September 2015

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

September 2015 • Issue 29

QUIZ P30 | POLICE P39 | WHAT’S ON P44-45 | DIRECTORY P46-47

MetroBus roadworks under way in The Stokes

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

PLUS , IN YOUR 48-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE Carnival colour

P24

Bradley Stoke Way, Page 9 Stoke Gifford By-Pass, Page 7

Active Triathlon

P25

BSCS exam results

P11, 23

IT’S TIME TO GIVE UP THE ICE CREAM AND GET BACK IN THE GYM! WITH OUR HALF PRICE JOINING FEE OFFER * *PAY HALF PRICE JOINING FEE IF YOU JOIN IN SEPTEMBER 2015 WITH CODE: SEP50 (SAVE £10)

Tel: 01454 888 666 • www.riversidebristol.co.uk

l Local gymnasts off to European Championships l Introducing the contractor for MetroBus work in The Stokes l Win £1,000 for your community group, courtesy of Vodafone l Straight A*s at GCSE for Bradley Stoke girl l BSYFC rewarded with second Wembley date l Ratcliffe Drive Tesco Express store closes for redevelopment l Roger scoops Best Front Garden competition l New set of Aztec West Roundabout roadworks will last a whole year l Youth group activities at Church of Christ the King l Bradley Stoke Sikh pensioner recalls Ebola outbreak experiences

£32.99 (Monthly peak membership)

C

NO ACTS TR AT ON T GRES JUSPRICE

£22.99 (Monthly off peak membership)

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO APPLY! Full & Part Time Courses Still Available!

SGS College still has availability in the following course areas commencing September: -

-

Drop Guid in Advic e& anc runn e Session in s 20th g from Augu 9am st, -4 Mon day pm, - Frid ay

Access to University Apprenticeships Employability courses Full time A Levels & GCSEs Full time vocational courses in Animal Sciences, Art & Design, Business, Construction, Early Years, Engineering, Hair & Beauty, Health & Social Care, IT, Music, Media & Games Design, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sport or Travel HND & Foundation Degree University Level programmes Part time leisure courses or professional development adult courses

www.sgscol.ac.uk

info@sgscol.ac.uk

www.facebook.com/filtoncollege

0800 0567 253 www.twitter.com/sgs_college

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Local gymnasts off to European Championships

H

arriers Acrobatic Gymnastics Club, based at Patchway Sports Centre, is celebrating the selection of two of its gymnasts to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Riesa, Germany later this month.

Vada Finnear, 18, from Pucklechurch and Kenedi Cross, 14, from Patchway, have worked together as a partnership for the past two years. They have already achieved huge success including the Pat Wade Tournament in November 2014, after which they stepped up their training in an effort to be selected to trial for Great Britain.

Following the GB trials, Sarah Bateman, Harrier’s head coach, was congratulated on the success of Vada and Kenedi by the GB national coach, who stated that the pair had been the most improved gymnasts in the six months of the GB selection process. Harriers’ Kansas Bateman, also received excellent feedback from the GB coach for

her choreography of Vada and Kenedi’s routines.

Harriers is an extremely successful gymnastics club within the South West region and has been able to hold its own against clubs which have better facilities and the opportunity to train for longer hours.

Established at Little Stoke Primary School in 1984, the club is proud of the fact that many members who started off as gymnasts have stayed and progressed into coaching, which is testament to the friendly and inclusive nature of the club.

The club has approximately 200 members, with ages ranging from 4 to 23. Gymnasts can start at age 4 in the recreational group, where they train for an hour a week, and can progress through to the competitive squads who train for up to 11 hours a week.

Harriers’ long term goal is to one day obtain its own premises with great facilities, which will enable it to continue to develop.

● Photo, right: Vada and Kenedi

www.harriersacrobaticgymnastics.com

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

3

4

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. Š 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.

Dreaming of good times?

But what if?

Life Insurance Family Protection Income Protection Critical Illness Cover

We can help you make the right choices to ensure your family can weather the storm if the unexpected happens 01454 501959

www.aspirations-ifa.com

Aspirations Financial Advice Ltd is an appointed representative of 2plan wealth management Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

5

News

Airport style buggy gives patients a lift

P

atients and visitors can now hop on board a new motorised buggy to catch a lift through the atrium at Southmead Hospital.

The £26,500 buggy has been funded by Southmead Hospital Charity and Southmead Hospital League of Friends.

Patients and visitors with mobility problems or who struggle with walking long distances are able to flag down the buggy, which seats six, if they need a lift to their gate.

The buggy is driven by volunteers from the Move Makers team and patrols the 280 metre (quarter of a mile) long atrium.

The hospital has been trialling the use of the buggy with a vehicle on loan since June, but it has proved so successful that an order has been placed for a custom made buggy which will take over from October.

It has a specially designated

space for a bariatric patient as well as easy access.

The buggy is available Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm and at times in the evenings and weekends.

Since 1st July, the buggy has helped more than 3,000 passengers.

There has been a lot of positive feedback from the public to the new service so far with one

bristol – patchway

CASE OF THE MONTH

CHIROPRACTOR

I feel a million dollars!

BS34 near you tel 0117 969 7553

For a Lifetime of Health

person commenting: “Excellent service, a great help and all with a smile” and another: “Extremely helpful to an 87-year-old going to Gate 34B to visit daily.”

Jane Ibbunson, Head of Fundraising for Southmead Hospital Charity, said: “Southmead Hospital Charity are pleased to be able to support this new facility in the hospital which has already been welcomed by patients and visitors who need a little extra help.”

“I’ve been delighted to hear some of the positive comments about the difference it has made and that once again our Move Makers are a wonderful helping hand for the public.”

The Move Makers team are looking for more volunteers to guide patients around the hospital and to drive the buggy. Visit www. southmeadhospitalcharity.org. uk for more information.

My partner referred me to Dr Leah. At first I was scared to come to any chiropractor.

“At the first appointment I was put at ease.

Don't let fear stop you, It's amazing!”

ELLIE DONAGHEY, www.coolgreenplanetonline.com

LETTINGS AREA MANAGER, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

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

6

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

Route of the Stoke Gifford By-Pass

Parkway North

New bridge to be constructed

Highbrook Park

New bridge to be constructed

Clean

Call for a free, no obligation quote today!

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Love the look and smell of clean and fresh carpets and upholstery?

Bonne Fresh Clean brings to you a professional carpet and upholstery service that will leave them sparkling and fresh.

Bo

Thorough deep cleaning, no residues Child and pet friendly treatments All-female team ensures special attention to detail and superb results Fully qualified and insured

nne Fresh – Relax and enjoy be autifully clean and fresh carpets and

R

ASSOCIATE MEMBER 2851

T: 01454 436001 M: 07774 908410 W: www.bonnefreshclean.co.uk

44 Townsend Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4EQ

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

uph olst ery !

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

Work under way on Stoke Gifford By-Pass New road will provide a more direct link between Bradley Stoke and the A4174 / Junction 1 of the M32

BLUE ROCK POOLS & SPAS SPAS, CHEMICALS, SAUNAS ACCESSORIES, GAZEBOS SWIMMING POOLS L-r: Richard Gillingham (SGC senior responsible officer), Cllr Brian Allinson (SGC) and Simon Dunn (area project manager, Alun Griffiths Ltd) pictured at the Parkway North end of the by-pass route, where work has now begun

C

onstruction work on the Stoke Gifford By-Pass, which forms part of the North Fringe to Hengrove MetroBus route and will provide a new link for general traffic between Bradley Stoke and the A4174 (Avon Ring Road) is now under way at Parkway North.

The Stoke Gifford Transport Link (as the by-pass is officially known) is a single carriageway highway which will provide a link between the Parkway North Roundabout, Stoke Gifford and the Ring Road, emerging along what is currently the access road into the Highbrook Park housing development.

It will be around 1.6km in length, with a dedicated bus lane and a foot/cycle way on its western side. The link will cross the railway line and the Ham Brook via two new bridges being constructed for the project.

The new road will also provide access to the proposed East of Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood, where it is foreseen that 2,000 new homes will be constructed by 2027.

Cllr Brian Allinson, chair of the West of England Joint Transport Board, and also chair of South

Gloucestershire Council’s Planning, Transportation and Strategic Environment Committee, said: “MetroBus is set to provide a new public transport link across the area, from Hengrove in south Bristol, direct through to UWE in the north. This section, the Stoke Gifford Transport Link, extends the services thorough to Parkway Station and on to Cribbs Causeway and will help ease traffic congestion by providing another railway line crossing south from Stoke Gifford.”

“MetroBus has been a long time in the planning and development.

It‘s tremendous to see the actual on the ground work starting, and we are all looking forward to riding on the first buses.”

Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd will be keeping local residents informed on the progress of the works and any possible diversions that might be needed. The website www. metrobusbuild.info is updated regularly with information on the build across the whole of the 50km network.

Hambrook Lane will be closed for an estimated 38 weeks during the construction of the by-pass.

01454 775972

WWW.BLUEROCKPOOLS.CO.UK

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

7

8

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

MetroBus Construction News from Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd Introducing the contractor for MetroBus work in The Stokes

A

lun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd has been awarded the MetroBus construction contracts for the Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL), Bradley Stoke Way and Coldharbour/Stoke Lane.

Work started in August 2015 on the SGTL and Bradley Stoke Way, with Coldharbour/Stoke Lane to follow.

We are very proud to have been awarded this contract.

The North Fringe to Hengrove MetroBus route will provide a cross-city public transport connection between the North and East Fringes of Bristol, through the City Centre and South Bristol via Bedminster to Hengrove Park. As well as reducing congestion and enhancing public transport links in the area, the route will play a key role in supporting future economic development in the North Fringe area.

We have set up our main offices at our compound at Parkway North (see photos); this will be used to manage all our packages on the North Fringe to Hengrove Package.

As a considerate contractor, we have appointed a dedicated

please leave a message and she will come back to you.

It is our intention to communicate and involve residents throughout the contract, with regular newsletters and a community webpage: community.alungriffiths.co.uk

Community Liaison Officer, Carys Gwillym, who will be on hand to answer questions, queries and address any concerns local residents may have regarding the scheme.

Carys can be contacted on 0845 86 22 327, between the hours of 8am and 6 pm Monday to Friday, outside these hours

We welcome your feedback and would love to hear from you.

We will also be running a regular ‘Contact the Contractor’ section in the Bradley Stoke Journal, where you can contact us to get up to date information relating to the works, and we will be able to answer any questions you may have.

We understand that large construction schemes can be disruptive, everybody’s time is precious, whether you are travelling to work, or taking the kids to school, diversions, road works and traffic management all play a part in causing upset and delays to your day. We would like to assure you that throughout the contract we will be working efficiently at all times, and ask that you take in to consideration any diversions that may be in place during the scheme, when planning your daily travel. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, in advance, for your patience and understanding whilst the works take place.

We are looking forward to working in the area, completing the scheme to an excellent standard, and getting to meet as many people as we can, and hopefully make some new friends along the way.

Thinking about making a move? Use our expert knowledge of the Bradley Stoke area to get things in motion. Call for free, friendly advice or a market appraisal of your property.

Bradley Stoke Office: 01454 205 070

www.oceanhome.co.uk

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

MetroBus build brings 18-week road closure of Woodlands junction

M

etroBus construction work on Bradley Stoke Way, which could take up to two-and-a-half-years to complete, was due to begin as this month’s Journal magazine went to press.

Signs advertising a projected 18-week closure of a short section of Woodlands Lane, close to its junction with Bradley Stoke Way, were showing a start date of 2nd September, nine days later than initially announced.

Contractors Alun Griffiths have already set up a site compound on an unused section of road by the Aztec West Roundabout.

The compound backs onto some properties on Oaktree Crescent, and Griffiths have written to residents to inform them about the compound works.

A spokesperson for the firm told The Journal: “The traffic management (TM) at Woodlands Lane has been established to enable us to safely and efficiently construct the new junction and approach works. The TM plan shows the short diversion via Pear Tree Road and we shall also be turning off the traffic lights to

enable free flow of traffic through the works from Aztec West Roundabout.”

Additional information on the MetroBus Build webpage states: “Footway diversions will put in place to allow for the new dedicated bus lane at the Aztec West Roundabout approach to Gloucester Road.”

“Traffic management will be in place along Bradley Stoke Way to undertake utility diversions and road widening along Bradley Stoke Way towards Patchway Brook Roundabout [near Aldi].”

Whilst the road closure is in operation, bus services 73 & X73 will divert via Bradley Stoke Way and Pear Tree Road in both directions.

There will be temporary stops posted on Bradley Stoke Way (Orchards Gate) and two stops posted in Pear Tree Road – one outside The Pavilions shopping centre and the other between Ottrells Mead and Cooks Close.

For more information about bus diversions, contact First Customer Services on 0117 244 4040. ● More on the BSJ website.

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

9

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

11

Schools

BSCS celebrates “positive” Post-16 outcomes

P

ost-16 students and staff are celebrating positive outcomes at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS), with more students than ever gaining grades to be accepted onto university courses. The school has maintained its A-level results on a par with previous years but has seen improved outcomes in BTEC and vocational courses.

Almost all students who were seeking places on higher education courses gained places or are currently seeking alternatives at other institutions, and a number of others have secured apprenticeships.

The average A-level points score per entry was 207 (208 last year) and the average total points score per student was 704 (733 last year). For vocational courses, the average points score per entry was 243 and average total points score per student was 758.

Other statistics released by the school show that: • 51 percent of all grades awarded were A*-B or equivalent • 100 percent of students passed at A-level • 72 percent of vocational qualification grades were either

Top achievers A2 examination results

Harry Willis A*AAB Peter Smyth AAA + A (EPQ) Gemma Jones AADist* Alex Sargent AAAB Sophie Simmonds AAB Joe Stephenson A*ADist*C Matthew Portch AABC Ramon Cebrian-Twist A*BBB Josh Machado A*BB Joe Murray Dist*Dist*Dist*

AS examination results Tom Barrett AAACC Sophie Deliot AAAB Victoria King AAAB Chloe Lorenzi AABC Holly MacDonald AABB Neave Spikings AADist*B Top achievers (l-r): Joe Stephenson, Catherine Lanyon, Peter Smyth, Gemma Jones and Josh Machado.

Distinction* or Distinction Year 12 students also did well at the halfway point in their Post-16 studies. At AS-level, 49 percent of grades awarded were A-C, whilst 64 percent of

grades obtained in vocational qualifications were Distinction* or Distinction.

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Joint Council for Qualifications

Looking for a service or tradesperson in Bradley Stoke?

Visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory

(JCQ) reported “stability across the grades” at A-level, with A*-A declining marginally by 0.1 percentage points to 25.9 percent; A*-B increasing by 0.4 percentage points to 52.8 percent and the pass rate (A*-E) rising by 0.1 percentage points to 98.1 percent.

Beacon Lane roadworks extended into October?

As we went to press, there were unofficial indications that the six-week closure of Beacon Lane (which links Bradley Stoke with Winterbourne), due to be lifted from 1st September, might be extended.

A statement on the First Bus website said: “The closure of Beacon Lane has now been extended and the completion date is now estimated as Sunday 25th October.”

“However the road will be open Monday to Saturday between 6am and 8pm under 3-way temporary traffic lights and then closed each night between 8pm and 6am.”

“A full road closure will be in place on SUNDAYS only.”

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

12

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

Brook Court news from Grahame Holloway

F

Spain comes to Brook Court

ortunately the weather brought some Spanish sunshine to Brook Court for last month’s Paella Garden Party.

The sangria flowed and there was tapas in abundance before the main course of paella.

This fine dish had been expertly prepared by the chef, Cosinero Espanol Roger, ably assisted by Señora Ursula.

Starting at midday, it was eventually five o’clock before the last residents left the garden to enable the tables to be cleared away!

However, that was not the only high point of recent

activities, for these must also include a tour of Clarence House and Buckingham Palace which was enjoyed by almost thirty residents and friends.

Nearer home, a good crowd also descended upon our neighbouring ‘Three Brooks’, the chosen venue for our ‘pub lunch’, a monthly event which sees us visiting various hostelries in the local area.

Brook Court was marketed as a development for ‘retirement living’ and today its active Residents’ Association and Social Committee endeavour to ensure its residents enjoy the ‘living’ aspect to the full.

Bradley Stoke Journal: 4,700 fans To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

Win £1,000 for your community group, courtesy of Vodafone

C

ommunity groups in Bradley Stoke are being invited to apply for a £1,000 windfall – after The Journal teamed up with mobile phone giant Vodafone, which has a retail store at the town’s Willow Brook shopping centre.

Community Connection Awards are Vodafone’s way of “giving something back” to the communities in which their stores are located, and are intended to help charities that have a real, positive impact in the local area.

Journal readers are being asked to nominate the project or cause that they deem to be the most deserving of the Bradley Stoke store’s £1,000 award.

The winning project could be anything from buying new kit for a local football team to replacing kitchen equipment at a local day care centre or soup kitchen.

How to nominate

Email info@bradleystokejournal. co.uk with ‘Vodafone Community Connection Award Nomination’ as the subject line.

• Please state the name of the

charity you are nominating along with a contact name and telephone number for them.

• Explain what the money would be used for and why the cause deserves to be chosen, in no more than 200 words.

• Please also include your name, address and a day-time contact number.

Alternatively, you may write, with the above information, to Vodafone Community Connection Award, Bradley Stoke Journal, 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8GB. Emails and letters must be received by 5pm on Monday 12th October 2015.

The Journal’s editor and local Vodafone staff will then consider all the qualified nominations and select a winner.

The Vodafone store at the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke

Qualifying criteria that must be met by nominated causes 1. Nominees must have a registered charity number.

2. It should be a charity that makes a significant impact on the local community.

3. It cannot be a personal or individual plight, nor a government funded organisation.

4. The award must be for a specific project or purpose, rather than just to cover operating costs.

5. The award must be standalone rather than form any part of a larger contribution or bigger appeal.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get your nominations in now!

● The award winner will be

announced in the November edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine, published on Saturday 31st October.

Community Connection Awards

Bradley Stoke

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

13

14

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

Schools

Straight A*s at GCSE for Bradley Stoke girl

A

Bradley Stoke girl who attends Red Maids’ School in Bristol has recorded straight A*s in her recent GCSE examinations.

Neha Mehta, 16, is one of three students at the school to achieve a full set of ten or more A*s in all of their GCSE and IGCSE subjects, while the school as a whole saw more than a quarter of all students – 26.5% - receiving ten or more A* or A grades.

Neha ran for public office during her GCSE studies to serve as a Youth Mayor for Bristol and was duly elected in February. She will go on to study maths, chemistry, economics and geography at A-level at Red Maids’ in September.

Neha said: “I feel amazing. I only have the school, my parents

and teachers to thank.”

The Year 11 group also includes three sets of twins – the Lindsays, Taylors and Watts – who between them secured more than 50 A* or A grades. Georgia Watts achieved A*s in all 10 subjects.

Of all GCSE entries, just under two thirds – 65.5% – achieved the top A* or A grade, while 34% were a straight A*.

Furthermore, 87% of all entries gained an A*, A or B grade.

Headmistress Isabel Tobias said: “Our GCSE students have maintained the excellent standards that are a hallmark of a Red Maids’ education.”

“We look forward to welcoming the girls back in September when they begin their Sixth Form studies, together with those who are joining us from other schools.”

New Art Class for Beginners Looking for an introduction to art?

Or want to improve your skills?

Starts

SEPTEMB

ER

Neha Mehta (centre) celebrates with her mother Sapna and younger sister Niki, also a Red Maid

It was the first time modern foreign languages (MFL) had been examined at IGCSE level at Red Maids’ and with excellent results: taking French, Spanish and German together, 66% of all entries won A* or A grades, with the figure rising to 79% in German alone.

In English Literature IGCSE, 77% of results were graded A* or A, and in Further Mathematics

four students gained an A* grade, including one who achieved the AQA board’s additional accolade of A* with distinction.

By subjects, other highlights include: • Latin where 82% of entries won A* or A grades • Textiles, in which 91% of all entries were an A* or A, and • PE, in which all students received A* or A grades.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCHOOL OF DANCE For more information including dates, times and venue, please For more information including call Emma on 01454 227116 dates, times and venue, please call Find us on Facebook at Emma on 01454 227116. www.facebook.com/loveartclass

Street & Hip - Hop Dance Modern, Jazz & Contemporary MONDAY @ St Andrews Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS 5.45pm Street Dance Under 12 yrs & Body Tone Adult All levels 6.30pm TUESDAY @ Coniston Community Centre, The Parade, Patchway BS34 5LP Ballet Basics & Modern Jazz 3-8 yrs 4.00pm 4.45pm Street Dance Under 12 yrs OPEN Street & 5.30pm All ages Commercial Crew 6.30pm ADULT Dance Adult All levels

TRY A CLASS FOR ONLY £5

Tel 07871436600 www.danceworks.uk.com liesel@danceworks.uk.com

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

15

The annual Bliss Buggy Push through Bradley Stoke’s Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve took place on Saturday 1st August, raising funds for the Bliss special care baby charity and the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) at Southmead Hospital.

The event was started in 2012 by Kerry Robinson, whose inspiration for drawing attention to Bliss came from her birth experience with daughter Amber, who was born prematurely but is now very happy and healthy.

Kerry says she received support from the charity, which included a pack and lots of helpful information, and she wanted to raise money for Bliss because “it is the UK charity working to provide the best possible care and support for premature babies and their families.”

This year’s walk raised £2,400 for Bliss. An auction, raffle and cake sale held after the walk raised £1,500 for the NICU. Having now raised a grand total of £11,000, Kerry says she hopes to continue to organise the event until her daughter is 10.

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

16

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

Through the camera lens by Becky Ward Filton Airfield: Life goes on

A

s a photographer, I am privileged to attend some incredibly interesting events, and observe things that most people would never get the chance to see. This month however has been by far one of my most exciting to date and I have attended some amazing events which I thought I would like to share with you through this column.

I have been lucky enough to spend some time at Filton Airfield. As many of you are aware, the airfield was closed in 2012, and is in the middle of being redeveloped. I was invited to attend an event at the National Police Aviation Service base on the airfield. As part of this I was given permission to explore the abandoned air traffic control tower. Walking through the tower it was somewhat strange and eerie and felt as if it had only been vacated the week before.

The air traffic control equipment had simply been cut out, leaving behind redundant wires, desks, files and old notes scattered throughout the building. As a photographer, I of course took advantage of this; given free rein of the building and being

acutely aware that somewhere in the future this building would probably no longer exist, I used my time to document the iconic building which has been a local landmark and part of our landscape for many years.

As tends to be the way, having never had access to the airfield before, to my surprise the following week I was invited to attend the launch of the blood carrying service by the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

The charity, based at Filton Airfield, covers a large area across the South West including Bradley Stoke. Until recently the ambulance service didn’t carry blood. The addition of this is expected to make a significant difference between life and death in a large number of cases and will help to ensure that the patient arrives at the hospital in a more stable condition. The Air Ambulance will carry O- blood, which everyone is able to receive.

I feel incredibly lucky to have spent so much time this week in an area that will very soon be lost, and pleased that the charity will be able to save even more lives through the launch of this vital service.

Clockwise from top-left: Air traffic control tower at Filton Airfield; Members of the Freewheelers Emergency Volunteer Service, which delivers blood supplies to the air ambulance; Blood being carried out to the aircraft.

Children’s Parties at Brook Way Activity Centre

The ideal location for the birthday party of the year!

With prices from only £39.40 for 2 hours with a garden area and an additional £5.10 to include the kitchen area for 2 hours For more information please contact Bradley Stoke Town Council on 01454 205021 or visit our website www.bradleystoke.gov.uk

Acoustic report needed for new skate park Planning officers at South Gloucestershire Council have recommended that Bradley Stoke Town Council commission an acoustic survey to estimate the levels of noise that might be generated by its proposed new skate park in the car park of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

Councillors are hopeful that this will demonstrate that, although the new park is slightly nearer to residential accommodation [than the old park], “it should generate less noise due to modern build techniques”.

Councillors on the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee agreed to spend up to £1,250 from the skate park contingency budget to fund the report.

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Advertising Feature Kumon and the new national curriculum see eye-to-eye

A

t first glance, the new “rigorous, stretching and ambitious” national curriculum sounds like an advert for the local gym rather than a description for educational standards in England and Wales.

But what changes are being made and what do they mean for students?

In replicating countries that consistently perform well in rankings such as the 2012 PISA report (which placed England 26th for mathematics), the new curriculum has put an emphasis on mastery and mental maths, with students now expected to fluently recall multiplications up to twelve by the age of nine.

As a global company Kumon has always set internationally high standards for our students.

We understand the connection between mental maths and long term memory to build up fluency and mastery of a subject before progressing.

We do not allow the use of calculators because we want our students to grasp calculations and be able to work them out for themselves. In the new curriculum, calculators have lost out too, with teachers being instructed that “they should not be used as a substitute for good written and mental arithmetic.”

The use of calculators will be restricted to the end of KS2 and will not be used in SATs. School Reform Minister, Nick Gibb, painted a rather bleak picture of his experiences of visiting primary and secondary schools: “what I learnt from these visits was that few pupils knew their times tables. Long multiplication and long division were rarely taught, with inefficient methods such as the grid method and chunking common place in the classroom. An over-emphasis on concepts at the expense of practice, fluency and through that understanding meant that too many pupils simply did not know how to perform calculations… for too long we have set expectations too low for pupils.”

As part of the English curriculum, schools will actively promote reading for pleasure.

This has been a core aim of the Kumon English Programme since it was devised. Research consistently shows the hugely positive impact reading for pleasure has on a child’s development as they progress through formal education.

Similarly, with the renewed emphasis on phonics and spelling, punctuation and grammar, the new English curriculum will feel very familiar to Kumon students throughout the country.

Another subtle change with the new curriculum has been its emphasis on ‘production’; simply put this means greater practice.

For Kumon students, learning a new topic is like learning a new piece of music - practice is crucial to develop fluency and mastery.

Importantly, it is through repeated practice that students recognise they are indeed making progress, which is vital at maintaining their interest and motivation.

The Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre is located at The Willow Brook Centre, with classes running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 2.30-6.30pm, and Saturday between 9am-1pm.

For more information about how Kumon can help your child excel with the new national curriculum, contact Instructor Sarah Nutchey on 01454 610 389 or email bradleystoke@ kumoncentre.co.uk

Come and see what we have to offer for students joining Year 7 in 2016 and beyond...

Open evening 25 September 2015 6 – 8.30pm 270 places available in year 7 for children from South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and Bristol.

The Castle School Park Road, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HT.

for more information call 01454 862100 www.thecastleschool.org.uk

Sixth Form Open Evening

4 November from 6-8.30pm

Personal tours

We also encourage you to visit our school during the working day, when we will be happy to give you a personal tour by appointment. You will be shown around the school by students, and will have the opportunity to speak personally with a member of the school Leadership Team. Please call for more information.

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

17

18

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

Sport

BSYFC rewarded with second Wembley date By the BSYFC management or the second year running, Bradley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) was fortunate to be selected from all the FA Charter Standard Clubs in the UK and Ireland to walk around the Wembley pitch before the Community Shied match of Arsenal v Chelsea.

BSYFC was represented by squad players from the U14 girls, U13 girls and U8s. The day started at 8.30am with the coach rolling out of Bradley Stoke for arrival at Wembley for 11am. We were based in the Press Room for the majority of the day where, at 11.30am, we had our first walk around the Wembley pitch as we performed the rehearsal for the main event. We were allowed to take our videos and photos while we were out on the Wembley

F

pitch and also had our photo taken by the main photographer with our BSYFC placard and the squad. Then it was back to the Press Room for lunch and a football quiz. Well done to Martin who came top for the BSYFC squad, closely followed by the pairing of Ross and Katie Rawlings. We had our final briefing and it was time for the real thing.

We walked past the Arsenal changing rooms and into position in the tunnel area next to the Arsenal team who were warming up. Then we got the thumbs up to start the walk. We came out to 85,000 supporters applauding as we walked around the pitch.

We got to the South Stand and we were stopped while top star Jess Glynne started booming out “Hold my Hand” with the fire

Do something Spiritual this month – become a Freemason!

Freemasonry for both Men and Women together

zooming high into the sky which was really hot as we were so close to it. We were then given the thumbs up to continue our walk and, of course, we were singing along to the song while smiling and waving our flags and walking proudly behind the massive BSYFC placard.

We exited via the far tunnel and that was the end of the walkaround. We then rushed back to the Press Room, picked up our stuff and raced into the lift to get us up to our seats and to meet up with the parents.

The match was great, with Arsenal winning 1-0. Then, with the game finished, we boarded the coach back to Bradley Stoke.

Some did have a little snooze on the way back. We arrived back at home for 8pm tired but still excited after another great day out.

Many thanks to McDonald’s for selecting BSYFC for two years on the trot now. Well done to all the squad – we have already had

feedback to say we were great to have and were well behaved.

Thanks to all for being great ambassadors for the club – it does get noticed.

Many thanks also to Martin and Ross for baby sitting the squad for four hours, allowing the parents to relax and have fun.

Lodge Radiant Star meets on Saturday afternoons, eight times a year, in Chipping Sodbury, north east of Bristol Enquiries to: lodgeradiantstar3@hotmail.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

In Brief

Ratcliffe Drive Tesco Express store closes for redevelopment

South Gloucestershire Discover Festival 2015

T

he Tesco Express store in Ratcliffe Drive, Stoke Gifford has temporarily closed, as of 23rd August, for a period of around six months, to allow redevelopment of the site.

According to plans approved

by South Gloucestershire Council, the existing Tesco store will be increased in size by around 16% (adding 52sqm of floorspace ) and a new 106sqm retail unit will be added.

Customers of the Tesco store have been told that it is likely to re-open in the first or second week of February 2016.

An earlier planning application that would have also incorporated five residential flats (on a second storey) was withdrawn after officers advised that the lack of additional parking provision for the residential element was not compliant with the council’s updated parking policy.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We

T

can confirm that our Stoke Gifford Express store is being temporarily closed for a few months to enable redevelopment work that will substantially improve our offer for customers. This includes creating more parking spaces, introducing a ‘Click & Collect’ facility and a new ATM.” “All affected colleagues have been consulted on the changes and provided with temporary

roles in other stores. Customers will continue to be able to shop at our nearby stores but we apologise for any short-term disruption this may cause.”

“We look forward to bringing forward an even better offer for our customers soon.”

It is not known which business will occupy the additional retail unit once it is completed.

he Discover Festival is back for its fourth year, with an exciting programme of over 230 events to help you discover something new in South Gloucestershire.

The festival runs from 10th September to 30th October.

Activities include nature walks, heritage open days, advice sessions, concerts and crafts - there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The festival is organised by South Gloucestershire Council, local residents, community groups and businesses. Keep a look out for the brochure of events which is available in libraries, leisure centres and community venues across South Gloucestershire, and also online.

Most events are free.

See page 45 for a summary of Discover Festival events taking place in Bradley Stoke. ● For the full programme, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/discover

Whole school

Open Morning

Saturday 26 September

Visiting Morning Thursday 15 October To register on-line visit our website or email admissions@redmaids.bristol.sch.uk

Junior School, 0117 962 9451 Senior School, 0117 989 8252

Independent

19

Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 redmaids.co.uk

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

20

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

News

Roger scoops 2015 BSiB Best Front Garden competition

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) his is the third year we have run this competition and we are pleased that this year we had a record number of entries. Even though several gardeners told us that because of this year’s weather their gardens weren’t at their best, we were very impressed by the gardens we saw.

Maureen Hopkins, who has won for the last two years, decided not to enter this year, so we were delighted when she agreed to be a Guest Judge for us instead.

The gardens were judged on four categories: well kept frontage; quantity/quality of plants; well kept lawn, paths, driveway; and outstanding character.

T

The winners are: 1st : Roger Burgess 2nd: Valerie & Cyril Bristow 3rd: Alisa & Richard Aquilina 4th: Pepi & Plamen Grozdanovi Runner up medals and certificates were also awarded to Mr & Mrs Sheppard, Krishnan Rambadhran, Mrs Margaret Howdle and Anna Price.

Winner Roger said “I am absolutely elated by the result.

Thank you very much indeed!!

It’s a treat for me that others

get some enjoyment from the flowers.”

Thank you to Almondsbury Garden Centre and the Harvester restaurant at Willow Brook for donating vouchers for our top prizes, to Ben at Timpson’s for the engraving and to Mayor Roger Avenin for giving out the prizes at this year’s carnival.

The Common East

Our next work day, Saturday 19th September, is also part of this year’s Discover Festival and we will be returning to The Common East where we plan to create a second insect hotel & butterfly garden, tidy up the orchard, put up bird boxes and clear the pond, amongst other jobs!

We had applied to SGC Community Grant Award 2015/16 for a grant towards work on the Common East as although BSiB are generously supported by our Town Council, we felt that the work required here was more conservation than planting. So we were very pleased to be told that we had been awarded £1720 at the Area Forum for Southern Brooks. We will begin the work in September and expect to have it completed by February 2016.

Our Facebook page has the full list of plans for the Common East and we welcome any builders

Top: The winning garden. Above: First place winner Roger Burgess (centre) with BSiB’s Sara Messenger (left) and Bradley Stoke Mayor Roger Avenin.

willing to give us a quote for installing the gates and path. ● How to contact BSiB… t: 07582 634107 e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk w: bradleystokeinbloom.com

Send us your news!

October magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 21st September

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

22

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

Advertising feature

Olaplex: The Holy Grail for hair colour

Fair weather blessed the Bradley Stoke Bowls Club on Sunday 16th August as they enjoyed a fancy dress Captain’s Charity Fun Day. Topping the bill for attire were the two elegant “ladies” in the shape of Dave Beedell and Ian Walker, and Denise Eland won the Best Ladies with a costume she made herself – A clockwork doll. These three “damsels” were also well supported by other club members.

Various bowling-type challenges took place during the afternoon. Also on display was the Friendship Trophy won back by a narrow margin earlier in the week from the Olveston Bowls Club. Adding to this joy was the knowledge that £700 had been raised to support BRACE. Thanks to all who contributed to this fine total.

Reflections Salon Group is excited to be amongst the first in the UK to launch Olaplex as a new in-salon service.

This revolutionary new colour upgrade service has become a sensation amongst Hollywood’s ‘A’ list and across the world.

Sam Williams, Salon Director says “It’s rare that a product comes along that will change the way we colour hair forever - but Olaplex is that product. It’s a miracle treatment that offers anyone who uses colour the chance of healthy, shiny hair - no matter how often they change their colour.”

Using Olaplex as a pretreatment or alongside colouring or lightening hair, hair becomes softer, stronger and more resilient. This chemistry has never been seen before and opens up brand new possibilities in hairdressing colour variations. ● See advert on page 41.

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

23

Schools

GCSE results at BSCS reflect national trends

T

his year’s GCSE results at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) have reflected local and national trends, with some headline statistics coming in lower than last year, which the school says is “disappointing”.

Behind the headline figures of 54% of students achieving 5A*-C grades including English and Maths (51% last year) and 61% of students achieving 5A*-C grades (80% last year) sit many success stories for individual students and for subjects within the school.

BSCS remains above the average for schools within South Gloucestershire with these positive features: 65% of all GCSE grades awarded were A*-C grades; 35% of all GCSE grades awarded were A*-B grades; and 80% of students achieved an A*-C grade in English or English Language.

Executive Headteacher, Dave Baker, said: “How a school’s performance is measured has changed and is changing further next year. We must not lose sight of some excellent outcomes for students because of concern about how GCSE results are reported for schools. I would like to offer my congratulations to all students within The Olympus Academy Trust who have worked hard and have got the positive outcomes they deserve. I would also like to say thank you to the staff who have taught and supported the students as they have worked tirelessly to do so.”

Headteacher, Jenny Sutton Kirby, said: “It is always a pleasure to see all the hard work of students and staff (alongside the invaluable support of parents and governors) finally come to fruition on results day and this year is no exception.

This year there are some really

Top-achievers (l-r): Amna Hussain, Marcos Manning, Varun Thapa, James King, Adam Timothy and Emily Porter and Ella Grove.

splendid individual successes to celebrate alongside some strong performances in specific subjects. I have enjoyed having conversations with students today who have felt supported in their studies and have the grades they need to continue on their paths into A levels, college courses and apprenticeships.

Sadly, this is my last time to witness results day at BSCS and I would like to wish all the students and staff all the best for the future.”

The overall figures for schools in South Gloucestershire saw 53% of students achieving 5A*-C grades including English and Maths, down from 54% last year.

Outstanding individual achievements James King Adam Timothy Tasha Okoye Emily Porter Varun Thapa Sam Watts Amna Hussain Ella Grove Marcos Manning Nicholas White

7A*, 5A 6A*, 6A 6A*, 5A, 1B and a Level 2 Award in Youth Work 6A*, 4A, 2B 5A*, 5A, 2B and C in FSMQAdMaths 2A*, 10A 2A*, 8A, 2B 2A*, 7A, 2B, Merit 3A*, 6A, 3B, 1C and E in FSMQAdMaths 1A*, 11A

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

24

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

Carnival

September 2015

Saturday 29th August 3

1 4 2

6 8

5 9

10

7 1. City of Bristol Pipes and Drums; 2. Indian drummers; 3. Stilt walkers; 4. Bradley Stoke Rainbows; 5. Bradley Stoke Wise Owls Club; 6. Bradley Stoke in Bloom volunteers; 7 Chinese dragon; 8. Demonstration by GKR Karate; 9. Cher tribute act; 10. Fire eater Photo credits: 8, 9 & 10 Becky Ward Photography

EXCELLENCE IN CHILDREN’S DAY CARE l Providing a safe caring environment for children aged 3 months to five years (government funding available) l Outstanding facilities, including biometric security entry l Large, secure & well equipped outside play area l CCTV operates for the protection of children, staff and parents l All major childcare vouchers accepted l Fully air conditioned l Home cooked food

Telephone: 0117 969 1662

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

bananamoon-bristol.co.uk

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Active Triathlon

Sunday 30th August Town’s first triathlon proves a winner

Bradley Stoke Active Triathlon Male Open category 1. Martin Reed 2. Matthew Fratesi 3. Gary Stretton Female Open category 1. Nikki Smith 2. Anna Britton 3. Sue Cooper Male Veteran category 1. Simon Ward 2. Neil Kerfoot 3. Andy Hayes Female Veteran category 1. Michelle Kerfoot 2. Stephanie Curtis 3. Helen Cooper

1

2

25

00:55:48 00:57:24 00:57:57 01:06:02 01:08:57 01:09:28 01:00:40 01:00:57 01:03:51 01:05:28 01:13:53 01:18:21

Photos 1. Cycling stage on Bradley Stoke Way 2. Finish of the running stage 3. Prize presentation to local winner Simon ward (third from left), with (from left) international triathlete & race director Akhil Viz, sponsor representative Rob Gregory and GB para-triathlete David Hill

3

Around 150 athletes took part in Bradley Stoke’s first triathlon on Sunday 30th August. Organised by Active Centres, in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council and Triathlon England, the beginnerfriendly event consisted of a 400 metre pool swim at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, an 18km cycle and a 5km run. The cycling stage was held along Bradley Stoke Way, which was closed to traffic from 7am to around 11.30am, while the run was mostly along paths in the Three Brooks Nature Reserve.

The sell-out event was the idea of international triathlete Akhil Viz, who has been living and training in Bradley Stoke since October 2011. It was organised on a purely voluntary basis and any profits made will be reinvested into future events and other sport development projects within the local community.

Speaking after the event, Akhil said: “The event ran very smoothly with no major incidents. I believe this was due to the fact that everything was planned out meticulously and that the team of volunteers were comprehensively briefed to their roles and responsibilities.

The majority of the credit for the successful execution of the event must go to the volunteers who arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning and saw the event through until midday.”

Feedback from participants was generally positive, with many asking if the event would be repeated next year.

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

26

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

In Brief Ladies: Sole Sisters’ course will help get you running The Sole Sisters beginners’ course is ideal for any ladies who want to start running, but don’t know how to begin. Three times each year we offer a training course for women who wish to start running, have never run before or are returning after a long period of rest/illness/injury.

We set a realistic training programme – it’s a gradual buildup of mileage after which, at the end of six weeks, you will be able to join one of our main groups and hopefully enjoy it with a certain amount of self-satisfaction.

The course costs £15. If you wish to become a full member you can pay the remaining £15 during the 6-week course; with this you will receive England Athletics Affiliation, an official Sole Sisters running vest and all the benefits the club offers. A £1 subscription will be payable for each night of attendance once the course has finished.

Many of our current members started out on this course and are now running regular 10ks, half marathons and even full marathons, so what we offer is a trusted method.

For further information and to download an application form, visit www.solesistersrc.co.uk/ beginners.php

Fine Arts Society offers varied programme South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society is delighted to offer a varied and fascinating programme for 2015/16. Talks this season include 20th Century British Sculpture, The Taj Mahal, Textiles from Imperial to Denim Blues, Shakespeare and Company to Paintings of the Nativity for the Christmas meeting.

Lecturers include Oliver Everett, Caroline Rayman, Linda Smith and Richard Box. The first event this autumn, on Thursday 15th October, will fascinate a very wide range of

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

Do you suffer from...

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

easy access for wheelchairs, so it would be lovely to welcome new members who would be sure of a warm, friendly welcome.”

“We aim for crafts to be fun, and run the group with no hard set rules, so if you just want to come along and sit with likeminded people and do your own projects, that’s fine. We do try to introduce new crafts to the group and members offer optional tutorials in crafts they are more experienced in than the rest of the group.”

For more information, visit The Stokes Crafters group on Facebook or simply turn up at one of the weekly meetings. interests as Bristol University and UWE Lecturer, Tricia Passes, will talk on Bristol, an Inspired City for Artists and Photographers.

Meeting at Bradley Stoke Community School BS32 7BS (near Bradley Stoke Library and Leisure Centre), we are a friendly group and always pleased to welcome guests and new members – please contact Sally or Mary (details below) to let them know you would like to come along. Refreshments from 7.00 pm, welcome and slide illustrated lecture at 7.30 pm.

Good parking & easy access.

To join us please call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401 sallykitching@googlemail.com or Mary Nash on 01454 418598 bsnadfas@outlook.com http:// sgdfas.org.uk ● Website: www.sgdfas.org.uk

New venue for The Stokes Crafters

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

Local craft group The Stokes Crafters, featured in our June magazine, has a new venue for its weekly meetings.

The group now meets every Thursday evening between 8pm to 10pm at the Poplar Rooms, North Road, Stoke Gifford BS34 8PE. A small charge of just £3 is made to cover tea, biscuits and the hire of the hall.

Founder member Kim Willmott said: “The group is open to all (male and female) and our new venue is all on one level with

Sign up for reading groups at Bradley Stoke Library There’s still time to sign up for our Chatterbooks group; perfect for children in Years 5 or 6 who love books, creating stories and meeting new friends!

There is also time to sign up for our new Teen Library group, for anyone in Years 7 to 9 who loves books and meeting new friends.

The first meetings for these groups will be in October; if you are interested please speak to a member of staff.

Witness appeal following assault in Palmers Leaze Police want to trace a female motorist who came to the aid of a woman being seriously assaulted outside a house in Palmers Leaze, Bradley Stoke, at around 1pm on Monday 10th August.

The Good Samaritan was driving a blue car and is described as having dark hair and speaking with a foreign accent.

Avon and Somerset Police say they would like her, and any other witnesses to the assault, to call their Investigations department on 101, quoting reference number 87750/15.

A 36-year-old man, Richard Perks, of no given address, was due to appear before Bristol Magistrates on Wednesday 12th August charged with attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon (a craft knife) in a public place.

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

27

News

New set of Aztec West Roundabout roadworks likely to last a whole year from spring 2016 Latest scheme, which is additional to MetroBus, necessary to “mitigate impact of new development,” says council

A

scheme to widen the A38 southbound approach to the Aztec West Roundabout and install new light-controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists across three arms of the roundabout looks set to be implemented from spring next year, with the work expected to last 12 months.

The project is being funded as part of a £18.1 million Growth Deal award made to the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership for the period 2016 to 2021, announced in January 2015.

In a ‘statement of reasons’ document published as part of a public consultation that it has opened on the proposals, South Gloucestershire Council say the work is necessary to “mitigate the impact of traffic arising from new developments”, such as the Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood where 5,700 new homes are expected to be constructed by 2027.

The document adds: “The council recognises that the works may cause some disruption and will endeavour to minimise their impact. Further specific details regarding traffic management plans and timescales for the works will be published nearer the time.”

The council says the works are being planned “in coordination” with the MetroBus project

Sign on the Aztec West Roundabout advertising consultation on the proposals

that is just about to begin and involves a significant amount of construction activity very close to the roundabout, particularly on the Bradley Stoke Way arm, but points out that they must be delivered as separate projects.

“This is because they are significantly different in terms of their scope and funding availability. This project also has major differences in Utility works that could have a significant impact on the MetroBus programme if the two projects were linked.”

Features of the proposed scheme include: • Widening of the A38 approach to the roundabout from the North

(from Junction 16) to provide six lanes entering the junction (compared to the existing four).

This will enable two lanes to be dedicated to each of the key traffic movements (left to Bradley Stoke Way, straight on to the A38 towards Filton, and right turn to the Aztec West Business Park).

• Widening of the eastern side of the circulatory carriageway to provide four lanes through this part of the roundabout (two serving the straight on movement to the A38 south and Filton, and two serving the right turn into Aztec West Business Park).

A full description of the scheme, along with a detailed drawing, can be found on the council’s website at http://bit.ly/ aztec-1508 Responses to the consultation can be made by email, post or phone (01454 863717) and must be received by 18th September.

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

28

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

SEEK FEELING. THE RESPONSIVE XC60.

Personal Contract Purchase Representative Example: XC60 D4 SE 36 Monthly payments

£329

Customer deposit

£5,774.50

Finance deposit contribution Representative APR

£750 6.9% APR

On the road price

£31,660

Dealer Contribution

£3,000

Revised on the road price* Total amount of credit

£28,660 £22,135.50

Interest charges

£3,751

Total amount payable Optional final payment

£32,411 £14,042.50

Duration of agreement (months) Fixed rate of interest p.a.

Mileage per annum Excess mileage charge

37 3.55% 10,000

14.9p per mile

BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY AT CITY MOTORS

City Motors

City Motors, Castle Court, St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS4 3AX 0844 247 9893 www.carcogroup.co.uk/volvo

Official fuel consumption for the MY16 Volvo XC60 D4 SE (manual) in MPG (l/100km): Urban 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban 67.3 (4.2), Combined 62.8 (4.5). CO₂ Emissions 117g/km.

MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. *Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered by 30th September 2015. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. You will not own the vehicle until all payments are made.

Carco Limited trading as City Motors are a credit broker not a lender, can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. The service offer is only applicable when purchasing on Volvo Advantage Personal Contract Purchase on vehicles ordered between 1st July 2015 and 30th September 2015. Services must be carried out at a Volvo Authorised Repairer. Retail offer only. Excludes fleet operators and business users. See volvocars.co.uk for full terms and conditions.

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

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

29

30

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

In Brief

Quiz compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot

Grants awarded

No. 23 (easy/hard, old/new) 1. In which English county is Windsor castle located?

2. In which country was the actor Russell Crowe born?

3. With over 60 discovered so far, which of the planets in the solar system has the most known moons?

4. Which Italian sports car manufacturer has produced models including Countach, Diablo and Huracan?

5. Which electronic item found in many kitchens, was invented

by Percy Spencer in 1946?

6. Named after a historical place in France, what is the first name of Madonna’s eldest child?

7. Which English Premier League football team play at Vicarage Road?

8. Working on the first three episodes, which female TV presenter was the first host of

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

the TV show ‘The X Factor’?

9. Taken from its Latin name, which letter of the alphabet is used as the chemical symbol for potassium?

10. Which actor and singer played the role of Danny Ocean in the original 1960 version of the film ‘Ocean’s Eleven’?

11. Which city is the capital of Finland?

12. Originally shown on Netflix, in which US TV show does Kevin Spacey play the politician Frank Underwood?

13. Cymbidium, Vanda and Oncidium are all common varieties of which flower?

14. Which textile based art, is derived from the Arabic meaning ‘striped cloth’?

15. In which Asian city were the recent World Athletics Championships held?

16. Reaching number one around the world, which female singer released the album ‘1989’ in 2014 – the title being the singer’s year of birth?

17. Which writer and former Children’s Laureate wrote the Tracey Beaker stories, later adapted into a children’s TV series?

18. From which country do the supermarkets Lidl and Aldi originate?

19. As well as being the highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus is also the name of the highest mountain in which other European country?

20. Which car manufacturer is also a name of a bridge over the Thames?

● Answers on page 33.

Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org

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

Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee agreed the following grants at its meeting in August: • £500 Grant Aid to Willowbrook Townswomen’s Guild, towards the purchase of a PA system and a subsidised coach trip for all members of the group.

• £500 Grant Aid to Indian Arts & Culture Group South Gloucestershire, towards running costs.

• £500 Youth Grant Aid to Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club, towards the cost of running its disability coaching sessions during the year.

• £500 Youth Grant to Creation Twirlers, towards the cost of purchasing new pom-poms for the group. ● Bradley Stoke Town Council has a range of grant funding streams which eligible groups and organisations can apply for. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/bstc-grants

A ‘GOOD’ School in Every Category Ofsted

A ‘GOOD’ School, with ‘OUTSTANDING’ Behaviour, Safety and Leadership Ofsted

Open Mornings:

Open Day:

Thursday 1st October Tours at 9:00am and 10:00am

Wednesday 7th October

Tours at 9:00am, 10:00am and 1:45pm Bookable by appointment only

Open Evening:

Thursday 1st October 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Crèche facilities are available Headteacher talks at 6:00pm and 6:45pm

Abbeywood Community School New Road Stoke Gifford South Gloucestershire BS34 8SF

info@abbeywoodschool.com www.abbeywoodschool.com Tel: 0117 307 5660

Thursday 24th September Tours at 8:45am, 9:45am, 11:05am and 1:35pm Bookable by appointment only

Open Evening:

Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Wood Lane Bradley Stoke South Gloucestershire BS32 9BS

admin@bradleystokecs.org.uk www.bradleystokecs.org.uk

Thursday 24th September 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Crèche facilities are available Headteacher talks at 6:00pm and 6:45pm

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

Tel: 01454 868840

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

31

News

Three Brooks nature reserve report for August

By Sara Messenger of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

Swans Bradley & Brooke

We are delighted with the progress of our two cygnets who are now almost the size of their parents. We do not know what happened to the third cygnet but at the same time it disappeared, Brooke sustained a leg injury.

We are keeping an eye on her but please can we ask all dog walkers to keep their dogs away from all the birds and out of the lake.

Pupils, Aimee, Alicia and Anna from Bradley Stoke Community School are producing some posters for us about which food is best for the ducks and swans, although we have yet to persuade the local pet food store to help us in our campaign and restock duck food pellets!

Although we won’t be as well turned out as David Barber, Her Majesty’s Swan Marker in his official red coat and feathered cap we hope that our own Chairman, David Baker will still cut a dash when we have our first ‘Swan Upping!’ as we are planning on getting our swans ringed. We hope to also find out what gender the cygnets are and check on Brooke’s leg. The Thames swan upping has found that their cygnet numbers are down by a third although no one quite knows why.

Invasive Weeds

Despite the best efforts of our ‘The Big Pull’ event (a nationwide weekend for pulling up Himalayan Balsam) there is still much of this menace on our site, although in some areas our Dog Walkers ‘10 a day’ campaign seems to be working, as generous walkers pull up 10 of the plants on their daily doggy walks. Although national newspapers report that this invasive weed can grow up to 5ft this years wet weather seems to have been ideal growing conditions as we have found giant specimens that are nearer 10ft!

We also have on site a small area of Japanese Knotweed which continues to be managed by the landowners South Gloucestershire Council and fortunately, although our Hogweed is also very tall, it is not the Giant Hogweed which causes severe skin burns. Although both look like Cow Parsley, with flat white flowers and jagged leaves, Giant Hogweed can grow over 12ft and has a much thicker bristly stem often with purpled mottling and with seed heads that can be 1-2ft wide. Avon Weeds Forum (based at Bristol Zoo) has more information on their website www.aiwf.org.uk and should you ever find any giant hogweed anywhere, they have a free plant tracker app for notifying them of its location. http://planttracker. naturelocator.org

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

Permanent events

We have on the reserve several free permanent activities. For the very energetic, we have three running markers 1km, 2km & 3km, although no one has yet to log their times on Walk Jog Run so the gold medal is still up for grabs! For the less energetic, we have three orienteering courses, short, medium & long, the maps are available from the library or can be found on the SGC website and for those that would like a gentle nocturnal stroll we have bat detectors & guides available to borrow from the library.

Upcoming events

If you would prefer a guided bat walk, we are taking part in the 19th International Bat Night (29th-30th August) and have several free walks planned (on 18th & 25th September and 9th October). We also have a nature ramble on 4th October and an owl

prowl on 20th November. This September is our 10th birthday and as part of our celebrations we will be appearing in an interparish walking calendar!

Vicki Rozzell, a pupil at Bradley Stoke Community School has started a campaign to get more lighting on the reserve. We will update our website and Facebook page with more information when we can. ● www.three-brooks.info

FREE TRIAL Give your child the best start to their school year.

Contact your local Kumon Maths and English Study Centre to find out more about our two week Free Trial.

Bradley Stoke Study Centre

01454 610389 Free Trial available from 21 September - 31 October Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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

32

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery On antibiotics and why they must be used responsibly

W

hile working at St Mary’s Hospital London in 1928, Alexander Fleming noted that the growth of a bacteria he had been studying, had been stopped by a mould which had accidentally contaminated his experiment. The mould was penicillium, and Fleming was the first to recognise the “ antibiotic “ action it demonstrated. The next challenge was to try and isolate the substance produced by the mould which brought about this remarkable effect. After further work by Fleming, and Howard Florey and Ernst Chain at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, sufficient quantities of the newly identified benzyl-penicillin were being produced to allow clinical trials in patients with bacterial infections. By the end of 1944, supplies of this radical new drug were being made available to treat injured soldiers in field hospitals, where previously hundreds of thousands died from infected wounds, rather than in action on the battlefield.

Fleming, Florey and Chain shared the 1945 Nobel Prize for Medicine in recognition of their pioneering work.

It is difficult to emphasise the profound effect the new antibiotics had on the practice of medicine, and the enormous improvement in outcomes for patients. Up until then, serious infection had been treated surgically. Children

with tuberculosis would require amputation of limbs, or have lobes of their lungs removed to try and rid the body of the infection. Diseases such as scarlet fever and diphtheria, caused significant numbers of deaths amongst the very young, and many would spend weeks isolated in fever hospitals to prevent spread of the infection to the wider population. In the decades that followed the Second World War, more antibiotics were discovered, extending our ability to safely treat patients in their homes for a wider variety of conditions, as well as provide safer care for patients undergoing routine operations in hospitals. It seemed that modern medical science had consigned the threat of bacterial infection to the history books.

However, the increased use of antibiotics led to some bacteria evolving, and developing drug resistance, so that treatments being offered became ineffective. We are now seeing infections such as MRSA complicating surgical procedures, and resistant strains of tuberculosis in some urban populations. It is vital, therefore, that modern generations of doctors and patients do not become complacent about the role of antibiotics and the context in which they are used.

It is a fact of life that we all get ill from time to time, and that the vast majority of these

infections are viral, self limiting, and do not require medical intervention. The pressures of modern life and the inconvenience of illness, may lead to patients expecting prescriptions for antibiotics as a fix for coughs, colds, sore throats and flu, but antibiotics have no role to play in the treatment of viral infections. It is vital we reserve them for bacterial infections, and minimise the risk of drug resistance in the community. Do not be offended if a doctor chooses not to prescribe antibiotics.

It is not out of indifference or a lack of sympathy, but a necessary clinical decision made against a background of scientific evidence. We all have a responsibility to use these amazing drugs appropriately, and not forget that it is only a few generations ago that people died or suffered mutilating surgery for conditions which we are currently able to treat. Let’s not go back there.

Dr Tim Garrod www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

September 2015

In Brief Stoke Singers prepare for Christmas Concert Despite hoping for a few more weeks of warm weather, Stokes Singers have already started rehearsing for their Christmas Concert.

The group meets at 7pm on Thursday evenings at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway.

Although there is a waiting list at the moment for Sopranos, Stoke Singers have vacancies in the Alto, Tenor and Bass sections where new members will be very welcome. Anyone interested in joining the choir should call the Membership Secretary, Liz Gazzard, on 01454 614148, make contact via www.stokessingers. org.uk or just come along to a rehearsal – the first two weeks are free, membership is only £2.75 per week.

There is a change of venue for the Christmas concert this year, which will be held at St Chad’s Church, Rodway Road, Patchway on Friday 11th December at 7.30pm.

Stokes Singers are pleased to support the local community and would be happy to entertain at local events, care homes etc. No fee is required, but a donation to our nominated charity is very welcome. For information please contact the choir Chair, Kath Ferris on 0785 0986277 or via kathferris@gmail.com

Send us your news!

October magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 21st September

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

News Prize draw winner Katy receives her LivingWell Health Club membership card

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Ride On Cycles The Mobile Cycle Workshop That Comes to You Full range of servicing & repairs carried out by a City & Guilds quali�ied mechanic Contact Andy on: 01454 880872 07443 333219 andy@ride-on-cycles.co.uk www.ride-on-cycles.co.uk

Katy Robinson (right) receives her membership card from Anca Leru, manager of LivingWell Health Club, Hilton Bristol Hotel.

T

he Journal is pleased to announce that Katy Robinson is the lucky winner of our exclusive prize draw to win a year’s free membership at the Hilton Bristol Hotel in Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke.

The free prize draw was featured in the July 2015 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine and on our website, and the winner’s name was drawn out of the hat by a thirdparty independent of LivingWell/ Hilton and The Journal.

Katy, who lives in Bradley Stoke and has an 18-month-old son, told The Journal that she hasn’t previously taken out a gym membership because it is a big financial commitment and she was never sure she would actually use it enough. She is

grateful to have won the prize, which will allow her time to find out if it makes sense to become a member in the long term.

Having had a tour of the facilities, Katy said she found the staff “really welcoming” and she was pleased to learn that under3s can accompany adult members free of charge. Of all the facilities at the club, she thinks she will use the pool the most. Having never used a gym before, she said it looked “a bit technical”, but was looking forward to having a free one-to-one session with a personal trainer plus a refresh of her fitness plan every six weeks.

The 25 percent members’ discount on food and beverages in the Hilton Bristol’s lounge is an added bonus, she added. ● For more information, visit www.livingwell.com/bristol

Quiz answers (page 30) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Berkshire New Zealand Jupiter Lamborghini Microwave Oven Lourdes Watford Kate Thornton K Frank Sinatra

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Helsinki House of Cards Orchid Macramé Beijing Taylor Swift Jacqueline Wilson Germany Cyprus Vauxhall

33

LivingWell Health Club, Hilton Bristol, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, BS32 4JF Call to book an appointment: 01454 893420 or anca.leru@hilton.com

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

34

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

News

Youth group activities at Christ the King

N

ow that a new school year has started, so has a new set of children and youth group activities at the Church of Christ the King (CtK) in Bradley Stoke. A group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers ensure there is a wide and varied set of events running throughout term times.

So, what groups are available?

First Steps

First Steps runs from 10am til 11.30am Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and it offers free play, story time, singing, craft, parachute play, snack time (for children and grown ups) and much more! The cost of the session is £2 for up to two children and any additional children or adults are 50p.

It offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for you and your little ones to enjoy and hope you will join us!

Sunday groups

During the Sunday morning service, several groups run to pitch biblical stories and activities at relevant age groups with Bubbles (3 to school age), Sparklers (5–11) and Lazers

Above: 4Mation ice skating at The Mall Right: First Steps sing-along session

(11–14). Come along to the service and let the kids get their own style of worship at the same time!

Trailblazers

This group meets on a Wednesday evening and is aimed at 5 to 11 year-olds.

Trailblazers is a newly launched club replacing the Daring 2B Different session.

Trailblazers children take part in great games, crafts and activities.

The group runs every week during term time.

“I love club because I get to spend time with my friends, doing the arts and crafts and playing games.”

4Mation

What happens at 4Mation is up to the people who attend, this could be YOU! 4Mation provides youth with a fun, safe environment on a Friday night to meet with friends, take part in games and activities and explore some of life’s questions through discussion and bible study.

When we have an “in-week” at CtK it starts with games, might then have a discussion and bible study before finishing up with art, quizzes or even more games.

However, not every evening is spent at CtK; we go out and about be it to ice skating, bowling or treasure hunts, and ending up

with fast food.

Weeks at Christ the King are free of charge though there may be a charge when the group goes out and about.

4Mation was set up for 11-14 year-olds but is in the process of expanding out to cover the 11-18 age group. Discussion sessions will be split into the 11-14 and 1518 age groups to cover different topics in due course as the group grows.

● The above groups are open

to all children from across the community and we really would like to see you at this term’s sessions. Why don’t you come along and try one? You will be made very welcome.

Volunteering

If you would like or need the opportunity to volunteer in a support role or as a leader for these groups, CtK is always interested in hearing from you.

Would you like to come along to a session and introduce yourself?

Perhaps you would just like to give it a go? Well, like the kids who come along, you can do this too, just pop along and see what it is like and if it suits you. You will be welcomed to a friendly team.

● If you would like to know more

about the sessions your kids can come along to, or the volunteer opportunities, contact Andy North via the Church Office: t: 0117 931 2304 e: admin@ctkchurch.org.uk

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

0% APR

REPRESENTATIVE

£199

PER MONTH

The new Fiat 500X will change the way you drive, with features like a UconnectTM Radio LIVE 5" touchscreen†, Drive Mood Selector and 17" alloy wheels. And if that’s not enough change for you, drive away in a new Fiat 500X for just £199 per month, with a £500 Fiat deposit contribution towards your total deposit* and 0% APR Representative and that’ll leave you with a whole lot more.

Visit Our Showroom Today.

THE NEW ITALIAN CROSSOVER 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, BRISTOL BS37 6AA. T E L : 0 1 4 5 4 8 3 7 4 5 1 W W W. C S M C . C O. U K Fuel consumption figures for Fiat 500X Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 32.5 (8.7) – 60.1 (4.7); Extra Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 74.3 (3.8); Combined 42.2 (6.7) – 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions 157 – 109 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO figures based on standard EU tests for 2

comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. †Uconnect™ LIVE systems, where available, require a data enabled smartphone to use. *Customer deposit is £3,920. Fiat deposit contribution is £500. Total deposit is £4,420. Optional Final Payment is £8,598. Contract Term is 24 months. Promotion available on new Fiat 500X Pop Star 1.4 MultiAir 140hp registered by 30th September 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.

36

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

News

Bradley Stoke Sikh pensioner recalls Ebola outbreak experiences

A

t the end of August, the world Health Organisation announced that over 11,000 people died as a result of the Ebola epidemic that hit West Africa in the past year. The news prompted one Bradley Stoke resident, retired Sikh doctor, Dr Harmander Singh Gupta to share with The Journal how he treated and survived Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, then Zaire) during the 1970s. He lived there with his late wife, Diljeet Kaur Gupta and their two sons; their youngest son, Tim Amardeep Singh Gupta was born there later in 1978.

Dr Harmander Singh Gupta was the only British doctor on the frontline in Kinshasa (former

capital of Zaire) when the onset of Ebola ravaged a remote part of the country. He managed a Polyclinic (a healthcare facility treating a wide range of injuries, illness and disease) and looked after several embassies and British Companies including GKN and George Wimpey.

“I received reports from the government of Zaire that a mysterious illness was killing hundreds of Congolese. These reports were first lodged by CARITAS (Catholic Aid) and later confirmed by the World Health Organisation,” he recalls.

At that time, Kinshasa contained over half a million foreigners, mostly the business communities from France,

Dr Harmander Singh Gupta with his late wife Diljeet Kaur Gupta (Gigi)

Belgium, Portugal, Holland and India, but nobody knew what the disease was and therefore did not have the knowledge necessary to treat it.

“We were asked by the international companies and given advice by the school of Tropical Medicine to ensure that there was appropriate infection control in place. We were given immediate instructions to inject all foreign workers with human Gamma-Globulin to increase their immunity levels against most infections as a temporary measure. I am proud to say that we did indeed survive that terribly devastating time and I will always remain grateful for the help and advice I received from Dr Michael Phelan who contributed heavily towards

preventing the spread of Ebola in Congo at that time.”

The disease was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in the DRC. The recent outbreak in Western Africa in 2014-1015 also left doctors and medical staff struggling to treat and contain the spread despite great advances in medicine in the past forty years.

The World Health Organisation has reported nearly 28,000 cases resulting in over 11,000 deaths.

Dr Harmander Singh Gupta praises his late wife for her strong spiritual foundations in the Sikh faith, her strong sense of prayer and her good knowledge of infection control, which he believes helped save the lives of their family, including their youngest son who was born at the time.

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Sport Local running group’s summer of fun

By Moira de Groot of NBRG t’s been a summer of running fun for the athletes of the North Bristol Running Group (NBRG). From Croatia to Porthcawl and Pembrokeshire to Dublin, runners from the group have been ‘on tour’ during the summer months. Runners have pulled on their NBRG kit and trainers and appreciated the new scenery whilst enjoying their holidays. Thanks for all the lovely photos posted on the NBRG Facebook page!

Locally, the Shaun in the City trail has been enjoyed on foot as a group of NBRG runners did a Sunday morning run spotting Shaun sculptures en route.

Over 50 NBRG athletes will be taking part in the Tewkesbury 10k at the beginning of September. It is going to be a fabulous outing and the social side of running will certainly be at the forefront of this event.

If you would like to start

I

running or get back into running, come along and join this friendly, sociable bunch. There is no charge for running with the group – simply arrive at the advertised times and there is sure to be someone who will run with you.

The next Beginners’ Course will take place soon. If you are interested in joining the 8-week programme ‘From Couch to 5k’, please contact Alan Wilcox (details below) to get your name added to the list. It is a very popular course, so hurry so that you are not disappointed.

The group meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6.30pm and the School Run group meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9.15am (term-time only). All runs start from Bradley Stoke Surgery on Brook Way. For more information, follow the North Bristol Running Group Facebook page or contact Alan Wilcox on 07890 182387.

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

37

38

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

September 2015

News Lions Club supports new cafe opening at Lawrence Weston Community Farm

Members of Bradley Stoke Lions Club meet with one of the many families who frequent the Lawrence Weston Community Farm

By Ailsa Young, president, Bradley Stoke Lions Club There was a wonderful feeling of elation on the day as everyone celebrated the official opening

of the new cafe (seen in the background). Both adults and local children enjoyed a wonderful day, eating the delicious food provided, admiring the livestock

and wandering through the woodlands which hide a thriving orchard and a children’s playground. The community farm welcomes children and adults

of all abilities to appreciate and learn how to grow vegetables and flowers and rear the pigs, sheep, goats and poultry which happily live here. BS Lions have supported the farm in the past and were delighted to accept an invitation to celebrate the opening of this wonderful building which includes offices and meeting rooms as well as a spacious eating lounge. We plan to hold one of our meetings here in the near future and wish the staff and volunteers who have made this venture so inspiring, every success in the future and a permanently full cafe enjoying your food.

If you would like to join a club which serves the local community in Bradley Stoke by helping those in need and raising money for local causes, as well as enjoying sociable occasions such as pudding nights, black tie dinner dances, BBQs, please contact Lions president Ailsa Young on 07737 106836.

At Capricorn Plumbing, our qualified plumbers apply the same high standards of quality, integrity, tidiness and politeness in everything they do. And you can be sure of a fair price too. But don’t take our word for it – call us for a free, no obligation quote today!

You’re in safe hands for...

• • • •

complete bathroom makeovers, including design, tiling and electrics boiler installations, servicing and landlord certification plumbing, gas and oil repairs and installations throughout your home a fast emergency call out service with no call out charge

t: 01454

270179

For complete reassurance ask to see our customer service charter.

m: 07971

602826

73 Northover Road, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3LQ • www.capricornplumbing.co.uk Registered Office:

Woodlands Grange, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4JY

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

39

Police Stolen pony trap returned to grateful owner after being found in local field A report from a member of the local police beat team

I

t’s always encouraging for us when the public help us with information about crime – and enable us do something positive to help the victim.

It was thanks to some local information that we were able to find a pony trap used to help disadvantaged children and adults that was stolen in a burglary. We traced it to a field in Stoke Gifford and the next day returned it to its grateful owner.

It belonged to Small Strides, a community interest company based in Keynsham providing equine interaction to help those needing to improve their mental and physical well-being.

Director of the organisation Amy Lewis said she was left devastated when thieves broke into her Wick farm earlier this month.

They took the trap, a child’s bike and, most importantly, a horse trailer worth around £3,000 that is needed to transport her Shetland pony to schools and groups.

She said the burglars got through three locks, including a

padlocked gate and a wheel lock, to steal the trailer.

“It feels like it was a targeted burglary and they had possibly been watching,” the volunteer director said.

“We have been going since January and we really have been building everything up and so this is just devastating.”

After a public appeal for information, police received a tip-off about possible stolen property in Stoke Gifford. Officers went to a field in Curtis Lane on Friday Saturday 21st August and found the trap. They identified it as stolen, traced the owner and arranged to return it the next day.

But the valuable horse trailer is still missing. Mrs Lewis said: “It’s wonderful to have the trap returned but we really need to find the trailer or replace it. We’re going to have to start fundraising for a new one because we really need it for people’s therapy.”

Pictured (right) are the police team involved, from left to right PCs Paul Calderwood, Jamie Shiels and Melanie Downton with Amy Lewis and daughter Niamh.

Our next edition: Saturday 3rd October

New constituency office for Jack Lopresti MP The constituency office of Jack Lopresti MP has now moved to 29 The South Block, The Courtyard, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4NQ. All other contact details have remained the same and can be found on his website at www.jacklopresti.com Mr Lopresti said: “Renting at the Willow Brook Centre became financially unviable and the need to ensure a good deal for the taxpayer has led to the move. My team are based in the new office Monday to Friday and can be contacted as normal. I hope this will cause as little disruption to constituents as possible.”

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

40

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

Get well · Stay well

W

We’ll NEVER increase your membership!

*

September 2015

by Craig from the Willow Brook Clinic

Chiropractic Care for Seniors

ith aging comes a number of new aches and pains.

Unfortunately, although older adults are more likely to experience back and joint pain, they are less likely to seek care for their pain than younger adults. It’s important to know that you don’t have to resign yourself to a life filled with discomfort.

Chiropractic care offers safe, effective, drug-free treatment for a variety of conditions associated with aging. Research shows that chiropractic treatment can help back, neck, and joint pain, dizziness, or pain from osteoarthritis, scoliosis, and spinal degeneration. Studies have found that older patients receiving chiropractic care experience significantly less disability and pain compared to patients not receiving chiropractic care.

Chiropractic treatment works best when combined with exercise and nutrition. Older adults involved in physical activity have substantially less pain-related disability than non-active adults. Improving balance, gait, strength and exercise, as well as adequate nutrition and supplementation, can also play an important role in well-being and stability.

A chiropractor with good links to other health care professionals will be able to offer you a meaningful, all-

round approach to looking after your health and wellbeing. For example, this could be: • a programme for recovery after surgery, such as hip or knee replacement, with a specialist rehabilitation physiotherapist; • a discussion with an occupational therapist about beneficial changes to your daily life; • an appointment with a podiatrist to resolve an issue with your feet; • an individualised exercise and fitness program designed by a personal trainer.

A chiropractor is not just about your spine, but, in addition, is an avenue to making your life easier to live.

Chiropractic care is more than just treating pain. It’s also about helping you lead a fulfilling, healthy life – regardless of age. www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 7.

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

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

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

41

Advertising feature

UWE researchers want to hear your experience of scams

H

ave you been targeted by a scam? If so researchers at the University of the West of England (UWE) would like to hear from you. Dr Emma Williams from UWE’s Centre for the Study of Behaviour Change and Influence is conducting a study into what makes people susceptible to scams, in order to help effectively design and target future awareness-raising campaigns.

Scams have existed in one form or another for centuries, with the origins of modern day scams found in numerous historical, Biblical and mythical plots, including Homer’s Trojan Horse and the 16th century Spanish Prisoner con. Many current scams reflect these early deceptions and the influence techniques that they used, exploiting any form of social communication, whether online, over the phone or in-person, to persuade people that a particular scenario is genuine and to

encourage them to make decisions quickly. By further understanding what factors make people more likely to respond to scams, and what factors make them more suspicious, the researchers hope to develop more effective methods to educate people about the risks of scams, how they work and what they can do to avoid them.

In order to understand what makes people susceptible to different types of scam, the project is looking for volunteers to complete an online research survey regarding their own experience of scams. Whether you have fallen victim to a scam in the past or have received a scam communication but did not respond to it, be it online, face-toface, through the post or over the

phone, the researchers are keen to hear from you.

If you are interested in taking part or want to find out more, please email Dr Emma Williams at UWE (emma25.williams@uwe. ac.uk) who will provide you with further information regarding the research and log-on details for the survey. The data that you provide will be anonymous and following completion of the survey, you will be provided with a written debrief regarding the project.

Have you been the victim of scam?

Green light for riding centre’s new facilities A small local riding centre is celebrating getting planning permission for ten stables and a 25m x 45m manège (which is already up and ready for use).

The riding school also has a number of new arrivals for clients to use, from Tiny, a 17.2 hh Irish Draught, Socks, a 15.2 hh schoolmaster, to the lovely Maple, a 12.2 hh pony who’s spent two years teaching numerous people to ride.

The small, friendly centre has beautiful hacking on the doorstep and also boasts being a qualifying centre for national championships – all run and managed by BHSAI-qualified single mum Carrie, who strives for one-to-one service.

For more details, call Carrie on 07968 844772 or see the advert on page 18.

Our next magazine: Saturday 3rd October

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

Calling all thrillseekers! Tighten your harnesses for Mojo Active’s brand new, purpose-built high ropes adventure course opening mid September.

Swing through the trees using rickety bridges, traverse nets, organ pipes, islands in the sky and zip wires as part of the exciting 15-stage course.

■ Family fun/individuals ■ Team building exercises ■ Corporate events ■ Educational/school activities ■ Sports clubs and groups

e r u t n e v d High a at Mojo Active

■ Stag and hen parties ■ Children’s parties

The high ropes adventure is the latest addition to a range of activities that include a 400m military assault course, 4x4 driving, low ropes course, tunnel maze, climbing wall, archery range, den building and team orienteering.

Open from 10am to 5pm weekends and school holidays. Book your 1.5 hour session online at www.mojoactive.co.uk

Mojo Active, Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DF T 01454 660075 M 07770 925022 E info@mojoactive.co.uk www.mojoactive.co.uk

Mojo High-Ropes 180 x 245 Advert.indd 1

06/08/2015 10:43

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

43

Advertising Feature

High ropes adventure course set to open in mid-September Almondsbury-based outdoor adventure centre offers challenges for participants all ages

A

purpose built high ropes course is coming to Mojo Active’s Almondsbury location, great news for anyone seeking a new and exhilarating way to experience the great outdoors.

The challenge course will complement the low ropes elements already used by the activity centre, and will be open to the public from midSeptember, from 10am to 5pm weekends and school holidays.

Families and individuals can book 1.5 hour sessions online at www.mojoactive.co.uk “Our high ropes course is packed with exciting challenges for people of all ages. As well as providing an active day out for individuals and families, it will also cater for schools, corporate team building, stag and hen parties, and children’s parties,” says Mark Johnson, who co-founded Mojo Active in 2012 alongside business partner Jo McConnell.

The structure combines 15 vertical and horizontal challenges and is accessed by an initial climb up a Burma Bridge. From there, you will cross the rickety bridge,

climb to the islands in the sky, swing over the organ pipes and enjoy the long ride down the final zip wire, all under the careful supervision of fully trained instructors.

Latest safety equipment

Participants wear a climbing harness and are protected by a safety wire at all times. The course uses the very latest ‘CLiCiT’ belay system, with at least one of the karabiners connected at all times to ensure optimum safety. Children aged 7+ should have no problems clipping on securely and enjoying the full experience.

This allows groups and individuals to learn about risk taking, test their own perceived limits and understand how to work collaboratively – all while the adrenalin is kicking in and they are having fun.

“North Bristol has been calling out for a high ropes facility, and we have recently invested to meet this demand, while enhancing our range of activities that support our philosophy of outdoor adventure, fitness, safety

Youngsters enjoy using the existing climbing wall at Mojo Active

and fun,” says Jo, “If it’s been a while since you’ve climbed a tree, then it’s time to come and see us!”

Mojo Active was founded on the simple desire to provide a great outdoor experience regardless of age or ability, and that formula is proving successful. People are encouraged to participate in an activity, however Mojo teams are trained to adjust levels of involvement according to their comfort level.

For example, each high ropes element includes an exit point back to ground level if needed!

Challenges for all ages

Facilities are set in 100 acres of private land overlooking the Severn Bridge, and offer the scope for an adrenalin-fuelled range of activities. These include a 400m military-style assault course, low ropes, tunnel maze, climbing wall, zip wire,

archery range, den building and survival skills – a giant outdoor playground that caters just as well for a seven-year-old at a children’s party as for a corporate event for several hundred professionals.

Mojo also runs special ‘away days’ as part of their schools and holiday club programmes, including surf trips, mountain biking and mountaineering, beach days and raft building.

On the doorstep

The centre is located five minutes away from the M4/ M5 interchange (J16 M5) or two minutes from J17 on the M5 at Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DF. High ropes visitors can park at the Mojo Active entrance, where there is a reception and toilets.

● See our advert on page 42.

Visit the Mojo Active website at www.mojoactive.co.uk or search for ‘Mojo Active’ on Facebook

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

44

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

What’s On (6th September– 4th October) Sunday 6th September 7am-5pm: Car Boot Sale at Trench Lane, BS32 4JZ. More info: http://bit.ly/trenchlane [Weekly until 27th September] 9.30am: LLR Martin Dean Bristol Bikeathon from the Willow Brook Centre. More details on the BS Journal website.

10am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Kelston Round Hill.

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 13th, 18th, 20th & 27th September and 4th October]

Monday 7th September 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.

Tuesday 8th September 10am-12pm: Community Learning Enrolment Event at Bradley Stoke Library. To enrol, please bring some ID (such as a passport) and your National Insurance number.

7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Charity fundraising evening. More info: Janine 01454 617645

Wednesday 9th September 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: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Mini marbling with Roma Widger.

More info: Barbara Williams on 0117 947 0340

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

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

More info: www.bssbf.co.uk

Wednesday 16th September 7pm: BSTC Full Council Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcfull

7.30pm: Bradley Stoke Lions Club meets at the Hilton Bristol Hotel. More info: Ailsa Young on 07737 106836

Friday 18th September

Thursday 10th September

Saturday 19th September

8pm: The Stokes Crafters meet at the Poplar Rooms, North Road, Stoke Gifford. More info: The Stokes Crafters group on Facebook [Weekly on Thursdays]

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.

Friday 11th September 6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

Sunday 13th September 9.30am: SCC Novice/Long Distance Bike Rides to St Werburghs/Monmouth. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/ bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560 [Further rides on 17th, 20th & 27th September and 1st October]

Monday 14th September 9.45am & 11am: Walking for Health/Stepping Forward.

Organised walks (1.8 miles & 3 miles) starting from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sgcwalk or phone 01454 868006

September 2015

1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre.

More info: www.blood.co.uk

Sunday 20th September 10.30am-4.30pm: Wedding Showcase at the Willow Brook Centre. Open air wedding showcase in association with Aztec Hotel & Spa. More info: http://bit.ly/bs32wbc

Monday 21st September 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos

Wednesday 23rd September 6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

7pm: BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcpec

Sunday 27th September 1.30pm-4.30pm:Family Fun Day at the Holiday Inn Bristol Filton (on the A4174 ring road, near Junction 1 of the M32), in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

See advert on page 34.

Thursday 1st October 2pm-4pm: Volunteering Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Pop in for a chat with a volunteer advisor. More info: http://bit.ly/vc-pfs or call 01454 868986

Friday 2nd October 6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

Saturday 3rd October 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/ bsj-tbncg or call 07497 006676 1am-3pm: Autumn Fair at the MS Therapy Centre, Wheatfield Drive. Games, crafts and activities for the whole family.

Everyone welcome. More info: Emma 01454 628725 Find details of more Bradley Stoke events on the What’s On page of the BSJ website: http://bit.ly/bsj-whatson Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter to receive daily reminders of events.

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

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.

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

45

This month’s Discover Festival events in Bradley Stoke Saturday 12th September 2pm - 4pm at Bradley Stoke Library Bradley Stoke Sew and So’s open workshop Learn how to make a hand sewn rug. All materials etc. will be provided. To book please contact bradleystokesewingandsos@weebly.com Tuesday 15th September 7pm - 9pm at The Jubilee Centre Bradley Stoke Girls Group open evening A fun, weekly youth group for young women age 12-18 in Bradley Stoke.

Come down and say hello on our open day and take part in arts, crafts and cookery activities. Refreshments available. www.makeitmentoring.co.uk Friday 18th September 7pm - 9pm from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre Bat walk in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve In our after-dark walk, led by bat experts, you’ll be provided with a bat detector and shown how to identify the various species of bat which live on the reserve.

Wear warm clothes and stout boots and bring a torch. Note that while these walks are free; numbers are limited for safety reasons. Booking is essential and you will need to bring your printed ticket. The walk is not suitable for very young children as the group may walk quite fast between sites. No dogs allowed except guide dogs. Age: 6+ www.three-brooks.info Saturday 19th September 10am - 4pm at The Common East, Bradley Stoke Conservation day on The Common The Common East is an old road which has been neglected in recent years and the plan is to reinstate it into its former glory. This will involve removing dead trees and bramble and digging out the overgrown pond and removing some grass to create a wild flower meadow. We also want to put up some more bird boxes, create a 2nd insect hotel, move a gate, create a Butterfly Garden and take another look at the orchard! Join us in bringing The Common back to life. There is much uneven ground; unfortunately, not all is suitable for wheelchairs. Only well-behaved dogs on a lead. Refreshments available Saturday 19th September 10am - 11.30am at Bradley Stoke Library Bike maintenance & ID session Join us for two sessions to help you get the most from your bike. Your local Police Team is at the library to provide free postcode engraving on your bicycle

or you can book a place on our bike maintenance workshop to learn how to keep your bike in good working order. The engraving will be done at the back of the library so please assemble there. The police team will be available throughout the session – just turn up with your bike. There are limited spaces on the bike maintenance workshop so please book your space in advance.

Thursday 24th September 2.30pm - 4pm at Bradley Stoke Library Bicycle maintenance workshop Bradley Stoke is a cycle friendly town. Learn to look after your bike and get the most out of it. It’s all about gears, brakes and punctures. The workshop will be held at the back of the library, outside on a good day or within the loading area of the library. Please meet at the back of the library.

Friday 25th September 6.30pm - 8.30pm from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre Bat walk in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve Details as above (Friday 18th September). Booking required.

Saturday 3rd October 2pm - 3pm at Bradley Stoke Library Follow the Hatter’s Trail – a virtual walk with Tony Harding Join Tony on a virtual walk through Winterbourne and discover and its long and chequered past. Hearing loops available. Age: 14+. Price: £3.

Sunday 4th October 10am - 3pm from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre Nature walk in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve Join expert ecologist Rupert Higgins on a walk around the Three Brooks Local Nature reserve. Rupert will introduce you to the different habitats on the reserve and to the wildlife that depends on them. Please note that this is a walk in the natural environment and you should be prepared for uneven ground and steep slopes. Wear suitable outdoor clothes and stout boots.

Sunday 4th October 11am - 1pm at Bradley Stoke Library Stokes Crafters workshop Come and meet the Stokes Crafters. Find out what they do – from knitting to Origami – and get involved in crafts with a view to setting up a regular craft group meeting within Bradley Stoke Library. Bring along your current craft project to share and for help and advice. Age: 16+

Kitchen Makeovers from the UK’s leading Facelift Expert

en 2014..!

Not only will a Dream Doors facelift save you £1000’s, but you will not have to suffer the disruption and dust that comes with a total refit.

Our kitch

Call Us Today!

• From a door swap to a complete kitchen refit • Large choice of doors, worktops and accessories • Trusted reputation • Free planning & design service

Call for a FREE estimate:

01454 838517 Visit our Showroom: 11/12 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AL

Find us on

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Proud members of

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

46

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers AD Bookkeeping, Page 40 TJS Business Solutions, Page 27 Alternative Therapies Holistic Therapies, Page 47 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 36 Richard Joseph, Page 6 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 47 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 28 & 29 Chipping Sodbury Motors, Page 35 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 4 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 6 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 47 Carpets & Flooring Cameron Lee Carpets, Page 21 Octopus Flooring, Page 37 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 9 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 24 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Churches Bridge Community Church, Page 39 Cleaning & Domestic Services Welcomehome Cleaning, Page 13 Computer Services goto iT, Page 4 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 33 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 33 Double Glazing Crystal Clear Windows, Page 48 JDC Windows, Page 44 Education & Learning The Castle School, Thornbury, Page 19 Kumon Study Programme, Page 31 Love Art, Page 14 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 30 Red Maids’ School, Page 19 SGS College, Page 2 Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 8 West Coast Properties, Page 12 Events Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Holiday Inn Bristol Filton, Page 34 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 26 Funeral Services Jamieson Funeral Services, Page 47 F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 25 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 20 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 23 Westlec Auto Electrical, Page 27 Gardening Services Blue Rock Pools, Page 7 Garretts Landscapes, Page 11

Plan-It Garden Design, Page 4 Professional Gardening Services, Page 46 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 40 LivingWell Health Club, Page 33 Riverside Leisure Club, Page 1 Hair & Beauty Reflections, Page 41 Hire Services Stop and Hire, Page 23 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 45 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Visit directory on BSJ website Locksmiths Visit directory on BSJ website Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 4 Nails & Beauty Visit directory on BSJ website Opticians Specsavers, Page 37 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 47 Pet Services & Supplies MadDogz, Page 25 New Passage Cattery, Page 47 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 22 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 13 Photographers Visit directory on BSJ website Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 46 Plumbing & Heating Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 38 Clifton Gas, Page 47 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 23 JJ Plumbing, Page 31 Panache Plumbing, Page 47 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 47 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 23 JJ Plumbing, Page 31 Richard Joseph, Page 6 Room & Facilities Hire Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 16 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 46 Solicitors Bevan Evemy, Page 43 Slimming Clubs Slimming World, Page 15 Soft Furnishings Janet Smith, Page 32 Sport & Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 18 Danceworks, Page 14 Mojo Active, Page 42 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 47 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 47 TV & Aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 47 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 46

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

WINDOW CLEANING

PLANT HIRE

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

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

Price or day work

t: 07900 372349

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

GARDENING SERVICES

• • • •

Professional Gardening Services

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

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier

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

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

September 2015

t: 01454 300 400

PLUMBING & HEATING

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk FUNERAL SERVICES

47

TAXIS

Funeral packages are available from £1995 complete

A private, comfortable meeting room and Chapel of Rest at

8 Badminton Road, Downend BS16 6BQ

Home visits welcome

Please call

0117 956 4796 Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

24-hour call out

07824 564255

TV AERIALS & SATELLITE TV

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

PET SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

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

“Always on tap”

Call Darren on 07901 910361

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

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

Tel: 01454 632456 Website: www.catkennels.co.uk CAKE MAKERS & DECORATORS

Sweet Tracey Cakes Stoke Gifford - Bristol

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

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

HOLISTIC THERAPIES for ladies Layback ● Relax ● Unwind in a quiet de-stressing location in Bradley Stoke Swedish/deep tissue massage, Reiki, Aromatherapy, Indian head massage First treatment half price Established 14 years For enquiries / bookings call Louise on 07749 875626 email: redmond.louise@yahoo.co.uk

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

WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFLIGHTS

View the extensive range of stunning designer and traditional doors, windows and rooflights 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

✓ Secondary Glazing ✓ Experienced Team ✓ Free Quotations ✓ DGCOS Founder Member ✓ GGF and Trustmark Member ✓ Registered with BM Trada and BFRC ✓ Swish Authorised Installer

To find out more, please call us on:

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

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