June 2015

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

June 2015 • Issue 26

POLICE P32 | QUIZ P34 | WHAT’S ON P43 | DIRECTORY P45-46

Festival time!

Bradley Stoke Community Festival: 5th, 6th & 7th June

Programme of events: Pages 24 & 25

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

PLUS , IN YOUR 48-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

Bradley Stoke’s urban foxes

When cubs take over the garden

District and local elections

P16

Clean sweep for the Tories

P23

l Mayor hands over end of term charity cheques l Detailed plans submitted for East Works site l Little Stoke recycling centre stops accepting certain types of waste l Councillors demand noise barrier if new helicopter base approved l Netballers celebrate another great season l Local athlete aiming to be in peak condition for charity challenge l Lopresti retains seat with increased majority l Skate competition to be “bigger and better” l Meet the new mayor: Cllr Roger Avenin l New craft group formed l Positive inspections for St Chad’s Primary School

SGS College launch new Sports Degrees SGS College is one of the leading sport colleges in the country, graded Outstanding in Sport 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.

We would like to invite you to visit us in June to view our facilities and get an overview of our courses. To reserve your place, please telephone 0117 909 2376.

Recruiting for September 2016 • BSc Sport Coaching • FdSc Football Coaching and Performance * • FdSc Golf Coaching and Performance (2016 start) * • HND Sport and Exercise Science • Access to Higher Education Sport

We currently offer over 25 Degrees, Foundation degrees and HND’s. For more details please refer to our Higher Education prospectus (under university level ) at www.sgs.col.ac.uk.

To book in for a taster event during June, please contact us on 0117 909 2376 for more information.

Contact us on 0117 909 2216 for further information or email highereducation@sgscol.ac.uk *subject to validation

June 2015

t: 01454 300 400

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3

News

Mayor hands over end of term charity cheques

T

he Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Bradley Stoke Town Council on 20th May saw outgoing mayor John Ashe present cheques to his two chosen ‘charities of the year’, the Royal British Legion (RBL) and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), each of which received £4,070.

The money handed to the groups derives from fundraising events organised by the town council over the past 12 months, principally the community festival in June and the firework display in November.

The president of the Stoke Gifford Branch of the RBL (which covers Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke, and Filton) Brian Hewitt MBE said: “It was a great honour to be invited to the town council AGM to be presented with a cheque for the magnificent amount of £4,070 for our branch Poppy Appeal.”

Following the charity cheque presentations, councillors voted unanimously to appoint Cllr Roger Avenin as the next mayor of Bradley Stoke and Cllr Elaine Hardwick as his deputy.

Read our interview with the new mayor on page 31.

School parking issues

Brian Hewitt MBE (left) and John Moloney of RBL Stoke Gifford with Cllr Ashe

“This substantial cheque raises our collection for the current year (ending on 30th September) to a record total amount to date of £47,799, which is a fantastic

effort by all involved.”

Community Fundraising Organiser Ella Mayne accepted the second cheque on behalf of the air ambulance charity.

ee Fr

Sat 20 June CRAFT WORKSHOP

Get crafty and make a handmade card for Father's Day

During the Planning Committee meeting that immediately followed the AGM, councillors heard from a resident of Breaches Gate about significant ongoing parking problems in the vicinity of Baileys Court Primary School and the impact these are having on the day-to-day life of residents.

Councillors agreed to write to the head teacher of the school asking him to “investigate ways to lessen the impact on the local residents and to write to the parents of the children attending the school to ask them to park in a considerate manner.”

11am - 3pm Try out your climbing skills for free on our climbing tower

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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June 2015

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Advertise in this * space for just £30 Get your business noticed

EVERY MONTH We’re the only publication delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to all homes in Bradley Stoke

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

Circulation: 9,450 delivered plus 500 left at pick-up points *Price of a one-eighth-page display advert, when committing to six monthly issues.

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.

The Bradley Stoke Bed Race is part of the 3 day Bradley Stoke Community Festival held in June 2015.

Any organisation, club, society, association or company can enter a team of 5 with one person on the bed at any one time.

Awards will be given for the race winner, best bed and best fancy dress amongst others.

LOTUS Foot Health Clinic a step in the right direction...

Race course includes apple bobbing, drinks at refreshment stations and Find the Mayor.

This is a charity event and teams are encouraged to obtain sponsorship for their selected charity. £10 per team entrance fee.

Bradley Stoke Charity

Bed Race

Race starts 12.30pm on 7th June 2015 from the Bailey's Court Activity Centre Please register your interest as a team or volunteer steward by contacting the event team at Re-energize 0117 9109515 or info@re-energize.co.uk.

Do you suffer from...

corns callus verrucas athletes foot fungal infections ingrowing toe nails call Kate on 01454 616393 07811 619860

For the treatment of foot related problems.

Serving Bradley Stoke and surrounding areas.

Kate McEwan S.A.C. Dip FHPT S.A.C. Dip FHPP

www.lotusreflexology.co.uk

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

June 2015

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News

Detailed plans submitted for East Works site

T

he delayed redevelopment of a currently vacant major industrial site on the corner of Gipsy Patch Lane and the A38 Gloucester Road could be moving closer after a ‘reserved matters’ planning application was submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

The 26.5ha Rolls-Royce East Works site already has outline planning permission for a mixed use development comprising offices, light industry, general industry, storage and distribution, car dealerships and a hotel.

The purpose of the ‘reserved matters’ application is to finalise details that were left open in the original application.

Outline planning permission for the site was granted as long ago as 2009, but Rolls-Royce’s chosen development partner ProLogis pulled out of the deal in the same year, blaming the “adverse economic situation”.

Rolls-Royce subsequently demolished its former factory on the site and the land has since remained unused pending an upturn in the economy.

An application to extend the three-year time limit on the outline planning permission was granted in June 2012 and the current application has been made just weeks before that extension was due to expire.

According to a transport statement submitted with the application, there will be three access points into the development; two on Gipsy Patch Lane and one on the A38.

An outline planning application that includes up to 24ha of standalone employment use on land on the other side of the A38 (as part of the proposed Filton Airfield redevelopment) is currently under consideration by the council. ● East Works planning application ref: PT15/2209/RM

Rolls-Royce factory Royal Mail

East Works site

Filton Airfield

bristol – patchway

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June 2015

News at Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge Primary Schools

Scouts have fun on and in the water!

o NURSERY, PRESCHOOL AND WRAP AROUND CARE

o OFSTED RATED ‘GOOD’

o NURTURING CARE AND HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION

o STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT INSIDE AND OUT

o EXPERIENCED, QUALIFIED AND CARING STAFF

o FREE GRANT PLACES FOR 2, 3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS

Call 01179 038047

for Little Stoke

and 01454 615577

for Stoke Lodge

www.brightsparkspreschool.me.uk or email: brightsparks1234@hotmail.co.uk

T

he 1st Bradley Stoke Scouts have been undertaking a number of water based activities this month.

Firstly, they learnt how to row a large boat in Bristol harbour. Not as easy as it seemed, although once they all started pulling at the same time, they found it much easier. The instructors also learnt to duck after being hit a couple of times by oars from over enthusiastic scouts!

The Scouts then spent some time at West Country Water Park in Trench Lane, just outside Bradley Stoke. Here they learnt how to build rafts before taking them to the water. Once on the lake, there was an opportunity to test how strong their lashings had been. Sadly, some needed to be that little bit tighter and a couple of the rafts slowly fell apart, resulting in wet but very happy

and smiling Scouts!

The raft building is one of the new activities delivered by our own on-the-water section led by instructors Mike and Tomi.

They are gradually getting more and more equipment but if you happen to have a genuine low mileage kayak (no doubt paddled by a little old lady to church each week!) that is in need of a permanent home, or indeed would like to join the team as an on-the-water instructor, please get in touch with them through their website at http://bit.ly/ bss-volunteer.

They are also looking for adult volunteers to support the traditional sections in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, so please contact them on the same link.

With sections meeting every week day, there will be a volunteering opportunity for you.

The Bradley Stoke Journal is an independent newspaper, produced without subsidy from the public purse To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

June 2015

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7

News

Little Stoke recycling centre stops accepting certain types of waste Tyres, plasterboard, hardcore and rubble no longer accepted at Station Road site

L

ocal DIY enthusiasts will no longer be able to dispose of hardcore, rubble and plasterboard at the Stoke Gifford Sort It! Centre after South Gloucestershire Council announced restrictions on the types of waste that are accepted at the site with effect from Monday 18th May. The council says the changes are intended to “open up more space to ensure that staff and residents can safely move around the site,” which is the smallest of four household waste facilities operated by the authority.

The move comes just over a month after an employee of the site operator SUEZ Environment (formerly SITA UK) suffered “serious” injuries after being in collision with a shovel loading vehicle during the process of exchanging containers.

The full list of items that will no longer be accepted at the Station Road site is as follows: Cans, aerosols, foil, paper, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers (bottles, yoghurt pots, margarine tubs etc), tyres, plasterboard, hardcore and rubble.

Rigid/hard plastic items such as children’s toys and garden furniture will still be accepted.

The council emphasises that cans, aerosols, foil, paper, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers can continue to be

disposed off via its fortnightly kerbside collection service.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “To minimise the impact and inconvenience to local residents, we have chosen to discontinue the items that will affect the least number of people who use Stoke Gifford Sort It! Centre. We have selected items that every household can dispose of through our normal household recycling collections, such as cans, glass, paper and plastics. Others are items that residents don’t need to dispose of on a regular basis, such as hardcore, rubble, plasterboard and tyres.”

“Reducing the number of recyclable items that can be taken at Stoke Gifford will help to improve the safe manoeuvring areas where large vehicles and plant move the containers around

the site. This will create a safer working environment for our site operatives and residents alike.”

“The council’s other three Sort It! centres (in Yate, Thornbury and Mangotsfield) have not been affected by these changes and can continue to accept all of the discontinued items.”

Other measures already in place at the Stoke Gifford Sort It! Centre include a 1.8 metre vehicle height restriction and a ban on all trailers. ● For information about waste and recycling services, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/sortit

Items that can still be disposed of at the Stoke Gifford Sort It! Centre • Books • Bric-a-brac for reuse, for example, garden hand tools, furniture, crockery, bikes etc • Car batteries and household (dry-cell) batteries • Cardboard • Carpet, underlay, duvets and pillows • Cooking oil • DVDs and CDs • Fluorescent tubes and light bulbs • Green garden waste • Ink cartridges • Large electrical equipment such as cookers and washing machines • Mobile phones • Refrigerators and freezers • Rigid plastics such as toys and garden furniture • Scrap metal • Small electrical equipment such as kettles, irons, toasters • Televisions and computer monitors • Textiles and shoes (tied together in pairs) • Used engine oil – 1 gallon (5 litres) each visit • Wood including MDF and chipboard

Replacement site could still be years away says council Asked about the progress being made in securing a replacement for the Stoke Gifford Sort It! Centre, which the local authority has being saying for many years is inadequate to serve the local population, a South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson replied: “Funding for a new Sort It centre for the area has been secured, however we are still trying to find a suitable site to locate the facility.”

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

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June 2015

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News

In Brief

Holy Family pupils enjoy big bug hunt in BBC Wildlife Garden

“Thank you” from local Marie Curie fundraisers

H

oly Family Primary School in Stoke Lodge recently received a very exciting invitation. The BBC asked a number of pupils to visit Broadcasting House in Clifton, to participate in an activity day in the BBC Wildlife Garden.

Pupils from the school’s gardening club were obviously champing at the bit for such an amazing opportunity, so representatives from ages 4 – 7 were chosen to join other schools from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire for a day of learning in the outdoors, alongside television presenter from The One Show, Mike Dilger.

The children worked in teams to carry out an enormous investigative task. They searched every inch of the BBC garden to find as many different species of mini-beast, grass and moss as was possible. A variety of techniques was employed: pupils were crawling on their hands and

The Five Stokes Fundraising Committee would like to thank, on behalf of Marie Curie, all the volunteers who helped us with our collections throughout the Great Daffodil Appeal. We raised £3,598.44 and we would not have been able to raise this tremendous amount without the support of the local people. Also thanks to Tesco / Willow Brook, Poundworld, Morrisons, Asda, and The Mall. knees, sucking mini-beasts into bug-bottles and shaking wildlife into white umbrellas to see them more clearly. The results were amazing. Numerous beetles were discovered and over five species of spider.

“There were so many spiders!” said Josh Loud of Year One. “I showed them to Mike and he told me their names – it was amazing.”

The Gardening Club returned to school bubbling with excitement.

Improve your home and stay Warm and Well...

Not only had they enjoyed every minute but their explorations were filmed and featured on the local news. In addition, every child was presented with a special BBC Wildlife Garden pin-badge which they now wear with pride on their school uniform.

Parent and teaching assistant, Helen Marples commented: “It was just a fabulous day and a fantastic opportunity for our children to engage with nature.”

ergy

finding instal

renewable en

lers

ent

To find out more about your local Fundraising Group or how to join contact Pippa Rolfe on 07855 564806 or email us at fivestokesfundraisinggroup@ gmail.com

energy efficie

ncy

ans grants and lo

em home improv

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, over 60 or have children under the age of 20, you may qualify for up to 100% funding for cavity wall or loft insulation.* Finance for energy efficiency measures such as renewable technologies, solid wall insulation or a new heating system may also be available through the South Gloucestershire Council Home Energy loan.

Call

0800 500 3076

Text WARM to 83010 www.warmandwell.co.uk warmandwell@severnwye.org.uk

For free, local energy advice call the council approved Warm and Well advice line now.

The Warm and Well advice line is managed by Severn Wye Energy Agency, a charity (no. 1083812) and not-for-profit company. Severn Wye is an authorised credit broker working with a small number of loan providers | Int. ref.: SGGLA2

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

* All offers are subject to survey and funding availability. To find out the full criteria for each element, speak to a Warm and Well adviser.

June 2015

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9

News

Councillors demand noise barrier if new helicopter base approved

B

radley Stoke town councillors have demanded the provision of noise attention barriers for Woodlands Park and Ormonds Close should plans for a new helicopter base near the Almondsbury Interchange be approved by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC).

The new base would serve the needs of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and National Police Air Service, whose helicopters are currently based at Filton Airfield.

BAe Systems, which owns the airfield and is intending to redevelop it with 2,675 residential dwellings and up to 24ha of commercial use, says it is necessary to relocate the helicopter base because leaving it at the airfield would lead to “the loss of approximately 400 residential dwellings and a significant proportion of affordable housing [within the new development]”.

The decision came after Cooks Close resident Caroline Sullivan asked for the planning application to be considered by the town council’s Planning Committee on the grounds that residents in north Bradley Stoke had not been properly consulted by the applicants, Alder King (acting on behalf of BAe Systems).

Ms Cook described the proposed site as “totally unsuitable” due to its location

within the green belt and said that residents in Woodlands Park in particular would be affected by the noise of helicopters taking off and landing, due to the poor soundproofing of their [‘park home’ style] properties.

The committee stopped short of raising a formal objection, on the grounds that the town council is not a statutory consultee as the site lies in another parish.

Scores of residents in Almondsbury have lodged objections to the application and an e-petition titled “Protect Almondsbury Greenbelt from BAE” has so far attracted more than 160 signatures. Points raised by the objectors include: unjustified development of green belt land, potential noise pollution, and the possibility of motorists being distracted by aircraft movements.

Local MP Jack Lopresti has also opposed the move, saying that he expects BAe Systems to honour a written guarantee, given at the time the airfield’s closure was announced in 2011, that a new home would be found for the air ambulance on the airfield site.

John Christensen, Chief Executive of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, commented: “Some people seem to think we’ve chosen the Almondsbury site out of convenience, but if there was another site available that was more appropriate then of course

we would have gone for it – the truth is that this is the only site available that meets our needs.”

“Even here we have to make some changes, such as putting the overhead power lines next to the A38 underground, in order to remove this potential obstruction to our flight path. The helicopter operators for both the air ambulance and the police have been involved every step of the way in choosing the site and fully agree this is the right one.”

“It’s worth pointing out that the site will remain 90% grass and the helicopter hangar would not be visible from homes in Almondsbury. With this and burying the power lines, we will actually be guaranteeing that this area of the green belt remains green and free from further development.”

“The fact is that helicopters would only fly a handful of times a day and then only in an emergency.”

“We couldn’t continue to operate from the former airfield, either during construction or once it is fully developed. And going further away from Bristol means longer response times, in a scenario where every minute can make the difference between life and death.”

No date has yet been set for SGC’s Development Control (West) Committee to discuss the application, although it is understood that it is unlikely to be before July. ● More info on our links page: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links

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

Fiat with

You can’t argue with a car that’s equally at home in the city or off on an adventure, thanks to features like its UconnectTM Radio LIVE 5" touchscreen with hands free Bluetooth*, 17" alloy wheels and Drive Mood Selector.

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Representative example

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FIAT 500X 1.4 140HP MULTIAIR POP STAR On the Road Price Fiat Deposit Contribution

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THE ITALIAN CROSSOVER

FIAT 500X HAS ARRIVED

H A T T E R S L A N E , C H I P P I N G S O D B U R Y, B R I S T O L B S 3 7 6 A A .

T E L : 0 1 4 5 4 8 3 7 3 9 3 W W W. C S M C . C O. U K Fuel consumption figures for Fiat 500X Range, available at launch in mpg (l/100km): Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 60.1 (4.7); Extra Urban 56.5 (5.0) – 74.3 (3.8); Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions 144 – 109 g/km. Fuel

consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. *Uconnect™ LIVE systems, where available, require a data enabled smartphone to use. Promotion available on Fiat 500X 1.4 140HP MultiAir Pop Star ordered from 1st May and registered by 30th June 2015. Fiat Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Fiat i-Deal PCP. With Fiat i-Deal you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Fiat Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Financial Services.

June 2015

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11

Advertising Feature Chipping Sodbury Motor Company welcomes the new Fiat 500X with the launch of its new Fiat showroom

C

hipping Sodbury Motor Company has opened its new Fiat showroom on Hatters Lane in Chipping Sodbury in time for the launch of the much-anticipated new Fiat 500X, the new crossover from Fiat.

The family-owned business has been operating in the town since 1967 and offers sales, service and parts for both Ford and Fiat, as well as being a Peugeot Authorised Repairer. It opened its Ford dealership in 1993, followed by Fiat in 2011, with both showrooms based on the site on Hatters Lane.

Spacious new showroom The new Fiat showroom was purpose-built and designed to make choosing your new Fiat as enjoyable as owning and

driving it, with room to view the models in a light, spacious environment and discuss the details of buying and owning a Fiat in comfort with a member of the experienced sales team.

Customers having their vehicle serviced or repaired are welcome to relax in the showroom with a complimentary drink or work using the free WiFi. There’s plenty of parking and the opportunity to take a five minute walk in to the centre of Chipping Sodbury for those who prefer to shop or have lunch while their vehicle is being taken care of in the workshop by manufacturer factory-trained technicians.

New Fiat 500X

Described as the crossover that combines style and substance,

the new addition to the Fiat 500 range offers head-turning looks in two distinctive flavours: an elegant urban version in Pop Star and Lounge specifications and a rugged off-road version in Cross and Cross plus specifications, both offering exceptional comfort, technology and segment-leading safety.

A wide range of engine and transmission options are available, including a classleading nine-speed automatic transmission, along with advanced safety equipment and technological highlights such as a 6.5-inch UconnectTM system with 3D navigation and Uconnect Live smartphone integration.

500X ‘off-road look’ Cross and Cross Plus

Ideal for those looking for the strong and distinctive appearance of a true Crossover, the 500X Cross and Cross Plus are characterised by ‘off-road’-look bumpers with protective shields, specific “off-road” design alloy wheels, satin-chrome finished exterior details, roof rails, Traction Plus System, Start&Stop and mood selector. Both are available with front wheel drive combined with the Traction+ system or 4-wheel drive.

500X ‘city look’ Pop Star and Lounge

For drivers looking for more of a city look, this version is ideal, with eye-catching body coloured bumpers and the chrome details that highlight the quality of the 500X, along with a high level of standard specification including alloy wheels, touchscreen radio with Bluetooth, automatic dual zone climate control, mood selector, Start&Stop and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

With a wide choice of different body colours and alloy wheel designs, every owner can personalise the look of their new Fiat 500X even further.

The new 500X not only has

clear links to its siblings in the current 500 family but also the iconic 1957 original. Compact on the outside, measuring 4.25m in length (the Fiat 500X Cross/ Cross Plus is 2cm longer), 1.80m in width and 1.60m in height (1.61 with roof bars, 1.62 with 4WD), the Fiat 500X is also spacious and flexible on the inside, with high-grade materials, top-quality finishes and practical storage compartments, including a spacious 350-litre luggage compartment that can be extended to accommodate different loads.

The new UConnectTM LIVE system integrates with smartphones, so that many apps can be used through the on-board system. You simply download the UconnectTM LIVE application from the Apple Store or Google Play Store to display and control the applications that have been specially designed and adapted for use when driving.

The new Fiat 500X is available with a broad range of powertrain options, including front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

‘Drive Mood’ selector

Even the driving experience can be personalised and adapted, depending on the driving style and the prevailing driving conditions. The ‘Drive Mood’ selector has three different modes for engine performance, power steering settings, ESC calibration and shift patterns for automatic transmissions: ‘Auto’

offers the best compromise in terms of comfort, consumption and CO2 emissions, while ‘Sport’ reconfigures the Fiat 500X for better performance and more spirited handling and ‘All Weather’ adjusts the vehicle settings for maximum safety even in low grip conditions.

On the more rugged Fiat 500X Cross and Cross Plus versions, ‘All Weather’ mode is replaced by the ‘Traction’ function, which speeds up the transmission of torque to the rear axle on fourwheel drive versions or activates the ‘Traction Plus’ electronic front differential system on front wheel drive versions, the latter offering an ideal solution to drivers who only encounter extreme low-traction situations occasionally, thus avoiding the additional costs and slight emissions increase associated with a conventional four-wheel drive system.

The experienced team at Chipping Sodbury Motor Company prides itself on delivering the highest standards of customer service, whether you’re looking for a new Fiat or Ford model, a used car or need your current vehicle serviced, MOT’d or repaired.

Chipping Sodbury Motor Company Hatters Lane Chipping Sodbury Bristol BS37 6AA t: 01454 310136 w: www.csmc.co.uk

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June 2015

Advertising Feature Lots to see and do at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

T

he warmer weather has brought visitors in their droves to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol, with a host of impressive animals enjoying the bright weather outside, including our African elephants, white rhinos, giraffes and big cats.

Enjoy our newly heated play barns this season, providing warmth in all our indoor play and eating areas on the occasional chillier days! Bring the family along today to Bristol’s awardwinning ‘all day, all weather’ attraction. Enjoy 12 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor Animal Village and covered Animal Show Pens. We now offer over 25,000 square feet of heated areas and hotspots around the 100 acre park to make your visit enjoyable whatever the weather.

This summer we have exciting events on including the 10th

anniversary of Reptile Fortnight – watch the world’s most deadly snakes in daily venomous snake shows and meet the reptiles. We will also be celebrating Wildlife Day and World Elephant Day, so come along and get involved.

Noah’s Ark offers incredible upclose experiences with amazing animals, including seeing the lions and tigers being fed during the ‘Big Cat Talk’, meeting our giraffe family at the daily encounter and watching our birds of prey fly in the daily display.

Enjoy a jumbo experience with Noah’s Ark’s impressive new ‘Elephant Eden’ – Europe’s largest elephant habitat. Families can get within a trunk’s length of nature’s biggest land mammal.

For a fantastic family day out, walk beside nature’s giants at Noah’s Ark this season! ● See our advert on page 37.

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

June 2015

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13

News

Kumon study centre’s move a great success

I

t has been nearly two years now since Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre relocated to a permanent home in the Willow Brook Centre. We recently met up with Kumon instructor Sarah Nutchey to talk about the impact the move has had on the business.

“How quickly those two years have gone, and how much has happened,” reflects Sarah.

“It was a big decision to make the move into commercial premises, and it was with some trepidation that we took on the responsibility of a five-year lease, business rates and fire & safety regulations.”

“In our previous location we opened for just six hours per week over three days with little scope to extend those hours. The centre now is now open 12 hours per week over four days, with the potential to open for a fifth day in the near future. With so many working parents we are now able to offer maximum availability to busy families.”

The Bradley Stoke Study Centre has become recognized as a centre of excellence within the Kumon organization, with fellow instructors and head office

staff visiting to research and gain insight from the methods and systems employed.

The centre also works closely with staff in the Bristol Kumon office to continue to refine and improve its instruction and ensure that it is working with best and current practice.

“Recently, we celebrated the success of a student who completed the English programme; he was studying degree level literature at age 10. Two more students are on target to complete the maths programme before the end of the year, which means they will study differential calculus, an A-level topic, in Year 8.”

Kumon is studied in over 45 countries around the world by nearly two million children.

All of these students are developed to study beyond the Kumon international standard equivalent to school age across the world. Currently, 65-70% of the Bradley Stoke centre’s students are studying ahead of the international standard, by as much as three years.

An awards ceremony is planned for the end of the summer term to recognise the marvellous achievements of the

Kumon instructor Sarah Nutchey (centre) with some of her assistants

centre’s students.

“We need not have worried about whether the decision to move would be a good one business-wise. The centre now has 50% more students than when we

moved in, making ours the largest Kumon centre in the Bristol area.

We are currently ranked 72 out of 690 centres in the UK and hope to achieve a top 50 position by the end of the year.”

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

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June 2015

News

Netballers celebrate another great season

By Madeline Havell of BSNC ith five teams spread across twelve divisions of the Avon League, Bradley Stoke Netball Club (BSNC) is celebrating the end of another great season.

BSNC1 finally found their feet in the Premier Division after promotion at the end of last season: “In our heads we were the underdogs and most weeks we managed to prove that wrong and get some great winning results from tough matches. Our run of wins over the winter was an immense achievement and the versatility of each and every team member shone through.

We finished 4th in a very tightly contested division.”

BSNC2 finished 7th in Division 2: “We had a rollercoaster of a season which saw us

W

fighting hard to avoid relegation for most of the 2nd half of the season. Our incredible team spirit and sheer determination saw us fight our way out of trouble by improving every result against every team second time around. With the help of a couple of great wins and other results going our way in the last few weeks, we retained a respectable position in the division.”

BSNC3 had a tough season in a highly competitive Division 5: “We lost a number of people to injury and promotion and there were a number of changes throughout the season. The team fought to the end but unfortunately has finished in the bottom two of the league.”

BSNC4 finished 8th in Division 7: “After a tough start to the season, we really fought hard

BSNC contingent at the recent Avon Netfest charity tournament

to maintain our position within the division. A great team effort!”

BSNC5 finished 3rd in Division 11: “We were really pleased with the result. We’ve have a huge change in players since our great start to the season pre-Christmas.

To maintain 3rd has been hard work, but everyone has played really well and gelled again as a team. We should be really proud!

Next season – promotion!”

We have also had a really full social calendar with a great start

of season event, Christmas party, a trip to watch England Netball v Trinidad & Tobago and our annual weekend away to Brean Pontins for a big tournament.

We are currently recruiting players for the next season – we train on Wednesdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at the Jubilee Centre, Bradley Stoke.

Trials start from 1st July, please email bradleystokenetball@ yahoo.co.uk or visit our Facebook page for more information.

We like to think we do a pretty good job for our landlords,

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In all my dealings with them they have been excellent” “They take the worry out of managing my property (I am based in Ireland).

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June 2015

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Local athlete aiming to be in peak condition for charity challenge

A

Steve Hewitt: Training hard for the Five Peaks by Bike & Hike challenge

Bradley Stoke man is preparing to take part in a gruelling ‘bike and hike’ adventure that involves climbing the highest peaks in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales AND cycling the 960 miles between them, all in the space of just seven days.

The ‘Five Peaks By Bike and Hike’ challenge is being attempted by a team of 19 amateur athletes and will raise money for The Marie Keating Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK. Steve Hewitt, who lives in Berkeley Mead and is the foods manager at Marks & Spencer’s Cribbs Causeway store, will be with the team when it starts the marathon challenge in Ireland on Sunday 7th June with an ascent of Carrauntoohil. They will then ride to Northern Ireland to climb Slieve Donard before taking the ferry from Belfast to Stranraer and riding the 202 miles to Fort William.

After conquering Ben Nevis, the team will then ride 260

Netball, Tennis & 6-a-Side Courts available at The Jubilee Centre

We currently have availability for block bookers and one-off hires Why not visit our website: www.bradleystoke.gov.uk for details of our hire charges?

For more information, please contact Bradley Stoke Town Council on 01454 205021

miles to Cumbria for the ascent and descent of Scafell Pike. A further 210 miles of riding then follows, bringing the team to North Wales, where they hope to walk up and down Snowdon on Saturday 13th June, seven days after setting off.

As far as can be ascertained, this will be the first attempt at completing the Five Peaks challenge in this way.

The team is being supported by Marks & Spencer, with logistics

by Discover Adventure.

Steve says he “loves all sports”, but his number one passion is cycling and he has been a member of Velo Club Bristol for several years and competes in locally staged races.

He is no stranger to charity cycle rides, having previously cycled from London to Bristol to support the local air ambulance and from John O’Groats to Lands End for Help for Heroes.

Steve’s preparation for the gruelling ‘bike and hike’ challenge has included cycling upwards of 250km a week since Christmas, either out on the road or on rollers in his garage (whilst listening to his favourite tunes).

He has also completed numerous hikes, including ascents of several peaks in the Brecon Beacons.

The whole team has set a fundraising target of £95,000 and Steve is well on the way to reaching his personal target of £5,000. Anyone wishing to help can do so via his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ stevehewitt5peaks/

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News

Fox family takes up residence in garden of Bradley Stoke home

F

oxes roaming the streets are not an uncommon sight in Bradley Stoke, but one local family is currently being treated to a much closer encounter with the creatures after a vixen chose to raise a litter of three cubs in their back garden.

Christina Hulbert, who lives within a few hundred yards of Meadowbrook Primary School in central Bradley Stoke, says she and her family feel very privileged to be sharing their space with the cubs and their mum, and she has shared some fantastic close-up photographs of them via The Journal’s Facebook page.

Christina says she had seen the vixen in her garden for about a month before the cubs appeared and had noticed her excavating a den under their shed. Then, one day in mid-April, she saw

the vixen carrying a tiny cub in her mouth, presumably in the process of moving it into the den.

The vixen has become very trusting of Christina and will come to the back door of the house. She says they don’t regularly feed it, although a neighbour a few doors down the road is understood to leave cat food and water out for the local wildlife.

The cubs stay under the shed during the day while their mother is “out and about”, but they come out to play around the garden when mum returns and calls them with what she describes as a “low-pitched grunting noise” usually around dusk.

In the morning, Christina often finds that her garden has been “rearranged” by the playful cubs, with small garden ornaments turning up in new locations and

being added to by “playthings” presumably brought into the garden by mum to amuse the cubs.

One cub managed to get itself tangled up in the net of a football goal and had to be cut free from it the next morning by Christina’s husband, Andy.

As the cubs are growing, the vixen appears to be encouraging them to become more adventurous, and one of them was recently spotted exploring the neighbourhood a few houses down the road from its den.

Christina says she has always been a fox lover and is delighted to have the animals in her garden, adding: “If there weren’t any houses here, it would be their land anyway. There is a mutual respect between us.” ● See lots more of Christina’s photos at http://bit.ly/bsfoxes

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June 2015

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17

News Stokes Singers prepare for Summer Concert

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-school

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tokes Singers are now in full preparation for their Summer Concert, which will take place on Saturday 27th June at Church of Christ the King, starting at 7.30pm.

The theme this year is ‘What a Wonderful World’ with a selection of songs bringing the flavour of places and sounds from across the globe. The choir rehearses at Coniston Community Centre on Thursday evenings and are busy putting a performance polish on a dozen or so songs including ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’, ‘California Dreaming’ and, of course, ‘What a Wonderful World’. There will also be solo pieces and group performances

from members of the choir.

Stokes Singers chairperson, Kath Ferris said: “We are hoping to repeat the great success of last year’s 21st Anniversary concert and share the choir’s enthusiasm and great enjoyment of singing with our audience, as well as raise as much money as possible for our nominated charity, Great Western Air Ambulance, who do such wonderful work throughout our region.”

Tickets will be available shortly and can be ordered in advance from Liz Gazzard (call 01454 614148) or will be available at the door. Tickets are priced at £5.00 for Adults, £2.00 for children (5–16 years).

Community Speed Watch Watch coordinator Derrick Powell reports Results from Speed Awareness Week (April) Bradley Stoke Way: 684 vehicles passed our checkpoint in 90 minutes (10:00am to 11:30am), with 44 vehicles exceeding the 30mph speed limit; one of these was undertaking in the bus lane.

Woodlands Lane: 142 vehicles passed our check point in 90 minutes (10:00am to 11:30am), with 18 vehicles exceeding the 30mph speed limit.

Fine arts lecture on British houses and gardens On Thursday 18th June, the South Gloucestershire Decorative and Fine Arts Society will welcome historian, broadcaster and author Caroline Holmes to give a talk on British houses and gardens.

The event, which is the final one in the current season, takes place at Bradley Stoke Community School, with refreshments available from 7pm and the slide-illustrated lecture starting at 7.30 pm.

For more information and to join us as a guest, please call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401 or visit www.sgdfas.org.uk

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June 2015

Advertising Feature Slimming World is on the look out for Consultants in the local area

By Kelly Watts joined Slimming World as a member in 2006. I was fed up with not being able to buy the lovely clothes I wanted to wear. I saw photos of myself at my Mum’s wedding and couldn’t believe it was really me – how big I looked and how miserable I had become. So I decided to take action… I looked up my nearest Slimming World group online and went the very same week.

I’m not a brilliant cook, so was very wary that I would be not be able to follow the plan. My Consultant, Anna, was lovely and reassured me that it would fit in with my lifestyle, and that they would help me in group each week to find things I could eat.

I went on to lose five stone and felt amazing! I felt I was ‘me’ again, and could not believe how easy it had been.

Slimming World is now a part of my life. I became a Consultant and now run a busy group, helping and inspiring other people to do what I did… to lose weight and feel amazing again.

Who would have thought joining Slimming World to lose weight would change my life...

It also changed my career path and I would like to offer you the opportunity I was given to find out more… We’re are looking for special people to join our evergrowing team of Consultants in the local area, who are either past or present members, people who have a positive outlook and who

I

Kelly Watts of Slimming World

genuinely care about the health and happiness of others.

Whether you’re confident and outgoing, or more reserved, as a Consultant you’ll be kind, warm, sometimes firm – often funny – as you offer support and encouragement to your group members.

With the experience of being a successful Slimming World member and well on the way to your target, you don’t need any special qualifications to apply. If the role is the right role for you, you’ll receive all the training and support you need to succeed, wrapped in warmth, humour, understanding and respect.

If you feel you have the energy, drive and enthusiasm; if you

enjoy the satisfaction of learning new skills, then this prestigious and rewarding role could be the best thing in the world for you.

Being a Slimming World Consultant offers: An excellent income and flexible hours that fit around family life. On average, Consultants earn between £100£400 for working 10-20 flexible hours per week. Encouragement,

help and support, along with expert training at the Slimming World Academy.

So I would like to invite you to come along to our next opportunity event to find out more about this amazing role.

Our next event will be held on Sunday 7th June at 10am. Please give me a call on 07795 951137 and I can reserve you a seat.

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June 2015

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News

Mariyam,13, scoops top storywriting award

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Bradley Stoke schoolgirl has been awarded a prize for storywriting at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.

Mariyam Hashmi, 13, a former pupil of St Mary’s Primary School and now a student at the High School for Girls in Gloucester, scooped the Maureen Jones Award for Original Storywriting (ages 11-13) with a 750-word short story titled ‘They were always arguing’.

Asked to summarise her winning entry, Mariyam told us: “It’s about a young girl who lives in an unfortunate home, set in America, with two drunken parents, of whom neither work.

So at a young age, she fakes an ID and gets a job, to pay for rent.

Each night she comes home and is forced to listen to both of her parents arguing. Her resolve turns out to be music. She uses every opportunity to escape and go into ‘Rikki’s’ a music shop and listen

to the amazing music through the headphones there that made her feel as if her soul were free.

At this part of the story it puts the audience into a false sense of hope for the young girl, however within the story, I describe symptoms of a brain tumour, and as it is set in America, where there is no universal healthcare (like the NHS), and she dies, by herself, in peace, in the darkness, as she couldn’t afford to even pay for electricity.”

Describing how she felt when she had to read out her winning entry in front of an audience at Cheltenham Town Hall, Mariyam said: “I felt really nervous because this was the first time I had ever been shortlisted in any short story competition. I also stumbled over my words at the beginning, but as I always do, I end up losing myself in the plot of the story and at one point I forgot I was in the room!”

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June 2015

Advertising Feature

In Brief

Bristol-based family-owned business Crystal Clear expands again

Aspirations IFA offers auto-enrolment advice

I

t’s been a challenging few years for many in business, but Crystal Clear, a Bristolbased family owned company, is enjoying the increasing interest in home improvements by moving into expanded premises, offering new products and launching a great new website.

James Mizen (Managing Director) and Tony Fox (Retired) founded Crystal Clear in 1999 to take customer experience in the Double Glazing industry to a new level. The business has gone from strength to strength in, what for many businesses have been, difficult times; and the business has recently become even more of a family concern with eight members of the Mizen family now part of the growing Crystal Clear team.

Expanding the showroom and taking on the premises next door has added precious square metres and created a spacious showroom where customers can browse an extended range of composite, bi-fold, PVCu, French, patio and

panelled doors; casement, sliding, bay and sash windows; and the latest in contemporary roof lights. There is even an area to keep children entertained while parents browse.

Offering innovative products and the highest standards of service to customers, which the team prides itself on, has kept Crystal Clear at the top of their field. For example, their new ‘Livin Room’ orangery-style extension offers customers the best of both worlds; the light and roof of a conservatory with the walls and ceiling of an extension and the latest range of stunning roof lights are ideal for letting lots of natural light flood into any room, brightening up even the darkest of areas.

The new Crystal Clear website is the latest part of Crystal Clear’s expansion and recognised as a crucial part in most customer’s information gathering when looking at new or replacement home improvement products.

“Our website needs to reflect

James Mizen, MD at Crystal Clear

where we are as a business and support our offline brand and product offering. We’re really proud of the new look and feel, and the information offered on the website is relevant, succinct and easy to navigate. Anyone looking to replace their windows or doors; build an orangery; or install roof lights should take a look – it also has great information about security and all the other factors you need to consider,” says MD James Mizen.

You can visit the new website at www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk The Crystal Clear showroom in Brislington is open weekdays 7.30am–4.30pm, Saturdays 9am–3pm and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am–3pm.

Crystal Clear is a member of the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), registered with BM Trada and TrustMark, a Swish Authorised Installer and BFRC and Certss Registered.

Auto-enrolment is currently being phased in for all UK Employers, regardless of their size. As such, all businesses will be affected at some point leading up to September 2017.

All small businesses that employ staff should now be considering how they will comply with the new Pension Regulations.

If your business employs fewer than 50 staff, you need to check your ‘staging date’ on the Pensions Regulator website: www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk If you need any advice, the experts at Aspirations will be able to take all the stress out of the process and make sure you are doing the right thing.

Aspirations can offer you advice and support at every step, from assessing your workforce to putting a scheme in place and enrolling your staff.

Call on 01454 501959 or visit at 1st Floor East Offices, Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke. ● www.aspirations-ifa.com

Library seeks volunteers

Bradley Stoke Library is seeking volunteers to help with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

You will work as part of a friendly team and carry out a variety of tasks which include talking to children about the books they’ve been reading, helping children choose new books and assisting with holiday activities. Volunteers must be aged 14 or over. The closing date for applications is 14th June.

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

For Designer and Traditional Windows and Doors visit Crystal Clear

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View the extensive range of stunning designer and traditional doors and windows at Crystal Clear’s showroom or online at www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk ✓ Extensive Showroom ✓ Striking Designs, offering Low Upkeep, Energy Efficiency, Ease of Use and High Security ✓ PVCu, Aluminium, Sliding Sash and Casement Windows ✓ Composite, Bi-fold, Sliding, French, Stable and Patio Doors ✓ Exclusive Supplier of the MODO Collection from Apeer ✓ Established Local Company with an Excellent Reputation

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01454 837456 or visit www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk www.facebook.com/crystalclearbristol

22a Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF.

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June 2015

News: General Election

Lopresti retains seat with increased majority

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onservative Jack Lopresti has retained his Filton and Bradley Stoke parliamentary seat with an increased majority of 20.0 percent, compared to 14.3 percent in 2010.

Labour’s candidate Ian Boulton finished second with a 26.6 percent share of the vote, slightly up from the 26.4 percent he polled in 2010.

Bradley Stoke resident Ben Walker, the UKIP candidate, finished in third place, on 14.8 percent.

The Liberal Democrats’ share of the vote crashed from 25.3 percent in 2010 to 7.3 percent, while the Green Party’s share improved from 0.9 percent to 4.6 percent.

The result was announced at around 5.45am on 8th May, following a longer than expected count at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College’s WISE campus in Stoke Gifford.

Jack Lopresti (centre) makes a speech after being declared the winner. The other candidates were (l-r): Ian Boulton (Labour), Dr Diana Warner (Green Party), Ben Walker (UKIP) and Pete Bruce (Liberal Democrat).

The Press Association had earlier published an expected result time of 2.30am, but the initial process of separating the

three different types of ballot paper (for parliamentary, district and town/parish elections), which had all been placed into

the same ballot boxes at polling stations, had not even been completed by that time.

The turnout was 69.0 percent.

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June 2015

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23

News: Local Elections News

Another clean sweep for Tories in district and town elections

L

ocal Conservatives are celebrating a clean sweep of all five Bradley Stoke seats in the South Gloucestershire district elections and all 15 seats on Bradley Stoke Town Council, repeating their across the board victory at the last local elections in 2011.

The results leave former town mayor Ben Walker, who defected to UKIP a year after being elected on a Conservative ticket in 2011, without a seat on either council.

The winning Conservative candidates for places on South Gloucestershire Council were Paul Hardwick in Bradley Stoke North, Brian Hopkinson and Sarah Pomfret in Bradley Stoke Central & Stoke Lodge, and John Ashe and Roger Avenin in Bradley Stoke South.

In Bradley Stoke North, Hardwick polled 832 votes, well ahead of Walker on 479, with the Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates taking third and fourth places respectively.

Hopkinson (1,838 votes) and Pomfret (1,452) finished well clear of Labour candidate Anne Addison (1,022) in Bradley Stoke Central & Stoke Lodge, with UKIP, Liberal Democrat and independent candidates filling the minor places.

Similarly, in Bradley Stoke South, John Ashe (1,912 votes) & Roger Avenin (1,799) had healthy margins over Labour candidate David Addison (1,124), followed by the second Labour candidate, two UKIP candidates and two Liberal Democrat candidates.

The three seats in Stoke Gifford ward, which incorporates some parts of south Bradley Stoke, were also won by Conservatives.

A swing to the Conservatives across South Gloucestershire saw them take overall control of the council (previously no overall control) with 40 seats (+7), ahead of the Liberal Democrats with 16

(-5) and Labour on 14 (-1). The defeat of Ben Walker leaves UKIP with no representation on the unitary council.

Conservative candidates had comfortable wins in the six Bradley Stoke Town Council wards that were contested, the only exception being in the three-seat Woodlands ward, where third-placed candidate Marion Ward had just a single vote margin over Labour’s David Addison. UKIP’s Ben Walker and Caroline Sullivan took fifth and sixth places respectively.

Bradley Stoke Conservative supporters at the local elections count in Thornbury

Ed Rose, the other Tory-toUKIP defector to stand for reelection to the town council, was convincingly beaten by sole rival Gurmit Gupta (Conservative) in the Manor Farm ward.

In the newly-created parish

of Stoke Lodge and The Common, all nine seats went to the Conservatives, with a comfortable margin over the closest of six UKIP candidates. ● For results in detail, visit: http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links

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June 2015

Bradley Stoke Community Festival Preview Friday 5th June from 10.30am The Picnic in the Park, for parents and toddlers, starts at 10.30am and runs until approximately 2pm – at the Jubilee Centre. Professor Panic presents his range of circus skills, juggling and entertainment in the Big Top, alongside local craft and community stalls and a bouncy castle. Refreshments will be served by the local WI during the morning with face painting available for the toddlers.

Saturday 6th June 11.30am to 6pm The demonstration area in Jubilee Green features the King Ramps Skate Pipe and displays will be given by pro-riders throughout the festival with a street art demo and ‘have a go’ sessions This year’s main show is a dog agility display by Gloucestershire Agility. On the main stage, music will be provided by local bands Kimura, The Midnight Tides, Geckoblasters, Panache Steel Band and The Secrets; performing alongside local dance groups including: Stagecoach, Danceworks, Baby Ballet, Footloose and Infinity – and other clubs and associations. Fun activities for the children include trampolines, giant slides, football games, giant inflatables, a helter skelter and the Vertical Xtreme climbing wall, alongside the local Scouts providing longbow archery and other activities.

Sideshows, arts & crafts and community stalls will offer a wide range of local products and novelties. The Bradley Stoke Youth FC Football Tournament for Year 1 children starts at 10.30am on the top soccer pitches.

Sunday 7th June from 9.30am A 10K multi-terrain race organised by the Sole Sisters starts at 9.30am from the Jubilee Centre (600 competitors are expected). At Baileys Court Activity Centre, there will be a joint ‘Church in the Park’ outdoor service from the Bradley Stoke churches starting at 10.30am followed by the third running of the Bradley Stoke Bed Race starting at 12.30pm and ending around 1.30pm. The Bradley Stoke Cricket Club will open their bar from 12noon, with a Mayor’s XI v BSCC XI match starting at 2pm, finishing with a cricket tea and evening entertainment in the clubhouse. The Bradley Stoke Bowls club will provide roll up demonstrations throughout the afternoon. A Skate Park Competition will take place from 11am to 5.30pm at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre (see page 27 for details of how to enter).

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June 2015

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25

Bradley Stoke Community Festival Preview

Saturday’s programme

At the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke BS32 8HL Main arena Band

Dance Group

BSCS Stagecoach The Midnight Tides Footloose Bristol

Who’s She Baby Ballet Kimura A Touch of Disney Magic

Duration

11.30

30 minutes

12.00

15 minutes

12.00

20 minutes

12.20

20 minutes

12.20

40 minutes

12.45

15 minutes

13.00

20 minutes

13.05

15 minutes

Skate ramp pro demo

13.20

25 minutes

Fromeside Gymnastics

13.20

40 minutes

13.45

30 minutes

14.00

20 minutes

14.15

15 minutes

14.20

40 minutes

14.30

50 minutes

Elsa & Anna (Frozen) 15.00

10 minutes

Infinity Dance Group

15.10

20 minutes

15.25

20 minutes

15.30

40 minutes

15.55

30 minutes

16.10

20 minutes

16.15

30 minutes

16.30

40 minutes

16.45

20 minutes

17.10

20 minutes

17.15

30 minutes

17.30

40 minutes

18.00

End of festival

Geckoblasters Danceworks Panache Steel Band SGAP dance group The Secrets

Jubilee Green

Time slot

Demonstration area Skate ramp pro demo Taekwon-do martial arts SW Winterguard

BS Community Singers Skate ramp pro demo Dog agility display

SW Winterguard Skate ramp pro demo Dog agility display A Touch of Disney Magic Dragon Tang Soo Do

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June 2015

News

One family wins three seats on town council

I

n what is believed to be a first for Bradley Stoke, the recent local elections saw three members of the same family win seats on the town council.

Husband and wife Paul and Elaine Hardwick, who both served in the previous administration, have now been joined by their son Daniel, who also lives at the family home in Hawkins Crescent.

Elaine has served on the town council since 2011, representing the Woodlands parish ward. Paul joined her a year later through victory in a by-election for a seat representing Meadowbrook ward.

And now Daniel also represents Woodlands, having beaten his mother into second place in the three-seat ward at the May 2015 election.

Explaining how she first came to stand as a councillor, Elaine said:

“I got talking to [councillors] Mark Forsyth and Ben Walker at the Cricket Club Mayor’s X1 cricket game, about many issues, but in particular about the extortionate cost of child care. I mentioned that I would like to see what the local residents wanted in Bradley Stoke and would try to make it happen for them, but to do this I would have to be on the Council. About three months before the 2011 elections, I was asked to stand for the Conservatives.”

Once Elaine had been elected, Paul found that he was “indirectly joining in” by discussing issues with his wife at home, and, when the opportunity of a by-election came along, thought he might as well “do it in person”.

“Elaine had helped and supported me for thirty years whilst I was playing cricket, so,

A family affair (l-r): Councillors Daniel, Paul and Elaine Hardwick

when I broke my finger when playing, it gave me a chance to reciprocate and join in with her interest,” he explained.

Daniel says he decided to get involved with the local council for similar reasons to his father.

“I have been indirectly involved in the conversation at home, and wanted to become part of the process officially. By doing so, I feel I can help maintain the great quality of life we enjoy here in Bradley Stoke.”

Little Acorns Pre-School Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke Tel: 07837 707331 Free stay and play sessions Friday 12th June (9.30 – 11.30) and Thursday 25th June (9.30 – 11.30) for children 2 years of age and above.

We will also be taking registrations for September 2015 on these dates.

If you would like to visit the pre-school with a view to registering and are unable to make these dates, please give us a call.

Ofsted rated ‘Good’ Visit our website: www.lachildcare.co.uk

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June 2015

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27

News

Skate competition to be “bigger and better” Local young people are organising another two days of skate park events during the Community Festival

A

fter the success of last year’s two days of skate park activity, local young people have again been involved in actively planning and organising another two days of skate park related events during this year’s Community Festival weekend on the 6th & 7th June.

Since the last festival, a core group of young people have been continuously involved in all aspects of making the idea of a new skate park for Bradley Stoke a reality. This has included planning, design, fundraising, establishing key requirements, meeting with potential contractors and working alongside local councillors and officers in the detailed evaluation of tender submissions. It is now hoped that the new park will be built before Christmas.

Festival Saturday

On Saturday 6th June, the main festival site on Jubilee Green will host a five-foot half pipe with a seven-foot extension (an upgrade on last year), provided by King Ramps. We will also be holding a Street Art demo during the afternoon with the possibility of some tutored participation. There will also be the chance to see and discuss the designs and plans for the new skate park.

On Sunday 7th June, the half pipe will move to the existing skate park site, at the leisure centre, to create additional capacity and space for an all day competition for scooter, BMX, skateboard and inline skate disciplines.

Sunday competition

The Sunday competition will run between 11am and 5.30pm with registration between 9.30am and 10.30am (please try and get entry forms in before the day as it will greatly help with planning).

General information, including event poster/flyer, competition entry and consent forms and the planned running order of the day can be found on the Bradley Stoke Town Council website www.bradleystoke.gov.uk and on the young people’s Facebook page (‘Bradley Stoke Skatepark’).

The Facebook page is currently being revamped and will also soon have the designs for the new skate park, as will the Bradley Stoke Town Council website.

There will be separate competitions for Under-13, ages 13 to 17 and 18 & over (and sponsored riders). The order of the day and categories may change with numbers, however, the young organisers have decided on a ‘Jam’, ‘all in’ format

Action at the 2014 Community Festival skate park competition

for the different categories this year. There is a £2 entrance fee for each competition with an array of prizes to be won. The use of helmets is compulsory and other safety equipment is recommended; some helmets will be available on the day.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Positive Activity Fund, the Willow Brook Centre and Bradley Stoke Town Council. In addition, some of the prizes and throw outs have been donated by Crucial BMX and Krazy Scooters.

Pro-rider demos

Young people’s involvement in planning and organising the festival is supported by Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Youth Development & Participation Worker and other Youth Work staff. If you are a young person living in the Bradley Stoke area and aged 11 to 19 who would like to find out about other planned youth democracy projects or would like to get involved please contact the Youth Development & Participation Worker on 07900 253826 or email graham.baker@ bradleystoke.gov.uk

Both festival days will have several pro-rider demos from scooter riders, BMXers and skateboarders and the Saturday will offer ‘have a go sessions’ with some equipment provided.

All are welcome to both days and the Sunday will offer reasonably priced food and drink (courtesy of Soho caterers) and ice cream, so come along and be amazed by some of the skills and talents of local young people, both as competitors and organisers.

The two days are funded by

Get involved

Bradley Stoke Skate Park on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bradleystokeskatepark

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June 2015

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June 2015

Ask the Doctor with Dr Siân Langdon of Bradley Stoke Surgery The five Ws – What, Where, When, Who, Why?

T

hese are the five questions that children learn when language is first used and are an often quoted way to think through problems. I think we have all had exposure at some time to the child constantly asking what is it, where are we, when will we get there, who are you and why, why, why?!

It is these questions that we should ask ourselves when considering any contact with the NHS. Our NHS has become increasingly more complicated over the last ten years and there are now a multitude of places to get advice and guidance regarding a variety of health care problems – we no longer just have GP surgeries and Hospitals but Minor Injury Units (MIUs), NHS 111, GP Out of Hours providers, Walk in Centres, and community based pharmacists, to mention a few.

The best way for us all to utilise the fantastic resource of our NHS is to ensure we are seen by the right person at the right time. So it is important to consider WHAT the problem is and what you are concerned about. WHEN did it start and was this sudden or more gradually over a few days or weeks? WHEN do I need to be

manage your problem? Many local pharmacies are open long hours and available during the evening or at weekends. Or could a highly trained nurse at the MIU or in your GP surgery be able to assess, diagnose and help you manage your problem?

Or does it need the extended skills of a GP? So WHY does it matter

GP appointments are increasingly pressurised “ both in their availability, number and length. ”

seen? This is not just a question of convenience but one of clinical need. Could your issue wait for your GP practice to be open and could it even wait a few days?

The next question to ask is WHO is best to offer you advice? – and the answer to this question will then determine WHERE to go to get this advice.

Could a pharmacist help you

that you get seen by the right person at the right time? GP appointments are increasingly pressurised both in their availability, number and length.

In my own practice in Bradley Stoke we are overhauling our appointments system to try and ensure that those patients who need to be seen today can be, and that all other “routine” appointments (i.e. not urgent

for today) can be booked in advance. I don’t know if we will get it right, but like all my GP colleagues locally we are trying very hard, and at times at great personal expense, to offer a great service.

However, we need our patients, you, to help us with this. We need you to think about your problem using the five Ws and access the NHS appropriately so that we can all get the care we deserve.

Dr Siân Langdon Bradley Stoke Surgery www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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News

Meet the new mayor: Cllr Roger Avenin

C

ouncillor Roger Avenin was elected as the new mayor for Bradley Stoke on Wednesday 20th May. He has kindly found some time in his busy schedule to answer some of our questions, so that the readers of The Journal may get to know him a little better.

Roger, a retired accountant in the MOD, is married with one son. He moved into Bradley Stoke nearly 25 years ago when the town was still in its infancy.

At that time, neither Bradley Stoke Way nor Brook Way were completed and the town was divided into North and South; over time he has seen it develop into a fully cohesive town.

We asked Roger what he thinks about Bradley Stoke as a place to live: “I believe that Bradley Stoke is now a good place to be, with numerous clubs and societies, good schools, excellent council facilities and a thriving town centre and leisure centre, although the last two took a considerable time to materialise!

Bradley Stoke also has good road and rail links and affords its residents good access to other parts of the country.”

Roger has been a town councillor since 2007, representing Lakeside at first and now representing Baileys Court. He has served as the Chair of Finance for three years and last year he was Deputy Chair of

Council. This year he was very pleased to also be elected to the district council and he is looking forward to his new role, although he admits he is “on a fairly steep learning curve”.

When asked about his achievements as a town councillor, Roger said: “My main focus has been in achieving value for money for the residents and I think we have achieved this with continuous freezing, over the last five years, of the precept (the town council’s share of your council tax).”

As mayor for the coming year, Roger believes that some further youth provision is needed and he is looking forward to the building of the new state-of-the-art skate park. He hopes this will address the need for facilities for older children in the town. He does not think that wide scale change is needed in the town and his main focus will be on trying to preserve the status quo.

His main concern regarding the development of Bradley Stoke is the significant increase in traffic: “The MetroBus project is intended to reduce traffic, but I believe that when the Stoke Gifford By-Pass is completed, even more traffic will be funnelled down Bradley Stoke Way. Some solution to mitigate this needs to be found, but sadly this is not in the remit of the town council.”

Roger has not yet formally decided which charities he intends to support over the coming year, but he will notify The Journal as soon as this has been finalised.

Although Roger has a very full and busy retirement fulfilling his council duties, he does find time

to relax. A keen sportsman in his younger days, he now enjoys playing golf and can be found occasionally playing a round at the Woodlands Golf and Country Club course on Trench Lane.

We wish Cllr Avenin a happy and successful year in office.

Call me today: Emma B Contact me for more information Mobile: 07984 258 259 Email: anewyou@live.co.uk “I offer a completely mobile service at no extra charge around Bradley Stoke and north Bristol”

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News Sunday fun for local children

A

local children’s club, which runs free fun and games every Sunday morning, is opening its doors to all primary school-aged children in the area.

The Kids Club, which meets at Bradley Stoke Community School, is run by volunteers from Bridge Community Church Bristol. Throughout the morning, the team organizes a jam-packed session of games, action songs, crafts and treats, plus the chance to learn about Jesus and what the bible is all about.

Jo Carvell, who heads up the team said: “We have children come back time and time again, and bring their friends too because they have such a great time during our fastpaced, energetic sessions – and sometimes get messy!”

She continued: “We’ve had jousting on tractors, apple bobbing, even forming Bible verses out of spaghetti! Then at

the end of the session, there’s a forfeit for the team who’ve lost their challenge. This term it’s standing in things like custard, baked beans or even dog food!”

“We started running Kids Club because we wanted our local children to have fun, learn about Jesus and have a positive impact on the local community that we serve – and it’s completely free!”

This term, Kids Club is running a competition! Come along for your first visit and bring a friend for you both to be entered into a draw for a big prize at the end of term. The more friends you bring, the more entries you will have!

The first time a child comes to Kids Club, parents are very welcome to stay and watch.

To find out more or to enrol your child, visit www. bridgechurchbristol.org/ freekidsclub or call 0117 230 3330.

All Kids Club volunteers are CRB checked. ● See advert on page 23.

Find us at the Willowbrook Centre 7 days a week.

Free trials in-store.

t: 01454 300 400

June 2015

Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Claire Fletcher reports Summer clampdown on drink and drug driving

N

ow summer’s here we’re reminding everyone about the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving.

June sees the launch of Operation Tonic, our monthlong forcewide annual summer campaign to make the roads safer for all.

As we did over Christmas and the New Year, we will be naming publicly every motorist who is charged with a drink or drug driving offence.

And for the first time our traffic officers will be using ‘drugalyser’ devices at the roadside to test drivers for suspected drugs, using new laws that came in earlier this year.

Drivers face prosecution if they exceed limits set for the presence of eight illegal drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, and eight prescription drugs.

The existing penalties mean drug drivers could face a fine up to £5,000, up to six months in prison and a minimum oneyear driving ban.

Road Safety Superintendent Richard Corrigan said: “We are determined to do whatever we can to stop people driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. If just one person

is persuaded not to take to the road as a result, then our campaign will be a success.

“For the first time in our Christmas 2014 campaign we decided to name those charged. The results showed that this measure acted as a clear deterrent to people taking a chance on driving while under the influence.”

“This summer, we also have extra powers and the tools to check for illegal drugs. The message is clearer than ever - there is no excuse and we will arrest any drivers who are suspected to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.”

Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre Wednesday 3rd June – 2pm to 3pm Wednesday 10th June – 2pm to 3pm Sunday 14th June – 2pm to 3pm Wednesday 24th June – 2pm to 3pm Thursday 2nd July – 2pm to 3pm ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes

Website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

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June 2015

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33

News

BSiB team looks to give town a splash of colour Competition

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) ow that the excitement of spring’s arrival is beginning to fade, we’re planning to replace the buzz with summer’s bright colours, and we have amazed ourselves with how much the small but hardworking BSiB team has achieved in just one month. But we’re not complaining, as our hard work is rewarded not only by how much better the town looks, but also by all the compliments we get while working.

N

Achievements in May

Under the watchful eyes of the long queue of voters, the Community Herb Garden outside the Brook Way Activity Centre has been replanted, and is again bursting with fresh herbs. These were planted for you to enjoy, so please don’t feel shy about snipping off what herbs you need.

Alongside the plants are labels with their names on, and some useful tips on how to use them, for both medicinal and culinary purposes.

Our library wildflower meadow has been re-seeded, the flower bed by Manor Farm Roundabout (Savages Wood Road / Brook Way) has had a spring clean, and lots of new plants and tubers were put in, although Rob was renamed ‘Robo Rob,’ as we think we may have put in a few too many!

Palmers Corner is also looking much improved, with less bramble

Best front garden winner in 2013. Enter yours (or a neighbour’s) for 2015 now!

and more plants. The area at the front has been seeded with grass and we will be adding some small fruit trees. Some of the bricks around the base of the pillars have come away and we would really like to see the pillars restored to their former glory. Although we can drink tea like one, we’re not builders, so we’re hoping that a friendly builder will read this and come and help us out!

The Herb Garden and the Kitchen Garden in the town square have some rather interesting additions; we’re not going to tell you what they are, as we’re hoping you will drop by and take a look for yourselves! I said we’d been busy!

The Common East greatly benefited from a visit by the Bradley Stoke Green Gym. A fallen tree was removed from the verge, dead trees that overhung

the path moved, the pond dug out, the orchard pruned and cleared, the paths cleared, the ‘bramble tree’ on the corner which caught children and cars alike was removed and in the long grass wildflower patches were planted.

Many of you will have been busy in your own gardens over the recent bank holiday weekend, so I hope you will give some thought to entering our annual ‘Best Front Garden’ competition.

Last year, we were so impressed by the gardens we saw that, for the first time, we also awarded a 2nd and 3rd prize of engraved dibbers. Maureen Hopkins again scooped first prize, Alisa & Richard Aquilina came 2nd and Margaret Howdle came 3rd.

All you need to enter is to fill out our entry form and either email it to us or drop it off at the town council office. Forms can be obtained from our website, Facebook page or from the town council office and library. The judging usually takes place in the last week of July. ● How to contact BSiB… e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk w: bradleystokeinbloom.com

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June 2015

Quiz Quiz for all, No. 21 (easy/hard, old/new) Another ‘just for fun’ general knowledge quiz, compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot. Answers on page 36.

1. What is the capital city of Canada?

2. In the title of a Roald Dahl novel, for what do the letters ‘BFG’, stand?

3. Also the name of a Premier League football team, what is the first name of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s only child?

4. In snooker which colour ball is worth two points?

5. Which band recorded the theme tune for the 1985 James Bond film ‘A View To A Kill’?

6. On which part of the human body is a rhinoplasty procedure performed?

7. Which Bristol born comedian hosts his own ‘Good News’ comedy show, now shown on BBC2?’

8. Sometimes known as Wolfram, which chemical element has the letter ‘W’ as its chemical symbol?

9. In which London park is London Zoo located?

10. In which Ocean does the island nation of Mauritius lie?

11. Which author wrote the novel ‘Dracula’ in 1897?

12. On which English racecourse are the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas horse races held each year?

13. In literature, which of the three Brontë sisters was the oldest?

14. Which British singer and

Journal quiz setter: Paul Philpot

songwriter released the UK number one single ‘Love Me Like You Do’, in March 2015?

15. Which small country is located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountain range?

16. Who was the US President for the vast majority of World War 2?

17. Which former ‘Brush Strokes’ actor currently plays the role of Buster Briggs in Eastenders?

18. Which everyday household cooking appliance was invented

by Charles Strite in 1921?

19. On which date is St Patrick’s day celebrated around the world?

20. Which European manufacturer of sports cars, founded in 1963, has created the models, Miura, Countach and Diablo?

Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org

Interested in joining a local quiz league?

Journal quiz setter Paul Philpot, who competes on the national circuit, is looking to improve and raise the profile of quizzing in the area.

He is organising the first South West Quizzers event on 12th July in Coalpit Heath. The quiz is for anyone to enter, to get a feel for competitive quizzing.

Paul says: “You don’t have to know everything – the idea is that you compare your scores each month to see if you are improving or not.”

Further details of the event can be found on the South West Quizzers website (www.southwestquizzers.com).

Paul has also established a discussion group for local quiz enthusiasts on Facebook – search for ‘South West Quizzers’.

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

June 2015

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News Film Review

by Dominic Merrien

Mad Max: Fury Road (15)

T

he anticipation was killing me… Had the onslaught of recent trailers taken the sparkle away from the experience? Well here’s my review – Mad Max: Fury Road (rated 15).

George Miller’s previous Mad Max films depict a lonesome warrior, once lawman, fighting the violent gangs born out of a turbulent post nuclear apocalyptic future... Basically Australia! This new film pays homage to some core aspects of preceding films but is majorly ramped up in terms of action, carnage and battle time on the road.

With only a small catering of CGI, it is visually stunning with loads of colour, outlandish vehicles, and fantastic stunts.

Tom Hardy (who plays Max Rockantansky) is completely his own character, cast from an entirely different mould to the Max of previous films…

Let’s just say Hardy is actually a little mad, haunted by the death of his family and other general weirdness. The whole film centres on a pursuit by the main villain known as Immortan Joe (second outing for Hugh Keays-Byrne). He chases Max and Imperator Furiosa (played

by Charlize Theron); to reclaim his pregnant runaway wife who is carrying his healthy baby successor.

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Welcome to the latest article in an occasional series in which we invite our readers to share their passion for a hobby or interest.

It’s an incredible film, but in spite of this, it fails in terms of overall direction and plot. The film is completely devoid of the trademark Police Interceptor and the main characters Hardy and Theron lack synergy throughout. At times it was hard to accept two leading personalities, but on the other hand, Theron does successfully promote the role of female lead.

This was an important theme that Miller wanted to push for this time around. He also wanted to present how poisoned his world had become with water instead of gasoline being prized along with good health.

It is easily one of the best remakes I have seen of late, even though the trailers make it look like Mad Max the Opera!

Annoyingly, Max doesn’t come into his own until about halfway through the film! There are some funny scenes and characters including a morale

Film enthusiast Dominic Merrien

boosting guitarist! The tactics that are used by Joe’s gang to attack the truck are nothing short of ingenious! It is a fast paced film with gasoline fuelled destruction and fighting abound!

Don’t waste your money on 3D, go and watch it and make your own mind up. You won’t be disappointed! I would definitely give Mad Max: Fury Road three and a half stars.

A Family of Schools Our Mission: To support and enable all students Abbeywood Community School Students - 806 Age Range - age 11 to 18 Associate Headteacher - Mr David Howe Joined the Trust - January 2013 Ofsted rating - Good

to be ambitious and believe in themselves, achieve their full potential and develop the skills to succeed and enjoy life.

Bradley Stoke Community School

Students - 1107 Age Range - age 11 to 18 Headteacher - Ms Jenny Sutton Kirby Joined the Trust - Founder member, January 2012 Ofsted rating - Good, with outstanding leadership and management & behaviour and safety

Charborough Road Primary School Students - 275 Age Range - age 4 to 11 Headteacher - Mrs Nicola Bailey Joined the Trust - January 2015 Ofsted rating - Good

Meadowbrook Primary School

Students - 464 Age Range - age 4 to 11 Headteacher - Mr Jon Bar Joined the Trust - January 2015 Ofsted rating - Requires improvement, with good leadership and management

Executive Headteacher, Mr Dave Baker

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June 2015

News

In Brief

Children enjoying a busy year at Bradley Stoke Woodcraft Folk

Rainbows seek previous leaders and members

I

t’s been a busy year for Bradley Stoke Woodcraft already, with lots more activities still planned.

March saw us joining with other groups across Bristol to celebrate Woodcraft’s 90th birthday with an afternoon of games, cake and a short performance by each group. We joined together again in May for the annual spring camp. For many of our younger members this was their first camp, so there was extra excitement this year as we put up the tents.

Even the rain showers didn’t dampen spirits, with craft activities in the marquee and bushcraft under the shelter of the trees. Sunday afternoon was spent in the woods playing a beethemed wide game. The children learned about the important role bees play as pollinators, and tried out their bee skills with a waggle dance, and even a scent trail.

Back at the group nights, we’ve been busy with some recycled

crafts, making laundry bags and scarves from old T-shirts, and growing grass heads using old tights.

In February, we were given a grant from Bradley Stoke Town Council, to allow us to buy the equipment for our next adventure. We’ll be having our first overnight bushcraft event, building shelters to sleep in and cooking over the campfire to celebrate.

Bradley Stoke Woodcraft is open to children aged 6 – 12 and we meet every Wednesday during term time. We’re now taking names for places starting in September 2015. If you are interested please contact Jenny or Daniel on 0117 9093969 or info@southwestwoodcraft.org.uk ● To find out more about the group, take a look at our blog http://bit.ly/bswoodcraft or find us on Facebook.

Quiz answers (page 34) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ottawa Big Friendly Giant Chelsea Yellow Duran Duran

6. Nose 7. Russell Howard 8. Tungsten 9. Regents Park 10. Indian Ocean

11. Bram Stoker 12. Newmarket 13. Charlotte 14. Ellie Goulding 15. Andorra

16. Franklin D Roosevelt 17. Karl Howman 18. Toaster 19. 17th March 20. Lamborghini

A local Rainbows unit that is planning its 25th birthday party is trying to track down previous leaders and members.

The 1st Bradley Stoke Rainbows opened on 7th June 1990. According to unit records, the first leaders were Barbara, Ruth (Squirrel) and Susan.

In 1994, they were joined

by Assistant Rainbow Leader Caroline who became the unit leader in 1999.

Julie (Rabbit) and Tracy were the unit leaders after Caroline, who left in 2002. Catherine Dixon, the current leader, Joined Julie after Tracy left in 2005,

after being a Young Leader with Rainbows in Little Stoke.

As well as the leaders, there have of course been many Rainbows over the last 25 years.

Those original Rainbows will probably remember wearing yellow tabards which were worn

by Bradley Stoke Rainbows up until the programme and uniform changed in 2004.

Those who were Rainbows during 1997 will probably remember celebrating ten years of Rainbows with parties and events taking place over the county. Those who were Rainbows eleven years later in 2008 will have celebrated 21 years of Rainbows and may remember growing sunflowers.

Were you a Rainbow or leader at 1st Bradley Stoke? If so we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Catherine Dixon on cat_c_dixon@hotmail.com or via @BSRainbows on Twitter.

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News Ask the Chiropractor

In Brief Lions and flying frogs set to return to festival

with Craig Rebecca de Groot from the from Willow the Willow Brook Brook Clinic Clinic New Year, new you?

AAARGHthritis!!!

Does Or new it need injury? to stop Part you 2:being Gym injuries active?

A

s a Chiropractor, I often get asked by patients suffering from either acute joint pain or chronic joint pain which is getting worse, “Have I got arthritis?” Most often, and especially for ‘not so young’ patients the answer is yes, but I swiftly follow my reply with a more detailed explanation.

There are over 300 bones in our bodies, most of which join with other bones to form joints.

These joints allow our skeletons to move. Our joints are prone to wear and tear and deterioration over the years, because they move on each other many times a day.

Arthritis means swelling or inflammation of these joints as they support our bodies doing daily activity. There are many different types of arthritis. The most common

type is osteoarthritis, which affects the joints as described.

It is a condition which we will probably all suffer with from time to time at some stage of our lives. The symptoms include joint and muscle pain and restricted movement.

Do we have to live with it or can it be helped?

Nobody can claim to cure osteoarthritis as it is a naturally occurring degenerative condition, but the pain and symptoms can be reduced and relieved with correct management.

Generally speaking, controlled and sensible movement and activity are good for you. Ensure that you do some form of exercise every day, even if it is a short walk around your garden.

Do not put too much strain on your joints and when doing repetitive activities, such as

June 2015

gardening, make sure that you vary your body position and actions.

Some supplements, such as cod liver oil and Glucosamine Sulphate have been proven to help to ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis too.

Chiropractors and Physiotherapists can be particularly helpful is assessing the severity of your arthritis, explaining the mechanics behind it and in helping you to devise a treatment and selfmanagement plan to achieve the best results you can.

Don’t live in pain and discomfort – let us help you!

“Get well, stay well.”

Craig de Groot www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

● See our advert on page 13.

Bradley Stoke Lions’ famous frogs will be flying at the Community Festival on Saturday 6th June.

Teddy bears, soft toys, model cars and even the occasional £5 note will be there to be won. Special guest helper (and Bradley Stoke Lion) Jack Lopresti, our local MP, is coming to help put frogs on their launcher pads.

All monies raised will go to assist those in need in our local community and disaster victims further afield. Come along, try our frogs, join in the fun or even offer to help for a short time.

We are a friendly bunch and appreciate helping hands.

One of the Lions in our district is travelling to Kathmandu as part of a team assisting in the area.

He is taking with him 500 pens donated by our local Hilton Hotel to give to the children. Everything is in short supply and these pens will help many children resume their education.

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June 2015

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News New craft group formed in The Stokes

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Life. It can be a beach!

Pensions Drawdown Annuities

By Kim Willmott of The Stoke Crafters ast year, I wanted to join a craft group that would be happy to attempt any craft just for the sake of learning, as well as allowing members to pass on their own craft skills to others. I saw that there was a whole generation that had not learnt any crafts because the parents of the 80’s, 90’s had both been out to work and so time was stretched, so much so that the skills that their mothers had taught them would not be passed on to their children. I was hoping to get people interested in just learning as well as passing on their skills onto anyone who had always wanted to learn a craft and could teach others their particular skill.

In late November 2014, after a period of a few months asking if anyone knew of a craft group in or around Stoke Gifford and finding there was nothing out there that offered what I was looking for, I then asked if anyone would be interested in forming a group that didn’t focus on any one particular craft but would try other crafts by each member helping teach others, but also to tackle new crafts that maybe none of us knew.

On 2nd March 2015, The Stoke Crafters had its first meeting and we had just four people arrive including Carol Vaughan who took on the concept of the group and started up our Facebook page which now has 44 members; and printed off some flyers for us to get the word out there. Carol has been a great asset to the group and she has filled a gap by

L

taking on things I would never have been able to do myself.

We now have a craft group that is not only friendly and relaxed, but also one in which each member’s voice is as valuable and important as anyone else’s.

The group has a vast amount of knowledge between its members to share with each other, and we love to tackle the crafts that each of us pass on to others in the group who are interested in participating, but the group is happy if any member would prefer to work on their own project. We are all very relaxed and there is no pressure to come every single week, but of course we love seeing the members come back week after week, and anyone who would like to come and join us would receive a very warm welcome. Anyone is welcome, male, female, the young and the old, all you need is an interest to either learn a craft or to just join like minded people to craft along with over a nice cuppa and a chat.

The cost of the meetings is set at £5.00, this is to cover the cost of hiring the room and light refreshments. This cost will be reviewed over time.

We look forward to meeting anyone interested in coming to our group meetings which are held on Thursday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at the Old School Rooms in Stoke Gifford. Look us up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/ TheStokesCrafters/) where you will find updates of what we have made in group meetings and also meet our lovely members. ● See our poster on page 44.

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June 2015

News

Positive inspections for St Chad’s Primary

S

taff and pupils at St Chad’s CE VC Primary School in Stoke Lodge are celebrating after receiving positive inspection reports from Ofsted and SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools).

Ofsted inspectors visited the school at the end of April and awarded an overall rating of ‘good’, with two of the five individual areas reviewed assessed as ‘outstanding’. This is an improvement since the previous Ofsted inspection (which took place in April 2013) when the school was rated as ‘requires improvement’.

Inspectors stated: “The headteacher provides exemplary leadership and is ably supported by a skilled deputy and well organised governing body. They have successfully steered the school through a significant period of change and improved the quality of teaching and

Headteacher Darren Brown and St Chad’s pupils celebrate the positive ratings

pupils’ achievement since the previous inspection.”

Headteacher Darren Brown said: “We are delighted with the official recognition of our fantastic success. Our staff, governors, families and pupils have a lot to be proud

of. Everyone works so hard to ensure our children get a first class education.”

“We strive to enable all children to find their talents, build on their strengths, recognise where they may find something tricky and help them have the skills to move forward from this. We endeavour to create caring, thoughtful and passionate pupils who are proud of themselves and the communities they live in, and we are pleased that Ofsted and SIAMS recognised this in their reports, highly praising the school and the pupils for this. I know with the team we have in school and the support of the families we serve as well as the pupils’ deep desire to do their best, we will continue with this success.”

Chair of governors Elaine Tayler said: “I’m absolutely delighted that all of our hard

work has been acknowledged and I am very proud of the heights teachers and the school community have climbed. It shows an uncompromising focus on academic, social, emotional and spiritual development which has been recognised by not one but two external inspections.”

The report also praised the school’s early years provision and the behaviour and safety of pupils, rating both as ‘outstanding’. Commenting on the pupils’ excellent behaviour around the school, inspectors said: “Their enthusiastic attitudes to learning significantly enhance their rapidly improving and now good progress.”

Leadership and management, quality of teaching and the achievement of pupils were individually rated as ‘good’.

Noting the pupils’ achievement, inspectors said: “Across the school, pupils are working at levels in reading, writing and mathematics that are higher than those expected for their age. In relation to their starting points, the pupils’ skills reflect good progress over time.”

Ofsted applies an overall judgement of ‘good’ where a school is effective in delivering outcomes that provide well for all its pupils’ needs.

SIAMS inspectors visited St Chad’s on 1st May and gave the school a grade of ‘outstanding’, a repeat of their previous assessment made in March 2010. ● stchadsprimaryschool.co.uk

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

June 2015

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Through the camera lens by Becky Ward

O

ver the last few years, my photography has taken me to some very interesting places, and I have been able to bear witness to some things that I would never get to see if I didn’t have a camera in my hand and my name on a press list.

This month has been particularly interesting, both in the local community and further afield.

Of course, in the last month the general and local elections were held! For most people, apart from the constant barrage of messages from various political parties, the election is over within a few minutes - just a quick trip to the polling station then look online the next day to see who won. For a few people however, the election lasts an awful lot longer!

As for many others, this was the first time I was able to vote in a general election, and for me it was a baptism of fire. I noticed a lot of discussion between me and my friends trying to work

out how to vote, who to vote for and, on several occasions, asking what the first past the post system was. Because of this I decided I wanted to do a personal project, following every part of the election.

For me, the election started a few weeks before with looking for different political signs to photograph - the likes of which took me as far as Thornbury and Southmead. Then, at 4am on election day, I crawled out of bed to photograph as local politicians posted leaflets through doors reminding residents to vote.

Next, it was on to ‘telling’ outside polling stations, where people are asked for their polling number as they go in to vote. This was then followed by the counting of votes for the MP from 10pm Thursday night until 6:30am the next day, followed by the local count (election of district and parish council members) at 2pm.

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Elections, elections!

While being utterly exhausted in the following days, it was a privilege to be able to see something that is normally conducted behind closed doors that not many people get to witness. Overall, it was a great experience to have, and I’m really pleased with the results.

I have included a couple of my favourite photographs from my whirlwind week in politics, and more are available on the Becky Ward Photography page on Facebook.

Top: Early morning leafleting in Bradley Stoke on election day Right: Counting general election votes at the WISE campus, Stoke Gifford

When it comes to selling houses in Bradley Stoke, we know our Saxon Way from our Stean Bridge Road. Get in touch for free, friendly advice or a market appraisal of your property. www.oceanhome.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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June 2015

Advertising Feature

Camel racing a novelty at South Glos Show

T

his year’s South Glos Show’s headline main arena entertainment takes the unusual form of camel racing. The spectacle is being held in morning and afternoon slots on both days (1st & 2nd August) and local businesses are being asked to get involved by sponsoring a camel or a race, with all profits being donated to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), the event’s nominated charity.

There will be a chance for you to get involved by visiting the GWAAC stand and placing a bet on the camels, once more with all profits assisting to keep the helicopter flying.

The GWAAC helicopter will be flying in on both days to raise further awareness of this fantastic charity; the noise and spectacle of seeing these real life heroes is sure to help people dig deep to help.

“We are thrilled to have the

ability of boosting the funds raised at this year’s event for the GWAAC and everyone we talk to is keen to get involved,” said Darren Hawkins, event manager.

Classic car owners are being urged to contact Graham Searle, the Motor Show organiser for the event – last year over 250

classic and sports cars graced the showground at Westerleigh, and with the uptake so far this year being even greater, all owners and exhibitors must pre-book to guarantee a space in the motor show and exhibitors’ discounted tickets. Interactive activities mean you can try your hand at off-road

driving or race against the clock in Bristol Motor Club’s Autosolo.

Music festival fans have a treat at this year’s show as the event has over 30 local bands already booked to wow the crowds and keep you groovin’ – the two stages will not stop from midday until 8pm each day. Follow on Facebook for full details and time slots closer to the event date.

If you are feeling hungry, this year’s Festival of Food marquee has food and drink from all over the world as well as county cheeses, breads, pies, pickles, cakes and so much more.

Remember, the showground is just off the Avon Cycleway, so cycling there is a real option.

If you are a local trader wishing to exhibit or trade at the event or a local club group or society looking to recruit new members, please contact the organisers on hello@southglosshow.co.uk or call 01454 222959.

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

NEW! Later opening hours NOW open until 7.30pm on FRIDAYS (as well as Thursdays) Reflections, 9 Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8BS. Tel: 01454 610 318 www.reflectionshair.co.uk

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June 2015

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What’s On (31st May – 5th July)

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

Sunday 31st May

Thursday 4th June

Monday 8th June

7am-5pm: Car Boot Sale at Trench Lane, BS32 4JZ. More info: http://bit.ly/trenchlane [Weekly until 27th September]

2pm-6pm: Volunteer Week Speed Match Event at Bradley Stoke Library. Pop in for a chat and meet organisations. More info: 01454 868986

6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

More info: www.bssbf.co.uk

9am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Symonds Yat. 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 4th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 17th, 21st, 25th, 26th & 28th June and 5th July] 9.30am: SCC Medium Distance Bike Ride to Thornbury. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560 [Further rides on 7th, 11th, 14th, 21st, 25th & 28th June]

Monday 1st June 10am: Buggy Walk. Organised walk starting from outside The Old School Rooms, Stoke Gifford.

More info: North Bristol Buggy Walks page on Facebook or phone South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 863951.

Wednesday 3rd June 10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays] 2pm-3pm: Police Beat Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary. [Further surgeries at same time on 10th, 14th & 24th June and 2nd July]

7.30pm: The Stokes Crafters meet at The Old School Rooms, Stoke Gifford. See news item on page 39. [Weekly on Thursdays]

Friday 5th June 10.30am-2pm: Festival Picnic in the Park on Jubilee Green.

See page 24 for details.

Saturday 6th June 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 [Also on 4th July] 11.30am-6pm: Bradley Stoke Community Festival at the Jubilee Centre. See pages 24 & 25.

Sunday 7th June 9.30am: Bradley Stoke 10k Run from the Jubilee Centre.

More info and interactive route map: http://bit.ly/bs-10k 11am-5.30pm: Festival Skate Park Competition at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. See page 27.

12.30pm-1.30pm: Festival Charity Bed Race from Baileys Court Activity Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsbr2015 2pm-6pm: Festival Cricket Match at Baileys Court Activity Centre. Bradley Stoke Cricket Club XI versus the Mayor’s XI.

43

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Tuesday 9th June 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Musical soiree. More info: Janine 01454 617645

Wednesday 10th June 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Beans to Bars (talk on chocolate making). More info: Barbara Williams on 0117 947 0340

Monday 15th June 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos 7pm: BSTC Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstclya

Wednesday 17th June 7pm: BSTC Finance Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcfin

Thursday 18th June 1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre.

More info: www.blood.co.uk [Further sessions on 3rd July] 7pm: SGDFAS Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School.

This month: ‘British Houses and

Gardens’ by Caroline Holmes. See news item on page 17. More info: Sally Kitching on 01454 774401.

Saturday 20th June 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.

11am: Reptile Ramble in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Booking required via Eventbrite at http:// bit.ly/20150620RR 11am-3pm: Climbing High at the Willow Brook Centre. FREE climbing wall plus craft workshop to make cards for Father’s Day. More info: http://bit.ly/bs32wbc 2.30pm: Chatterbooks Reading Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For keen readers aged 9-11. Please ask a member of staff for details.

Wednesday 24th June 8pm (approx): BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcpec

Saturday 27th June 12.30pm-3.30pm Car Boot Sale in Little Stoke Park, BS34 6HR. More info: Phone Stoke Gifford Parish Council on 01454 865202.

7.30pm: Stokes Singers’ Summer Concert at Church of Christ the King. Tickets £5/£2 available in advance or on the door. See page 17 for details.

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uph olst ery !

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June 2015

Schools Year 5 pupils at Baileys Court learn how to generate electricity from waste

Y

ear 5 pupils at Baileys Court primary School have been taking part in a hands-on science programme in which they have constructed their own miniature fuel cells to generate electricity from waste.

Organised in conjunction with staff from the University of the West of England, with the support of a grant from the Royal Society, the 12-week project is intended to encourage the pupils to think about the challenges posed by the depletion of the earth’s resources and explore more sustainable ways of producing power.

The focus of the project is on microbial fuel cells (MFCs); a technology employing bacteria to produce electricity. Working in groups, the children have constructed simple MFCs from components manufactured at the university.

They have been encouraged to think about the local environment and where bacteria may live (e.g. pond, puddle, food, soil, compost) and have inoculated their MFCs using bacteria from their location of choice.

With their MFCs built, pupils then carried out experiments to vary the type/amount of food given to the cells and monitored electrical output in order to observe the correlation between power and microbial metabolism.

As we went to press, we heard that pupils had connected some of their fuel cells into an electrical circuit and successfully lit up a light-emitting diode (LED)!

At the end of June, the Year 5 pupils will go on a day trip to the university to see examples of larger MFCs and the applications they can be used for. ● Photos show pupils building their MFCs on 29th April.

Looking to make new friends in the local area?

Come and join our new friendly group for craft-minded people in Stoke Gifford.

Learn a new craft, share your knowledge with others or simply bring your chosen project and craft away with likeminded people.

We meet on Thursday evenings, 7:30pm to 9:30pm at The Old School Rooms, The Green, Stoke Gifford BS34 8PD

Contact Kim on 01454 772187 or just turn up on the night.

There is a nominal charge of £5 towards the cost of hiring the hall, tea, coffee and biscuits are included. You do not have to commit to turning up every week, this is an informal , fun club which you can attend as often as you wish.

For more information, join in the conversation at www.streetlife.com or see our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheStokesCrafters

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Circulation: 9,450 delivered plus 500 left at pick-up points *Price of a one-eighth-page display advert, when committing to six monthly issues.

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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers AD Bookkeeping, Page 33 TJS Business Solutions, Page 16 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 6 Richard Joseph, Page 40 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 45 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 28 & 29 Chipping Sodbury Motors, Page 11 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 7 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 43 Clean Pros, Page 23 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 45 Carpets & Flooring Visit directory on BSJ website Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 39 Bright Sparks Pre-School, Page 6 Little Acorns Pre-School, Page 26 Mama Bear’s Nursery, Page 17 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Churches Bridge Community Church, Page 23 Cleaning & Domestic Services Welcomehome Cleaning, Page 20 Computer Services goto iT, Page 34 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 24 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 24 Double Glazing Crystal Clear Windows, Page 21 JDC Windows, Page 25 Imperial Windows, Page 34 Education & Learning Olympus Academy Trust, Page 35 SGS College, Pages 2 & 48 Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Electronic Cigarettes VaperVapour, Page 32 Estate Agents Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 41 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 4 Funeral Services Jamieson Funeral Services, Page 45 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 27 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 9 Westlec Auto Electrical, Page 40 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 36 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 32 Professional Gardening Services, Page 46 Gyms & Health Clubs Visit directory on BSJ website

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Stop and Hire, Page 32 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 30 Severn Wye Energy Agency, Page 8 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Wash Shop Plus, Page 45 Locksmiths Visit directory on BSJ website Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 39 Nails & Beauty Valentine’s Beauty Care, Page 26 Opticians Specsavers, Page 12 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 45 Pet Services & Supplies Friends for Pets, Page 13 MadDogz, Page 26 New Passage Cattery, Page 45 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 22 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 18 Photographers Visit directory on BSJ website Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 46 Plumbing & Heating Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 38 Clifton Gas, Page 45 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 31 Panache Plumbing, Page 45 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 45 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 31 Richard Joseph, Page 40 Property Management Freeman Residential, Page 16 Medics on the Move, Page 14 South West Relocation, Page 9 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 46 Shopping Costco, Page 47 Solicitors Bevan Evemy, Page 33 Slimming Clubs Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 31 Slimming World, Page 19 Soft Furnishings Janet Smith, Page 7 Sport & Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 43 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 45 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 45 TV & Aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 45 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 46

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SGS COLLEGE OPEN TO ALL!

Join us at our Open Evening and find out about South Gloucestershire & Stroud College’s wide range of full and part time study programmes, including those starting September 2015.

Our Open Evening at SGS Filton, WISE & Stroud is on:

Wednesday 3rd June, 17:30-20:00 • Speak with course specialists • Meet with current learners studying at SGS College • Try out activities relating to your subject of interest • Partake in a campus tour, plus much more

For further details visit www.sgscol.ac.uk or call 0800 0567 253