Their intended route will take them on a round trip of 210 miles, from BSCS all the way to Devon, where Sarah enjoyed many happy family holidays.
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Networking and mutual support at the Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum
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he Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum (BSSBF) meets on the second Monday of each month at the Aztec Hotel, between 6.30 pm and 8.30pm. Although it’s an obvious opportunity to network, the purpose of the forum is also to allow local business owners to converse with each other, discuss potential business opportunities and provide assistance in developing their businesses. Bradley Stoke is a thriving community where tens of thousands of people live, furthermore there are a large number of businesses which operate from Bradley Stoke, whether that be individuals who work from home or small businesses which are based in the various local business parks. Irrespective of the product or
service a business may offer, many small business owners will find the same recurrent themes which affect them, matters such as marketing, obtaining new clients, finding and keeping good staff members, managing cash flow etc. The idea is that by meeting up and discussing these subjects, local businesses can help each other and collectively develop and thrive together. We aim to create a friendly environment and visitors are always welcome. The next meeting is on Monday 10th March. For further information please contact Richard Wilcox on 07786 933 765 or visit bradleystokesmallbusinessforum. ning.com
Next forum meeting: Monday 10th March
Mr Andy Sharp, Curriculum Team Leader Product Design and Mr Oliver Anthony, Humanities Teacher, are now hard in training both in the gym at BSCS and on the road to get up to full fitness before this event. All proceeds raised will go to Transplant Sport, the charity nominated by Sarah’s family. Please contact Paula Warren at BSCS (paula.warren@ bradleystokecs.org.uk) if you can offer any sponsorship or support in any form.
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March 2014
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Decision time: Will you “opt in” and pay £36 p.a. for council to continue green bin collection?
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radley Stoke residents are being encouraged to consider their options for garden waste disposal ahead of service changes being introduced this spring. From 31st March, South Gloucestershire Council’s green bin service moves to a subscription-only basis and residents who wish to continue to receive the service after this date can subscribe now via the council’s website. The optional service costs £36 per year and includes fortnightly collections. Residents who do not wish to subscribe to the service have
a number of other options to dispose of their garden waste. These include the free and environmentally-friendly option of composting, which ensures that garden waste and uncooked kitchen waste can be returned to the garden as a free soil improver. Residents can order home compost bins at competitive rates from the council’s partner www.getcomposting.com and as part of the drive to increase composting, residents moving into new-build homes in the district will also be offered a voucher for a new free home compost bin from April 2014. For residents who require
As on see TV n
With it’s not just about what you lose, it’s about what you get back!
only occasional garden waste collection, ad hoc waste collection sacks will be available from 14th March from council libraries (e.g. Bradley Stoke). Sacks cost £2 each and users can book a collection date via the council’s website or by calling 01454 868000 and leaving your house number and postcode on a messaging service. Residents can also continue to dispose of garden waste free of charge at their local Sort It! centre. As part of the changes being introduced from the summer, Sort It! centres will have new traffic management measures as well as traffic cameras to allow residents to check how busy their local centre is before setting out. The changes form part of the council’s revised waste strategy for 2013-19, which was approved by councillors in 2013 following consultation with residents. The strategy will also see kerbside recycling extended to include mixed plastics, drinks cartons and small electrical items from 31st March. South Gloucestershire already has one of the highest recycling rates of all unitary authorities and the changes aim to build on this success by extending the recycling service to include more
types of waste. They will also help the council to balance its income against the cost of delivering services at a time when all local authorities are receiving less money from government. Further information on garden waste options, including online booking for the green waste service and ad hoc sack collection, are available on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/ gardenwasteservice The council says it will also communicate information about the new services through hangers on bins, roadshow events (during March) and its South Gloucestershire News magazine. ● See Q & As on page 17. ● A planning application has been made by SITA, the council’s waste management contractor, to install two pole-mounted cameras at the Sort It! centre in Station Road, Little Stoke. The cameras will enable residents to “view the real-time traffic situation [at the site] from their home computer or mobile phone”.
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March 2014
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News
Council tax frozen for fourth year
Garden waste changes: Questions & answers
ouncil tax in South Gloucestershire is to be frozen for a fourth consecutive year after threeparty revenue budget proposals were agreed at a meeting of Full Council on 19th February. A revenue budget of £190.7 million was set for 2014/15, with council tax for a Band D property remaining unchanged at £1,245.20. A further freeze is also planned for 2015/16, followed by a two per cent increase in 2016/17. The council says it has been able to freeze council tax for a fourth year due to positive progress with its current savings programme, which will have delivered savings of £43m by 2014/15, and higher than expected council tax receipts. The cost of the freeze will also be partially offset by a 1 per cent central government grant. In addition to the council
If I don’t want my green bin, will you remove it? We don’t recommend that you decide this immediately and so we will not be collecting green bins until after October 2014.
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tax freeze, the budget also sets out a new Council Savings Programme (CSP), which will begin in 2014/15, with the aim of delivering an additional £36m of savings by 2019/20. A spokesperson said: “This level of savings will require significant changes to services in the coming years as the role of the council evolves to meet anticipated reductions in its resources.” In addition to the South Gloucestershire element, bills that will be coming through letterboxes in the next few weeks will include contributions to the Avon and Somerset Police and
the Avon Fire & Rescue Service, both of which have risen by 1.99% over 2012/13, and the precept raised by Bradley Stoke Town Council (unchanged from last year), producing a grand total of £1,588.17 for a Band D property, an increase of 0.28 per cent over last year. Projected increases in the total council tax bill for the following three financial years are quoted as 0.54%, 1.95% and 1.94%. ● Bradley Stoke Town Council has frozen its precept for the fourth year running (not the fifth, as claimed in a newsletter recently delivered to all homes in the town).
Can I put my garden waste in my black bin? No you cannot put garden waste in your black bin. We retain the right not to empty any bins that contain garden waste other than the green bin and the garden waste sacks. What if I am a tenant or I am not responsible for the garden where I live? If you are not responsible for the garden of the property you live in then tell the person responsible for your garden about the charge. They can then decide if they want to pay to continue having the garden waste collected from the property.
Thinking about making a will?
Leave a legacy that will save lives!
Wills Week
Monday 31st March – Friday 4th April 2014
Create your will in aid of your local air ambulance WARDS-BRADLEY STOKE TEL 01454 204880
Contact the solicitors above and make your will for free, in return for a suggested donation to our charity. For details, terms and conditions please visit our website
0117 969 9344 www.gwaac.com Registered Charity Number: 1121300
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March 2014
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Mum raises £6,500 from Star Ball held in memory of son Ryan
Tamara Downes (left) and Mary Abrahams at CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice
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radley Stoke mum Mary Abrahams has raised £6,500 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), the charity which supported her late son, Ryan who died on 23
February 2010 (aged 14). Mary held a Star Ball in October to raise funds for the charity and mark what would have been Ryan’s eighteenth birthday. This is the third Star Ball which Mary
has held in memory of Ryan. Ryan, who was born with brittle bones and spinal muscular atrophy, made regular respite visits with his family to CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice near Wraxall. The family has remained in close contact with the charity since Ryan’s death. The ball, which was held at Tortworth Court, had a star theme with six giant inflatable stars hanging from the ceiling above the dance floor. The night consisted of a three course dinner, disco and auction. Mary, who wore a red dress as Ryan was a Manchester United fan, made a speech to thank friends and family for their continued support. Eddie Farwell, CHSW’s co-founder and Chief Executive, who attended the event talked about the charity’s Charlton Farm hospice. Speaking about this poignant time for the family and why they wanted to support CHSW, Mary said: “As any parent knows this day should have been a huge day celebrating Ryan’s 18th. As he is no longer with us, I still wanted a celebration of his life with family and friends.” “As we approach the fourth anniversary of my son Ryan’s
Man United fan: Ryan Abrahams
passing, or the day he got his wings, I feel inspired to raise much needed funds for the hospice. It helps me to thank them for their amazing support and how they helped me, my husband, and Ryan’s brother Warren through our darkest time.” “Through the star ball in October I raised £6,500.00 for CHSW and this takes the goal I have raised so far for local charities to £34,000.00. I feel proud as this is in memory of Ryan and I want his memory to live on. Love you, my little star Ryan” Tamara Downes, CHSW Community Fundraiser said: “We are honoured that Mary chose to mark Ryan’s birthday in this way. The event was a fitting tribute to a very special teenager. We’re hugely grateful for Mary’s tireless fundraising efforts. The money we receive from Government is not guaranteed each year, therefore fundraising is crucial to us being able to continue supporting families like Mary’s.”
Bradley Stoke Journal: 2,750 fans Advertising feature
Introducing Limelight Hair & Beauty Limelight is a modern, friendly and professional salon based on the A38 in Patchway. Our fully qualified team offer unisex cutting and styling, colouring and highlighting, children’s cuts, bridal and party hair, hair extensions, waxing, massage, nail care, eyelash extensions and much more. Victoria Partridge, salon owner and manager has been
qualified for over ten years (NVQ L2 & 3) and has 12 years salon experience. Her team are highly qualified in all aspects of hairdressing and she prides herself on a friendly, relaxed salon atmosphere. Limelight offer a bridal hair and make-up package available at your home or wedding venue. www.limelightsalons.co.uk
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March 2014
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News
Townswomen’s Guild flourishing in BS32
Willowbrook Townswomen’s Guild members at their anniversary meal
By Janine Smith ust over five years ago four ladies got together and formed a new group and named it the Willowbrook Townswomen’s Guild. It was the only women’s group to meet in the evening at that time, so after loads of advertising they finally interested another fifteen ladies to join them and a new group was formed.
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This year they have over 50 members. Items covered in previous years have been,Tai Chi, jewellery making, hanging basket making, wine tasting and fascinator making. Visitors
have included Morris Dancers, a pantomime dame, auctioneers and various choirs. This year’s agenda includes a glass jewellery maker, Colour me Beautiful and a talk on Bristol Botanical Gardens, together with days out, such as a visit to Bristol Blue Glass and a lovely anniversary meal planned. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the Jubilee Centre between 7.30pm and 9:30 pm. Ladies, why not come along land give us a try? We would love to see you. You would be guaranteed a good evening out with lots of friendship and fun! For more details, please call Janine on 01454-617645.
First ‘Friends of Jubilee Green’ events in 2014 By Michelle Dent ur spring events start with a Mother’s Day Craft Spectacular on Sunday 23rd March from 2pm to 4pm. Children will be able to make gifts and cards to give to mums, grandmas and any other important women in their lives. Join us for our Easter Event on Sunday 6th April from 2pm to 4pm where we will be making Easter crafts and, weather permitting, we will be having our annual Easter Bonnet parade. Both events are free and have been funded by a Bradley Stoke Town Council Community Development Grant; they will take place in the Jubilee Centre. We are also taking part in South Gloucestershire Council’s Big Spring Clean. Join us for a litter pick on Jubilee Green and in the park on Saturday 29th March between 10.30am and noon. Please wrap up warm and wear your wellies!
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Have you tried the new game in the park? There was a new addition to the park in December – a ‘game spinner’ has been introduced. The idea is that children spin the spinner and run to the carving the pointer stops on, the first one back gets to spin the spinner next. We have already had feedback from families and groups of children who have used the spinner and they say it is great fun!
For more info, visit: www.townswomen.org.uk
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March 2014
Royal British Legion fundraising concert The Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is holding its popular annual fundraising concert for the Poppy Appeal on Saturday 29th March in the Church Rooms, North Road, Stoke Gifford. The concert starts at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £6, (including refreshments), and can be ordered in advance from Terry Webber (0117 909 1486) or John Moloney (07802 535591). This year the concert features popular doo-wop singing trio ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’ (pictured below).
Money raised for the Poppy Appeal goes to the RBL’s Welfare Fund which helps the Legion to provide welfare and support to current and ex-service personnel and their families. Nationally, the RBL spends £1.6 million EVERY week on its welfare work. Branch press officer David Bell said: “I hope the public will support this event again this year - our concerts are always very popular and help us raise much needed funds for the Poppy Appeal, which funds the important welfare work that the Royal British Legion does.” Many are offering their services and facilities for free, including St Michael’s Church and The Cat’s Pyjamas themselves.
The Stoke Gifford Branch of the Royal British Legion is also planning another Tri Services Military Event’ this year – on Sunday 7th September at the Mile Straight Sports and Social Club, New Road, Stoke Gifford.
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March 2014
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Advertising Feature
Don’t turn spring into a blooming disaster!
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ith improving weather and lighter evenings the temptation to go out into the garden and do all the chores at once is strong and here in the clinic we see the injuries that result from this. Injuries happen for a variety of reasons but repetitive movements, sustained bending postures and lifting heavy objects are just a few of the culprits March signals the start of the gardening year and there is much to be done; beds need to be dug, lawns mowed, compost turned, and heavy pots moved. Then comes the planting stage, pruning, cutting of hedges and that lawn again! All of it is great exercise and, used wisely, is marvellous for keeping in trim. A few simple suggestions will help you continue to garden without injury and make the garden itself a place to enjoy. Top tips include switching
tasks regularly to make sure that your joints and muscles are moving in different ways, taking plenty of rest between tasks and using moving equipment for heavy objects. Try to avoid heavy lifting – and perhaps ask someone else to help you lift. Spread the load by digging only a small patch and then, maybe change task to planting seeds or pruning, before returning back to digging. Use wheelbarrows and long-reach extendible handled tools to prevent joints being over strained. Always make sure someone else is present if climbing steps or ladders. Wear gardening gloves to help increase grip. Kneeling stools can help ease painful lower limb joints If joints do become swollen and painful remember to have a good balance between rest and exercise, plan ahead to try and avoid too many journeys up and
down the garden and limit heavy lifting as much as possible. Physiotherapy helps to keep joints moving and muscles strong, and in good condition. Core exercise, such as Pilates, can help to prevent injuries. Bradley Stoke Physio wishes you all happy and safe gardening this spring.
Louise Dodds MCSP
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Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports “Let’s create a better internet together”
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n February there were activities promoting online safety across the world, with this year’s theme being “Let’s create a better internet together”. The aim is to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people. We held events across South Gloucestershire to promote safer internet use, online personal safety and ways to protect yourself from cyber crime. Our officers visited schools to talk to pupils, teachers and parents about online security, safe behaviours, obsessive use of computer technology, bullying, digital footprints, the reliability of websites, sexting and picture messaging. Our Chief Constable, Nick Gargan (@ngargan_police), is a keen internet and Twitter user himself. He said: “Social media
and the internet are fantastic resources and present many fun and exciting learning and social opportunities. However, we need to keep in mind that sadly the world online is the same as the real world and there are risks we need to be aware of and take steps to minimise. As always – prevention is better than cure!” “The need to keep children safe online is of paramount importance to parents, schools
and organisations such as the police and our partners. Education is the most effective method of doing this. We work with schools, parents and children themselves throughout the year to deliver online safety and crime reduction advice, but events such as Safer Internet Day are a really effective way of raising awareness.” “It isn’t just children we want to reach. Anyone who uses the internet either socially or for shopping, banking or other business uses needs to know how to protect themselves. There are lots of simple but effective things people can do to keep themselves safe online.” There is a lot of information on using computers safely on our website, www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ advice/computers-telephones/ internet-safety/ and I would recommend checking it out!
March 2014
Patchway Fire Station set to close by 2018
Patchway Fire Station looks set to close by 2018, as part of major organisational shake-up announced by Avon Fire & Rescue. The Patchway station, on the corner of Durban Road and Rodway Road, will be replaced by a new station that will be built “somewhere on the site of the former Filton Airfield”. Southmead Fire Station will also close within the same timeframe, with the resources of both stations being amalgamated at the new site. It is understood that the favoured location for the new station is close to the A38, at the eastern end of the former runway.
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youth company auditions coming soon! visit the website for info!
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March 2014
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23
Sport
Entries open for 2014 Bradley Stoke 10k Run
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ntries have now opened for the 2014 renewal of the Bradley Stoke 10k Run, to be held on Sunday 8th June as part of the town’s Community Festival. Organised by local ladies-only running club Sole Sisters, the race starts and finishes at the Jubilee Centre in Savages Wood Road, where there will also be free car parking, showers, toilets and refreshments for runners and spectators. The race route takes in much of the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve as well as stretches along Brook Way and Bradley Stoke Way. Last year’s winner was Andrew Cooke of Bristol & West AC, who completed the course in a time
of 34:31, with Hayley Bennett (also Bristol & West AC) the first woman home in 44:51. The entry limit for this year’s race is 600, the same as last year’s final figure – which was increased from 500 after places sold out by April! Entry fees are unchanged from 2013 at £13 (affiliated)/£15 (unaffiliated). As in previous years, the race will use ‘chip’ timing and all finishers will receive a technical t-shirt. Sole Sisters have chosen Paul’s Place as this year’s race charity. To enter, visit the Sole Sisters website at www.solesistersrc. co.uk or pick up an entry form from the Bradley Stoke Town Council office at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road.
‘Just for fun’ netball team celebrates ten years of playing in Bradley Stoke By Laura Blumire he Black and Blues (nonleague) netball team was first formed by two sisters back in 2003. They were looking for a way to exercise which didn’t involve going to the gym (boring!) or running (too much like hard work!) and came up with the old school favourite of netball. After discussions with other mums and friends who were interested, they found courts in Oldland Common and were regularly having 12-16 players each week. The courts weren‘t the best and as a lot of their members were travelling from the north side of Bristol they decided to look elsewhere. Bradley Stoke seemed to be the obvious choice, being an up and coming town and after looking at the various facilities in the area they decided on the courts at Brook Way Activity Centre (now under much
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debate!) and theBlack and Blues moved in Spring 2004. After several years at Brook Way it was decided that even better courts were required (not that our playing got any better!). We are now based at the courts behind Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS), where we have been for about the last four years. If you would like to find out more about us then please contact Laura on 01454 851075, Mon on 01454 617598 or visit our website at www. theblackandblues.co.uk Even better, come and visit us any Wednesday between 7.30pm and 9pm at BSCS. Your first session will be FREE (players need to be 18 or over). P.S. The name of the club came about due to the colour of the bibs worn, NOT what colour you would go home after a session with us!
Enter early to avoid disappointment!
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24
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March 2014
News
Death of popular cricketer John Mortimore Former Gloucestershire and England off-spinner had lived in Bradley Stoke since April 2013 By Grahame Holloway adly, the death has been announced of John Mortimore, a popular former Gloucestershire and England cricketer. John, aged 80, had recently undergone a successful hip replacement at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital but, after returning home, a few weeks later found it necessary to return after breathing problems occurred. He passed away shortly afterwards on 13th February. A true west countryman, John and Eileen, his wife, retired to Brook Court in Bradley Stoke in April of last year. John, joined Gloucestershire’s County side in 1950, and was to
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John Mortimore (l-r): A young cricketer in 1951 and at Brook Court in 2014
enjoy a first class cricket career spanning a quarter of a century which included the distinction of playing in nine test matches between 1959 and 1964. He also captained his county side between 1965-67 and was once described as “a notable member of Gloucestershire’s stable of
ocean
R O
post-war spinners” Although essentially an off-break spin bowler, John had the distinction of heading the batting averages during the 1958-59 Ashes series. As a bowler he batted late in each innings and was only out once giving him an average of 55 runs, the highest England average in a
series which was lost. John was to score over 15,000 runs and take more than 1,800 wickets in first class cricket, taking more than 100 wickets a season on three occasions and scoring more than a 1,000 runs in five seasons. In 1959, 1963 and 1964 he achieved ‘the double’. His highest score came in 1963 in a match against Nottinghamshire in which he scored a magnificent 149 runs in under two-and-a-half hours. John finally played his last games during the 1975 season, after which embarked on second career, in accountancy. The funeral was held at Canford Crematorium on Monday 24th February 2014 and was followed and by a gathering of his many friends and family at the County Ground. In addition to Eileen he also leaves a daughter, four sons and grandchildren.
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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
March 2014
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25
News Quiz for all, No. 6 (easy/hard, old/new)
How the BSCS primary school could look
Another ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 26. 1. Also playing at the 2014 Superbowl half-time show, which R&B singer and songwriter released the album ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’ in 2012, which is still in the UK top 40 chart today? 2. Which famous British school was founded by King Henry IV in 1440? 3. Which Gloucestershire village is home to Britain’s first Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre, founded by Sir Peter Scott in 1946? 4. In Spanish it is a ‘cerdo’, in Sweden a ‘gris’ and in Italian a ‘maiale’. What farmyard animal does this translate to in English? 5. In the UK, what is the only road sign to be on an inverted triangle? 6. Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals. Which player, who retired in 2008, is second with 188 goals? 7. Which Dickens work was his last and unfinished novel? 8. Comedian Jim Davidson won the 2014 edition of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’. Who was the last comedian to achieve the same feat, doing so in 2012? 9. In Greek mythology, which tragic character was the wife of King Laius of Thebes and mother of Oedipus? 10. Which of the cranial nerves is responsible for the transmission of the sense of smell?
11. As well as being the third largest city in Spain, by population, Valencia is also the third largest city in which other country? 12. Traditionally, which material, is supposed to be given as a gift, to a couple celebrating their twelfth wedding anniversary? 13. Which global TV show franchise, originated in Japan under the (translated English) title of ‘Tiger of Money’? 14. Which insect is responsible for infecting humans with the disease, Dengue Fever? 15. In which West End and Broadway musical, are the main characters comprised of sisters called Elphaba and Nessarose Thropp? 16. In which decade of the 20th century, did the Bristol Hippodrome theatre officially open? 17. Which human relation would someone fear if they suffered from ‘soceraphobia’? 18. Which European car manufacturer shares its name with the Latin word meaning ‘let there be’? 19. Lofoten is an island group located in the 68th and 69th northern parallels. Found in the Arctic Circle, to which country do the islands belong? 20. Which song title produced UK top 20 singles for Blondie in 1980, Go West in 1985 and Spagna in 1987?
Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org
Artist’s impressions of the proposed new ‘primary phase’ building at Bradley Stoke Community School were made available at consultation events held at the school in February. N.B. Appearance and materials of the new building may change as the design is developed for a planning application. Read more online: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links Advertising feature
Welcome to Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club
A
new after school and holiday club is to open soon in Bradley Stoke and local families are invited to find out more at an Open Day on Saturday 29th March. Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club aims to provide a unique service to the local community. Rather than just providing child care for parents who work, a wide range of activities will be on offer for the children to take part in after school and during holidays. There is an educational aspect to the club too, where children will receive half an hour group tuition in Maths and English from a qualified teacher. As well as structured arts and crafts sessions and study time there will be a selection of freechoice activities. Children will also be involved in the preparation of their own healthy snacks. The club will be held in the Woodlands Suite of the Jubilee Centre, providing a spacious, stimulating and secure environment, ideal for the promotion of children’s development and learning out of school. There is plenty of room both indoors and out for the children to play and have fun. At the centre of Bradley Stoke, the Jubilee Centre is conveniently located on Savages
Wood Road (off Brook Way) and ample car parking is available. A pick-up service from local schools will be available after school Monday to Friday. We have an excellent, highly qualified and caring team of staff, including a qualified teacher who offers English and Maths tuition. If you would like to make an appointment to come and meet the staff and look around, please contact us on 07938 192973 or email us at bradleystokewiseowlsclub@ gmail.com Alternatively, come and visit us at our Open Day at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke on Saturday 29th March, from 1pm to 3pm, featuring: • Owls and birds of prey display • Fun arts and craft session • Free refreshments
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26
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Ask the Doctor with Dr Norman Douglas of Bradley Stoke Surgery Wet, wet, wet !!!
A
s I am sure you have noticed, we are experiencing a very damp spell throughout the country. Hopefully, this is an isolated and short lived experience. Many of us will have noticed that we experience more prolonged periods when we are wet due to leakage or incontinence. This may not be an isolated instance and often we have put up with it because we think it is normal, we are embarrassed to ask about it, or we feel there is nothing that can be done about it. This is not necessarily so. Statistics say that 4 percent of people over the age of 50 are regularly incontinent but that 20 per cent of women over the age of 50 are occasionally incontinent. This is probably a gross underestimation as most women who have had
March 2014
t: 01454 300 400
children will get an occasional leak of urine when straining, laughing, coughing, jogging etc. This is due to weakness of pelvic floor muscles and can be helped by physiotherapy. Some people have over-active bladder muscles and they can have problems because of an uncontrollable urge to pass urine, this can be helped by medication. Some men have enlarged and reactive prostates which can cause dribbling which is unexpected after having passed urine. This should be assessed as there are medical treatments which are very effective. Some children and adults wet the bed and there are many reasons that this can occur which should be investigated before considering treatment options. The most common reasons for incontinence are not serious medical problems but they can
be a nuisance and can cause embarrassment. There is often help available from simple advice to physiotherapy, medications and even surgery so don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor. It has been extremely windy recently. Maybe I can address this in next month’s issue! When it is dry again remember that walking is a really good exercise and exercise is more beneficial and preventative for your cardiovascular well-being than lots of medication, so why not leave the car at home? This would help your health and the environment, not to mention our parking issues!! I hope you all have a dry and healthy month. Dr Norman Douglas www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk
Quiz answers (page 25) 1. Bruno Mars 2. Eton College 3. Slimbridge 4. Pig 5. Give way 6. Andrew Cole 7. The Mystery of Edwin Drood 8. Julian Clary 9. Jocasta 10. Olfactory nerve 11. Venezuela 12. Silk 13. Dragons’ Den 14. Mosquito 15. Wicked 16. 1910s (1912) 17. Parents-in-law 18. Fiat 19. Norway 20. Call me
Competition winner Congratulations to Jonathan Newman, winner of our February prize quiz! The answer to the question was: The 1870s. Jonathan’s prize is a copy of The Chambers Dictionary.
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March 2014
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27
News
Husse pet food competition winner
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he Bradley Stoke Journal is pleased to announce that Rebecca Oatway is the lucky winner of our exclusive January prize draw to win a six month supply of Husse pet food. The first instalment of Rebecca’s prize, a 15kg bag of pro-biotic salmon & rice pellets, was presented to Rebecca and her 9-month old golden retriever Charlie by Husse North Bristol’s Eva Michna. Rebecca, who became a dog owner after recently moving into her north Bradley Stoke home with partner Richard Jones, said she was “nicely surprised” to win the prize, which has a total retail value of around £250. Eva said: “We are delighted with the response of the Bradley Stoke community to our free prize draw competition. Journal readers were clearly impressed with our local and convenient service and wide range of products.”
“Husse pet food is made from fully-traceable, ethically sourced ingredients and doesn’t use chemicals – our kibble is specially created to ensure the optimum amount of dental cleaning.” “Congratulations to Rebecca and her dog Charlie for winning.
Because Charlie had such a bad experience as a puppy with pet food from the supermarket, we have suggested to feed him on our hypo-allergenic top range product – salmon & rice. It will provide a complete balanced diet and it’ll guarantee him a healthy start in life.”
Advertising feature
‘Beauty Plus by Myriam’ opens new salon
Eva Michna of Husse North Bristol (left) congratulates competition winner Rebecca Oatway (right, with golden retriever Charlie) and Rebecca’s partner Richard Jones
M
yriam Rogerson has been in the health and beauty profession for the last 29 years. She has accumulated a wealth of experience from various countries which she is willing to share with her clients. She has managed spas in 4 and 5 star hotels in Europe as well as giving seminars to hair and beauty students locally and overseas. Myriam is a proud, senior member of BABTAC; the Beauty Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. She has successfully established her existing salon in Frampton Cotterell at 147 Church Road, and is now offering her services at her new premises at 120 Gloucester Road in Patchway, located above A&A Fitness Studios, next to Barclays Bank. At Beauty Plus by Myriam, we strive to deliver professional, relaxing and totally pampering treatments. We use Academie and Algotherm products for face and body and our spray tan is the most popular Urban Tan which comes with six different aromas to choose from as well as a range of shades. We promise not to turn you orange! Our range of treatments is suitable for both men and women. We offer a superb range of facials, massages (including sports massage), hot stones, aroma
massage using pre-blended oils and Indian head massage. Our signature treatment is a blissful four-hand massage with two therapists. Body wraps, waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures including Gelish nail varnish and Hopi ear candling are also on our menu. There is a 10% discount on all treatments and when you mention this article you will receive a £5 voucher towards your next treatment. At Beauty Plus, we will make your visit a de-stressing, blissful and tranquil experience. We look forward to welcoming you! Check out our website at www. beautyplusbymyriam.com and if you like us on Facebook, you can win a special treat.
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28
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March 2014
News
‘BS in Bloom’ group brings “a little love” to Bradley Stoke By Gillian Rodger and Sara Messenger he January workday saw us working again at the rose garden behind the Brook Way Doctor’s surgery, where blue tits have been seen checking out the nest boxes, installed last year. Bark donated for free by Ambience Landscapes was spread over the rose bed, which we found after clearing away brambles and weeds. Ambience have been very supportive of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB); they stepped in and agreed to collect for free any green waste that our workdays produce and have donated two truckloads of bark for the rose garden and 1,000 daffodil bulbs, which should considerably brighten up the town. And we’d like to thank Jamie and Paul for agreeing to deliver on a Saturday morning!
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Butterfly corridors
For our February workday we had planned to install bee and butterfly corridors along Brook Way and beyond, but Saturday’s weather forced us to postpone this project. Each ‘corridor’ will consist of bee and butterfly friendly bushes (mainly buddleia, donated by Rolls Royce), caterpillar food plants planted at the base of the bushes and bee/
bug/butterfly boxes, made by the Patchway group, Men in Sheds. The weather may have dampened our workday but not our spirit; we’re hoping you have all enjoyed our efforts to bring a little love to Bradley Stoke, with the Valentine decorations at our ‘Welcome to…’ planters. A massive ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who supported these sessions: without you, progress would have been much slower.
March workday
Our next workday will be held on Saturday 15th March. BSiB are participating in the National well-established Big Spring Clean which encourages communities to clean up their neighbourhood. We are meeting at 10am in the car park at the Doctor’s Surgery, Brook Way. We will supply litter pickers, bags and gloves. In the afternoon we will be installing a Community Herb Garden by the Brook Way Activity Centre. If anyone has any spare herb plants and would like to donate them, please contact us. The whole day will run from 10am until 4pm. To really make an impact throughout Bradley Stoke, we need more support on our workdays and any help offered would be much appreciated. If you are able to come along, for
Valentine-themed planter at a welcome sign on Bradley Stoke Way
all or part of the session, you will be made very welcome – feel free to bring your own hand tools and gloves; all other tools are provided. Bring a packed lunch; tea, coffee
and biscuits are provided. For further information, please email us at bsib@hotmail.co.uk, phone us on 07582 634 107 or follow our Facebook page.
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March 2014
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29
What’s On (2nd March - 6th April) Sunday 2nd March
Wednesday 12th March
8.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Mendips. Meet in the Aldi car park – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit.ly/bq1Hxd [Further ramblers’ walks on 8th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 23rd, 28th & 30th March and 6th April]
2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: Maureen 0117 904 6099
9.30am: SCC Novice Bike Ride to Abbey Wood and Cheswick. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc [Further SCC rides on 9th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd & 30th March and 6th April]
Friday 7th March 10.30am-12.30pm: Macmillan Cancer ‘Drop-In’ Advice Session at Bradley Stoke Library. More info: http://bit. ly/12r6ves [Further session on 28th March]
7pm - 9pm: LIMIT Support Group meets at Baileys Court Activity Centre. For those close to someone struggling with a drug or alcohol problem. More info: Esther Harris 07971 562676 7.30pm: BSTC Full Council Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http://bit.ly/8y63mM
Friday 14th March 1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre. More info: www.blood.co.uk 10.30am-12.30pm: NCT Bumps and Babies Group at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/14KEBcX
Sunday 9th March
Saturday 15th March
6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. No appointment necessary.
10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom ‘Big Spring Clean’ and Workday. Meet at Bradley Stoke Surgery, Brook Way. More info: bsib@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07582 634107
Monday 10th March 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at the Aztec Hotel. More info: www.bssbf.co.uk
Tuesday 11th March 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: Janine 01454 617645
2.30pm: Chatterbooks Reading Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For keen readers aged 9-11. More info: http://bit. ly/18zfLCW
group meets at Baileys Court Activity Centre.
Tuesday 18th March 6pm: South Gloucestershire Cycle Forum meets at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/Tb3IDZ
Saturday 22nd 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
Sunday 23rd March 2pm-4pm: Mother’s Day Craft Spectacular at the Jubilee Centre. Organised by the Friends of Jubilee Green. More info: http://bit.ly/bs32fojg
Tuesday 25th March 2pm-4pm: Volunteering Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. More info: http:// bit.ly/u8CsVN
Wednesday 26th March 7.30pm BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bMeaIa
Friday 28th March 9am-2pm: Bradley Stoke Farmers’ Market at the Willow Brook Centre.
Monday 17th March
Saturday 29th March
1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting
10.30am-12noon: Big Spring Clean on Jubilee Green and
in the park. Organised by the Friends of Jubilee Green. More info: http://bit.ly/bs32fojg
Saturday 5th April 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group: ‘Big Spring Clean’ and Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bOxe9s
Sunday 6th April 2pm-4pm: Easter Crafts at the Jubilee Centre. Organised by the Friends of Jubilee Green. More info: http://bit.ly/bs32fojg Find details of more Bradley Stoke events on the What’s On page of the Bradley Stoke Journal website: http://bit.ly/ bsj-whatson 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 Space limitations may mean that we can’t include your event on this page but we will always try to find space for it on our website. Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter to receive daily reminders of events.
DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS Accountants TJS Business Solutions, Page 9 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 30 Yummy Scrummy Catering, Page 15 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 30 Clean Pros, Page 20 Cars & Vans Vanarama, Page 32 Catering Yummy Scrummy Catering, Page 15 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 23 Trinity Pre-School, Page 28 Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club, Page 25 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 15 Cleaning & Domestic Services Broadcare, Page 30 Computer Services JRT Computing, Page 9 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 7
Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 25 Double Glazing Visit directory on BSJ website Driving Schools Visit directory on BSJ website Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 11 Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Edwards, Page 1 Ocean, Page 24 Woods, Page 10 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 6 Gardening Services Plan-It Garden Design, Page 17 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 13 LivingWell Health Club, Page 20 More in directory on BSJ website Hair & Beauty Beauty Plus, Page 27 Karen Mobile Hairdressing, Page 30
Limelight Hair & Beauty, Page 18 Peachy Stylist, Page 30 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 26 Kitchen Transformations, Page 8 Quality Bathrooms & Kitchens 4U, Page 9 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Wash Shop Plus, Page 30 Legal Services Hutchinson Legal & Associates, Page 4 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 2 Opticians Specsavers, Page 12 Pet Services & Supplies Friends for Pets, Page 19 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 21 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 15 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 21 Plumbing & Heating C & S Plumbing, Page 23 Phil Ashton Plumbing, Page 2 Richard Joseph, Page 28
Room & Facilities Hire BSCS Lettings, Page 14 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Simply Self Store Ltd, Page 30 Shopping The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Page 31 Slimming Clubs Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 16 Slimming World, Page 3 Soft Furnishings Janet Smith, Page 16 Sport and Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 17 Infinity Streetdance, Page 19 RhiActions Dance, Page 22 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 30 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 30 More in directory on BSJ website TV and aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 30 Tutoring Visit directory on BSJ website
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March 2014
www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
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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 at mallcribbs.com Supported by
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