May 2016

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

May 2016 • Issue 37

QUIZ P16 | POLICE P18 | WHAT’S ON P36 | DIRECTORY P38

Skate park official opening

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PLUS , IN YOUR 40-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

Pages 20 & 21

Little Stoke parkrun row

Decision sparks media frenzy

Olympus Academy Trust

Page 17

Four more schools look to join

Page 29

l Railway closures set to cause travel disruption l Crest consults on plans for 1,640 new homes at East of Harry Stoke l MetroBus construction: April progress report l Man jailed for 18 years after stabbing partner in Bradley Stoke street l Harriers pair clinch world champs medals l Sporting Hero award for Stoke Gifford taekwondo student l Local man’s fight to keep World War II pill box l Bradley Stoke hit by spate of burglaries l WIN a year’s free gym membership at Anytime Fitness in Bradley Stoke l Councillors to vote on Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension

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News

Railway closures set to cause travel disruption Major routes closed on May and August bank holiday weekends and for SIX weeks in September and October

R

ailway passengers are being warned to expect disruption as a result of major engineering works being carried out in the north Bristol area over the next six months.

From Saturday 28th to Monday 30th May, the railway between Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction will be closed, with many services being amended or replaced by buses.

The closure is necessary to allow Network Rail carry out major signal improvements at Filton Bank, which is being upgraded to four tracks, allowing slower local trains to run on their own tracks without hindering or affecting the frequency of new high-speed electric trains that are to be introduced as part of Network Rail’s £40bn Railway Upgrade Plan.

A further closure associated

Severn Tunnel electrification drilling work

with this work is expected to take place over the late August bank holiday weekend (27th to 29th August).

This will be followed by a six week closure of the line between Bristol and South Wales, from 12th September to 21st October, to allow the 130-year-old Severn and Patchway tunnels to be prepared for electrification.

This work will involve installing conductor beams in both tunnels to power the new fleet of electric trains that will run underneath. To install this beam in the Severn tunnel, four tonnes of soot needs to be removed and extensive improvements made to the brick work.

Mark Langman, Network Rail’s managing director

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for the Western route, said: “Electrification has many longterm benefits including faster, more frequent trains and a boost to economic growth in towns and cities across the whole of the Western route and beyond.”

“I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience and understanding while we deliver the essential upgrades needed to prepare these tunnels for electrification and the benefits this will bring.”

As previously reported, Network Rail is also currently carrying out potentially noisy piling works in the Little Stoke and Patchway areas. This work, associated with the installation of overhead wires, is taking place on Saturday nights and is expected to continue until October. ● More information: GWR.com/Filton2016 GWR.com/SevernTunnel2016

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May 2016

News ‘Good’ Ofsted for Abacus @ Baileys Court Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB

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

About the Bradley Stoke Journal The Bradley Stoke Journal website and magazine are published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: 7 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD. 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.

Care home nursing - a fulfilling profession

Bristol Care Homes operates 3 care homes in Horfield, Almondsbury and Thornbury, and will soon be opening a 4th home in Fishponds.

Our commitment is to excellence of care with constant innovation.

We are keen to hear from nurses to lead our teams. Care home nursing is a challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling professional career.

It addresses long term holistic person-centred care in a community setting. Nurses set the strategies and lead the care team.

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bacus Pre-School @ Baileys Court are celebrating after receiving a good rating following their recent Ofsted inspection.

The successful inspection took place in March just six months after Abacus took over Play Pitch Pre-School which had operated at the Baileys Court Activity Centre since 2003. Site Manager, Leyla Turner, praised the whole team, including the support of old team members, parents and South Gloucestershire’s Early Years Team, who have worked really hard to improve standards and to achieve a great outcome in such a short period of time.

Leyla told the Journal: “Parents have been very supportive during changeover. I’m really proud of the children and my team. We are here to teach, care and have lots of fun.”

Abacus Pre-School is open during term time and provides funded education for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years of age.

Ofsted commented favourably about the good quality of care provided: “Managers and staff are committed to providing children with good quality care and education. Children are motivated to learn and show high levels of concentration and thinking as they play. They make good progress from their initial starting points.”

Abacus employs seven well-qualified members of staff who prepare the “social and inquisitive” children well in readiness for school. The inspector commented: “Staff are considerate of children’s emotional needs and promote a strong sense of belonging and self-esteem.”

We’d be pleased to hear from you and invite you to visit one of our homes to see contemporary professional nursing in advanced care of the elderly.

Have a look

bristolnursing.com Please e-mail careers@bristolcarehomes.co.uk to arrange a visit.

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May 2016

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News

In Brief

Mayor attends Holi festival

‘Blooming Great Tea Party’ for Marie Curie

T

own Mayor Roger Avenin recently attended a community event to mark ‘Holi’ in Bradley Stoke. The South Gloucestershire Asian Project had utilised publicly available backing from Bradley Stoke Town Council’s grant funding, which supports non-profit organisations and community groups.

The Mayor was invited along with other councillors to partake in the event.

Cllr Avenin commented: “I would like to publicly thank the South Gloucestershire Asian Project for their invitation and generous hospitality at their recent Holi celebrations.”

“I had a very enjoyable day learning about Holi, a Hindu spring festival. The event began with very traditional Indian food and dancing. Afterwards, I had the pleasure of joining in with the ‘playing with colours’, where

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colourful powder is thrown over people; it was a new and enjoyable experience for myself.”

If you are a member of a community organisation that is not-for-profit or charitable, you too may be able to access grant funding provided by Bradley Stoke Town Council. For more information, visit the Grant Funding page on the council’s website, or phone 01454 205020. ● Recent grant awards: Page 9

The Five Stokes Fundraising Group is hosting a ‘Blooming Great Tea Party’ to raise funds for Marie Curie on 21st May 2016.

The event, which runs from 2pm to 4pm at Stoke Gifford Baptist Church, Rock Lane (BS34 8PF), will include teas/coffees and a assortment of cakes.

All the money raised will help Marie Curie provide more free care to people living with a terminal illness in their own homes in Bristol.

Fundraising group member Jackie Scott said: “We hope that as many local people as possible will join us at our event and help support Marie Curie.”

Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support to help people living with a terminal illness get the most from the time they have left. ● More information from thefivestokesfundraisinggroup@ gmail.com or 07855 564806.

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May 2016

News

April in the Three Brooks nature reserve

By Sara Messenger, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

F

irst, our most ‘eggciting’ news – on 2nd April, Brooke our female swan (pen) laid her first egg! Our bird expert Rob Williams says: “Eggs are laid at roughly two day intervals and are brooded by both parents, who take it in turns to sit whilst the other eats. Once all the eggs are laid, they are incubated for 35-41 days and hatch within about 24 hours of each other.” Last year the pair had seven eggs, three of which hatched, although they sadly lost one cygnet within its first week.

While we are all excited and we know everyone wants to take a look, please can we ask that you all keep your distance from the nest (there is a small barrier) and for the sake of all the nesting birds, that all dogs are keep under control / on a lead and out

of the water while at the lake?

You know your dog wouldn’t intentionally harm the birds, but they (the swans) don’t.

And again, could we ask everyone to bring some healthy bird food too. We’re not asking you to stop feeding the ducks, just please don’t feed them only white bread, as it’s really not good for them or the lake.

Healthy alternatives are cut grapes, duck pellets, grain, corn, shredded lettuce, porridge oats, cut vegetables and unfrozen peas.

Fish survey

While doing a bit of swan watching you may also have spotted something strange going on in the brooks! This may have been the Environment Agency who asked to carry out

Swans’ nest (with eggs) at the Three Brooks lake (photo taken 23rd April)

a routine fish survey starting at Stoke Brook. We have found sticklebacks and stone loach, which provide our kingfishers with their supper, however, with the number of heron around, we’re sure there must be bigger fish in the lake, so we will very interested to know what they find. We did think that a group of herons (called a scattering or siege) were going to nest on the reserve (it’s called a rookery) but they appear to have moved on, although with the number of reports of goldfish disappearing from garden ponds, it would appear they haven’t gone far.

Bench on the move

Our blue bench has also moved, although that too hasn’t moved far. There were some reports of night-time antisocial behaviour at the bench, so it was decided to move the seat further along the path and away from the light in an attempt to solve the problem.

The bin there was set alight so often it was removed and I do not know if there are any plans to replace it.

Streams and workdays

We seem to have a bit of a theme about our workdays at the moment. Our last Saturday workday was stream clearing and as well as welcoming Emma, Megan, Pauline and young David, to the group, scoffing homemade mince pies (thanks Geoff) and rescuing Cori the pup, we also managed to collect a huge pile of litter, including bins, buckets, air bricks, a German duck and a very creepy looking doll!

Our Thursday’s Green Gym responded to a message about a tree that was blocking part of the Patchway Brook. We managed to clear away the tree and the blockage although it took us much longer than we’d expected as we had to first clear away the garden waste that had

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May 2016

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News The Water Rats are ready for another exciting season!

By Tomi Hernija & Mike Carr he Water Rats (a.k.a 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group’s water activity unit) are ready and kitted out for another exciting year of water activities. After a very positive start last year, we plan to get over 250 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers “on the water” to experience traditional raft building, canoe/kayak trips and pool sessions running over the coming months.

During the off-season we have been busy sourcing equipment and have been able to amass a fleet of canoes/kayaks and safety equipment from local residents, work colleagues, Scout groups, youth groups, canoe clubs and a grant from the Spielman Trust for safety equipment. The generosity of donations and support has surpassed all of our expectations.

A big thank you to the West Country Water Park at Trench Lane for making the venue

T been dumped on the bank. This particular path is also decorated with several Christmas trees; sadly these too don’t rot down and are just an eyesore, unlike the swathes of wild garlic which grow along the bank here and which lent a certain French air to our work!

New works

There are several ‘new works’ scheduled for the reserve – a new pond is being dug on Bowsland Meadow as part of the MetroBus agreement to mitigate for the loss of habitat; the main path between the community orchards and the tump is finally getting an underground pipe to take away the stream water that flows over it; the steps into Savages Wood are being replaced and the wooden bridge is being repaired; and, further into the future, the sewage pipes that run under the reserve will be replaced.

Green Gym has also taken on an area by the Parkway Rail Station;

available to us and their ongoing support.

With our vision of building the unit and expanding the offering, we are always looking for new team members. All welcome – training giving – fun guaranteed!

Please use the group’s website contact page to get in touch about

volunteering opportunities: bradley-stoke-scouts.org.uk/join P.S. If you have any sort of watersports equipment that needs a new home, e.g. canoes, kayaks, wetsuits, spray jackets, helmets, paddles, buoyancy aids, even rope, please also let us know via the website.

this patch has Kidney Vetch which is vital to the Small Blue Butterfly.

The site may be small but it is very important as it’s the only place in this area where these butterflies can be found! ● Contact the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group… t: 07497 006676 e: info@three-brooks.info w: www.three-brooks.info

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May 2016

News

Crest consults on plans for 1,640 new homes at East of Harry Stoke

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ousebuilder Crest Nicholson staged public exhibitions in Stoke Gifford and Hambrook at the end of April, to consult with local residents on two planning applications that it is preparing for land at East of Harry Stoke (EoHS), a large greenfield site that has been allocated for development within South Gloucestershire’s adopted Core Strategy.

The two planning applications will be submitted to the council later this spring to cover the land to the north and south of the railway line and linked by the currently under-construction Stoke Gifford Transport Link (known locally as the Stoke Gifford By-Pass).

The northern application will be for the development of up to 350 new homes, a primary school, public open space, and landscaping and drainage infrastructure.

The southern application is for outline permission for 1,290 homes, a new local centre, community uses and associated infrastructure.

Speaking prior to the exhibitions, John Terry, Crest Nicholson’s regional development director, said: “The aim of the development is to help create a lively, healthy and happy community with its own sense of identity that is well integrated with the surrounding communities.”

“Following extensive feedback from the local community over the strategic masterplan last year, we are now ready to discuss the next step in the process of delivering much-needed new homes.”

“The aim of the consultation events is to provide information about the project, seek feedback and to offer residents an opportunity to influence the future planning applications that will be submitted for East of Harry Stoke.”

More information is available on the project’s website www. eastofharrystoke.com or by email to feedback@consultationonline.co.uk or Freephone 0800 298 7040.

Material exhibited as part of the community consultation events is now available on the project website. Feedback may be submitted up to the cut-off date of Monday 9th May 2016.

A total of 2,000 homes are set to be built within the EoHS New Neighbourhood by 2027.

A consultation event took place on 13th April for a separate plot of land within EoHS that is not controlled by Crest Nicholson.

Located off Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook (closest postcode BS16 1RR), it is understood that up to 200 homes could be constructed on this site. ● More information about the EoHS New Neighbourhood can be found on this page of the Stoke Gifford Journal website: http://bit.ly/sgj-eohsnn

STOP PRESS: As we went to print, we heard that SGC’s PTSE Committee is to consider Crest’s proposed masterplan for EoHS at its meeting on 4th May. The same meeting will also consider next steps for the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension project (see page 37).

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Sites within the East of Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood

(See story on facing page)

The dashed white line is the currently under-construction Stoke Gifford By-Pass. Bradley Stoke is at the top of the map.

In Brief Grants awarded Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee agreed the following grants and support agreements at its meeting in April: • £1,000 Service Level Agreement with Patchway, Filton & The Stokes Volunteer Centre • £932 Community Development and £298 Grant Aid Award to Friends of Jubilee Green • £500 Grant Aid to each of – The Young at Heart Club, Bradley Stoke Community Singers, South Gloucestershire Asian Project and Sole Sisters Running Club • £475 Grant Aid to Bradley Stoke Town FC First Team • £500 Youth Grant Aid to Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club • £300 Youth Grant Aid to Five Stokes & Patchway Assemblies Team • £500 Youth Grant Aid to Safe Space ● For more information, visit http://bit.ly/bstc-grants or phone 01454 205020.

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May 2016

Through the camera lens by Becky Ward

I

t seems that this year has been going past at a rate of knots! With winter festivities long in the distance, we’ve already reached what, for me, feels like the start of the spring/summer events season.

This month, I attended the annual South Gloucestershire Community Showcase. This showcase, held at Thornbury Leisure Centre, gives local groups a chance to perform in front of an audience of family, friends and dignitaries. The day featured performances from groups across South Gloucestershire, including some from Bradley Stoke.

The show was opened by Stoke Gifford School of Dance.

They teach a variety of dance styles, but showed us some tap and (my personal highlight) ballet at various intervals during the afternoon. We also had performances from Infinity DC who practise in Bradley Stoke, as well as performances from South West Winterguard Academy.

One of the things that I found most impressive was that the Community Showcase isn’t just a space for dancers to perform.

We also had a singer from the Stoke Gifford School of Dance, and, even more surprisingly, we had a choreographed performance from EPIC Martial Arts in which they showcased the range of techniques that they teach to a variety of ages (even, impressively, a young girl aged around 4 years).

The South Gloucestershire Community Showcase is something I look forward to every year. I think it’s amazing to see such a range of talent in the area, especially in our town.

What’s also impressive is that despite most of the performers being teenagers, there is an ever expanding range from pre-school to middle-age. We’re incredibly fortunate to live in such a multi cultural area, surrounded by some incredibly talented people and the showcase is a vital outlet.

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News

MetroBus construction: April progress report

By Jim Aitken, community liaison officer at Alun Griffiths Ltd

M

etroBus contractor Alun Griffiths Ltd have been granted extended working hours by the planning department of South Gloucestershire Council (SGC). Where the construction programme will benefit, we shall make use of these extended working hours to expedite the delivery of critical areas of the construction.

Extended working hours are only permitted on the section between Aztec West Roundabout and Patchway Brook Roundabout and are: • Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm • Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 8am to 5pm Works may be necessary outside of these hours and shall take place with the prior approval of the local authority and the project manager.

Planned late working hours shall be notified by clear signing two weeks in advance of implementation and a letter drop to residents in the adjacent area.

Works are progressing well on Bradley Stoke Way with the newly constructed splitter island and crossing going in at Patchway Brook Roundabout Bristol Water have commenced their temporary diversion to enable the permanent works to progress at Woodlands Lane.

Once this is complete, Griffiths can undertake the road widening within this location.

We shall seek to open up the

pedestrian crossing by Patchway Brook Roundabout (once SGC’s Streetcare has connected the Belisha beacons) and close the Orchard Gate crossing, so we can continue through this area with the road widening.

The widening work on Bradley Stoke Way south of Primrose Bridge is dependent on newt trapping, which, in turn, is dependent on night time temperatures being in excess of 5 degrees Celsius. We need 30 nights of trapping and five clear nights (i.e. no newts), before we can commence in this area. We are presently extending a short distance past the bridge up to the limit of the newt zone.

The outer sections of Great Stoke Way [which passes under the 'blue bridge' towards Parkway North] are now complete and we are working on the central reserve area in preparation for the final resurfacing.

Griffiths are very grateful to local residents and businesses for their patience as we construct the works required by South Gloucestershire Council and would like to work with the local community during the project to ensure that the community benefits in some way from the project. Here is a brief summary of community works to date: • We are working with the town council to remove and relocate large boulders from Bradley Stoke Way to near the leisure centre.

Temporary water main installed near the Woodlands Lane junction

• We are helping to improve the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve (see pages 6 & 7) • We have sponsored a local rugby team, Aretians Ladies RFC, with some kit • We have continued to visit local schools with our 'Bridge to Schools' initiative that gives school children the opportunity to build and test a scale model of the Severn Bridge. Our visits have been scheduled to coincide with relevant areas of their curriculum to further enhance their learning.

• We sponsored the Bradley Stoke Easter Bunny Bike Ride • Our workers are forever mindful to keep the local area as

A worker from Alun Griffiths litter picking on Woodlands Lane

clean as possible and are often seen on litter picking duty

How to get in touch with the MetroBus contractors Community liaison officer Jim Aitken 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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May 2016

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Police

In Brief

Man jailed for 18 years after stabbing partner in Bradley Stoke street

Burglary suspect questioned by police

A

man from Stoke Gifford has been jailed for 18 years for the attempted murder of his partner.

Richie Lee, 37, of Whitley Road, was found guilty following a trial at Bristol Crown Court last month.

Lee had stabbed his partner several times in the neck, face and body during the attack outside the victim’s home in Palmers Leaze, Bradley Stoke, in August last year.

The victim’s father and members of the public who were nearby managed to restrain Lee. Investigating officer DC Anne McParland said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case who has

displayed the utmost courage in reporting what had happened to her and then having to relive her ordeal at the trial.”

“She suffered serious injuries during the attack and she will no doubt have to live with the consequences of that day for the rest of her life.”

“I would like to praise the victim’s family who, along with supporting her throughout the trial, have had to give evidence themselves."

“I would also echo the judge’s commendation for the members of the public who were in the area at the time of the attack and intervened. Without them coming to her aid, the injuries

Police have arrested a man in relation to burglaries that occurred in Stoke Gifford in the early hours of 19th April.

A message posted on the police website stated that the male had been charged with burglary offences and was “also being questioned in relation to the recent spate of burglaries in Bradley Stoke”. the victim sustained could have been far worse.”

“Richie Lee has taken no responsibility for his actions and has forced his victim to go through the additional trauma of a trial.”

“I hope that the sentence today sends out a clear signal that domestic abuse and violence of any kind will not be tolerated and we will bring offenders to justice.”

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

How would you feel if you lost your pet forever?

Letters welcome!

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Send your letter to letters@ bradleystokejournal.co.uk or post it to: Reader Letters, Bradley Stoke Journal, 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8GB. Please include a telephone number with your letter, in case we need to contact you.

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May 2016

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Community Festival plans take shape Plans for this year's Bradley Stoke Community Festival, which takes place from 3rd to 5th June are well advanced. Outline programme: Friday 3rd June: Picnic in the Park, for parents and toddlers, on Jubilee Green. Entertainment from Professor Panic in the Big Top. Saturday 4th June: Community Fair at the Jubilee Centre, with local bands and dance groups, skate ramp, dog agility display, children's ride, climbing wall, archery, sideshows, stalls and the Bradley Stoke Youth FC football tournament for Year 1 school children.

Sunday 5th June: Sole Sisters' Bradley Stoke 10k Run (entries now closed; race full) from the Jubilee Centre. Outdoor church service at Baileys Court Activity Centre. 25th Anniversary celebrations at Bradley Stoke Cricket Club, attended by Jack Russell MBE. ● Full details in the June edition of the BSJ magazine, out 28th May.

For further information, to book a stall or include your event contact Rob Goodwin 07971 619501 info@re-energize.co.uk or Bradley Stoke Town Council 01454 205020

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13

In Brief Jack Russell MBE to attend BSCC anniversary Bradley Stoke Cricket Club (BSCC) will mark its 25th anniversary by staging a very special event involving the former England and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Jack Russell MBE, who will be present at the clubhouse on Sunday 5th June. In an illustrious career from 1981 to 2004, Jack made over 500 first class appearances including 54 tests and 40 one-day internationals for England. He scored over 18,000 runs including over two thousand for England.

He also took nearly 1,400 catches and made almost 150 stumpings.

Outside of cricket, Jack is a very talented and renowned artist and indeed has been commissioned to paint many landscapes, cricket related subjects and well known celebrities including Sir Norman Wisdom, Sir Bobby Charlton, Eric Clapton and even HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.

He will spend a few hours with club members and the public, who through the purchase of a souvenir programme, will be able to meet him and obtain his autograph/ photograph if desired, and also have the opportunity to purchase one of his books, sketches or paintings which will be on display.

Entrance to the event is by souvenir programme only.

Each programme is individually numbered and includes a prize draw entry form inside. The entry form gives each programme buyer the chance to win one of six major prizes on the day. Jack will personally make the draw during the afternoon and present the prizes to the lucky winners. (It is not essential to be there on the day to win, as entry forms can be posted prior to the day).

Programmes are now available at only £3 each which admits one adult, or one adult and one child (under 16) free, into the event. You can purchase one by sending a cheque/postal order for £3 (made payable to Bradley Stoke Cricket Club) along with an A5 stamped addressed envelope to: Mr M Mundy, Bradley Stoke Cricket Club, Baileys Court Activity Centre, Bailey Court Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8BH

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May 2016

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Advertising Feature Fun and fitness at freestyle dance school

T

he Vitality Garlands School of Freestyle is a family run dance school catering for children aged 2 to 16. Teaching freestyle disco, contemporary slow dance and street dance, the school has been running for over 20 years and has fully qualified CRB checked instructors.

It offers a range of classes based on age and ability, starting with ‘tots’ (ages 2 to 4), where the children dance to pop songs and learn the very basics. This is followed by ‘beginner’ level (age 4 and above), where the focus is on technique, and ‘advanced’ level, where youngsters regularly take part in competitions and work towards dance exams.

Additional one-on-one coaching is offered to children preparing for competitions.

Tutor Kirsty Husher said: “We have lots of fun dancing to the latest pop songs and children are encouraged to practise at home.”

“Freestyle disco is an excellent

Dancer Kaiya Bold, 12

way to keep fit, make friends and build confidence. Why not come and join us at Patchway Community Centre, where we train on Saturday mornings?”

For more information please contact Kirsty on 07581 510052 or kirstyhusher@live.co.uk – or find the group on Facebook.

The Pavilions, Stoke Lodge & The Common

The Pavilions, Stoke Lodge & The Common

New Stay and Play Sessions

New Stay and Play Sessions

Opening Monday 13th June 16

Opening Monday 13th June 16

Open Mon, Wed & Friday 10am-12.00am £3.00 per session

Open Mon, Wed & Friday 10am-12.00am £3.00 per session

A new approach to Stay and Play; prepare you and your child for Pre-School

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For children from 18 months

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Drinks and snack bar Warm, welcoming and friendly setting Free enrolment to Little Apples for children starting September 2016

Drinks and snack bar New Little Apples Pre-School opening September 2016 Working alongside Little Pips Stay and Play sessions

For further Information

Tel; Helen 0797 0872 677 or Tina 01454 633309 Part of LA Childcare Group

Warm, welcoming and friendly setting Free enrolment to Little Apples for children starting September 2016

New Little Apples Pre-School opening September 2016 Working alongside Little Pips Stay and Play sessions

For further Information

Tel; Helen 0797 0872 677 or Tina 01454 633309 Part of LA Childcare Group

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May 2016

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Sport

Harriers pair clinch world champs medals

By Nikki Hallur local gymnastics club based at Patchway Sports Centre has had a major success with two of its gymnasts receiving medals at the recent Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in Putian, China.

Harriers Acrobatic Gymnastics is a relatively small club which also trains at Little Stoke Primary School, but its gymnasts Kenedi Cross, aged 15, and Vada Finniear, aged 18, have made it big this year by winning a bronze medal in acro-gymnastics, which is performed in pairs with no apparatus. They were competing in the class for Mixed Pair Ages 13-19. The pair train at Harriers with their coach, Sarah Bateman.

We previously reported on Kenedi and Vada in September 2015, when they competed in the European Championships in Reisa, Germany, but they were left disappointed as an injury prevented them from completing the competition. Kenedi’s mum, Teresa Cross, tells us that their club deserves recognition because “it has very limited facilities, with no sprung floor” which means Kenedi and Vada can only train around 12 hours per week, in contrast to the 20+ hours that is possible at larger clubs. Despite this, both competitors as well as their coach, Sarah Bateman, were selected for team GB this year. They were asked to trial for team GB last year due to their history of successes in national competitions, although they were unable to finish at the European Championships. About their success this year, Teresa says, “we were all ecstatic” as they “got back up to full fitness”.

The Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships involved 12 pairs competing in qualifying rounds over two days. Kenedi and Vada received the highest marks for balance, and secured fifth place to go into the finals.

Teresa Cross says it was “nail biting” as they had to compete against the European Champions from Portugal.

Medal winners Kenedi and

A

Vada said: “We are very proud of our achievements, our coach Sarah and our club. It just goes to show that despite very limited training facilities, through sheer hard work, dedicated coaches and an amazing supportive club, dreams really can come true.”

The pair also raised some money for the event, and the funds were used mainly for their travel to China.

We spoke to coach, Sarah Bateman, who says: “I am proud that we have produced gymnasts of world class ability. I look forward to building on this in the future with many of our talented youngsters. It’s exciting to think what we could achieve with facilities that match other clubs, and I am confident that the future is bright.”

Harriers Acrobatic Gymnastics Club is looking for premises “to enable the club to grow, raise standards and facilitate their training needs in line with other well established clubs across the country”. They would like local businesses that have premises or warehouse space to contact Sarah Bateman through the club website www. harriersacrobaticgymnastics.com

Above: Kenedi (left) and Vada in action at the world championships in China Photo credit: Paul Dawson / @poleydeepics Right: Coach Sarah Bateman (centre) admires Kenedi and Vada's bronze medals

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15

16

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Advertising Feature FREE baby massage classes at Happy Days

H

appy Days Bradley Stoke Nursery/Pre-school in Bradley Stoke are delighted to announce the start of their 6-week baby massage courses which are free to any parent with a baby aged between 8 weeks and 12 months of age.

The first course starts on 4 May 3pm to 4pm with the next one starting on 13 June 10am to 11am.

There are lots of benefits to baby massage including: • Being a great way of affirming your bond with your baby.

• Helping you become more confident in handling your child and better at recognising their needs.

• Research has shown that baby massage can help a mother have a positive interaction with her baby.

• Regularly massaging your baby may help them to sleep and settle better too. Your baby’s muscles relax, and breathing becomes

deeper as massage raises levels of the ‘feel-good’ hormone oxytocin in both you and your baby. This helps you both feel calmer and relaxed. (This can also help with breastfeeding).

For more information about baby massage or any childcare requirements, call 01454 614 or email bradleystoke@ happydaysnurseries.com. They are open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, conveniently located at Almondsbury Business Centre, just off Woodlands Lane.

Book Now! FREE Baby Massage Classes at Bradley Stoke Nursery and Pre-school

t: 01454 300 400

Quiz by local Mastermind contestant Paul Philpot No. 30 (easy/hard, old/new) • Answers on p30 1. Which King was the father of Queen Elizabeth II? 2. In the Old Testament, who was the eldest son of Adam and Eve? 3. What is the name of the substance that forms hair, nails and claws in animals?

4. Which fantasy television series is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos?

5. Which South American country is home to the famous Sugarloaf mountain?

6. Still happening today, which famous car race was won by the American, Ray Harroun, in 1911?

7. Which hugely successful website was founded by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim?

8. Gaborone is the capital city of which country in southern Africa?

9. In which century did Leonardo da Vinci complete his famous 'Mona Lisa' painting?

10. Mandated by the 18th Amendment, which US President was responsible for 'Prohibition' in the United States?

11. With talc at one and diamond at ten, what is the name of the scale that measures the hardness of minerals?

12. In which animated Disney film is the title character, a princess called Aurora?

13. Magnesium Sulphate is the chemical name for which substance that gets its name from a place in Surrey?

14. Achieving the feat in 2001, who was the first goalkeeper to score a Premier League goal?

15. Which metal links top 30 hit singles for East 17, Beverley Knight and Spandau Ballet?

16. In terms of population, which is the second largest city in France, behind Paris?

17. Named after the Greek god of horror, which is the largest moon of the planet Mars?

18. The Hindu god Ganesha traditionally has the head of which animal?

19. The Beano and The Dandy comics were both founded and first published in which Scottish city?

20. Sufferers of coeliac disease are intolerant to what protein?

Read Paul’s blog at www.justquiz.org

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

‘OFFER OF THE MONTH’

Starting 4 May and 13 June, 10am to 11am

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Come along and discover the benefits of baby massage for you and your baby at this FREE 6-week course, for babies aged 8 weeks to 12 months. Booking is essential and places go fast, so please contact Bradley Stoke direct to book.

Any 5 white primed 6-panel ‘Colonial’ or 2-panel ‘Classique’ doors, complete with 3 choices of brass handles, 2 chrome handles, hinges, mortice catch & fitted in your home. Extra doors available.

For more information or to book, please call

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May 2016

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17

News

Parkrun vote sparks national media frenzy

A

decision by Stoke Gifford Parish Council to insist on a financial contribution from the organisers of a popular free weekly run held in Little Stoke Park sparked a media frenzy last month, with the story featuring for several days in national newspapers and on TV news bulletins.

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

In common with parkruns all around the country, the event is delivered entirely by local volunteers, with support from parkrun UK, a national not-forprofit organisation funded by sponsorship and grants.

The parish council originally decided to levy a charge of £1 per runner “to maintain park facilities

The packed meeting of the parish council in Little Stoke Community Hall

in the future”, but this was never implemented and the demand later morphed into a requirement to make an (unspecified) financial contribution. It also suggested that parkrun could apply for a grant from a suitable body (such as South Gloucestershire Council) in order to provide a source for this contribution.

Local parkrun representatives said the organisation’s founding

principles ruled out any compulsory charge being made on participants and forbade them from handling money, effectively ruling out a grant application.

Following a six month delay to allow a solution to be found, the parish council met on 12th April to make a decision on “the future of parkrun at Little Stoke Park”.

The prospect of the council becoming the first in the country

to charge parkrun for use of a park attracted attention from the regional media and generated interest from around the country, fuelled by an online petition that had attracted 9,000 signatures by the time the meeting began.

After councillors decided, by six votes to four, to withdraw permission for the run after 28th May, should parkrun not apply for a grant, it quickly became a national story, attracting condemnation from sporting celebrities including Paula Radcliffe and Kelly Holmes.

The Little Stoke parkrun on the following Saturday was cancelled by the organisers, who feared a mass protest, however, around 25 runners ignored the plea and were greeted by a BBC TV crew which broadcast interviews with them on their Breakfast Show. ● Visit the Stoke Gifford Journal website for links to media coverage of the parkrun story.

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18

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May 2016

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

O

ver the last few weeks, we have unfortunately had a number of burglaries in Bradley Stoke (see page 23).

The offences appear to mainly be occurring in the early hours of the morning and although, on occasions, a window has been smashed to gain entry, entry has also been gained via insecure doors.

Taking a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglars: • Use good window locks and strong deadlocks • Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house • Keep keys, including car keys,

out of sight and away from the letterbox • Consider installing a visual burglar alarm • Consider installing good outside lighting • Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they can be used to break into your home • Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free at www.immobilise.com If you are going away on holiday: • Make your home look like someone is living in it • Use automatic timer-switchers

to turn your lights and radio on when it goes dark • Cancel any newspapers or milk deliveries • Use the Royal Mail ‘keep safe’ service – they keep your mail for up to two months whilst you’re away • Allow trusted neighbours to use your driveway, so as to show the appearance of someone being home • Please avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contacted the police in recent weeks with information and

reports about suspicious activity.

A number of ‘stop and searches’ have been carried out due to these calls. Please continue to call the police if you see something suspicious. Property has also been recovered due to calls to the police from the local community.

Although at this stage I cannot divulge much information in regards to the investigations, there are a number of lines of enquiry which are being followed up.

ASPolice Bradley Stoke

Crime statistics for the Bradley Stoke beat area Crime type & month

ASB* Burglary

Robbery

Vehicle

Violent

Drugs

CD&A*

Shoplifting

Bike theft

Theft from the person

Other theft

Weapons

Public order

Other

Total

February 2016

14

8

0

1

19

0

7

0

4

0

5

0

3

1

62

January 2016

9

7

0

2

18

2

7

1

1

0

7

0

7

0

61

22

3

0

3

12

1

7

3

2

1

5

0

4

1

64

Av. prev. 12 months**

* ASB = Anti-social behaviour; CD&A = Criminal damage & arson. ** Average monthly figure for 12 months to December 2015. Figures compiled by the BSJ from official UK Crime Data

A Family of Schools Our Mission: To support and enable all students Abbeywood Community School Students - 806 Age Range - age 11 to 19 Associate Headteacher - Mr David Howe Joined the Trust - January 2013 Ofsted rating - Good

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

Bradley Stoke Community School

Students - 1107 Age Range - age 4 to 19 Headteacher - Mr Steve Moir Joined the Trust - Founder member, January 2012 Ofsted rating - Good, with outstanding leadership and management & behaviour and safety

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

Meadowbrook Primary School

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

Executive Headteacher, Mr Dave Baker

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May 2016

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19

Sport

Sporting Hero award for taekwondo student

S

toke Gifford Taekwondo (TKD) student Phoebe Grandfield, 19, has been awarded the Bristol Young Sporting Hero title for 2016.

Phoebe was nominated by her tutors at SGS College and her instructor at Stoke Gifford TKD, Miss Kerry Burridge.

She has been training in taekwondo since the age of 5 and has faced many difficulties and obstacles including severe epilepsy, autism, ADHD and learning difficulties. Despite all of these, Phoebe has gone on to achieve a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo as well as a place in the Team UK squad and a subsequent world bronze medal in 2014 and a European gold medal in 2015, in the power breaking discipline.

She was notified in February that she had made it through as a finalist and was then invited to the award evening that was held in the Wills Memorial Building in Bristol on Friday 1st April.

Phoebe was joined by her family, taekwondo instructor and friends from Stoke Gifford TKD. The awards were preceded by a lovely dinner with over 200 other hopeful finalists, friends, family and celebrities.

Phoebe’s category was the fifth one to be announced and, as with the other nominees, a short video was shown beforehand.

Above: Bristol Young Sporting Hero award winner Phoebe Grandfield (third from left), with (from left) Alison May (SG TKD club secretary), Jenni Brown (training colleague), Vicky Grandfield (Phoebe's mum), Laura Robertshaw (training colleague) and Kerry Burridge (SG TKD chief instructor)

Filmed in February, this showed Miss Burridge talking about Phoebe’s achievements.

After all videos had been shown, it was Big Brother 2011 star Josie Gibson who announced and presented the award. Phoebe was both shocked and elated when her name was revealed as the winner!

A very excited Phoebe made her way to the stage to collect her award and give a brief speech, thanking the people who were important to her achieving so much and overcoming the obstacles that she faces.

Stoke Gifford TKD chief

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instructor Miss Burridge later commented: “Stoke Gifford TKD are very proud of Phoebe’s achievements at the club and we are so pleased that she has been

rewarded for the high level of dedication and determination that she has shown for so many years in the face of some really tough challenges.”

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

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20

May 2016

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New skate park o

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, p

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officially opened B

radley Stoke’s new skate park was officially opened

by Mayor Roger Avenin on Saturday 23rd April.

The new concrete park, in the grounds of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, was commissioned by the town council at a cost now approaching £300,000. It is a replacement for a much smaller skate park on the same site that had reached the end of its life and was proving costly to maintain.

Following a brief ribbon cutting ceremony, a four hour programme of entertainment got under way, with BMX, scooter and skateboard demonstrations by expert riders, ‘jams’ and free sessions (where everyone could ride the park).

Further entertainment was provided around the newlyinstalled converted shipping container, which can be used as a social space when a youth worker is present at the park.

Addressing a recent meeting of the town council, youth development and participation worker Graham Baker reported: “Since opening, we have received a significant number of compliments about the design of the park, including feedback from skate park designers who work for other companies. It seems that the design has fulfilled our key criteria of being appealing to all skate park disciplines, accessible to beginners and challenging for experienced riders. The park is proving to be a busy and extremely popular resource used by a wide age range.”

A minor problem of grit blowing into the park when it is very windy has been experienced, but it is hoped that this issue will lessen as the surrounding landscaping evolves. Several young people/users have been provided with a range of cleaning materials, brooms, squeegees, etc. and regularly clean the park.

Mr Baker added that he is hoping to form a “friends of” skate park group involving young people, council officers, councillors and other interested people.

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May 2016

News

Local man’s fight to keep World War II pill box

By Nikki Hallur ocal resident, Brian Hawkins, told us of his struggle to keep the World War II pill box that is likely to be demolished under the council’s Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) plan. The pill box is a brick structure that was constructed for defence purposes during the Second World War; there were two near the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, and now only one stands. The CPME is an extension plan for the new MetroBus scheme that would run from Parkway Station to Cribbs Causeway. This is separate from the MetroBus plan for Bradley Stoke Way. For the replacement of the railway bridge, the council has proposed six new road designs. Brian says they seem to be in favour of ‘option 5’, which involves creating four traffic lanes, and that would mean removing the pill box. Brian is passionate and determined that an alternative needs to be sought, even if it means transferring the pill box to another location.

“There’s a place for history and a place for progress,” says Brian, who is now in his seventies and recalls losing his

L

Brian Hawkins, pictured beside the pill box on Gipsy Patch Lane

father to the Second World War when Brian was only five years old. As for this particular pill box, Brian has done extensive research into its history and affirms that “it is not just a pile of bricks: it has an identity”.

It was constructed in 1940-41 and remains unprotected, but is referenced on the PastScape website as Monument Number

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

1427609. Brian has tried to get this war structure registered on the Historic England website, but is facing some challenge because the box is padlocked and cannot be viewed inside, and also because its partnering pill box (referenced 1422943) has already been “removed”, according to the council. Brian has also appealed to his local MP,

Jack Lopresti, who has written to the council on his behalf. Despite all his efforts, the council has a preference for the road plan that would remove the pill box. South Gloucestershire Council will report to its councillors about the CPME public consultation on 4th May; this report should include a statement about the pill box.

Brian came to know about the road restructuring proposition due to a notice that was displayed on Gipsy Patch Lane, close to where he lives. He attended a council meeting in February and also spoke about the issue on BBC Radio Bristol. His proposal is that the pill box be used as an educational centre for war landmarks in the area, as there may be up to 34 of these listed in the locality. He says he is willing to raise funds for preserving the pill box if needed, and everyone he has asked “wants to save it”.

Brian says that the demolition of Gipsy Patch Lane’s former Rolls-Royce East works air raid shelters “breaks my heart” and this pill box “is the last thing left” which is accessible to the community and is unprotected.

He thinks it is important to learn from the war, but now there are very few people left who value the lessons it taught because most of the decision-makers have “no experience of war”. Even though Brian accepts that “war has evolved”, he still thinks it is important to learn from history – one example he gives is the value of resolving conflict without violence.

Brian moved to the area in 1967 and says he has “seen everything change.” He says that the development of Bradley Stoke has many positive aspects for the community, such as accessibility to shops and leisure activities, but there needs to be a “balance between the old and the new.” He feels the pill box has survived so long because of its inconspicuous nature, and now it has been marked with a serial number, he is concerned it will soon be demolished, despite the fact that it gives history, depth

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May 2016

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23

News

Bradley Stoke hit by spate of burglaries

P

olice are warning householders in Bradley Stoke to make sure their properties are secure following a “spate” of burglaries during April.

There were two burglaries on Great Meadow Road on the night of 13th/14th April, including one in which the homeowner was threatened by an intruder.

The first incident is reported to have taken place just after 4.30am at a property on Great Meadow Road. A male gained access to the property and threatened the homeowner before stealing a number of items. He then left the property.

The second incident also took place on Great Meadow Road, between 10pm and 5.30am. Here, an unknown offender entered the property and stole a number of items.

The Journal understands that small electronic items, including a laptop, a tablet computer and a smart watch were among the things stolen, along with a wallet and a purse. Some of the items believed to have been stolen were later found discarded in the street, according to one local resident.

Sources locally said there had been several other burglaries in the south Bradley Stoke area and police later confirmed that a third incident had occurred in Breaches Gate during the same week.

On 15th April, police issued a description of a man they wanted to trace in connection with the three burglaries. He was described as having olive skin, 5ft 10ins, and of slim build, wearing a purple flat peak cap, a large padded jacket in the style of a body warmer

World War II pill box (continued from facing page) and value to the community.

Brian says he would like people Brian is determined that he who support his view, or those will keep fighting to save the who have lost relatives in any pill box, hoping to get support kind of war or conflict, to contact from the decision-makers and him via e-mail to share their interest from the community in ideas and opinions. preserving this World War II Brian’s e-mail address is structure. brianpop4@outlook.com

Bradley Stoke Journal

Great Meadow Road (archive image): Scene of two night-time burglaries

with a hood underneath, dark trousers and dark shoes. Anyone with information was asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 5216079101.

In response to an enquiry from The Journal, a police spokesperson said there had been seven burglaries reported in Bradley Stoke over the period 1st April to 17th April.

The Journal Send us your news!

June magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 16th May info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

“My car has broken down, can you help?”

Police statement on “suspicious behaviour” We can confirm we have had several reports of a man in the area behaving suspiciously. This includes knocking on people’s doors, claiming his car has broken down and requesting help.

There have been no reports of crimes committed in relation to these instances.

We do not believe they are connected to a recent series of

burglaries in the area – we have made a separate arrest and a man has been questioned in connection with the burglaries.

If you are unsure of what to do when you are faced with unknown, unexpected callers at your home, please visit our website www.avonandsomerset. police.uk for some advice (search for ‘doorstep crime’).

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24

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

May 2016

May 2016

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The award-winning Dacia Sandero (Don’t act like you’re not impressed)

Dacia Sandero Ambiance 1.2 16V 75 = £6,795*

S J COOK & SONS STATION ROAD CITY MOTORS CASTLE COURT ST PHILIPS CAUSEWAY BS4 3AX KINGSWOOD BS15 4XX 0117 3322566 WWW.CARCOGROUP.CO.UK/DACIA 0117 3322567 The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the car shown are: urban 38 (7.4); extra-urban 57.7 (4.9); combined 48.7 (5.8). The official CO2 emissions are 130g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with 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 new Dacia vehicles when ordered by 30 June 2016 and registered by 30 September 2016. Car shown with optional metallic paint at an extra £495.

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From £159 per month*

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the car shown are: urban 39.2 (7.2); extra-urban 60.1 (4.7); combined 51.4 (5.5). The official CO2 emissions are 127g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other factors. *Clio monthly payment based on £2,282 deposit, 24 monthly payments of £159, optional final payment of £6,077. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. UK residents only (excluding the Channel Islands). Over 18s. Terms and conditions apply.

Offer based on 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Finance available on selected new vehicles when ordered by 30 June 2016 and registered by 30 September 2016. Excludes Renaultsport models. Clio shown has optional i.d. metallic paint, at an extra £595.

CITY MOTORS S J COOK & SONS Book a test-drive Castle Court, St Philips Causeway Station Road, Kingswood BS15 4XX Bristol BS4 3AX Tel 0117 3322566 Tel 0117 3322567 www.carcogroup.co.uk/renault To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

25

26

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May 2016

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery "Variety is the spice of life"

O

ne of the great challenges of general practice is that you never know what is going to come through the door next. While a lot of the daily grind is routine tasks such as preparing prescriptions, checking blood results and reviewing correspondences from hospital colleagues, you must always be on your toes for a surprise event. Whether it is a patient presenting with a severe illness requiring an emergency admission, or the unexplained symptoms that defy a recognisable diagnosis, the GP’s lot is to deal with the common, and expect the unexpected. We recently had an enquiry about the care of a cat whose owner thought that was part of our service.

Although the current political climate is to manage surgeries as little factories producing defined, uniform units of health

care, we have to deal with the most variable commodity on the planet, the human being.

This comes with a myriad of designs and configurations, whose functions can be affected by age, environment and genetics, and whose operator carries an individual package of

surgery produces a quarterly newsletter which is freely available in reception or can be viewed on our website, and aims to keep patients updated with developments in health care, and general practice. We also have a Patient Participation Group to provide a way in which patients

“The GP’s lot is to deal with the common, and expect the unexpected” expectations based on personal social or religious beliefs, experience, hope and ambitions.

To provide an appropriate and sensitive service, we must consider all these aspects to any contact we have with our patients. It can be very difficult to discuss all this in a short conversation in the middle of a busy morning surgery, so it is helpful to use other lines of communication to try and build a constructive dialogue. Our

can express their wishes on how services should be arranged or improved, as well as provide practical support to patients and the surgery. This patientled approach has, for example, helped with the acquisition of medical equipment, and reading material available to patients in the surgery, to improve the experience of using the service.

We are focussing on improving patient access, increasing our range of services, and always

welcome feedback from patients. We are happy to receive contacts in person, or by email if this is more convenient in your busy day, so if you feel you can make a contribution to our patient group, please let us know. You may be surprised at the variety of issues that modern general practice has to contend with, but the rewards can be equally satisfying.

Dr Tim Garrod www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk

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May 2016

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27

Advertising Feature

Win a year’s free gym membership at Anytime Fitness in Bradley Stoke ... and worldwide!

A

nytime Fitness is the world’s largest 24hr Gym chain with over 3,000 sites worldwide. There are currently four sites in Bristol, one of them located in the Willow Brook Centre at the heart of Bradley Stoke, on the first floor of the Town Square complex, above Costa Coffee, Greggs, Taylors Estate Agents and KFC. Founded in 2002 in the United States, Anytime Fitness quickly grew its global portfolio to take on Australia, New Zealand, Europe and in 2010 came to the United Kingdom. Anytime Fitness was built at the Willow Brook Centre in January 2012 and has been proudly serving the local community ever since.

Charlotte Maggs, Club Manager at Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke

Featuring state of the art Precor gym equipment and open 24hrs a day, all year round, Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke is the fitness club that fits into anyone’s lifestyle.

Charlotte Maggs Club Manager at Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke

says: “We all lead busy lives, and so often we never find the time for exercise, even though we know we should. At Anytime Fitness we do believe we have the best, most convenient facilities in the area. Our members can train when they want and because they’re not paying for additional extras their workout experience is much more effective. Talk about no more excuses!”

Enter our exclusive free prize draw before 31st May 2016 for a chance of winning a year’s free membership to Anytime Fitness gym at the Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke.

Your membership allows you to use any of the 3,000+ Anytime Fitness gyms around the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other benefits of your Anytime Fitness membership include: • A Safe and Secure Environment: State-of-the-art security system • FREE fitness Orientation: Every new member is entitled to one!

• State-of-the-art Equipment with extensive free weights • A fun Workout: Personal viewing screens on cardio equipment • Personal Training at affordable rates • Club Culture: We know your name and have lots of FUN For more information, visit the Anytime Fitness Bradley Stoke website at www.anytimefitness. co.uk/gyms/UK-0009/bristolengland-bs32-8bs or phone us on 0845 519 6761.

Win a free year’s membership at Anytime Fitness Go online now to enter our free prize draw! www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/anytime4 Closing date 31st May 2016. Terms and conditions apply (see website).

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

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May 2016

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29

Schools

Olympus Academy Trust looks set to expand Four more schools, in Stoke Lodge, Patchway and Filton, could soon join the local multi-academy trust Statement issued by the Olympus Academy Trust (OAT) On 23rd March, the Board of Directors agreed to the following plan of action, based on requests from the following schools to join OAT: • To enable Patchway Community College (already an academy) to join OAT, subject to appropriate financial support from the Department for Education • To conduct due diligence with a view to Filton Hill Primary School joining OAT • To conduct due diligence with a view to Stoke Lodge Primary School and Callicroft Primary School (already academies within the Cosmos Academy Trust) joining OAT. The Cosmos Academy Trust would cease to exist as a multi-academy trust.

All of these schools are located within our local partnership area and we already have close working relationships with them. Some pupils from all the primaries already transfer to OAT secondaries at the start of Year 7 and Patchway is a key partner in the Concorde Partnership which provides all our shared post 16 and some Key Stage 4 courses. The Board of Directors recognises that some additional support will be needed from the Trust for these schools if they join OAT but also that they will bring additional expertise and capacity into the Trust when they join. The earliest any of these schools could join OAT would be September 2016 and we would aim to complete the transfer for all of them by the start of 2017 unless there are unforeseen difficulties.

T

he Olympus Academy Trust (OAT), which currently comprises four local schools, including founding member Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS), has announced that it is in talks with four further schools about possibly joining the trust.

The news comes just weeks after the government announced that all schools will be required to become academies by 2022, although OAT says it had been in discussions with the four potential new member schools “for several months, and well in advance of the recent government announcement”.

The schools which have requested to join OAT are Patchway Community College, Stoke Lodge Primary School, Callicroft Primary School and Filton Hill Primary School.

Writing in the BSCS school

Dave Baker, OAT executive head

newsletter before the recent announcement, Dave Baker, executive headteacher and CEO, said: “We are clear that we need to be a bit bigger as an organisation to be able to benefit from economies of scale for joint procurement and to provide our own school improvement services.” ● See statement in panel on left.

We wanted to share this information with you at the earliest opportunity but it is important to say that the decision about whether any or all of these proposals can proceed ultimately lies with the Regional Schools Commissioner for the South-West. A new Commissioner, Rebecca Clark, starts in post at the beginning of May and we will be discussing our plans with her at the earliest opportunity. Our priority remains making sure that whatever size and whatever structure the Trust is, each school will be focusing on providing the best possible education for its learners with support and challenge from OAT. We will provide you with updates over the coming weeks and an opportunity to come and discuss the proposals with us.

For more information, visit www.olympustrust.co.uk

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Get well · Stay well

C

May 2016

by the podiatrists at Willow Brook Clinic

Do I need orthotics?

all them orthoses, call them orthotics, call them inserts, call them insoles, call them footbeds… but call them something!

Are they good? Do you really need them? Are they worth it?

Not many of us were blessed with perfect feet! Very few of us have what is called a normal or neutral foot, meaning a foot that does not require any special care or support to maintain its shape when loaded with body weight. Orthotics are inserts added inside footwear to support the foot’s natural structure. Your feet are the base of support for your entire body, so they may affect its posture if they are tilted or not straight, just like the foundations of that famous tower in Italy!

Not having a proper base on which to stand, can cause other issues with your body including problems with your posture and can cause pain in your feet, legs and lower back.

There are many different structural problems with feet, from pronated feet and flat feet, to supinated feet or high arch feet. A podiatrist can tell you what type of feet you have.

Once you have established what type of feet you have, the next question to ask is: do you have pain anywhere, or do you suffer from a chronic injury

that does not seem to heal? If the answer is no you probably do not need orthotics. But, if you have answered yes, then a visit to a podiatrist may be the solution you need to manage or even remove the pain.

If the pain is located anywhere above your belly button, chances are orthotics will not help much, although they do improve posture. But if the pain is below the waist, then it may be helpful to try orthotics. You may find relief with orthotics, no matter what kind of foot you have. Even normal or neutral feet may find relief with orthotics from the extra support they provide.

If you have any issues with your feet, seek the help of a podiatrist to give you the correct advice and to help you resolve your problem.

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

Quiz answers (page 16) 1. King George 2. Cain 3. Keratin 4. Game of Thrones 5. Brazil 6. Indianapolis 500 7. You Tube 8. Botswana 9. 16th Century 10. Woodrow Wilson

11. Mohs 12. Sleeping Beauty 13. Epsom Salts 14. Peter Schmeichel 15. Gold 16. Marseille 17. Phobos 18. Elephant 19. Dundee 20. Gluten

We’re Bradley Stoke’s

most popular* local news publication

*Measured by total number of followers on Twitter & Facebook.

Last checked on 1st February 2016

Find us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal

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May 2016

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31

News Bradley Stoke Babyballet stars take to the stage and raise awareness of MCADD

S

unday 10th April saw 87 budding ballerinas aged 3 to 5 from across the Bradley Stoke area take to the stage to star in their first babyballet show.

The show, called Twinkle and Teddy’s Big Day Out, took place at the Olympus Theatre, WISE Campus, Stoke Gifford.

Babyballet is an educational ‘movement to music’ programme for pre-school boys and girls from six months old.

An enchanting and magical tale full of excitement and mystery, the show depicted an amazing journey through various adventures, from experiencing the fun of the zoo, to jumping waves at the beach. It gave the children the opportunity to bring the fun and enjoyment they experience during class straight to the stage, where they had the pleasure of performing for their friends and family.

Babyballet teacher Claire Wingate, known to the children

as Miss Claire, said: “The children worked so hard throughout last term and their performance was amazing. I was so incredibly proud of each little star.”

Babyballet also donated all proceeds from programme and refreshment sales to support

CLIMB (children living with inherited metabolic diseases), a charity that supports one of the Bradley Stoke Babyballet stars Isabella Comer, who has a rare metabolic disease called MCADD (medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency).

● More info: Find ‘Babyballet Bradley Stoke’ on Facebook

Send us your news!

June magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 16th May

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May 2016

Advertising Feature

Happy 25th birthday Ambourne House!

A

mbourne House Day Nursery and Pre-School, based on Gloucester Road near Aztec West, is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

We spoke to Liz Burrows, the manager, and members of her team to discover more about this fantastic milestone.

Liz informs us that when the nursery first opened 25 years ago, the two-up two-down building was a far cry from the superb setting we see today. Extensive investment over the years has completely transformed both the interior and exterior of the nursery, whilst maintaining the homely feel it started with. It now boasts several spacious and stimulating playrooms and two large amazing outdoor spaces.

Liz and her deputies, Nicky and Catherine, all agree how extremely proud they are to have been a consistent part of developing this well-established

setting from day one and the whole team are delighted to be celebrating the 25 years of quality childcare that they have continued to successfully provide for many families within the local community. “We have always strived to be the very best,” explains Liz “and ensuring that all children in our care receive

the greatest possible start to life is extremely rewarding”.

Liz also believes that her greatest resource is her team!

Their hard work, dedication and shared vision is key to the nursery’s success and Liz explains: “My loyal management team and committed team leaders have all been part of Ambourne House for 10-25 years now, providing continuity and familiarity for all the families with whom we work.”

The nursery has also benefited for many years now from the employment of a full-time teacher, Josie, who describes her role as “providing a high quality curriculum to ensure that all children develop the early skills needed to become successful individuals in later life”.

The nursery has already kick started their 25th anniversary celebrations as they recently held a very successful birthday

party full of fun activities for all the staff and families to enjoy together. “It was a really great day and nice to see so many familiar faces” says nursery nurse Tracy. “The Funky Photo Booth was especially great, as I received a lovely keepsake photo of me and my daughter, who loves returning to Ambourne with me for special occasions like these, so that she can see all of her old keyworkers again.”

Ambourne House continues to offer flexible sessions for children of all ages to meet the needs of working parents, in addition to free places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. There are still some places currently available and Liz tells us they are already taking bookings for September! So, if you would like to see this impressive setting for yourself, please give Liz a call on 01454 615352 or email her at ambournehouse@ic24.net

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May 2016

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News “Come, join the band!” say local Scouts

info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

Free prescription sunglasses: Ends 29 October 2016. Cannot be used with other offers. Choose any two pairs of glasses from the £69-£169 ranges and pay for just one. Second pair from the same price range or below and to the same prescription with free tinted prescription lenses and UV filter – usually £24. £69£149 ranges: 1.5 single-vision lenses included in both pairs. For 1.5 varifocal or bifocal lenses, you pay for the lenses in your first pair. £169 Fineform and Rimless ranges: 1.6 lenses included in both pairs. Singlevision: included in both pairs. Varifocal/bifocal: you pay for the lenses in your first pair only. All lenses are scratch-resistant. Extra Options available at an additional charge on both pairs. Excludes safety eyewear.

SKU 30398771. ©2016 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

By Katherine Robinson of 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group

A

s regular readers will know, the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group was able to start its own marching band earlier this year, thanks to winning a Vodafone Community Connection Award that was promoted through The Journal.

We are now very excited to be in a position to offer spaces to other young people in our community.

If you are aged between 6 and 18 years and already play (or would like to learn) a marching band instrument, why not pop along to one of our practice sessions? We meet every Monday evening during term-time in the new Primary Phase building at Bradley Stoke Community School, between 7pm and 9pm.

Learning to play a musical instrument within a band of other young people can increase confidence and concentration

whilst having fun and making new friends. Marching is also a great way of improving fitness and co-ordination (especially for those young people who may not enjoy sports). There is also plenty of time for fun and games that are all aimed at developing listening and other musical performance skills.

We have fully qualified music teachers and experienced young mentors to guide our young people through their musical tuition.

We can also offer instruments on loan, meaning no paying out for an expensive instrument! And the cost of tuition is very competitive compared to other providers.

So what’s stopping you? Come along, meet our friendly team and make some noise! To arrange a free trial practice session or more information, please contact Katherine Robinson BSLWed@ bradley-stoke-scouts.org.uk

We hand-deliver 9,500 copies of this magazine

As well as being delivered to ALL of the 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke, a further 800 copies of this magazine are delivered in the neighbouring areas of Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. We leave a further 700 copies at public locations in Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Stoke Gifford and beyond.

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

33

Come on in – the offer’s lovely Free prescription sunglasses

£5 eye test voucher We’ll give you a full eye test for only £5 Bradley Stoke The Willow Brook Centre Tel 01454 275 020 Valid for one test on or before 30 June 2016 at discounted price of only £5. Present voucher at time of test. Cannot be exchanged for cash, used with other vouchers or redeemed by customers already entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. One per person, at named Specsavers stores only.

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May 2016

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In Brief Trench Lane Boot Sale restarts this weekend A popular weekly car boot sale that takes place near Bradley Stoke is due to re-open for the 2016 season this weekend.

The Trench Lane Boot Sale, held on Sundays on a farmland site opposite the entrance to Woodlands Golf Club will open for the first time this year on Sunday 1st May. The final boot sale in 2016 will be on Sunday 25th September.

Latest news from the Bradley Stoke Lions Club Just for a change, the Bradley Stoke Lions' April meeting was held in the Travellers Rest on the A38, to enjoy a social meal whilst conducting our business.

On 19th April, we joined our parent club, Bristol Brunel, to celebrate St George's Day with a meal in the Aztec Hotel. A lovely evening made more special thanks to the hotel staff.

Some of us are off to Eastbourne in May for Multiple District Convention to discuss and debate Lions matters and compare experiences as well as enjoying a formal ball.

Would you like to make new friends whilst raising money

for those in need in our local and global communities and enjoy our social activities? If you would like to learn more about Lions and what we do, ring 07737 106836 or come to our next meeting on 11th May at the Hilton Hotel, Bradley Stoke.

End of season treat for BSYFC Under-10s Well what a fantastic season it’s been for the Bradley Stoke Youth FC Under-10s, writes coach Andy Weatherhead.

Throughout the season they played seventeen matches and managed to achieve sixteen wins, including victories in all three cup finals that they contested.

The team managed to achieve some really impressive results against some really formidable opponents. The coaches put this amazing run down to the hard work, focus and dedication of all the players. To celebrate the success, the team invited down two well-known Bristol Rovers players to present the medals and end of season trophies.

On the last astro training session of the season, Stuart Sinclair and Rory Gaffney turned up to watch training and were very impressed with what they saw. At the end of the session

Rory Gaffney and Stuart Sinclair with two of the BSYFC Under-10s

they were great with the players presenting the medals and posing for photographs with children and parents alike. This really gave the kids something to tell their mates a school the next day We would like to thank Stuart and Rory for giving up their valuable time and giving the players something to remember at the end of a fantastic season

Volunteers sought for summer reading challenge South Gloucestershire Libraries are looking for friendly and

enthusiastic volunteers to help children do The BIG Friendly Read, the summer reading challenge for 2016. Volunteers will work as part of a team and do a variety of activities including talking to children about the books they've been reading, helping children choose new books and assisting with holiday events.

This is an opportunity to develop skills in communication, team working and creative projects whilst having fun and making new friends. Eloise, aged 16, who volunteered last summer explained the benefits of getting involved: “It’s been a rewarding experience, interacting with enthusiastic children, while improving skills for future working scenarios – time definitely well spent!”

Encouraging young people to take part, Martin Burton, Community Cultural Services Manager for South Gloucestershire, said: “Volunteering for the summer reading challenge offers young people a unique and powerful volunteering opportunity to gain confidence, life skills and team work. There's nothing more inspiring for a child than having a teenage volunteer from their own community encouraging them to read.”

The theme of this year’s challenge is The Big Friendly Read which celebrates 100 years of the world’s favourite storyteller – Roald Dahl. It begins in all South Gloucestershire Libraries on 16th July and runs until 10 September. More than 6,700 children took part in Record Breakers last summer, helped by over 70 volunteers.

The closing date for applications is 18th June.

Volunteers must be aged 13 or over. For more information ask a member of staff at any South Gloucestershire library, email emma.fisher@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries

June magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 16th May To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

May 2016

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35

News

£1,000 boost for The Stokes youth club

T

he Honourable Company of Gloucestershire has generously donated £1,000 to help Creative Youth Network’s ‘The Stokes’ youth club, based at The Stokes Youth and Community Centre, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke.

The youth club has grown over the last two years and is now offering three sessions a week for 11-19 year olds. It’s a buzzing centre where young people come together to do a range of activities with friendly youth workers supporting them.

The young people who attend the club were delighted to show Sir Henry Elwes KCVO from The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire what they do at the club. Everyone loved showing him the sports hall, craft room and recording studio where they put together music for their friends and families. Showing Sir Henry the garden, they explained how they’d like to grow vegetables to use in their meals.

The youth club offers free space for young people to get together in a positive environment, with great staff there to give advice and a helping hand. The young people get to organise their own events and learn new skills in a fun way.

They organise meals together, play games and have a free space to exercise and play the sports they love the most. The Honourable Company’s grant has also enabled the club to provide young people with sessions on

Opening times of The Stokes youth club Monday: Project Night from 5.00pm to 7.30pm Open to 11-18 yrs (depending on the project) Thursday: Senior Night from 6.30pm to 9.00pm Ages 14–18yrs Friday: Junior Night from 5.00pm to 7.30pm Ages 11–13yrs Sir Henry Elwes KCVO (right) with young people from The Stokes youth club

mental wellbeing, focusing on recognising emotions.

Dylan Barker, the lead positive engagement worker at The Stokes, said: “We’re really grateful for The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire’s support. Before Creative Youth Network took over The Stokes Youth Club in 2014, there were issues around this area with antisocial behaviour. We’ve managed to turn it around and it’s now become a safe place for young people to come to. There haven’t been any more complaints and more and more young people are joining.”

The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire promotes the county’s values and interests, by supporting industry, commerce, sport, education and the arts and encouraging debate. It promotes excellence in the county and encourages charitable giving for

the benefit of Gloucestershire.

It was set up in 2007 by the then Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Sir Henry Elwes KCVO. It focuses on upholding the county’s tradition and history, ensuring achievements are both encouraged and celebrated. The Honourable

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the summer to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Bradley Stoke Study Centre Sarah Nutchey 01454 610389

Further information is available on the Creative Youth Network website: http://bit.ly/bsj-the-stokes

Company supports projects for young people across the county and encourages leadership and excellence, especially in young people. ● www.honcoglos.org

School stops for summer, learning doesn’t have to

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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

kumon.co.uk

36

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What’s On (1st May – 29th May) Sunday 1st May 7am-5pm: Car Boot Sale at Trench Lane, BS32 4JZ. More info: http://bit.ly/trenchlane [Weekly until 25th September] 9.00am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Tresham.

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 8th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, 27th & 29th May] 9.30am: SCC Medium Distance Bike Ride to Chepstow. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/ bsj-scc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560. [Further rides on 8th, 12th, 15th & 22nd May]

Wednesday 4th May 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]

Thursday 5th May 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 19th May] 2.30pm-4.30pm: Volunteering Drop-in Session at Bradley Stoke Library. Pop in for a chat with a volunteer advisor. More

info: http://bit.ly/vc-pfs or call 01454 868986.

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 7th March 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/ bsj-tbncg or call 07497 006676

Monday 9th May 6.30pm: Bristol Small Business Forum Meeting at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

This month: Talk on LinkedIn. More info: http://bit.ly/bsbforum

Tuesday 10th May 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Marie Antoinette’s guide to farming (talk). More info: Janine 01454 617645

Wednesday 11th May 2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Talk on Hotter Shoes.

7pm: BSTC Annual Town Assembly at the Jubilee Centre.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcata 7.30pm: Bradley Stoke Lions Club meets at the Hilton Bristol Hotel. More info: Ailsa Young on 07737 106836 8pm: BSTC Annual General Meeting at the Jubilee Centre.

May 2016

t: 01454 300 400 For more details and further events, visit: www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk/whats-on/

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcagm

Friday 13th May 1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre.

More info: www.blood.co.uk

Saturday 14th May 11pm-11.30am: Aeroplane Activities (making and reading) at Bradley Stoke Library.

Monday 16th May 1.30pm-3.30pm: Sew and So’s patchwork and quilting group meets at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/sewandsos

Thursday 19th May 7pm: SGDFAS Lecture at Bradley Stoke Community School. This month: Valerie Woodgate on “The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood”. More info: Sally Kitching on 01454 774401.

Friday 20th May 6pm: BIGGERbooks Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For young people in Years 7 to 9. Please ask a member of staff for details.

Saturday 21st May 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.

2pm-4pm: Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party at Stoke Gifford Baptist Church. See article on page 5.

2.30pm: Chatterbooks Reading Group at Bradley Stoke Library. For keen readers

aged 9-11. If you would like to join, please ask a member of staff for details.

Wednesday 25th May 7pm: BSTC Planning Committee Meeting at the Jubilee Centre. Agenda: http:// bit.ly/bstcpec

Friday 27th May 1.15pm-7.15pm: Blood Donation Sessions at the Jubilee Centre.

More info: www.blood.co.uk

Saturday 28th May 12.30pm-3.30pm: Car Boot Sale in Little Stoke Park. Cars £5; vans £8. Buyer entry by donation.

More info: Stoke Gifford Parish Council 01454 865202.

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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May 2016

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News

WINDOW CLEANING

Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension consultation results due to be considered at meeting on 4th May

S

outh Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has published a report summarising responses to its recent public consultation on proposals for the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) scheme, which would link Parkway Station with The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

Within the parish of Stoke Gifford, new bus lanes are proposed eastbound along Gipsy Patch Lane, from the railway bridge to the start of the dual carriageway on the approach to the Hatchet Road/Winterbourne Road roundabout, and south from this roundabout as far as the Sandringham Road/Ratcliffe Drive roundabout.

The proposals require a strip of land to be taken from Meade Park (resulting in the loss of some trees), the removal of hedgerows on both sides of Hatchet Road south of Meade Park and the narrowing of grass verges and the removal of some trees and hedgerows on Gipsy Patch Lane.

The report shows that 75 objections were received relating to the Stoke Gifford section of the route, with only two comments in support.

Veterinary Advice

Indicative artist’s impression of the proposals on Hatchet Road (looking north)

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

SGC says it is working on responses to the main issues raised in the consultation and these will be presented in a further report published ahead of a meeting of its Planning, Transport & Strategic Environment Committee on 4th May, at which the “consultation outcomes and next steps” will be considered. ● More information, when available, will appear on the Stoke Gifford Journal website.

from Elisa Best BVSc Cert SAS MRCVS of Rowe Vets, Bradley Stoke

Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery in pets

L

aparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery or ‘keyhole’ surgery is a modern surgical technique for carrying out operations in the abdomen through ports which are introduced through small incisions in the abdominal wall. The abdomen is then insufflated with carbon dioxide gas and using a video camera the surgeon is able to examine the abdomen and carry out surgical procedures.

It is now commonplace for many surgeries in human medicine to be carried out this way. The advantages of having a procedure performed laparoscopically or key hole are that they are less painful, recovery time is shorter and there are less wound complications. These benefits can be translated to the veterinary field where owners notice that their animals are more comfortable than after open surgery and that they return to ‘normal’ much more rapidly.

The most common procedure that we perform ‘keyhole’ in our pets is ovariectomy or ‘spay’ where we neuter bitches. This procedure is performed in bitches of any size but not currently in cats. Other procedures we can perform keyhole include cryptorchidectomy (a castrate where one or

both testicles are still inside the abdomen) and prophylactic gastropexy (a procedure that involves attaching the stomach to the body wall in at risk breeds – large deep chested dogs- to prevent gastric torsion.

Laparoscopy is still in its infancy in veterinary medicine, compared to human surgery, and currently not all vets are able to offer it due to equipment and training limitations. Saying that there is a definite advantage to the patient and we expect it to become more available in the future as we advance along with human surgery.

PAINTING & DECORATING

PET FOOD SUPPLIERS

Rowe Veterinary Hospital Ferndene Bradley Stoke ● See our advert on page 6.

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

37

38

www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers Visit directory on BSJ website Bathrooms Richard Joseph, Page 7 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 29 Deluxe Carpentry & Building, Page 33 Richard Joseph, Page 7 Business Services QUENSH Compliance Management, Page 4 Cake Makers & Decorators Sweet Tracey Cakes, Page 39 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 24 & 25 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 21 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 36 Carpentry & Joinery Deluxe Carpentry & Building, Page 35 J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 37 Carpets & Flooring Visit directory on BSJ website Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 32 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 40 Happy Days Nursery, Page 16 Little Pips Pre-School, Page 14 Children’s Activities Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 WoodCamping.com, Page 21 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Churches Bridge Community Church, Page 22 Cleaning & Domestic Services Welcomehome Cleaning, Page 11 Computer Services goto iT, Page 8 Conservatories Crystal Clear Windows, Page 28 Curtains & Blinds Charisma Blinds, Page 38 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 33 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 30 Double Glazing Cloudy2Clear Windows, Page 9 Crystal Clear Windows, Page 28 JDC Windows, Page 14 Education & Learning Kumon Study Centre, Page 35 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 18 Electricians NRB Electrical, Page 8 More in directory on BSJ website Estate Agents Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 Ocean, Page 1 West Coast Properties, Page 10 More in directory on BSJ website Events Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 13 Fashion & Accessories Ladies Day, Page 29 Foot Care Lotus Foot Health Clinic, Page 19 Sara Turner Foot Health, Page 20 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 14

Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 23 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 36 Social Access, Page 20 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 15 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 20 Professional Gardening Services, Page 38 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 27 Hairdressers Visit directory on BSJ website Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 16 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 30 Office Space Courtyard Offices, Page 31 Opticians Specsavers, Page 33 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 37 Pet Services & Supplies Husse Bristol, Page 37 New Passage Cattery, Page 39 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 38 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 39 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 26 Clifton Gas, Page 39 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 19 JJ Plumbing, Page 30 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 39 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Panache Plumbing, Page 39 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 39 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 39 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 19 JJ Plumbing, Page 30 P.J.R Plastics, Page 39 Richard Joseph, Page 7 Recruitment Bristol Care Homes, Page 4 LV= Careers, Page 2 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 38 Self Storage Visit directory on BSJ website Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 6 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 17 Sport & Leisure Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 14 Filton Sports & Leisure Centre, Page 34 Vitality Garlands School of Freestyle, Page 14 WoodCamping.com, Page 21 Taxis South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 39 Z Cars, Page 21 TV & Aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 39 Veterinary Surgeons Vets4Pets / CompanionCare, Page 12 Rowe Veterinary Group, Page 6 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 37

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

May 2016

t: 01454 300 400 BLINDS

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Fencing / Sheds / Arbours / Decking Hedge Cutting / Grass Cutting Weeding / Garden Clearance Turfing / Small Trees Lopped Excellent rates and a free quote Friendly and trustworthy service (special rates for pensioners) Please call on me on 07804 608053 or e-mail at profgarden60@yahoo.co.uk RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier

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

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

May 2016

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info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

PLUMBING & HEATING

TAXIS

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TV AERIALS & SATELLITE TV

39

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PET SERVICES

New Passage Cattery

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc….

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GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

Your Local Gas, Boiler P.J.R. and Heating Engineers Plastics • Boiler Installation • Central Heating Installation • Gas Boiler Servicing

• Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires • Safety Certificates

Call Dan on

assistplumbingandheating.co.uk

0117 214 0949

Replacement and Maintenance: ● Guttering, Downpipes ● UPVC Fascia Boards ● Soffits and Cladding ● Unblock & Gutter Cleaning All work guaranteed

Call Paul for free quote 01454 850201 or 07980 001109

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

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

Sweet Tracey Cakes Stoke Gifford - Bristol

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

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

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

AWARDED NURSERY OF THE YEAR 2016

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

0117 969 1662

www.bananamoon-bristol.co.uk