March 2016

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

March 2016 • Issue 35

QUIZ P23 | POLICE P38 | WHAT’S ON P50 | DIRECTORY P54

Holy Trinity School retains ‘good’ Ofsted grade

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PLUS , IN YOUR 56-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

Mixed news on MetroBus roadworks Woodlands Lane junction partially reopened Bradley Stoke Way footpaths to be closed for months Work advances further down Bradley Stoke Way Pages 6 & 7

l Council’s vehicle preregistration system for Sort It centres goes live l Hit-and-run drink driver jailed for fatal collision l Noisy railway works for next eight months l BSYFC U14 Girls through to County Cup final l Council consults on £640,000 library cuts l New skate park set to open later this month l £3.6m redevelopment of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre gets under way l South Glos council tax to rise by 3.99 percent l Local family helps raise awareness of encephalitis l Almondsbury helibase decision quashed l Beaver Scouts’ 30th birthday camp

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March 2016

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News Council’s compulsory vehicle pre-registration system for Sort It centres goes live

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outh Gloucestershire residents who want to use local authority Sort It waste disposal and recycling centres, such as the one in Station Road, Little Stoke, must now register their vehicle to access the sites.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “You don’t need to sign up straight away, just make sure you register at least 24 hours before your next visit. You can sign up at any time of year and you only need to do it once, unless you change your address or vehicle.”

Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Communities Committee Cllr Heather Goddard said: “We have introduced vehicle registration at our Sort It recycling centres to help reduce the number of people from neighbouring council districts and commercial users from visiting our sites. Residents can sign up at any time and it’s very easy to register online, over the phone or

The Stoke Gifford Sort It Centre in Station Road, Little Stoke

at any of South Gloucestershire’s One Stop Shops.”

There are two types of vehicle registration available: Standard vehicle registration for vehicles of any size (up to 3.5 tonnes) that have rear and/or side facing windows including cars of any size, campervans, people carriers etc.

Restricted vehicle registration for: • Vans of any size without rear facing windows including

minibuses, campervans and cars • 4×4s, pick-up trucks or people carriers (MPV) without rear seats and/or windows or with an open back • Flatbed vehicles, box vans, horse boxes with integrated cab and agricultural vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.

A maximum of two vehicles per address can be registered.

Restricted vehicles are limited to 12 visits a year. Access times for large vehicles will continue

to apply. The height and trailer restrictions at Stoke Gifford Sort It Centre will also remain in place.

On entry to a Sort It site, vehicle registrations will be checked using automatic number plate registration (ANPR) technology and non-registered users will be asked to leave. If a vehicle is restricted to 12 visits a year, the ANPR system will show site staff how many visits that vehicle has remaining To register your vehicle, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/sortitreg You can also sign up over the phone on 01454 868000 or at the council’s One Stop Shops. ● The Journal understands that although the registration system went live in early February, the council is implementing a ‘soft start’ policy and enforcement may not begin for up to three months. In the meantime, staff at the Sort It centres will make drivers of unregistered vehicles aware of the new rules.

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March 2016

News Hit-and-run drink driver jailed for fatal collision on Hatchet Road, Stoke Gifford Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB

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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.

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

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

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

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2016. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

Floral tributes laid at the scene of the fatal collision on Hatchet Road

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local driver has been jailed following a fatal collision in Stoke Gifford earlier this year.

Jake Mitchell, 25, of Ratcliffe Drive, Stoke Gifford, was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Astra when it collided with 27-year-old Megan Brogan on Hatchet Road on 19th January.

Megan, of Welwyn, Hatfield, was crossing the road with her father when she was struck by the car.

Sadly, she died as a result of her injuries at the scene.

Following the crash, Mitchell fled from the location.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving when over the prescribed alcohol limit and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Appearing for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on 26th

February, Mitchell was jailed for five-and-a-half years and given a five year driving ban.

Collision investigator Carl Derosa said: “Firstly, I would like to further extend our sympathies to Megan’s family – our thoughts remain with them at this time.”

“Jake Mitchell got behind the wheel of his car knowing he was over the alcohol limit and not fit to drive.”

“His cowardly and selfish actions following the collision with Megan further illustrate his complete disregard for anyone else.”

“The pain and suffering his actions caused on that night will stay with Megan’s family for the rest of their lives.”

“I hope today’s sentencing acts as a stark warning to others who are tempted to drive after consuming excess alcohol.”

Father of victim releases video footage of daughter’s death Ian Brogan, father of Megan, took the unusual step of asking the media to release video footage of his daughter’s death in a bid to deter drinking and driving. The film was recorded on a CCTV camera belonging to the Smart Fish Bar, which is located just north of the pedestrian crossing where the tragic incident occurred.

Mr Brogan told the BBC: “I’ve got no problem with someone having a drink. I’ve got a problem with someone getting into a car and killing somebody. Now, whatever I think of the guy who’s going to be sentenced, his life is ruined, his family’s lives are ruined, my family have lost a loved one, and I’ve lost my daughter. And that video … is horrific. I know, because I know what’s on it. If it stops one person getting in a car, one person doesn’t ruin another person’s life and their own life, then my daughter would approve.” ● For further coverage of this story, visit http://bit.ly/bsj-mag-links

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March 2016

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5

News

Noisy railway works for next eight months

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esidents of Little Stoke and Patchway have been warned about noisy and disruptive railway work that is planned for the next eight months.

The work forms part of Network Rail’s £40bn Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a bigger, better, more reliable railway for passengers and will involve the installation of overhead wires along two miles of railway from Patchway station to Cattybrook, including the Patchway tunnels.

This overhead equipment is essential to power the new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains to run underneath.

The overhead lines will be installed using a process known as ‘piling’, which involves installing foundations in the ground to support the overhead gantries that will contain the

electric wires.

Andrew Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said: “We will do everything we can to limit the disruption to our neighbours.

This phase of construction is particularly noisy and that’s why we would like to give those who live close to the railway as much notice as possible.”

“Piling is essential to pave the way for the long-term benefits that electric trains will bring.

These benefits include faster trains with more seats and more legroom, and less noise and cleaner air for those living close to the railway.”

For safety reasons piling can only take place when trains aren’t running and so tends to occur at night. Due to the disturbance piling can cause, Network Rail

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Nightime piling as part of railway electrification work

is limiting the overnight work in Patchway to Saturday nights between March and October. The exact timings of this work will be published in due course.

When similar work was carried out in Ashton Vale, south Bristol,

last December, the Bristol Post reported that Bristol City Council and Network Rail had been bombarded with complaints about the noise, some from people living more than a mile from where the piling was taking place.

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

CASE OF THE MONTH I initially went to Dr Leah as I was having problems with my back and ankle. After an initial thorough consultation a programme was sorted out and specific to my problems. Since I have been on my programme I have been in much better shape.

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I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Leah to my friends and family!

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March 2016

News

Mixed news on MetroBus construction front

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ebruary brought mixed news for road users and pedestrians affected by the construction of the North Fringe to Hengrove MetroBus scheme in Bradley Stoke.

Local MP Jack Lopresti called a public meeting to discuss issues surrounding the controversial project, after being contacted by a large number of constituents with concerns about the level of disruption the works are causing in the town.

Announcing the meeting, which took place on Friday 26th February, Mr Lopresti said: “Whilst I am a keen supporter of the MetroBus Scheme; I am concerned about how the works have caused traffic chaos at times and about the slippage in the project’s timing.”

Representatives from South Gloucestershire Council, MetroBus, the project contractors, First Bus and councillors attended the meeting and a ‘stop press’ summary of the points raised can be found on the facing page.

A week after Mr Lopresti had called the meeting, and before it had taken place, there was a rare piece of good news put out by the MetroBus team when they announced that the Woodlands Lane junction, closed since 2nd September 2015, would partially reopen by Monday 7th March, allowing traffic travelling down Bradley Stoke Way to turn left into Woodlands Lane for the first time in six months.

In the event, the left turn was

quietly reopened on the morning of Friday 26th February, the day of Mr Lopresti’s meeting, a development which led one commentator on The Journal’s Facebook to remark: “The cynic in me thinks it was probably rushed through to try and take some of the ‘heat’ off at the meeting tonight!”

In relation to the other traffic movements at the Woodlands Lane junction, the MetroBus statement said: “It is expected that the left turn out of Woodlands Lane into Bradley Stoke Way will open in July. Installation of traffic signals at the junction will not be completed until later this year.”

When asked about the timescale for reopening the crucial right turn out of Woodlands Lane, which would bring further relief to those living along the diversion route, in particular Pear Tree Road, a spokesperson for the contractors added: “That will still be August, as programmed.”

The “good news” was, however, tempered by two items of lessthan-good news that emerged over the following few days, namely that the contractors would soon be starting work on a new ‘third front’ further down Bradley Stoke Way and new footpath closures are planned to be implemented on both sides of Bradley Stoke Way between Woodlands Lane and Orchard Gate during the week commencing 7th March.

The first signs of MetroBus

The left turn into Woodlands Lane was reopened on 26th February

construction activity on the long stretch between Patchway Brook Roundabout (near Aldi) and Savages Wood Roundabout (near Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre / Tesco Extra) came on Thursday 25th February when contractors began felling trees and removing vegetation on the north-east side of the road between Bowsland Way and Primrose Bridge.

Then, overnight from Thursday to Friday, the first elements of ‘traffic management’ were installed along this stretch, consisting of cones reducing the width of the south-east bound carriageway.

Cllr Colin Hunt, Chair of the West of England Joint Transport Board and South Gloucestershire Council’s Planning, Transport and Strategic Environment Committee, said: “We appreciate that no one likes roadworks – they can be disruptive and we do

apologise for any inconvenience being caused. We are carefully considering the impact on local residents and commuters and I would like to stress that we are doing everything we can to speed up the works and minimise the disruption.”

“These roadworks are, however, an essential part of the MetroBus build and once complete the scheme will result in significant improvements to public transport, with MetroBus bringing faster, more reliable bus services between Bradley Stoke, Cribbs Causeway, UWE and Bristol.” ● With the situation changing on an almost daily basis at the moment, readers are advised to follow the Bradley Stoke Journal website and Facebook page for the latest information.

Visit our dedicated MetroBus Build webpage at http://bit.ly/ metrobusbuild

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March 2016

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Notes from the public meeting held on Friday 26th February • Delays have been caused by uncharted underground services and a shallower than expected gas main at the Woodlands Lane junction, which has necessitated a re-design of the road levels.

There is also a shallower than expected water main on the other side of Bradley Stoke Way, which needs to be diverted by Bristol Water.

• New footpath closures are to introduced from 7th March on both sides of Bradley Stoke Way. Diversions will be signposted. This will give the contractors more space to work in, with the advantage that it is easier to manage any problems that arise.

• The pedestrian crossing at Orchard Gate will be closed when the zebra crossing at Patchway Brook Roundabout reopens at the end of March.

• The aim is to have the Woodlands Lane junction fully open and signalised by the start of the new school year in September.

• Work on other sections of Bradley Stoke Way is thought to be less likely to encounter uncharted underground services.

• The possibility of relaxing planning conditions that forbid working at nights and weekends is being investigated, but this needs to have buy-in from the local community. The council’s planning department is understood to have given “in principle” agreement to allow early evening and weekend working and a decision is expected within the next few weeks. This would not mean that contractors would be working every evening and every weekend, but would give them flexibility to do so when necessary.

• In response to claims that Pear Tree Road is being damaged by the large number of HGVs using the diversion route (at all hours), the council said it planned to send out ‘inspect and repair’ teams to look at damaged manhole covers and road surface defects.

Third front: Traffic cones and tree felling on Bradley Stoke Way, opposite Aldi

How to get in touch with the MetroBus contractors Alun Griffiths have appointed a dedicated Community Liaison Officer for the MetroBus project, James Aitken, 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.

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• It is unlikely that costs of redesign work and delays can be claimed from the owners of incorrectly charted underground services, although it might be possible to negotiate a “betterment” charge. The council is, however, still aiming for the costs of the whole MetroBus project to come in on target.

• Members of the public would like to see plans for upcoming work on a week-by-week basis Summing up, Jack Lopresti MP identified the following key points: • Better coordination is required between government agencies • The possibility of longer working hours needs to be investigated, so that the project can be completed as quickly as possible • Better communication is required between the council, councillors, contractors and members of the public

Little Acers Pre-School Sure Start Centre, Bowsland Green Primary School, Ellicks Close, Bradley Stoke ~ Tel: 01454 866745 Free stay and play sessions Thursday 10th March and Thursday 21st April (12.30pm – 2pm) 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

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March 2016

Sport

BSYFC U14 Girls through to County Cup final

By Martin Lee of BSYFC hen the Bradley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) U14 Girls entered the early rounds of the Gloucestershire FA (GFA) County Cup way back in October 2015, no-one expected that they would be announcing they would be playing in the final on 13th March 2016.

In the early rounds, the team managed to avoid any pitfalls and qualified without too much trouble for the quarter-final stages in November, where they were unfortunate to get drawn against the unbeaten Cheltenham Spa Blues team who were sitting top of the Gloucester County U14 League with a proud record of played 12, won 11 and drawn 1 for the season. But at least BSYFC did have home advantage for the match.

So on 8th November the quarter-final was played with the BSYFC girls fearing the

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worst playing against one of the favourites. The early signs were not good as the Cheltenham Spa team were 3-0 up after just 20 minutes. But then football is a funny game and you just never know what may happen, and so the comeback began, with BSYFC getting a goal back through Libby Hunt, then another with an own goal and then just before half-time the equalising goal was scored by Libby Hunt again to make the match all square at 3-3.

Unbelievable fightback

Could this be one of the great turnarounds that makes cup football so exciting? The secondhalf started just like the first-half had finished with BSYFC on top and pressing for more goals.

BSYFC got their reward and they scored another three goals in the second half through Amber Lewis, Emily Holbrook and Cassie Whittle to win through

to the semi- finals with an unbelievable fightback to win 6-3.

There was a wait until the team discovered they had been drawn against another team from the Gloucester County League in the form of Bishops Cleeve Colts, with the semi-final match to be played on 7th February and another home match for BSYFC.

Semi-final drama

Nothing is straight forward in football and the weather was so bad during November, December and January that when BSYFC arrived at the semi-final match in February the team had played their last match way back in early December and all matches since had been postponed. Worse still, BSYFC could not play at home as the pitch was still too wet.

But you have to carry on, which the team did, but would they be lacking match fitness due to the long lay-off? The match was played in terrible conditions with a high wind blowing end to end down the pitch and the rain coming down at certain stages of the match. BSYFC played with the wind in the first-half and tried to press home this advantage as best they could.

The team managed to score three goals in the first-half from Molly Bose, Libby Hunt and Emily Holbrook. Would this be enough, as the team would have to battle against the elements as well in

the second half?

The team stood strong and defended for all their worth, but a long range wind-assisted shot managed to go in and then, late on, another goal was conceded to make the score 3-2. There were chances at either end, but the team held on to gain the win and secure a place in the cup final.

The management team would like to thank the girls for their great performances in all the rounds and praise them for getting through to the cup final.

The club would welcome any support at the final on Sunday 13th March and everyone is welcome to attend.

The same squad reached the League Cup Final last year and were narrowly beaten in a close final 1-0 with a last minute goal.

So fingers crossed the team can go one better in the GFA County Cup Final. The managers, having got to two cup finals in two years with the team, are hoping their jobs will be safe for next season!

Stop press

The BSYFC Girls will face AEK Boco U14 Girls in the cup final.

Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday 13th March on the 3G pitch at: Gloucestershire FA Oakland Park Almondsbury Bristol BS32 4AG

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Sport

The BSYFC U14 Girls squad is as follows (note that the name list is not intended to match the photo): Emily Holbrook (capt), Faye Wyatt, Morgan Spill, Libby Hunt, Erin Hodson, Charlotte Mason, Aimee Hancock, Molly Bose, Katie Jones, Cassie Whittle, Amber Lewis, Emily Razey, Amber Barley, Abbie Pickett, Amelia Roff, Sarah Challis, Rebecca Humphrey, Sophie Robertson, Danielle Devonshire. Managers: Martin Lee and Ross Lee

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March 2016

News

Council consults on library cuts

MP points finger at high-earning officials

outh Gloucestershire Council has opened a public consultation on proposed changes to its library service which could see opening hours at main libraries (such as Bradley Stoke and Patchway) cut by an average of eight hours per week and smaller branches (such as Filton) reduced to opening on just two days a week or being closed altogether.

As part of its agreed Cost Saving Plan running until 2019/20, the council needs to save £640,000 from the budget for the service and has proposed options that involve reducing library opening hours, closing Chipping Sodbury Library and ending the mobile library service.

It is also suggested that external funding and volunteers could be used to minimise the impact of reduced staffing and opening hours.

The 12-week consultation process began on 22nd February, but the council has stated that no service changes will take effect until October 2017.

A spokesperson said “The council’s aim is to work with community-based partners to ensure South Gloucestershire

Local MP Jack Lopresti has pledged to fight cuts to library services proposed by members of his own party on Conservativecontrolled South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), saying they should instead look at improving “back office efficiencies”, implying that some top-ranking council officials are overpaid.

Mr Lopresti commented: “I am very disappointed that SCG is planning a drastic and highly damaging cut to our library services. Local taxpayers are paying more for the Chief Executive, who earns £155,724 a year, than they do for the Prime Minister and that three other officials at SGC also earn well over £100,000 a year. This is not the best use of taxpayers’ money.

I urge the council to ensure that back office efficiencies are made in preference to reducing front line services.”

“Fortunately, the council has to consult on what changes are made to library services.

This is the perfect opportunity for residents to have their say.

Libraries have become important community hubs in recent years, with the range of services provided expanding well beyond the lending of books. They help promote literacy and prevent social isolation for many people.

Every effort must be made to prevent the services they provide being damaged.”

“I am very pleased that library users groups are gearing up to oppose any reduction to hours, and I would encourage everyone to contribute to the consultation.

I will be meeting some of these groups very soon, and anyone who wants me to pass their views on to the council is welcome to get in touch with me on 01454 617783, or via jack.lopresti.mp@ parliament.uk”

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library services are sustainable for the long term, despite reduced funding from government.

It is hoped that local groups, individuals and potentially town and parish councils will be able to make a valuable contribution to maintain library opening hours and support existing paid staff.”

Chair of the Communities Committee, Cllr Heather Goddard said: “We appreciate that our libraries are a very valuable resource for many residents and that the services people use, and the support they receive from our dedicated staff, extend far beyond borrowing books.”

“In order to preserve our libraries in a sustainable way, we do have to look at changing the way we deliver the service; however, before we make any

decisions, we want to hear the views of the community.

“The proposals in the consultation are really a starting point. We fully expect that we will find common cause with residents, community groups and our colleagues in town and parish councils in looking for ways we can continue to deliver library services to people together.”

Information about the consultation, which runs until 13th May, is available from local libraries, online at www. southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges or by phoning 01454 868154. ● A drop-in session offering the chance to talk to council officers about the future of library services is being held at Bradley Stoke Library on Saturday 12th March between 10.30am and 1pm.

The Journal Send us your news!

April magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 21st March To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

March 2016

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11

News

New skate park set to open later this month

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radley Stoke Journal editor Stephen Horton was pleased to be invited to meet up with Graham Baker, Bradley Stoke Town Council’s youth participation worker, to view progress on the new skate park being constructed in the grounds of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. We were joined by James, Ash, Tom and Josh, just four of a group of around a dozen local young people who have been closely involved with the skate park project since its conception almost three years ago.

In the early stages of the project, young people from Bradley Stoke visited around ten skate parks across the south of England, gathering ideas and collecting feedback from users. This work involved trips to Oxford, Newbury and Winchester, as well as sites nearer to home such as Thornbury and Midsomer Norton.

One thing the team learnt from their fact finding is that “less is sometimes more” and it is often best to leave the professional designers to work to broad criteria rather than giving them a wish list of features.

The young people were then involved in drawing up the ‘invitation to tender’ document for the new Bradley Stoke skate park, and in the subsequent work of assessing the bids that came in from skate park construction companies.

Since work on the new skate park started in early January, Graham and the young people have been visiting the site two or three times a week to monitor progress (photo, above left) and a photographic record has been maintained on the ‘Bradley Stoke Skatepark’ Facebook page.

Graham says the amount of work the young people have put

into the project is “amazing”.

The old skate park at the leisure centre site has been dismantled and taken away by a community group from Pilning, who plan to reinstall it in their own neighbourhood. The space vacated by the removal of the old skate park was originally planned to be used for car parking, to compensate for spaces lost in the leisure centre’s overflow car park during the construction of the new skate park, but has in fact been requisitioned for use as a site compound for the centre’s own redevelopment project, which is now under way.

The young people we spoke to are clearly very proud of their emerging new skate park and they are confident that, once finished, it will be the “best in Bristol”. Consequently, they expect it will attract riders from neighbouring areas such as Filton

and Horfield, in addition to large numbers from Bradley Stoke.

Graham says that work on the new park has gone exceedingly well and it is anticipated that it could be in use as early as midMarch, subject to a safety sign-off

by RoSPA. A converted shipping container, which is to be sited at the park to create a social space for use when a youth worker is present, is expected to arrive later in March.

The town council is planning to stage an opening event in April, once the container is in place and the new landscaping around the park has had a chance to settle.

This will be attended by proriders who will demonstrate how to use all the exciting features in the new park.

This will be followed in early June by a big competition staged as part of the town’s annual Community Festival.

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March 2016

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13

Advertising Feature

Mamma Mia! UK tour to debut in Bristol

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he first ever MAMMA MIA! UK Tour will première at The Bristol Hippodrome from Friday 25th March to Saturday 7th May 2016. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10am on Friday 27th March and to ATG Cardholders/Groups 10+ on Monday 9th March.

MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. To date, it has been seen by more than 54 million people in 49 productions in 14 different languages. MAMMA MIA! The Movie is the highest worldwide grossing live-action musical film of all time and one in four households in the UK has the DVD, which is now Amazon UK’s biggest selling DVD ever.

From West End to global phenomenon, the London

production of MAMMA MIA! has now been seen by more than 10% of the entire UK population.

It is one of only five musicals to have run for more than 10 years both on Broadway and in the West End, and in 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed

by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

Creator and Producer Judy Craymer said: “It’s fabulous that the first ever UK tour of MAMMA MIA! will debut in Bristol. It’s

an exciting new journey for the show with its celebration of much-loved music and feel-good story. We’re looking forward to welcoming new audiences, as well as those who would love to see it again, to come and join us for the party.”

Writer Catherine Johnson said: “I’m delighted that The Bristol Hippodrome will be the first stop on this exciting new UK tour of MAMMA MIA! It’s especially meaningful to me that we will be starting in my home city. I hope Bristol audiences will embrace the show again and have a great time.”

Steve Jones, Marketing Manager of The Bristol Hippodrome said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming MAMMA MIA! back to The Bristol Hippodrome having been visited by the International Tour in 2007. The show was a feel-good hit with audiences and we’re hugely proud to be the

inaugural venue on MAMMA MIA’s exciting new UK tour.”

The MAMMA MIA! UK Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM. ● See advert on facing page.

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March 2016

News

What’s the buzz…?

Little Stoke resident Tim Hewer explains how he and the rest of the Little Stoke Beekeeping Society started lending a helping hand to a colony of honeybees and its queen.

By Ellen Cale n spring 2013, Tim Hewer was approached by a friend who needed a spot of land on which to keep his beehive.

Tim accepted and assisted in setting up a new apiary, “I was standing there, wearing a pair of Marigolds and holding 10,000 bees. Listening to the low buzz, I slowly began to relax. It was that sound that grabbed me.”

Feeling inspired, Tim reached out to his friends and together they formed the Little Stoke Beekeeping Society. The society started with ten members who donated £30 each and by July 2013 a hive had been built and the first nucleus of bees moved in with help from South Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association, a local branch of The British Beekeepers Association.

The society has since grown, with twelve members tending to six hives named after local areas – Harry Stoke, Great Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Stoke Lodge and Bradley Stoke.

I

Productive hives

Each hive houses a colony of honeybees who work hard and can produce upwards of 50 pounds (23 kilos) of honey from March to August. Bees will fly one and a half times around the world to produce one pound of honey. The queen is initially raised on a diet of royal jelly and lives for an average of three to four years, laying up to 2,000 eggs a day during the summer season, whilst the other members of the colony live for about six weeks in the summer and six months over winter, literally working themselves to death for the benefit of the colony. During the summer, there could be as many as 60,000 bees in one colony.

Tim devotes much of his time tending to the bees in all types of weather. When asked why beekeeping is such an important

job he explains: “They pollinate a huge proportion of our food source. They are key to our survival.”

You may have heard in the news that the honeybee is in danger. There has been a dramatic decline in hives in the UK due to environmental changes such as the use of pesticides on crops and wet summers. Healthy honeybees are essential to the pollination of agricultural crops and the feed that we supply to poultry.

This is why Tim wants to see more local communities in South Gloucestershire actively engaging in effective beekeeping: ‘The beauty of beekeeping in suburbia is there are plenty of food sources for the honeybees to forage – We have hedgerows, gardens and woodland all within the three mile radius of Little Stoke.” Our household garden is so varied in foliage that urban colonies tend to do better than rural colonies.”

Prize-winning honey

And the fruits of all this labour?

Honey! The honey’s taste is dependent on the forage that the bees are able to gather. In August 2014, the Little Stoke Beekeeping Society extracted honey that tasted of elderflower and lime, which went on to win the first prize in the novice section of the annual South Gloucestershire Beekeepers Honey Show.

In the three years since the society began, it has achieved so much and Tim has exciting plans lined up. After auctioning

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News

15

In Brief

off honey to raise money for Marie Curie, Tim now wants to branch out and help other local charities through the work that the beekeeping society does.

Concorde Medical Centre recently donated an urban hive to the society. Made from rigid plastic and bright purple in colour, Tim intends to use the hive to host Beekeeping Experience Days in which all proceeds made from tickets will be donated to charity.

If you are interested in beekeeping, a wealth of information can be found on the websites of the British Beekeepers Association, www.bbka.org.uk or South Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association, www.sgbka.org. uk, who have been pleased to help Tim and his volunteers in achieving their charitable aims and, of course, helping to maintain and increase the honeybee population. ● Tim can be contacted at tim.hewer@outlook.com

Grants awarded

Tim Hewer tends hives belonging to the Little Stoke Beekeeping Society

Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee agreed the following grants and support agreements at its meeting in February: • £1,700 Service Level Agreement with Bouncing Babies • £3,500 Youth Service Level Agreement with Bradley Stoke Youth Cricket Club • £1,600 Youth Service Level Agreement with Christ the King Youth Group • £2,404 Service Level Agreement with Four Towns & Vale Link Community Transport • £1,764 Service Level Agreement with South Gloucestershire Chinese Association • £848 Service Level Agreement with Victim Support • £5,500 Larger Grant Aid to Four Towns Playscheme • £500 Grant Aid to each of West of England MS Therapy Centre, South Gloucestershire Asian Project, Sticky Fingers Bradley Stoke Group

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March 2016

Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre redevelopment: How and when the work will take place (subject to change) Phase 1 – Work commenced 15th February 2016, and is proposed to finish in spring 2016 1. Conversion of squash courts to accommodate two larger dance studios across two floors.

2. Refurbishment of the female dry changing rooms. This started on 29th February. All female customers should please use the poolside changing area as a temporary measure; this is situated further along the corridor.

Phase 2 – Work due to commence during spring 2016, and is proposed to finish towards the end of the year 1. Conversion of a section of main sports hall to accommodate a new climbing facility and new adventure softplay facility. During this phase, the main hall will be unavailable.

2. Refurbishment of the male changing rooms.

3. Gym extension. The majority of the existing gym will remain open and be available for use throughout the work.

4. Café extension. (The café will remain open during this work, with some disruption.)

5. Work to the car park to create around 100 additional parking spaces. Please use the Willow Brook car park, located opposite the leisure centre, if and when necessary.

Phase 3 – Work due to commence winter 2016 and is proposed to finish by Easter 2017 1. Conversion of existing softplay area into a new toning suite and two party rooms.

2. Refurbishment of the Jane Austen, Emily and Charlotte suites located on the first floor of the centre.

For the latest news, visit www.activecentres.org

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You might be thinking about getting a new computer. Maybe the old one is running slow or just completely broken. Maybe it won’t run the latest computer games. But what is the best thing to do with your old computer?

Keep it: You could consider not throwing it away at all but upgrading it – perhaps it could still be useful with a little TLC. Donate it: There are plenty of charities around who will take your old computer, refurbish it and then send it to other countries or projects around the world. Although if it is too old, they still might not take it!

Recycle it: You can take it to your local recycling centre or call your council to see how they can recycle it for you.

However, if you are going to say goodbye to your old friend, you must consider if there is

any data left on it. Even if you delete, uninstall and empty your ‘recycle bin’, a knowledgeable person could still retrieve your data.

Of course, the safest way is to remove the hard drive which stores your data and keep it yourself. Alternatively, you can bring it to us and we can wipe your drive so no data remains (or recover any data off it for you). Don’t forget to check your DVD drives in case you’ve left that old film or album inside!

If you would like to have a chat about this or need help with data security or other IT issues, please contact us on 0117 969 8767. Please note we have now moved to our new larger shop at 28 Gloucester Road North, Filton, BS7 0SJ.

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March 2016

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17

News

£3.6m leisure centre redevelopment under way

N

ew and improved facilities including adventure climbing walls, twostorey adventure play, a 12-station toning suite and fully refurbished changing rooms are being created at Active Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre as part of a £3.6 million redevelopment programme.

100 new parking spaces

The work, which began on 15th February, will also result in over 100 new parking spaces and a major extension to the existing gym area.

The project is a collaboration between Circadian Trust, who operate Active Centres across South Gloucestershire, and South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) and will be carried out in three phases. The first is the conversion of squash courts to accommodate two new, larger dance studios across two floors and the refurbishment of the female dry changing rooms.

New climbing wall and adventure play area

Later in the spring, the main sports hall will be converted to accommodate a revolutionary new auto-belay climbing wall experience and an extensive adventure play. Alongside this, the male dry changing rooms will be refurbished, the gym and café extended and additional parking spaces created.

The final phase will be the conversion of the existing softplay into a new Shapemaster

toning suite, two party rooms and refurbishment of the function suites on the first floor. There will also be improvements to the library to make it more accessible.

It is anticipated the work will be completed by January 2017.

Circadian Trust’s director of commercial development Ben Beasley said: “As a notfor-profit organisation, we are continually looking for exciting and innovative ways to reinvest in leisure facilities across South Gloucestershire. Working in partnership with SGC on this project means we can offer our customers the very best in a range of brand new leisure experiences.”

“Bradley Stoke is one of our most popular Active Centres and we need to accommodate growing customer demand, both in numbers and the sort of activities that are becoming more popular. There will be a change in some facilities but we believe that the new mix will provide better overall outcomes across age ranges and will increase the numbers taking part in physical activity locally.”

“There will inevitably be some disruption, such as noise and changes to the car parking arrangements, but we plan to keep this to a minimum and run the vast majority of services as normal. We will be keeping customers up to date with regular newsletters and information displayed within the building and

on the website.”

Active Bradley Stoke is one of seven Active Centres run by Circadian Trust, an innovative, charitable social enterprise who deliver and manage leisure facilities across South Gloucestershire in partnership with SGC. Heather Goddard, chair of SGC’s Communities Committee,

added: “This £3.6 million investment by the council will allow Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre to grow, offering more choice of activities for more people in a growing area. The upgraded facilities will reflect the council’s commitment to future demand and to encouraging active lifestyles.” ● Timescale: See facing page.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY WARM AND COSY

Visit us at the Bradley Stoke Tesco Extra on Saturday, March 19th Save £300 a year on your heating costs by upgrading to a new, more efficient boiler from Gregor*. Installation typically takes only 1-2 days and exclusive extended guarantees are available on selected boilers.

Meadowbrook Primary School

Call us today on 0117 935 2400 to book your FREE boiler survey and ask us about our payment options.

Caretaker required Caretaker required to work afternoons/evenings at Meadowbrook Primary School, Bradley Stoke For further information please contact Kirsty Byrne on 01454 868856 or kirsty.byrne@bradleystokecs.org.uk Closing date: 18th March 2016

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March 2016

News

Enthusiastic fundraiser in training for London to Paris cycle ride

By Anna-Marie Coster ocal resident Kelly Adkins will be cycling from London to Paris this summer to raise money and awareness for the charity Breast Cancer Now. Kelly, a life-long resident of Bradley Stoke will join a group of fellow students in cycling 240 miles between the two cities in July.

Taking place from 1st to 3rd July, the cycle ride will take three days to complete. Kelly and her team will start their route in London, heading 73 miles through varied terrain to reach Portsmouth before departing on the overnight ferry to France.

On day 2, Kelly and her team will travel 87 miles, leaving Caen through Normandy on mostly flat roads before arriving at Evreux.

The final day will see them leave

L

Evreux and head towards their final destination, the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Whilst in her second year at Plymouth University, Kelly is finding time to fundraise to reach her target of £995. She is currently almost halfway to her target.

Asked why this cause is important to her, she explained: “This is such a worthwhile charity and one that I am proud to support. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. By God’s grace and through

the research funded by charities such as Breast Cancer Now, she is alive and well today! Sadly, I am only too aware that not everyone is as fortunate.”

Kelly is no stranger to fundraising. As as member of the local St John Ambulance unit from age 10, during her cadet life she would get involved in different fundraising events such as bag packing or first aid demonstrations at the Willow Brook Centre. In Summer 2014, Kelly was one of seven students from Bradley Stoke Community School to be involved with initiating a link with the Sawa Sawa Academy in Kenya. She visited the school and raised money to buy equipment for it.

In September 2015, Kelly took part in a Plymouth memory walk to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

She said: “Since then, I have been itching to take part in another challenge.”

Ironically, Kelly is not a keen cyclist and does not even own a bike, but is eager to take on the challenge. She is preparing for her charity ride by building up fitness and practice at the gym.

She intends to use her parents’ bike when she is home over Easter and whilst on placement between April and July, before hiring a bike for the event itself.

She says: “I am certain that this ride will challenge me both

Kelly Adkins: Up for the challenge

physically and mentally. The fact that I am not a keen cyclist will make this even more of a challenge. Whilst I am excited to begin, I don’t feel I will ever be fully prepared for the difficulties that cycling such long distances will bring, a concern made even more poignant by the countless people who have approached me in disbelief once they realise the distances I will be cycling each day! I can therefore only justify embarking on such an immense challenge to raise money for an amazing charity like Breast Cancer Now.” If you would like to support Kelly on her charity cycle ride, you can visit her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/KellyAdkins or text NHTI54 with the amount you wish to donate.

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March 2016

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19

News

Bradley Stoke salon ranked in Bristol’s top three

B

liss Nails and Beauty, situated in Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, has won a prestigious award for being one of the top three nails and beauty salons in Bristol.

The salon won the award from internet based company ThreeBestRated.co.uk, who handpick the top three businesses in a given category within Bristol. The award for Top Nail Salon is based on reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.

Bliss Nails and Beauty’s Manager, Lynette Dayment said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to receive this award. At Bliss we constantly strive to give our customers the best experience and to have our salon endorsed in this way is a fantastic achievement for all the team.”

Bliss Nails and Beauty can be contacted on 01454 865894. ● www.blissnailsandbeauty.co.uk

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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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March 2016

News

South Glos council tax to rise by 3.99 percent

S

outh Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) element of the council tax levied on local residents is to increase by 3.99 percent from April and looks set to be followed by similar increases in each of the following three financial years.

Meeting on 17th February, councillors agreed to set a revenue budget of £185.2 million, with the increase in the councilcontrolled element of council tax being made up of a 1.99 percent general increase plus a further 2 percent specifically ring fenced to adult social care to help meet the demographic and other service pressures.

A council spokesperson said the increase is designed to help protect council services as funding from central government is reduced. It means that the average charge for a Band D property for the SGC element of the total council tax will rise to £1,295.

Public consultation carried out by the council prior to the budgetsetting process showed that 68 percent of respondents were in favour of a council tax rise for 2016/17 of at least 2 percent.

More increases planned

A report presented to councillors showed indicative budget figures for 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 which assumed further increases in council tax of 3.99 percent in each of these years.

The agreed 2016/17 budget also includes details of an updated Council Savings Programme. Work to reduce ongoing council spending will have saved £56 million by the end of the current financial year and the new plans outlines a further £22 million of savings by 2019/20. These savings are needed to help the council deliver balanced budgets into the future as central government funding

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continues to be reduced.

The leader of council Matthew Riddle, said: “The budget the council has approved is a balance between the resources we have available and the services we provide as a council, which our residents and businesses rely upon.”

“This budget is a plan that we can deliver as a council and, where we need to make further savings, we will continue to consult with the community on potential changes.”

Protecting services

“We have made the decision to raise council tax by 1.99 percent, after five years of council tax freezes, because we recognise the need to protect our services in the current financial climate.”

“We have also been given, and have exercised, the power to raise council tax by an additional 2 percent this year, specifically to help fund adult social care for some of our most vulnerable residents.

“Our priority remains to protect front line services, particularly those delivering for the most vulnerable, wherever we can, which is why we want to encourage everyone to take part in the consultations that are integral to those decisions so that as councillors we can fully understand the impact of the decisions we have to take.”

With the budget for the coming year now set, work will now commence to help inform

a number of key decisions on council services. Significant savings are needed in the budgets for libraries and the amount the council spends on its buildings.

The council will also look to introduce a ‘community hub’ model, where appropriate, to provide multiple services from one place in key communities.

To help inform those decisions, a number of 12-week consultations with residents and businesses were launched on 22nd February. Details can be found online at www.southglos. gov.uk/consultation

Total bill up 3.82 percent

In addition to the South Gloucestershire element, bills that will be coming through letterboxes in the next few weeks will include contributions to the Avon and Somerset Police and the Avon Fire & Rescue Service, both of which have risen by 1.99 percent over 2015/16, and the precept raised by Bradley Stoke Town Council (up by 1.5 percent from last year), producing a grand total of £1,653.41 for a Band D property, an increase of 3.82 percent over last year.

Indicative increases in the total council tax bill for the following three financial years are given as 3.33 percent, 3.44 percent and 3.47 percent.

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March 2016

Money Matters with Bradley Stoke accountant James Comer New year, new you – five tips to end the tax year

W

ith the end of the tax year looming, now is a good time to review your personal and business affairs to ensure you are tax efficient, says local Bradley Stoke accountant, James Comer.

Here, he runs through his top five items to check before 5th April 2016: 1. Invest in an ISA (Individual Savings Account) ISAs are tax efficient accounts for saving money or making investments. Each tax year there is a limit to the amount that can be saved. For the 2015/16 tax year (6th April 2015 – 5th April 2016) this is £15,240 for an adult. If you haven’t already done so, it may be beneficial to take out an ISA or top-up the amount saved to date.

There are also junior ISAs available for children under the age of 18, which is a great way of saving for their future.

The savings limit for 2015/16 is £4,080.

2. Use your personal allowance The personal allowance is the amount an individual can earn in the tax year before paying tax. For the 2015/16 tax year the allowance is £10,600. If you are a low earner and earn less than this, you may wish to look at ways to maximise your tax efficiency. For individuals who are married, there is an option to transfer part of your unused allowance to your spouse to save basic rate tax. This is capped at £1,060 and taxed at 20%.

3. Pension contributions Pension rules and the amount of tax relief obtainable are quite complex. For 2015/16 if you are a UK tax payer you can gain tax relief on your pension contributions up to 100% of your UK earnings or £40,000 (whichever is lower).

For individuals who do not earn enough to pay UK tax, the amount of tax relief is limited to pension contributions of £3,600 or 100% of your UK earnings (whichever is greater).

4. Dividends Limited companies may wish to pay a final dividend before the end of the tax year. New tax rules applying to dividends come into force from 6th April 2016, so this is the last chance to withdraw funds under the old tax regime.

5. System review If you are in business, the end of the tax year is an ideal time to have a spring clean and review if your accounting system is giving you what you need. Does it work for you or is it a frustration?

Does it provide good quality information that you can act upon or just data? A new improved system could be rolled out to coincide with the new tax year.

Remember, it is always advisable to seek professional advice before taking action as each individual’s circumstances will be different.

For assistance with your accounting, James Comer can be contacted on 01454 501894 or e-mail info@ jamescomeraccounting.co.uk.

He is also producing a series of blogs to help small businesses which can be found at www. jamescomeraccounting.co.uk ● See our advert on page 48.

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Quiz

How well do you know Bradley Stoke?

Test your local knowledge in this special quiz compiled by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot 1. With the first turf cut by the MP John Cope, in which year of the 1980s did the building of the Bradley Stoke residential area officially commence?

2. What name is commonly used to describe Great Stoke Roundabout, after it was inhabited for many years by a certain type of mammal?

3. Which Bradley Stoke resident and impressionist came fourth in the 2010 edition of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, later leading him to have his own TV show?

4. According to Google Maps, how many villages, towns or cities in the world are named Bradley Stoke?

5. Which famous Conservative politician officially opened the Aztec West Business Park in December 1989?

6. Today they are road names, but in the 19th century, what were Baileys Court, Manor and Bowsland?

7. Incorporating a new large Tesco supermarket, in which year did the Willow Brook Centre open?

8. Winning in 2010 and 2015, who is the current Member of Parliament for Filton and Bradley Stoke?

9. Currently, which is the only road in Bradley Stoke that begins with the letter ‘N’?

10. Also the creator of the Eden Project in Cornwall, which architect (who shares his name with a Radio One DJ), designed the RAC building in Almondsbury and sections of Aztec West?

11. Which Academy awardwinning animation company has a studio based in Aztec West?

12. In 2014 the actor, Ben Faulkes turned on the Christmas

lights in the Willow Brook Centre. What is the name of the CBeebies character which has made him most famous?

13. Seen on road signs around the area, which French commune is Bradley Stoke twinned with?

14. Run by members of the local community, what is the FM frequency of Bradley Stoke Radio?

15. As the crow flies, which is the closest Premier League football club to Bradley Stoke?

16. The Olympus Academy Trust is responsible for several schools in the Bradley Stoke area. The name was taken from an Olympus Rolls-Royce engine that powered which famous local aircraft?

17. The entrance is located in Trench Lane. What is the name of Bradley Stoke’s golf club, noted for its island hole at the 17th green?

18. Taken from the old English word ‘stoc’, what does the word ‘stoke’ mean, when used with the names of towns such as Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke etc?

19. Which actress, famous for her role in ‘Birds of A Feather’, has established a self-titled acting academy at the Bradley Stoke Community School?

20. Located in Wheatfield Drive, is the West of England MS Treatment Centre. For what medical condition do the initials MS stand?

Answers on page 49

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March 2016

News

Nature group report for January & February

By Sara Messenger of the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group ur January workday was, as always, two hedgelaying workdays instead of one day. Using traditional methods, we continued laying a hedge along the length of Bradley Stoke Way. To all of you who saw it, we know it looks brutal and you may think the trees won’t ever recover, but look again soon and you will see the hedge once again burst into life. The work was hampered not by the cold this year but the mud. The top path is, in places, ankle deep in water and mud. So much so, that it was suggested that it looked less like a path and more the battlefields of the Somme and that we should name the hedge ‘Hawthorn Ridge’!

For our February workday, we had planned to coppice in Webb’s Wood, although we soon

O

changed our minds as storm Henry was still raging about our ears! The storm had bought down many trees in Webb’s Wood, so we spent most of the day clearing up the area, blocking off a path (at the request of SGC) and removing ivy from some of the trees. Although ivy is a great habitat for birds, insects and some small mammals, and the flowers provide nectar late into the year, once it reaches the crown of a tree it should be removed as the evergreen leaves

act like a sail in high winds, catching the wind and bringing down weaker trees. During the day, the lake level rose by almost two feet and the water at the bottom of the tump path didn’t so much tumble over the edge but stampeded over with great force!

The Committee had an extra workday and gave up their Valentine ’s Day to give the lake a spring clean. Rob Williams bought along four of his kayaks and soon he, Robin, Rachel and Gill were paddling around the lake clearing litter, while the others cleared the surrounding areas. As well as the ubiquitous traffic cones, balls and debris we found a child’s buggy (minus child), a cowboy hat, a barrel, part of a motorbike and a

crocodile! Robin managed to land the reptile safely and he has now been ‘re-homed’ (the crocodile, not Robin).

Our plans to have our cygnets ringed came rather unstuck as we discovered they had already flown off to find their own territory, leaving their parents Bradley and Brooke to enjoy a brief respite before the next clutch arrive. We won’t be caught out again this year and have already pencilled in a weekend in July to ring the new cygnets.

Advertising feature

Looking for the perfect prom dress?

Local store offers selection of stylish and glamorous outfits “It’s all about the dress” at Ladies Day in the village of Westbury-on-Trym. So if it’s time to find your perfect dress, you don’t have far to go – visit Julie at 50 High Street.

We take time to make our customers feel special and offer caring and helpful advice. Right now, ‘2016’ collections have started to arrive! We have an amazing selection of dresses in an array of colours.

Stylish and glamorous dresses suitable for proms, award ceremonies and red carpet events. And prom girls needn’t worry – we will not sell the same dress to another girl going to your prom (not even in a different colour).

All you need is a low deposit

to secure your chosen dress.

Payment plans are available.

Girls must be accompanied by an adult to try on our wonderful collection of prom dresses.

At Ladies Day, you will also find outfits suitable for the mother of the bride/groom,

guests, bridesmaids, garden parties, days at the races and, new for 2016, second-time brides.

And to compliment the outfits, we have a phenomenal collection of hats and fascinators.

So, if you need help, then pop in and see Julie. ● www.ladiesdaybristol.co.uk

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

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

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info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News Tories accused of prioritising green bin charge reduction over protection of services

C

onservative-led South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has announced that it WILL reduce the subscription charge for its opt-in garden waste collection service after all, despite party officials saying in January that a cut promised just weeks before would not be possible due to a higher than expected reduction in the council’s government funding.

A party spokesperson explained that Conservative councillors had lobbied local MPs Luke Hall, Chris Skidmore and Jack Lopresti, who took these concerns up with ministers. Following these conversations, SGC was awarded more than £3.6m in additional funding over the next two years, which has enabled the administration to push ahead with a reduction in the green bin charge from £36 to £30 per year.

Speaking of the improved financial settlement, council leader Matthew Riddle

commented: “We were very disappointed with initial cuts to our Revenue Support Grant.

However, I am grateful to our local MPs for making a strong case to the Government for us and I am also grateful to Secretary of State Greg Clark for recognising our concerns and putting the funding in place to make sure we can continue to provide top notch frontline services, look after our most vulnerable, knock £6 off the green bin charge and still balance our books responsibly.”

The move was criticised

by Labour councillors, who described the 50p per month saving on the green bin charge as “a party political waste of money that should be spent saving existing services”.

Labour attempts to divert the annual £230,000 cost of cheaper green bin subscriptions into other areas that are facing cuts, such as youth work, library services and

the provision of council-funded Police Community Support Officers, were thwarted by the Conservative majority at the council’s budget-setting meeting on 17th February.

Labour reacted with criticism of the Conservative councillors for voting down the proposals “without speaking to justify what they were doing”.

Speaking after the meeting, Labour group leader Cllr Pat Rooney, said: “In my 25 years in local government I have never witnessed such a display of disengagement from democratic debate. Members of the public came to speak in support of existing services, and opposition councillors put forward a string of positive proposals and outlined in detail why they should be accepted. We all faced a wall of Tories who were dead to any argument. It is shocking that they were not prepared to argue their own case, presumably

Puppy & Kitten Welcome Pack

because it is so weak and hard to justify.”

“It is tragic that the Tories have wilfully spent ‘transitional’ money which the government says is meant ‘to ease the pace of reductions’ on prioritising a 50p per month cut in the green bin subscription at the cost of current valued services. Labour offered them the opportunity to spend this money on reducing the threat to our libraries instead, and they chose not to do so.”

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

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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.

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26

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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.

t: 01454 300 400

March 2016

Advertising Feature Cribbs pub/restaurant invites children to breakfast with their favourite characters

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

A

local pub/restaurant is inviting children to enjoy breakfast with their favourite TV and film characters.

Redwood Farm, at Catbrain Hill, Cribbs Causeway (close to The Mall), introduced the special breakfast sessions in January and the visiting characters have already attracted a lot of attention. Previous and planned appearances include characters from Star Wars, Minions, Frozen, Toy Story and Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles.

Redwood Farm manager Donna Telford said: “The new character breakfasts are proving a bit hit with our younger customers.”

The cost is £9.95 per child,

which includes a cooked breakfast, a drink and face painting. Each child gets to spend time with their favourite character and have their photo taken with them. They also receive a gift and a themed cupcake to take home.

Booking is essential and a deposit of £5.00 per person is payable on booking.

Please contact the pub for dates and to make a booking.

Redwood Farm Catbrain Lane Cribbs Causeway BS10 7TQ t: 0117 959 4722 Redwood Farm

Look out for character birthday parties, starting soon at Redwood Farm!

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

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

27

Schools

Another ‘good’ Ofsted for Holy Trinity Primary

S

taff, governors and pupils at Bradley Stoke’s Holy Trinity Primary School are celebrating after receiving another positive report from Ofsted.

An Ofsted inspector visited the school on 12th January to carry out the first ‘short’ inspection since Holy Trinity was judged to be ‘good’ in 2011 and concluded that the leadership team has maintained the ‘good’ quality of education in the school since the previous inspection.

The views of all stakeholders were sought, either by face to face meetings or through questionnaires and responses on the school Parent View site.

Headteacher Jane Johns said: “Naturally there was a great focus on the children – either through talking to them, reading with them and viewing them in lessons. The standards of teaching and learning are at the heart of the process and took up the most amount of time. Pleasingly the inspector commented: ‘Leaders have developed a curriculum that excites, inspires and challenges pupils. As a consequence, pupils enjoy their learning and achieve well.’’’

“It was very encouraging to have recognition in the report of the impact that staff have on the pupils: ‘You have a strong and committed teaching team which is ably assisted by highly motivated and skilled support staff. All staff share a determination to ensure that pupils do as well as they can,

Pupils and staff at Holy Trinity celebrate their ‘good’ Ofsted report. Staff (l-r): Mr Jones, Mr Stanley and Mrs Johns.

irrespective of their backgrounds or disabilities. Pupils explained how they appreciate the care, guidance and support provided by staff who are determined to provide them with the skills they need for their future as learners.’’’

Reporting on how well the school had tackled areas to improve identified in the previous report, the inspector commented that the level of challenge in mathematics had been improved “with gusto”, by

making greater use of problemsolving activities.

Mrs Johns added: “It was very pleasing to read the comments that pupils had shared with the inspector regarding how they feel at school, and we’re especially proud that high standards have not been compromised and can sit hand in hand with the excellent quality of care for the pupils that we feel marks our school out as a special place to learn.”

The inspector noted that parents are tremendously

supportive of the school and are confident their children are receiving high-quality learning opportunities which are preparing them well for the future.

Areas identified as needing improvement are transition arrangements for children starting in the early years and the need for development plans that clearly indicate how leaders and governors can check that actions taken have improved pupil outcomes.

Care home nursing -

It’s more than you think...

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bristolnursing.com

Bristol Care Homes

providing a unique care service

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28

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for outstanding community engagement and personal achievement in the Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke or Winterbourne area?

Three local business, the Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke Journal and the Hilton Hotel have teamed up to launch the Stars of the Stokes awards, a set of community awards for the local area. The nominations close on Saturday 9 April.

The awards evening will take place in May at the Hilton Hotel, Bristol Aztec West.

NOMINATION FORM Please hand in completed entry forms to the Willow Brook Centre Management Office on the first floor, post to Willow Brook Centre, Management Office, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8BS. You can also nominate online at www.starsofthestokes.co.uk before Saturday 9 April 2016.

Category (please tick ďƒź)

STAR TEACHER

YOUNG HERO (UNDER 18 YEARS)

PRE-SCHOOL CARER OF THE YEAR

PARENT / GUARDIAN IN A MILLION

CHAMPION CARER

GOOD NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR

ACHIEVEMENT AGAINST THE ODDS

UNSUNG HERO

Your name

Your email

Your phone number

My nominee is

My nominee deserves to win because...

www.starsofthestokes.co.uk IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, p

29

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THE CATEGORIES STAR TEACHER AWARD

(Sponsored by Dunkleys Chartered Accountants) Do you know a teacher who works in the area and goes above and beyond what you would expect? Has your teacher made a huge difference to your life? Perhaps they are the best teacher you’ve met, loved by their students and producing great results?

PRE-SCHOOL CARER OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Almondsbury Garden Centre)

Can you see the difference your Child Minder or Nanny makes to your child’s development, or does your child have a favourite member of staff at their Nursery or Pre-School who brightens their day. Maybe your child carer ends up caring for the whole family or provides has helped you with short notice cover during family emergencies over the last year.

ACHIEVEMENT AGAINST THE ODDS

CHAMPION CARER Carers, be they family and friends or professionals, are crucial to many families. Does someone you know provide care that is beyond ‘the norm’, have they changed lives or put their lives on hold to help and care for you?

PARENT / GUARDIAN IN A MILLION (Sponsored by Olympus Academy Trust)

Parents are great, but is yours better than most?

What do parents you know do to make them a parent/ guardian in a million? Do they collect you children from school every day so that you can work, do they fight to make sure you have everything you need and deserve or maybe something happened in the last year that you couldn’t have got through without their support.

GOOD NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR

Do you know someone how achieves great things against the odds? Has someone you know overcome illness or disability to return to work, or maybe faced a battle to achieve something important to them or achieved sporting prowess when told that they wouldn’t be able too.

They say good neighbours become good friends, do you have a good neighbour who deserves recognition? Do they help with you shopping, or the garden, have they led a successful neighbourhood watch scheme, do they fight for improvements to the area in which you live or are they just ‘there’ when you need them?

YOUNG HERO (Sponsored by Specsavers)

UNSUNG HERO (Sponsored by Aztec Hotel)

Do you know someone aged 18 or under who is a hero, maybe they spend a lot of their free time volunteering, or have achieved great things in sport or have taken a hobby and become renowned for it. Maybe they care for their parents or mow the lawn for a neighbour or have raised money for a cause that is close to them.

Do you know someone who is great but no-one knows? Maybe they give their lives to volunteering or have done the same job for many years. Maybe they run a local sports team or raise money for charity or they are a hero to you and you’d love them to receive some recognition.

OUR SPONSORS INCLUDE:

phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

The

Almondsbury Garden Centre

Olympus Academy Trust

30

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

March 2016

THE SPONSORS DUNKLEYS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

OLYMPUS ACADEMY TRUST

(Sponsors of the Star Teacher Award)

(Sponsors of the Parent / Guardian in a million)

Dunkley’s was founded in 1991 by Practice Director, Mike Dunkley after qualifying with a local practice and then working for international firm Price Waterhouse Cooper. Since then they have become a respected and established firm, priding themselves on delivering exceptional customer service and accountancy advice.

As well as providing tax returns, payroll, bookkeeping and tax advice they offer additional business services such as Auto-Enrolment and Cloud Accounting.

Multi Academy Trust currently comprising Abbeywood and Bradley Stoke Community Schools, and Charborough Road and Meadowbrook Primary Schools. The Trust strives for member schools to deliver an outstanding education for children and young people, by ensuring that students have access to the highest standards of teaching, resources and learning opportunities.

Based in the heart of Bradley Stoke, and with a large percentage of their employees living in the area, they are a firm with deep roots in the local community. As one of the founding sponsors of the Stars of the Stokes Awards, they are keen to see the awards become an annual community event, helping to put Bradley Stoke on the map.

ALMONDSBURY GARDEN CENTRE

We facilitate the sharing of best practice and provide access to a wide range of partners and resources for the benefit of our students and the wider community.

Led and managed as a charitable company by a Board of Directors working on a voluntary basis, brining an extensive range of skills and knowledge from the corporate and education sectors for the benefit of young people.

(Sponsors of the Pre-School Carer of the year)

AZTEC HOTEL (Sponsors of the Unsung Hero)

Dedicated to every aspect of gardening, offering all customers exceptional value, outstanding quality and excellent plant knowledge, it is easy to see why our customers come back time and again. At the heart of the community for over 80 years, Almondsbury, Bristol’s largest Independent Garden Centre are passionate about gardening. Set in an idyllic country location just a few minutes from the M4/M5 motorway interchange, a visit to Almondsbury, a well loved and popular Bristol garden centre will certainly inspire you .

Whether it’s a one night stopover en-route to Cornwall or a whole weekend to explore all that Bristol, Bath and Cardiff has to offer – we are the perfect hotel in Bristol for some rest and relaxation.

Enjoy the character and heritage of the harbour side, the fantastic shopping and historic Roman Baths, or stay put and make the most of our generous facilities.

Our contemporary ambience, luxurious spa and award winning Restaurant make us the perfect hotel in Bristol for people to relax and unwind. Upon arrival you’ll receive complimentary spa membership so you are free to swim, steam, sauna or workout to your heart’s content. Or perhaps you’d prefer to relax with great food and drink? Enjoy our seasonal menu in the stylish Restaurant and Bar or al fresco on the sun terrace – our Taste of the South West table is not to be missed!

SPECSAVERS

(Sponsors of the Young Hero) Specsavers aim to bring you the highest standards of service and expertise. All of their stores are locally owned by professional opticians whose priority is to offer the best in eye care. You can be sure to find the glasses that are just right for you - our catalogue of over 1000 glasses is the widest selection in the UK.

Here at the Aztec Bristol we’re proud to be part of Shire Hotels, a six-strong group of 4 star hotels owned and operated by Daniel Thwaites plc. Through our parent company we have a heritage of over 200 years delivering hospitality, in pubs, inns and hotels.

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

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News

Bradley Stoke in Bloom report for February

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB)

The Common East

We have, for the moment, finished our work at The Common East. A new path has been laid, the original gate has been moved, the orchard cleared, the seats repaired and painted, dead trees have been removed from the path’s edge, the pond has had a good clear-out , bird feeders and boxes have gone up, another butterfly garden has been planted and a duck house, complete with two new residents has been installed.

Although the pond area has been cleared, we have left some suitable nesting material for when the real Mr and Mrs Mallard return, in the hope that they may stay this year. And our gnome has a name – he is Trevor George Williams, named after three of the locals who stopped to chat.

Although The Common has been a lot of work, the improvements and the stream of compliments and thanks we’ve received have made it all the more worthwhile.

Palmers Corner

We have finally found a man who can! After a very long line of failed requests, the bases of the pillars have been repaired by ‘Bradley Stoke Handyman’ Aaron, and have now been planted up with crocus, snowdrops and strawberries. The bare patch that had been left after SGC removed

the bushes has been planted up with more daisies, and we have added more daffodils and tulips to the border. When we look back at photos of how this area looked, we wondered why we took it on, but it has been worth it. As well as the flowers, the corner now boasts fruit trees, raspberries, grapes and strawberries and when they and the magnolia tree on the roundabout blooms, it will all look rather fabulous.

Welcome planters

Our planter at the Aztec West has finally been freed from the road workers’ compound! We were beginning to forget what it looked like, but soon it will be back in place and restored to its former glory. Our other three planters brought a ‘little lurve’ to Bradley Stoke with their popular Valentine makeover bringing a smile to many faces.

We’ve been asked to look at two new areas, the bank near Bluebell Gardens and also parts of Oaktree Crescent and we are discussing the possibilities with the local residents. We hope that everyone will come and give us a hand to improve these areas and to help with a ‘Big Spring Clean’. t: 07582 634107 e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk w: bradleystokeinbloom.com

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

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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

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

March 2016

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

All-New

Renault KADJAR Start living

From £17,995 to £26,295 The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault KADJAR Dynamique Nav TCe 130 are: urban 41.5 (6.8); extra-urban 57.7 (4.9); combined 50.4 (5.6). The official CO2 emissions are 126g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.

Price shown includes delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Price shown is manufacturer’s recommended retail price, which applies to vehicle shown when ordered by 31 March 2016 and registered by 30 June 2016. KADJAR shown has optional Flame Red Renault i.d. metallic paint, available at an additional £625.

S J COOK & SONS CITY MOTORS Castle Court, St Philips Causeway Station Road, Kingswood BS15 4XX Bristol BS4 3AX Tel 0117 3322566 Tel 0117 3322567 www.carcogroup.co.uk/renault

Another one drives a Duster

Dacia Duster from £9,495 to £15,495 S J COOK & SONS KINGSWOOD CITY MOTORS ST PHILIPS CAUSEWAY BS4 3AX BS15 4XX 0117 3322567 0117 3322566 WWW.CARCOGROUP.CO.UK/DACIA The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown are: urban 27.2 (10.4)–48.7 (5.8); extra-urban 40.3 (7)–60.1 (4.7); combined 35.3 (8)–74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 185–115g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.

Car shown is a Dacia Duster Lauréate dCi 110 4x2 from £13,495. Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Prices shown are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, available on featured new vehicles when ordered by 31 March 2016 and registered by 30 June 2016.

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

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Veterinary Advice

t: 01454 300 400

from Samantha Bell RVN of Rowe Vets, Bradley Stoke

Easter and our pets

E

aster is a great time to celebrate with family, but if you have pets, there are a few extra things you might want to think about if you want to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

Easter goodies

Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (a bit like caffeine) that is poisonous to dogs. Hot-cross buns are also poisonous as they contain raisins, which can cause renal failure.

Please be sure to advise Easter visitors to your home of this.

Spring plants and flowers Poisonous species common at this time of year include lilies, daffodils, spring bulbs and azaleas. If you notice any signs of poisoning such as excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and appearing ‘drunk’ or even collapsing, then contact a

vet immediately. Remember indoors plants too, especially lilies with cats.

Dogs and cats love spending time in the garden in the spring.

Make sure that your garden is safe and be careful if you need to use pellets, pesticides or other chemicals. Slug and snail pellets contain metaldehyde, a poison we commonly see in dogs, and only a small amount of pellets can cause significant poisoning.

New additions – rabbits

We tend to see an influx of rabbits being welcomed into the family at this time of year.

Before purchasing or rescuing a rabbit please make sure you have read as much information about these bouncy friends and have everything ready for your new arrival.

Please speak to your veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse to discuss whether a rabbit is the

“Teaching is good because teachers know students extremely well and challenge all abilities to learn successfully.” Ofsted

right friend for you and your family and how to ensure they are healthy hoppers. It is worth considering insuring rabbits as veterinary treatment can become expensive, as with all other species.

Rabbits do require daily handling, neutering, worming, and vaccinations, just like other pets. Rabbits naturally can become quite stressed in new environments, so ensuring that you are ready for your new arrival can help reduce this.

Rabbits may take a long time to settle into their new home, exploring new surroundings and introducing handling. We are very happy to advise on the welcoming your new rabbit into the family.

Rowe Veterinary Hospital Ferndene Bradley Stoke ● See our advert on page 8.

March 2016

News Encephalitis: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The inflammation is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious encephalitis) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis).

Who can get encephalitis?

Anyone at any age can get encephalitis. There are up to 6,000 cases of encephalitis in the UK and potentially hundreds of thousands worldwide each year.

What causes infectious encephalitis?

Viruses are the most commonly identified cause of infectious encephalitis. Within the British Isles, herpes simplex virus (HSV or the cold sore virus) is the virus most frequently identified.

Where can I find out more?

For support and information, visit www.encephalitis.info

“Provision for students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding and ensures that students develop into highly informed and reflective young people.” Ofsted

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

March 2016

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35

News

Helping raise awareness of encephalitis A local family showed support for the recent World Encephalitis Day (Monday 22nd February) by sharing their experiences of this devastating brain condition

By Nikki Hallur he Encephalitis Society, founded in 1994, is involved in providing support and information about the disease, and has asked families across different regions to share their experiences. Encephalitis involves inflammation of the brain which can affect people of any age.

We talked to the Passmore family, local residents who had to deal with the effects of this condition when their son Dylan, now 3 years old, was affected by bacterial meningitis and encephalitis at 9 weeks old.

Parents Katherine and Kristian have two older children, Kassia aged 11 and Theo aged 7, as well as baby Edie Rose who is ten months old. Being experienced parents, they thought they were aware of all the challenges of parenting, but they were shocked to find that Dylan’s high temperature and inconsolable crying were not due to a mild viral infection. After initial consultations with the GP regarding his fever and distressed crying, Dylan was taken to Bristol Children’s Hospital. Dylan’s mum, Katherine, explained how his symptoms did not present with a typical meningitis rash.

She also noticed his eyes were flickering which was a sign of

T

The Passmore family – 3-year-old Dylan was affected by the condition

having fits. The family say the hospital did everything to treat Dylan but staff felt he would lose his life. In a miraculous turn of events, Dylan started recovering and regaining his health, but the encephalitis left long term damage which he has required ongoing assessment for.

Initially after the illness, Dylan lost vision in both eyes. He has now regained sight in his right eye but is unlikely to get it back in his left eye due to neurological changes that occurred during the illness. Dylan manages well with vision in one eye, but some of the other difficulties he faces are harder to notice or explain: these include social anxieties and meltdowns that are not typical toddler tantrums. Dylan also has an exact and detailed memory for the colours, numbers and sequences of his favourite toys and has started spelling words.

These are effects of a form of autism that also make him very particular and obsessive about

how he likes things done. Dylan’s parents say that life has changed considerably as they have had to adapt their work patterns in order to fit their family’s increased needs, and they have to plan carefully for most days. The other siblings also have to accept that their brother will demand more of their parents’ attention.

But the Passmores are positive about Dylan’s future, hoping that he will go to a mainstream school with continued professional support. Dylan is also resilient: he told his dad that although his one eye “doesn’t work”, the other eye “works fine”.

The family want to raise awareness that the signs of meningitis may not always be typical, and that encephalitis needs to be better understood so that society looks beyond judgements about children with neurological disorders as simply “naughty” children. The Passmores also acknowledge that Dylan is very lucky to have

survived and that the medical attention he received was exceptional. Dylan has support from professionals in the area as well as a family who loves him the way he is.

Meningitis and encephalitis can affect people of any age. The signs of meningitis are usually a high temperature, with a rash that does not fade under glass, changes in awareness, loss of appetite as well as dry nappies in babies. Sometimes the rash does not appear until later.

In encephalitis, changes in a person’s level of consciousness is one of the most threatening signs.

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “We launched World Encephalitis Day so people affected by this devastating condition can come together to raise awareness about encephalitis.”

“We still have a long way to go to make the public and some health professionals aware of a condition which affects more people than motor neurone disease and bacterial meningitis and yet remains less well known.”

“But having survivors and their families come forward to show the human side of this ‘hidden disability’ can only be a good thing for informing the public about this condition.”

“The sad fact is that not many people have heard of encephalitis unless it has happened to them, a family member or friend. We want to change that.” ● See FAQs on facing page.

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

Andean Adventure noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

March 2016

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Advertising Feature

New arrivals expected soon at Noah’s Ark

S

pring is upon us at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol, the perfect season to watch nature come alive with a host of impressive animals enjoying the brighter weather outside, including our African elephants, white rhinos and Big Cats and a few special new additions this season… *New for 2016* If you go down to Noah’s Ark this Easter, you’re in for a big surprise…

We’re bear-ly able to contain our excitement as we get set for the arrival of Spectacled Bears in March! Come and visit our Andean Adventure, the largest habitat for these bears in the UK. Here at Noah’s Ark we offer a fun visit all day, in all weather – if it’s rainy, enjoy our large

warm play barns, now with full heating for all indoor play and eating areas. Bring the family along today to Bristol’s awardwinning attraction – awarded the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor for a 3rd year running. Enjoy 12 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor Animal Village and covered Animal Show Pens.

Noah’s Ark offers incredible up-close experiences with amazing animals, including seeing the lions and tigers being fed during the ‘Big Cat Talk’, meeting our giraffes at the daily encounter and watching our Birds of Prey fly in the daily display.

Enjoy a jumbo experience with Noah’s Ark’s impressive ‘Elephant Eden’ - Europe’s

largest elephant habitat. Families can get within a trunks length of nature’s biggest land mammal, take part in the daily Elephant Presentation and learn about the importance of conservation.

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

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

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In Brief

Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports Security advice following spate of burglaries

W

e’re reminding everyone – obviously without trying to alarm you – to take sensible security steps to keep your home and property safe from burglars.

It follows three burglaries and one attempted burglary in just one week in February in our area. In each case, it seems someone knocked at the doors uninvited beforehand.

We’re always suspicious of any cold callers and we suggest you should be too. Always be on your guard if anyone you’re not expecting – a man, woman or even a child – turns up at your home.

Our clear advice is: If you’re not sure about them, then don’t open the door. Genuine callers will normally make an appointment first and will carry some form of official identification.

Some cold callers or

distraction burglars are bogus officials, posing as staff from a utility company or other organisation. They may try to talk you into allowing them into your home to check supplies.

They may claim to be workmen offering to carry out some gardening or home repairs.

Cases like these are thankfully rare, but unfortunately they do happen. So, please be alert and wary and remember – if you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

Call on us 101 if you’re suspicious of any callers, or 999 if you feel it’s an emergency.

Research has shown that areas where Neighbourhood Watch is operating are less likely to be targeted by burglars.

Bradley Stoke needs you – if you are interested please email PCSO Harvey on alicia. harvey@avonandsomerset. police.uk with your name and address and contact numbers.

Neighbourhood Watch

Wednesday 9th March Sunday 20th March Wednesday 30th March – 10am to 12pm

This is a community-led initiative supported by the police. It aims to reduce the opportunity for crime and improve community safety by the reporting of suspicious incidents to the police and to each other.

March 2016

Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre Thursday 10th March Thursday 31st March – 5pm to 7pm

ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes

Stoke Gifford By-Pass progress report (Feb ’06) • Diversion of high pressure water main at A4174 to enable the construction of the new road junction at this location.

• Installation of ground water attenuation blankets at Ham Brook to allow the construction of the Ham Brook bridge.

• Testing/removal of contaminated material from Tudor Lodge, prior to excavation of a cutting to the new Network Rail bridge, which is planned to be installed in “early summer”.

• Installation of a crane pad for construction of the new Network Rail bridge.

• Diversion of a high-voltage Western Power cable to facilitate the tie-in of the new carriageway to Parkway North roundabout.

• Establishment of a material storage area on (part of) Network Rail overspill car park, to alleviate traffic congestion on Parkway North roundabout.

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March 2016

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39

News

‘The Story of Scrap’

T

he Story of Scrap is an adventurous collaboration between students at Patchway Community College, local charity Children’s Scrapstore, Cameron Balloons (the world leader in hot air balloon manufacturing) and Coniston Primary School in Patchway.

Taking inspiration from Brandon Stanton’s renowned ‘Humans of New York’ collection, it uses images to illustrate how Children’s Scrapstore reuses manufacturing waste (scrap) for a new lease of life as children’s play resources, achieving environmental and social benefits and saving businesses disposal costs.

The project exhibits the circular economy of scrap, and the journey of materials from their manufacture, to their intended use in business, to reuse, and eventually into the Scrapstore where they are sent out to PlayPods in school playgrounds, or made available to child minders, play groups and anyone who works with children and adults in a therapeutic setting.

The aim is to enhance creative play opportunities for all children. Local artists, students and community groups also collect materials from the Scrapstore to be used for whole new creative purposes. The work will be a portfolio piece for Patchway photography student’s A-levels, and was assigned to them in the form of a brief, treating Children’s Scrapstore as a formal client. Ella Wiles of Children’s Scrapstore, who helps develop the scrap supply network, will use the project to explain to manufacturers and members of the public the eccentric role Scrapstore plays and the need that their waste fulfils.

Cameron Balloons are one of Children’s Scrapstore’s longest running suppliers, and have been donating off-cuts from their world famous hot air balloons for over 30 years. Cameron Balloons

L-r: Cameron Balloons’ warehouse; Scrap ripstock from balloon production enters the Children’s Scrapstore warehouse

was founded in 1971 by aeronaut Donald Cameron – developer and pilot of the first modern air balloon in Western Europe – and is now managed by his daughter, Hannah.

They are the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of hot air balloons, and their scrap material is a firm favourite with Scrapstore customers, so it seemed fitting that they would be the focus of the supplier’s side of ‘The Story of Scrap’.

The A-level photography students, along with their tutor and Scrapstore board member Pete Simpson, visited Cameron Balloons to photograph the Bristol factory, and making of a balloon, which can take between two days and two weeks to create. The students also had the opportunity to chat with Hannah herself, as

well as factory staff that cut, sew and even unpick the giant air balloons by hand. At Children’s Scrapstore the group met CEO Jeff Hill, and learned how the materials donated by local businesses become part of the charity’s warehouse full of re-usable business waste, before going out to schools across the country as part of their PlayPods scheme.

Finally, the students visited Coniston Primary School, where the materials take a new shape again. Brought back to life by children who turn scraps of hot air balloon into dresses and hats, cables to pull sledges across the playground, rope to tie up hammocks… in their imaginations the possibilities are endless.

Ella Wiles commented that; “this is fantastic opportunity

for everyone involved. We have often struggled to find ways of demonstrating the value of what we do and the project from the students has made it not only possible but perfect. Cameron Balloons have been superb and helped in so many ways both on this project and over the years. We hope that many more businesses will explore the value and joy we can bring to children through this work.”

Scrapstore aims to do many more projects like this in the future, working with different groups and members to spread the word of where scrap comes from and how it gets used.

‘The Story of Scrap’ will be on display at Bristol’s Engine Shed exhibition space between May and June 2016.

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

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March 2016

News Curfew order for pair who fly-tipped rubbish collected from Bradley Stoke Rubbish which had been collected from a property in Coriander Drive was found dumped in Upton Cheyney

T

wo men have been given a three month home detention curfew and ordered to pay a combined total of £1,120 after admitting fly tipping waste they had collected from a property in Bradley Stoke.

Nicky Burgess, 28, of Oldland Common, and Ian Hannon, 49, of St George, appeared before North Avon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 29th January. Both men pleaded guilty to jointly fly tipping waste that was found at Brewery Hill in Upton Cheyney at the beginning of May 2015. They were each ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £500 each in costs.

In addition, the pair were sentenced to a home detention curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am, which will apply every night for a period of three months. Both offenders will be electronically tagged to enforce the curfew. This case is the first time that this type of sentence has been given out for fly tipping in South Gloucestershire.

The court heard that a property was being refurbished in Coriander Drive in Bradley Stoke and Burgess was offered payment to remove some waste.

He arrived at the property and loaded the waste into his van, then together with Hannon drove to Brewery Hill in Upton Cheyney and dumped the waste.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Communities Committee Chair Cllr Heather Goddard said: “Fly tipping is a criminal activity and this latest prosecution continues our zero tolerance policy. If you fly tip rubbish in South Gloucestershire, you should expect to be caught and prosecuted.”

“This is the first case in South Gloucestershire where offenders have been electronically tagged, which clearly demonstrates that all means of punishment will be considered by the court.”

“Residents are advised to only give their rubbish to an Environment Agency registered waste carrier or they could be held liable if waste is subsequently fly tipped.”

You can carry out these simple steps to make sure your waste is disposed of legally: • Ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where the waste is being taken. Legitimate firms will be happy to provide this information. Do not be tempted to use people offering cheap waste clearance on sites such as Facebook and Gumtree unless you have confirmed that they are registered with the Environment Agency.

• Check whether the waste carrier is registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or by checking on their website.

• Ask for a registered trading address and contact telephone number for the trader and get a receipt.

Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can all be disposed of at no cost via the council’s Sort It centres.

● Residents who see illegal fly

tipping are encouraged to report it by contacting the Street Care helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos. gov.uk or visiting www. southglos.gov.uk/flytipping

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March 2016

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41

News

Almondsbury helibase decision quashed

S

outh Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has chosen to quash its decision to grant planning permission for a new helicopter base in Almondsbury, on a green belt site just across the M5 motorway from north Bradley Stoke, following a legal challenge from a determined objector.

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

BAE Systems, which owned the airfield at the time of the original planning application, and has plans to redevelop it with 2,675 residential dwellings and up to 24ha of commercial use, said it was necessary to relocate the helicopter base because leaving it at the airfield would lead to “the loss of approximately 400 residential dwellings and a significant proportion of affordable housing [within the new development]”.

It was also claimed that the current site would be unsuitable due to demolition and construction activity in the vicinity of helicopter operations over many years.

Outline planning permission for the airfield redevelopment has since been granted and the site sold to a Malaysian property developer.

An SGC committee approved the helicopter base plans in July last year, but a resident of Almondsbury threatened to

Almondsbury

Bradley Stoke

The site of the proposed helicopter base lies just across the M5 from the RAC building in Bradley Stoke

issue proceedings to judicially review the decision, on the grounds that the council had (1) failed to properly assess the environmental impact of the development; (2) failed to impose a noise monitoring condition; and (3) in assessing the required “very special circumstances” for development in the green belt, failed to take account of the fact that there was an option for the retention of the [helicopter] operation on its current site [at Filton Airfield].”

Having taken advice from an expert QC, who indicated that grounds (1) and (2) had a realistic prospect of being successfully argued at a judicial review, the council has chosen to quash its planning decision and “remake“ it, giving proper regard to grounds (1) and (2).

The expert QC advised the council that he considered ground (3) to have “little or no merit”.

An SGC spokesperson confirmed: “The original application was quashed by the High Court and will come back to the council to re-determine.

Residents will be able to have their say on the application.”

No date has yet been set for the SGC planning committee to reconsider the application.

The council’s spend on legal proceedings associated with the case is put at £8,861, to which will be added the cost of council officers’ time in preparing new committee reports in order for the decision to be “remade”.

Residents of north Bradley Stoke are among scores of people who have objected to the proposed helicopter base,

although a majority of comments on The Journal’s online channels have indicated support.

Bradley Stoke Town Council, although not a statutory consultee, as the site lies in another parish, responded to the original planning application stating that “a noise attenuation barrier needs to be provided for the Woodlands Caravan Park and Ormonds Close if this proposal goes ahead”. The demand was dismissed by an SGC environmental protection officer, who confirmed that “any noise issues at Woodlands Caravan Park are linked to historical issues at the location and installing a fence at the site would not provide any noise benefit with regard to the proposed helicopter application”. ● Planning ref: PT15/1438/F

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March 2016

Ask the Doctor with Dr Faisal Siddiqui of Bradley Stoke Surgery Springtime health

W

e have now hit spring!

Christmas and New Year are now long forgotten and it’s the time to spring clean not only your home but your health and mind.

Spring clean

One of the places in the home often forgotten in the spring clean is the medicine cabinet.

How many times have you reached for a tablet for a common ailment and realised it was out of date? Please try to dispose of those medications responsibly and remember to refill with the common must haves such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc. Ladies also don’t forget to check your makeup drawers. Most cosmetics like many other products have expiry dates. Throwing them away now will not only free up space but

also minimize your risks of skin and eye infections.

Get active

Springtime is also a good time to dust off your trainers and get moving. Simple first steps are the most important to lasting life style changes, so why not think about taking a walk during your lunch hour? Not only will you be able to take in the beautiful wildlife and flowers in bloom, but the change in scenery will reinvigorate the mind with endorphins for the rest of the day ahead.

Talking of wildlife, why not think of sprucing up your garden and at the same time getting some exercise? Gardening burns approximately 250 to 350 calories an hour. Anything that gets you into a sweat qualifies as exercise, for example, gardening

or weeding. Try to aim for 3-5 sessions per week for around an hour at a time to reap the full benefits.

Allergies

Unfortunately, springtime can be a bad time for sufferers of allergies such as hay fever.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. There are approximately 10 million people in the UK with hay fever alone.

Asthma and eczema suffers can also have a torrid time.

If you know you are prone to the above problems, it may be wise to have your medications in plenty of time for the pollen season.

There are many simple tips to try to keep pollen at bay. Why not try wearing wrap-around sunglasses and/or changing your clothing and having a shower to

remove pollen after coming in from outdoors? If that all fails, your local pharmacy will have a range of medications for hay fever – from nasal steroids to oral antihistamines.

Whatever you do plan over springtime, try to use it as a productive time for positive change and try to enjoy yourself!

Dr Faisal Siddiqui Bradley Stoke Surgery www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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

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Schools New library area for Little Stoke Primary

L

ittle Stoke Primary School officially opened its new library area on Friday 19th January and celebrated the occasion with a day of literacyrelated activities.

Performance poet Ian Bland spent the day at the school, leading writing workshops, showing pupils how to write poems and giving tips on performing.

During a short ceremony to mark the opening of the library, Year 6 boys shared their thoughts about the new facility through prepared speeches. Ian Bland also explained how he had loved to visit libraries as a child, both the one in his school and the one in his village. He then recited a specially written poem called ‘Our Library’.

Then, after a fanfare by the Little Stoke Sliders (the school’s trombone group), Ian cut the ribbon to declare the library area officially open.

The library area is a visible

Ian Bland, performance poet

presence of a broader reading initiative that is under way at the school which has included a reading challenge (in which children produced models based on books they have read), a top 100 books initiative, a reading passport scheme (which gives pupils rewards on reaching milestones), and paired reading.

Photos (from top): Year 6 boys explain what reading means to them; Fanfare by the Little Stoke Sliders; Ian Bland recites a poem prior to cutting the ribbon

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March 2016

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Charity cake sales by stores at the Willow Brook Centre during February raised hundreds of pounds for deserving causes.

Specsavers (left) held a Valentine’s Day-themed event raising funds for Breast Cancer Care, while O2 (right) raised funds for the NSPCC and raised awareness of their work to help keep kids safe online.

We’re truly local & proudly independent… www.oceanhome.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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47

News

Beaver Scouts’ 30th birthday camp

By Katherine Robinson of the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group his year, Beaver Scouts fun. Everyone was kept fed and are celebrating their watered by our brilliant catering 30th birthday. The 1st crew and we would like to thank Bradley Stoke Beavers marked the Smart Fish Bar in Stoke this occasion in style with a camp Gifford for supplying us with a aiming to complete 30 activities lorry load of chips to help fuel in 30 hours! The marathon our hungry campers! sleepover was held at Brook Way At the closing ceremony we Activity Centre with 42 young shared a big birthday cake with people taking part. As well as the all the parents and our newest excitement of a weekend away Beaver (invested at camp) blew from home, the Beavers had out the candles! As always, non-stop fun as they counted weekends like these cannot off each of their 30 activities on happen without the support from a giant clock. Just a few of the our volunteer leaders, so a huge things completed were spaghetti thank you to all our team. Here’s bridges, tie-dyed neckerchiefs, to the next 30 years! domino rally, map making, clay If you would like to find out sculptures, blind assault course, about volunteering opportunities toasting marshmallows, catapults with the group, please visit our and tent pitching. Plenty of website www.bradley-stokegames, a movie from 1986 and a scouts.org.uk and click on the giant tug of war also added to the ‘Join’ tab.

T

-

Nursery and Pre-school with a focus on learning in our fun, enjoyable environments, parents can also take part by signing up to receive emails and ‘tips’ for supporting their child’s learning at home.

For more information please call Bradley Stoke Nursery & Pre-school on 01454 614 411

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March 2016

In Brief It’s musical time at the Stokes Singers!

Stokes Singers community choir have had an enjoyable start to 2016. As well as starting to learn new songs and arrangements for our Summer Concert we recently spent a Saturday afternoon with the inspirational Wendy Sergeant who led a workshop encouraging us to sing in harmony, unaccompanied.

She even managed to persuade several of our ladies to try singing the bass and tenor parts for a change! Wendy’s arrangement of Moon River is sure to be one of the highlights of our summer programme which will feature a wide variety of songs from Hollywood blockbusters and popular musicals. As a Community Choir we are committed to singing in the local area and enjoy taking our music to care homes and other venues. We are looking forward to singing for patients at the Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre on Saturday 12th March. Music is great therapy for both the audience and participants!

Our AGM in February saw the 2016 committee formed to run the choir over the next twelve months. There are a few new faces on the committee, including Ellie as our Chair, as well as several members continuing in their roles.

Singing with the Stokes Singers is great fun and it is a very friendly group. Whilst we have welcomed several new members this term and have a waiting

list for sopranos, we do have room for a few altos, tenors and basses, and there is often the opportunity to change sections to suit your voice. You don’t have to audition to join and will find that other members are keen to help less experienced singers ‘find their voice’! This term we have produced a CD with all the parts to the different songs to make practising at home even easier.

The choir rehearses at The Community Centre, The Parade, Coniston Road, Patchway, every Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm with a refreshment break giving a chance to chat to others. Anyone over the age of 18 years is welcome to come along and have a go.

Alternatively contact Liz, our membership secretary on 01454 614148 for further information.

Council “saves” thousands on mayoral chain Bradley Stoke Town Council, which had planned to spend up to £4,000 on the purchase of a new mayoral chain because the existing one has run out of medal space, has agreed a cheaper solution that will allow a further twelve medals to be fitted to the existing chain at a cost of £1,010.

The extra capacity will be achieved by rotating each of the existing asymmetrically-shaped medals in the existing chain by 90 degrees, such that their shorter sides, rather than their longer sides, determine its overall length.

The cost of rotating the existing medals, adding twelve new gilt medals and re-plating the whole

Current mayor Roger Avenin wears the chain that will now be modified

chain in a “polished hard gold finish” comes in at £290.

The remainder is made up of £520 for a new “base metal medallion” and £200 for a new “full regalia case”.

Bowls club to hold Spring Meeting on 17th March Bradley Stoke Bowls Club holds its Spring Members’ Meeting at 6pm on Thursday 17th March at Baileys Court Activity Centre.

After maintaining fellowship during the winter, with several social events, it is now time to prepare for the new season.

Existing members and possible newcomers are therefore welcome to attend the meeting.

The new fixture cards will be issued and other information provided.

Arts society lecture: ‘Shakespeare & company’ On Thursday 17th March, the South Gloucestershire Decorative & Fine Arts Society will welcome

Nicole Mezey to give a talk titled ‘Shakespeare & company’.

Nicole’s lecture celebrates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death by looking at the visual and material world and social changes which influenced him. He left a Warwickshire village for the intrigue, glamour, fear and squalor of London. An age of portraits, playbills, parades, theatres, a Virgin Queen and an anti-smoking, witch-hunting king.

Meeting at Bradley Stoke Community School BS32 7BS (near Bradley Stoke Library and Leisure Centre), we are a friendly group and always pleased to welcome guests and new members. Refreshments from 7pm; welcome and slide illustrated lecture at 7.30 pm.

Good parking and 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.

Baptist church hosts youth outreach event at Costa Amberley Road Baptist Church invites all 11-16 year-olds to come and grab a free Costa, hang out with friends and listen to our surprise act! From 7.30pm to 9pm on Friday 18th March, the Costa cafe at the Willow Brook Centre will be transformed, with fun activities to join in with and live music. Want to know more or sign up to the event? Visit amberleyroad.org/illumin8 or phone 07527 989494.

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March 2016

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News Bradley Stoke PQA students take to the London stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre

49

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he Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts students from Bradley Stoke, Harlow and Newcastle dazzled their family and friends with a spectacular performance of PQA’s brand new show ‘The Lazy Ace’ on Sunday 7th February.

As part of PQA’s curriculum, the students have the opportunity to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre London, home to Phantom of the Opera, and get to experience the thrill and buzz of performing on a West End stage.

The Lazy Ace is a musical comedy set on the glitzy, glamorous Las Vegas Strip in the 1950s; Detective Chip Buddy is in search of a card shark known as The Lazy Ace amongst the hustle and bustle of the casino scene. PQA Bradley

Stoke had the freedom to be as imaginative and creative with their part of the show as they like, from the casting, staging and choreography.

The principal from PQA Bradley Stoke, David Verey, said: “The students should be so proud of all their hard work leading up to the show. Their professionalism, their confidence on stage and how their lines were delivered to perfection resembles the highest West End Stage performer. Above all, the students had fun and absolutely loved performing to a sell-out crowd.”

With another 21 academies due to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre London this year, PQA students continue to take the West End by storm! ● For more information visit www.pqacademy.com

Bradley Stoke Journal: 5,300 fans Quiz answers (page 23) 1. 1987 2. Rabbit Roundabout 3. Paul Burling 4. One 5. Margaret Thatcher 6. Farms 7. 2008 8. Jack Lopresti 9. New Leaze 10. Nicholas Grimshaw

11. Aardman 12. Mr Bloom 13. Champs-sur-Marne 14. 103.4 15. Swansea City 16. Concorde 17. Woodlands 18. Place 19. Pauline Quirke 20. Multiple sclerosis

uph olst ery !

goto iT We have moved!

Come and see us in our new larger shop for all your computer needs 28 Gloucester Road North Filton

Bristol

BS7 0SJ www.goto-it.co.uk

0117 969 8767

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50

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

What’s On (6th March – 3rd April) Sunday 6th March 9.30am: SCC Novice and Long Distance Bike Rides to Old Down / Purton. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560.

[Further rides on 13th, 20th & 31st March and 3rd April] 9.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: North Thornbury. Meet in the Blue Zone car park at Aztec West – a car-sharing scheme is operated.

More info: http://bit.ly/ssramb [Further walks on 13th, 18th, 20th & 27th March and 1st & 3rd April]

Tuesday 8th March 7pm: Southern Brooks Area Forum at Patchway Community College. Agenda: http://bit.ly/ sbaf-1603 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Being breast aware (talk).

More info: Janine 01454 617645

Wednesday 9th March 10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays] 2pm: Social Club for Over-55s at the Jubilee Centre. Organised

by Knightstone Housing. [Weekly on Wednesdays] 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Sue Duggan on icing Easter cakes.

7pm: BSTC Full Council Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcfull 7.30pm: Bradley Stoke Lions Club meets at the Hilton Bristol Hotel. More info: Ailsa Young on 07737 106836

Thursday 10th March 11am: Walking for Health.

Organised walk (1.4 miles) starting from the town square.

More info: http://bit.ly/sgcwalk or phone 01454 868006.

[Further walk on 24th March] 8pm: The Stokes Crafters meet at the Poplar Rooms, North Road, Stoke Gifford. More info: The Stokes Crafters group on Facebook [Weekly on Thursdays]

Saturday 12th March 10.30am-1pm: Drop-in Event to Discuss Library Service Changes at Bradley Stoke Library. See article on page 10.

Tuesday 15th March 3pm-6pm: Bristol Robotics Lab Workshop at Bradley Stoke Library. Suitable for age five and above.

Thursday 17th March 7pm: SGDFAS Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. This month: Nicole Mezey talks on “Shakespeare & company”. See news item on page 48. More info: Sally Kitching on 01454 774401.

Friday 18th March 1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre.

More info: www.blood.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

March 2016

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

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

7.30pm-9pm: Illumin8 Youth Event at Costa Coffee, Willow Brook Centre. Grab a free Costa!

See news item on page 48.

Saturday 19th March 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.

1pm-1.30pm: Fizz Pop Science Show at Bradley Stoke Library.

8pm-9.30pm: Picnic in the Dark, to celebrate Earth Hour. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. Booking essential: http://bit.ly/tbpitd16

Sunday 20th March 3.30pm-5pm: Easter Crafts at the Jubilee Centre. Organised by the Friends of Jubilee Green.

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

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

Wednesday 23rd March 7pm: BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcpec

Friday 25th March 7.30pm: Charity Band Night and Auction at Little Stoke

Social Club, with Van Burgundy.

“Let’s give cancer the boot!”

Sunday 27th March 10am-2pm: Easter Bunny Bike Ride (Family Treasure Hunt) at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

More info: http://bit.ly/bsj-scc

Saturday 2nd April 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 N.B. Dates of this month’s police drop-in surgeries are listed on page 38.

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

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

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

Circulation: 9,500 delivered plus 700 left at pick-up points *Price of a one-eighth-page display advert, when committing to six monthly issues

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

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

51

Through the camera lens by Becky Ward

A

pologies everyone for abandoning you last month! If you wondered what I’ve been up to, it was time for my coursework hand in and I was drowning under paperwork.

I thought that this might be a good time to share what I’ve been doing with you at uni, especially as it’s a little bit mad and taken in and around Bradley Stoke (if you happened to be driving past Rabbit Roundabout and saw someone with a picnic table, you weren’t going mad – I was!).

Our project was based around location photography, and I decided that I wanted to do something different. I’ve always liked the idea of photographing fairytales but wanted to relate it to real life. The Mad Hatter is probably one of my favourite characters, purely because he is so unpredictable. The Mad Hatter exists in his own world, as we all do, but if we can go on holiday and escape our own

world for a while then why can’t he do the same? When you go on holiday do you like to stick to similar routines or try something new?

With this idea in mind I decided the best place to start would be with a continuation of habit. I photographed the Mad Hatter having a tea party, but this time in a new location.

If, a few months ago, you saw a few strange people setting up a table on a roundabout, that was me! I wanted to photograph somewhere strange where most normal people wouldn’t think to go. I wanted to start with the tea party in a strange location, and a roundabout (originally said in jest) seemed like the least sensible option.

Towards the end of the project, I deviated from the original tea party idea to photographing the Mad Hatter as a series of portraits. While not in Bradley Stoke, unlike my

other photographs, this portrait, taken in Stoke Gifford, is one of my favourites. It shows the Mad Hatter with his tea cup on his head; it shows him exploring his new surroundings rather than sticking to his tea parties that he’s held all his life, with just a small amount of home to remind him.

Hopefully you don’t mind

me doing something a bit different in place of my usual event photography column.

Bradley Stoke is a place we see everyday, but it’s so rare to see a resident using the area in a creative way. If you’d like to see the whole Mad Hatter’s Holiday project, the photographs are available on the Becky Ward Photography Facebook page.

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

52

March 2016

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk

News Alzheimer’s Society launches local activity group for people with dementia

A

new ‘friendship & activity group’ for people with dementia is being launched by Alzheimer’s Society in Little Stoke.

The club will take place on Monday mornings from 10am to 12noon. Exact dates, and details about the location, are available from the charity’s South Gloucestershire office on 0117 961 0693.

The friendship & activity group will provide a social atmosphere that aims to help people with dementia keep physically and mentally active as well as helping people express themselves.

People who attend will be able to take part in a range of activities including visits to local places such as the industrial museum, indoor games, and activities such as chair exercise or massage, delivered by other local organisations.

Heather Ashley, Group Co-Ordinator for Alzheimer’s WINDOW CLEANING

Society in South Gloucestershire said: “We’re really excited to be launching this new group in Little Stoke. Activity groups can make a huge difference to people’s sense of wellbeing, helping people keep fit, have fun and socialise.”

“There are thought to be over 3,400 living with dementia in South Gloucestershire. With the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years.”

As well as activity groups, Alzheimer’s Society in South Gloucestershire has a number of services including Singing for the Brain groups, Memory Cafes, Carer Support Groups and Dementia Support Service. To find out more about the new, or existing groups, please contact Vickie Heyward or Heather Ashley on 0117 961 0693. ● The service is open to all residents of Bradley Stoke and the wider Stokes area who have had a diagnosis of dementia.

Get well · Stay well

E

by Paul Green, Personal Trainer from the Willow Brook Clinic

Finding your Fitness – Part One

xercise isn’t an exact science—different people are capable of different things. But one fact rings true – something is better than nothing. Healthy exercise should blend fun and fitness, effort and results. Instead of dreading exercise, learn to get more out of a workout than ever before.

The best way to achieve your goals is to have an action plan.

Personal trainers specialise in establishing what your goals are and finding a pathway to ensure that you reach them.

To find your ‘Fitness’ there are a lot of places to start looking, here are the first few points to consider as you start looking: 1. Commit. Don’t blur the line between wanting to get fit and actually doing something about it. Take the first step towards healthier habits and commit to a challenge.

2. Make a plan. Without a good game plan, exercise can quickly become a complete waste of time.

3. Stay on schedule. Habits don’t just happen, they’re formed. Figure out when there’s time for exercise – first thing in the morning, at lunch, or after work. But don’t stress; there is no right time to work out.

Consistency is the real gamechanger. Prioritize exercise, and develop a healthy habit by sticking to the schedule.

4. Track your progress. One way to avoid potential

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

roadblocks is by keeping a workout journal (pretty much a ‘dear diary’ for grown-ups). But instead of juicy gossip, record the exercises, distance, sets, reps, and the amount of weight used during each training session.

5. Ask for help. Don’t risk injuries by playing follow-theleader. Learn the ‘dos’ and ‘do nots’ from the beginning.

Talk to a trainer, get a fitness assessment, or consider investing in a few training sessions to learn the ropes.

Coaches have been shown to boost motivation and performance, and will help you stick to your training routines.

Consider these points when you start finding your fitness or if you want to improve what you already do. Remember that something is better than nothing.

East Offices, 1st Floor The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 7.

PAINTING & DECORATING

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Circulation: 9,500 delivered plus 700 left at pick-up points *Price of a twelfth-page Business Directory advert, when committing to three monthly issues

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

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

PLUMBING & HEATING

TAXIS

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TV AERIALS & SATELLITE TV

53

PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

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

“Always on tap”

All types of repair and replacement work Evening and weekend appointments available Fixed rates - no job too small

Call Darren on 07901 910361

07967 567 394

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

Covering north Bristol and South Glos

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

CAKE MAKERS & DECORATORS

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

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

Call Dan on

assistplumbingandheating.co.uk

0117 214 0949

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

PET SERVICES

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

Tel: 01454 632456 Website: www.catkennels.co.uk 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

54

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers James Comer Accounting, Page 48 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 4 Deluxe Carpentry & Building, Page 14 Richard Joseph, Page 14 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Sensations Cakes, Page 53 Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 53 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 1, 32 & 33 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 48 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 49 Carpentry & Joinery Deluxe Carpentry & Building, Page 14 J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 53 Carpets & Flooring Bristol Wood Floors, Page 51 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 18 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 56 Happy Days Nursery, Page 47 Little Acers Pre-School, Page 7 Little Acorns Pre-School, Page 26 Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, Page 9 Children’s Activities Jump Bristol, Page 42 Filton Sports & Leisure Centre, Page 21 Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Page 36 Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Churches Bridge Community Church, Page 39 Cleaning & Domestic Services Welcomehome Cleaning, Page 11 Computer Services goto iT, Page 49 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 18 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 47 Double Glazing Cloudy2Clear Windows, Page 19 Crystal Clear Windows, Page 43 JDC Windows, Page 20 Education & Learning Olympus Academy Trust, Page 34 SGS College, Page 55 Electricians NRB Electrical, Page 26 More in directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 45 West Coast Properties, Page 23 Events Bristol Hippodrome, Page 12 Fashion & Accessories Ladies Day, Page 24 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 20 Sara Turner Foot Health, Page 49 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 26 Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 6 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 41 Westlec Auto Electrical, Page 14

Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 10 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 35 Professional Gardening Services, Page 54 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 16 Riverside Leisure Club, Page 46 Hairdressers Visit directory on BSJ website Health & Beauty AT Skin and Laser, Page 22 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 8 Harvey’s Select, Page 38 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 31 Opticians Specsavers, Page 40 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 52 Pet Services & Supplies New Passage Cattery, Page 53 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 24 Photographers Visit directory on BSJ website Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 54 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 53 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 37 Clifton Gas, Page 53 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 50 Gregor Heating, Page 17 JJ Plumbing, Page 41 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 53 Panache Plumbing, Page 53 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 53 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 53 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 50 JJ Plumbing, Page 41 Richard Joseph, Page 14 Recruitment Bristol Care Homes, Page 27 LV= Careers, Page 2 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 17 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 54 Self Storage Visit directory on BSJ website Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 44 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 13 Sport & Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 31 Filton Sports & Leisure Centre, Page 21 O’Malley Irish Dancing, Page 44 Taxis South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 53 Z Cars, Page 35 TV & Aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 53 Veterinary Surgeons Vets4Pets / CompanionCare, Page 25 Rowe Veterinary Group‑, Page 8 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 52

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

March 2016

t: 01454 300 400

Tell advertisers you found them in the Bradley Stoke Journal!

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

Circulation: 9,500 delivered plus 700 left at pick-up points *Price of a twelfth-page Business Directory advert, when committing to three monthly issues

PLANT HIRE

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

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

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t: 07900 372349

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GARDENING SERVICES

• • • •

Professional Gardening Services

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

APPLY NOW for apprenticeship opportunities available at the Ministry of Defence Abbeywood The job roles will be within the Commercial and Finance teams (Accountancy and Procurement apprenticeships).

If you are 18-21 and would like to find out further information or to apply for these apprenticeships go to:

www.apprenticeships.gov.uk or www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk The vacancies will be advertised at the above websites during the period of February and March 2016.

FREDEED

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

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

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

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

COME ALONG AND SEE OUR BRAND NEW GARDEN

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

0117 969 1662

www.bananamoon-bristol.co.uk