March 2015

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

March 2015 • Issue 23

LETTERS P12 | QUIZ P39 | POLICE P43 | WHAT’S ON P45 | DIRECTORY P46-47 Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal

PLUS , IN YOUR 48-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE New bus timetables and route changes in effect from 29th March P9

Little Stoke School rated ‘good’ by Ofsted P18-19

Braydon Avenue to be closed for up to 3 weeks from 2nd March P7

We meet the kind-hearted Bradley Stoke man who donated a kidney to a complete stranger Page 15

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l Consultation under way on MetroBus Traffic Regulation Orders l A38 speed cameras to be switched back on l £110m Cribbs/Patchway infrastructure package l South Glos council tax frozen for fifth year l Ladies’ soccer team to be launched by BSYFC l BSCS students in final of John Lewis prom dress design & sew competition l Pete Bruce chosen as Lib Dem candidate for 2015 general election l Broadband: MP asked to contact BT over “lack of capacity” at cabinets l Local athlete Adam Wilson called up for GB cross country team l Local bowls club welcomes new members

SGS College launch new Sports Degrees SGS College is one of the leading sport colleges in the country, graded Outstanding by Ofsted in 2014. Take this opportunity to study at some of the best facilities in the region and home to many excellent sporting teams.

Recruiting for September 2015 • BSc Sport Coaching • FdSc Football Coaching and Performance * • FdSc Golf Coaching and Performance * • HND Sport and Exercise Science • Access to Higher Education Sport

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March 2015

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News

Consultation under way on MetroBus Traffic Regulation Orders

S

outh Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has opened what is likely to be the final series of public consultations on proposals to introduce extensive new bus lanes on various sections of Bradley Stoke Way. The proposed bus lanes form part of the proposed North Fringe to Hengrove (NFHP) MetroBus Scheme, which was granted planning permission last year.

MetroBus represents a major investment in public transport,

which SGC hopes will change the way people travel throughout South Gloucestershire and Bristol. It aims to create a new network of high frequency bus routes with fast and reliable services linking key areas of housing, jobs, and shopping.

The NFHP scheme will link south Bristol with Cribbs Causeway and Emersons Green via the city centre. Locally, buses will travel from the Ring Road (A4174) along the yet-to-

Order

Description

4970

Waiting restrictions on Bradley Stoke Way

4973

Bus lane in lengths of Bradley Stoke Way and Great Stoke Way and a short length of Gloucester Road

4974

Prohibition of access to the Willow Brook Centre from Bradley Stoke Way for all vehicles other than buses

be-constructed Stoke Gifford By-Pass before traversing the full length of Bradley Stoke Way up to the Aztec West Roundabout.

The project will see a number of sections of new bus lane constructed along Bradley Stoke Way, including a long stretch running from the end of the existing bus lane adjacent to the Willow Brook Centre up to Patchway Brook Roundabout (near Aldi). There will also be major changes on the approach to the Aztec West Roundabout and reconfiguration of the Woodlands Lane junction.

Publication of the formal Traffic Regulation Orders follows a period of informal consultation held from November 2014 to January 2015, which gave residents an early opportunity to view the plans and submit comments.

Existing bus lane on Bradley Stoke Way, near the Willow Brook Centre

The consultation material is available to view on the SGC website and at Bradley Stoke Library. Links can also be found on The Journal’s website.

Sat 14 March 10.30am to 3.30pm Get crafty and make a gorgeous handmade card for Mother’s Day willowbrookcentre.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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BT’s broadband excuse rings hollow

A

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

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

About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal 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 2015. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

recent press release from South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) boasted that the rollout of superfast fibre broadband in the district is on track to reach 1,000 more premises than had originally been planned, raising the anticipated number of premises “served” by the time the project is completed on 31st March 2015 to 16,000.

The reality “on the ground” is somewhat different, however, with hundreds of homes in Bradley Stoke unable to order the new superfast service because street cabinets are “out of capacity”.

SGC, which is contributing £2 million to the local state-aided upgrade project, says capacity issues are a matter for BT, not

Editor’s comment

itself. But is it seriously telling us that it agreed a contract with BT that includes no guarantee of service availability to end users?

Unfortunately, there is no way of verifying this, as the whole contract is allegedly subject to a non-disclosure agreement.

BT’s excuse that it has been caught out by “unprecedented” demand rings rather hollow, knowing that the one relevant cabinet in our town that it deigned to upgrade without state subsidy has regularly been “out of capacity” for over a year.

With local councillors proving completely ineffective in dealing with the issue, it is now down to our local MP to ask some serious questions in high places.

We deliver 9,450 copies of this magazine As well as being delivered to ALL of the 8,650 homes in Bradley Stoke, a further 800 copies of this magazine are delivered in the neighbouring areas of Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. We also leave around 550 copies at public locations in Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford. ● The copy deadline for our April magazine is Monday 23rd March.

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5

News

A38 speed cameras to be switched back on

T

wo static speed cameras on the A38 Gloucester Road in Patchway are among 29 units that Avon and Somerset Police says will be switched back on in the coming weeks for the first time since 2011.

Speed cameras across the force area were switched off four years ago when government funding was withdrawn for the joint local authority and police Safety Camera Partnership.

The force has recently bought six cameras for £1 each from Somerset County Council and 11 from South Gloucestershire Council. Two are owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council, one by North Somerset Council and nine remain the property of Bristol City Council.

The sale of the cameras was agreed by South Gloucestershire

Council in June last year, despite opposition from Conservative councillors, who argued that the public should be consulted before any decision was taken about switching them back on.

The 29 cameras will be switched back on in a phased programme, exact dates yet to be confirmed, over the coming weeks and months. Revenue raised from them will be used to fund their maintenance and enforcement.

Police Supt Richard Corrigan said: “The ongoing work we have undertaken with our partners to reinstate static speed cameras in the force area is based on national research showing that cameras add value to road safety. 27% of priority issues raised with the police relate to speeding vehicles in our communities. Also, there was camera infrastructure worth

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Speed camera on the A38 Gloucester Road, near Patchway Roundabout

more than two million pounds lying dormant on the roadsides in the force area. We believe that the static cameras can be operated in a cost-neutral way and that reactivating them for use alongside our mobile camera vans will help in making our roads safer.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “This is a positive move which will improve the safety of roads across Avon and Somerset.

I know from speaking to people

how important road safety is to them and many have been pressing to have the cameras in their communities turned back on as soon as possible. I’m pleased that I can now tell them they are back on.

“Static cameras will complement the work of the mobile speed enforcement vans and motorbikes that already work across Avon and Somerset and together they send a powerful message to drivers that speeding is being taken seriously.”

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March 2015

News ‘In principle’ agreement on £110 million Cribbs/Patchway infrastructure package Council hopes deal will ensure that mistakes made in Bradley Stoke aren’t repeated in ‘Filton Keynes’

M

embers of South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) Development Control West Committee have agreed ‘in principle’ to a £110 million package of community and infrastructure investment for the Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood (nicknamed ‘Filton Keynes’ in some circles).

The money has been secured through an “innovative and collaborative” Framework Agreement with landowners and developers to provide the new facilities and transport infrastructure to support the creation of 5,700 new homes, new community and employment land allocation.

The multi-million pound package includes: • Five new schools, including a new secondary school and four primary schools • Four new nurseries

Artist’s impression of the redevelopment scheme for the Filton Airfield site

• Two community centres and a multi-use community hub with provision for GP health services • More than £30 million will be provided for transport infrastructure, to be matchfunded by the council

• Nearly 1,000 new affordable homes provided across the development at no cost to the council • Recreational, leisure facilities and allotments Cllr Dave Hockey, Chair of the Development Control West Committee, said: “This decision marks another major milestone for the Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood, which will, in time, create many new homes, jobs, community facilities and vital infrastructure. Provisions have been made for two new rail stations and the MetroBus, which are very important in addressing the additional journeys associated with such a major development. Arrangements are also being made for the relocation of the air ambulance and police helicopters.”

“The council has worked closely with the leading landowners and developers, and other stakeholders, to secure the £110 million deal.

We will continue to work closely with local community leaders in the surrounding South Gloucestershire and Bristol areas to address the impacts of the new neighbourhood to ensure its benefits are maximised as the development takes shape over the next decade. A Resident Liaison Group is also to be established prior to the commencement of development on site to ensure that any problems arising can be discussed and resolved in a timely way.”

With approximately 5,700 dwellings, around 50 hectares of employment land, open spaces, schools and community facilities, the new neighbourhood was identified in the council’s adopted Core Strategy and brings forward plans for the redevelopment of the former Filton Airfield site following the announcement of its closure in 2012. ● As we went to press, it was announced that a proposed new base has been found for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and National Police Air Service, both of which currently operate from Filton Airfield. The new site is reported to be “just off the M4/ M5 junction in Almondsbury”.

Drop-in public consultation sessions are being held locally on 11th & 12th March.

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7

News

Braydon Avenue to be closed for up to three weeks from 2nd March Chicane to be replaced with raised speed table Traffic diverted via Orpheus Ave and Little Stoke Lane

S

outh Gloucestershire Council has announced that Braydon Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic for a period of up to three weeks from Monday 2nd March in order to allow the construction of a raised speed table near the Concord Medical Centre.

The speed table will replace the existing chicane priority narrowing at the same location, which the council claims will result in “less conflict on the road between motor vehicles”.

The £23,000 scheme was prioritised by the council’s Southern Brooks Area Forum in February 2014. Consultation on the proposals took place from 18th August to 7th September 2014.

No objections were received when the statutory notice for the scheme was advertised in November 2014. According to that document, the new speed table will extend over the full

width of the carriageway and be 10 metres in length and 75 millimetres (maximum) in height.

As part of the scheme, dropped kerbs and tactile paving will be installed to provide pedestrians with an improved informal crossing facility.

The crossing provides access to a public footpath which runs parallel to Braydon Avenue, but is separated from the road by a row of trees and a brook.

In its statement of reasons for proposing the work, the council says the current arrangement is ineffective at reducing vehicle speeds: “The disadvantage of the current traffic calming measure (chicane priority narrowing) is that motor vehicles with priority are not required to reduce their speed and motor vehicles without priority are not required to reduce their speed if there is no oncoming vehicle approaching.”

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To be replaced: The current chicane priority narrowing on Braydon Avenue

work to be undertaken safely, Braydon Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between the Concord Medical Centre and Silver Birch Close.

The pedestrian footway along Braydon Avenue and access into the medical centre will not be affected by the work.

The diversionary route for traffic from Bradley Stoke

wishing to reach the Concord Medical Centre and the northern section of Braydon Avenue will be via Brook Way, Orpheus Avenue and Little Stoke Lane.

Buses that normally use Braydon Avenue (including services 201, 312 and X74) will be diverted via Little Stoke Lane. ● For the latest information, visit www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

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March 2015

News

Council tax frozen for fifth year

S

outh Gloucestershire Council’s element of the council tax levied on South Gloucestershire residents is to be frozen for a fifth consecutive year after three-party revenue budget proposals were agreed at a meeting of Full Council on 18th February.

A revenue budget of £184.3 million was set for 2015/16, with average council tax for a Band D property remaining unchanged at £1,245.20.

The freeze in 2015/16, will be followed by a planned two percent increase in 2016/17 and the years that follow.

The council says it has been able to freeze council tax for a fifth year due to “positive progress with its current savings programme, and a one percent central government grant”.

In addition to the council tax freeze, the budget also includes details of the Council Savings

Programme (CSP), which began in 2014/15, with the aim of delivering an additional £36m of savings by 2019/20, which is in addition to the £43m saved so far.

Achieving this level of savings is likely to require “significant changes to services in the coming years as the role of the council evolves to meet anticipated reductions in its resources.”

The budget was finalised following extensive consultation with residents which included paper and online surveys and Area Forum exercises. Some 1,500 people responded to the consultation.

Respondents were asked to consider which services the council should prioritise in the coming years, with maintaining safe and clean communities (91 percent) and safeguarding vulnerable children and adults (85 percent) receiving the highest level of agreement. All core

activities were supported by the majority of respondents.

Consultation respondents were also invited to consider how the council should approach cost-saving measures, with the majority (89 percent) saying that the council should make more use of its land and assets.

89 per cent of respondents also favoured the council changing working practices to make better use of technology and more efficient ways of working, and 86 percent supported working in partnership and sharing services with other councils and public sector agencies.

Interestingly, almost half (43 percent) of respondents said they would like to see an increase of two per cent in the council tax in 2015/16, with fewer (38 percent) preferring the freeze that was finally agreed by councillors.

The agreed budget includes arrangements that will allow

existing Independent Living Fund recipients to continue to receive the same amount of funding until March 2016, to enable them to make any necessary personal arrangements to move to the new assessment method.

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 2014/15, and the precept raised by Bradley Stoke Town Council (unchanged from last year), producing a grand total of £1,592.65 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 2.00%, 2.03% and 1.85%.

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News

First to introduce new timetables in effort to improve reliability From 29th March: New timetables, route changes and more buses in service

F

irst Bus has confirmed that it is to introduce new timetables on many services from Sunday 29th March, including the 73/X73 and X74 routes in Bradley Stoke, in an effort to improve reliability and punctuality The news comes four months after an online bus travel survey conducted by The Journal amassed more than 300 complaints about buses failing to run to the published timetable, taking much longer than scheduled to reach their destinations and sometimes failing to turn up at all or terminating short of their final destination.

First has blamed the problems on a 20 percent rise in the number of passengers, worsening traffic congestion and an increase in the number of major roadworks.

To underpin the changes, the company says it is seeking to recruit more than 70 new drivers to work in the city, helping to operate 12 additional buses that will be brought into its fleet at the end of March.

City centre stop changes

All 73/X73/X74 buses will start and terminate at Lewins Mead instead of Colston Avenue to reduce the likelihood of them being caught in congestion around the centre. This will also enable all driver changes to be

completed at the end of a journey rather than part-way through.

Service 73/X73 changes

Service X73 buses will no longer cover the section of route between Aztec West Roundabout and Cribbs Causeway, nor will they call at East Filton Sainsbury’s. Instead of the latter, they’ll travel directly along Great Stoke Way. Two extra vehicles will be used, helping to minimise the impact of traffic congestion. They will mean that the frequency of Monday to Friday peak time journeys on Service 73 can be improved (to every 12-15 minutes). This should avoid the need for journeys to be cancelled, or cut short due to excessive late running as a result of congestion.

The timetable for evening journeys is being overhauled with one of the two extra buses used to ensure that the service during the evening is more punctual and reliable.

There will also be a number of additional Monday to Friday and Saturday evening journeys introduced and a brand new Sunday and Public Holiday timetable is being introduced.

Notably, the new Sunday and Public Holiday timetable, which will see buses running every 30 minutes between 1000 and 1800 hours, will give people in Little Stoke the opportunity to travel on these days, while also providing faster journeys between Bradley Stoke and the city centre.

Finally, a small number of early morning Monday to Friday and Saturday journeys – which are poorly used at present – will be removed from the timetable.

James Freeman, managing director of First West of England, said: “We are making a whole raft

of changes to our network from the end of March in a real effort to tackle the problems we have seen recently with services not running as they should do.”

New timetables for all the affected services will be uploaded to the First West of England website from early March. They will be available in hard copy format from mid-March. ● Links to the new timetables will be posted on the magazine links page of the BSJ website: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links

Service X74 changes

The timetable is being adjusted to improve the punctuality and reliability of the services.

Buses at peak times will be given additional running time and recovery time at the end of journeys to ensure if they are delayed en route there is no knock on effect to subsequent journeys.

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March 2015

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Advertising Feature

News

Slimming World meals come to Iceland

Meadowbrook pupil wins £250 for school

N

orth Bristol slimmers have welcomed the recent introduction of a brand-new range of frozen ready meals created by Slimming World in association with Iceland. Based on the slimming organisation’s famous Food Optimising* eating plan, the new range of meals uses Free Food* ingredients and has been developed in response to demand from the club’s 700,000 members.

Kelly Watts, a Slimming World Consultant, says: “Slimming World’s goal is to help members develop new healthy eating habits and a new relationship with food, away from high-fat, high-calorie fast foods. At our groups we encourage members to cook from scratch, using everyday foods that you can buy in any supermarket and we have a huge library of recipes both in our publications and online. Cooking healthy, filling meals from scratch is, and always will be, at the heart of Food Optimising.

“However, with today’s modern, busy lifestyles there are times when even the best-laid plans to prepare healthy homecooked meals can be scuppered and my members often tell me that it’s when time is short that they’re most likely to go off track. That’s when they end up grabbing a ready meal that leaves them unsatisfied or having a high-calorie takeaway, because they didn’t have a convenient, delicious, healthy meal to hand.”

Members who follow the weight-loss programme learn to satisfy their appetite on those foods that are the lowest in energy density (calories per gram). Slimming World calls these foods ‘Free Foods’ and they include foods like poultry, fish, lean meat, eggs, pulses, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, vegetables and fat-free dairy products.

Setting out to transform the face of ‘diet’ meals with its Free Food approach, Slimming World has created a food range that is generously portioned, delicious and great value and teamed up with leading frozen food innovator Iceland – one

of the few manufacturers that could offer the quality, value and generosity Slimming World expects for its members.

“This new range of frozen meals is made purely with Free Foods, so they fit perfectly with Slimming World’s plan,” says Kelly.

There are eight frozen ready meals available in the range including: • Beef and Red Onion Gravy with a Veg Crush • Chicken Pizzaiola • Chicken Tikka Masala • Hot-smoked Salmon Farfalle • Meatballs and Pasta with a Spicy Tomato Sauce • Roasted Vegetable Pasta (vegetarian) • Singapore Noodles • Sweet Potato Curry (vegetarian) Plus: • Syn-free Beef & Pork Meatballs (in bags) • Syn-free Pork Sausages (in bags) Kelly adds: “Every meal has the recipe printed on the packaging too, so best of all in our groups, we’ll be talking about the meals and who’s tried them and then asking who has recreated the recipes at home themselves.”

The brand-new range of Slimming World meals is available exclusively in Iceland’s 850 stores including the new store opened last month at the Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke. They are priced at £3 per meal, and are also available to order at Iceland.co.uk. For more information please contact Kelly on 07795 951137 or visit www. slimmingworld.com/foodrange * Food Optimising is Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, which incorporates Free Foods that can be eaten without restriction. ● See advert on page 21.

11

Banner design competition winner Oliver Leary (fifth from left) receives a cheque for £250 from Iceland store manager Tiriel Lovejoy

L

ocal primary school pupils were invited to design a banner to celebrate the opening of the new Iceland store at the Willow Brook shopping centre in Bradley Stoke. Children from Meadowbrook Primary School enjoyed taking part and, after careful deliberation by the judges, Year 4 pupil Oliver Leary was announced as the winner.

Oliver was invited to attend the store’s grand opening on 24th February, helping to cut the ribbon and accepting the cheque for £250 for the school to purchase resources for all pupils to enjoy.

Jon Barr, headteacher of Meadowbrook commented:

“Oliver’s poster design was brilliant and it was fantastic to see all the children so focused and engaged in creating their designs. Our school ethos is about ‘Inspiring Successful Learners’ and the children demonstrated this by using their creativity and attention to detail to create some really impressive designs.”

Meadowbrook School joined The Olympus Academy Trust in January 2015, a family of schools, led by executive headteacher Dave Baker, that also includes Abbeywood Community School, Bradley Stoke Community School, and Charborough Road Primary School (Filton).

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March 2015

Letters and Opinions ‘Filton Keynes’ and MetroBus plans are “badly conceived” I was not surprised to read about another “Major Milestone” decision by the Tories, Labour and Liberals of South Gloucestershire Council, where a £110 million package has been agreed to serve the thousands of houses proposed to be built on Filton Airfield (page 6). We are told that this development and new package will bring new jobs and community facilities, not to mention the New MetroBus scheme, where sections of green spaces and private land will be hijacked to force a rapid bus transport link through communities into Bristol to help elevate the pressure on our already congested road networks and entice the new residents of the airfield onto the buses rejected by Germany.

For those who have forgotten, which predominately seem to be councillors and council planners, towns such as Bradley Stoke were designed for the commuter and designed for easy motor access to major roads and motorways.

There are already a number of private bus companies operating, running services to the centre of Bristol and beyond, many of which are also financially supported by local authorities. I would very much like to see better investment into these existing services, along with councils spending money to improve existing roads, which in many places, have surfaces akin to back lanes. Filton, Stoke Gifford/Little Stoke and Patchway are good examples of this.

I will happily eat all of the largest bus operators’ timetables in five years’ time, if the councillors who have forced these council officers’ schemes on the

general public can prove to me that the new bus scheme will be fully utilised and everybody has dumped their cars for the bus. It simply won’t happen and again, YOUR elected representatives are set to waste YOUR taxes on a scheme which will fail and is only being offered up as deranged sweetener for the thousands of houses we must suffer in a bid to increase council tax coffers.

The building of houses will bring short term employment to companies who won’t even know who they are employing by the time contracts have been subbed out 50 times – and the promised enterprise area will most probably consist of a centralised fire station and a Tesco Express. (Although a fire station is an important part of any community, it doesn’t constitute enterprise and new employment.

It constitutes a public service and shouldn’t occupy designated enterprise land.)

This development has been badly conceived and ill thought through, with a phoney public consultation and concerted effort by the local authority to ensure it happens. The current MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke has let the area down badly by supporting the airfield’s closure, along with his whipped councillor minions.

This will bring irreversible change to our area which will undoubtedly affect our future and more importantly, our children’s futures. I hope the people who have made these decisions can live with the fact they played their part in destroying communities.

I look forward to May where these individuals will pay the electoral price for making decisions to serve their own interests, as opposed to the people they are elected to represent.

Cllr Ben Walker (UKIP) Bradley Stoke

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Sport

Ladies’ soccer team to be launched by BSYFC

By Martin Lee of BSYFC radley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) and the development of girls’ football in the local area just keeps growing with over 90 girls currently playing football in the Bristol Girls League. The teams are all playing well and enjoying their football. The weather in January has been very poor with many matches being cancelled due to the pitch conditions.

Some of the age groups in the league have been split into two divisions to help with the development of the girls’ teams and trying to match teams in a division with equal abilities.

Due to the success of the girls’ football, we are now starting a new women’s team called Bradley Stoke Ladies FC. So any female aged 16 years or older (there is no upper age limit) who is interested in playing football can join up.

We will also accept 15-year-olds

B

BRADLEY STOKE LADIES F.C We are a new Women’s Football Team just starting up and are looking for players of all abilities.

The club is based on fun and friendship geared towards players who want to further their development and improve their skills.

BSYFC U11 Girls (archive image)

to come and train with the team, however, they cannot play in league matches until they are 16 years old.

The club will be built on the ethos of the girls’ teams, where fun and friendship are the top priorities. So if you are interested in developing your football skills, improving your skill set, want to improve your fitness levels or just want to come and give it a try, then please contact Martin Lee at mlee1@btopenworld.com or mobile 07785 384618.

£10 Party!

Is your child celebrating a birthday or just wanting to enjoy some fun with their friends?

All players need to be 16 years old and over to play in the League.

However, we will coach 15 year olds as well but you cannot sign for the League until your 16th birthday.

We have no upper age limit so all are welcome.

So are you fed up watching the males have all the fun, well come along and show them how good female football can be.

Interested in knowing more. Then contact Martin Lee on email at mlee1@btopenworld.com or mobile 07785 384618 All coaches are FA Qualified and members of the FA Licensed Coaches Association

Bradley Stoke Journal: 4,100 fans

ears Club Early YLaunching in March!

Children Aged 0-4 years

Benefits include: • Midweek prices at weekends • Free visit for your child’s birthday

Enjoy our After School Party, Monday to Friday Term Time for £10 per child! Birthday child goes free.

• 10% off café purchases • 20% off children’s parties

To book or for more information, call our party advisors on 0117 931 2733

Contact your local centre for more details on how to join!

Terms & Conditions apply.

22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5TB

www.caerleonchildcare.co.uk

www.123jump.co.uk

Caerleon is a brand new purpose built Childcare Centre with custom designed garden.

After over £350,000 of investment, Caerleon has the most modern equipment and facilities.

Daily supervised visits to Jump before it opens and exclusive Jump benefits.

Conveniently located within only 5 minutes of Aztec West Business Park and The Mall Cribbs Causeway.

Flexible, free government places accepted and limited term time only contracts available.

71592_JUMP_PRIMARY_TIMES_ADVERT_180X116.indd 1

If you would like to visit our wonderful new facility or would like more information you can either send us an email on info@caerleonbristol.co.uk or call 0117 9798980.

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06/02/2015 08:56

14

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March 2015

News

In Brief

Volunteering opportunities that help bring conservation to life!

RBL to stage fundraising concert on 21st March

T

he Wild Place Project, located near Cribbs Causeway, is a fun, family attraction that provides outdoor adventure, play and learning.

Opened by the Bristol Zoological Society, with an emphasis on protecting threatened habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe, the Wild Place Project aims to inspire families to enjoy nature by offering a number of outdoor adventures. Guests of all ages can discover wildlife from the UK and around the world with our seasonal themed trails, woodland walks, amazing animal experiences and much more!

Our incredible animals range from the mischievous lemurs of Madagascar to the striking grey wolves of Europe.

We are really fortunate to be supported by a fantastic team of volunteers who are helping us in the gardens, looking after the animals, engaging with our guests and supporting events

and activities. We even have volunteering roles available within our maintenance team, for the more hands on among you!

We have seen fantastic developments to the project since our opening in July 2013, from new animal enclosures to play areas and gardens. Many personal goals have also been reached by our wonderful volunteering team.

We are now preparing for our fast approaching spring/summer season with many more volunteer opportunities opening up.

Volunteering at Wild Place Project is a fantastic way to learn new skills and meet new people whilst helping us spread

Get on board

conservation awareness in a fun and inspiring environment, surrounded by like-minded people.

As well as our wonderful animal collection, we are lucky enough to have large amounts of untouched land and beautiful gardens, including an area of protected British Ancient Woodland, so there are many ways to be involved – from volunteer rangers to gardeners and from guest services and maintenance to education.

The Wild Place Project is looking for individuals who love being outdoors and are outgoing, hands on people who want to encourage our guests to become more interested in our habitats, conservation and our amazing animals, as well as helping them to have a great day at a developing visitor attraction!

For more information on volunteering, including the various roles available, please visit www.wildplace.org.uk/ volunteers or call 0117 980 7181.

with Happy Days, Bradley Stoke NOW OPEN at Almondsbury Business Centre on Woodlands Lane, providing the very highest quality childcare for 0-5 year olds.

The Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is holding its annual fundraising concert, in aid of the Poppy Appeal, on Saturday 21st March.

It is being held in the Church Rooms in North Road, Stoke Gifford BS34 8PD, and will start at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm).

The concert will feature the ever popular Westerly Showband, which will play songs and tunes from the two World Wars.

Tickets are £6 and are available in advance or on the door.

Advance tickets are available from Brian Hewitt 01454 775632; John Moloney 07802535591; and Terry Webber 0117 9091486.

5%

introductory discount*

Come along and discover the magic of Happy Days for yourself.

Give us a call on 01454 614 411 or email bradleystoke@happydaysnurseries.com to arrange a visit. *On registrations made before April 2015 and valid until June 2015.

www.happydaysnurseries.com

Happy.Days.Bristol

@HappyDaysChild

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March 2015

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15

News

Organ donor praised for his “amazing gift” to a complete stranger Nikki Hallur meets the Bradley Stoke man who donated a kidney to someone he has never even met

G

rzegorz Maniecki, a twenty-eight year old who lives in Bradley Stoke, and works at the Willow Brook Tesco, recently had an operation in order to donate one of his kidneys. The kidney was donated to someone Grzegorz didn’t know and the operation was performed on 6th November 2014. Following the operation, Grzegorz stayed in hospital for four days and the doctors told him he had healed very quickly.

Now Grzegorz says he feels “perfectly fine”. We spoke to him to find out about what motivated him to perform such a rare act of kindness.

As we began talking, Grzegorz went to pick up a child’s hat that had been left discarded and handed it in to reception.

“I believe in altruism,” he said.

He later told us that one of his friends had lost his life due to the lack of a kidney donor and since then he felt he wanted to help someone have a second chance.

When questioned about his decision to donate the kidney in Great Britain instead of his native Poland, he said that nationality does not matter: “I want to help another human being, and make sure the procedure is done in a

responsible way.” Grzegorz was grateful to the two nurses who cared for him during his stay in hospital, although he said they found his sense of humour about the operation a bit difficult to understand. When asked about other support he had received, he said most of his family had been against the procedure, but after he made the decision they had accepted that they could not change his mind.

Despite having made such a great contribution to the health service, Grzegorz is still keen to do more. Apart from being a blood donor, he wants to be a bone marrow donor and a liver transplant donor too. When asked why he is so determined, he casually replied that “everyone deserves a second chance and we never know when our last day will be.” He said he was not too nervous about the procedure he had recently because he knew that someone was going to benefit and he had made a commitment to them. Although he does not have direct contact with the recipient of the kidney transplant, he has received some feedback that the person is doing well, which Grzegorz says he is “very happy to hear”.

Grzegorz Maniecki: Donated a kidney to a stranger and wants to do more

“I have cut down energy drinks and caffeine,” Grzegorz mentioned when questioned about lifestyle changes since the operation. “I used to drink a lot of energy drinks but it doesn’t feel like a big sacrifice.”

Grzegorz’s friends and family have told him that he was very brave, although they didn’t agree with the idea initially.

Grzegorz was one of around a hundred people in the country who donated a kidney to stranger last year. He joins a select group of fifteen people in the Bristol area who have given a kidney in this way.

Dr Chris Burns-Cox, chair of charity Give a Kidney, said: “Many congratulations to Grzegorz on giving this amazing gift to someone in need.”

“At the moment there are about 5,700 people in the UK waiting for a kidney and around 300 people die each year in need of one.”

“Humans only need one kidney to live a healthy life and it’s heartening that more people are now coming forward to offer their ‘spare’ in this way. It really can change someone’s life.” ● Read more about non-directed (altruistic) kidney donation at www.giveakidney.org

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News

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March 2015

News

BSCS students in final of John Lewis design & sewing competition

T

BSCS students Chloe Lorenzi (front left) and Simran Kaur (front right) with other finalists and staff from the John Lewis store at Cribbs Causeway

Advertising feature

Kids Klub to celebrate 20th anniversary with party for past and present members

K

ids Klub’s owner Judith Hadley and her staff are celebrating 20 years of being a small business in Bradley Stoke.

Judith and other staff wanted to provide childcare for the children of working parents, but more importantly to make sure children wanted to come and play and express themselves in “their” club. Hence the name of the business - Kids Klub.

Judith says: “There are two customers in my business – working parents and children.

All parents want their children to be happy. And this has also been our aim for that last 20 years. Sometimes play may look to an adult as an unstructured time. But for children, self determination and self choice are very important to promote independence in later life. And children also enjoy themselves!”

Kids Klub offers a broad

spectrum of activities, including craft, sport, home corner, Wii computers and outdoor play.

Highly qualified staff led by Early Years Teachers offer help with play choices. The staff also have extra training to help with any Special Needs.

To celebrate Kids Klub’s 20th birthday, Judith and staff are hosting a birthday party on the afternoon of Wednesday 1st April. Indian food and costumes will be the theme of the day, in recognition of the club’s links with the Indian subcontinent.

If you have been to Kids Klub when at school or know someone who has attended in the last 20 years, please contact Judith at judithhadley@hotmail.com for your invitation to the party. ● New children are always welcome at Kids Klub in Bradley Stoke. Find out more by phoning 0845 606 6524. You can also visit our website at kidsklub.com

wo students from Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) are among eight finalists in a design & sewing competition organised by the John Lewis store at Cribbs Causeway.

Over 70 pupils in Years 10 to 13 at local schools submitted prom outfit designs for the competition launched in September last year.

Eight designs were selected by a panel of judges from John Lewis.

Finalists Chloe Lorenzi and Simran Kaur from BSCS, Ashleigh Porton from Patchway Community College, Zoe Perry and Molly Marshall from Chipping Sodbury School, Izzy Fraser and Marcella Lopresti from St Bede’s and Jessi Viljeon from St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School were invited into the store during February half term to make up their designs, with help and advice from experts in the haberdashery department.

All fabric and accessories used by the students were supplied by John Lewis free of charge.

This is the second year of the competition, after Chloe Marsh from BSCS was crowned the

winner last year.

Finalist Zoe Perry commented: “This has been a great experience for me, one that will help me at interviews in the future. I am really happy with my dress and have enjoyed my time spent at John Lewis learning so many new skills.”

The 2015 finalists will model their completed outfits at Old Down Manor in March after having their hair styled by Alan Bendrey & Co and their make up applied by ‘bare minerals’ at John Lewis.

Head of Branch Lucy Ramseyer said: “With the Great British Sewing Bee so prevalent at the moment this is an excellent opportunity for local students to learn fantastic new skills. I have been very impressed with the talent demonstrated and the quality of the student’s designs and final outfits.

“It is a privilege for John Lewis to be able to offer this opportunity for students who wish to pursue a career in design or textiles and I look forward to the reveal later in March.”

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March 2015

News

Little Stoke Primary rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

S

taff and pupils at a local primary school that was deemed ‘in need of improvement’ two years ago are celebrating after Ofsted rated it ‘good’ following its latest inspection in January.

Little Stoke Primary School was graded ‘good’ for each of the five key judgement themes of leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, achievement of pupils and early years provision.

The news was welcomed by headteacher Scott Howes, who said the school had been through a “really intense time of change” since the last inspection and had worked closely with the local authority and government inspectors to bring about the necessary improvements.

Significant improvements

In a letter to parents, Mr Howes wrote: “We are pleased to report that the inspectors recognised the significant improvements brought about by the hard working team of teachers, support staff, office staff, governors and leadership team.

Ofsted has now graded Little Stoke Primary School as a ‘good’ school and has identified some excellent features.”

Inspectors spent two days meeting pupils, staff, governors and parents, as well as observing lessons and playtime sessions, analysing achievement data and looking at work in pupils’ books.

Little Stoke Primary School headteacher Scott Howes (back row, centre) with Anne Sargent (deputy head and English lead), Stephen Wells (governor, and chair of Finance & Building Committee) and Year 6 pupils

In their report, inspectors comment on the strength of the new governing body and acknowledge that all areas of improvement identified in the previous inspection have been successfully addressed.

Inspectors also commented on the determination of the

leadership team to raise standards further by giving all pupils a rich educational experience.

“The variety of subjects taught in the school provides a rich and varied experience for pupils.

There are opportunities for pupils to work in different ways and to develop their understanding

of other subjects, as well as improving their skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Termly topics bring together aspects of many different subjects and are very effective in inspiring pupils’ interests and curiosity.”

Mr Howes said staff are particularly proud of the feedback

JACK LOPRESTI MP

Member of Parliament for Filton and Bradley Stoke

Jack has surgeries on Fridays at locations across the constituency – please make an appointment: 01454 617 783 or jack.lopresti.mp@parliament.uk Jack’s drop-in constituency office is at 2B, 1st Floor East, The Willow Brook Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8BS Open 9-6 weekdays To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

March 2015

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19

In Brief Specsavers Bradley Stoke supports Comic Relief Red Nose Day 2015 is set to offer more than just Red Noses this year. Bright red comedy glasses with hair raising eyebrows, as modelled by the fabulous Gok Wan, are also coming to Bradley Stoke, courtesy of Specsavers.

Visitors to Specsavers located in the Willow Brook Centre can follow in the footsteps of Gok Wan and make their faces “funny for money” with Specsavers’ official Red Nose Day glasses in small and large sizes, for just £3 with £1 donated to Comic Relief.

Staff at the store kicked off their fundraising with a cake sale on 14th February that raised £232. A charity spinathon is set to follow on Friday 6th March. received about the high level of care, safety, shared responsibility and learning ethos in the school.

Noting that the school has a diverse population of children from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, he commented: “We work hard to promote an understanding of each other and a tolerance of difference. Ofsted noted that disadvantaged pupils made good progress, as do those who speak English as an additional language, those with special educational needs and all pupils from different ethnic backgrounds.”

with the help of a grant from the National Lottery.

There are also plans to provide more focus on art, dance and drama at the school. A dance club is already up and running and Little Stoke pupils recently took part in a dance festival at Bradley Stoke Community School. The 65 strong pupil school choir, led by the Deputy Head, also presented an impressive school concert at Christmas to the delight of many parents.

The school is also in the process of setting up a new learning zone called ‘Jump Start’, designed to raise pupils’ aspirations. This will call on the high level of skills available within the parent and local industry base, to provide regular workshops for Key Stage 2 pupils in topics as diverse as engineering, photography, financial management and woodcraft.

Mr Howes’ letter concludes: “Parents have shown great

support and understanding to the school during the many, sometimes difficult changes. We would like to thank parents for their commitment and we are so pleased that families can feel a sense of pride that their children attend Little Stoke Primary School. We look forward to building on our strengths as we continue to offer your children high quality skills for lifelong learning.” ● Website: littlestokeps.co.uk

Investing in parents

Looking forward, Mr Howes commented that the “job of improving a school for the pupils is never done.” Plans are afoot for the school to work towards achieving the Leading Parent Partnership Award, a national scheme that invests in parents for the achievement of pupils.

The school has extensive grounds, which Mr Howes believes could be further developed to enhance the curriculum. There is already an active Forest School, which makes use of woodland within the grounds to provide outdoor learning opportunities in which pupils can learn about the natural environment and develop social and team learning skills.

New outdoor play equipment has also recently been installed,

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March 2015

Love Art Classes? Enrol on our course and you will too! Just ask our students!

W

e have been running successful courses in Winterbourne Down for the last two years.

Our aim is to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from each class, learning skills and techniques that will create a pathway into the wonderful and relaxing world of art.

Our Beginners’ Course will take you on a journey of discovery, creating paintings you never thought possible. With the help and advice from our qualified tutor, Jan, you will acquire all the tools and confidence to achieve your artistic ambitions and unleash the artist within!

Our first course is designed for absolute beginners and teaches basic methods of sketching and painting with oil pastels, watercolour and acrylic paint.

By the end of the course you will have the ability to look at objects in a new light and re-create

A proud student on exhibition evening

them. This new found knowledge will enable you to create many original pieces including a landscape painting.

Most of our students go on to do our Improvers’ Course and take their skills to the next level.

The return rate of our students is well over 60% which speaks for itself. If your New Year’s resolution is to make the most of the spare time you have or simply to fulfil a life long ambition then don’t delay. Join us in April and you won’t be disappointed.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveartclass

New Art Class for Beginners

Looking for an introduction to art?

Or want to improve your skills?

STARTS APRIL

New 12 week art course starting in April is designed for complete beginners to improvers and is held at a venue in Winterbourne Down.

The courses run once a week, morning or afternoon for 3 hours and all your materials are provided.

If you have always wanted to learn how to draw or paint but have no idea where to start then this course will show you how. The curriculum is comprehensive, interesting and fun, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Our qualified tutor provides step by step guidance each week, covering sketching, pastels, watercolour and acrylic painting. By the end of the course you will have 8 pieces of your own original art including a pastel pet portrait and an acrylic country landscape! You can then show off your new found skills to family and friends at the end of course exhibition!

For more informa�on including dates, �mes and venue, please call Emma on 01454 227116.

Art can help reduce stress, create a feeling of well-being and provide relaxation but most of all — it’s fun!

Student numbers are kept low to ensure that everyone gets maximum benefit so to reserve a place on our next course or for more information call today on 01454 227116.

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March 2015

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News

In Brief

Pete Bruce chosen as Lib Dem candidate for 2015 general election

Grants awarded

W

interbourne resident Pete Bruce has been chosen by the local Liberal Democrats to stand as their candidate at the forthcoming general election in the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency.

He has a background in science and engineering, having previously worked for local firms such as Airbus, and is now involved in a number of local voluntary groups. He has a particular interest in environmental sustainability and is already campaigning for improved public transport links for people who live and work around this part of South Gloucestershire.

Mr Bruce’s candidacy was announced at a well-attended

meeting at Winterbourne Community Centre hosted by neighbouring MP and Minister for Pensions, Steve Webb.

Commenting on Mr Bruce’s selection, Steve Webb said: “I am delighted that the local Lib Dems have selected such a strong candidate as Pete Bruce to fight the next general election. I have known him for nearly twenty years and his experience working in the aerospace industry would be especially valuable as MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke. He is a committed environmentalist and is actively involved in local community groups and would have a lot to contribute in Parliament”.

Pete Bruce told the meeting: “I am very pleased to be chosen

as the Liberal Democrat candidate to seek the support of the people of Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency to serve and represent them. I have my roots in the constituency area and love its diversity, with much to celebrate and preserve in its green spaces, sympathetic architecture, communities and industry. However, the global and local challenges we face will need new creative partnership solutions for the benefit of all.” ● Visit The Journal’s website for more general election news.

21

Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee agreed the following grants at its meeting in February: • £1,700 Service Level Agreement with Southern Brooks Community Partnership for its Bouncing Babies group • £3,000 Youth Service Level Agreement with Bradley Stoke Cricket Club • £1,600 Youth Service Level Agreement with Christ the King Church Youth Club • £2,404 Service Level Agreement with Four Towns & Vale Link Community Transport • £1,764 Service Level Agreement with the South Gloucestershire Chinese Association • £1,850 Youth Service Level Agreement with Southwest Winterguard Academy • £500 Grant Aid Award to the West of England MS Therapy Centre for physiotherapy costs • £500 Grant Aid Award to Revitalise for respite care breaks

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March 2015

News

In Brief

Young men invited to join local Round Table

Scout group expands with three new sections

C

alling out to all 18-45 year old men in Bradley Stoke: If you want to have fun, try new things, meet new people and put something back into your local community, then look no further. We are Great Western Round Table and we operate in and around Bradley Stoke and Downend. You may have recently seen us back in December when we were helping Santa on his sleigh!

We are always looking for new members, so if you want to liven up your social life, we are the organisation for you. We meet every other Thursday and have a strong programme of events lined up for the remainder of the year. Recently we held our annual badminton competition at Bradley

Stoke Leisure Centre. One of the larger events we are taking part in this year is a European road trip called Monte Carlo or Bust which would not be possible without a strong group of individuals supporting and helping make individual ideas happen.

Upcoming events: • 4th March – Rifle shooting • 19th March – Zorb football • 2nd April – Curry & pint night • 17th April – Annual general meeting • 30th April - Pub games (darts, pool & skittles) • 7th May – Dodge ball Round Table’s slogan is #DOMORE and we really think with us you can!

If you would like to find out more, please visit our Facebook page ‘Great Western Round Table’ or our website www.gwrt. co.uk If you want to jump straight into the fun and are interested in joining arguably the coolest men’s club ever, then please either email us on hello@gwrt. co.uk, phone our national office on 0121 456 4402 or text ‘Join’ and your post code to 60066.

The Journal is proud to be Bradley Stoke’s only locally-edited community news magazine

With so many children wanting to join Scouting, the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group ran open evenings and taster sessions at the end of last year for children, parents and volunteers.

Helped by Scouting’s Regional Development Service, it opened three new sections in January – two Beaver Colonies at the Brook Way Activity Centre for those aged between six and eight, and a Cub Pack at Holy Trinity School for eight to ten-and-ahalf year-olds – as well as taking others directly into their existing sections. These will be supported by around twenty new leaders and helpers.

Group Chair Nick Nelson said: “We are continuing to review our waiting list which may mean that we need to grow still further.”

Details of how to join as a Beaver, Cub, Scout or adult volunteer can be found at http:// bradley-stoke-scouts.org.uk

Get in touch for free, friendly advice or a market appraisal of your property.

Bradley Stoke Office Unit 7, Willowbrook Centre, Savages Woods Road, Bradley Stoke BS32 8BS Call: 01454 205 070 Mail: bradleystokesales@oceanhome.co.uk Search: oceanhome.co.uk

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March 2015

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23

News

Broadband: MP asked to contact BT over “lack of capacity” at cabinets

L

ocal MP Jack Lopresti has been asked to investigate why hundreds of people in Bradley Stoke are still unable to order superfast broadband despite claims by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) that its rollout programme has been completed, with all cabinets “live and ready for service”.

The upgrade work across South Gloucestershire, which is due to be completed by 31st March, has been carried out by BT, with the aid of a £2 million subsidy from SGC and a further £710,000 from central government.

Investigations by The Journal, aided by data provided by readers, has shown that two of the eleven fibre-enabled cabinets installed under SGC’s upgrade project (nos. 22 and 34, both on Brook Way) have been returning an “out of capacity” status in BT’s availability checker since before Christmas. At the beginning of February, the checker was predicting that capacity at cabinet no. 34 would be restored by 11th February, but when that day came, it slipped another month to 11th March. Similarly, cabinet no. 22 was predicted to have capacity restored by 18th February, but that date has now disappeared from the checker result, leaving no mention of when capacity might be restored.

One Journal reader, Mike of Kemperleye Way commented:

“The cabinet 34 saga goes on and on. I find it difficult to believe that BT Openreach can upgrade a cabinet then discover a short while afterwards that it’s run out of capacity. The cabinet has been out of capacity since last August or September, shortly after the upgrade. Surely this lack of capacity should have been known and accounted for in the plan as BT Openreach owns the infrastructure, and as Bradley Stoke was so poorly served by broadband they should not have been surprised that it was snapped up so quickly.”

“I think BT needs to explain why it is continuing to delay capacity upgrade dates when they own the network and should already understand the problems they are likely to encounter. Problems always happen when you modify systems and equipment, but even I would have thought most people would think that over a six months delay is unacceptable.”

“Could it be that as BT has the monopoly on the infrastructure (no Virgin Media in this part of Bradley Stoke), they do not have any urgency to rectify the situation? I would hope that whilst SGC has stated that the capacity problem is BT’s, we, the taxpayers, funded this upgrade and BT should be held to account for not completing the task by adding capacity so that we all can benefit from it.”

Asked to clarify the contractual situation regarding residents’ ability to order, an SGC spokesperson said: “As part of their regulatory commitments, the fibre network is built and managed

by BT Openreach. BT owns the broadband infrastructure and is responsible for managing and maintaining capacity for the street cabinets, not the council.”

The spokesperson refused to provide relevant extracts from the council’s contract with BT, saying this was subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

Alerted to the issues over cabinet capacity, Bradley Stoke Town Council agreed to write to Jack Lopresti MP, asking him to “contact BT on behalf of his constituents in Bradley Stoke to ask BT to explain about the delay in the cabinet capacity upgrades and to ask them to sort the problem as soon as possible.”

Mr Lopresti later told The Journal: “I have been contacted by constituents of mine about capacity issues in two separate cabinets. I have raised this with SGC, who have told me that it is a matter for BT. I have been in touch with BT to put pressure on them to take action over this by increasing the capacity at these locations as soon as possible. I have brought the issue of the lack of capacity at newly upgraded broadband cabinets to the attention of the Secretary of State.”

Asked to help: Jack Lopresti MP

A statement from BT, provided via SGC stated: “Capacity in all fibre cabinets is reviewed monthly.

The process to trigger a capacity increase begins when trends show the cabinet will be nearing capacity in 90 days’ time. In most circumstances this allows sufficient time for capacity upgrades to be installed before a cabinet becomes full. Cabinet no. 34 went live in July 2014. Since then uptake has been at an unprecedented level with the result that the cabinet is currently full with more than 500 customers connected to it.

Because of the speed of take-up, the normal process of reviewing capacity did not happen in time to avoid this situation. The cabinet is scheduled to have additional capacity added and this should be completed by April.”

A third cabinet within Bradley Stoke, no. 44 (Baileys Court Road) is also currently out of capacity, with a projected restoration date of 18th March. This cabinet was upgraded in December 2013 as part of BT’s commercial rollout, i.e. it does not fall under the SGC project. It has been periodically out of capacity ever since.

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Hope for Morgan: Fundraising update

March 2015

Sport

Here are some updates following last month’s article on Morgan Walker, whose family is raising money for him to have a life-changing operation in the USA: • 7th March: Last Stand Boxing Event at Thornbury Leisure Centre (tickets on sale now, please contact Dean or Dan for tickets on 07468 569642 or 07599 059090) • 13th March: Psychic Supper at Henry’s Oriental in Chipping Sodbury • 17th April: Dinner and Dance at Aztec Hotel (sold out) • 2nd May Celebrity Evening with Neil Ruddock and Lee Sharpe at Bristol Marriott, hosted by Glen ‘The Catman” Catley (tickets available now from info@thesmallmovecompany.com or by calling Calvin Groves on 07891 206347) • 3rd May Family Fun Day at The Stokers Public House (See Facebook page for ‘Stokers Hope for Morgan Family Fun Day’) So far, the Justgiving sites have raised over £28,000; the charity Tree of Hope has set a target of £70,000. People are raising money through sponsored sky diving, ‘tough mudder’ races, as well as half marathons in Rome and Bath.

Please donate using the website www.justgiving.com/ hopeformorgan or you can text 70070 using the code HFMW99 and the amount you would like to give. For more information on events and bookings, please contact Zoe Walker on 07810 802177.

Adam Wilson celebrates with the England U23 football team (see facing page)

Make your kitchen sparkle again!

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March 2015

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25

Sport

Local athlete Adam Wilson called up for GB cross country team

A

young Bradley Stoke sportsman has received recognition at national level by being selected to represent Great Britain at the Inas European Cross Country Championships.

Adam Wilson, 17, of Cooks Close, was part of a six-man team chosen by the UK Sports Association (UKSA) to contest the all-age event for athletes with learning difficulties in Wakefield, Yorkshire at the end of February.

A member of Yate Athletics Club, Wilson competed in two separate races over the weekend of the championships, at distances of 4km and 6km.

A regular on the local athletics scene, his preparation for the event consisted of running between 20 and 28 miles a week, including training sessions with Westbury Harriers, track sessions at Yate and competing in local events such as the Little Stoke Park Run and the Aztec West Fast 5k. He also runs at least once a week around the nature reserve in Bradley Stoke.

In view of the all-age nature of the event, where he competed against much older runners, Wilson said he had harboured “no hopes of a medal position” but thought it was “great to get experience of international competition”.

Having recently finished fourth Avon runner in the South West Cross Country Championships, he is hoping to gain further top-level experience by being selected to represent Avon in the mainstream English Schools Cross Country Championships in Blackburn later this month.

A multi-talented sportsman, Adam has also gained international experience as a footballer, playing for the England under-23 learning disability team in a friendly against Northern Ireland last March and clinching a winner’s medal in a tri-nations tournament against Northern Ireland and Wales last September.

Adam’s success has it roots firmly anchored in the local junior sports scene, having first competed for Holy Trinity Church’s Cosmic United side at the age of four-and-a-half, before playing for Almondsbury Town Youth FC and Bradley Stoke United FC. At the age of 14 he transferred to Thornbury Town FC, where he currently plays for the mainstream U18 team in the Premier Division of the Bristol U18 Combination.

His running career began to take off after he gained a top six finishing position when representing Bowsland Green Primary School in a South Gloucestershire inter-school

Adam Wilson pictured in team kit prior to making his Great Britain debut

competition for Year 6 pupils.

Shortly after that event, he was encouraged to join Bitton Road Runners where he trained one night a week for a while before moving to Yate AC as a Year 7 student.

Adam has specialised in the 800m and 1500m distances on the track, but also competes regularly in cross country over the winter. As well as competing in mainstream events, he has

obtained a T20 classification for disability events, which has led to successes in the DSE Nationwide Junior Disability Championships and the Mencap National Championships.

Having previously attended The Castle School in Thornbury, Adam is now studying for a Level 3 BTEC in Business at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, where he is also a member of the Athletics Academy.

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26

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t: 01454 300 400

March 2015

Ask the Chiropractor

with Rebecca from the Willow Brook Clinic New Year, new you? Or new injury?

W

e all started 2015 with the best intentions - taking up running, going to the gym, joining a new sports club.

However, for many of us, these New Year resolutions are often hampered by injury.

Over the next three weeks, Rebecca Rees, a Chiropractor and sportsperson, will talk us through the most common injuries seen after the postNew Year fitness spree. She will give us some advice on how you can help get yourself back to fitness for training. First up… running!

Runner’s knee The Five Stokes Fundraising group for Marie Curie Cancer Care, based in Bradley Stoke and the surrounding area, is looking for volunteers to help support the Great Daffodil Appeal. There are various local collections taking place throughout March. To find out more about how you could help, please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or contact Julie Kemp or Pippa Rolfe at thefivestokesfundraisinggroup@gmail.com

Everyone worries that running will damage their knees.

However, recent research has shown that regular running (in moderation) does not cause knee wear and tear; in fact, it may even help to prevent it.

Despite this, one of the most common complaints from starting running is knee pain.

Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, is the name given to pain around the kneecap and is often worse when running or climbing up and down the stairs. The pain arises from abnormal movement of the kneecap, causing it to rub on the surface below. It is usually caused by an imbalance of the muscles either side of the knee; the muscle called your iliotibial band (ITB)

which runs down the outside of your leg, gets too tight and pulls the knee cap over to one side.

How to fix it?

One of the best solutions for Runner’s Knee is to purchase a foam roller. Lying on your side on top of the foam roller and rolling it up and down the outside of the leg helps to loosen off the ITB and stops it pulling on the kneecap.

Strengthening the knee and buttock muscles will also help prevent reoccurrence. Finally, having acupuncture or soft tissue work of the muscles and manipulation of the lower back and pelvis can also help - ask your chiropractor or physiotherapist for more advice.

Next month Rebecca will write about gym injuries and how to prevent them! www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

● See our advert on page 17.

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March 2015

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27

News

Wheatfield pupils shine at sport and dance It’s been a busy period sports-wise over the past half-term at Wheatfield Primary School, write Alison Gibbons & Tina McIvor.

Year 5 & 6 children took part in a three-way rugby tournament with Silverhill and Christchurch primary schools. The tournament was held in January at Silverhill in Winterbourne. Our children played with determination, battling against some atrocious weather conditions and were brilliant ambassadors for the school! We very much look forward to welcoming both schools to Wheatfield later in the year for further rugby and football matches, and hopefully some better weather conditions!

Our younger children in Key Stage 2, competed in the BSCS Years 3 & 4 Football Tournament in early February. Despite the bitter cold, the children finished second & third in their pools and showed tremendous determination and sportsmanship throughout the afternoon.

Over the past few terms our Year 4 Dance Club has been working really hard to learn two different dance routines ready to perform at the South Gloucestershire PE Association’s Dance Festival. This took place on Monday 9th February at Abbeywood School.

We had a fantastic time and the dancers were incredible! We performed a street dance routine to the song ‘Scream and Shout’ and a dance with a World War One theme to fit in with the learning taking place at school. The children danced in time, in unison, with smiles on their faces and did themselves, and indeed Wheatfield, proud. They enjoyed the opportunity to watch the dances of the other schools that took part too! We only hope that they all – ‘keeeeeep dancing!’

A huge thank you to our children, and to our enthusiastic parents for their continued support during these events; we wouldn’t be able to give the children these experiences without their help!

Bradley Stoke Community School Primary Phase Opening September 2015 For more information visit www.bradleystokecs.org.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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March 2015

t: 01454 300 400

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Official fuel consumption for the Volvo XC60 D4 SE (manual) in MPG (l/100km): Urban 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3), Combined 62.8 (4.5). CO₂ Emissions 117g/km.

MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. *Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered by 31st March 2015. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. You will not own the vehicle until all payments are made. City Motors trading as City Motors are a credit broker not a lender, can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Dacia Sandero range are: urban 37.2 (7.6)–65.7 (4.3); extraurban 57.7 (4.9)–80.7 (3.5); combined 48.7 (5.8)–74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 135–99g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.

Finance provided by RCI Financial Services Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on featured new vehicles when ordered and registered from 1 January to 31 March 2015 (excluding Access versions). Our dealership introduces customers to a limited number of financial providers including RCI Financial Services Ltd. We may receive a commission from the finance provider for the introduction. Offers based on 6000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Extended warranty applies to the models shown for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, when purchased on Dacia finance deposit contribution scheme (excluding Access versions).

The extended warranty prolongs the warranty coverage from the date of first registration and expires on the first of the two limits reached. Warranty offer provides ongoing protection from mechanical and electrical failure after the standard manufacturer’s warranty has expired and is valued at £395. The warranty plan is not transferable to another vehicle, but should the vehicle be sold while the warranty plan is still active, the remaining cover transfers to the new owner. Visit shop.dacia.co.uk/ product/5-year-extended-warranty for full terms and conditions. *Deposit contribution shown is available to new RCI Financial Services Ltd customers, when taking Dacia finance on a new Dacia Sandero. Sandero shown with optional metallic paint, available at an additional £495.

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March 2015

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www.citroen.co.uk

nEW CITROËN C1 FROM ONLy

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CiTy MOTORS CALL US NOW ON 0117 977 8881 CASTLE COURT, ST PHiLiPS CAUSEWAy, BRiSTOL, BS4 3AX www.citymotorsbristol.citroen.co.uk

°Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying Citroën models ordered & delivered 01/01-31/03/15 & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months’ graduated vehicle excise duty. Black/metallic/ pearlescent paint optional at extra cost. Elect 4 Personal Lease rentals shown apply to New C1 VTi 68 manual 3-door Touch - New C1 Airscape VTi 68 ETG 5-door Flair respectively. Model(s) shown New Citroën C1 VTi 68 manual Airscape Feel Edition 5-door from £119 per month. One significant advance rental will be required, which varies by model, followed by 34 monthly rentals at the rates shown & a significant optional final rental. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one months’ rental. Finance subject to status. Written quotations available on request from Citroën Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/ km); Highest:New Citroën C1 PureTech 82 manual 3-door Flair 5.4/52.3, 3.7/76.3, 4.3/65.7, 99. Lowest:New Citroën C1 VTi 68 S&S manual 3-door Flair 4.5/62.8, 3.4/83.1, 3.8/74.3, 88. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions.

29

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Film Review

by Dominic Merrien

Kingsman: The Secret Service (15)

H

i, my name’s Dom. Having grown up watching all the TV and films the 80s and 90s had to offer, I’m surprised I haven’t saved the people of Afghanistan, battled indestructible cyborgs, been condemned for a crime I did not commit or roamed aimlessly in an artificially intelligent car... Although, I do have a well known branded Smartphone and an in-car mount! Does this qualify as intelligent? I’m almost there now, right?

I just want to say I love film! I feel it’s had a positive influence on me; it’s my proverbial comfort food! I feel I waste no time watching a film regardless of its length or subject… I think every film has its value, its place in modern culture. I’m the go to guy for my friends when a big film hits the cinema and I would really like to share with you my thoughts and comments

Film enthusiast Dominic Merrien

on what’s out now. Some argue that the cinema is not as cheap as it used to be, so I really hope my comments inform you about what’s hot and what’s not at the cinema.

So here’s my first review – Kingsman: The Secret Service (rated 15). What can I say? Well Matthew Vaughn has hit the nail on the head with this one! If you liked both Kick Ass films, then

t: 01454 300 400

March 2015

Welcome to the first article in an occasional series in which we invite our readers to share their passion for a hobby or interest. you will love this. Colin Firth is the chivalrous Gentleman Spy and Taron Egerton (who starts off at least) as the London street smart brat transformed to agent!

The villain is played by Samuel L Jackson in the form of a typical bond megalomaniac. It has all the trappings of a Bond film with a grandiose plot, gadgets, guns and music, but also has all the best parts of Kick Ass with the smart gun play and exhilarating martial arts.

There are some undertones of class conflict in the film but these are pacified by Colin Firth’s character who recommends his protégé for Kingsman despite his background. There are some great comedy moments in the form of a yellow Subaru and a pug that Egerton’s character thinks is a bulldog. The small bit of product placement spotted in the film, will leave you giggling away! There are also some

memorable scenes of tension during Egerton’s enrolment and in the end sequences. This film definitely gets 4 stars from me.

The last thing to say is… Oxfords not Brogues! Enjoy! ● Kingsman: The Secret Service is currently showing at The Vue cinema, Cribbs Causeway.

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

March 2015

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31

News Holy Trinity Primary School February half-term ‘Lamb Hunt’ a bleating success The Friends of Holy Trinity Primary School organised a ‘Lamb Hunt’ for the children during the recent February half term.

A total of 16 lambs decorated by children at the school were placed at public places and business premises and the children were given a map showing their locations and challenged to find them all with their families over the holiday.

The Friends would like to thank the following organisations for hosting a “lamb”: Willow Brook Clinic, Mrs O’s Childcare, Little Acorns Pre-School, Woods Estate Agents, Rowe Veterinary Hospital, Bradley Stoke Radio, Shine Professional Beauty, A resident of Cooks Close, Bradley Stoke Library, Aspirations Financial Advice Ltd, Costa Coffee, Taylors Estate Agents, Play Pitch Pre-School, Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church, Kumon Study Centre and Holy Trinity Primary School.

Advertising feature

More spaces made available for 3-year-olds at Play Pitch Pre-School

P

lay Pitch Pre-School has listened to parents and is changing its current set-up to best meet the needs of the local community.

Currently, Play Pitch has the Explorer room for 2-3 year-olds and the Discovery room for 3-4 year-olds. However, from September 2015, spaces in both rooms will be accessible to all 2, 3 and 4 year-olds. This will avoid having spaces in one room, whilst having a huge waiting list for the other room.

Some parents have said: “I felt like I had to put my child in the Explorer room, otherwise I might not have got a space in the Discovery room when all the children moved up.”

Play Pitch want to prevent this from happening, and instead want to offer as many places to children on their waiting list as possible. There are also huge benefits to extending the

age range. Research has shown that older children support the learning of the younger children, learning valuable life lessons as a result. The younger children have opportunities to be in a language-rich environment and see older children modelling how to play. Mixed-age groups also ensure that children’s individual needs are taken into account in planning for activities and adult interactions, rather than being simply grouped by age.

Play Pitch Pre-School is based in the Baileys Court Activity Centre, next door to Baileys Court Primary School. It is open Monday to Friday in term time between the hours of 9am and 3pm or 9.15am and 3.15pm (room dependent).

For more information, please phone us on 0117 9470747 or email ppps03@yahoo.co.uk ● See our advert on page 8.

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

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March 2015

What’s On Family bike ride & quiz on Easter Sunday

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-school Now open in Bradley Stoke!

Find us just off Great Park Road s Court. and behind Tesco Express in Bailey • Day care & learning for 0 to 5 year olds • Specialist baby unit for children under 2 • Free places available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds*s • Open 7.00am - 7.00pm, Monday to Friday • Open 51 weeks of the year • OFSTED inspected and approved • Childcare vouchers accepted

A

fter four years of successfully organising a family Easter Ride, members of the Stokes Cycling Club are becoming pros and are raring to go for the next one.

The event is completely FREE and if you are stuck with ideas of what to do with the kids on Easter Sunday, then come and join us for a few hours of fun!

The last four years have seen numbers grow year on year, and for 2015 we hope to keep going with the tradition and it would be great if even more families come and see what we are all about.

There will be a choice of a 3

or 6 mile ride to which everyone is welcome. This is aimed at families including children of all ages, whether in trailers, tagalongs, or on their own bikes.

To keep it fun, there will be a quiz and if you manage to answer all the questions then the top three winners will receive a rather tasty Easter Egg, sponsored by Wards Solicitors, who have kindly supported us again this year. For everyone who enters there will be a little treat for taking part.

Please come along on Sunday 5th April between 10am and 12pm to register. See you there! ● www.stokescyclingclub.org.uk

Ask us about tax credits and other help with fees * Subject to Local Authority funding conditions.

For more information, call 01454 617 111 (Great Park Road) or 0117 931 1999 (Baileys Court).

Free registration

worth £50!

with this coupon

Original coupon to be presented at time of registration. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Places subject to availability, please book early to avoid disappointment. Valid until 30/6/2015.

Where children have fun... learning Services Include: ! Dog Walking ! Overnight Boarding ! Doggy Day Care ! Pet/Home Visits ! Small Pet Boarding ! House Sitting Why choose Us? ! Free Introductory mee.ng to ensure everyone gets on ! Fully Insured team ! Police checked staff, all with CRB checks ! Highly experienced staff ! Local, flexible service so we can meet any of your requirements Contact us:

Web: www.friendsforpets.co.uk Email: bristol@friendsforpets.co.uk Mobile: 07585 504867

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

March 2015

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33

What’s On

In Brief

Dance, sport & art groups to showcase talents

Funds awarded for Aztec West Roundabout work

Since 2011, we have held a community showcase event which demonstrates arts and sports activities available in the area, such as Martial Arts, Singers, Street Dancers, Majorettes, Marching Band, Indian Dancers, Gymnastics and our own Colourguard, to name but a few. The event continues to be a great success and our next Showcase is on Saturday 25th April 2015 with the doors opening at 1pm at Thornbury Leisure Centre in the Severn Side Large Hall.

The aim of our event is to demonstrate in the winter and spring months, through a community showcase performance to the people of South Gloucestershire and Bristol a vast range of diverse sport, dance and arts available to them in the surrounding communities for people of all ages and abilities.

Ken Burrows South West Winterguard Academy

South West Winterguard Academy presents

South Gloucestershire

Community Showcase Saturday 25th Apr 2015 Thornbury Leisure Centre BS35 3JB Doors open to the public at 1pm

A display of local community dance, sports and arts groups of all ages and abilities Admission £3 Adults, £1.50 under 16’s/OAP’s and under 3’s Free For further details contact Ken Burrows on 0775 2472314 or visit SouthWestWinterguardAcademy.org.uk for a free child's entry. Terms and conditions apply

The Most Thorough Cleaning Ever Seen, Or It’s Free!

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Measures to reduce congestion at the Aztec West Roundabout on the A38 Gloucester Road look set to be carried out within the next two years after the scheme was included in a successful bid for government funding.

It is one of three Local Pinch Point Schemes that will benefit from a recently announced £18.1 million Growth Deal award made to the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership for the period 2016 to 2021.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “We are currently investigating improvement options at the Aztec West Roundabout that will include widening of the A38 southbound approach and the provision of pedestrian/cycle crossings.”

“The objective of the scheme is to increase capacity at the junction and enhance pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities.

The scheme will be designed and phased to accommodate MetroBus bus priority works at the Bradley Stoke Way approach to the same junction.”

“Subject to the final approval of the Local Growth Funding by the Local Enterprise Partnership, design work will be completed before undertaking consultation with key stakeholders and the general public during 2015. The timetable for carrying out the highway works has not yet been finalised, but the Local Growth Funding award is for 2016/17.”

Stoke Gifford magazine Bridge Community Church meets every Sunday at 10am at Bradley Stoke community school for vibrant modern worship and relevant talks on life and faith.

We also provide a crèche for tots, and fun activities for older kids.

Find us at : Bradley Stoke secondary school, Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, BS32 9BS

A number of people have recently asked us if we could distribute a Journal magazine in Stoke Gifford, because they feel that the existing publications which cover the area are inadequate.

Whilst we already have a Stoke Gifford Journal website, we would need to get more Stoke Gifford residents involved before contemplating such a move.

If this is something that might interest you, please call Journal editor Stephen Horton on 01454 300400 to find out more.

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

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WANTED

LARGE HOUSE TO RENT FOR 3 YEARS

We seek good condition house, modern or modernised, 4-5 beds or larger, guaranteed 3 year contract, company let, excellent references.

Tel 0117 974 1459

t: 01454 300 400

March 2015

Advertising Feature Three reasons you need a Sports Therapist

W

hy should an athlete, casual runner or weekend warrior put up with persistent injury or weakness?

If you’re struggling to reach your optimum performance or fitness goals, then look to Sports Therapy. Kim Cheffey, one of the Sports Therapists at Bradley Stoke Physio and former Women’s Champions League football player, explains:

1. Enhance your performance

When you’re keen to train, compete or get out there for fun, it’s a lot less enjoyable if aches or pain is stopping you.

Sports Therapists can identify what will speed up your recovery and ready you for your next training session or top performance. I will see if you need treatment for muscle tears, if the release of muscle tension will increase your movement, or if an improvement in your circulation will ensure your body can work harder. Treatment will maximise your athletic performance.

2. Prevent injury

It’s sometimes hard to tell if there’s an injury just waiting to happen, but Sports Therapists are trained to spot the signs.

One of the things I look at is whether your body is compensating - your body’s attempt to find a solution to weakness or poor control of certain movements. It can hinder

your fitness progression and performance and ultimately lead to injury. I can work with you to strengthen your movement, your performance and prevent the injury occurring.

3. Get back on that horse/ road/field/court/pitch [delete as appropriate]

Help from a Sports Therapist can speed up your recovery from a sports injury.

With my experience working with athletes and sports teams, I can devise a recovery, strengthening and agility programme especially for you and your sport. We’ll get you back to fitness in good time and prevent reocurrence.

To book your Sports Therapy session, pop into Bradley Stoke Physio (in the Leisure Centre), telephone 01454 618 525, or email info@bradleystokephysio.co.uk

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

March 2015

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35

Sport

In Brief

Beginners’ running course: From couch to 3 miles in 8 weeks!

Fine arts society lecture on Art Deco ceramics

By Moira de Groot of North Bristol Running Group hat a huge success the Beginners’ Course has been at the North Bristol Running Group! Despite the icy, wintry conditions, Alan and Sheila Wilcox have supported over 30 new runners on Wednesday and Friday evenings to learn how to run.

Their goal is to run the parkrun in Little Stoke Park on 7th March. This is a 5km (3.2 mile) run, a distance that most of these people would never have imagined running at Christmastime.

The running programme involves exercises and short runs to begin with, building up to 5km in just 8 weeks. “Alan, Sheila and the helpers have been so supportive and encouraging – I can’t believe I am actually running” said one enthusiastic participant, Mrs T. Following on from this

W

A group of beginners about to set of for a training run from the leisure centre

successful course, Alan and Sheila are going to be starting a new ‘From couch to 5km’ course after Easter. Follow North Bristol Running Group on Facebook for updates on where and when to meet. Join us – it’s fabulous!

It is free to join the School Run on Monday, Wednesday

and Friday mornings during term time, or the evening runs on Tuesday and Thursday. Track runs are also offered.

Like the Facebook page for North Bristol Running Group for all the details. We are a very friendly bunch and all abilities are most welcome.

South Gloucestershire Decorative and Fine Arts Society expects a record attendance for Diana Lloyds’ popular lecture on ceramic artists ranging from Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper to Ruskin.

The Art Deco style is essentially a return to Classicism, beginning its development just before the First World War and becoming the commercial style that gained its name from the 1925 Decorative Arts Exhibition in Paris.

The lecture takes place at Bradley Stoke Community School on Thursday 19th March. There is plenty of easy parking and good access to the hall.

Refreshments available from 7pm with the slide-illustrated lecture starting at 7.30 pm.

No artistic ability required, just an enquiring mind and an interest in the arts!

For more information and to join us as a guest, please call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401.

First Impressions Always Count Discover Reflections, Bradley Stoke; Friendly Staff & Award-Winning Hairdressing Relaxing shampoo room (Indian head massage included with all services) Complimentary refreshments and magazines Friendly, knowledgeable staff experienced in cutting & colouring Nails, Eyelash & Wedding Hair Specialists on site

We are very pleased to announce the return of Roxanne and Hannah to Reflections, Bradley Stoke!

Reflections, 9 Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8BS. Tel: 01454 610 318 www.reflectionshair.co.uk

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

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March 2015

News

February in the Three Brooks nature reserve

By Sara Messenger (Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group)

F

or our February workday we had planned to coppice ‘Scholars Copse,’ the area of woodland behind the Community school, but because of Ash Dieback disease, authorities are still suggesting that ash trees are only felled if they are unsafe. So the group headed off to Bluebell Bridge, to continue cutting back trees and bramble from the edges of the brook. This not only gives us humans a better view, but also improves the biodiversity of the brooks. A large amount of rubbish was cleared, including the obligatory shopping trolley, two children’s bikes and a mattress! Before we could even ask, all the rubbish was collected by the town’s Mobile Cleaning Operative; thank you Jason, we appreciate your “see it, sort it” attitude! We were only two members short at the end of the day, as they had been sent home early after Sarah (Marlor) slipped and filled her waders with cold stream water! Of course, Sarah says she was pushed!

Several dog walkers mentioned that they thought there was ‘a bit of a mess’ in the pump track area, so the group went to check.

The affected area is where SGC had hired out woodland, to nonConservation Group members, for ‘Chainsaw Training’. Several ash trees had been felled and

brush & cut trees were strewn around the area, possibly scattered by teenagers. Whoever created the mess, Green Gym will soon go back and make the area safe again.

Green Gym

Green Gym leader David Baker, when he’s not being interviewed

by Bradley Stoke Radio, is being invited to speak at the upcoming ‘Invasive Weeds Forum’ as his methodology for dealing with Himalayan Balsam is considered outstanding. We are very pleased to see that new members Rob, Colin and Cecilia have stuck with us despite the weather and GG has some new vocabulary; ‘a Sabrina Day.’ This is when the group gets posh chocolate biscuits, as, after receiving some advice from David, dog walker Sabrina gave us a welcome donation towards our biscuit fund!

Path Clearing

As you walk along the paths on the reserve you may have noticed that they are just a bit wider than they were a while ago. This is because SGC, in the guise of the engaging Lee, have been flailing the paths on our behalf and they will return several times a year to keep them clear of bramble.

The downside is that you can now see just how much litter has accumulated! In just a couple of

Conservation group members with rubbish cleared from the brook, which included a shopping trolley, two children’s bikes and a mattress!

hours over 13 bags of litter were collected from just around the lake. But we are hoping to clear the reserve by inviting the public to some additional Big Spring Clean workdays.

Vandalism

Although the offensive graffiti from the flyover bridge has now been removed, there continues to be far too much low level vandalism and anti social behaviour on the reserve. As well as the usual littering, graffiti and bird box smashing, an attempt was made to set 30 Argos catalogues alight, trees were hacked with a small axe and large amounts of empty beer cans, wine bottles and aerosol cans are regularly found. The area around the bench by Bluebell Bridge is often strewn with drug bags and the bin has been removed after

it was set alight again, leaving it beyond repair.

Group’s 10th Anniversary

On a more positive note, the Conservation Group will be 10 years old this year, the brave person who spent several very rainy nights camped out in the woods seems to have found better accommodation; 1st Alveston Rainbow Guides have sponsored another dormouse box; we have replaced part of the fence on Bradley Stoke Way and we are planning a series of guided walks around the reserve, including a summer stroll, four bat walks, an owl prowl, a reptile ramble and, at the request of some of our younger walkers, hopefully Ghost Stories in the Dark. ● www.three-brooks.info, email info@three-brooks.info or call Hannah on 0797 142 6266.

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March 2015

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Entries open for 2015 Bradley Stoke 10k Run Entries have now opened for the 2015 renewal of the Bradley Stoke 10k Run, to be held on Sunday 7th 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. The entry limit for this year’s race has been set at 650 runners. ● More information: http://bit.ly/bs10k

OPEN DAY

Saturday 14th March 9-12pm

37

In Brief Willow Brook recognised for green credentials The Willow Brook shopping centre in Bradley Stoke has been recognised for its green credentials, winning an ISO 14001 environment accreditation – an internationally recognised standard for an organisation’s environmental management system.

Over the past two years, Willow Brook has put rigorous systems in place to reduce energy consumption and improve its waste management.

During this period, the centre has reduced its gas consumption by more than 90 percent and electricity usage has gone down more than 30 percent. And 100 percent of the onsite waste is either recycled or recovered.

The auditor was impressed with the comprehensive systems and processes put in place by Willow Brook.

Willow Brook manager Andy Wynn said: “We take the environmental performance of the centre very seriously and continually review and update our processes to make it as efficient as possible.”

“We are delighted to have been awarded ISO 14001 and will continue to keep up the good work in the future.”

Stamp appeal success

Tockington manor school a co-educational day and boarding school for 2 - 13 year olds

Tel: 01454 613229 www.tockingtonmanorschool.com email: registrar@tockingtonmanorschool.com Washingpool Hill Road, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4NY

Minibus service available “Making the most of every moment”

Following an appeal in the January edition of The Journal for your used stamps to “save the Albatrosses”, the Rainbow Guides have been overwhelmed by the very positive response to their plea and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to go along to the library to donate their stamps!

Amongst the more common stamps were many of the more valuable foreign stamps and a multitude of quite old UK stamps, which have already smashed our target of another two Tori lines!

Nikki Marks of the RSPB said: “Please pass on my appreciation to the Rainbows – they should be proud of their efforts.”

Sara Messenger

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March 2015

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Ask the Doctor with Dr Norman Douglas of Bradley Stoke Surgery Ring-a-ring o’ roses, A pocket full of posies, A-tishoo! A-tishoo! We all fall down.

T

his nursery rhyme, according to urban legend, comes from the late 1700s and describes the “Black Death” otherwise known as “The Plague” which caused a rosy ringed rash, was warded off by posies of herbs, had sneezing as its final symptom.

It then caused death. How very pleasant.

Fortunately, in modern medicine, we don’t see the plague. We do see a lot of sneezing and a lot of falling down. Sneezing is a forceful expulsion of breath to clear mucus and irritants from the throat and nasal passages. It is protective by stopping these irritants from going lower in the respiratory tract. The irritants which are normally implicated are infection, environmental pollutants and allergens.

Infection is usually viral and self limiting, pollutants

are usually obvious, but not always, and should be avoided.

(Smoke, dust, perfumes etc.).

Allergens are more difficult as they are naturally occurring, airborne particles which many people have no resistance to.

They include grasses, pollens, moulds, pet dander, and many other microscopic particles in the air. They don’t just cause

increase in the incidence of allergic problems over my years in practice. Probably due to new crops and plants being introduced to our fields and gardens, also because we now travel a lot more and the body has not had the chance to develop immune defences against these irritants.

So if you suffer with “Hay

I have seen a massive increase in the incidence “ of allergic problems over my years in practice ”

sneezing but may irritate the eyes, they may irritate the lower airways causing cough and wheeze, they can irritate the skin causing swelling and rash but in general they are a nuisance rather than a serious medical issue. The body protects its vital organs with the first line of defence, i.e. sneezing and coughing and running eyes. I have seen a massive

Fever” this is the reason.

What can you do? There are a number of simple approaches.

Avoidance of the allergen is obvious but not always possible, taking a simple anti-histamine on a regular basis and starting at least 4 weeks before the allergy season starts, using steroid nasal sprays and allergy eye drops, again starting well before the start of the season.

These are all available over the counter without prescription so it is worth starting now. The use on injections such as steroids is controversial and not generally recommended and desensitisation by using repeated allergenic injections is again not generally a good policy.

So, if you are someone who sneezes repeatedly it is more likely you will benefit from the above advice. If your sneezing is accompanied by a rosy ringed rash and falling down I will be happy to diagnose “The Plague” but as I have not seen a case since 1781 it is very unlikely.

Have a great month and start to get ready for the spring.

Dr Norman Douglas www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

Swash Buckling Pirate Adventure Fun!

Ahoy me heart ies!

Saturday 14th March, 9:30am-10:30am We will be setting sail for a treasure hunt and for the brave hearted a walk along the plank!

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Take this opportunity to view our fantastic facilities!

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Call Melanie on 01454 202 888 for more information Busy Bees Nursery, Ferndene, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 9DF www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/bradleystoke To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

March 2015

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39

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Quiz Quiz for all, No. 18 (easy/hard, old/new) Another ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 43.

1. Changing its name in 1996, by what name is the Indian city of Madras usually known today?

2. What was the (first) name of the Greek kebab shop owner character, made famous by Harry Enfield during the 1980s?

3. In the human body, what is the more common name for the calcaneus?

4. What is the last letter of the Greek alphabet?

5. Which North Atlantic island is the birthplace of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo?

6. In 1647 George Fox founded ‘The Friends of Truth’. By what name do we now know this group?

7. Which insect lends its name to a cocktail that consists of green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao and whipping cream?

8. Which city is home to the headquarters of the International Red Cross?

9. Which ratite, native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, is the third tallest bird, behind the ostrich and emu?

10. What is the largest state in Canada by population?

11. In terms of inmate capacity, which is the largest prison in the UK? 12. What sort of creature is an Impala?

13. From which Caribbean island nation does the globally famous singer, Rihanna, come from?

Journal quiz setter: Paul Philpot

14. What toy takes its name for play well in Danish?

15. The 1997 film ‘Fierce Creatures’, was the unsuccessful sequel to which 1988 film, for which Kevin Kline won an Oscar?

16. Li is the chemical symbol for which element on the Periodic Table?

17. Which vegetable is the main ingredient for the Eastern European dish, ‘borsch’?

18. Who, in 2002, became the first winner of the UK version of ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!’

19. ‘Frappuccino’ is a registered trademark that is served in which chain of coffee shops?

20. Periodontitis is a set of inflammatory diseases, affecting the tissues that surround and support which part, or parts of the human body?

Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org

We’ll NEVER increase your membership!

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Call 0845 5196761 or visit www.anytimefitness.co.uk

*The rate you sign up for is your rate as long as you are a member. If you leave and come back, a different membership price may apply. Admin fee payable. Terms and conditions apply.

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March 2015

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News Choir’s successful singing workshop

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ocal community choir, Stokes Singers, who rehearse at 7.30pm at Coniston Community Centre Patchway every Thursday evening, invited the brilliant Wendy Sergeant to lead a singing workshop on 31st January.

Wendy runs several choirs in the South West and also organises day / weekend singing workshops both locally and across the country, teaching songs aurally using a light touch and plenty of support and humour so that people find themselves singing unaccompanied four part harmony without really trying.

Wendy says: “I love teaching this kind of singing because it opens a world of music and group singing to people who’ve never done it before and many of them are thrilled by the experience. It is also good for singers who are used to using sheet music because it helps improve aural skills” The event was well supported by members of the choir as well as non-members who welcomed the chance to join in and experience the thrill of singing in four part harmony.

The songs learnt were chosen to fit in with the Summer Concert theme of ‘songs from around the world’ and included African songs – ‘Thina Simunye’ and ‘In donga de Jerico sa diliga’ and a Croation love song – ‘Plovi Barko’. It is hoped that all three songs will be featured in the Stokes Singers’ Summer Concert on 27th June 2015.

Wendy Sergeant in action

The workshop was a great success and proved to be a delightful way to spend a cold and gloomy Saturday afternoon and, as an added bonus, two new choir members were recruited.

For a glimpse of the atmosphere at the workshop, take a look at the video on the ‘Stokes Singers’ Facebook page.

For more information about Wendy Sergeant, visit her website wendysergeant.vpweb.co.uk Stokes Singers are hoping to hold similar events during the year as well as their regular concerts and charity events. If anyone is interested in joining the choir, please contact Liz Gazzard on 01454 614148.

Choir membership is only £2.75 per week, but the first two weeks are free, so come along to give it a try. ● www.stokessingers.org.uk

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March 2015

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Sport

Local bowls club welcomes new members

By George Eland joined Bradley Stoke Bowls Club five years ago, when I retired from my job at Airbus.

It has been the perfect solution for me as to what I would do to fill some of my spare time.

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed myself, both in playing bowls and the wonderful family atmosphere found at the club, so much so that I took on the role as Club Captain for the season 2014.

I have also been elected in that role for 2015.

Last season, the bowls club made great steps forward in winning the Bristol and District League, and the ladies section finishing runners up in their league, both teams winning promotion to the next level.

2015 promises to be a season to look forward to, with plenty of games to play and ‘away days’ planned for Budleigh Salterton and Reading.

I

Games are played in a friendly atmosphere at all levels, from beginners to more experienced player, with practice sessions for beginners on Tuesdays throughout the season.

Whether you are an interested beginner or a more experienced player, Bradley Stoke Bowls Club is a great place to play, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

• George Eland: 0117 979 0260 • Website: www.bsbc.webs.com P.S. Alongside me, Denise is just as keen and active as I am.

Invitation to Spring Meeting All members and prospective members of Bradley Stoke Bowls Club are invited to attend the Spring Meeting, to be held in the Orchard room at Baileys Court Activity Centre on Thursday 26th March at 6.30 pm, when fixture lists will be available and new members welcomed.

Bradley Stoke Bowls Club Captain George Eland with wife Denise

Bradley Stoke Journal: 4,100 fans

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March 2015

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News

‘In Bloom’ group looks forward to spring

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB)

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lanting, as any gardener will tell you, is a waiting game, all you can do is put them in, feed them, water them, and then wait. When spring comes, (providing you can remember where you planted), you can just sit back and enjoy the fruits of your past labours which is what we’ve been doing at the Willow Brook Centre. Many of the snowdrops have already burst into flower considerably cheering the planters and passer bys alike, while the Crocuses and Hyacinth leaves are already making an appearance. When the Tulips and Alliums appear too, we will have a very colourful and cheery Town Centre. All the plants for

this project have been donated

by Almondsbury Garden Centre, and they already have some exciting suggestions for the next season’s planting, so watch that space!

Spring must not be far away as while we were filling up our bird feeder outside the library, we saw the first cowslips peeking out from the cold earth. We have asked the Leisure Centre Management if, as a joint project, we can widen the narrow slabs at the back of the meadow as this is a popular shortcut but one that sadly meant that all the taller daisies we planted at the back were trampled before they could take hold. BSiB member Andy D suggested that local

Bradley Stoke in Bloom volunteers taking part in last year’s Big Spring Clean

children might like to decorate the paving slabs that would make up a new path and we think it’s a great idea, so we will see what we can do!

Last year as part of their March workday, BSiB put on a Big Spring Clean morning and in just a few hours collected a mountainous 31 bags of rubbish, as well as bike tyres, traffic cones, hub caps, buckets, a wig and a fireplace (which I wanted to plant up with red hot pokers!) At the time of writing, we have been unable to get any confirmation from SGC that

they will again assist community groups to hold their own events. However, Bradley Stoke Town Council have been very supportive and although they are unable to lend any litter pickers or gloves, they have offered to supply us with rubbish bags, so we hope our first Big Spring Clean will be on Saturday 21st March starting at the Library Wildflower Meadow at 10.30am.

We hope to see you there! ● How to contact us…

Email: bsib@hotmail.co.uk; Tel: 07582 634107; Facebook: Bradley Stoke in Bloom

tsbcareers.co.uk

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Be part of a brand new team we’re building at Keypoint, Bradley Stoke, Bristol. We have exciting new opportunities at all levels for a mixture of customer facing, operational and specialist roles. Details of all our current vacancies are available on our careers site, however we are continuously recruiting for the following role:

Customer Service Processors | £14,850 - £15,250 + benefits Working closely with our Mortgage Brokers, you’ll ensure that our customers have a positive experience throughout their mortgage application process. Processing mortgage applications, your strong organisational skills and attention to detail will ensure our process is run as smoothly and time efficiently as possible. To really succeed it goes without saying you’ll be a team player with excellent communication skills, a desire to learn and a passion for delivering outstanding customer service.

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March 2015

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Bradley Stoke Beat Team

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk Beat Manager PC Claire Fletcher

Local police support Safer Internet Day

A

s you may be aware, last month, Avon and Somerset Police supported Safer Internet Day, an international initiative to keep children safe online.

The Bradley Stoke beat team, like any other area, has to deal with issues connected with this, from education within schools and youth organisations to dealing with low-level reported incidents.

We therefore thought it was a good time to remind parents, young people and other local residents about staying safe online.

• 42% of cybercrime cases involving victims under 16-years-old reported to Avon and Somerset Police included malicious communications • Our statistics show that under-16s in Avon and Somerset are at higher risk of cybercrime when using Facebook • 65% of children often go online without any parental supervision, according to nobullying.com Our tips for staying safe online: • Set up parental controls on all of your devices that connect to the internet – that includes your TV • If someone sends you something abusive or concerning on social media,

block and report them to the site • Things that you put online are there forever – think before you post • Get free expert advice about online safety from getsafeonline.org and thinkuknow.co.uk • Report concerns online (there is a guide on our website on how to contact individual sites, e.g. Facebook) To contact your local police, phone 101 or visit Patchway Police Centre (open 8am-8pm).

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What’s On Friends of Jubilee Green events in March

Quiz answers (page 39) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Chennai Stavros Heel Bone Omega Madeira Quakers Grasshopper Geneva Cassowary Ontario

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Wandsworth Antelope Barbados Lego A Fish Called Wanda Lithium Beetroot Tony Blackburn Starbucks Teeth

Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre: Wednesday 18th March – 5pm to 6.30pm Wednesday 1st April – 1pm to 2.30pm ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

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44

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March 2015

Community Showcase with Clive Hickman of Bradley Stoke Radio

I

n the busy run up to Christmas, I was joined by Tim Sunderland (Pastor) from the Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church (BSEC), and Jamie Finlay (Leadership Team Member) from the Bridge Community Church (BCC).

Both Churches are very active in the local community, providing pastoral support, and a wide range of services and events.

This includes the Refresh Cafe at the BSEC in Baileys Court Road, every Wednesday from 9am to 11.30am, and Community Coffee and Cake, organised by the BCC, every Thursday, from 10am to 12 noon at the Brook Way Activity Centre. Two great opportunities to meet with friends, and find out what both Churches have to offer.

In January, Bill Morgan (Trustee) from the Bristol Aero Collection Trust, brought us up to date with all

the news and developments with regards to the new Bristol Aerospace Centre at Filton, including the new home for Concorde 216, which is due to open in Spring 2017. Bill explained that the recent £4.7m award from the Heritage Lottery Fund, was a major boost for the Trust, helping to secure its future.

The Show went ‘green’ in February, when Fred Hillberg representing the historic Splatts Abbey Wood, and John Weir representing the relatively young Sims Hill Woodland, joined me to talk about the two woodland groups.

The groups are working together to manage the woodland, and engage with the local community. Students from UWE have also created a project called UWE GreenSpace who help to manage the woodlands on planned work days, breathing

L-r: John Weir (Sims Hill Woodland) and Fred Hillberg (Splatts Abbey Wood) with BSR Community Show presenter Clive Hickman

youth and energy into the project. Both groups are actively looking for volunteers who have an interest in conservation and their local environment.

Why not join me every Monday, from 10am to 1pm on BSR 103.4 FM and online at www.bradleystokeradio. com. As well as the Community Group Showcase, I also bring our listeners information and features about recent events,

and take a look at ‘what’s on’ in the local area, and play a wide range of music to suit all tastes.

If you know a person with an interesting story to tell, or you would like to showcase a local community group or charity, then please get in touch with us.

● Telephone: 01454 616055

admin@bradleystokeradio.com Twitter: @bradleystokefm Facebook: Bradley Stoke Radio

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March 2015

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What’s On (1st March – 5th April) Sunday 1st March 8.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Cotswolds.

Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit.ly/ssramb [Further walks on 6th, 8th, 15th, 20th, 22nd & 29th March and 3rd & 5th April] 9.30am: SCC Medium Distance Bike Ride to Severn Beach. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560 [Further rides on 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th March]

Monday 2nd March 9.45am & 11am: Walking for Health/Stepping Forward.

Organised walks (1.8 miles & 3.5 miles) starting from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sgcwalk or phone 01454 868006 10am: Buggy Walk. Organised walk starting from outside The Old School Rooms, Stoke Gifford. http://bit.ly/nbrisbuggywalks

Wednesday 4th March 10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays]

Thursday 5th March 2pm-4pm: Volunteering Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Pop in for a chat with a volunteer advisor. More

info: http://bit.ly/vc-pfs or call 01454 868986 [Further session on 2nd April]

Saturday 7th March 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit. ly/bsj-tbncg or call Hannah on 07971 426266 [Also on 5th April]

Monday 9th March 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at the Aztec Hotel. More info: www.bssbf.co.uk

Tuesday 10th March 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Quiz. More info: Janine 01454 617645

Wednesday 11th March 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Talk on ‘The Queen’s Bodyguard’.

More info: Barbara Williams on 0117 947 0340 7pm: BSTC Full Council Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcfull

Friday 13th March 1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre.

More info: www.blood.co.uk

Saturday 14th March 10.30am-3.30pm: Mother’s Day Craft Workshop at the Willow Brook Centre. More info:

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

45

For more details and further events, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/whats-on/

http://bit.ly/bs32wbc

Monday 16th March 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos

Wednesday 18th March 5pm-6.30pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

Thursday 19th March 7pm: SGDFAS Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School.

This month: ‘Art Deco Ceramics’

by Diana Lloyd. More info: Sally Kitching on 01454 774401

Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcpec

Thursday 26th March 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Bowls Club Spring Meeting at Baileys Court Activity Centre.

New members welcome.

Monday 30th March 10.30am-12pm: Easter Eggstravaganza. Free holiday drop-in session for children aged 4 to 11 at Bradley Stoke Library.

Wednesday 1st April 1pm-2.30pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

Saturday 21st March

Saturday 4th April

10am-12pm: Easter Crafts at the Jubilee Centre. Organised by the Friends of Jubilee Green.

More info: http://bit.ly/bs32fojg

10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-tbncg or call Hannah on 07971 426266

10am-4pm: Bradley Stoke in Bloom Workday. More info: bsib@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07582 634107. Please get in touch to find out where we will be meeting and working.

2.30pm: Chatterbooks Reading Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For keen readers aged 9-11. Please ask a member of staff for details.

7.30pm: Royal British Legion Fundraising Concert at the Old School Rooms, Stoke Gifford.

See page 14 for more details.

Wednesday 25th March 7pm: BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the

Sunday 5th April 10am-2pm: Easter Bunny Bike Ride (Family Treasure Hunt) at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc If you have an event you would like us to publicise, please email details (including start/ end time, location and contact for further info) to events@ bradleystokejournal.co.uk Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter or become a fan of the ‘Bradley Stoke Journal’ Facebook page to receive daily reminders of events.

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

46

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers AD Bookkeeping, Page 39 TJS Business Solutions, Page 18 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 12 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 47 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 28 & 29 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 25 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 7 Clean Pros, Page 33 Carpets & Flooring Trade Floor, Page 6 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 4 Banana Moon, Page 48 Busy Bees, Page 38 Caerleon Child Care, Page 13 Happy Days Nursery, Page 14 Kids Klub, Page 16 Mama Bear’s Nursery, Page 32 Play Pitch, Page 8 Children’s Activities Jump Play Centre, Page 13 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 17 Computer Services goto iT, Page 43 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 36 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 45 Double Glazing JDC Windows, Page 9 Imperial Windows, Page 34 Education & Learning Bradley Stoke Community School, Page 27 Kumon Study Programme Page 9 Love Art, Page 20 Red Maids’ School, Page 1 Tockington Manor School, Page 37 Electricians RJ Electrical, Page 44 Electronic Cigarettes VaperVapour, Page 11 Estate Agents Freeman Residential Page 34 Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 22 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 40 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 26 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 26 Westlec, Page 31 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 19 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 6 Professional Gardening Services, Page 46

Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 39 Hair & Beauty Reflections, Page 35 Hire Services Stop and Hire, Page 15 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 24 Locksmiths Visit directory on BSJ website Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 7 Pet Services & Supplies Friends for Pets, Page 32 MadDogz, Page 45 New Passage Cattery, Page 47 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 47 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 30 Dr Praveen Kumar, Page 23 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 17 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 34 Photographers Amy’s Photography Bristol, Page 15 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 46 Plumbing & Heating Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 41 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 9 Panache Plumbing, Page 47 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 47 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 9 JB Property Services, Page 47 Property Management South West Relocation, Page 12 Recruitment TSB (in Bradley Stoke), Page 42 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 46 Solicitors Visit directory on BSJ website Slimming Clubs Slimming World, Page 21 Soft Furnishings Janet Smith, Page 36 Sport & Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 43 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 47 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 47 More in directory on BSJ website Transport BS Man and Van, Page 40 Four Towns Community Transport, Page 40 TV & Aerials The Aerial Man, Page 47 Image Aerial Systems, Page 47 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 46

Visit our online directory: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory

March 2015

t: 01454 300 400

WINDOW CLEANING

PLANT HIRE

T. EDWARDS PLANT Digger and Driver Hire • • • • • • •

Site/garden clearance Footings Drainage/soakaways Driveway preparation Stump removal Fencing & turfing Narrow access equipment

Price or day work

t: 07900 372349

t.edwardsplant@gmail.com CPCS/CITB qualified & insured

GARDENING SERVICES

• • • •

Professional Gardening Services

Fencing/Fence Painting/Pressure Washing Hedge Cutting/Grass Cutting Weeding/Garden Clearance Strimming/Small Trees Lopped Excellent rates and a free quote Friendly and trustworthy service (special rates for pensioners) Please call on me on 07768 241198 or e-mail at profgarden60@yahoo.co.uk RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier

We load and clear Same day service Household, garden, garage & sheds cleared Single item jobs Cheaper than a skip No VAT Contact Stuart or Sue on 0800 0234 995 (Freephone) or 07770 944727 stuart.thistlewood@yahoo.co.uk

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

March 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

47

TAXIS

Business Directory Advertise here for just £20 per month (when you sign up for three issues) Phone us now on 01454 300 400 Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

• Complete bathroom refurbishment • Ceramic tiling • Heating & general plumbing services • Clean & tidy workmanship • Competitive rates

CAKE MAKERS & DECORATORS

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

Sweet Tracey Cakes Stoke Gifford - Bristol

“Always on tap”

Call Darren on 07901 910361

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

TV AERIALS & SATELLITE TV

Wedding Cakes, Cake Pops, Cupcakes and all types of Celebration cakes, all beautifully handmade to order. www.sweettraceycakes.co.uk Contact Tracey on: 07821 436907 Email : sweettraceycakes@yahoo.co.uk PET SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

New Passage Cattery Friendly, local cattery 10 mins from The Mall • Quiet rural location • Viewing welcomed

Tel: 01454 632456 Website: www.catkennels.co.uk Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

LAUNDERETTES

WASH SHOP PLUS

11 The Parade,Patchway Bristol BS34 5LP Tel : 0117 947 0284

www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding & Curtains washed, Dry cleaning Fast winter drying, Ironing service.

Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 1pm. (last service 1 hr. prior to closing times)

PROPERTY SERVICES

JB Property Services • • • • • • •

Fitted bathrooms Walk in shower/wet rooms Fitted kitchens Floor & wall tiling Plumbing Electrics General home improvements

Call Jason now on 07788 845134 to book in your free estimate Email: jb.propertyservices@hotmail.co.uk Website: jb-propertyservices.co.uk

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

FREDEED

FUN R OLD A E Y 4 2, 3 & S NOW PLACE ABLE AVAIL

Working together with South Gloucester Council we have created new funded places for 2, 3 & 4 year old children.

If you would like to secure a place please call the number below for a viewing.

Providing a safe caring environment for children aged 3 months to five years (government funding available) Open from 7:30am to 6:30pm, 51 weeks of the year Fully qualified staff Outstanding facilities, including biometric security entry Fully air conditioned Large, secure and well equipped outside play area CCTV operates for the protection of children, staff and parents Home cooked food All major childcare vouchers accepted Free Nursery Uniform on registration for Toddlers & Pre School Dining Room on each floor for under two’s and over two’s

Banana Moon Day Nursery – Bristol Pinnacle House, 166a Gloucester Road North, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BG

0117 969 1662

www.bananamoon-bristol.co.uk