Delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to all homes in Bradley Stoke
October 2015 • Issue 30
On behalf of everyone at Banana Moon, thank you to all our parents for your praise, support and recommendations.
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POLICE P6 | LETTERS P18 | QUIZ P20 | WHAT’S ON P42-43 | DIRECTORY P45-46 Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal
PLUS , IN YOUR 48-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE
Conservation group’s 10th birthday P22-23
Meadowbrook pupils scoop national wildlife photography award P29
BSCS primary phase officially opened P24-25
l Bus lane enforcement cameras go live in BS34 l Last chance to win £1,000 for your local community group l Witness appeal after man dragged out of car and punched l Council prosecutes north Bristol fly tippers l Community shows support for refugees l Stoke Gifford local celebrates listing in Good Beer Guide l Virgin’s ‘big dig’ gets under way in BS32 l Bradley Stoke’s street lights to be converted to LED technology l MetroBus construction off to a troubled start l Dorothy Perkins and Burton to open soon within Tesco Extra
SGS COLLEGE
OPEN TO ALL! Join us at our Open Day and find out about South Gloucestershire & Stroud College’s wide range of full and part time study programmes, including those starting September 2016.
Our Open Day at SGS Filton, WISE, Stroud & Queens Road is on:
Saturday 10th October, 10:00-13:00 • • • •
Speak with course specialists Meet with current learners studying at SGS College Try out activities relating to your subject of interest Partake in a campus tour, plus much more
HIGHER, PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL OFSTED OUTSTANDING 2014 For Business, Art, Performing Arts, Sports, Employability, Student Support and Leadership and Management of the College.
For further details visit www.sgscol.ac.uk or call 0800 0567 253
October 2015
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3
News
Bus lane enforcement cameras go live in BS34
T
wo fixed location bus lane enforcement cameras are now operational within the Bristol North Fringe. The devices are located at Highwood Road in Patchway and at New Road/Brierly Furlong in Stoke Gifford. They will address the abuse of bus lanes and bus gates by unauthorised traffic and will help ensure the reliability of local bus services. South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) says the cameras have been installed in response to reports from both bus companies and members of the public that the bus lanes at these locations are being abused. Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be issued to anyone who infringes the bus lanes and will include a secure web link to a video showing the offence. Chair of SGC’s Communities Committee Cllr Heather Goddard said: “The council agreed its
Camera signage at the New Road/Brierly Furlong junction in Stoke Gifford
policy on bus lane enforcement cameras back in 2013. Since then, there have been a number of high profile cases nationally where bus lane enforcement has been
criticised and we wanted to learn from those before switching on our cameras.” “We are not trying to catch anyone out, we want the cameras
to be easily visible and we have made an effort to ensure that signs and road markings are as clear as possible to motorists. Hopefully, motorists will avoid penalties by not driving in the lanes reserved for buses.” An SGC spokesperson added: “Each potential infringement will be reviewed by a qualified officer and if any mitigating factors (such as needing to pull over for an emergency vehicle) are present, we wouldn’t issue the PCN.” “The monitoring system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition to identify unauthorised vehicles and generate penalty notices. As well as ensuring that bus journeys are not delayed, enforcement will also help remove unauthorised traffic that can delay emergency vehicles.” ● For more info visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ buslanecameras
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October 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. © 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.
Please park in Willow Brook Car Park and walk to the fireworks
Bradley Stoke Jubilee Centre Sunday 1 November 2015
•Gates open at 4.30pm
BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS 1 person in every 10 is free.
•Fire works display starts at 6.00pm
Prices start from £28 per person for 3 course meal, half bottle of wine and disco
NO ENTRY FEE, there will be various collection points in aid of the Mayor’s Charities – Age UK South Gloucestershire and RSPCA Bristol & District Branch
To book call our Christmas Team now on 0117 910 4253 or email meetings@hibristolfilton.co.uk
•Hot food will be served from 4.45pm
No Alcohol
Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability. Holiday Inn Bristol Filton Filton Road, Bristol , BS16 1QX www.hibristolfiltonhotel.co.uk @ HIBristolFilton ? Holiday Inn Bristol
No Sparklers
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10/09/2015 09:47
October 2015
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News Still time to win £1,000 for your local community group, if you act quickly!
C
ommunity groups in and around Bradley Stoke have just one more week to apply for a £1,000 windfall – offered courtesy of 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. Entries received so far have included a Bradley Stoke club for the elderly wanting to fund a coach trip for its members, and two local youth groups seeking funds to buy musical instruments
and sporting equipment. Previous winners of Vodafone Community Connection Awards offered by other Vodafone stores around the country have included a group providing recycled appliances and furniture to those in need, a charity supporting families with at least one child who are going through difficult times, a sports club for people with disabilities and a lunch club for elderly people.
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
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Community Connection Awards
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. 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.
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.
The Journal’s editor and local Vodafone staff will then consider all the qualified nominations and select a winner. 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.
CASE OF THE MONTH I came to Dr Leah with a chronic rugby related injury, and as a property developer I do manual work.
I'm exceptionally pleased with the care received and continue to be a long term patient. You'll not receive attention like this from others & I would not still be playing without her care. 5 Stars!
MR JASON PACKER, CLIFTON RUGBY CLUB
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October 2015
News
In Brief
Witness appeal after man dragged out of car and punched on Winterbourne Road
Celebration of cultural diversity in South Glos
P
olice are appealing for witnesses after a man was punched and had his car keys stolen following an apparent ‘road rage’ incident on the Winterbourne Road in Stoke Gifford. The incident happened at approximately 12.30pm on Monday 21st September. The victim was driving on a section of the road which sees two lanes merge into one from the direction of Winterbourne towards Stoke Gifford. When he saw a blue Ford Mondeo trying to overtake other motorists as they merged, he
moved his car across to block it. The car still overtook before cutting in front of the victim and braking heavily, causing the victim to collide with the back of the Mondeo. The driver and passenger of the Mondeo subsequently got out and approached the victim’s car, dragged him out and punched him. The suspects also took the victim’s keys from the ignition before driving off. One suspect is described as white, aged in his mid to late 20s, about 5ft 8ins tall with short, messy fair hair. He was wearing
a brown t-shirt and cream and brown work trousers. The second suspect is also described as being in his mid to late 20s and was wearing a black woolly hat and a yellow high visibility jacket. He also had a tattoo on the right side of his neck. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information about it, is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 104589/15.
Avon and Somerset Police website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
The Engage Festival on Saturday 17th October 2015 at the SGS College WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford celebrates the diversity of cultures across South Gloucestershire’s communities, through food, performances and activities. The festival aims to contribute in breaking down barriers of prejudice and to develop a greater understanding of the different cultures found across the district. Led by South Gloucestershire Council in partnership with a range of community groups, the festival begins at 10am with a spectacular opening ceremony and runs until 5pm. If you would like to showcase your talent at the festival or have any questions about the event, please call the organising team on 01454 863 396. For more information, visit South Gloucestershire Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
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October 2015
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7
News
Council prosecutes north Bristol fly tippers
A
n Oxfordshire man (previously living in South Gloucestershire) has been ordered to pay £1,071 in fines and costs after admitting fly tipping waste in Little Stoke. Stephen Wilkes, 25, of Witney, Oxfordshire, appeared before North Avon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 21st August. He pleaded guilty to fly tipping waste and not having a Waste Transfer Note or a Registered Waste Carriers Licence to transport the waste. He was fined £555 with a victim surcharge of £56 and costs of £350, plus clear up costs of £110. The court heard that a Bradley Stoke resident had contacted Wilkes after he advertised a ‘rubbish removals and clearances’ business via Facebook and agreed to remove the resident’s waste for £30. Wilkes collected and loaded the waste into his vehicle at midday on 5th November 2014. However, just 30 minutes later he was witnessed dumping the waste in a residential cul-de-sac off Lawford Avenue in Little Stoke. He was challenged by a witness, but sped off in his vehicle. Wilkes was eventually traced to an address in Witney, Oxfordshire and interviewed. He initially denied the offences of fly tipping, claiming that someone else had impersonated him on Facebook. He changed his story in court and admitted depositing the waste, claiming that he had given a gypsy £20 to collect the rubbish from where he dumped it, but was let down.
Dumped in Station Road
Fly-tipping incident in Trench Lane
Dumped in Trench Lane
In a second case heard at North Avon Magistrates’ Court, on Friday 4th September, a Hartcliffe man pleaded guilty to fly-tipping in Trench Lane, Winterbourne. Jonathan Owen Stanley, 24, of Tynte Avenue, Hartcliffe, pleaded guilty to fly tipping waste, not having a Waste Transfer Note or a Registered Waste Carriers Licence to transport the waste, and was fined £320, with a victim surcharge of £32 and costs of £1,000. A resident of Southmead first contacted Stanley having noticed him on Facebook, where he was offering his services to remove waste for payment. Stanley agreed to remove the waste for £20, claiming he had a Registered Waste Carriers Licence and would be taking the waste to Bristol City Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centre in Avonmouth. The waste was later found fly tipped at Trench Lane and traced back to Stanley.
Earlier this year, a Little Stoke man was prosecuted for fly tipping waste in Station Road, Patchway. Andrew Chadwick, 38, of Olympus Close appeared before North Avon Magistrates’ Court on 18th June for the offence of fly tipping. He admitted dumping six black bin liners containing household waste in the hedgerow on Station Road and was ordered to pay a total of £582 in fines and costs. South Gloucestershire Council’s Communities Committee Chair Cllr Heather Goddard said: “These latest prosecutions serve as another reminder that if you are involved in the illegal dumping of waste in South Gloucestershire, you will be prosecuted. Residents are advised to only give their rubbish to an Environment Agency registered waste carrier or they
could be held liable if waste is subsequently fly tipped. “You can carry out these simple steps to make sure your waste is disposed of legally: • Ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where the waste is being taken. Legitimate firms will be happy to provide this information. Do not be tempted to use people offering cheap waste clearance on sites such as Facebook and Gumtree unless you have confirmed that they are registered. • Check whether the waste carrier is registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or by checking on their website. • Ask for a registered trading address and contact telephone number for the trader and get a receipt.” ● For more information, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping
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October 2015
News
Local community shows support for Syrian refugees By Shaun Hickman ince widespread civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, refugees have been fleeing the country at an increasing rate. The ongoing Syrian refugee crisis has seen millions of refugees displaced across different parts of the world and it is now estimated that 500,000 Syrian migrants and refugees have entered the EU in 2015. As the crisis worsens, many communities across the UK have begun to set up collection schemes and fundraisers which aim to provide essential aid to Syrian refugees across Europe. South Gloucestershire Council has recently announced that it will provide humanitarian support to those who have sought refuge in the UK. The council is currently assessing its capacity to house and support the refugees and is working closely with the government to ensure they are able to provide essential services in what is a fast developing situation. Councillor Matthew Riddle, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council said: “We have all seen and been disturbed by the images of suffering caused by the terrible conflict in Syria and wanted to know how we can help to ease that suffering and the community response from residents has been so heart-warming.” In Bradley Stoke, local bridal makeup artist Tracy Deb has been leading her own fundraising efforts to support the refugees: “I saw images of the Syrian refugee crisis on TV and it really upset me and I just wanted to do something to help. For me, this is not politically, racially or religiously motivated, but purely humanitarian.” Tracy began by contacting a Syrian refugee solidarity group on Facebook and connecting with
S
Bradley Stoke resident Tracy Deb, who has been putting together toiletry packs for stranded refugees and is organising a fundraising makeup marathon
To book a show around, call us on 01454 893420 email: anca.leru@hilton.com or visit us: LivingWell Health Club, Hilton Bristol, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, BS32 4JF
Shazia Malik – a local woman based in Stoke Gifford who offered to help Tracy distribute a number of toiletry packs to refugees stranded in Calais and Hungary. Using her strong following on social media, Tracy encouraged local friends and clients to donate supplies for the toiletry packs. She received a wide array of donations, including a supply package from London, which allowed her to create individual toiletry packs designed for men, women and young children: “It’s been amazing, people have been really generous and kind. It shows what kind of community we have around here. We’ve always been a really caring community in Bradley Stoke.” Tracy is continuing her fundraising for the Syrian refugee crisis with the ‘Paint a Smile’ makeup marathon which will take place on Saturday 24th October at 28 Crows Grove, Bradley Stoke. During the marathon, Tracy will be producing a number of 20-30 minute mini-makeovers in a 12 hour period from 8am-8pm. All the appointments for the mini-makeovers have now been booked, but the event will be supported by a raffle with many exciting prizes up for grabs, including a family ticket to the Winter Wonderland at the Mall Cribbs Causeway. There will also be tea, coffee, soft drinks and homemade cakes available at the event for a small donation, with all the money raised going to the British Red Cross Syria appeal. Tracy would like to thank all the people who have supported her fundraising so far, including Sarah and Rylan Bawden and Helen Everett for volunteering time and supplies. For more information, please contact Tracy Deb at tracydebmakeup@gmail.com or by phone on 07871 839173.
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October 2015
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9
News
Stoke Gifford local celebrates new listing in Good Beer Guide
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popular Stoke Gifford pub has made it into the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide for the first time, making it one of only two establishments in the north Bristol area to currently hold the prestigious status. The Beaufort Arms, in North Road, joins around 4,500 of the best real ale pubs in the country listed in the guide, all of which have been nominated, evaluated and reviewed by local CAMRA volunteers. Manager Nikki Brown told The Journal: “We have been working really hard over the past few years to be mentioned within its pages, so we here at the Beaufort Arms are delighted to have been
hand-picked by local CAMRA members for a place in this prestigious guide. “ “The guide entry mentions us as a ‘comfortable pub in a pleasant location, noting our proximity to both train and bus routes as well as our weekly quiz nights (held on Sundays and Wednesdays).” The pub serves three ‘regular’ cask beers: Bath Ales Gem, Butcombe Bitter and Sharp’s Doom Bar, and offers a further selection of seven ‘changing’ ales. Nikki added: “I am extremely proud of the hard work and effort we have put into our cask ales and I am absolutely delighted with our entry into the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2016. It was a goal I set for myself at the beginning
of the year and it is extremely satisfying to have achieved it. A big thank you to Isaac my cask master, who looks after our beers so well, to the rest of the team, who really got behind our cask ale focus, and to all our guests - this is a great achievement for the pub and we hope they are as proud as we are.” “We hope that our entry in the guide will attract new guests who maybe didn’t know that we had such a strong cask ale focus and I believe we are one of only two
pubs listed in north Bristol, so hopefully that will set us out from the crowd.” As a celebration throughout October, the Beaufort Arms is hosting six ‘Meet the Brewery’ events, at which ‘reps’ from different breweries all over the UK will inform guests about their ales and perhaps introduce them to some new ones. Further information is available on the Beaufort Arms page on Facebook or by phoning the pub on 0117 969 5471.
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Could Virgin Media cable be coming to your street soon? Work is already under way in the following roads: Webbs Wood Road Juniper Way Fennel Drive Oaktree Crescent
Courtlands Cornfield Close Stanshaws Close
Advance plans shown on the roadworks.org website indicate that Virgin Media will be undertaking trenching and duct laying work in the following roads from October or November onwards: Marjoram Place Lavender Way Rosemary Close Coriander Way Palmers Leaze Kemperleye Way Mautravers Close Shiels Drive Somerby Close Garrett Drive Blackthorn Drive Penrose Drive Fern Grove Carter Walk Jordan Walk
Savages Wood Road Brook Way The Beeches The Willows Manor Farm Crescent Crofters Walk Merryweather Close Stoke Meadows Dewfalls Drive Winsbury Way Wheatfield Drive Harvest Close Saxon Way Orchard Gate
t: 01454 300 400 Virgin Media trenching work around Bradley Stoke (from top): 1. Junction of Webbs Wood Road and Juniper Way (late July) 2. Stanshaws Close (early September) 3. Newly-installed street cabinet in Courtlands (late September) For the latest news, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/ virginmedia
Note: The presence of a road in the above list should not be taken as a guarantee that Virgin Media cable will be installed. Readers are advised to await a formal announcement from the company. In the meantime, you can register your interest online via: keepup.virginmedia.com/cablemystreet
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October 2015
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11
News
Virgin’s ‘big dig’ gets under way in BS32
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ontractors working for Virgin Media have laid hundreds of metres of cable ducting along streets in Bradley Stoke over the last two months (as predicted in our August magazine), but the telecoms giant is still refusing to publicly confirm that the work is part of a massive expansion of its cable network to reach thousands more homes in the town. The first sign that a significant expansion of the network was being planned came in June when the roadworks.org website showed that Virgin had registered plans to lay several kilometres of ducting in over 30 Bradley Stoke streets from 21st September. In the event, work actually got under way somewhat earlier, with Journal readers reporting that trenching work and duct laying started in Webbs Wood Road on 27th July. The work soon extended into Juniper and Fennel Drive, where it is still continuing, and paint markings on roads and pavements suggest that Lavender Way is likely to follow soon. Work has also been under way for several weeks in Oaktree Crescent and Stanshaws Close, and began in Cornfield Close and Courtlands in late September. However, the projected start
dates for work in the other 30 or so roads identified by entries on roadworks.org have now variously slipped to October through November (see panel on facing page). It is thought that it is likely to be some months before residents in the newly-cabled streets will be able to place orders for Virgin Media’s broadband and TV services, but the company is inviting people to register an interest via its website and will contact them when the system goes live. The Journal has pressed Virgin Media for a updated statement, but nothing has been forthcoming since the end of July, when a spokesperson told us: “We are currently considering a number of areas for our expansion plans, including Bradley Stoke, but we are unable to provide any further details at this stage.” The work already under way has not been without problems, with several readers taking to our website and Facebook page to complain about inconsiderate behaviour by the contractors and streets being left in an untidy state after the work has been completed. Visit our magazine links page at http://bit.ly/bsjmag-links for links to the latest news and discussions.
Daniel E: Had them in my road a week or so ago and they decided to just chuck all their c**p, tools and pipes all over my front yard for a couple of days without even asking. Katie W: They did the same to me, so called the number of one of the vans and within 20 mins had some one come round then an hour or so later had someone from Virgin come and say sorry. They seem to think most bits of land are council! Mark P: [They started in] Juniper way two weeks ago and still not finished!! Holes and barriers everywhere! #dangerous Lorna P: They have left quite a mess in parts of Juniper Way. Certainly haven’t left it as they found it! And blocked the roads on more than one occasion so bin lorries couldn’t access our cul-desac #notahappybunny Lisa F-A: I’m in Oaktree Crescent. They have been here well over four weeks. They’ve dug up the ground outside my house more than once now. Damaged my fence, caused me to kerb my car with their disgraceful driving and many times I have not been able to get on or off my drive for the school run as they are in the way!
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October 2015
Advertising Feature
Curvy girl to cover girl Bradley Stoke slimming group member selected to feature on cover of Slimming World’s UK magazine
A
slimmer who transformed her life by losing over 2 stone has become a cover girl for a National Magazine and is now using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives for the better too. Amber Findlay joined her local Slimming World group in Bradley Stoke to slim for her wedding in September. After reaching her target she was persuaded to send her before and after pictures to the Slimming World magazine team by her consultant Kelly. The photographs had such an impact on the magazine editor that she was contacted the very next day to go along to a London photo shoot. Amber’s story not only featured inside the magazine in August – she was also the front page star! Since appearing in the magazine, she has been contacted by other magazines to share her story and will also feature on the company website this month. She has now trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s leading slimming club,
A ‘before’ photo of Amber Findlay
and members at the group are getting ready to welcome Amber as their new Consultant when she takes over the Patchway group on Wednesday 14th October. Amber says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I
Bridge Community Church meets every Sunday at 10am at Bradley Stoke community school for vibrant modern worship and relevant talks on life and faith. We also provide a crèche for tots, and fun activities for older kids. Find us at : Bradley Stoke secondary school, Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, BS32 9BS
just can’t wait to get started. It’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target. “ I never felt like I was on a
diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself. “My weight loss has completely changed my life. Appearing in the magazine was amazing and being at target in a beautiful gown was like a dream come true. On top of that, I’ve got a new career. It’s well-paid and the hours fit around my family, but best of all I’m doing something that I’m passionate about. As a slimmer myself I know how hard it can be and I couldn’t have lost my weight without my Consultant and my group. Sharing recipes and other ideas, and overcoming disappointments as well as celebrating success was all part of the journey, so there’ll be lots of support, encouragement and fun at my Slimming World group.” Amber’s Slimming World group will be held at Callicroft Primary School every Wednesday at 7:30pm from 14th October.
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October 2015
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13
Schools
‘Achievement for All’ work at Meadowbrook recognised with award
M
eadowbrook Primary School in Bradley Stoke has been recognized for the work it has been doing to improve the wellbeing, resilience and self-esteem of students who are vulnerable to underachievement and disadvantaged in their learning, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities. The school has been working with the Achievement for All (AfA) programme since January 2013 and has just been awarded its Silver Quality Mark. The programme works closely with parents, teachers and the individual child to secure the best outcome and attainment for their
students through personalised and specific targets. Jon Barr, headteacher, said: “The AfA programme has led our improved partnership with families and our use of structured conversations to ensure all children succeed.” “We are immensely proud of our staff and pupils in achieving this standard; it confirms our commitment to each and every child in our care to enjoy an exceptional education.” “Thank you in particular to my deputy headteacher Mrs Mel Willcox who has led this initiative so successfully with our staff and in partnership with many families in the school.” An AfA spokesperson said:
“AfA believes that every child can progress, and through our programme we hope to enable every child to be the best that they can be, regardless of
background, challenge or need. We are delighted to be working with Meadowbrook and to share in their success with this much deserved award.”
To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
October 2015
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15
News Lloyds Banking Group volunteer team transforms pallets into playthings at Abacus
V
olunteers from the local offices of a national banking firm have created several unique pieces of learning and play equipment for a Bradley Stoke pre-school. Each year, Lloyds Banking Group supports its staff to spend a day out of the office volunteering on projects to benefit the community. The scheme is known as ‘A Day to Make a Difference’. The husband of a member of staff at Abacus Pre-School @ Meadowbrook suggested that his team could visit Meadowbrook to help with a project. In previous years, the team has helped at a nature reserve, helped at a scout camp and refreshed a village green. This year, the team (Michelle, Caroline, Justin, Chris, Simon, and Pete) was seeking a more creative challenge! Caroline liaised with Abacus to discuss ideas and meticulous plans were quickly drawn up to transform wooden pallets into three different creations, the pallets being kindly donated by one of the pre-school’s parents. During two days in the summer holidays, the team created a bug mansion, two mud kitchens and two reading benches, and also provided a bird table and feeders. The reading benches have formed a fantastic new social area where the children can gather for outside snack and story time, but are also used as a quiet reading zone. Staff at the pre-school say the ever popular mud kitchens are always busy with children making fabulous mud pies, cakes and concoctions, whilst the bug mansion is a great focal point and has been observed and discussed with great interest, especially the hedgehog hole! The children are now patiently awaiting the arrival of some new resident bugs. Amanda Lacey, manager of Abacaus @ Meadowbrook, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the amazing team from Lloyds Banking Group from all the children, staff and families at Meadowbrook.”
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October 2015
News
Local students campaign for more lighting in the nature reserve By Shaun Hickman our months after the sexual assault of a young woman at the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, a group of four students from Bradley Stoke Community School have set up a campaign to place more lighting in this area. The student-led campaign addresses the need for more street lights around the nature reserve which currently has minimal lighting during the evening hours. The Three Brooks Nature Reserve has recently suffered from increased criminal activity which the campaigners believe has made the area “even more dangerous” for the local community during the evening and darker periods of the day as winter approaches. The campaign first gained
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attention in July at the Bradley Stoke Safer and Stronger Community Group meeting. The group meets bi-monthly to discuss local issues which affect the safety of the community. During the July meeting, a member of the group, Vicki Rozzell, introduced the campaign to Brian Gaches: a local representative of South Gloucestershire Council who was able to pass on the students’ concerns for consideration by the council’s Community Open Spaces team. However, one of the group’s campaigners Gabrielle Duffy later commented: “The council have said that for the time being they can’t do anything because their main focus at present is to stop speeding.” Since the meeting the students have continued to actively pursue their campaign, placing a number
of posters promoting the need for more lights in and around the area of the Three Brooks Nature Reserve. The students have also set up a Twitter page and a change.org online petition which has attracted over 100 supporters of the campaign. Gabrielle went on to describe the positive reaction her group’s campaign had received from the local community: “Most local residents agreed and said that having more lights around the area is important as it will make them feel safer. Because of the recent assault they now feel like it is an even more important issue as they don’t feel safe at all walking through this area.” Bringing their campaign to the attention of the wider community of Bradley Stoke and South Gloucestershire Council,
Poster displayed at numerous locations around the nature reserve
the students hope to provide a collective voice for local residents who share their concerns about the need for improved lighting in the Three Brooks Nature Reserve. With a duck pond which attracts a variety of wildlife and nature trails which are frequently used by local runners, the nature reserve is still a popular
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News
Police search in the nature reserve following sexual assault incident in June
destination within Bradley Stoke. With this in mind, the student campaigners from Bradley Stoke Community School recognise that this area needs to be made safer through an improved lighting system. The campaigners believe that this will ensure local residents feel safe and that criminals will feel discouraged
from approaching the nature reserve.
● “Put More Street Lights In
The Nature Reserve!!” (change. org online petition to South Gloucestershire Council): http://bit.ly/bsnrlights
Popular during the day, but safety at night is a concern, say students
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October 2015
Letters and Opinions MetroBus work “makes cycling dangerous”
The Devlin family at Holy Trinity (l-r): Eva, Michaela, Matthew and Charlie
Warm welcome at Holy Trinity Church I am writing to express thanks to everyone at Holy Trinity Church in Bradley Stoke for making me and my family so welcome at a recent function. My daughter Eva was baptised on Sunday 6th September and Reverend Paul Hinkley made a wonderful ceremony for us. As he knew Eva was being baptised, he made the service about ‘family’ and he also asked everyone at the end to paint their
hands green and place it on a piece of paper to make a tree to place in the church. They had a band playing and a screen for us to sing along with the hymns. They made all made family and friends welcome and presented Eva and the godparents with a certificate and a gorgeous candle for us after the ceremony. I think people should be aware of the wonderful Sunday service that they provide. Michaela Devlin Bradley Stoke
Cyclists are up in arms about the work for the MetroBus project in South Gloucestershire, as it has made a cycle route dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. Richard Burton, Green Party member of the South Gloucestershire Cycle Forum, said: “The MetroBus project is supposed to get cars off the road and make things better for cyclists and pedestrians, but the shared use pedestrian/ cycle route of Woodlands Lane is being used as a construction site and the planning agreement is being ignored. The planning documents say clearly that cycle and pedestrian access must be maintained, but the path that has been left isn’t even wide enough for pedestrians.” Department for Transport documents say that a shared use pedestrian/cycle path in this situation should be four metres wide, and even a pedestrian-only route should be two metres wide, but this path is only 1.7 metres.
The cyclists have been in touch with both the contractors and the council, which should be enforcing the planning agreements, but neither has responded. Mr Burton added: “If there is a collision on this path because the council won’t make the contractors follow the planning agreement and someone is injured, they will be responsible. What is the point of having planning documents if they are just ignored? Neither the contractors nor the council care that they are putting people at risk.” “After numerous debacles, including Hayes Way, junction 16 of the M5 and the path between Braydon Avenue and Savages Wood Road, which has just finally been done correctly at the fifth attempt, it is clear that the council is going backwards on cycle provision, and that councillors and officers have no idea what their own policies say.”
The Journal: Serving the community 24/7 since 2008
Bowsland Green Primary School Is your child starting school in 2016? Please come and visit our school and staff team on one of the following dates: Tuesday 6th October 2015 10.00 – 11.00 Monday 12th October 2015 9.15 – 10.15 Monday 19th October 2015 9.15 – 10.15 Bring your child with you – they will have a fantastic time exploring our newly refurbished classroom and outside area Phone 01454 866766 Email: school@bowsland.org.uk Ellicks Close, Bradley Stoke, BS32 0ES Together, we’re working towards our Bowsland Best To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
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Anti-bullying award retained by BSCS
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radley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has achieved a successful annual renewal of its Bullying Intervention Group BIG Award for excellence in challenging bullying. The award is designed to demonstrate that the school has an excellent anti-bullying policy, involves pupils/students in all of its anti-bullying strategies and has a whole school approach to challenging bullying. Val McFarlane, Director of BIG said “Bradley Stoke Community School really deserves the BIG Award. They have worked hard with exceptional and innovative strategies to make their school a safer, happier place where the students/pupils can learn and reach their full educational potential without fear of harassment and bullying.” The school has a peer support scheme, regular staff training and awareness raising activities throughout the year to ensure
Staff and student council members celebrate the award renewal (l-r): Mrs Davis (Director of Student Support), Tom Humphreys, Jennifer Simpson, Matt Callaway, Lara Carnell, Rebecca Halford, Mrs Arberry (Student Council Coordinator)
that all pupils and their parents have confidence in the school’s ability to protect them.
The school has to re-apply for the BIG Award each year to show consistency of good practice.
Our next magazine: Saturday 31st October
A Family of Schools Our Mission: To support and enable all students Abbeywood Community School Students - 806 Age Range - age 11 to 18 Associate Headteacher - Mr David Howe Joined the Trust - January 2013 Ofsted rating - Good
to be ambitious and believe in themselves, achieve their full potential and develop the skills to succeed and enjoy life. Bradley Stoke Community School
Students - 1107 Age Range - age 4 to 19 Headteacher - Ms Jenny Sutton Kirby Joined the Trust - Founder member, January 2012 Ofsted rating - Good, with outstanding leadership and management & behaviour and safety
Charborough Road Primary School Students - 275 Age Range - age 4 to 11 Headteacher - Mrs Nicola Bailey Joined the Trust - January 2015 Ofsted rating - Good
Meadowbrook Primary School
Students - 464 Age Range - age 4 to 11 Headteacher - Mr Jon Bar Joined the Trust - January 2015 Ofsted rating - Requires improvement, with good leadership and management
Executive Headteacher, Mr Dave Baker
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In Brief
Quiz by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot
Replacing mayoral chain could cost up to £4,000
No. 24 (easy/hard, old/new) 1. In which art gallery is Leonardo da Vinci’s painting ‘Mona Lisa’ located? 2. In which year did World War II begin? 3. Which chemical element is represented by the abbreviation ‘Li’? 4. Appearing between 1997 and 2008, who was the longest serving female Blue Peter presenter? 5. Which Scottish Premier league team play at Pittodrie Stadium? 6. Which European capital city is served by Schipol airport? 7. From which Asian country do the companies Samsung, Hyundai and LG originate? 8. Which author wrote the 2011 bestselling novel ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’? 9. In which ocean is the island
October 2015
nation of Mauritius located? 10. In September 2015, who became the Prime Minister of Australia? 11. Which actor played the character ‘Luke Skywalker’ in the original Star Wars films? 12. Which mammal is the world’s largest rodent? 13. Which Andrew Lloyd Webber musical features the songs ‘Uncoupled’, ‘Only You’ and ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’? 14. In 2015, which British athlete broke both the British Women’s 100m and 200m records, while aged just 19 years old? 15. In the Bible, what is the name of the second book in the Old Testament? 16. In which national park is England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, located?
17. T-Boz Watkins, Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes and Chilli Thomas were members of which 1990s American female R&B group? 18. How many moons does the planet Mars have? 19. What name is given to a shape with twelve sides? 20. Which large sports footwear brand was founded in Bolton in 1895?
● Answers on page 36.
Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org
The Journal is proud to be Bradley Stoke’s only locally-edited community news magazine
Members of Bradley Stoke Town Council have been debating a way forward for the mayoral chain, now that it has now reached its maximum capacity for medals. Officers reported that it is not feasible to merely add any more medals in the main body of the chain, as it would make it too long, but it would be possible to add another line of medals across the back of the chain. However, councillors have expressed a preference for retiring the current chain and purchasing a new one, including a hand painted badge of office for the centre and a carrying case, at an estimated total cost of up to £4,000. Two further quotes are to be obtained before the matter is brought back to council. Officers have also been tasked with investigating the possible purchase of a simple lapel badge of office to be presented to past (and future) mayors.
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News
Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group celebrates tenth anniversary By Sara Messenger of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group
T
he Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group was ten years old in September and celebrated by downing tools early and having a bit of a party by the lake. The picnic kicked off with the shortest introduction by the Chair (his words not mine!) followed by our birthday cake being cut by the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Erica Williams, who was ably assisted by our Bradley Stoke Mayor Roger Avenin. Although Roger is a regular user of the reserve, Erica Williams hadn’t visited it before but was very impressed and said: “Thank you for asking me to join the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group on Saturday. Congratulations on your tenth anniversary, it is a great testament to the dedication and commitment that your group has. It is a wonderful place that I shall be visiting again, as will all those to whom I gave your leaflets!” We were happy to share our duck food with passers-by (and the ducks of course!) and showed many others, both young and old, the delights of making smores! (Melt a marshmallow and squish it between two chocolate digestives) although we’re not sure anyone was able to meet the
challenge of eating one without licking their lips. The group is run entirely by volunteers who last year put in over 1200 hours of work on the reserve and who regularly complete tasks ranging from litter picking, bramble bashing and coppicing to surveying, newt trapping, building ponds and bridges, as well as organising the walks and events for the general public. Our workdays are 10.00am – 4.00pm on the first Saturday of each month and we always welcome new members.
Bats
Over 50 people joined our first two bat walks to help us celebrate the 19th International Bat Night (29th-30th August). The walks were led by Avon Bat Group volunteers Stewart & Kerri who bought many bat related items to share with the group before leading them off into the dark! The bats seemed eager not to be left out of the celebrations as there was hardly a moment when at least one detector wasn’t beeping as yet another bat swooped past. If you want to come and discover the four types of bat that we have on the reserve, our last guided walk this year is on Friday 9th October. If you aren’t able to book a place on our bat walks you can always borrow from the library, for free, one of our 10 bat
detector packs, which contains a Magenta 5 Bat detector, bat & reserve leaflets and an identification guide. One of the detectors had been returned missing a dial but we were lucky enough to receive great customer service from Elle at Magenta who arranged a free repair for us!
Sightings
We were rather envious when Nikki told us that she had spotted, in daylight, a Muntjac deer. If you spot any interesting flora or fauna on the reserve or need any help identifying anything you find we have a dedicated email address: sightings@three-brooks.info
Wasps’ nest
Our general feeling is that the reserve is there for everyone,
both people and nature, and that you should expect there to be some ‘hazards’ on a nature reserve. However when scything the orchard David Baker discovered a wasps’- nest around the base of one of the trees next to the path, he also discovered that they didn’t appreciate his attempts at adding ventilation to the nest and stung him three times. On another day, not to be outdone I also got stung six times so we decided that, on this occasion, the nest must go and it has now been removed by a pest control company.
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October 2015
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Balloon launch marks official opening of BSCS primary phase Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) celebrated the official opening of its new primary phase on Monday 21st September, the day on which its first cohort of 30 Reception pupils spent their first whole day at the school. To mark the occasion, the children released balloons from the playground and BSCS executive headteacher Dave Baker presented a plaque to Sharon Clark, primary phase headteacher, recognising the new facility’s membership of the Olympus Academy Trust (as part of BSCS). Cllr Roger Avenin, Mayor of Bradley Stoke, cut a yellow ribbon to officially open the facility, assisted by the eldest and youngest students currently at BSCS - Victoria King from the Post-16 centre, and Eloise Davies from the new Reception class. The new opening makes BSCS one of only three all-through schools (serving ages 4 to 19) in South Gloucestershire. Speaking to The Journal after the opening, Reception class teacher Geraldine Rogers said her new pupils had settled in “really well”. Activities planned for the coming weeks include Forest School sessions (jointly with BSCS secondary students), baking and PE. Start and finish times for the new primary phase (which has its own ‘walk-through’ entrance) have been staggered from those of the secondary phase, to ease potential congestion. ● www.bradleystokecs.org.uk
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Introducing your new LED street lights
LED streetlights: Key differences Differences you may see once your new LED lights are installed.
Colour tone LED light is much closer to the colour tone of daylight. You will notice that your new lights do not have the orange/yellow tone of the previous units. Illumination levels We aim to provide lighting levels that are appropriate to local conditions, bearing in mind factors such as the number of lights on a street and the height of the lighting columns. As we install your new LEDs we will take the opportunity to adjust their lighting levels as appropriate. In some cases this may mean that individual units appear dimmer than before.
We’re installing new street lights in your neighbourhood. These lights use the most up-to-date LED (‘light emitting diode’) technology and consume up to 60% less energy than your current street lights.
Contrast between lit and unlit areas LEDs focus their light more effectively than older units, with less ‘incidental’ light escaping above or to the side of the lit area. This reduces light pollution and also tends to create a greater contrast between lit and unlit areas. As a result, you may find that areas not covered by a street light appear darker than before.
The new lights:
✔ reduce our energy costs and deliver better value for money ✔ reduce our carbon emissions ✔ create less light pollution ✔ are easier and cheaper to maintain ✔ last four times as long as older units.
Light on private property The effect described above will also be noticeable on private property such as homes and driveways, which will receive less incidental light from streetlights and as a result may appear darker than before. Please remember however that the purpose of street lights is to illuminate the public highway, rather than private property.
Image shown: Charfield, South Gloucestershire
For further information about your new LED street lights, please visit our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/LED
www.southglos.gov.uk/LED
What will it save at Bradley Stoke? BRADLEY STOKE LED Replacement Energy & CO2 Reduction 1,000,000 KWh 880,440 KWh
450.00 t 400.00 t
Energy Consumption
800,000 KWh 364.88 t
678,864 KWh
700,000 KWh
350.00 t
600,000 KWh
300.00 t 77.11%
500,000 KWh
250.00 t
400,000 KWh 300,000 KWh
200.00 t 100%
150.00 t
200,000 KWh
155,210.89 KWh 17.63%
100,000 KWh KWh
83.42 t
Before Part Night Lighting
Before LED Replacement Phase
After LED Replacement
100.00 t 50.00 t 0.00 t
CO2 Emission
900,000 KWh
500.00 t
473.22 t
October 2015
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News
News
Bradley Stoke’s street lights to be converted to LED technology
Popular fruit & veg stall quits centre
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Project due to start in December and last six months
S
outh Gloucestershire Council has announced that Bradley Stoke is to be the next residential area in the district to have its street lights converted to low-emission LED technology, as part of districtwide measures to reduce street lighting-related energy costs and carbon emissions. LED lights are fast becoming the norm for local authority street lights as they consume about 60 percent less energy than older sodium lights and last four times as long. The advanced technology in the new lights offers a number of benefits including the ability to dim their output when required, in order to further reduce energy costs. The new lamps utilise GPS technology in place of photocells, enabling accurate determination of switching times based on sunrise and sunset times derived from geographical location. The lights are also known to help reduce light pollution by directing their beam more effectively at the ground, cutting down on light ‘overspill’ to the side and above. Officers from SGC’s StreetCare & Transport department
attended September’s meeting of the town council’s Planning & Environment Committee to give an overview of the project, which is due to start in Bradley Stoke in December and last for approximately six months. Councillors were told that the new lighting is likely to “take time to get used to”, because the overall impression is of there being less light across the whole street scene. Part-night street lighting, introduced in Bradley Stoke in 2011, will continue, however the new lamps will switch off up an hour later than at present (at 1am, irrespective of the time of year). It was acknowledged that the work may cause some disruption, so SGC will avoid peak times on main roads. It was also pointed out that some of the works in Bradley Stoke are tied in with the North Fringe to Hengrove Package MetroBus scheme, so may take longer. Detailed plans for the introduction of LEDs were approved by South Gloucestershire councillors in September 2013. Residents with questions about the new units can find out more at www. southglos.gov.uk/LED
A
popular fruit & veg stall that has been trading for up to four days a week in the town square at Bradley Stoke’ Willow Brook shopping centre since last summer has announced that it has ceased operating until at least Christmas. A message placed on the stall’s Facebook page on 28th August stated: “As we creep into the autumn and winter months, we are only going to be trading Saturdays down at the Willow Brook. It’s a long story and I’m not allowed to disclose why we aren’t there four days a week anymore, but I will push for it to go back to how it was before. “ A further message appeared on 11th September saying: “Just to let you all know that we will be closing from now until Christmas week, when we will be open for a few days. This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but unfortunately circumstances have changed slightly. Thank you for all the support and keeping us going for over a year and a half nearly. The plan is to get the stall back four days a week again, starting next spring.”
In July last year, stallholder Warren Shepherd told shoppers he had been given notice to quit the centre because of “objections from Tesco” and a customer petition was started. The stall was allowed to continue operating, but had more recently reduced the number of days on which it traded to two per week. Willow Brook manager Andy Wynn said the centre had agreed to allow the stall to reduce its trading days to two per week but had not been informed of any subsequent variations. “We are aware that the business has not traded for a number of weeks now, and this is disappointing.” The Journal attempted to contact Mr Shepherd for comment, but received no reply.
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October 2015
In Brief St John Ambulance seeks young lifesavers Children aged between seven and ten can join young life savers at St John Ambulance’s Little Stoke Badgers. The charity’s Badger Sett leader, Kat Ellison said: ‘We provide a safe and enjoyable meeting night for children. They have lots of fun, learn first aid and gain recognition for all kinds of activities as they work towards the ultimate goal of becoming ‘Super Badgers’. “Our mission statement is to provide opportunities for any young person to develop social and citizenship skills by taking part in an active programme and, most importantly, we’re equipping children with knowledge that could make them the difference between a life lost and a life saved.” The group meets on Tuesday evenings, during term time, from 5.45 to 7pm at Little Stoke Primary School, Little Stoke
Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HY. Badgers participate in 15 activities, receiving a certificate and badge once each subject is complete. When they have completed 12 subjects they become Super Badgers – the highest award possible – and receive a special badge they can wear on their Cadet uniform when they transfer up to the next level of St John Ambulance volunteering, on their 10th birthday. Gemma Bolley’s daughter Jazmaine is among the young volunteers and Gemma said: “Jazmaine loves Badgers – especially when she does first aid, as she likes helping grandad when he falls.” To add your child to the group of future lifesavers, or find out more about Little Stoke Badgers, please call Kat Ellison on 07849
377295 or email her at katherine.ellison@sja.org.uk For more information on St John Ambulance’s work, including how to become a volunteer and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50.
Bristol: An Inspired City for Artists and Photographers The South Glos Decorative & Fine Arts Society (SGDFAS) is delighted to welcome Tricha Passes, lecturer at both Bristol University and UWE, for the first meeting this season on Thursday 15th October. Tricha’s slide illustrated talk will fascinate a wide variety of interests, and visitors are welcome to join us for the evening. SGDFAS has a brand new programme for 2015/16. Talks include 20th Century British Sculpture, The Taj Mahal, Textiles from Imperial to Denim Blues, Shakespeare and Company and Paintings of the Nativity
for the Christmas meeting. Lecturers include Oliver Everett, Caroline Rayman, Linda Smith and Richard Box. 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 to let us know you would like to come along. Refreshments from 7pm, welcome and slide illustrated lecture at 7.30pm. Good parking & easy access. Annual subscription £45, guests £7. To join us, please call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401 sallykitching@googlemail.com or visit sgdfas.org.uk No artistic ability required – just an enquiring mind and an interest in the arts.
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29
Schools
Meadowbrook pupils scoop national wildlife photography award
Y
ear 6 pupils at Bradley Stoke’s Meadowbrook Primary School are celebrating after winning the ‘School Award’ category in the prestigious British Wildlife Photography Awards 2015. The children’s portfolio of six photographs, taken last June in the town’s Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, beat all competition from across the UK, including primary and secondary pupils up to age 18. A small group of staff and three of the Year 6 pupils (James Murray, Freya Reid and Harvey Jones) attended the prize giving at the Mall Galleries in London on 16th September, where they rubbed shoulders with some
of the country’s top wildlife photographers. The pupils’ work has also been included in a stunning hardback coffee table book, ‘British Wildlife Photography Awards: Collection 6’, which showcases the very best entries from this year’s competition. The Meadowbrook photos also feature in an exhibition of winning and commended entries at the Mall Galleries and in an exhibition tour to other galleries around the UK. Writing in the school newsletter, Jon Barr, headteacher at Meadowbrook, said the parents of the Year 6 pupils should be proud of their children’s achievements and encouraged
Meadowbrook Primary School Year 6 pupils with a copy of the hardback book that includes their winning photographs (l-r): James Murray, Bobby Moore, Freya Reid, Harvey Jones and Jacob Davies
them to view the photographs online and, if possible, visit one of the touring exhibitions. The winning photographs were taken during a visit to the school by top wildlife photographer Iain Green last June. Following an ‘all school’ assembly in which
children saw photographs that Iain had taken of animals from all over the world, the (then Year 5) pupils were accompanied by Iain into the local nature reserve, where he helped them take their own shots using cameras he had brought along.
Four of Meadowbrook’s winning photographs are shown below. To view all them all, visit: www.bwpawards.co.uk
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October 2015
October 2015
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News
Army Cadets inspire local youth Local unit currently has vacancies for young people aged 12 to 18 By Shaun Hickman ased near Patchway youth club, the Patchway Army Cadets are looking for new recruits aged 12 to 18 years old to join their established unit. The cadet group aims to engage and encourage young people in the local community through military-themed activity sessions which help to develop important team-building skills and leadership qualities. The unit is led by lieutenant Tracey Sperring who runs and organises the sessions. Tracey is part of a team of three other instructors who aim to “bring young people off the streets and teach them respect for themselves and others.” The unit takes a positive and fun approach to the development of their young cadets who follow a syllabus called the Army Proficiency Certificate. The certificate is organised in a series of gradual levels which teach the cadets about a range of different topics including navigation, expedition training, marching, field skills and how they can help the local community. When a cadet progresses through enough levels they can become a Master Cadet and will have the opportunity to train to be an instructor – a popular incentive for many young cadets. Cadets can also choose to pursue certain qualifications within the unit including the Duke of Edinburgh awards
B
scheme, the BTEC award and various first aid qualifications. New recruits to the unit receive constant support through a ‘buddy-buddy system’ which ensures that they are paired with an existing cadet who will help them through their first few sessions at the unit. Tracey describes the friendships which form within the unit as “bonds for life” which are strengthened by the diverse opportunities offered to the cadets which include kayaking, climbing, archery and mountain biking. The unit also runs weekend camps and a 10-day summer camp which allows cadets to apply the skills gained from their weekly sessions in an exciting new environment. Tracey recognises the positive change these experiences encourage: “Seeing the transformation of the cadets through the different things they achieve is really rewarding. The weekly sessions are also structured in a way that allows new cadets to slowly come out of their shells by building their confidence and teaching them that they do have the skills to succeed.” In order to join the Patchway Army Cadets all new recruits require is “a good pair of boots!” Uniforms are provided to the unit free of charge and the majority of activities offered are low cost or even free. The cadets meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening with sessions taking
place from 7:15-9:30pm. There is a £5 enrolment fee and a cadet evening subsidy cost of 50p per evening. It is also suggested that cadets bring along some extra change for the tuck shop. With 40% of cadets joining from Bradley Stoke, the Patchway Army Cadets is the perfect place to meet new people and make new friends. The unit is currently looking for both new cadets (12-18 years old) and adult instructors (18+) who wish to join this stimulating and inspiring cadet club. For further information, please call 01179863344 and ask to be directed to the Patchway Army Cadets or email Lieutenant Tracey Sperring: 0431sperri@ armymail.mod.uk Unit address: The Cadet Hut, Coniston Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5QQ
Lieutenant Tracey Sperring
Facing page, from top: Unit members; blindfolded assault course challenge
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October 2015
News
MetroBus construction off to a troubled start
C
onstruction of the North Fringe to Hengrove Package MetroBus scheme in Bradley Stoke got off to a troubled start during the first week of September, with a road closure and diversions being implemented ahead of the advertised time and complaints about confusing and inconsistent road signage on the approach into Bradley Stoke from the southbound A38. The closure of a short section of Woodlands Lane between its junctions with Bradley Stoke Way and Ash Ridge Road was advertised as starting on 2nd September , with contractors Alun Griffiths telling the local media that the closure would be “put in place after the evening rush hour, so from 7pm onwards”. However, road users were surprised to find the road already closed at midday, a change which Griffiths attributed
to a council instruction to bring forward the start time to after the morning rush hour, in order to gauge how the new light timings and the diversions would work. Signage on the A38 southbound approach to the Aztec West Roundabout, where the number of lanes available to traffic heading for Bradley Stoke was reduced from two to one, immediately came under fire from motorists, who complained that existing signage and road markings had not been altered to be consistent with the new lane definitions shown on temporary signs. With the left lane of Bradley Stoke Way coned off, motorists obeying the temporary signs and using lane 1 on the A38 were brought into conflict with those incorrectly using lane 2 (now designated A38 only) attempting to make the left turn into Bradley Stoke, resulting in much horn tooting and impolite gesturing.
Which lane for Bradley Stoke? Sprayed-out sign on the A38 near Aztec West
To add to the overall confusion, diversion signs erected on Woodlands Lane to show the alternative route for reaching Bradley Stoke Way displayed “Great Stoke Way” rather than “Bradley Stoke Way”. As the first week wore on, motorists who had to endure lengthy queues at peak times along the diversion route (in particular Pear Tree Road), voiced frustration that no work appeared to be taking place within the closed-off section of Woodlands Lane. There was also criticism from the cycling lobby, with local activist Richard Burton claiming that a shared use pedestrian/ cycle route created near Aztec West is too narrow (see page 18). We put all the issues raised by readers to Griffiths, and they promised to provide a response in time for this magazine, but nothing had been received by the time we went to press.
A spokesperson for MetroBus confirmed that the first point of contact for all enquiries about construction and related traffic management should be the contractor. However, it will sometimes be appropriate for the contractor to refer queries to the MetroBus team or local authority highways team for a response. Griffiths has appointed a dedicated Community Liaison Officer for the MetroBus project, Carys Gwillym, who can be contacted on 08458 622327 or via email at metrobus@ alungriffiths.co.uk
● The Journal has set up a
MetroBus Build information webpage which brings together all the news and resources about the MetroBus project in the Bradley Stoke area, including links to discussion threads on our website and Facebook page: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/ metrobusbuild
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October 2015
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Advertising Feature Aspirations celebrate three years of Independent Financial Advice in Bradley Stoke
I
t is three years ago on 15th October that Aspirations was formed, opening their office in the Willow Brook Centre a year later. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength helping to secure peoples’ financial futures in Bradley Stoke and the surrounding area. With continued record low interest rates over the past two years, Aspirations have supported their clients by finding suitable investments for them to place their money in. By taking advantage of these low interest rates, Aspirations have been able to help clients with mortgages reduce their commitments. In conjunction with the ‘ground breaking’ pension changes brought forward in the last two Budgets, they have also supported their clients in their quest for a secure retirement. Following the implementation of Auto Enrolment Pension
Aspirations staff: Angela Sage (financial planner), Steve Gilpin (director), Debbie Whitton (Office manager) and Paul Whitton (director)
regulations, Aspirations have helped a number of local businesses through this process. Whilst supporting clients and their families with all of
these changes, Aspirations have continued to provide peace of mind solutions through protection policies. The last thing anyone wants is to worry about
their financial situation, whilst dealing with a critical illness. Were you aware that four in five cancer patients suffer a loss of income as a result of their critical illness? (source: www. macmillan.org.uk) Part of Aspirations’ support to the local community is to ‘Give something Back’ and to this end have raised over £300 which will go to charities associated with critical illness care. To celebrate their third birthday, Aspirations are offering a free, no obligation consultation, during the months of October and November. To book your consultation, call into the office 1st Floor East Offices, Willow Brook Centre Bradley Stoke, telephone 01454 501959 or visit the website www.aspirationsifa.com Aspirations would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our clients over the past three years for all their support.
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Film Review
by Dominic Merrien
Legend (18)
S
o am I likely to find this film in a charity shop, perhaps perched beside a Davina McCall fitness DVD in the very near future? Quite possibly, but would this devalue the content of the film in anyway? Absolutely not! Here’s my review – Legend (rated certificate 18). Brian Helgeland’s film is about the Kray twins, two of the most renowned gangsters in British history and their influence on London’s underworld in the 1960s. Let’s not beat around
October 2015
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Welcome to the latest article in an occasional series in which we invite our readers to share their passion for a hobby or interest.
the bush– the Kray twins were ardent criminals who lived the glamour life offered to London’s gangsters from this era. There is an infinite supply of information relating to their exploits and misdemeanours and if you are interested in reading about them, then you will undoubtedly be fascinated by them in this film. The malleable Tom Hardy plays both twins and is exceptional in bringing the different characters’ (known) traits to life. Albeit this subtle brilliance is forgotten once you find yourself immersed in the storyline. The twins’ story is told through the eyes of Reg’s girlfriend - the beautiful Frances Shea (played by Emily Browning). Although she features and narrates throughout, I found the film centred more on Reg’s story rather than Frances’ or Ron’s. Reg is simply portrayed as the level headed but violent
brother who oodles gangster panache. Ron, on the other hand, represents the more complicated, unstable personality, self destructive in action, vicious but hungry to push the boundaries of his own criminality. Although there is a danger of Hardy being pigeon-holed as gangster so early on in his career (recently playing Charles Bronson in Bronson and Alfie Soloman in Peaky Bliders), in my eyes there is no danger to avoid here. Robert de Niro is a stellar example of how being type cast as a gangster can elevate artists to legendary status. Whilst on the subject of Italian-American gangsterism, the film fosters the link of the Krays’ criminal workings with the Philadelphia crime family – a Mafia outfit. True or not, for me there was no need for this association and perhaps is intended to widen the
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interest of an international audience. The way the story plays out really gets your attention, and where the film wins for me is through its cast, dark humour (mainly Ron’s) and its honest and gritty depiction of the era. It falls short in bloodlust and through the wishy-washiness of some of its characters. In addition to this, there is a dramatic and off-key reversal in feel when Reg’s relationship starts to break down with Frances. For me, the film lost its fluidity from this point onwards. Please don’t condemn this film to be left to degrade in the ranks of the unwatched. If you see this film in the local charity shop make sure you pick it up and watch it! A thoroughly enjoyable film and its greatness in part is a real credit to Hardy’s strong performance. An easy four stars from me.
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October 2015
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News
Dorothy Perkins and Burton to open soon within Tesco Extra
T
esco has revealed plans to open Dorothy Perkins and Burton outlets on the mezzanine (upper) floor of its Bradley Stoke Extra store. The new outlets are being constructed in the space previously occupied by the consumer electronics department and the Tesco Phone shop. Tesco’s own F&F brand clothing will continue to be sold in the area that it currently occupies (on the right when reaching the top of the ‘up’ escalator), but the department will be given a refit and incorporate a small Claire’s Accessories section. The Tesco Phone shop will be relocated to an area near the tobacco kiosk on the ground floor. Electrical goods are also moving to the ground floor, although it is understood that a smaller range will be carried. As part of the overall scheme, the Tesco Click & Collect desk has already moved to the rear of the store, near the photo processing concession. The updated F&F section is expected to be completed by 12th October, followed by the opening of the Dorothy Perkins and Burton outlets on 26th October. All alterations within the Tesco Extra store are expected to be
completed by 2nd November. A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’re always looking at new ways our stores can best serve the needs of local customers. Our customers in Bradley Stoke told us they’d like to see more fashion options in the local area, so we decided to introduce some great brands to our store that complement our existing offer.” Willow Brook Centre manager Andy Wynn commented: “This is a really exciting development for the centre. The question I have been most asked during my time here is: “When are we going to get more fashion (clothing)?” so it’s brilliant news.” “Unfortunately, because we’re so close to Cribbs Causeway, national chains think it’s not viable for them to open a large store here, so I’m delighted that Bradley Stoke is going to be one of the first places to benefit from Tesco’s new strategy of forming link-ups with groups like Arcadia [owner of the Dorothy Perkins and Burton brands].” ● In a reader poll conducted by The Journal during August and September 2013, ‘a clothing store’ was the second-highest ranked type of store that participants said they would like to see open at the Willow Brook Centre. The most asked-for facility was ‘a post
Artist’s impressions on display at the Tesco Extra store – Dorothy Perkins and Burton stores are at top of the escalator, on the left
office’ followed in third place by ‘a bank’. Running for 32 days, the poll was completed by 433 voters, who were each asked to select up to three types of store they would like to see opening at the centre. Despite several approaches from the town council, the Post Office has repeatedly refused to open at the centre on the grounds that it would affect the viability of existing local branches.
Result of 2013 reader poll 1. Post office (245 votes) 2. Clothing store (164) 3. Bank (133) 4. Butcher (130) 5. Homeware/DIY (106) 6. Greengrocer (103) 7. Sportswear store (73) 8. Bookshop (48) 9. Gift shop (44) 10. Fishmonger (38)
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October 2015
News
Charity bake-off benefits children’s hospice
D
unkley’s Accountants in Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, held a charity-bake off on 16th September to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and Friends of Bristol Oncology. Inspired by the BBC’s popular Great British Bake Off, Dunkley’s staff, family and friends joined with staff from Ward’s Solicitors to compete for prizes in the categories ‘best sweet’, ‘best savoury’, ‘most original’ and ‘best appearance’. Mike Riordan, head chef at the Aztec Hotel & Spa and Stuart Martin, senior sous chef at Thornbury Castle were on hand to judge the entries, scoring them on flavour, appearance and creativity. Following the judging and prize giving, staff and visitors were delighted to be invited to sample the mouthwatering results! The event raised a grand total of £145 for the two charities. Louise Turner from CHSW commented: “This event was such a brilliant way to raise funds for us as well as bring the Dunkley’s team together in a fun (and fairly competitive) way! The standard seemed very high considering many of the
team had not baked before, and they should all be really proud of the feast on offer that day. Lots of baking tips were shared
and planning for next year has already started I think! Thank you for inviting me to attend – I had a lovely day meeting the
team and we are grateful to all who took part for helping to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West.”
Quiz answers (page 20) 1. The Louvre (Paris) 2. 1939 3. Lithium 4. Konnie Huq 5. Aberdeen 6. Amsterdam 7. South Korea 8. EL James 9. Indian 10. Malcolm Turnbull 11. Mark Hamill 12. Capybara 13. Starlight Express 14. Dina Asher-Smith 15. Exodus 16. Lake District 17. TLC 18. Two 19. Dodecagon 20. Reebok On Twitter? Follow @TheBSJournal
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October 2015
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The new Bradley Stoke Ladies football team is now up and running, thanks to the efforts of their experienced management team of Martin and Ross Lee. Their first training session, on 6th May, attracted 21 players and the squad now has 26 registered players for the season. Martin Lee commented: “The team was formed to provide the BSYFC U16 girls from
last season the opportunity to continue in football within the town, and we are pleased to see that six of them are now playing adult football. The town of Bradley Stoke has never had an adult female football team, so this is a first, and with the links to the BSYFC girls’ squads, the future for the ladies’ team looks great.” The team plays in the Gloucestershire County Women’s
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Football League Division 2 and its first ever match was on Sunday 6th September, against Port of Bristol Ladies. Martin continued: “I am pleased to report that the team played very strongly and battled to a 2-2 draw, with both goals coming from India Gay (ex-BSYFC U16 player). We were worried we may not get any points this season but we already have one point
on the board, and with the way we played I am sure there will be many more to come.” The squad is based around the ethos of a fun and friendly environment with development of football skills high on the agenda. The age range of the current players stretches from 16 to 40 plus. Anyone interested in joining the squad should contact Martin Lee at mlee1@btopenworld.com
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October 2015
Advertising Feature
Occupational therapist joins the Willow Brook Clinic team By Moira de Groot of Willow Brook Clinic
W
e are delighted to introduce a new service to the Bradley Stoke and surrounding communities. Laura joins the team of practitioners at Willow Brook Clinic and brings with her a wealth of experience in Occupational Therapy. This private service is the first of its kind in the area and we look forward helping members of the community who require this form of assistance.
What is the role of an occupational therapist?
Laura describes her role as one which helps people with mental, physical or social disabilities to independently carry out everyday
activities (occupations) that matter to them. This could be everyday tasks such as dressing in the morning, preparing and eating meals or working on your computer. Occupational Therapy covers a broad range of areas and the main aim is to enable people to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Laura works with adults of all ages. During the initial consultation, Laura will create an individual treatment programme to help patients carry out their daily tasks with more independence and a new found confidence. Laura may suggest changes to the person’s environment, whether at home or at work, and may introduce equipment which will help with certain activities.
Treatment programmes need to be reviewed periodically, to evaluate progress and suggest any beneficial changes that may be needed. Follow up appointments are arranged at Willow Brook Clinic, or, if needed, at the patient’s home.
Who needs to see an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapy can help anyone who is struggling to perform activities that are meaningful to them. Laura can recommend adaptations and aids to a bathroom and kitchen which can enable an older person to continue to live independently for longer. A person who has had surgery to the shoulder, hip or knee may find daily tasks more challenging. Laura has methods to support the person after surgery to enable them to function in a more independent way whilst they recover. You may be caring for someone with a cognitive impairment and would like
Laura, occupational therapist
advice on how to help them. Each situation is unique and Laura’s treatment plans are based on lifestyle, environment and personal preferences. If you are concerned about your quality of life, or of that of a loved one, Laura will be able to help. Her goal is to help patients lead independent, productive and enjoyable lives.
● An initial consultation costs
£38 and a follow up appointment £34. Home visits will be £60. Please call Willow Brook Clinic on 01454 625201 to make an appointment.
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October 2015
News Ask the Doctor with Dr Sian Langdon of Bradley Stoke Surgery
“Change is the law of life. And those that look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future” John F. Kennedy
T
he World around us is changing. Not all of those changes are for the better but the advancement and development of technology has certainly brought some of the most dramatic changes. The NHS has always changed, but has at times been slow to utilise technology to deliver better health care. However, in General Practice the use of computers and software to improve the recording of data has revolutionised the patient record and soon patients will be able to access this. One of the simplest, but also biggest, changes has developed around the way prescriptions are handled. Before the introduction of the use of computer-held records within General Practice, each and every prescription was hand written. As anyone who has ever tried to read a doctors
handwriting can attest, these often proved somewhat tricky to interpret! The number of prescriptions has doubled in the last 10 years and there seems to be no slowing in this trend. In 2014 1.2 billion prescriptions were processed by community pharmacies. With the widespread use of computers, prescriptions are generally easier to read but still rely on a piece of paper making it to the correct destination in a reasonable timeframe. The latest development, e-prescriptions is hoping to minimise prescription loss, increase patient safety and speed up the repeat prescription process. E-prescriptions came to the Bradley Stoke area in the summer and I would encourage everyone with a repeat prescription to contact your local pharmacy (they are
all participating) and get signed up! The prescription is sent electronically to the pharmacy via the NHS spine and cuts out the green piece of paper and therefore potential for it to be mislaid. Many pharmacies will also organise your repeat prescription requests and some offer text reminder services when prescriptions are ready to collect. Please sign up – ultimately it should make your life easier! A significant change has also happened recently at Bradley Stoke Surgery. We said farewell to our Senior Partner, Dr Norman “Dougie” Douglas, as he retired. Dr Douglas has been at Bradley Stoke Surgery for the last 21 years and has cared for his patients with dedication and good humour, as well as being an inspirational member of the team at the surgery. His
love of general practice and the continuity of care his patients have experienced has been a real privilege to work alongside. I’m sure his patients, staff and colleagues will all join me in wishing him the best of health, happiness and longevity in his retirement and the best of luck with his new adventures!
Farewell party for Dr Douglas
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Memories of Filton Airfield in the 1960s
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Dreaming of good times? But what if? Life Insurance Family Protection Income Protection Critical Illness Cover
Journal reader (anon) on a training course at Filton Airfield in 1960
L
ast month’s article “Through the Camera Lens”, featuring Filton Airfield, brought back a few memories for one Bradley Stoke resident who is now in his 80s. These were of 1960 when the ‘Cold War’ was at a peak and Britain was under a 4-minute warning of a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union. Devastation which would follow such an attack was expected with the worst scenario including civil disorder and looting. Civil authorities would be in disarray with police and military having to combine forces to restore order. Recognised enemy targets in the West included the naval dockyards at Plymouth, Portland and Portsmouth, plus the ports of Avonmouth and Southampton. Largely unknown to the public, plans were put into place to provide the requisite extra policing for affected cities and Filton was to play a small part in their planning. Police Mobile Columns, comprising vehicles and equipment enabling police re-enforcements to be moved at short notice to a devastated area, were formed. They were fully self-supporting with both sleeping and cooking facilities and kept in readiness for a quick response. However, deployment following an attack would rely on a viable road network and here was a problem. Collateral damage would have destroyed bridges and there would be blast damage causing road blockages, both affecting a
column’s passage. The solution lay in aerial reconnaissance to find safe routes and assess other possible problems, including refugee movements. But fiftyfive years ago, police helicopter units did not exist and the RAF were too concerned with their own operational role to offer much assistance. Fortunately an answer was found and this was for the police to provide the reconnaissance required by the columns, aided by nonoperational RAF Squadrons, one of those chosen being the University of Bristol Air Squadron based at Filton. Interestingly, one of the exercises dealing with the possible devastating effects of flooding resulted in being handed a very old OS map covering the South of Bristol before the Chew Valley Lake was formed. The task was then to fly over the area, mapping the current lake and assessing routes for a column to by-pass it. The resident, who is known to The Journal but wishes to remain anonymous, was a serving officer with a West Country police force at the time and was chosen for the first training course at Filton in September 1960. However his selection was not altogether surprising, as before joining the force he had served in the RAF as a pilot and continued to fly with the with the RAFVR during his early police career. Fortunately, as history shows, Police Mobile Columns were never called to action.
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Call me today: Emma B Contact me for more information Mobile: 07984 258 259 Email: anewyou@live.co.uk “I offer a completely mobile service at no extra charge around Bradley Stoke and north Bristol”
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What’s On (4th October – 1st November) Sunday 4th October 9am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Pensford & Stanton Drew. Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a carsharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit.ly/ssramb [Further walks on 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd & 25th October] 9.30am: SCC Medium Distance Bike Ride to Warmley. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560 [Further rides on 11th & 18th October] 11am-4pm: Orchard Harvest Day at Winterbourne Medieval Barn. Cider making, ferret racing, falconry, archery and a working medieval kitchen. More info: http://bit.ly/wmbarn
Monday 5th October 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 6th October 9.30am-11am: Macmillan Coffee Morning in the hall at Bowsland Green Primary School. Concurrent with School Opening Morning from 10am to 11am (see advert on page 18).
phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays]
Thursday 8th October 8pm: The Stokes Crafters meet at the Poplar Rooms, North Road, Stoke Gifford. More info: The Stokes Crafters group on Facebook [Weekly on Thursdays]
Friday 9th October
For more details and further events, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/whats-on/
Thursday 15th October 7pm: SGDFAS Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. This month: ‘Bristol – An Inspired City for Artists and Photographers’ by Tricha Passes. See news item on page 28. More info: Sally Kitching on 01454 774401.
Friday 16th October
1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre. More info: www.blood.co.uk
7.30pm: Barn Dance at St Mary’s RFC, Trench Lane. Proceeds to Rotary causes. More info: Roger Worth 07860 555394
Saturday 10th October
Saturday 17th October
2.30pm: Chatterbooks Reading Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For keen readers aged 9-11. Please ask a member of staff for details.
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.
Monday 12th October 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: www.bssbf.co.uk
Tuesday 13th October 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Cracker making. More info: Janine 01454 617645
Wednesday 14th October
Wednesday 7th October
2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Annual General Meeting. More info: Barbara Williams on 0117 947 0340
10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or
7.30pm: Bradley Stoke Lions Club meets at the Hilton Bristol Hotel. More info: Ailsa Young on 07737 106836
October 2015
Monday 19th October 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos 7pm: BSTC Leisure, Youth
& Amenities Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstclya
Wednesday 21st October 7pm: BSTC Finance Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcfin
Tuesday 27th October 10.30am-12pm: Pumpkins, Bats and Witches’ Hats children’s craft activity at Bradley Stoke Library. Suitable for children aged 4 – 11 and their parents/carers.
Wednesday 28th October 11am-3pm: Halloween Fun Day at the Willow Brook Centre with entertainment, free face painting and a craft workshop. More info: http://bit.ly/bs32wbc
Sunday 1st November 6pm: Fireworks Display at the Jubilee Centre. Organised by Bradley Stoke Town Council. For full details, see advert on page 4.
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To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
October 2015
t: 01454 300 400
info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk
43
This month’s Discover Festival events in Bradley Stoke 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+ Thursday 8th October 7pm - 8.30pm at Bradley Stoke Library An evening with author Alex Bellos Meet Alex Bellos. He writes and speaks. Usually, about mathematics. Sometimes, about Brazil. His popular maths and science books are bestsellers and have been translated into more than 20 languages. He writes a maths blog for the Guardian and makes mathematics accessible to even the maths phobic! If that isn’t enough he is also the author of Futebol: the Brazilian Way of Life, a look at contemporary Brazil through football and co-wrote Pelé’s autobiography. Age: 14+. Cost: £3. Booking required. www.alexbellos.com Friday 9th October 6pm - 8pm 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+. Booking required. www.three-brooks.info Monday 12th October to Tuesday 20th October Exhibition at Bradley Stoke Library 210 years since the Battle of Trafalgar From the lead up, to the battle, to Waterloo. Amateur historian Gordon Blight is on hand to explain and provide background. Group visits welcome by arrangement. Tuesday 20th October 3.30pm - 5.30pm at Bradley Stoke Library Bristol Dog Action Welfare Group meet and greet greyhounds Please come along and meet some of our wonderful greyhounds which have been rescued and perhaps learn more about what wonderful family pets these dogs make. www.dawg.org.uk Thursday 22nd October 10am - 1pm at Greencore Prepared Meals, Unit 4 Bristol Distribution Park, Hawkley Drive, Bradley Stoke BS32 0BF Greencore tour – discover chilled soup and sauce making Greencore Prepared Meals Bristol is a major producer of chilled sauces and soups. Come and spend the morning visiting our manufacturing facility in Bradley Stoke and talk with our New Product Development chefs to gain an insight into the process involved in producing an exciting new product with a customer. Fast paced large scale manufacturing environment. Personal protective clothing will be provided by the site in line with Food Safety standards. Age: 18+. Booking required.
For further details, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/discover
Computer Corner
with Graham Simmonds of goto iT, Filton Speech recognition – talk to your computer!
O
ne day we won’t need a keyboard. We will be able to talk to our computers and they will obey our commands. Won’t that be fantastic? Well actually you can do it today. In fact for the last 15 years, computers have been able to recognise speech. There are a programs available costing only £100 that do a pretty good job of putting what you say into a document, so you no longer have to rely on one-fingered typing. You can even file and save documents by talking to your PC. On your phone, whether it is an Android or iPhone, you can command it to call people in your phone book or use the satellite navigate to help you to your destination.
Skype is a free program that enables you have video and audio conversations with people in another country. Earlier this year Microsoft who own Skype, announced that before December it will be able to automatically translate conversations as they are said. Soon we will be able to have a fluent conversation with anyone in the world without having to speak their language. Maybe one day there will be a computer that you can actually have a decent conversation with! Website: www.goto-it.co.uk Tel: 0117 969 8767 Visit our shop on the corner of Filton Avenue and the A4174.
● See our advert on page 31.
The Journal is proud to be Bradley Stoke’s ONLY locally-edited community news magazine
Do something Spiritual this month – become a Freemason! Freemasonry for both Men and Women together
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
44
www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk
t: 01454 300 400
Get well · Stay well
M
October 2015
by Danny from the Willow Brook Clinic
Let’s talk about Core Stability
any people have heard the term ‘core stability’ bandied around a fitness class but few would claim to know exactly what the term actually means. In actual fact, core stability is as important in everyday life as it is in the gym. It helps to prevent injuries in activities from gardening and DIY to shopping! In essence, core stability means ‘stability of the spine’. Your core muscles are those in your stomach and back and ‘core strength’ is the ability to support your spine and keep your body stable and balanced. It is the strength that allows you to perform manual tasks safely and effectively in everyday life. Those who are lacking in this area of strength are more likely to suffer from back injuries, and the likelihood of other peripheral injuries also increases in those with a weak core. There are many core muscles up the entire length of the torso. Whilst there are core muscles in the mid back and neck, the ones that take the heaviest loads are those in the lower back. These lie deep within the trunk of the body, generally attaching to the spine, pelvis and muscles that support the shoulder blades. Importantly, there are two particular core muscles that have been shown to be weak in
those that have or have had lower back pain: • The Transverse Abdominus (TA) is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and lies under the muscles of your waist. It acts as a weightlifters belt – wrapping around the spine for support, protection and stability. • The Multifidus Muscles (MF) are a group of small muscles close in to the spine. These muscles can’t be contracted directly but respond to the movement and action of the TA. They are also the first to start to waste away in an episode of back pain. There are many exercises that can be done, without any additional equipment, to improve the strength of the core muscles. However, you can spend hours doing some exercises incorrectly that will make no improvement to you core strength and some can actually create back pain. It is best to get advice from qualified professional to make sure you get it right. If you are suffering from lower back pain which you believe may be related to weakened core stability or you would like to improve your posture and core stability, see your chiropractor or physiotherapist. www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 23.
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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
October 2015
t: 01454 300 400
PLUMBING & HEATING
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TAXIS
Funeral packages from £1995 Pre-Paid funeral plans from £3200 A private, comfortable meeting room and Chapel of Rest at
8 Badminton Road, Downend BS16 6BQ
Home visits welcome
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PET SERVICES
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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
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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 and Unwind in a quiet location in Bradley Stoke Swedish & deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, Indian head massage First treatment half price Established 14 years www.holistictherapies.biz For enquiries / bookings Contact 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
46
www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS
Accountants & Bookkeepers AD Bookkeeping, Page 44 James Comer Accounting, Page 10 TJS Business Solutions, Page 32 Alternative Therapies Holistic Therapies, Page 45 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 10 Richard Joseph, Page 42 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 45 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 27 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 24 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 45 Carpets & Flooring Bristol Wood Floors, Page 14 Octopus Flooring, Page 4 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 44 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 1 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 23 Churches Bridge Community Church, Page 12 Cleaning & Domestic Services Welcomehome Cleaning, Page 7 Computer Services goto iT, Page 31 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 22 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 42 Double Glazing Crystal Clear Windows, Page 39 JDC Windows, Page 4 Education & Learning Bowsland Green Primary School, Page 18 Kumon Study Programme, Page 35 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 19 Red Maids’ School, Page 9 SGS College, Page 2 Electricians Visit directory on BSJ website Estate Agents CJ Hole, Page 21 Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 37 West Coast Properties, Page 30 Events Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 4 Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 24 Sara Turner Foot Health, Page 7 Funeral Services Jamieson Funeral Services, Page 45 F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 23 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 24 Filton Central Garage, Page 32 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 27 Westlec Auto Electrical, Page 38 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 36 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 31 Professional Gardening Services, Page 46
Gyms & Health Clubs LivingWell Health Club, Page 8 Hair & Beauty Reflections, Page 16 Home Furnishings Branches, Page 48 Home Improvements Dream Doors, Page 40 Harvey’s Select, Page 20 Hotels & Restaurants Holiday Inn Bristol Filton, Page 4 Launderettes & Dry Cleaners Visit directory on BSJ website Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 41 Nails & Beauty Visit directory on BSJ website Opticians Specsavers, Page 17 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 45 Pet Services & Supplies New Passage Cattery, Page 45 Physiotherapy Bradley Stoke Physio, Page 33 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 23 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 38 Photographers Visit directory on BSJ website Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 46 Plumbing & Heating Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 6 Clifton Gas, Page 45 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 35 Gregor Heating, Page 11 JJ Plumbing, Page 18 Panache Plumbing, Page 45 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 45 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 35 JJ Plumbing, Page 18 Richard Joseph, Page 42 Recruitment Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, Page 28 TSB Careers, Page 34 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 46 Shopping Costco, Page 47 Solicitors Bevan Evemy, Page 25 Slimming Clubs Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 41 Slimming World, Page 13 Soft Furnishings Janet Smith, Page 22 Sport & Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 44 Filton Sports & Leisure Centre, Page 15 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 45 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 45 Z Cars, Page 17 TV & Aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 45 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 46
Visit our online directory: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory
October 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
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