February 2016

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

February 2016 • Issue 34

LETTERS P10 | POLICE P26 | QUIZ P34 | WHAT’S ON P42 | DIRECTORY P46

Skate park build gets under way Pages 12 & 13

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

PLUS , IN YOUR 48-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE Leisure centre car park capacity reduced during 12-week build period

Little Stoke parkrun under threat

East Works site redevelopment

Thousands sign petition

Construction to start soon

Pages 10 & 11

Pages 6 & 7

l Tories backtrack on plan to start reducing ‘green bin tax’ from April l First Oxbridge offer for Abbeywood Post-16 l Pedestrian killed in suspected drink-drive collision on Hatchet Road l Town council gives kebab van trader the boot l Second car overturns on Brook Way after colliding with bollard l Latest news on Bradley Stoke MetroBus build l Olympus Trust to help Patchway Community College overcome “significant challenges” l Special guests help make school’s sport-themed literacy day a success l New club for over-55s l Entries open for 2016 Bradley Stoke 10k Run

February 2016

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3

News Tories backtrack on plan to reduce ‘green bin tax’ from April

T

he ruling Conservative group on South Gloucestershire Council has backtracked on its recently announced intention to begin reducing the opt-in £36 charge for emptying green bins from April this year (as reported in our December magazine), blaming the U-turn on higher than expected cuts in the council’s funding from central government.

Introduced with the support of Labour and Liberal Democrats in 2014, the so-called ‘green bin tax’ was opposed at the time by the Conservatives, who later pledged in their May 2015 manifesto to start phasing it out, should they gain control of the council.

Cllr Claire Young (Liberal Democrat, Westerleigh) said: “We knew the council wouldn’t be able to afford to keep free green bins, so made sure the service was financially viable. The Tories had the same information we did – and they either didn’t

understand it, or they decided to mislead the public.”

“Their new budget for the next three years is now out – and without a single mention of garden waste collections anywhere in it. They promised to phase out the charge. They swore it wasn’t needed. They can now make whatever service decisions they like – and their flagship policy is nowhere to be seen.”

“Every resident with a Tory councillor should ask them: Did they not realise what the figures were like? Or did they just lie to get elected?”

A Conservative spokesperson commented: “This charge was put in place at a cost of £650,000 to the taxpayer, to plug an identified budget gap of only £350,000.

Having been left with no choice, large numbers of residents subscribed for the service, and the tax now raises nearly £1.5m per year. As such, it was always going to be more difficult to remove the

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY

charge than it would have been to avoid taking the easy option Labour and the Lib Dems took of passing the buck onto residents by effectively increasing council tax by stealth.”

Speaking of the charge, Matthew Riddle, leader of the council commented: “We are on the side of local people, we care enough about them to try to find innovative ways of finding money instead of taking the easy route and dipping into people’s pockets with a stealth tax. In our manifesto, the Conservatives committed to finding ways to responsibly remove the green bin charge and further committed that, if elected, we would begin phasing out the charge during our term of office.”

In our initial budget plans for this year we were confident that we would be able to fund a £6 reduction in the charge at a cost of around £250,000. However, following the local government

finance settlement, we have had to take a tough decision this year and prioritise other frontline services. As such we will be protecting youth services, introducing an all-hours bus pass for the blind and saving our welfare grant for our most vulnerable.”

“We have written to ministers to raise our concerns about the current settlement and we still plan to fulfil our manifesto commitment and begin phasing out the charge during our time in office.”

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

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5

Schools

First Oxbridge offer for Abbeywood Post-16

S

toke Gifford’s Abbeywood Community School is celebrating the first-ever offer of an Oxbridge place to one of its Post-16 students.

The news represents another important milestone in the school’s improvement journey, which began three years ago when Abbeywood became part of the Olympus Academy Trust following a disappointing Ofsted inspection in December 2011.

Ethan Martin joined the school (then known as Filton High) as a Year 7 student in 2009 and experienced the move into new premises a year later when successor school Abbeywood opened its doors on an adjacent site in September 2010.

Currently studying for A-levels in Maths, Computer Science, Physics and Further Maths, Ethan was encouraged by his teachers to apply for a place at Oxford or Cambridge on the basis of his

excellent AS-level results (AAABB) and predicted A-level grades.

Having made an ‘open’ application to Oxford, meaning that he didn’t apply to a specific college, he says he was surprised but delighted to be called to attend a total of six interviews at three different colleges over the space of three days last November. Admitting to being very nervous for his first interview, Ethan says he performed well in the remaining ones and came away feeling “happy, but not overly confident”.

He was delighted to receive the news, on 6th January, that he has been offered a place to read Mathematics and Computer Science at St Catherine’s College, subject to achieving one A* and two A grades in his forthcoming A-level examinations. Ethan says he realises he will need to work hard in the coming months, but feels the target grades he has

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been set are “achievable”.

Explaining his choice of university course, Ethan says he has always been interested in maths and developed his interest in computing whilst at Abbeywood. Having learnt to code in the ‘Scratch’ visual programming language, he found himself “doing much more than asked”, leading him to consider programming as a future career.

Looking back on his time at Abbeywood, Ethan says he is fortunate that the school had begun to show improvement by the time he did his GCSEs. He appreciates the modern facilities, particularly the provision of a dedicated computer room.

He also has praise for the staff at the school, who he says “definitely try to help you do as well as you can” and are happy to provide extra support outside of lesson times, including guidance in the preparation

Oxbridge hopeful: Ethan Martin

of the all-important ‘personal statement’ required for university applications.

Abbeywood was rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted when inspectors last visited the school in October 2014.

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Former East Works site

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7

News Work set to start soon on 65-acre business park on former East Works site

C

onstruction work is to start soon on a new 65-acre business park on a site in north Bristol that lies immediately south of Gipsy Patch Lane.

Developers St Francis Group and Marcol Industrial have teamed up and acquired the former Rolls-Royce East Works site in Filton. At the same time they have announced a funding deal with BP Pension Fund that commits all parties to the development of nearly 600,000 sq ft of speculative warehouse and industrial space making this probably the largest speculative industrial scheme ever seen in the city.

To be known as Horizon38, the landmark site fronts onto the A38 in Filton near the former Filton airfield, Airbus and RollsRoyce. The developers secured detailed planning consent last year for up to 1.2 million sq ft of commercial space. In addition to warehousing and industrial space, the £120m development will include a frontage of mixeduse with car dealerships, trade counters, self-storage and a major hotel.

Gareth Williams, Development Director at St Francis Group, said: “Horizon38 will be the first major employment scheme to come out of the ground in north Bristol for 20 years. Set on a 65-acre site, this is a hugely significant development. This scheme could not be better timed with occupiers struggling with little or no available stock in north Bristol. This is a very

significant and important project for Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the wider region.”

Paul Baker of JLL, who acted on behalf of BP Pension Fund, added: “The Fund recognised this as a rare opportunity to create the largest single multi-let estate on the northern fringe of Bristol with superb access to both the motorway network and the City of Bristol. With the supply of good quality space at a low, rents growing and occupiers signing longer leases it is the perfect time for speculative development.”

Paul Hobbs, Industrial Director at property adviser Bilfinger GVA in Bristol, who advised the developers on the site purchase, commented: “North Bristol has seen some dramatic changes over recent years. The former Rolls-Royce East Works development site has lain dormant since the recession started in 2008 but the new owners are ready to bring forward this site.”

“This is a major commercial development for the north fringe of Bristol which, as an employment area focussing on industrial and warehousing, will complement the residential (2,600 houses) and retail developments being planned on the opposite side of the A38 on the former Filton Airfield.

“It’s hugely significant for the area – we feel as a development it will be as important for north Bristol as Temple Quay has been for the city centre.”

The Bristol office of JLL

advised BP on the funding agreement and will act jointly with Bilfinger GVA in connection with the industrial and warehousing elements. Gerald Eve acted on behalf of RollsRoyce in the land sale.

Major groundworks will commence on site in early 2016, with phased development leading to the delivery of the first completed buildings expected early in 2017.

Council in negotiation with East Works developers to secure land for new Sort It centre and railway bridge construction compound South Gloucestershire Council has revealed that it is in negotiation with the developers of the East Works site to secure land within the scheme for a waste transfer station, vehicle depot and Sort It Centre to serve the expanding Bristol North Fringe. The existing Sort It Centre at Little Stoke would be closed when the new facility is opened.

A recent report presented to the council’s Policies and Resources Committee states: “The facility requires a minimum of 1.2 hectares of land in a non-residential area with good transport links to support it. Logistically the old Rolls Royce East works site is the optimum location for this facility. The new facility must be opened by 2019-20 to meet the housing demand in the area and will take 2 years from land acquisition to opening, the estimated cost of delivery of the new facility (including the land acquisition) is estimated to be £5.5m.”

The report also states: “The Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension also requires land for a temporary compound and pre-casting yard on the East Works site, in order to carry out the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge replacement element of the scheme.”

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February 2016

News

Tributes paid to 28-year-old pedestrian killed in suspected drink-drive collision

F

lowers and cards have been left at the scene of a tragic road traffic collision on Hatchet Road, Stoke Gifford.

The incident took place at approximately 9.40pm on the evening of Tuesday 19th January, close to the Cooperative store

(formerly the Parkway Tavern), and involved a Vauxhall Astra car colliding with a pedestrian.

Sadly, the pedestrian, a 28-year-old woman, died at the scene as a result of her injuries.

Police officers attended the scene and a 25-year-old man was

arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst alcohol level is above the legal limit.

As a result of further police enquiries, a 28-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The woman was later formally identified as Megan Brogan, 27, from Welwyn, Hatfield, who is believed to have relatives living in Stoke Gifford.

The driver of the car, Jake Mitchell, 25, was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving, drink driving

18th February.

The 28-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A message posted on the Facebook page of the nearby St Michael’s Church on 21st January read: “We are praying for the family of Megan Brogan who tragically died in Stoke Gifford on Tuesday evening. We have made available a book of condolence in the foyer area of the St Michael’s Centre. All are welcome to leave their condolences.”

It is understood that friends

and failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision. He appeared before North Avon Magistrates’ Court on 21st January and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court on

of Megan’s family have been collecting the flowers, cards and tributes that have been placed at the roadside near the scene of the collision and will pass them on to her family in due course. ● www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

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9

News

Town council gives kebab van trader the boot

B

radley Stoke Town Council has terminated the contract of a kebab van operator who rented a pitch in the car park of Brook Way Activity Centre after the trader breached conditions relating to late payment of fees and nonattendance.

Ozzy’s Kebabs took over the pitch previously used by Oasis Food in 2013, but didn’t begin trading until the following year.

The van initially traded seven nights a week, but is understood to have stopped attending in early September 2014.

In October 2014, Ozay Isitman, the owner of the business, told the council that it was running at a loss and he was finding it very difficult to continue trading. He asked the council to modify his contract so that he would only have use of the pitch on Fridays and Saturdays, which was agreed.

However, when the van had

still not appeared by March 2014, councillors decided to issue an ultimatum to Mr Isitman, requiring him to recommence trading by 4th April or lose the pitch. They also imposed special conditions that would result in termination of contract in the event of non-attendance or late payment of pitch hire fees.

The van returned just in time to meet the April deadline,

but following late payment of invoices issued for September, November and December 2015, and reports of further nonattendance, the town council gave the trader formal notice to quit, with immediate effect, on 8th December.

A notice advertising a vacancy for a ‘mobile street trader food pitch’ at the Brook Way site has since appeared on the town

council’s website.

The town council’s Finance Committee agreed in October 2013 that up to two food traders should be allowed on each of its three sites, saying that this would be “beneficial for the area, offering residents a wider choice of multi-cultural takeaway food facilities within the town, at the same time as offering an extra income stream for the council”.

However, in July 2014, following negative public reaction and a contradictory decision by its own Planning Committee, the council decided to revert to its previous policy of having just one trader at Brook Way, one trader at Baileys Court and no traders at the Jubilee Centre.

The only food trader currently operating at any of the council’s sites is Papali’s (formerly Papas Pizzas), which trades six nights a week at Baileys Court Activity Centre.

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February 2016

Letters and Opinions Please save Little Stoke parkrun!

I would like to voice my opinion on the Little Stoke parkrun matter (see article on facing page).

Every which way you look, we are being urged to be more active, be more of a community, be more sociable, and give more back to the community by volunteering.

From the ‘Big Society’, to ‘NHS Live Well’ to ‘Active for Life’, these messages are consistent from all sources.

Except one! Stoke Gifford Parish Council have taken it upon themselves to go against the grain. A council should be there to serve its population. I am part of that population. But now I’m potentially going to be told that I must pay to run in my own park.

Parkrun is a truly, truly wonderful thing. Run entirely by volunteers, it manages to lay on 800 events worldwide, and every single one of them is free to the participant. It provides

a community spirit that is not, and cannot be, matched by any other organisation that involves payment. The simple reason is that without a payment changing hands, there can be no doubt over the intentions of the organisers. They are not there because they have to be, or to collect a paycheck. They are VOLUNTEERS simply there to help others be active, to help others connect with each other, to help others become healthier and fitter, to give back to the community, and to help foster a sense of belonging and team spirit.

As for my personal story, I had never ran for anything other than to catch the bus occasionally and none of my family had run either.

Now...

• I run regularly at the Little Stoke parkrun, and volunteer too.

• My wife started running and completed her first full parkrun.

Something she would not have dreamed of previously.

• My 11 year old runs regularly.

He has steadily improved his fitness, and now loves to volunteer too.

• My 9 year old runs regularly.

His confidence has improved massively, and he also volunteers too.

• Even my 4 year old runs regularly and loves meeting his friends at the junior parkrun. He started off walking the course, but now can run the whole way without stopping.

Without parkrun, this is one family in Bradley Stoke that would be significantly less healthy, and far less integrated into the local neighbourhood.

I’m sure we’re not the only one.

It is that sense of community and friendship that gets us out there on a weekend.

It is more than a weekend run.

It is getting to know local people.

It is to regularly see someone on the street or at the supermarket and say hello and chat, because you have met them at parkrun.

Parkrun is not a race. It is not elitist. It is open for all ages and all abilities - the person who gets round in an hour is treated the same as the person who gets round in 20 minutes.

Families can run together, from grandparents to grandchildren.

People in wheelchairs go round, and babies in pushchairs. And they can do this every single week. The absence of a charge for this whole event makes that a truly inclusive proposition.

The freedom to run free must be preserved.

Save Little Stoke parkrun!

Waseem Ahmed Bradley Stoke

Timeline of the Little Stoke parkrun 3/11/12: Inaugural parkrun attended by 112 runners 21/9/1: First parkrun with more than 200 runners 29/6/14: Inaugural junior parkrun attended by 96 kids 6/6/15: First parkrun with more than 300 runners 8/9/15: Parish council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee unanimously agrees that adult parkrunners should pay £1 per adult per run, with effect from 7/11/15 13/10/15: Parish council agrees to delay the imposition of a charge for six months, to allow time for other revenue raising avenues to be explored 22/1/16: parkrun team reports that no progress has been made and parish council has informed it that a decision on withdrawing permission for parkrun will be made at a Full Council meeting on 9/2/16.

Online petition to ‘Keep Little Stoke parkrun in Little Stoke park’ started 24/1/16: Online petition reaches 5,000 signatures 29/1/16: Parish council says it has asked South Gloucestershire Council to assist with talks with parkrun and a decision will now be made at a Full Council meeting on 12/4/16

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11

News

Thousands sign petition to keep local parkrun

M

ore than 7,000 people have signed an online petition to persuade Stoke Gifford Parish Council to allow the hugely popular Little Stoke parkrun to continue at Little Stoke Park after its future was threatened by a council decision to levy a charge of £1 per runner.

One of hundreds of similar events that take place around the country at 9am every Saturday morning, Little Stoke parkrun is a free-to-enter timed 5k run that is open to everyone and designed to be safe and easy to take part in.

Hundreds of participants

The Little Stoke event began in November 2012, with support from South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), and has seen its number of participants grow from fewer than a hundred per week during its first six months to an average of 235 per week in 2015, with some runs attracting in excess of 300.

It is delivered entirely by local volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of their time over the course of a year.

A founding principle of the global parkrun organisation is that events should be inclusive and have no barriers to participation, which local organisers say rules out any compulsory charge being made on participants and any handling of money by parkrun volunteers.

A parish council meeting last October voted to delay the imposition of a charge for six

months, to allow time for other revenue raising avenues to be explored, but on 22nd January local parkrun organisers reported in an email to participants that they had been informed that the council had indicated it now planned to make a decision on “whether or not to withdraw permission” for the local adult parkrun at a meeting of Full Council on 9th February.

An online petition was started, which attracted 5,000 signatures in the first 48-hours and runners were encouraged to write letters to the local media (The Journal has so far received 27, one of which is printed opposite).

Organisers added: “We remain hopeful that the parish council will accept our argument that Little Stoke parkrun imposes little cost and brings substantial benefits to the community, and is deserving of their continued support.”

Financial contribution

the parish council meeting in October 2015, the discussion concerning our continued support for parkrun was deferred for a period of six months, in order for full negotiations to take place. That period has not yet expired and the parish councillors have always indicated their preference for the run to continue.”

“The parish council has requested South Gloucestershire Council, who are the land owners, to assist with talks with parkrun on our behalf.”

“A decision regarding the future of the parkrun at Little Stoke Park will be made at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 12th April 2016, 7pm at the Little Stoke Community Hall.”

The Journal understands that the parish council has now moved away from the idea of imposing a £1 per runner charge (which would have yielded £11,000 in 2015) and would instead like parkrun to make a financial contribution to the maintenance of the park by applying to SGC for a Community Grant (usually limited to £3,000 per organisation per year).

A statement released by the parish council following an Extraordinary Meeting held on 22nd January reads: “At

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February 2016

News

C

onstruction work has finally begun on a new skate park for Bradley Stoke, at a new location within the grounds of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

Councillors, council officers and local young people recently met on-site to mark the occasion.

Town Mayor Cllr Roger Avenin commented: “I am pleased to have officially started the construction of the new skate park development for Bradley Stoke. The former park has proven itself to be a significant asset to the town over the years.

However, the current park has now met the end of its useable life and needs to be replaced.”

“Building on the success of the existing park, we have taken the opportunity to reach out to the community to understand how best to replace and rejuvenate the park. The new skate park will be a modern state-of-the-art amenity which will serve the community for many years to come.” ● A number of parking spaces in the leisure centre’s overflow car park have been taken out of service for the duration of the skate park build. A notice in the leisure centre advises that fourhour free parking is available at the Willow Brook Centre. For more info, phone 0300 333 0300

Ground broken on new skate park

Above: Cllr Avenin (centre, with spade) breaks the ground of the new skate park. Below: One of the bowls takes shape.

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Excitement builds for new skate park

By Claudia Stobbart, BSCS media student Saturday 9th January marked the end of an era for many people around Bradley Stoke, as the old skate park began to be dismantled.

Sam Lovell, a pro rider who got noticed by his sponsor at the old skate park, says there are many memories attached to the old skate park, but he’s very excited for the new one to open, as he thinks it’s time for a change.

He believes that a skate park in Bradley Stoke not only keeps kids out of trouble, but also gives children who aren’t interested in traditional sports an opportunity to thrive at something and have fun with their friends.

Not only are the older riders enthusiastic about the new skate park, but the younger ones are too. When asking a group of 8 and 9-year-old boys about the opening of the new skate park, they giggled with excitement and told me all about the new helmets and pads their parents had bought in preparation.

The new skate park will make children and teenagers want to go outside more and make friends along the way. It will be a fantastic addition to Bradley Stoke, and will have a huge impact on our community.

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Path from nature reserve

Overflow car park

Site of old skate park

Visualisation of how the new skate park will look once completed. The blue structure is a converted shipping container to provide storage and a small social space.

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15

News Another car overturns on Brook Way – Concerns raised over safety of traffic islands

F

urther concerns have been raised over the safety of a series of traffic islands on Brook Way, Bradley Stoke following a second incident in which a vehicle flipped over after apparently striking the kerb of one of the islands.

The latest incident, which happened near the junction with The Common East, occurred at around 6.30pm on Saturday 23rd January and involved a silver Vauxhall Zafira which, according to police, hit a bollard and flipped onto its side.

A police spokesperson added: “The male driver suffered a cut hand and shock, but wasn’t seriously hurt. He was treated by an ambulance crew. There were no offences committed. The car had to be towed away and the road was clear by 8.15pm.”

The incident appears to be remarkably similar to one that occurred further down Brook Way on 1st October last year, in which a red VW Polo flipped over near the junction with Merryweather Close.

The driver of that vehicle also escaped serious injury and police similarly concluded that no offences had been committed.

In both incidents, the vehicle

Brook Way, 23rd January 2016 appears to have been launched into the air after striking the front ‘nose’ of a narrow traffic island that separates the main carriageway from an on-road cycle lane in the vicinity of a speed cushion and informal pedestrian crossing.

Following the October incident, Journal editor Stephen Horton voiced concerns over the safety of the traffic islands and bollards at a meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council, remarking that the incident could have had much more serious consequences

Brook Way, 1st October 2015 had pedestrians been in the vicinity of the crossing.

The matter was referred to South Gloucestershire Council, who replied with statistics showing that there had been four ‘injury accidents’ on Brook Way over the last thirteen years (one in the last ten years). They noted that the existing traffic calming scheme is showing signs of wear and tear and its possible replacement could be “fully investigated and costed over the next 12 months” and included as a potential scheme for selection by councillors.

In the meantime, the council said it intended to get the existing bollards furnished with a wide band of white reflective tape to help make them more visible to motorists, but there are doubts as to whether this measure has actually been implemented yet.

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February 2016

News

Bradley Stoke MetroBus build update (Jan ‘16) News from South Gloucestershire Council, presented at the public drop-in sessions held on 14th January Woodlands Lane closure

Aztec West Rbt

1 3

2 Patchway Brook Rbt Imagery ©2016 DigitalGlobe, Getmapping plc, Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky, The GeoInformation Group, Map data ©2016 Google

Bradley Stoke Way: 1 = Woodlands Lane crossing; 2 = Patchway Brook zebra crossing; 3 = Orchard Gate crossing

Background

The North Fringe to Hengrove MetroBus project consists of nine major (over £1m) contracts. The contract for works along Bradley Stoke Way is being delivered by Alun Griffiths Contractors and is valued at £5.3m.

Aztec West to Patchway Brook Roundabout

The section of work on Bradley Stoke Way between Aztec West and Patchway Brook Roundabout is currently underway and has been the subject of attention from the public and local politicians

due to the temporary traffic management arrangements.

A map of this section of the scheme shown above.

All traffic management has been approved by the project team and South Gloucestershire Council’s StreetWorks team.

A full closure of Woodlands Lane at its junction with Bradley Stoke Way (1) has been in place since August 2015. It was initially scheduled to be reopened in January 2016 but is now not likely to reopen before August 2016.

The closure also affects the associated signalised pedestrian crossing with pedestrians diverted to Orchard Gate (3), approximately 150m to the east.

Work at the junction involves realignment and carriageway widening to accommodate bus priority measures. The primary reasons for the construction delays on Bradley Stoke Way are as follows: • A significant factor is the number of uncharted and abandoned apparatus in this location. A pre-existing road surface, underneath the current

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February 2016

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Temporarily closed zebra crossing at Patchway Brook Roundabout (2)

verge, houses abandoned drainage pipes, gas pipes and ducting.

• Information regarding the gas main indicated that it was much lower in the ground than it actually is. This meant that the apparatus was not programmed to be diverted and the MetroBus design had to be modified accordingly.

Patchway Brook Rbt zebra crossing closure

The zebra crossing at this location (2) has been closed to allow for carriageway widening on the northern side which will allow a north-westbound bus lane to be constructed.

The crossing is expected to be closed until March 2016 with pedestrians directed to use the signalised crossing at Orchard Gate (3), approximately 150m to the west. Some pedestrians are also choosing to cross the other arms of the roundabout.

Mitigating actions

We continue to work with the contractor to reduce programme delays to minimise delays and

disruption to the public.

We are exploring the possibility of evening and weekend working although this would be a change to the scheme’s planning conditions.

Once the Patchway Brook Roundabout crossing is reopened in March 2016, the Orchard Gate crossing is due to be closed until August 2016. We are investigating what temporary crossing arrangements can be introduced during this period.

Disturbance inevitable

A spokesperson for MetroBus commented: “A major £200 million investment in new sustainable public transport will, unfortunately, create disturbance for people during the build. The three councils – South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset, are working closely with the many contractors involved (nine in South Gloucestershire alone) across the 50km works to keep any disturbance as minimal as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused.” ● travelwest.info/metrobus

How to get in touch with the MetroBus contractors Alun Griffiths have 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 number is manned between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Outside these hours, please leave a message and your call will be returned.

For more information, visit The Journal’s dedicated Bradley Stoke MetroBus Build webpage: http://bit.ly/metrobusbuild

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February 2016

Schools

Olympus Trust to help Patchway Community College overcome “significant challenges” Joint statement from Patchway Community College and The Olympus Academy Trust on 22nd January

I

t has been revealed that Patchway Community College (PCC) has been in discussions with The Olympus Academy Trust to explore how it might be able to help the Patchway secondary school overcome “significant challenges” that it is said to face.

The move follows the departure of the PCC headteacher at the end of last year and the recent official publication of another poor set of GCSE results,

which showed that just 40% of students achieved five or more A*-C grades, compared to the national average of 57.1% (52.9% in South Gloucestershire).

The Olympus Academy Trust already sponsors four academies in the local area, namely Bradley Stoke Community School, Abbeywood Community School (Stoke Gifford), Meadowbrook Primary School (Bradley Stoke) and Charborough Road Primary School (Filton).

Within the education system nationally, there is a move towards groups of schools working together for mutual support and for the benefit of their learners within multiacademy trusts, often within geographical localities. There is a strong record of partnership working between Patchway Community College and the secondary schools within The Olympus Academy Trust (Abbeywood and Bradley Stoke) through the Concorde Partnership. This has enabled students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 to study together in, and to be taught by staff from, one another’s schools.

The governors and staff of Patchway Community College recognise that they face significant challenges and that, operating as an independent institution, is unlikely to overcome the issues with its ageing buildings, lower student numbers and GCSE outcomes of late. It is fortunate to have secured the services of a very experienced headteacher, Mr Roger Gilbert, to lead it through its next phase following the departure of its long-serving headteacher, Mrs Jane Millicent, at the end of 2015.

Governors of Patchway Community College and

directors of its Academy Trust, Fusion, have decided that the school would benefit from being a member of a multi-academy trust and have approached The Olympus Academy Trust about joining as they have seen the positive impact the trust has had locally and it seems logical to build on existing partnership arrangements rather than look elsewhere. Directors of both trusts have discussed this possibility and have been in contact with the Regional Schools Commissioner, Sir David Carter, about potential support for such a proposal.

It has been agreed that a programme of partnership support will be provided by The Olympus Academy Trust as a next step. This will prepare for the possibility of Olympus taking full responsibility for Patchway Community College in due course. Before that can happen, approval will need to be given by the Regional Schools Commissioner’s Headteacher Board and a full consultation with members of both academy trusts’ communities alongside further due diligence by both sets of directors. We will provide further updates as they become available.

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February 2016

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19

In Brief Join in to help improve your neighbourhood

New minibus for Baileys Court Primary School The delivery of a new school minibus to Baileys Court Primary School in Bradley Stoke caused quite a stir at the beginning of January. Hundreds of pupils were brought out of classes to see the vehicle arrive and an almighty cheer went up as it turned into Breaches Gate. A statement in the school newsletter explained: “The bus will give us more flexibility in terms of transporting children to forest schools and will also be available to take children to swimming if it is raining. We are hoping that the bus will provide more opportunities to take children out on visits to support their learning across the curriculum.”

“Students are very polite, well mannered and courteous towards each other and to adults and visitors. They are inquisitive and fun to talk to. Their work is neat, tidy and well presented” Ofsted

The next meeting of the Bradley Stoke Safer and Stronger Community Group will be held on Thursday 25th February at the Jubilee Centre, starting at 7pm.

Regular meetings are held for all local residents and organisations to discuss local issues and community projects.

The meetings are attended by representative from South Gloucestershire Council, Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire & Rescue, town & parish councils and local organisations.

Everyone is welcome, you can raise any improvements or issues you may have, or simply come along and listen to what is being discussed for your area.

The more local residents that attend, the better the group can reflect the needs of the local area and help influence decisions. ● For more information, phone 01454 865839 or visit www. southglos.gov.uk/saferstronger

“Students are motivated by enthusiastic teachers who have strong subject knowledge and use a variety of teaching methods and resources to help the students to learn well and achieve.” Ofsted

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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Film Review

by Dominic Merrien

The Revenant (15)

W

hether he deserves an Oscar for his role in Revenant or not, it shouldn’t really matter in the context of this film’s greatness. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance complements a polished, gritty, real feeling film that leaves you wondering whether director Alejandro

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February 2016

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

Inarritu purposely customised the film to elevate his profile to Oscar Winner… True or not, he is without a doubt on the road to win the prestigious statuette for his performance in Revenant.

So here’s my review for the incredible Revenant (rated 15).

Be prepared, it is a long film that will catch you unaware with its content which is both visually and emotionally stunning!

Revenant is set in Canada during the 1820’s and all significant trade on this new continent at this time is made by exchanging exotic fur with other traders... very much the foundations of modern capitalism in North America.

These are dangerous times for frontier, first nation types who courageously battle the harsh weather, the perils of their trade, cunning French soldiers and of course… disgruntled and ruthless Indians. Hugh Glass (Played by DiCaprio), is caught

unaware as he and others are chased out from their small encampment by Indians. Glass is one of the few that escapes alive, followed by his son and a few others.

On their travel towards safety, Glass is attacked by a bear. I struggle to find words to describe what happens here… you have to see the film to experience what Glass goes through. It’s one of the most intensely brutal scenes witnessed on film. Just when you think the attack is over… well guess again! The terror that Glass experiences, and what the viewer witnesses makes the scene feel terrifyingly real.

The story continues with the other survivors eventually abandoning Glass with the deviant John Fitzgerald (played by an almost unrecognisable Tom Hardy) being largely to blame, both for his abandonment and for the appalling murder

of his son.

Glass eventually recovers to go after Fitzgerald to avenge his son’s murder.

It’s an amazing film that very much equals Ridley Scott’s Gladiator on its placing and purpose of dream sequences.

The music is beautiful. The film’s spiritual. It tugs at your emotions with its feeling of realness a result of being almost entirely shot in natural light. The loss of Glass’ wife is felt in the film but annoyingly the viewer is kept at distance from real events leading up to her death. DiCaprio powers through as normal showcasing considerable skill and guts having had to learn Indian tongue, musketry and eat raw meat while being a relatively well known vegetarian!

Revenant gets four and a half stars out of five for me… It truly is one to remember!

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February 2016

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21

Business

Willow Brook Clinic expands to meet demand

I

t was a very busy start to 2016 for the staff at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Clinic, based on the first floor of the town’s popular Willow Brook shopping centre.

Amongst dry walls, plaster board and paint, the old Willow Brook Clinic was cocooned and on the 11th January 2016 the doors to the new, improved and expanded clinic opened.

The clinic now has five purpose-built treatment rooms and a rehabilitation room. The reception seating area provides a relaxed environment and is spacious. The reception and administration area has been improved allowing two members of staff to work alongside each other. The practice manager, Karen Ferguson, has her own dedicated office space, strategically placed so that she can keep an eye on proceedings.

All in all, an environment where Willow Brook Clinic can continue to burst with customer care.

Willow Brook Clinic offers a range of services covering all areas of musculo-skeletal health care.

There is an established team of chiropractors and physiotherapists as well as massage therapists and a podiatrist.

“The main reason for the expansion is that the need for private musculo-skeletal services is growing and we had simply run out of appointments to see patients,” explains Moira de Groot, a director of the clinic.

“The new treatment rooms

will give us the flexibility we need to continue to provide the residents of Bradley Stoke and the surrounding communities with outstanding hands-on health care.”

New services

“In addition, we have expanded our range of services to include Occupational Therapy and Personal Training. We have developed a Rehab Room which will house a variety of gym and exercise equipment. This equipment will be used to help patients with post-operative rehabilitation as well as providing a service for those patients wanting to take advantage of a private, peaceful environment in which to exercise and improve their health and well-being.

“We have also been approached by other practitioners offering different services, which we are considering including into the clinic.”

“None of this could have been achieved without the support of the patient base that attend Willow Brook Clinic, the skilled practitioners and the capable reception and administration team.”

Moira and Craig de Groot, directors of Willow Brook Clinic

trading we saw fewer patients than we now treat in a week.

We are delighted that we are helping so many people and we look forward to continuing our high standards of practice and delivering remarkable customer service to all our patients.”

We look forward to welcoming

our existing patients, and new patients alike, to Willow Brook Clinic. Please contact us on 01454 625201 to make an appointment or to discuss your requirements.

Take a look at our website www. willowbrookclinic.co.uk if you require any further information.

Get well, stay well!

Vision realised

What started as a vision in 2008 has become a reality for Craig and Moira de Groot, directors of Willow Brook Clinic. “We are thrilled to have achieved so much during such challenging financial times. In our first month of

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February 2016

News

Bradley Stoke Journal’s Facebook page reaches 5,000 ‘likes’ milestone

T

he Bradley Stoke Journal’s Facebook page has reached another significant milestone by breaking through the 5,000 ‘likes’ barrier.

The achievement is the latest manifestation of The Journal’s popularity and represents a five-fold increase in ‘fans’ since we launched our monthly print magazine in May 2013.

The Journal’s Twitter feed has also seen an increase in followers, breaching the 2,500 mark around the turn of the year.

Despite the growth of our social media channels, our website remains popular and continues to be the only Bradley Stoke focused site to be listed in the prestigious Google News search listings.

Not to be outdone, our monthly print magazine saw its

annual letterbox distribution increase to more than 113,000 copies in 2015, while at the same time recording an 18% increase in the average number of pages printed per issue.

Journal editor Stephen Horton comments: “Reaching the 5,000 Facebook ‘likes’ milestone is a massive achievement for a hyperlocal news publication that serves a town with a population of just over 20,000.”

“Our Facebook page enables us to keep residents informed of important local news between issues of our print magazine.

It also allows readers to easily comment on stories that have appeared in the magazine and to start new discussions by posting their own news items, which appear in the ‘visitor posts’ section.*”

“Readers can also send private messages to our Facebook page and they will usually receive a response within minutes.”

“The Journal is proud to be the town’s only locally-edited community news publication and reaching this latest milestone shows just how much local residents appreciate our multi-channel offering at a time when many other local news publications are in decline.” ● Check out our separate Facebook pages for the Stoke Gifford Journal, Patchway Journal and Filton Journal. The total fan count across all Journal

Series Facebook pages currently stands at 6,786. *Please note that commercial postings are not allowed and all posts are moderated, so may take a while to become publicly viewable. Reader posts that are not relevant to Bradley Stoke or are not considered suitable for our corporate Facebook page will not be approved.

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February 2016

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23

News

New year, new garden for Bradley Stoke nursery

C

hildren at a Bradley Stoke nursery have been enjoying play time in their newly renovated garden which features two designated areas specially designed for toddlers and babies.

The Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School at Baileys Court, Bradley Stoke has overhauled the Pre-school garden with help from playground designers Play Force, while the baby garden has been re-landscaped and new Astro turf installed.

Included in the new garden is a sliding lid sandpit, den frame, mini beast habitat, play mulch, tepees, a woodland crossing, fun grow seating planter and imagination circle all designed to provide learning opportunities as well as being an exciting environment.

Mama Bear’s director Bev Driffield, who runs the business with husband Tony, said: “We are thrilled with the new garden at Baileys Court, it looks great and the children are absolutely loving playing with the new equipment and exploring new areas.

“The major restructuring of the garden, with the help of Playforce, has meant we now have an outstanding play environment which also boasts educational

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

elements and encourages our children to love the outdoors.”

“Many of our other nurseries’ gardens have been upgraded too and they have been a great success. We hope to upgrade more of our nursery gardens in coming years.”

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to improving our nursery provision and ensuring the best outcome for all children in our care.”

The Baileys Court nursery currently has unused two-year old places which can be accessed by eligible families for free thanks to a government scheme.

Baileys Court nursery manager Laura Link said: “We have funded places which aren’t being used so we’re encouraging families to check whether they are eligible and get in touch!

Nursery life at Mama Bear’s is so beneficial to toddlers as we encourage social, physical and educational development.”

“We are all so excited by the new garden nursery and look forward to welcoming more children into our care who can enjoy our facilities. We imbed a family feel into our work and embrace the close relationships we have with our parents and children.”

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is a family-run childcare organisation which was established in 2002 with the aim of making highquality, affordable childcare available to families living, working or studying in the South West. The nurseries aim to provide children with their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.

Mama Bear’s nurseries are open each weekday from 7.30am to 6pm, or until 7pm on request, for 51 weeks of the year, closing between Christmas and New Year, and all bank holidays.

For more information about the Baileys Court nursery or to register at Mama Bear’s visit www.mamabear.co.uk or call Claire Beaumont-Wraith on 07435 965604.

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February 2016

Now is the perfect time to help your child achieve their full potential.

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Special guests help sport-themed liter Free Trial available from 1-29 February Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

By Sean Watts he Year 7 boys from Bradley Stoke Community School were treated to an off-timetable ‘Session 16’ day on Wednesday 13th January as part of the school’s aim to try and get more boys into literacy.

The day was angled around the profession of sports journalism, and PE teacher and avid literacy encourager Mr Randall managed to pull off some incredible special guests in a bid to make the day a memorable one for the kids.

The early morning consisted of current Gloucestershire Cricket Club head coach Richard Dawson, batsman Benny Howell and media manager Luke Sellers talking to the boys about the importance of literacy and how it has had an effect on their lives.

Then for the rest of the morning they were tasked with playing a sport of their choice for an hour, and gathering material that they could use for their next task – which was to come up with a piece of sports journalism.

All of the staff members, as well as the afternoon guests which included former British Olympian Vernon Samuels and Bristol Rovers duo Jake Gosling and Billy Bodin, were incredibly impressed with what the boys produced.

T

There was an incredible variety of original ideas created by everyone that ranged from match reports to interviews and player profiles, and it was fascinating to see what everybody came up with.

After lunch, staff members and guests judged the pieces that the boys came up with whilst they were having a reading hour.

The boys who did the best work were rewarded with great prizes such as a trip to watch a Bristol Rugby game in the press box and a journey to the home of the Paralympics to spend the day with the TEAM GB wheelchair basketball squad as they prepare for Rio 2016.

As a former student at the school and second year Sports Journalism student at The University of Gloucestershire myself, it was really encouraging to see how well they all applied themselves and how much the kids seemed to enjoy the day. The effort put into organising the day

by Mr Randall was clear to see and the boys definitely responded to the passion that he has for literacy, as well as the special guests who are sure to help encourage the kids to get more into reading and writing. ● See more photos from the event on the BSJ Facebook page.

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February 2016

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25

Year 7 Boys literacy day: Main prize winners Trip to Stoke Mandeville (2nd Feb) (Home of the Paralympic Games) to meet TEAM GB Wheelchair basketball squad as they prepare for Rio 2016.

Winners: Liang Zhang, Lloyd Harvery and Owen Bryant Bristol Rugby Football Club media experience (22nd Jan) Courtesy of Craig Capel at Bristol Rugby Community Foundation.

Attend Bristol v Ulster fixture on Friday 22nd January. Tour of new stadium, meet media department, sit alongside sports journalist during game, attend post-match press conference.

Winners: Reece Bath, Ollie Coombs and Luke Wheaton

p make school’s racy day a success Vernon Samuels addresses the Year 7 boys

BRFC players Billy Bodin and Jake Gosling

The boys’ journalistic efforts are assessed

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February 2016

Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports Help make our roads safer in 2016

T

he recent fatal road collision at Stoke Gifford (see page 8), in which a woman pedestrian was killed, was a shocking reminder about the importance of road safety.

A man has been charged in connection with that incident, so it would be inappropriate to comment more. But it’s right to draw attention to what we can all do every time we travel.

Road safety, including speeding, is one of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s priorities for the force.

We aim to achieve that in every community, including Bradley Stoke and South Gloucestershire.

To that end, we employ six police speed enforcement motorbikes and nine vans, operating from bases in Almondsbury, Keynsham, Somerton and Bridgwater.

We have also reactivated

static cameras across the Constabulary area.

Independent national research shows that cameras do deter speeding and anything that makes motorists think about their speed can only be a good thing.

We were disappointed at the increased number of people caught drink or drug driving over the Christmas and New Year holiday.

A total of 155 people were arrested on suspicion of drink / drug driving offences compared with 106 in December 2014.

Of those, 96 were charged compared with 59 during December 2014.

Temporary Chief Inspector Stuart Bell, leading the Operation Tonic road safety campaign, said: “Even one driver caught driving under the influence is one too many. We are very disappointed in the increase in this year’s

figures. Once we have the full information and data from the operation we will be analysing the results to try to understand why so many people felt they could take the risk and break the law.”

“Our ongoing aim is to work with our partners to educate people about the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving, and to send out a strong message that to do so is morally and socially unacceptable.

Ideally, we will prevent all drink and drug driving, and will aim to catch one hundred per cent of people who drink and drug drive, to deter others and to make our roads safer for all.”

“We are committed to making the roads of Avon and Somerset as safe as possible. Our message is clear – drivers who choose to exceed the speed limit or drink or drug drive can expect to be caught and prosecuted.”

Recent incidents • We attended a road traffic collision on Brook Way on 23rd January (see page 15).

• We discovered a small cannabis factory at a house in Stean Bridge Road, Bradley Stoke at 4pm on 24th January.

Some cultivation equipment and a small amount of cannabis leaf was seized and three men were arrested and bailed on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.

Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre Tuesday 9th February – 5pm to 7pm Tuesday 1st March – 5pm to 7pm ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes

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February 2016

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27

Business

Job opportunities as Alun Griffiths make their mark in the West

A

lun Griffiths Contractors have been delivering infrastructure projects in Wales and the West of England for over 40 years and have recently opened a regional office in Bristol. Having now firmly established itself in the local area, this has led to continued employment of local staff and labour. Griffiths have long term plans in the area and are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join their West of England team.

The West of England region is headed up by Dr Simon Dunn, who has local ties to the area as a resident of Emersons Green. “Being a local resident and having friends and family who live and work around Bradley Stoke, I understand the frustrations being caused by the construction works on Bradley Stoke Way and I am fully committed to ensuring that we work with local residents to minimise these frustrations as much as possible. Having a wife who works in Aztec West ensures that I am regularly reminded

of the need to get these works completed as quickly as possible and I would like to reassure all local residents and businesses that their comments are given our full attention and we are working to mitigate the impacts of the work in this very difficult working environment.”

Projects in the West

The regional Griffiths Team have delivered a number of projects locally, examples of recent projects include: • Capels Mill Canal Restoration in Stroud which opened 300 metres of new canal and created a recreational area for local residents • Wallbridge Lock Works in Stroud further assisted in the restoration of the canal through Stroud • Griffiths also constructed the first council-owned wind farm in Avonmouth that delivers green energy for the local area Further down the M5, Griffiths also delivered transport improvements into Westonsuper-Mare as part of the Weston

Package which included the construction of a new car park, a bus terminus and improved links into and out of Weston.

Griffiths have also delivered a number of public realm improvements including; Radstock town centre in BANES and Gainsborough Square in Lockleaze, Bristol.

Most recently, the regional team have been working as part of the MetroBus team to deliver public transport improvements across the West of England including the construction of the South Bristol Link. All these projects have been overseen by the same team of local employees who are now delivering the North Fringe to Hengrove Package.

Simon closed by saying: “Being a regional contractor, we are always on the lookout for

Simon Dunn, area projects manager with Alun Griffiths (Contracts) Ltd

local people to join our growing team and would welcome any CVs to be sent to metrobus@ alungriffiths.co.uk”

We’re Bradley Stoke’s

most popular* local news publication

*Measured by total number of followers on Facebook & Twitter Last checked on 1st February 2016

Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal

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

February 2016

February 2016

t: 01454 300 400

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February 2016

Advertising Feature Irish dancing classes proving popular at Bradley Stoke and North Bristol venues

F

ounded ten years ago, the O’Malley School of Irish Dance is one of the leading Irish Dancing schools in the South West. Based primarily in North Bristol, the school now has over 70 dancers and caters for girls and boys of all ages and abilities from beginner through to World Championship level plus group Ceili dancing. The school competes in a variety of competitions nationally and also performs locally at public, private and charity events.

Classes for children take place on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings at Bradley Stoke Community School and for

adults on Tuesday evenings at St Teresa’s Church in Filton.

All classes are personally taught by the owner, Kate O’Malley, who has been dancing herself for over 20 years and has competed at World Championship level.

“Irish dancing is a great way for anyone to keep fit,” says Kate.

“It also gives dancers confidence to get involved and to perform.”

For more information or to register an interest for you or your child, please contact Kate on 07934 444877 or omalleyirishdance@hotmail. co.uk or visit the website at www.omalleyirishdance.co.uk

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News

What do local students think of university student loans?

By Natasha Richardson, BSCS Media student he 2016 university deadline application date has recently passed and now students are in the vital stage of deciding where they are going to spend the next few years of their educational life.

Many factors will affect their final decisions such as; living on or off campus, course specific details, the facilities and of course the financial implications. Students now have to pay off a debt at the end of university and this is only one part of how money will alter their entire education.

In September 2012, the tuition fee loan for university rose to £9,000 a year. This fee is to be paid back in monthly instalments after university when the student is earning more than £21,000. Maintenance grants were once a way for students from lower-income households to have financial support through university. The student’s household income would

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determine their total yearly grant.

However, starting in the 2016/17 academic year, maintenance grants will become loans. It follows the same outline as the grant, but will need to be paid back with the tuition fee loan.

The loan will be of use in aiding students who need financial support but will rapidly increase the debt needing to be paid.

A large majority of students who are in their final year of education at the Bradley Stoke Community School Sixth Form are planning on attending university. One student, by the name of Jessica Lacy, hopes to go to university to further her studies in Geography. She is worried about the debt that will be left after university but only “in case the government suddenly decides it (the loan) goes against your credit score”. At the current moment the loan will not affect credit scores but the Government could change this with a justified reason. In Jessica’s case, she hopes she’ll “live at home

Living at home and studying locally (e.g. UWE) is one way of limiting debt

cheaply” and has not been put off by the financial side because she needs “a degree to be ahead with (her) career”.

Similarly, Neave Spikings, a student who’s going to study a film production degree at university at the start of the 2016 academic year, has not been put off going to university either. She believes that it is a “very controlled version of living alone” and that support can still be supplied by parents and the university if needs be.

A concept the two students do not agree on and many other students will argue over too, is whether or not the tuition fee is

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too high. Some students claim it is and that it can prevent students from leaving home to go to university as they don’t want to pay accommodation fees on top of that. However, some students will argue that this huge fee is needed as it supports the building of new facilities, pays staff and upgrades the student accommodation. The idea of increasing the fees is not approved by most students, even the ones who justify the need for the tuition fees. This is due to the fact that most students don’t want to pay the ridiculous fees that are needed in America, nor do they want the possibility of getting into Russell Group universities to be made impossible for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For now, it appears most students will go to university even with the £9,000 tuition fee but if the fee was to rise further, the attendance figures may drop.

Clown theatre performs during half-term week All the fun of the circus comes to Bradley Stoke’s Jubilee Centre on Thursday 11th February at 11.30am & 2pm, when television’s National Clown Theatre stages its all new, interactive, laughterpacked stage show ‘Cartoon Circus Live’.

Chief clown Charlie Cheesecake says: “It’s a show for all the family, whatever the weather.”

All tickets are only £5 and are available from 01384 423496.

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News Get behind the Great Daffodil 2016

E

very March, thousands of people across the country join together and pull out all the stops to get behind the Great Daffodil Appeal. By giving a little bit of time to do something they love, they’re supporting people living with a terminal illness.

The local Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group will be collecting at: • Friday 19th February – Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke • Sunday 28th February – Asda/

Matalan • Saturday 5th March – Willow Brook Centre/Superdrug • Saturday 5th March – Superdrug, Cribbs Causeway • Sunday 6th March – Superdrug, Cribbs Causeway • Saturday 12th March – The Mall Can you please spare an hour or two to help them collect?

If so, please contact the Five Stokes Fundraising Group on 07855 564806 or email thefivestokesfundraisinggroup@ gmail.com

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Get well · Stay well

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February 2016

by Podiatrists from the Willow Brook Clinic

Putting your best feet forward

his time of year sees many of us putting on our trainers and making our best effort to exercise, to improve or maintain our health.

The days are becoming brighter and we are trying to look after ourselves. There is no escaping the fact that exercise is good for us. Making sure our bodies are in the right condition for exercise is a good starting point to ensure success.

Our lower leg and foot health is very important when we exercise and also in our day to day lives. Our feet carry our body weight and they need to be looked after as much as the rest of our bodies. Sadly, many of us neglect our feet or are embarrassed about how they look and how they function.

Seeing a podiatrist to help address any concerns with your feet is the right step forward.

It is a positive investment in your health and wellbeing and a good starting point if you are new to exercise.

Whatever your sport or fitness routine, the fact is that you will most likely depend on your feet to participate. You will also be keen to avoid injury and overcome problems as soon as possible.

A significant proportion of sports and exercise related injury can be put down to impaired foot function, simply because the foot is a weightbearing extremity and is at its most vulnerable under stress.

No matter how fit you are, problems with your feet and lower limbs can occur.

Biomechanics is the study of human movement. A Podiatrist is qualified to examine, assess and diagnose biomechanical faults in the foot and ankle, and recommend a treatment plan which can help avoid injury in the first place, and help to resolve functional problems relating to existing injury or weaknesses.

Podiatrists can help with a wide spectrum of foot and lower limb related problems.

They can manage your entire foot health, from toe nail care, to treatment for a variety of feet related problems, to toe nail surgery and biomechanics.

Don’t walk or exercise with painful feet, contact a Podiatrist for help.

Willow Brook Clinic East Offices, 1st Floor The Willow Brook Centre Bradley Stoke BS32 8BS www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 11.

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33

News

Mayor and locals grab a slice of the action

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he Hollow Tree pub/ restaurant in Bradley Stoke hosted a VIP menu taster on Thursday 28th January to give the local community the chance to tickle their taste buds with the latest additions to its existing ‘Two for One’ menu.

Town Mayor Roger Avenin was keen to get in on the action as well, joining local businesses and locals who had all come to sample the brand new pizza menu.

Hollow Tree manager Matt Bolton says he is delighted the community has embraced the latest additions to the menu.

“The pizzas seem to be going down a treat with our customers!

It was great to see so many people from the local council and businesses joining us for our VIP launch night.”

The thin crust pizzas are topped with a rich Italian tomato passata sauce, hand finished to order with a variety of toppings,

creating favourites such as ‘Lets Brie Havin’ You’ and ‘Hamma Mia’, then baked to crisp perfection right before your eyes. Kids can join in too, with all the taste packed into half the space with the likes of ‘This Little Piggy’, ‘Kickin’ Chicken’ and ‘Butchers Boy’.

The calzone style desserts are also proving to be really popular and not just with the kids. They also join the regular ‘Two for One’ menu favourites such as burgers, steaks and daily specials; continuing Marston’s commitment in providing quality food at great value.

If you’d like further information on the Hollow Tree, then please call 01454 619755 or visit the pub’s website www. hollowtreepubbradleystoke.co.uk Photo: Mayor Roger Avenin joins in on the pizza action with Hollow Tree head chef Kane Addis.

Advertisement

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It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Graham Bayley feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing

is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do

the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

Cloudy2Clear service the Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Patchway and Stoke Gifford areas and Graham is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is

that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Graham a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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In Brief

Quiz by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot

Update on the Stoke Gifford Transport Link

No. 27 (easy/hard, old/new) 1. Which was the first film in which Daniel Craig played James Bond?

2. Which planet is closest to the sun?

3. Featuring the lead singer Martin Fry, which band released singles in the 1980s including ‘The Look of Love’ and ‘Poison Arrow’?

4. Who was the President of the United States immediately before Barack Obama?

5. The comic strip ‘Batman’ is set in which fictional city?

6. Which English Premier league football club plays its home matches at Carrow Road?

7. Which Andrew-Lloyd Webber musical is based on a set of poems by T S Eliot?

8. Which river flows through Washington DC? 9. Losing to Louisa Johnson, which duo were runners-up in

February 2016

the 2015 edition of X-Factor?

10. What do you call an angle that is more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees?

11. What are the lines on weather maps that join places of equal pressure called?

12. The wood from which tree is traditionally used to manufacture cricket bats?

13. From which plant is the widely used spice saffron obtained?

14. Which Scottish city on the River Tay gives its name to a fruit cake?

15. Which Irish-born author wrote the novel ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ in 1726?

16. Directed by Clint Eastwood, which sport is the subject of the 2004 Academy Award-winning film, ‘Million Dollar Baby’?

17. Who painted the famous painting ‘The Scream’?

18. Which Hanna-Barbera cartoon series featured characters including Dick Dastardly, The Anthill Mob and Penelope Pitstop?

19. Which TV show and boxset favourite features Bryan Cranston as Walter White and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman?

20. Which 1916 battle was the largest naval battle of World War I?

● Answers on page 40.

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

Simon Dunn of Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd writes: In the build up to Christmas, the Stoke Gifford Transport Link saw large volumes of imported material placed to create a new embankment on which the road will be built Standing at the A4174 end of the scheme, you can now clearly see the line of the new road.

We have also started surfacing this end of the scheme and are currently preparing the site for the two new bridges that are being installed.

Over the coming months, the drainage and kerbing works will be completed, in preparation for further surfacing works later on this year. ● For more information on the Stoke Gifford Transport Link (known locally as the Stoke Gifford By-Pass), visit the Stoke Gifford Journal’s information page: http://bit.ly/sgj-by-pass

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News Local driving school steps in to sponsor high-flying school football team

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he proprietor of a Bradley Stoke driving school has stepped in to sponsor a high-flying school football team after they reached the last 16 of the English Schools’ Football Association’s U15 Schools’ Cup, sponsored by Playstation.

Simon Robertson, of First National Driving School, responded to a plea put out by Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) and agreed to sponsor the U15 team’s shirts, which were provided at cost by Bristol-based Professional Sport & Fitness.

Simon, who has one son in Year 9 at the school and another who is a former BSCS student and captain of the football team, said he was happy to lend a hand “because the school has done a lot for my kids over the years”.

The boys’ latest victory was against CTC Kingshurst Academy in Solihull. The game was level after extra time (1-1 after Enis Akgun had opened the scoring) and so an enthralling thrilling penalty shoot out saw goalkeeper Dan Laver save all three of the opposition penalties! The BSCS team’s penalties were expertly converted by Harry Goldspink, Ethan Tucker and Loui Ward.

That result puts the team just three games away from the final

of the competition, which will be played at a Premier League or Championship stadium.

The team’s opponents in the next round are Millfield School (Somerset) who they were due to face in an away game on Monday 1st February.

Above: First National Driving School owner Simon Robertson (left) with the BSCS Year 10 football team Right (l-r): Simon Robertson (First National Driving School), Peter Lynch (deputy head), Martin Randall (PE teacher), Daniel Winstone (team captain), Jason Warr (Professional Sport & Fitness) and Andy Young (head of PE).

Stop Press: Dreams thwarted, but boys can be proud Andy Young writes: Unfortunately we were not at our usual fluent best against a well drilled Millfield side. We were beaten 3-0 in a game that saw early chances for Team BSCS, which sadly were not taken.

The boys have travelled the length and breadth of the country, with wins against teams from Birmingham, Bristol, Gloucester and Chippenham. Reaching the last 16 of the National Cup for the first time in the school’s history is something to be extremely proud of – it has been a real team effort that has seen community links get stronger and has given rise to local business opportunities.

Thank you to Simon Robertson of First National Driving School and Professional Sport and Fitness of Whitehall, who have sponsored and supplied the new football kit. The generous contributions from Winter Stream Farm and Tesco helped the boys to be fully nourished and hydrated before the game against Millfield.

I am sure this experience will stay in the memories of the boys for a very long time.

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February 2016

In Brief Bradley Stoke Rotary Club are calling all swimmers, fundraisers and people who want to raise money for a cause close to their heart. We will be holding our 11th Annual Swimathon event at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on Saturday 12th March at 6pm. For details and an application form, please contact our secretary Peter Randall on 07860 167899 or Paul Holley on 07561 401745 or pop into Bradley Stoke Library.

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. Refreshments from 7pm; welcome and slide illustrated lecture at 7.30 pm.

Good parking & easy access.

To join us, please call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401, email sallykitching@googlemail.com or visit sgdfas.org.uk No artistic ability required – just an enquiring mind and an interest in the arts.

Arts lecture: ‘The Drama Behind the Taj Mahal’

Busy festive period for Bradley Stoke Lions Club

Oliver Everett presented the first-ever lecture of the South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society and the group were so impressed they have now invited him back to tell them about the Taj Mahal, on Thursday 18th February.

His talk is based on the Padshahnama manuscript, the unique illustrated official history of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, who ruled India from 1628 to 1658. He is best remembered for the building of the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Meeting at Bradley Stoke

Lions president Ailsa Young writes: Our grateful thanks go to our generous residents in Bradley Stoke who supported Santa Claus and his sleigh last December and to Morrison’s supermarket who allowed us to collect on their premises on 12th December. We collected a grand total of £1,161 this year, all of which will go towards needy causes.

A number of Lions gave up some of their time over the festive season to volunteer at Caring at Christmas in Little Bishop Street, St Paul’s, where the homeless and the lonely can enjoy three hot meals a

Entries open for Rotary Club’s 2016 Swimathon

Come and sing with Stokes Singers!

BS Lion’s Santa Sleigh raised £1,161

day plus all the sandwiches and hot/cold drinks they want.

Overnight accommodation for up to 70 people per night was much appreciated, as well as the services of a hairdresser, chiropodist and masseur.

Many companies big and small donated cakes, biscuits, fruit and chocolates which was especially welcome and guests and volunteers alike enjoyed a warm, sociable Yuletide playing cards and board games, table tennis and pool and watching videos on the TV. Three members of Tesco’s charity team at Willow Brook also volunteered and, between us all, we did a total of 136 hours voluntary service. The downside of this is that there were even more people needing support this year than previously; the up side is that those there enjoyed the care and attention not usually experienced whilst living rough.

If you like to sing in the shower, while driving along in the car or doing the housework, why not join a choir and have lots of fun learning new songs and raising money for local charities. Find out what a great experience it is singing four part harmony with a large group. One of the friendliest choirs in Bristol, Stokes Singers, currently 40 strong, would welcome new members, especially, tenors, basses and altos.

The theme for the 2015 Summer concert was ‘What a Wonderful World’ and by singing its way around the world the choir raised £427 for the Great South Western Air Ambulance. The Christmas Concert, entitled ‘Silver, White and Candlelight’ was held at St Chad’s in Patchway and raised £333 for ‘Above and Beyond’, a charity that raises funds to support patient, visitors and friends cared for in Bristol hospitals.

The choir has started rehearsals for their summer concert in July when the theme will be ‘Songs from the Shows’ and include songs from ‘West Side Story’, ‘Carousel’, ‘Chorus Line’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and many others.

The choir rehearses at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway BS34 5LP every Thursday evening at 7.30pm. For more information call Liz Gazzard on 01454614148.

Membership fees are £2.75 per week, but the first two weeks are free, so anyone interested in joining are invited to come along to rehearsals and give it a try.

Stokes Singers also enjoy entertaining at local events, care homes etc. For more information and details of availability please email stokessingers@outlook.com or make contact via the website: www.stokessingers.org.uk

The Journal Send us your news!

March magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 22nd February info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

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February 2016

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37

News

Bradley Stoke’s new social club for over 55s

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ince September last year, a new social club for the over 55s has been meeting weekly at the Jubilee Centre in Bradley Stoke.

The group meets every Wednesday between 2pm and 3.30pm, and is keen to invite more local people to join them.

The group was started by local residents who felt isolated and wanted to meet more people in the community. One of the residents, Maureen, contacted her housing provider, Knightstone Housing, who helped her set up and start promoting the group.

The group often meet for tea and a chat, but have also run activities like photography workshops and “get online” sessions. On 14 January, the group spent the afternoon

making bath bombs, and they’re looking forward to other activities they have planned for 2016.

Group member Maureen said: “This group has been great for people who want to get out of the house and meet others in their community. We know there are lots of others out there, men and women alike, who are by themselves and feeling isolated.

We’d like to invite them to come along and join us. We’re a friendly, welcoming group. There’s no pressure to come every week. You can drop in any time, even if it’s just for a quick cup of tea.”

Jamie Dockerty, Knightstone’s Social Coordinator, said: “We’d really like more members of the community to come along to the group’s get-togethers.

We’re always keen to hear people’s ideas for activities too,

If you’d like to find out more about the social club, get in touch with Jamie on 01934 526 309 or 07921 386 852. You can also email jamie.dockerty@ knightstone.co.uk

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Advertising Feature Curious to learn about your family history?

By Vicky Lord have always been interested in history and how and where people lived, so much so that I studied for a history degree.

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My grandmother insisted she was descended from French Protestant refugees, but was this wishful thinking?

As part of my own family research over the last 12 years I have been able to meet distant relatives in Germany and have visited the villages where my ancestors were mayors in the 1600’s. I was also privileged to meet the son of a Canadian war hero who just happened to be my mother’s cousin.

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February 2016

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February 2016

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39

News

New church partnership for Bradley Stoke Bishop of Bristol to attend event on 28th February, marking creation of a new parish

From left: Church of Christ the King, Mautravers Close; Reverend Paul Hinckley, vicar of Bradley Stoke; Holy Trinity Church, Broad Croft

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he churches of Christ the King and Holy Trinity are formally marking a new partnership on Sunday 28th February, at an event being held at Bradley Stoke Community School, starting at 2.30pm.

Reverend Paul Hinckley, vicar of the two churches, told The Journal that residents of Bradley Stoke and Little Stoke are warmly invited to the event. The churches are keen to mark the start of their new partnership by marking the ways they have already served residents and by looking ahead with new energy.

The Bishop of Bristol, Right Reverend Mike Hill, will speak at the event as a mark of the creation

of the new Parish of Bradley Stoke, to which a range of town people and local organisation heads are being invited.

Both churches were built with considerable faith and devotion of their members in the early days of Bradley Stoke’s development, when much of the town was still green fields.

Church members remember when it was not possible to drive from Holy Trinity at one end of town to Christ the King at the other without driving around the A38. The churches are now very much established as part of the life of the town of Bradley Stoke and maintain an active interest in serving Little Stoke.

The churches play an active part in partnership with the other town churches, but the new parish and partnership will enable stronger links with the community as each church looks to play its part in the future development of community life in Bradley Stoke.

In looking to the future, Paul Hinckley, in leading the two

church communities in the next stages of their lives, says he is keen that residents of Bradley Stoke and Little Stoke will see something of why the Christian faith, at the heart of the two churches, motivates members of Christ the King and Holy Trinity to serve the people in the neighbourhoods they live in and the communities they serve.

We’re Bradley Stoke’s

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Last checked on 1st February 2016

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Ask the Doctor with Dr Sian Langdon of Bradley Stoke Surgery “Death is terrifying because it is so ordinary.

It happens all the time.” Susan Cheever, author

D

eath and dying remains a difficult subject to contemplate. Recent changes to guidance from NICE regarding providing good palliative care to all, and the recent demise of well-loved artists such as David Bowie and Alan Rickman reminds us that we will all experience it at some point. But it doesn’t have to be terrifying.

Planning for our own deaths may seem a macabre and depressing, but I would urge you all to think about what you would want for your own death and to discuss this with your loved ones. Would you want to be admitted to hospital at all costs with all available treatment including resuscitation? Would you rather die at home? Would you be prepared to be an organ donor?

Are you on the donor register?

Do you want to be buried or cremated and where should your final resting place be? Does it matter to you?

Dying, as living, is a very personal experience. If you have clear ideas about what you do or don’t want to happen then tell people! There may come a time when you will be unable to communicate your wishes and those around you will try to make decisions in your best interests, but also thinking about what your wishes are. If they don’t know what you would want the pressure faced by your loved ones can be overwhelming, especially at such an upsetting time.

47% of deaths in the UK happen in hospital which means a large number will occur in the community, either in nursing homes, hospices or within peoples’ homes. During this

February 2016

t: 01454 300 400

time you will be supported by your GP and the community teams and your care will be personalised. Therefore it is helpful to know what your wishes are and writing a care plan, with the help of a health professional can be good way to get the death you want.

Many GPs are developing care plans with their patients and some of the discussions can be uncomfortable. If you have an idea of what you want to happen it will make the discussion a much less terrifying and ultimately then event more peaceful.

After all, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” (Benjamin Franklin) Dr Sian Langdon Bradley Stoke Surgery www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

Puppy & Kitten Welcome Pack

Quiz answers (page 34) 1. Casino Royale 2. Mercury 3. ABC 4. George W. Bush 5. Gotham City 6. Norwich City 7. Cats 8. Potomac 9. Reggie and Bollie 10. Obtuse 11. Isobars 12. Willow 13. Crocus 14. Dundee 15. Jonathan Swift 16. (Women’s) boxing 17. Edvard Munch 18. Wacky Races 19. Breaking Bad 20. Battle of Jutland

The Journal Send us your news!

March magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 22nd February

as seen

ON TV

Give your pet the best start in life Your pack includes: • First vaccinations • 10% discount off neutering • Starter flea & worm treatment Vets4Pets Filton Shield Retail Centre, Gloucester Road, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7BQ Call: 0117 969 8400 or visit: www.vets4pets.com/filton

• Microchip • A FREE bag of puppy or kitten food • 4 weeks’ FREE insurance from Petplan, simply speak to us in practice2

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Companion Care Bristol Filton Inside Pets at Home, Abbey Wood Retail Park, Station Road, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JL Call: 0117 979 9200 or visit: www.companioncare.co.uk/bristolfilton

This offer is promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Handforth, Cheshire, SK9 3RN. Valid only at the surgery where the offer was purchased. The initial appointment must be booked in advance with a vet. Further appointments may be required. Expires one year after purchase. Terms and conditions apply http://www.vets4pets.com/puppy-and-kitten-welcome-pack-terms-and-conditions. Further charges and exclusions may apply. Please ask in practice for more details. 2 Companion Care Services Limited (Registered in England No. 04141142) and Vets4Pets Limited (Registered in Guernsey No. 38174) are Appointed Representatives of Pet Plan Limited but are not part of the Allianz (UK) Group. Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited and Allianz Insurance plc. Terms, conditions and excesses apply and may be varied on renewal. 3 See voucher for terms and conditions.

1

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

February 2016

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info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

41

News 1st Bradley Stoke marching band starts!

By Nick Nelson of the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group e are very pleased to announce that our plans for starting our own Scout marching band have now come to fruition and band practice began in the first week of January. Eleven keen young players are now learning to play instruments under the expert guidance of band leader Richard Shepherd and fellow music teacher Glen Mills (both leaders in the group). In only a few weeks, our young people can already play a recognisable tune and are even beginning to learn the basic steps and commands involved with marching. There

W

is also plenty of time for fun and games that are all aimed at developing listening and other musical performance skills.

We couldn’t have come this far, however, without the continued help, support and expert mentors that have been supplied by the 37th Kingswood Drum Corp.

Their own young players are an inspiration to our beginners and are proof that playing music is cool!

Winning the Bradley Stoke Community Connection Award from Vodafone and the Bradley Stoke Journal was a vital step to the creation of the band and we would like to thank everyone who supported us with this.

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

Looking for a service or tradesperson in Bradley Stoke?

Visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory Advertising feature

Top tips for your new puppy or kitten At Vets4Pets we understand how much you have to think about when you have a new puppy or kitten. There are so many decisions to be made, what to name him or her, what to feed etc. We have some top tips for keeping your new arrival happy and healthy!

• Make sure you register at your local vets to ensure that your puppy or kitten is vaccinated correctly, this will protect them from potentially fatal diseases.

• Encourage good behaviour through socialising and playing.

This will help as your puppy or kitten grows!

• Food is just as important to pets as it is ourselves. Be sure to discuss with your vet the type and amount of food your pet should be eating At Filton Vets4Pets, we will be offering our Puppy and Kitten Welcome Pack at £49*. This includes everything you need to give your pet the best start in life, including; initial vaccinations, 10% off neutering, flea & worm treatment, microchipping, a free bag of puppy or kitten food, 4 weeks free insurance from Petplan and a 25% off Pets at Home voucher! *Terms and conditions apply.

Do you suffer from...

corns callus verrucas athletes foot fungal infections ingrowing toe nails call Kate on 01179 506629 07811 619860

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

www.lotusreflexology.co.uk

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

42

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

What’s On (7th February – 6th March) Sunday 7th February 9.30am: SCC Long Distance Bike Ride to Shirenewton.

Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560. [Further rides on 14th, 18th, 21st & 28th February and 6th March] 10am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Beechen Cliff / Bath.

Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a car-sharing scheme is operated. More info: http://bit.ly/ssramb [Further walks on 19th, 21st & 28th February and 4th & 6th March]

Monday 8th February 6.30pm: Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum Meeting at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

More info: www.bssbf.co.uk

Tuesday 9th February 5pm-7pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the beat post in the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

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

Wednesday 10th February 10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays] 2pm: Social Club for Over-55s at the Jubilee Centre. Organised

by Knightstone Housing. See

news article on page 37. [Weekly on Wednesdays] 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Talk

by Trevor Carter (Storyteller of the Year 2014). More info: Beverley 01454 625855 7.30pm: Bradley Stoke Lions Club meets at the Hilton Bristol Hotel. More info: Ailsa Young on 07737 106836 7pm: BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcpec 8pm: BSTC Finance Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcfin

Thursday 11th February 10.30am-12pm: Dinosaur Crafts. Drop-in craft activity session for ages 4 to 11 years at Bradley Stoke Library. Parental supervision required.

11.30am & 2pm: Carton Circus Live! at the Jubilee Centre.

Interactive, laughter-packed stage show by television’s National Clown Theatre. Tickets £5 from 01384 423496.

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 12th February 11am-3pm: FREE Half-Term Lego Fun at the Willow Brook Centre. What will you make? See advert on page 5.

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

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

Circulation: 9,450 delivered plus 550 left at pick-up points *Price of a one-eighth-page display advert, when committing to six monthly issues.

t: 01454 300 400

February 2016

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

Monday 15th February 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

Thursday 18th February 7pm: SGDFAS Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. This month: Oliver Everett on “The Drama Behind the Taj Mahal”. See news item on page 36. More info: Sally Kitching on 01454 774401.

Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Activities to include embroidery, knitting and crochet.

Feel welcome to bring and share any projects you are working on.

Tuesday 1st March 5pm-7pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the beat post in the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

Saturday 5th March 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/ bsj-tbncg or call 07497 006676

Friday 19th February 6pm: BIGGERbooks Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For young people in Years 7 to 9. Please ask a member of staff for details.

Find details of more Bradley Stoke events on the What’s On page of the BSJ website: http://bit.ly/bsj-whatson

Saturday 20th February

If you have an event you would like us to publicise, please email details (including start/ end time, location and contact for further info) to events@ bradleystokejournal.co.uk

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.

Thursday 25th February 7pm: Safer and Stronger Community Group Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. See news item on page 19.

Space limitations may mean that we can’t include your event on this page but we will always try to find space for it on our website.

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

More info: www.blood.co.uk

Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter or become a fan of the ‘Bradley Stoke Journal’ Facebook page to receive daily reminders of events.

Saturday 27th February

“Serving the community 24/7”

Friday 26th February

10.30am-12pm: Taster Craft

Little Acorns Pre-School Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke Tel: 07837 707331 Free stay and play sessions Tuesday 16th February and Thursday 17th March (9.30am – 11pm) for children 2 years of age and above.

We will also be taking registrations for September 2016 on these dates.

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

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

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

February 2016

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Sport

News

Entries open for 2016 Bradley Stoke 10k Run

Community awards for Bradley Stoke and surrounding area announced

E

ntries have now opened for the 2016 renewal of the Bradley Stoke 10k Run, to be held on Sunday 5th June as part of the town’s Community Festival.

Organised by local ladies-only running club Sole Sisters, the race starts and finishes at the Jubilee Centre in Savages Wood Road, where there will also be free car parking, showers, toilets and refreshments for runners and spectators.

The race route takes in much of the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve as well as stretches along Brook Way and Bradley Stoke Way. Open to men and women aged 16 and over, this year’s race will have a time limit of 90 minutes.

The entry limit for this year’s

race is 650 and places are reported to be going quickly, with 90 entries being made in the first 24 hours after online applications opened on 26th January.

Entry fees are unchanged from 2015 at £13 (affiliated)/£15 (unaffiliated). Online entries attract an additional administration charge of £1.75.

As in previous years, the race will use ‘chip’ timing and all finishers will receive a technical t-shirt and (new for 2016) a medal.

Sole Sisters have chosen the Bradley Stoke Mayor’s charities as this year’s race charity.

To enter, visit the Sole Sisters website at www.solesistersrc. co.uk or pick up an entry form from the Bradley Stoke Town Council office at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road.

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T

hree local business have teamed up to launch the Stars of the Stokes awards, a set of community awards for the local area, including Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Winterbourne.

Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke Journal and Hilton Hotel will officially launch the awards with a call for entries during February, before a Black Tie event at Hilton Hotel in May, where eight Stars will receive awards.

Willow Brook centre manager, Andy Wynn said: “We are all very excited to be working on these awards to help recognise some of the great individual community contributions locally.

We are looking forward to seeing the entries and recognising the winners in May.” The categories, which will be announced during February, are sponsored by local businesses

including Aztec Hotel, Almondsbury Garden Centre, Olympus Academy Trust and Dunkley’s. To enquire about sponsoring a category, businesses can contact andy.wynn@ willowbrookcentre.co.uk Stephen Horton, editor of Bradley Stoke Journal, said: “The Journal is delighted to be working on the Stars of the Stokes awards. Nomination forms will be available online from midFebruary and will be published in March and April’s magazine.”

Keep an eye on the Bradley Stoke Journal, Willow Brook and Hilton Bristol social media pages for more information.

Book your free 1-day trial today Call us now on 01454 893420 Or visit us at: LivingWell Health Club Hilton Bristol Woodlands Lane Bradley Stoke BS32 4JF

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

44

February 2016

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Business

WINDOW CLEANING

Chancellor visits Filton to announce Airbus investment

L-r: Chancellor George Osborne at Airbus in Filton; Artist’s impression of the Wing Integration Centre

C

hancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne joined Airbus Chief Operating Officer Tom Williams CBE in Filton on Thursday 28th January to announce a £37 million investment in a new Wing Integration Centre at the local Airbus site.

The new facility will be an advanced testing centre for large structural components. It will enable Airbus and its partners to develop new and cutting edge ideas, helping underpin the UK as one of the world’s leading aerospace sectors.

The project is receiving funding from the joint industry and government aerospace R&D funding programme, delivered as a partnership between the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK. When it opens in 2017, it will house around 300 highly skilled engineers who will develop and test aerospace technology.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: “When it comes to aerospace design. Britain is the innovator of Europe and I want to see us going even further and becoming the global leader. That is why we are committing £37m for a new cutting edge research facility right here in the heart of the South West.”

“Not only will the new research centre play home to some of the most exciting innovations in aerospace, for years to come it will also protect hundreds of highly skilled jobs.”

Tom Williams said: “I would like to thank the Chancellor for visiting Filton today and making this vitally important announcement for the UK and Airbus.”

“It is crucial we take the lead in developing new technology and this facility will help to shape the future of air travel for decades to come. This joint investment is a further boost to the Airbus site at Filton which is the global leader in design and testing of wings, fuel systems, and landing gear.”

“This new centre is vitally important for the UK as it secures a future wing capability for the country,” said Gary Elliott, CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute. “As well as being a state-of-the-art test facility, this will act as a centre of excellence for the UK’s engineers who work on wing design and integration.”

Filton has seen significant investment in new facilities, most recently the £70m Aerospace Park as well as other ATI-funded research projects into future technologies. A further £100 million has been invested in facilities to test aircraft systems on the Filton site.

Looking for a service or tradesperson in Bradley Stoke?

Visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/directory

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

February 2016

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PLUMBING & HEATING

TV AERIALS & SATELLITE TV

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PET SERVICES

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PANACHE

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CAKE MAKERS & DECORATORS

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PAINTING & DECORATING

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 Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

Your Local Gas, Boiler and Heating Engineers • Boiler Installation • Central Heating Installation • Gas Boiler Servicing

• Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires • Safety Certificates

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CARPENTRY & JOINERY

Sweet Sensations Cakes Bespoke cakes and cupcakes for all occasions

Weddings, anniversaries, baby showers etc.

Please contact us for a consultation and free quote www.sweetsensationzcakes.vpweb.co.uk Tel: 07774 887007 / 01454 625210 Email: sweet_sensationz@sky.com

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

45

46

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers James Comer Accounting, Page 7 TJS Business Solutions, Page 35 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 25 Richard Joseph, Page 41 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Sensations Cakes, Page 45 Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 45 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 28 & 29 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 18 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 38 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 45 Carpets & Flooring Octopus Flooring, Page 43 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 1 Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 22 Little Acorns Pre-School, Page 42 Children’s Activities JollyTots Music Workshops, Page 27 Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 11 Churches Bridge Community Church, Page 23 Cleaning & Domestic Services Welcomehome Cleaning, Page 21 Computer Services goto iT, Page 10 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 32 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 41 Double Glazing Cloudy2Clear Windows, Page 33 Crystal Clear Windows, Page 14 JDC Windows, Page 38 Leekes, Page 48 Education & Learning Kumon Study Programme, Page 24 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 19 SGS College, Page 47 Silverhill School, Page 31 Electricians NRB Electrical, Page 4 Estate Agents Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 20 West Coast Properties, Page 30 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 41 Sara Turner Foot Health, Page 8 Funeral Services Jamieson Funeral Services, Page 46 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 44 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 21 Westlec Auto Electrical, Page 39 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 36 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 39 Professional Gardening Services, Page 46 Gyms & Health Clubs LivingWell, Page 43 Riverside Leisure Club, Page 6

February 2016

t: 01454 300 400

FUNERAL SERVICES

Hairdressers

Visit directory on BSJ website Health & Beauty AT Skin and Laser, Page 34 Home Improvements & Furnishings Harvey’s Select, Page 9 Hotels & Restaurants Holiday Inn Bristol Filton, Page 38 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 18 Nutrition Products Herbalife, Page 24 Opticians Specsavers, Page 20 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 45 Professional Home Services, Page 44 Pet Services & Supplies New Passage Cattery, Page 45 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 11 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 38 Photographers Visit directory on BSJ website Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 46 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Pages 32 & 45 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 16 Clifton Gas, Page 45 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 11 Gregor Heating, Page 7 JJ Plumbing, Page 4 Panache Plumbing, Page 45 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 45 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 11 JJ Plumbing, Page 4 Professional Home Services, Page 44 Richard Joseph, Page 41 Recruitment Bristol Care Homes, Page 4 LV= Careers, Page 2 Milestones Trust, Page 37 Room & Facilities Hire Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 12 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 46 Self Storage HMF Storage, Page 44 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 8 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Cambridge Weight Plan, Page 27 Slimming World, Page 13 Sport & Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 10 Filton Sports & Leisure Centre, Page 15 O’Malley Irish Dancing, Page 30 Taxis Bristol Parkway Taxis, Page 45 South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 45 Z Cars, Page 22 TV & Aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 45 Veterinary Surgeons Vets4Pets / CompanionCare, Page 40 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 44

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

Funeral services available – please ask for more details

A private, comfortable meeting room and Chapel of Rest at

8 Badminton Road, Downend BS16 6BQ

Home visits welcome

Please call

24-hour call out

0117 956 4796

07824 564255

PLANT HIRE

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

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Fencing / Sheds / Arbours / Decking 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 07804 608053 or e-mail at profgarden60@yahoo.co.uk RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier

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

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

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