September 2016

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

September 2016 • Issue 41

POLICE P26 | WHAT’S ON P44 & P45 | DIRECTORY P46 Find us on Facebook: BradleyStokeJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheBSJournal

PLUS , IN YOUR 48-PAGE BRADLEY STOKE MAGAZINE

Best ever GCSE results

See Page 7 Bradley Stoke Youth FC

Third Wembley appearance!

Bradley Stoke in Bloom

Page 21

Best Front Garden winners

OL, O H C S K AT C A B E E’ AT R M I A T S E D THE KI OY SOME ‘M J SO EN

Page 25

l Lidl looking to open store in Stoke Gifford l Get active NOW with FREE sports vouchers! l Emma strikes gold at transplant games l MetroBus construction report for August l BSCS staff “delighted” with Post-16 outcomes l Discover something new in South Gloucestershire l Little Stoke Community Hall set for expansion l Volunteer custody visitors needed l Rail passengers reminded of six-week tunnel closure l ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted for Happy Days Nursery l MetroBus services may need taxpayer subsidy l X74 falls victim to SGC bus subsidy cut

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September 2016

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3

News: Stoke Gifford

Lidl looking to open new store in Stoke Gifford

D

iscount retailer Lidl is looking to open a branch within part of the former B&Q building in Fox Den Road, Stoke Gifford, the Journal has learned.

A planning application has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council seeking permission to vary conditions on the original planning application for the building to allow its subdivision, permit the sale of food and drink and make changes to the external elevations, including the installation of full-height glazing and sliding double doors and the creation of a trolley bay.

The building has been vacant since B&Q ceased trading in June 2016, although only part of it had been in use for some years after B&Q reduced its floorspace.

Planning permission to convert another part of the building into a gym was granted in April 2016.

That unit, at the end closest to

The boarded-up former B&Q store in Fox Den Road, Stoke Gifford

the Ring Road, is currently being fitted out and is expected to open under the DW Fitness brand in the new year.

A ‘retail assessment’ statement submitted with the application states: “Although a specific tenant is yet to be finalised, discussions are ongoing and it is anticipated

that the end user will be a Limited Assortment Discounter (LAD).” However, an additional document, the ‘transport assessment’, clearly identifies the potential tenant as Lidl.

According to the applicants, the proposal “will enhance convenience goods provision

in the local area, affording local residents a greater choice of convenience shopping facilities”.

Furthermore, “it will provide an additional discount foodstore and promote competition between operators”.

The retail assessment anticipates that the Asda store at the nearby Abbey Wood Retail Park will experience the highest level of trade diversion as a result of the proposed development, due to an overlap in target market. The new store is expected to derive 30 percent of it turnover from this source, representing a 10 percent impact.

The adjacent Sainsbury’s store is also expected to be affected, but to a slightly lesser degree, resulting in a 5.4 percent impact on convenience turnover.

Plans and reports may be viewed on the South Gloucestershire Council website under reference PT16/4626/RVC.

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September 2016

Advertising Feature

Ocean move to smart new online home 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.

A

fter more than 30 years helping people find the perfect place to live in Bristol, Ocean decided it was time to upgrade their own online home. So, working with local agency Bray Leino Yucca, they have developed a highly attractive new website, which has just gone live.

For home-buyers, the site – typically for Ocean – offers an outstandingly easy and stress-free way to find the right property. In particular, there’s a really handy and intuitive ‘draw a search’ function that allows you to sketch a ‘target area’ on a map, and instantly see what’s available within it.

Another helpful feature for anyone unsure where they want to live is an impressively

wide-ranging set of Ocean ‘area guides’, providing the inside track on over 100 different Bristol neighbourhoods.

But, of course, Ocean are much more than estate agents, and their new site is designed to be a really user-friendly resource for anyone with property matters in mind – with plenty of advice and information from Ocean’s property lawyers, surveyors, mortgage advisors and property development specialists.

In fact, whether you are looking to buy, sell, let, rent – or do just about anything propertyrelated, in or around Bristol – Ocean’s new online home is (to quote their own slogan) “the place for you”.

Take a look for yourself at: oceanhome.co.uk

Corrections and clarifications Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to develop your child’s confidence and independent study skills so they excel throughout the new term and beyond.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Bradley Stoke Study Centre Sarah Nutchey 01454 610389

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

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

kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

In the article “Dismay over Hatchet Road bus lane decision” published in our August 2016 edition, we inadvertently included an out-of-date plan of the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension route. The correct version may be viewed at www.southglos.gov.uk/CPMEconsult

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

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

September 2016

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5

Sport: South Glos

Get active NOW with FREE sports vouchers!

S

outh Gloucestershire Council’s new healthy lifestyles programme, SportsPound, is now live and kicking! If you are currently doing less than 30 minutes of exercise per week and are aged 14+, SportsPound vouchers give you free entry to a range of new and exciting sports sessions in your community.

If you are new to sport or are coming back to sport after a break, then SportsPound is for you! From judo to dance, aquafit to tennis, there is something for everybody to be tried with SportsPound vouchers.

2016 has seen health success stories with Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre accepting new people for swimming and fitness classes every week.

To find out where you can get hold of SportsPound vouchers and kickstart a new activity or hobby, visit www.southglos.

gov.uk/sportspound, or contact your SportsPound activator Keith Fairburn at keith.fairburn@ southglos.gov.uk or phone him on 07710 145216 or 01454 865821.

The South Gloucestershire SportsPound initiative has received £171,324 of funding from Sport England.

Cllr Erica Williams, chair of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The SportsPound enables us to extend sports programmes right into the heart of our communities and will

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also continue our good work with local partners in reducing barriers to sports participation.

This project will help raise the profile of local sport and ensure residents are involved in developing activities which work for them. The project will last for three years, and over that time we hope to inspire more than 5,000 South Gloucestershire residents to give sport a go.”

The South Gloucestershire SportsPound is one of over 40 projects to secure a share in

£8.2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Encouraging people to give sport a go, the fund empowers local communities to reach out to people who for one reason or another don’t exercise.

Announcing the funding, Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said, “It’s great to be working with innovative projects like SportsPound which offer more people the chance to get active in a way that suits them best.

Given the overwhelming benefits of being active, it’s important that age, gender, or income never prevent anyone from taking part.”

CASE OF THE MONTH - Nick Howells

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I was then told about Dr Leah who has helped me get back to my normal self. I am much happier and have recommended her to other family members who are also very happy and come a long distance to see her.

MR NICK HOWELLS, www.coolgreenplanetonline.com

AIRCRAFT ENGINE FOUNDRY TEAM LEADER

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September 2016

News Bradley Stoke Tesco Extra team on the look out for further community projects Tesco staff make light work of decorating a hall at Patchway Community Centre in Rodway Road

Children’s Parties at Brook Way Activity Centre

The ideal location for the birthday party of the year!

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

S

taff from the Tesco Extra store in Bradley Stoke are looking for suggestions for further community projects to get involved with after successfully completing their latest assignment, at Patchway Community Centre.

Eleven members of staff took a day out from the store to brighten up the small hall at the centre by giving it a lick of paint.

Dawn Richards, community champion at the Bradley Stoke store, says the work squads are intended to give something back to the community whilst at the same time helping to foster team spirit.

“Having a lot of people on a big job like this certainly makes it easier and we were happy to provide the paint and decorating equipment too.”

Previous projects the staff have undertaken include renovating the ladies toilet blocks at St Mary’s Old Boys Rugby Club and, in conjunction with other Tesco stores in the Bristol area, decorating a St Mungo’s hostel for the homeless.

Anyone wishing to suggest a suitable community project should write to Dawn Richards at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke BS32 8EF or email bradleystoke@ eathappyproject.com

Grants awarded Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee agreed the following grants and support arrangements at its meeting in August: • Service Level Agreement of £2,000 with Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group • Youth Service Level Agreement of £2,350 with Christ the King Youth Group • £500 Youth Grant Aid to Manavata, towards the running costs of a project to teach young people life skills ● Bradley Stoke Town Council has a range of grant funding streams which eligible groups and organisations can apply for. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/bstc-grants or phone 01454 205020.

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

September 2016

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7

Schools

BSCS delighted with best ever GCSE results

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radley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has posted its best ever GCSE outcomes, marking a significant improvement in comparison with last year. Sixty-eight percent of students achieved 5A*-C including English and maths. The new measure of ‘basics’ (English and maths A*-C combined) was achieved by 69 percent of students. English GCSE saw an impressive 82 percent of students achieving an A*-C grade and maths a best ever GCSE A*-C of 73 percent.

As ever, there were some

amazing performances by individual students, with some of the highest achievers listed below with their outcomes.

Olympus Academy Trust CEO and Executive Headteacher, Dave Baker, said: “These GCSE outcomes are the result of hard work by staff and students at Bradley Stoke Community School and they deserve full credit for them. It is a remarkable achievement that headteacher Steve Moir, in his first year in post, has overseen an increase in GCSE results of over 14 percentage points from last year.

Outstanding individual achievements Mrudula Hirimagalur Cristina Lojo Abi Todd Joseph Chambers-Graham Aaron Mitchell-Begley Natalie Rosser Megan Hiseman Sophie Brain Thomas Smyth Emmanuelle Deliot Sadelle Onamade

11A*, 2A 9A*, 5A 5A*, 7A 4A*, 1 Distinction*, 6A, 2B 5A*, 5A, 1B, 1C 5A*, 3A, 4B 3A*, 1 Distinction*, 7A, 1B, 1C 4A*, 7A, 1B 4A*, 3A, 4B, 1C 3A*, 8A, 1B 3A*, 8A, 1B

Headteacher Steve Moir (on left) with top-achievers (l-r): Sophie Brain, Mrudula Hirimagalur, Cristina Lojo, Thomas Smyth, Sadelle Onamade, Rachel Bennett, Emmanuelle Deliot and Abi Todd.

Steve and his senior leadership team have planned carefully for this success and it bodes well for future years!”

Bradley Stoke Community School headteacher Steve Moir said: “We are delighted for the students in achieving these outstanding results. It is down to

the combined commitment and hard work from all of our staff and students.”

The overall figures for schools in South Gloucestershire saw 57 percent of students achieving 5A*-C grades including English and maths, an improvement of four percentage points over 2015.

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September 2016

Sport

Local netball club offers sport for all ages TJ’S NETBALL CLUB is a friendly and welcoming netball club based in Bradley Stoke.

The club was formed in 1995 by seven friends who wanted to play competitive netball together.

Now over twenty years later we have grown considerably.

Junior teams

We have three junior teams that are run by Charlotte Jones, Karen Biddel and Charlotte Hunt. We coach girls from 9-16 and they form our U12, U14 and U16 teams. We have a thriving junior setup at present and are very impressed with some of the great talent that is coming through.

If you are interested in playing junior netball then please contact us and we can offer you some free taster sessions.

Back to Netball

Back to Netball sessions are run by Sue Miles and Charlotte

Jones. These are aimed at women and girls (16+years) who haven’t played in a while … or ever! The sessions are coach-led and are designed to reintroduce you to the rules and skills in a fun and social environment. The sessions are very relaxed and designed for those of all abilities. Some players have found that they have improved so much they are now joining our senior squads. These sessions run every Tuesday at the Jubilee Centre between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

Senior teams

Juniors training at the Jubilee Centre courts in Bradley Stoke

We have two competitive teams that play in the Avon Netball League. Our first team plays in the Premiership and our second team play in Division Four. We have some fantastic players and a fun and friendly spirit.

Our teams are coached by Charlotte Jones on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Jubilee

Centre. If you are interested in attending any of these sessions then either just turn up or send Charlotte a message.

If you are interested in joining a friendly, social and expanding club then come along and give us

a try. Mention the Bradley Stoke Journal to receive a free taster session for a session of your choice! We hope to see you soon For more information, contact Charlotte Jones on 07581 424841 or visit the TJ’s Netball Club on Facebook.

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September 2016

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News: South Glos

Discover Something new in South Glos

T

he Discover Festival is back for another year, with an exciting programme of events to help you discover something new throughout September and October in South Gloucestershire.

Discover presents a showcase of local groups, events and places, many of which you can enjoy all year round. So whether you want to learn something new, find a hobby, meet new friends, get out and about in nature, catch a performance or explore one of our historic buildings, there’s something for you.

Events are run by South Gloucestershire Council, local community groups and businesses across the area.

You can just turn up to many

events and some require booking.

Although most are free, for a few there is a small charge.

See page 45 for a selection of Discover Festival events taking place in and around Bradley Stoke. For the full programme, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ discover or pick up a leaflet from your local library. ● Visit ‘South Gloucestershire Discover Festival’ on Facebook for the latest updates.

Historic buildings throw open their doors Historic buildings across South Gloucestershire will be opening their doors to the public for the Heritage Open Day weekend in September.

Celebrating architecture, culture and heritage across England, this year’s open days take place from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th September 2016, when buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors with a series of free events, tours and activities.

Many of the venues are not

normally open to the public, so Heritage Open Days offer a great opportunity to take in some of the district’s rich history.

For further information and full listings, visit www. heritageopendays.org.uk

Selected local Heritage Open Day events Saturday 10th September: 10am to 4pm St Michael’s Church, Stoke Gifford St. Michael’s Church, The Green, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8PD Our church dates from the 14th century and is host to a range of historic features. From our heavy oak-studded door, to the Norman font, and the vestry which was once where the Duchess of Beaufort would sit by the fire to listen to sermons. There’s lots to discover inside.

Saturday 10th September: Tours at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm Sunday 11th September: Tours 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm Avon Valley Railway Yard and Workshop Tour Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of our yard and workshop and discover more about how we care for our locomotives and carriages. Event not suitable for children under the age of 16.

210 places available for children from South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and Bristol

Open Evening Thursday 6 October 6-8pm Headteacher’s address: 6.00pm & 6.45pm Open Mornings Monday 3 October – Friday 14 October 2016 Please contact us to arrange a visit.

Marlwood School: Vattingstone Lane, Alveston, South Gloucestershire BS35 3LA

More information: 01454 862525 marlwood.com

Sunday 11th September: 11am to 4.30pm Warmley Grottoes and Garden and Museum Kingswood Heritage Museum, Tower Lane, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8XT The historic Grottoes which are normally closed to the public are open. Also Warmley Gardens can be visited, including the giant statue of Neptune.

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September 2016

Business Aspirations welcomes new adviser

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spirations Financial Independent Financial Adviser to Advice Ltd has now Aspirations, Daniel Howls. been part of the Bradley Dan is an experienced Stoke community for four years, Financial Planner who lives in providing advice across all Blackwood, Newport, South areas of Financial Planning to Wales. Dan has worked with both individuals and businesses Paul and Steve previously and alike. Based in the Willow Brook has over ten years’ experience in Centre, we have been able to help financial services dealing with the our clients through the needs of both business myriad of changes that and private clients. He have happened in the is currently working financial markets over towards Chartered the past few years. These Financial Planning have included Pension status and has one Freedoms, the changes exam left to complete. in mortgage rules in Dan has two young 2014, the continuing children and he lives changes to the ISA rules with his fiancée Ruth. and, most recently, the Spending time with ‘Brexit’ fallout. his family is the most Daniel Howls To help us continue important thing to him. to provide a first class service He takes his responsibilities as we have increased the number a financial adviser seriously and of our Financial Advisers over shows care and dedication to his the years. Currently we have two clients as he understands how fully accredited Independent important it is to plan for and Financial Advisers, Steve Gilpin protect the future. and Paul Whitton, based in If you would like to book a the Bradley Stoke office, along free initial consultation with with our mortgage adviser Julie one of our Financial Advisers, McDonald. Based in Portishead please give our main office in we have a further Independent Bradley Stoke a call on 01454 Financial Adviser, Angela Sage.

501959 or contact via our website We are now happy to announce www.Aspirations-IFA.com that we are welcoming a further

We 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.

The Journal is Bradley Stoke’s only locally-edited newspaper!

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September 2016

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11

Holy Stoke! Batmobile wows Willow Brook Batman left Gotham City to bring his Batmobile to Bradley Stoke on Thursday 28th July. The Batmobile from the 1989 film, starring Michael Keating, was on display in the town square for families to see. The Dark Knight was also around during the event to fight crime and pose for selfies with fans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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September 2016

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Sport

Emma strikes gold at transplant games

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local athlete has returned from the British Transplant Games, held in Liverpool at the end of July, with a haul of four medals.

Emma Barnes, who is a member of Bradley Stoke based North Bristol Running Group, won gold in her age category in the 4 x 100m relay, silver in the 200m and bronze in the 400m. She also clinched a gold medal in the badminton doubles competition.

Held annually at different venues across the country, the Games aim to demonstrate the benefits of transplantation whilst increasing public awareness of the need for more people to join the NHS Organ Donation Register and discuss their wishes with their families.

The 22-year-old was attending her second Games since receiving a liver transplant at Kings College Hospital, London in September 2013 – after being diagnosed with a extremely rare tumour.

Looking back on her experience prior to her transplant, Emma said; “It was a really horrible and incredibly stressful time waiting on the transplant list as I had no idea how long I would have to wait or when I would get the call. I couldn’t go further than half-anhour away from my house in case I got the call and had to make sure that I always had signal on my phone. I had to wait eightand-half months and became increasingly ill in this time.”

Speaking about what makes the Games special for those taking part, Emma said: “It’s really great as it gives you the opportunity to meet lots of other inspirational people who have all had life-saving transplants, like myself, whilst competing and taking part in lots of different sports. Everyone understands what each other has been through and it feels like one big family. It shows what amazing things can be achieved as a result

of organ donation as none of us would be here without it.”

Emma joined North Bristol Running Group in February this year with her mum and they took part in the popular beginners’ course. “Everyone there is really friendly and very supportive.

Being in the group encouraged me to take part in my first-ever 10k race, the Bradley Stoke 10k in June, which I never thought would be possible. Being part of the group has been really helpful with increasing my fitness levels and has given me confidence in my ability.”

Emma is also a regular badminton player and, before her transplant, also played tennis – even helping out with coaching on Saturday mornings.

Reflecting on her sporting successes, Emma said: “The Transplant Games prove what amazing things can be achieved after organ donation and I just hope that this will inspire people to sign the organ donor register. I cannot thank my amazing donor enough for giving me my life back and I will forever be grateful to them and their family for making that life-saving decision.”

“Organ donors are real-life heroes; they save people’s lives.

They are incredible people. Being an organ donor means you can save not only one life, but several lives.”

“It is really important that as many people as possible sign the than donor list. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign the register, or to have the talk with your loved ones.”

To register as an organ donor, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or pick up a form at your GP surgery.

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September 2016

News Motorists hopping mad over MetroBus traffic lights at Rabbit Roundabout Great Stoke Roundabout (a.k.a Rabbit Roundabout) – scene of “nightmare” traffic congestion during two days in August

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he installation of temporary traffic lights at Great Stoke Roundabout (a.k.a. Rabbit Roundabout) at the bottom of Bradley Stoke Way (BSW) for a few days in the second week of August caused chaos for motorists in the local area, jamming up routes into and out of Bradley Stoke, Winterbourne and Stoke Gifford.

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when one of three lanes on the approach to the Aztec West Roundabout was closed without notice during the morning peak, causing gridlock throughout Bradley Stoke.

The lights went into operation on Tuesday 9th August and the story was picked up by BBC Bristol who, the following day, published a video clip with actors

Julie T: Just spent 15 mins from Baileys Court roundabout by church to Bunny Roundabout and the traffic was queued right back past Savages Wood Roundabout! Why put lights there if no one is actually working?

Jane J: Was chaos when I came through that area at 7.20am, the traffic was backed up nearly all the way up the hill to Winterbourne! Glad I was going the opposite direction!

Dean W: Why have the contra flow? Just close the road in that direction and reroute through Parkway Station. Most traffic will have come from there anyway.

Sam U: Just took me seven minutes and three light changes to get through!

Why are they even there? Nobody knows!

Tanya B: Just been through this nightmare, and there is no one working at all on the road being resurfaced, do they clock off before 3:45? Nice job!

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The lights were installed to facilitate the closure of the northbound carriageway of Great Stoke Way to allow it to be resurfaced following the construction of a new bus lane for the MetroBus project.

Outraged motorists took to the Journal Facebook page to express their anger at the delays, the “poor synchronisation” of the lights and the apparent lack of work taking place on the closed section of Great Stoke Way. Readers commented on the lack of notice given, which echoes a similar event at the other end of Bradley Stoke Way in May

reading comments from the Journal’s Facebook page. This was followed by a piece on the radio station’s Breakfast Show on Thursday 11th August, by which time the traffic lights had “conveniently been removed” (in the words of the BBC presenter).

An update posted to the website of MetroBus contractors Alun Griffiths sometime after 9pm on Wednesday night said: “We can confirm that the temporary traffic lights which have been located at Great Stoke Way and Parkway North roundabouts will be removed tonight (Wednesday 10th August), ahead of schedule.”

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

As reported in our August magazine, Griffiths plan to close the nearside lane of BSW on the Aztec West approach full-time for a period of 12 weeks. This work is currently on hold pending resolution of the uncharted gas main issue (see facing page). You have been warned!

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September 2016

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15

News

MetroBus construction report (August 2016)

By Jim Aitken, community liaison officer at Alun Griffiths Ltd

Bradley Stoke Way

It is with much frustration that we have had a further delay in the widening works for the nearside lane of Bradley Stoke Way (BSW) towards Aztec West Roundabout, previously reported in the August BSJ magazine. The uncharted gas main discovered due to testing once Bristol Water vacated the verge has been confirmed as a live main by Wales & West Utilities (W&WU)and potential diversion works maybe required, for which W&WU are currently planning a schedule of works.

At the time of writing, we are still awaiting a confirmed commencement date.

The completion of the Woodlands Lane junction is reliant on the completion of the widening works in the above mentioned nearside lane and Griffiths cannot make significant progress until the further utility issue has been addressed.

Good progress is being made further along Bradley Stoke Way. We have tied in our construction works to the existing pedestrian crossing by the Willow Brook Centre. The widening works have gone well, with 90 percent of earthworks completed. Kerbing and ducting, including street lighting columns, are ongoing, along with headwall work.

Work has commenced on MetroBus bus stops further along BSW. We are currently building the southbound stop at Great Meadow Roundabout, which

should be completed by the end of September. Only one dedicated gang is working on one bus stop at a time to minimise disruption and further traffic management along BSW.

Great Stoke Way

Ninety-five percent of works on Great Stoke Way are now complete. Great Stoke Way is now fully surfaced and white lined. The new bus lane needs to be fully commissioned before removal of the traffic management cones, being now the only traffic restriction in this area. Some permanent signage is still to be installed (during week commencing 12th September) and some further finishing works will be undertaken.

Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL, a.k.a. ‘By-Pass’) The widening works on the A4174 Ring Road have been completed ahead of programme and has minimised the duration of the traffic management in preparation for anticipated greater volumes of traffic with the return of schools and UWE. The remaining work will be undertaken over the winter; this will consist of the erection of traffic signals and some surfacing and white lining once the junction becomes live.

Works on the Maules Lane junction with the A4174 are due to commence shortly and are required to enable new kerb

New bus lane on Great Stoke Way, heading north towards ‘Rabbit Roundabout’

lines and civils works. It is not anticipated this will cause any disruption to the A4174.

Second stage earthworks are now under way on the main SGTL carriageway, between Ham Brook and Tudor Lodge. We are taking full advantage of the current dry weather conditions to shape and compact the verges prior to the installation of ditches and fences. Ducting operations are also being carried out for traffic signals, CCTV, street lighting etc.

Lighting works are also ongoing with columns already installed from Ham Brook to Tudor Lodge. Griffiths are

now awaiting the two other contractors to hand over the bridges they are working on within the SGTL construction area so we may commence the earthworks for the final 30 percent of the project.

Hambrook Lane

The 30mph restriction now begins east of the new junction with the SGTL It is important to note that we will need to close Hambrook Lane again in the winter, for a few days only, to allow final surfacing of both the lane and the SGTL. Further notice of this will be given in due course.

For the latest information, visit the dedicated MetroBus Build page on the Bradley Stoke Journal website: http://bit.ly/metrobusbuild

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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September 2016

Schools

BSCS staff “delighted” with Post-16 outcomes

I

t has been another strong year for Post-16 outcomes at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS). A-level students have averaged 32 points (grade C), which the school says is slightly above the results for the last two years.

Forty-two percent of all grades awarded at A-level were A*-B (51 percent last year) and there was a 99.5 percent overall pass rate.

Vocational results were outstanding again with 78 percent of grades awarded being Distinction* or Distinction (72 percent last year). The average grade achieved was a high Distinction.

This year’s results included some fantastic individual performances (see panel, below right). Star performers include Sophie Deliot, Holly Macdonald,

Erin Pruett, Chloe Lorenzi and Neave Spikings.

Sophie Deliot achieved an A* in Geography and As in Mathematics and Psychology and will be studying Geography at Durham University.

Holly Macdonald achieved an A* in Accounting and As in English Language and Business Studies. Holly has been offered a place on the School Leaver Programme with Price Waterhouse Cooper as a Business Consultant.

Erin Pruett achieved an A* in Geography, an A in English Literature and a B in Physical Education and she has a place to study Geography and Sport Science at Loughborough University.

Chloe Lorenzi achieved As in French and Textiles and a B in

Top achievers at A-level. Back row (l-r): Erin Pruett, Chloe Lorenzi, Alexandra McCallum and Victoria King. Front row (l-r): Annabel Phillips, Neave Spikings, Sophie Deliot and Holly Macdonald.

Chemistry and she has secured a place to study Fashion Design at the University of Leeds.

Neave Spikings achieved a Distinction* in Music Technology BTEC, an A in Computer Science and a B in Mathematics. Neave will be studying Film and Television Production at the University of York.

Year 12 AS-level students also produced some excellent results in what the school described as a “year of change”, which saw a mixture of ‘reformed’ and ‘legacy’ examinations being sat.

Headteacher Steve Moir commented: “We are delighted with another excellent set of exam results for our Post-16 students. All of our students who applied to universities have secured their places, with over 90 percent getting their first choice. These include both Russell Group universities and Oxford University and we are really pleased to see so many secure their next steps in their education. Our students studying vocational qualifications particularly excelled, with over 78 percent of them achieving the highest two grades. We are very proud of all of our Post-16 students who have been so well supported by our hard working staff.”

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) reported “stable” outcomes at A-level, with the proportion of A*-A grades declining marginally by 0.1 percentage points to 25.8 percent and the pass rate (A*-E) unchanged at 98.1 percent.

Top achievers A-level examination results Sophie Deliot A*AA Holly Macdonald A*AA Erin Pruett A*AB Victoria King AAB Chloe Lorenzi AAB Annabel Phillips AAB Neave Spikings Dist*AB Lewis Sheppard Dist*Dist*Dist Alexandra McCallum A*BB

AS examination results

Olivia Wheeler AAAA Connor Maule Dist*DoubleDist* Chloe Marsh AA Henry Smith Dist*Dist* Kelsey Dyke Dist*AB Emily Porter AAB Varun Thapa ABBB Sam Watts ABBC Marcus Manning ABB Beth Graham ABB Nicholas White ABB

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September 2016

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17

News: Stoke Gifford Planning application submitted for expansion of Little Stoke Community Hall

S

toke Gifford Parish Council has submitted a planning application to extend and enhance the existing community hall within Little Stoke Park.

The proposals will provide new sports changing facilities, an ancillary café, an enlarged office for council staff and a larger meeting room. The retained elements will be refurbished and a new bin store and external store will be formed with the existing parking and landscaping being retained.

According to the ‘design and access statement’ submitted with the application, the proposed works will “support the parish’s ambition and aspiration to engender community spirit, activities and cohesion by providing new and improved facilities that can be used for and by the public”.

The proposed works will increase the existing gross floor area from 352.8sqm (plus 19.3sqm

Visualisation showing path from car park leading to new entrance on the side of the extended building and the new cafe

external store) to 551.7sqm, an increase of 48.3 percent.

The majority of the proposed works will be on the north side of the existing building, within the area currently used for external storage, which currently has no public access or right of way.

Internally, the new accommodation will provide: • Two changing rooms with lockers, showers, toilets and treatment bench for two teams • Two officials’ changing rooms

with associated lockers, shower and toilets • Two small stores for sports equipment and a plant room with external access • Café with associated kitchen, servery/bar and utility • New entrance, office and meeting room The new café will be located on the north-east corner of the extended building and will feature two large concertina doors, allowing greater

connection to the outside that can be opened during warmer months and, when closed, allow greater visibility due to the large area of glass.

The scheme is being funded with housing developer S106 contributions arising from the Charlton Hayes development.

Plans may be viewed on the South Gloucestershire Council website under reference PT16/4896/F. Consultation is open until 26th September.

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September 2016

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centre now accepts childcare vouchers

A

fter many years of being asked if parents could pay for Kumon tuition with childcare vouchers, Sarah Nutchey, instructor in Kumon Bradley Stoke, is pleased to announce: “Yes, they now can!”

Sarah is the first Kumon Instructor in the UK to register with Ofsted and to accept childcare vouchers in payment for the maths and English programmes.

As many working parents will know, there is a big tax advantage to using these vouchers; it represents a saving of at least 20 percent for activities paid for in this way.

Current Kumon parents are delighted to hear this news and are switching their payment method as soon as they can.

When children are younger, parents pay into these schemes and then pay registered childminders and nurseries as a way to ease costs. As the children get older, go to school, and take part in less hours of structured childcare, parents can be left with an excess balance in their

childcare account, with little means of spending it. Hence why so many parents would pose the question: “Can we pay for Kumon with our childcare vouchers?”

To redeem these vouchers is a simple process for the parents.

Please contact Sarah on 01454 610389 or bradleystoke@ kumoncentre.co.uk to find out how Kumon will help your child.

We offer a free assessment and consultation before any child enrols with us. ● See advert on page 4.

Bradley Stoke Journal: 6,300 fans

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September 2016

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News

Exciting times ahead for youth music group

L

ast year was a busy one for Thornbury Area Youth Music, with some great experiences for our members and there are more exciting things to look forward to at the music centre in the new school year.

Last November we travelled to London to take part in the Scratch Youth Messiah – a huge performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall. We had a fantastic time singing with a professional orchestra at an amazing venue - an experience to remember for life! We have performed three big showcase concerts this year along with some busking sessions and our members have had huge success in their instrumental exams!

On Saturdays, the orchestras and choir are working towards our winter concert. They are rehearsing pieces from a real mix of genres including classical, jazz, rock and pop music. Our senior musicians can form their own small chamber groups with tutor support in music arrangements and rehearsals. Anyone aged 18 or under playing an orchestral instrument at any standard (beginners up to diploma!) can join us on a Saturday morning and we offer a free taster session.

Our popular Let’s Play groups (introductory instrumental lessons for ages 6+) start again in September with groups for absolute beginners and improvers.

The progress the children are making in such a short space of time is outstanding! The Let’s Play groups now have their own orchestra and are enjoying playing together in a larger group. We are taking names for our waiting list for the next year, so if you would

like to add your child’s name to the list, please contact us.

The junior music centre (ages 4-8) has three classes on a Saturday. The Foundation Group, and Music Makers are learning about music and making music through singing, percussion, movement and dance. Our recorder group are learning their first instrument in preparation for more advanced music making.

Thornbury Music Centre meets at Marlwood School, Alveston. New members are always welcome and free taster sessions are available. See www. thornbury-music.org.uk, email info@thornbury-music.org or phone 01454 299932 for details.

We have a small number of bursaries available to help with fees for members meeting certain criteria; please speak to us for more information. ● Thornbury Area Youth Music is a registered charity that provides opportunities for music making for ages 4-18. Registered charity number 1160302.

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

HOLIDAY CLUBs BIRTHDAY PARTIES HIGH ROPEs “Minna had a fantastic time with her friends.

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September 2016

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A ‘GOOD’ School in Every Category Ofsted

A ‘GOOD’ School,

with ‘OUTSTANDING’ Behaviour, Safety and Leadership Ofsted

Open Days:

Open Evening:

Open Day:

Tours at 9:00am and 11:15am

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Tours at 8:45am, 9:45am,

Thursday 29th September

Thursday 29th September

Monday 3rd October

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

Tours at 9:00am; 11:15am and 1:45pm Bookable by appointment only

Wednesday 5th October Tours at 9:00am; 11:15am and 1:45pm Bookable by appointment only

Abbeywood Community School New Road Stoke Gifford South Gloucestershire BS34 8SF info@abbeywoodschool.com www.abbeywoodschool.com Tel: 0117 307 5660

Thursday 22nd September 11:05am and 1:35pm

Open Evening:

Thursday 22nd September 6:00pm - 8:00pm

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

Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Wood Lane Bradley Stoke South Gloucestershire BS32 9BS admin@bradleystokecs.org.uk www.bradleystokecs.org.uk Tel: 01454 868840

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September 2016

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21

Sport

BSYFC players treated to third Wembley date

By Martin Lee of Bradley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) radley Stoke Youth FC was This highlighted just how little again selected from all the the management team of Scott FA Charter Standard Clubs Brown, Martin Lee and Ross in the UK and Ireland to walk Lee actually know about general around the Wembley pitch before football stuff. We will need to do the Community Shield match of more revising if we get selected Manchester United v Leicester again next year! We had our final City. This is the third time in briefing and it was time for the three years that BSYFC have been real thing. selected and once again we were We walked past the proud to be one of only seven Manchester United and Leicester clubs to be selected for this great City changing rooms and into experience. position in the tunnel area next BSYFC was represented by to the Leicester City team, who squad players from the U14 girls were completing their warm up. and the U9s. The day started at Then we got the thumbs up to 8.45am with the coach rolling start the walk. We came out to out of Bradley Stoke for arrival 90,000 supporters applauding as at Wembley for 11.45am. The we walked around the pitch. We journey was fine but just how got to the corner flag of the pitch many “are we nearly there yet” then had to turn onto the pitch questions did we have to answer? just behind the goal where we On arrival we were based in stood between the goal and the the Press Room for the majority corner flag waving our flags. The of the day where at 12.30pm we TV camera was coming up and had our first walk around the down filming us and we could be Wembley pitch as we performed seen on the TV screens. At last we the rehearsal for the main event. are famous!

We had our photo taken by the The teams then came out of the main photographer out on the tunnel with us forming a guard pitch with our BSYFC placards of honour with the flags. We then and the squad. Then back to all sang the National Anthem and the Press Room for lunch. After when the players split to come lunch, we had a football quiz. towards the goal we moved off waving our flags while walking proudly behind the massive BSYFC placard as we went. We were out on the Wembley pitch for about 20 minutes – what a great experience for the players of BSYFC. We then rushed back to the Press Room, picked up our stuff and rushed to our seats to watch the match and to meet up with the parents.

The match was great, with Manchester United winning 2-1.

Then, with the game finished we boarded the coach back to Bradley Stoke. Some did have a little snooze on the way back. We arrived back at home for 9.30pm tired but still excited after another great day out.

Many thanks to McDonald’s for selecting BSYFC for three years on the trot now. Well done to all the BSYFC squad for being great ambassadors for the club.

B

BSYFC players flag waving at Wembley: Practice session and the real thing

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September 2016

News

Volunteer custody visitors needed in Patchway Could you be the person responsible for checking on a detainee’s welfare?

W

ouldn’t you want someone checking on your welfare if you were detained in custody? If so, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens wants you to consider becoming an independent custody visiting volunteer.

Independent custody visiting is a vital part of the work of the Avon and Somerset Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and we are looking for people from north Bristol and the surrounding areas to join the team.

Custody visiting is the wellestablished system whereby volunteers visit police stations to check on people in police custody; the conditions in which they are held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed.

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “This is a great opportunity for

Patchway Police Centre (Gloucester Road), which houses a custody suite

someone looking for an exciting and rewarding volunteering role. In volunteering as an Independent Custody Visitor, you are enabling me to hold the police to account on behalf of local people.”

“By gaining independent insight into police custody and reporting your findings to me we can ensure policing is

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transparent and that local people have confidence in their police service. Do something different, become a custody visiting volunteer now!”

Unannounced visits

Visits to police stations by volunteer custody visitors are unannounced and can be made at any time. The independent volunteers check that cells and other facilities within custody such as the toilets and food preparation areas are clean.

Over 270 independent custody visits were made between April 2015 and March 2016, and of the 2,404 detainees in custody during these visits, over 1,400 were spoken to by independent custody visitors.

Few serious issues were reported during this period and included a lack of reading material, problems with the cutlery provided and comments regarding facilities e.g. dripping

taps and showers not being offered.

Custody Visiting and Voluntary Sector Officer Anna Hill said: “Full training will be provided to all independent custody visiting volunteers and there will be the opportunity to shadow a more experienced visitor while settling in. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to meet with coordinators, Inspectors and other visitors at quarterly meetings.”

The custody record, which records everything that happens to someone while they are in police custody, may also be examined.

If the custody visitors find any issues, these are raised with the office in charge of the custody cells or police station.

The custody visitor completes a report of each visit and copies of these reports are sent to the PCC. If you are over aged 18, live or work in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area, have not had any direct involvement in the criminal justice system and could carry out the role of a custody visitor independently then we want to hear from you.

● If you are interested

in applying to become an Independent Custody Visiting Volunteer or finding out more about custody visiting in Avon and Somerset, please visit: http://bit.ly/asp-pcc-custody, telephone the PCC’s office on 01275 816377 or email pcc@ avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk

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.

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providing a unique care service

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September 2016

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23

News

Rail passengers reminded of tunnel closure Severn Tunnel closed for SIX weeks from 12th September. Services to/from Bristol Parkway affected

R

ail passengers are being reminded to plan their journeys before travelling, ahead of a six-week closure of the Severn Tunnel to prepare the Great Western Main Line for a brand new fleet of electric trains.

On 12th September the 130 year-old tunnel will close to trains for six weeks as Network Rail’s ‘orange army’ works day and night to install over eight miles of electrical equipment which will power a new fleet of electric trains in the future – delivering more seats, more frequent services, and faster and greener journeys.

From Monday 12th September to Friday 21st October, Great Western Railway high-speed train services will be diverted between Swindon and Newport, increasing journey times by around 30 minutes. These services will not call at Bristol Parkway.

Severn Tunnel electrification drilling work

One service an hour will operate between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway.

Replacement buses will run between Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol Parkway, and between Bristol Parkway and Newport. Journeys involving replacement buses will take approximately 45 minutes longer than normal.

Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour and Taunton services will start and end at Bristol Parkway.

There will be further service alterations at weekends.

Full details can be found at GWR.com/SevernTunnel2016 or by calling the GWR helpline on 0345 7000 125.

Mark Langman, Network Rail’s managing director

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.”

Locally, the two Patchway railway tunnels will also be closed over the same six-week period.

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.

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September 2016

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Bradley Stoke in Bloom 20

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) e were bowled over by the number of lovely gardens that we saw while judging our annual Best Front Garden competition, including some that didn’t enter this year but have been persuaded to enter next year!

As the number and standard of gardens increases each year so does the difficulty of choosing the best, but it gives us very great pleasure to finally be able to announce our 2016 winners!

The prizes were presented by town mayor Cllr Elaine Hardwick at the Willow Brook Centre’s Bradley Stoke’s Got Music event on Saturday 27th August.

First prize was a trophy and a gold medal engraved with the winner’s name, a 3-course meal for two donated by the Harvester Restaurant and a £30 garden voucher donated

by Almondsbury Garden Centre.

Second prize was an engraved glass trophy, a silver medal and a £20 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre.

Third prize was an engraved glass trophy, a bronze medal and a £10 garden voucher donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre.

All the runners-up also received a certificate and an engraved medal.

W

OPEN DAY DATES 15th September at 9.30am 28th September at 1.30pm Let your child’s learning adventure start at Little Stoke Primary School

OPEN DAYS AT LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL If your child is due to start school in September 2017 please come along to one of our sessions to find out more about our school. Please visit our website for further information or ring the school to book a visit.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL Little Stoke Lane Little Stoke Bristol BS34 6HY www.littlestokeps.co.uk

Tel: 01454 866522

Thank you to these companies, to Timpson’s for the large discount given on the trophy engraving and to Cllr Hardwick for presenting the prizes!

Prize winners 1st: Roger Burgess

Stean Bridge Road 2nd: Maureen Hopkins

Address withheld 3rd: Kevin & Gillian Griffiths

Stean Bridge Road 4th: Andrew Roach

Dewfalls Drive Runners-up (in alphabetical order) Alisa & Richard Aquilina Amanda McLay Anna Price David & Jenny Neale Edward & Patricia Sheppard Krishnan Rambadhran Valerie & Cyril Bristow

Main photo – back row (l-r): Sara Messenger (BSiB), Angela Burgess, Roger Burgess, Cllr Elaine Hardwick; front row (l-r): Jenny Neale, David Neale, Gillian Griffiths, Kevin Griffiths, Valerie Bristow and Anna Price Photos of the winning gardens (clockwise from top right): Burgess, Hopkins, Griffiths, Roach, Griffiths, Hopkins and Burgess

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, p

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25

016 Best Front Garden competition: The winners

phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

26

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In Brief

Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports

Unexplained death at Little Stoke flats

Stamping out scams

W

e’ve all heard about someone who’s been scammed.

Sometimes it’s just an annoyance, but in some cases it can have a devastating financial consequence. Scams targeting the elderly are carried out on the phone, online or through the post and may involve the victim attempting to use money transfer services to send money to the scammer. All too often the vulnerable don’t realise that they are the victims of a crime.

Advance fee scam You may receive a letter or email offering a payment if you can get money to the sender.

The scammer might claim to be somebody official like a lawyer or accountant and promise to give a portion of the money in return for help with the

transfer but you’ll never see the promised payment.

Medical Scam Promise miracle tablets or other medical cures that claim unbelievable results but they leave the victims out of pocket with the potential of damage to their health.

Inheritance scam Victims are told that they are receiving a large inheritance from a long lost relative and that they must send money for taxes or fees before they receive any money.

Prize draw scam Victims are contacted by phone or email stating that they have won the lottery in another country and need to send money for taxes or an administration

September 2016

fee before their winnings can be released.

If you or someone you know is a victim of a scam get in touch with Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If you have information about someone running a scam then please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre Saturday 17th September – 6pm to 8pm Saturday 24th September – 6pm to 8pm ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes

A man found dead in a block of flats in Little Stoke on Sunday 14th August has been identified as Christopher Deverall, 45,​ from the Bradley Stoke area.

Two men arrested in connection with the death, which is being treated as unexplained, remain on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Neighbours said they had been quizzed by detectives about whether they heard shouting around the time of the incident.

Police forensic investigations at the property, Brook House in Tetbury Close, continued until the following Tuesday afternoon.

The victim’s family released a statement saying: “We are saddened by the death of Christopher and ask that our privacy be respected at this time.”

Our next magazine: Saturday 1st October

Avon and Somerset Police website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

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

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

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September 2016

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News ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted for Happy Days

Nursery manager Natalie Doyle (centre) celebrates with staff and children

H

appy Days Nursery and Pre-School in Bradley Stoke is celebrating its ‘outstanding’ judgement from Ofsted.

Opened in 2014, the nursery underwent its first inspection in July and was found to be ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

Nursery manager, Natalie Doyle said: “Our team have worked really hard since our opening to establish strong relationships with our parents and to ensure that every child is making great progress and enjoying their time at nursery.

We are thrilled that our efforts have been rewarded by this independent report.”

The inspector was full of praise for the progress made by the children stating: “Children make fantastic progress as they play. They are very content and extremely well engaged. Their behaviour is impressive.”

The inspector was equally impressed with the staff adding: “Staff are very well qualified and use their experience to develop impressive strategies that support children. Staff have extremely positive relationships with parents.”

The manager was also singled out for praise by the Inspector, who noted that: “[She] expertly evaluates the quality of the provision.”

Happy Days at Bradley Stoke is located in Almondsbury Business Park, off Woodlands Lane. It is open throughout the year and caters for children from birth to school age.

Happy Days have now achieved ten outstanding judgments for their nursery/pre-school settings across the south west. This is wonderful news for communities and local businesses who require childcare services. ● See advert on page 43.

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

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t: 01454 300 400

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

September 2016

September 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, KINGSWOOD BS15 4XX TEL 0117 3322567

CITY MOTORS ST PHILIPS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL BS4 3AX TEL 0117 3322566 WWW.CARCOGROUP.CO.UK/DACIA

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 and registered by 30 September 2016. Car shown with optional metallic paint at an extra £495.

Renault CLIO Be moved, not driven Renault CLIO Play 1.2 16v 75

0% APR

representative

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 £2,306 deposit, 24 monthly payments of £159, optional final payment of £5,553. 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 and registered by 30 September 2016. Excludes Renaultsport models. Clio shown has optional i.d. metallic paint, at an extra £595.

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

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September 2016

Advertising Feature

Willow Brook Clinic welcomes new Chiropractor

C

hiropractor, Aaron Plant, joined Willow Brook Clinic during August 2016. Aaron was born and raised in Frampton Cotterell and attended the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, in Bournemouth, following school.

After completing his clinical rota at university, Aaron decided he wanted to return to the South Gloucestershire area as it is an environment he feels comfortable working within. ‘The community here in Bradley Stoke and the surrounding areas is so diverse and I look forward to working with people from all walks of life, understanding their challenges, and helping them achieve their fitness and wellbeing goals.’

Aaron enjoys providing exercise based rehabilitation, alongside traditional chiropractic care. Willow Brook Clinic’s Rehab Room provides the perfect environment to enable Aaron

to deliver this care. The Rehab Room is a private space fully equipped with all the equipment needed for recovery from injury, prehabilitation and rehabilitation, and to help individuals realise their wellbeing potential.

Aaron benefits from the most recent chiropractic teaching and he translates these sometimes complex principles into understandable treatment protocols for patients of all ages.

He takes pride in keeping up to date with the latest research as well as developing new ideas of his own, combining this with his own previous experiences of injury management. Aaron has also completed courses on taping and dry needling which all add to his treatment options.

He has first-hand experience and understanding of the importance that injury prevention can play in our daily lives. ‘It is important to make changes instead of waiting

Aaron Plant (right) with a patient at Willow Brook Clinic, Bradley Stoke

for injury or degeneration to strike. This applies to everyone, not only sports people. We all benefit from support and professional advice to make our daily lives easier to manage.’

Aaron was introduced to chiropractic after suffering an injury whilst playing rugby for Frampton Cotterell RFC. He found that regular chiropractic treatment kept him on the sports field, rather than off the field injured.

His chiropractic philosophy is to ensure that all patients receive the care, treatment and the information they need, in order

to enable them to be the best at whatever it is that they do. This can range from being able to get out of bed in the morning pain free to competing on the highest of sporting stages.

In his down time Aaron remains involved with Frampton Cotterell RFC, he enjoys surfing and plays the guitar. He has set himself some challenging personal fitness goals including attempting a marathon and a triathlon.

Aaron looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your fitness and wellbeing goals. ● See advert on page 7.

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

September 2016

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31

News Bradley Stoke in Bloom team help out at Bluebell Gardens

By Sara Messenger of Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSiB) We received a call from Tony, one of the residents of Bluebell Gardens in Savages Wood Road, asking if we were able to help them with their garden as only the lawn is tended by the

housing association. Although we don’t usually venture off public property, as we’ve worked with schools and youth groups before and our other plans weren’t ready, yet we were happy to help out. Although there was a lot more work than I’d thought, and

we were hindered by the heavy showers that fell from the skies with monotonous regularity, we greatly enjoyed the day, due to the warm welcome we received and the steady stream of hot tea and biscuits and the lovely lunch that was provided for us by

Redmaids’ High School incorporating Redland High School for Girls

Open Mornings Saturday 24 September - Juniors, Seniors and Sixth Form Saturday 8 October - Infants

Barbra and her friends.

It wasn’t an appropriate use of our funds to buy any new plants to go in so we asked Andy Hart, manager of Almondsbury Garden Centre if he could help and soon the car was piled high with two trolleys of donated plants.

New Performing Arts Centre Autumn 2017

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September 2016

Advertising Feature Forthcoming open evenings at South Gloucestershire secondary schools The Castle School, Thornbury (see advert on left)

Come and see what we have to offer for students joining Year 7 in 2017 and beyond...

Open evening 29 September 2016 6 – 8.30pm

270 places available in The Castle School Year 7 for children from Park Road, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, BS35 1HT Gloucestershire and Bristol.

The Castle School is a thriving and successful school providing a high standard of education for all children. We are proud of our school where achievement is celebrated and everyone is actively encouraged to contribute to our community.

We believe that young people have a right to a safe, happy, varied and challenging learning experience. Every individual student matters and all children have abilities which must be realised. Within this context, commitment, responsibility, effort, involvement and respect

are some of the personal qualities which we value from all members of our school community and which are essential to success in later life.

The academic standards achieved by our students in external examinations are very high and represent a tradition of which we are very proud.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Open Evening so you can discover for yourselves the many opportunities that await your child.

Peter Smart MA Headteacher

Marlwood School, Alveston (see advert on page 9) Marlwood is an ambitious school and we have high aspirations and expectations for every member of our community.

Our ethos is ‘Working together for excellence’. We believe that every individual student is important and therefore we are committed to the provision of a broad and balanced education that realises the abilities of all our young people.

Learning is the core of life at Marlwood School. We aim to build on the students’ experience of primary school and we expect

each student to develop as a learner, both individually and as a member of the community. Our staff are committed to supporting students through this journey, challenging them and helping them to become motivated and independent learners.

We, as a school family, have a wealth of opportunities to offer your child and we look forward to welcoming you at our Open Evening so you can see these for yourselves.

James Pope Headteacher

for more information call 01454 862100 thecastleschool.org.uk

Sixth Form Open Evening 3 November

Personal tours

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

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

Bradley Stoke Journal

September 2016

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33

News

BBC: “MetroBus services may need subsidy”

T

he MetroBus ‘rapid transit’ bus network currently being constructed in the Greater Bristol area, including the route through Bradley Stoke, still has no operators and may need to be subsidised once services begin, the BBC has reported.

Local councils, who are funding the construction of the network with the help of government money, had planned that MetroBus services would be operated on a commercial basis, but there are now suggestions that bus companies view the scheme as being “too risky” because of the investment required to purchase large numbers of high specification vehicles and concerns over the profitability of the routes.

A spokesperson for West of England Partnership (WoEP) has, however, denied that talks with potential MetroBus operators have stalled, saying: “The three councils involved (Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset) are actively negotiating with bus operators regarding running the MetroBus services, therefore it is not possible, as these negotiations are confidential and commercial, to say more.”

“We have always been clear, the aim is that the MetroBus services are run entirely on a commercial basis via a Quality Partnership Scheme that sets minimum standards for frequencies, quality of vehicles and maximum fares, supported

by a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with one or more operators.”

“Of course, should negotiations not be successful, we have a range of back-up plans which could include formal contacts to run all or some services on a contracted basis, which might require the use of public money following a competitive procurement process, but this would depend on the situation when negotiations conclude – which all parties agree should be by mid-September.”

Most passengers will switch from other services

According to the MetroBus website, the new services are expected to carry over 20,000 passengers per day in the first year of operation, of which 2,000 will be “new passengers who choose to use MetroBus for their journeys instead of driving their car”. These figures appear to suggest that 90 percent of MetroBus passengers will be existing bus users who have transferred from existing bus services, leading to fears that some other services are likely to become unviable. This potential side effect will become even more likely if already stretched local authority bus subsidy budgets need to be diverted to fund MetroBus operations.

Other concerns are that many current bus users will find that MetroBus services won’t take them where they need to go (see below) and that the limited number of MetroBus bus stops will mean longer walks at each end of a journey for most people, posing problems for the elderly and disabled.

No direct service from BS to Bristol Parkway

A WoEP spokesperson has confirmed to the Journal that it will not be possible to catch a direct MetroBus service from the Willow Brook Centre to Bristol Parkway Station, as the station lies on a different MetroBus route

to the one that passes through Bradley Stoke. Passengers wishing to access the station will have to continue to use the 73 service or change to the other MetroBus route at Harry Stoke and double back to Parkway.

Journal editor Stephen Horton comments: Let’s hope that the 73 service still exists once MetroBus starts running and hasn’t gone the way of the recently withdrawn X74! (see page 39).

The Journal: Serving the community 24/7 since 2008

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September 2016

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35

News Girls’ holiday crafts project aims to help cancer charity

F

inding activities to occupy the children over the summer holiday can sometimes be a problem, but not for one Bradley Stoke family where the youngsters have used their spare time to make scores of craft products to sell for charity.

Abbie Cutler, 14, a student at Winterbourne International

Academy, is working towards her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and had wanted to work in a charity shop in order to complete the volunteering stage of the award. However, she was disappointed to learn that age restrictions didn’t allow this, so struck upon the alternative idea of making and selling craft Abbie (left) and Ellie, with a selection of craft products they have made

products to raise money for Cancer Research.

Working with her sister Ellie, 12, the pair first searched online for ideas of products to make and decided to start with animalthemed fridge magnets, key chains and brooches. They then created templates, bought lots of material from a craft shop and have spent all their spare time during the holidays on creating the products.

Ellie has also come up with other ideas which the pair say they cannot wait to make, including hand-decorated hair clips, glitter tattoos and special edition products for Halloween and Christmas.

The products are mainly aimed at children and are priced between 50p and £5. Abbie and Ellie’s mum Holly has bought all the materials, so every penny raised through sales will go to Cancer Research. The girls say they have a target of raising £100

but are hopeful they will be able to exceed this.

Explaining the family’s enthusiasm for the project, Abbie said: “My mum, my sister and I all have a passion for art, so this is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of that passion. We chose to make craft products because they are enjoyable to make and unique (being handmade, which people really appreciate).

The girls are planning to sell the products from home and at car boot sales and craft fairs.

They have set up a Facebook page called Charity Crafts and hope to sell lots from the page. They will also have a stall at the Trench Lane Car Boot sale every Sunday until the end of September.

If you are interested in purchasing products, please contact 07730 344584. Details of crafts fairs the girls will be attending will be announced on the Facebook page.

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

36

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Get well · Stay well

Y

September 2016

by Aaron Plant, Chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

Walking Fitness

ou, like me, may have spent a lot of time recently in front of the telly. It is not something I do often, but watching the Olympics and getting behind Team GB and the amazing athletes who have taken part is something I just had to do. And it made me think. We are not all lucky enough to be that talented and have all that support – coaches, psychologists, dieticians etc. around us. But, for most of us, we are lucky enough to be able to walk.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise available to us. It gets our heart rate up, it is gentle on the knees and hips and you don’t need any fancy equipment to walk. In Bradley Stoke and the surrounding areas we have lots of footpaths and parks to walk in – we should take advantage of them.

We have all heard about the 10 000 steps a day challenge. You may have bought a pedometer, made a commitment to walking with a friend, are taking advantage of the light mornings and evenings, and the sunshine, and it is going well.

Here are a few tips to help you walk better and if you are starting to walk regularly, these tips will help you stay injury free and will enable you to get maximum benefit from your walking: 1. Hold your head high.

2. Look forward and not at the

ground.

3. Move your shoulders naturally.

4. Keep your chin parallel to the ground.

5. Keep your back straight, not arched forward or backward.

6. Gently tighten your stomach muscles.

7. Swing your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows.

8. Walk smoothly, rolling your foot from heel to toe.

9. Walk in comfortable shoes.

10. Enjoy walking and learning about your environment as your walk.

If you find any of these points difficult to achieve, and you are suffering neck, shoulder or back discomfort, consider seeing a chiropractor to help with your posture and alignment and to set you on the path to pain-free walking.

Remember that walking is good for everyone, whatever your ability or talent. www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 7.

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September 2016

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37

News: South Glos

Qualified support for West’s devolution deal Public responses show overall support for proposed £1 billion West of England devolution deal

R

esidents have had the opportunity to have their say on the creation of a new West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) and a £1 billion pound devolution deal put on the table by the Government.

Responses were received from across public, business, education and voluntary sectors – with the majority of people expressing overall support for the deal. Feedback was sought on four key areas of the proposed devolution deal: Decision making, Place (transport and housing), People (adult education and skills) and Business.

From the 2,011 responses received across the region; 1,109 (55 percent) said that, on balance, they believe that a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority would benefit the West of England region. 674 (34

percent) said that they did not agree, 176 (9 percent) said that they did not know. 52 respondents (2 percent) did not answer.

The level of support in South Gloucestershire was lower at 50 percent, in contrast to the 70 percent recorded by respondents living in the City of Bristol.

Metro mayor less popular

However, only 47 percent of respondents agreed that a ‘metro mayor’ would provide increased accountability and transparency for decisions affecting the region; 38 percent disagreed and 14 percent were unsure.

A detailed analysis of the consultation results has been published on the West of England Devolution website www. westofenglanddevolution.co.uk The public responded both online, on paper and in some cases directly to the

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Information and surveys were made available through local libraries, and One Stop Shops, as well as via parish councils and community facilities.

Together, the three councils will submit a joint consultation report to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The Secretary of State will review the findings of this consultation alongside the Strategic Governance Review, the proposed Governance Scheme and any other representations that have been made directly.

Cllr Matthew Riddle, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to the devolution consultation. Overall, the majority of people who responded to the survey in South

Gloucestershire said they thought that a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority would benefit the region.”

“The next step will be for the Secretary of State to consider the results before deciding whether the deal goes ahead.

Finally each council will be asked to endorse his decision and all three authorities will come to a balanced view about what will be best for their areas in the autumn.”

Elections next May?

If it is agreed that the MCA should go ahead, it would be established in the first part of 2017, with elections for the position of West of England Mayor to take place across all three local government areas – Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire – in May 2017.

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38

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September 2016

Ask the Doctor with Dr Tim Garrod of Bradley Stoke Surgery The Greatest Show on Earth

I

was captivated by the extraordinary athletic performances on display during the Rio Olympics in August. While there were numerous moist-eyed, lump in the throat moments for Team GB and their remarkable collection of medals, I am in awe of anyone who has achieved the status of Olympian. It represents the pinnacle of human physical performance, and requires absolute dedication to their chosen discipline, sacrificing the daily routines and indulgences that we mere mortals assume without so much as a second thought. Years of agony, tears, and self denial, for what may be a fleeting moment on the track, in the water, or on the court.

The flip side of watching this inspiring pursuit of excellence, is that it can reflect on our own levels of fitness and function. As we sit in our comfy chair, remote

control in one hand, glass of beer in the other, and a family bucket of prawn cocktail munchy snacks on our laps, the only time our heart rate increases is when we leap up to scream encouragement to our heroes.

Of course it is not quite that simplistic. We are not all born to

encouraged to exercise, as medication can be reduced or even withdrawn as fitness improves. In evolutionary terms we are hunter gatherers, but contemporary work practices and sedentary lifestyles can have a negative impact on the way our bodies develop and function in

“Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and dementia” be Usain Bolts or Laura Trotts, there are genetics and anatomy predisposing to excel in a given sport. But that should not mean ignoring what our chromosomes have given us. More and more evidence is being published in the medical literature that regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and dementia for example. Individuals with established disease already receiving treatment are

later life.

Very few of us will have the medal winning combination of genes, ambition and time to achieve elite performance, so set yourself more modest goals to avoid unrealistic targets and demotivation. Physical exertion which gets you slightly out of breath and sweaty is still useful exertion, and doing this for 30 minutes three times a week will produce measurable benefits as the weeks and months go by.

DENTAL CARE

DID YOU KNOW? REGULAR DENTAL CHECKS CAN HELP PREVENT POTENTIAL NASTY DISEASES

Try washing the car by hand, using the stairs instead of a lift, or cycling to work as an alternative to driving. It all helps. Bradley Stoke has numerous sports clubs, organised events, and an excellent leisure centre, and there can be great benefits to social confidence and mental well-being in participating in team activities. Be inspired by our Olympians, and reflect on what you can do to improve your well-being.

Citius, altius, fortius!

Dr Tim Garrod

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OUR VETS CAN OFFER ADVICE ON EXERCISE, NUTRITION AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

There are lots more great reasons to visit your local vet. To find out more visit: vets4pets.com/greatreasons or companioncare.co.uk/greatreasons Vets4Pets Filton Shield Retail Centre, Gloucester Road, Filton, BS34 7BQ Call: 0117 969 8400 or visit: www.vets4pets.com/filton

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

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September 2016

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39

News

X74 falls victim to SGC subsidy cut

T

he X74 ‘express’ bus service linking Bradley Stoke with Bristol city centre, via the University of the West of England (UWE) and the M32, is being withdrawn from 4th September because the operator claims the number of passengers using the service makes it commercially unviable and South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has decided against continuing to subsidise it.

It is just one of a number of services being withdrawn or reduced as a result of SGC reducing its annual bus subsidy spending by £155,690 (9 percent), compared to 2015/16.

Operator First West of England says it is unable to continue the X74 without local authority support because legislation prevents it running a fullycommercial service at a loss.

An announcement on the firm’s website says: “Reflecting the lack of demand for direct journeys between Bradley Stoke and UWE, this service is being withdrawn and replaced instead by an express service between UWE and the city centre (service UWE).”

“While the decision to withdraw service X74 is

regrettable, the majority of customers should be able to use other services to complete their journeys.”

“While difficult to digest if you are one of the few affected by this type of decision, the fact remains that we are a business, and we do have to make these tough choices to ensure the long term viability of the whole network.

Where areas have been left without services, we did discuss these matters in advance with the relevant local authorities, giving them the opportunity to consider what alternatives may need to be put in their place.”

Speaking at a public meeting in Kingswood on 11th August, First’s local boss James Freeman said buses in his region had been “making very little money indeed” in recent years, having brought in 25 extra vehicles to ease reliability issues caused by increased traffic congestion.

At the same time, the level of support from local authorities had “dwindled,” he added.

South Gloucestershire Green Party representative Richard Burton, who lives in Little Stoke, said SGC had the power to subsidise services where there

is a social need, but is strapped for cash due to Government austerity measures. He claimed that, nationally, spending on road building is being maintained while spending on measures to promote buses, walking and cycling is being cut. The answer, he said, is to persuade the Government to divert money away from roads.

The vast majority of people at the meeting were there to voice concerns about cuts to services in the eastern fringe of Bristol, but one Bradley Stoke resident, Kelly Coles, spoke out about the “shockingly unreliable” 73 and X74 services, which had caused her to incur additional childcare costs because of delays getting home. She added that without the X74 it will now be very difficult to access UWE from Bradley Stoke.

Another local resident, Mary Bowden, had to leave before the end of the meeting, but handed Mr Freeman a letter in which she expressed disappointment about the withdrawal of the X74 and commented about unreliability and long journey times on the 73.

A number of Journal readers have also commented on our website and Facebook page about

An X74 bus waits at Willow Brook

how the withdrawal of the X74 will make it difficult for them to access the Filton campus of SGS College.

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council said: “The X74 was previously supported through the Local Sustainable Transport Funding (LSTF) to provide travel between Bradley Stoke and UWE as an enhancement to an existing service in the morning and afternoon peaks.”

“The aim was to develop routes which linked residential areas to areas of employment. The contract allowed for a period of support and a further period where it would continue to operate under contract but was funded by the operator on a commercial basis. The operator made a decision to operate the service all day and not just in the peaks on a commercial basis for the length of the contract.”

“Once the contract expired, the operator reviewed use to determine whether the service was going to be viable on a commercial basis. They came to the conclusion that the numbers using the service were such that it was not commercially viable to continue it.”

“As the council, through the LSTF program, had already supported this development program for two years, it was not in a position to use core funding for the service where it had been shown that it would not be sustainable.”

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40

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September 2016

News

August in the Three Brooks nature reserve

By Sara Messenger, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

August Workday

Our task for our August workday was to scythe Bowsland Meadow.

And while we may not have all been as glossy as a certain actor in a certain period drama, we at least know how to use a scythe properly! Sorry Aiden. Although you may look at the meadow and think we missed quite a bit, it was deliberate, as our ongoing planting plan is flourishing and the meadow now boasts quite a diverse collection of plants and we wanted to leave as many of the wildflowers as we could. We also repaired the old grass seat, cleared bramble from inside the new pond fence and marked the water’s edge (to see how quickly the water level changes), rediscovered the lost orienteering post number 8, put in a few

reptile mats and taught a passerby how to scythe, not bad for a day’s work!

We were also educated in the ancient art of Pokémon Go by the many personable youngsters who passed by searching for these elusive creatures that we were told can be found hiding on the reserve, if you possess the magical powers known as an ‘app’!

Dog walkers please help!

Green Gym are concentrating their efforts at the moment on ‘balsam bashing’. Himalayan balsam is a non-toxic but invasive weed that can just take over huge swathes of land, mostly by the water’s edge. It’s easy to spot as it can grow to 3 metres and has a distinctive pink flower. Keeping the numbers down is a huge

Dog Walkers

And everyone else!

This plant is Himalayan Balsam, it’s completely harmless to you but it’s a menace to the reserve

All we are asking is that every time you walk here you pull up 10 plants A Few facts Grows to 3m 800 seeds plant 75% less spiders 64% less beetles 58% less true bugs Cost of control: £300 million

Each plant can produce 800 seeds, so that’s 8,000 thanks you will get each walk!!!

Send us your photo’s, maybe of your tallest plant, and we’ll come up with a

prize for Journal’s the best one.

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News task, so we are again asking all our dog walkers (and everyone else) if every time they walk on the reserve, they could pull up ten plants. They are very easy to pull up as even 3m plants only have roots that go down a couple of inches. Leave the plants on the side and then snap or stamp on the stems for good measure!

The stems are quite hollow and I’m told it’s like ‘stomping on dead men’s bones’ although quite how they knew that I didn’t like to ask! For those who like to know their statistics: Each plant can produce 800 seeds; we will have 75 percent fewer spiders, 64 percent fewer beetles and 58 percent fewer ‘true’ bugs in balsam patches; and the annual cost of control is estimated at £300 million!

We can’t promise to pay you for your help, but if you send us your photos, maybe of your tallest plant or your stomping dance, we’ll come up with a prize for the best one. Either email it to: report-it@three-brooks.

Tree Measuring Day

A conservation group volunteer “pulling” Himalayan balsam in the reserve

info or add it to our Facebook page: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group.

While balsam bashing in the brook, we came across one of the large pipes that drain into it. Big Dave twice whistled up the pipe

and each time received a growl back! So either someone’s dog was hiding out or we found the den of our water deity Trolletheus.

Either way, by the time we had returned with a torch the ‘Beast of Bradley Stoke’ had gone.

The DRY project (Drought Risk and You) hosted a free tree measuring training day so never one to turn down a free lunch, several of us headed over to The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury to learn how to measure trees – and it wasn’t quite as simple as we’d thought. The girth was easy, the crown spread not so hard, but working out the tree height angle plus eye height plus tree height took a little more concentration!

The project, based at UWE, is looking for stories and pictures of drought and water use, and for schools and individuals to help with tree surveys. If you are interested in helping them or just have something to share, their contact details are: w: dryproject.co.uk e: dry@uwe.ac.uk t: 0117 32 87024 ● Contact the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group… t: 07497 006676 e: info@three-brooks.info w: www.three-brooks.info

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September 2016

In Brief Stokes Singers already rehearsing for Christmas!

The summer concert went well, with an amazing £500.00 raised for Macmillan. We are looking forward to the coming autumn as we will be trying a fresh approach to our singing.

We had a good time at our stall at the Patchway Festival, lots of interest and if you were one of the lovely people who came and talked to us, I hope we see you at our Christmas rehearsals, which started on 1st September, at the Coniston Community Centre, and continue weekly on Thursdays at 7.30 pm. If you did not see us at the Festival, but would like to join a choir, then we would still like to meet you.

Lots of changes have happened with the choir over the past year, with a new committee and Musical Director, we had the privilege of having Fabian Huss, for a short while, before he moved on to the Harlequin Choir, however we all benefited from his

expertise and a safe pair of hands to lead us through the Christmas Concert.

Our Musical Director moving into the new term, will be Phil Lawrence, who has given us great support over the years, and hopefully for many more to come.

So if you’d like a fun thing to do this winter, come join us for a good sing along and raise some money for charity as well Contact us via our website www.stokessingers.org.uk or phone Liz on 01454 614148.

Free business events in Bradley Stoke Local chartered accountants Dunkley’s are holding a number of free business events at their Woodlands Lane offices: • Wednesday 21st September: Auto- Enrolment Seminar. Come along to find out how to comply with legislation and learn about Dunkley’s cost effective solution.

The seminar will be delivered by financial advisors Chase de Vere.

goto iT

• Wednesday 28th September: Pension Reforms Seminar. Join us for a round table discussion on how the Pension Reforms could affect your business. The discussion will be led by financial planners Octagon Consultancy.

For more info, visit: www. dunkleys.accountants/events

you the chance to hang out in your favourite cafe and listen to our surprise performer! Want to know more or sign up to the event? Visit amberleyroad.org/ illumin8 or phone 07527 989494.

Tesco Express post office branch upgrade delayed

A weekly parkrun could start soon within the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve.

A south Gloucestershire Council spokesperson told us: “We have prepared a hire agreement for the nature reserve and are currently waiting for the local parkrun organisation to notify us of their intentions.”

The Journal understands that the parkrun team is in the final stages of refining its plans and an announcement is likely to be made soon. Follow our Facebook page for the latest news!

The planned temporary closure, for refurbishment, of the post office branch within the Tesco Express store at Bradley Pavilions (as reported in our August magazine) has been delayed until 24th October 2016, according to notices displayed within the store.

Vehicle registration to be enforced at Sort It sites Anyone who wants to use South Gloucestershire Council’s Sort It recycling centres, including the one on Station Road, Little Stoke, must now pre-register their vehicle in order to access the sites.

A message on the council’s website states that, with effect from 5th September 2016, all unregistered vehicles will be turned away from the sites.

We have moved!

Baptist church hosts youth outreach event at Costa

Come and see us in our new larger shop for all your computer needs

On Friday 16th September, all 1116 year olds are invited to join us at Bradley Stoke’s Costa Coffee.

Amberley Road Baptist Church is taking over the store, giving away free hot drinks, and offering

Bradley Stoke parkrun could start within weeks

Bradley Stoke bowlers clinch Specsavers prize Bradley Stoke Bowls Club (BSBC) has played the second leg of its friendship match against Olveston, winning by 53 shots.

The Thornbury branch of Specsavers donated four bottles of wine to the highest scoring rink; that was from BSBC and the winning members were Pauline Dent, Robert Bertram, Val Griffiths and Pete Sparling The honours are now even, with Bradley Stoke and Olveston having won three times each over the past six years. We are all looking forward to next year when we meet for the seventh time.

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News London adventure for 1st BS Rainbows

TENNIS/6-A-SIDE FOOTBALL COURTS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE NOW AT THE JUBILEE CENTRE Call in to Town Council office for more information or contact us on 01454 205021 email bookings@bradleystoke.gov.uk Girlguiding Headquarters and looking around the Girlguiding shop we went exploring to complete the ‘ICANDO London Challenge’. We saw lots of the sights including Parliament Square, Elizabeth Tower (the clock tower which holds Big Ben), Trafalgar Square, St James’ Park and the London Eye. We were also privileged to be able to enter Downing Street and meet Larry, the Downing Street cat who was asleep outside Number 10.

Florence: “The best part of going to London was standing on the doorstep of the Prime Minister’s house.” ● Follow the local Rainbows on Twitter: @BSRainbows

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n Wednesday 3rd August members of 1st Bradley Stoke Rainbows spent the day in London. For many of the Rainbows this was their first experience of the capital.

Our first stop was Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guards. Unlike many, who watched the ceremony from outside, we were lucky to be able to watch from within Buckingham Palace grounds which gave us a fantastic view.

Holly: “I liked going in the grounds of the palace because we got a closer look at the soldiers and the guards. They knew what they were doing!”

After eating lunch at

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What’s On (4th September – 2nd October) Sunday 4th September 7am-5pm: Car Boot Sale at Trench Lane, BS32 4JZ. One of the biggest in the West! More info: http://bit.ly/trenchlane [Weekly until 25th September] 8.30am: Severnside Ramblers’ Walk: Priddy.

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 11th, 16th, 18th, 25th & 30th September] 9.30am: SCC Novice & Long Distance Bike Rides. Meet outside Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit. ly/stokescc or phone Bryan on 01454 617560. [Further rides on 8th, 11th & 18th September]

Tuesday 6th September 10.30am-12.30pm: Community Learning Enrolment Day at Bradley Stoke Library. Including ESOL and IT courses.

Wednesday 7th September 10am-12noon: Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Session at the Jubilee Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/citadbu or phone 08444 111444 [Weekly on Wednesdays]

Friday 16th September

Friday 9th September

7pm: Bat Walk in the Three Brooks Nature Reserve. Booking essential: http://bit.ly/bat1609b

Saturday 10th September 10am-12pm: Fun and Craft Group at Bradley Stoke Library.

10.30am-12pm: Big Birthday Bash at Bradley Stoke Library.

Celebrating the end of the 2016 Summer Reading Challenge.

2pm-4pm: Jewellery Making Workshop at Bradley Stoke Library.

Monday 12th September 6.30pm: Bristol Small Business Forum Meeting at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

This month: Sarah Cook on ‘Using Facebook for Business’.

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

Tuesday 13th September 7.30pm: Willow Brook Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: Charity night. More info: Janine 01454 617645

Wednesday 14th September

Thursday 8th September

2pm: Bradley Stoke Women’s Institute (WI) meets at the Jubilee Centre. This month: ‘A Musical Afternoon’ with Paul Whittaker. More info: Beverley 01454 625855

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

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

2pm: Social Club for Over-55s at the Jubilee Centre. Organised

by Knightstone Housing. [Weekly on Wednesdays]

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

Facebook [Weekly on Thursdays]

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

More info: www.blood.co.uk [Further sessions on Friday 30th]

September 2016

Saturday 17th September 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.

6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the beat post in the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

10am-5pm: Craft Market at the Willow Brook Centre. Handmade and vintage crafts. See advert on page 3. [Also on Sunday 25th] 6pm-8pm: Police Beat ‘Drop In’ Surgery at the beat post in the Willow Brook Centre. No appointment necessary.

Sunday 25th September 12pm-4.30pm: Autumn Fête and Craft Fair at the Holiday Inn Bristol Filton (on the A4174 Ring Road, near J1 of the M32), in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

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

2pm-4pm: Summer Fun event at the Jubilee Centre. FREE event organised by the Friends of Jubilee Green. Sports day events, bouncy castle, ‘last man standing’ and more. All ages welcome.

More info: http://bit.ly/bs-fojg

Wednesday 21st September

Wednesday 28th September

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

Agenda: http://bit.ly/bstcfull

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

Monday 19th September

Thursday 22nd September 11am: Walking for Health.

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

More info: http://bit.ly/sgc-wfh or phone 01454 868006.

Friday 23rd September 7.30pm: Owl Prowl in the Three Brooks Nature Reserve. Booking essential: http://bit.ly/owl1609

Saturday 24th September 10am-1pm: Macmillan Coffee Morning Plus at Brook Way Activity Centre. With music and dance performances. More info: Opy 07715 573999

Saturday 1st October 10am-4pm: Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group Workday. Meet at the tool store, behind Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. More info: http://bit.ly/ bsj-tbncg or call 07497 006676 Find details of more Bradley Stoke events on the What’s On page of the BSJ website: http://bit.ly/bsj-whatson Follow @TheBSJournal on Twitter to receive daily reminders of events.

PAIN - Getting on Your Nerves!

The weight of a 5p coin is all it takes to drain normal nerve transmission to a trickle.

Pressure or stretching a nerve by 6% can decrease its signal strength by 70%.

Your Nerve System transmits the data of Life - from your BRAIN to your BODY at speeds of 200 mph and more. Those impulses are communicating vital instructions like heart rate, blood pressure, vital functions or pain, we want those messages travelling at the most optimal speeds with NO interference. A blocked signal could damage your health. Extra pressure/stretching on spinal nerves may not show signs immediately. Keep your spine in proper alignment, don't just suppress it.

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BS34 Chiropractor Tel: 0117 969 7553 M: 075 1696 1804 Dr (Chiro) L Remeika-Dugan 83 Gloucester Road, Patchway BS34 5JQ

References: • Sharpless SK: “Susceptibility of spinal roots to compression block.” The Research Status of Spinal Manipulative Therapy. NINCDS monograph 15, DHEW publication (NIH) 76-998:155, 1975.

• Konno S, Olmarker K, Byrod G, et al: Intermittent cauda equina compression. Spine 1995; 20(1):1223. Rydevik, BL: The effects of compression on the physiology of the nerve roots.

• Hause, M: Pain and the nerve root. Spine 1993;18(14):2053.

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This month’s Discover Festival events in and around Bradley Stoke Tuesday 6th September 10.30am - 12.30pm at Bradley Stoke Library Community Learning Open Day If you are aged 19 or over and have few or no formal qualifications, you could be eligible to learn free of charge on part-time courses in: • English • Maths • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) • Confidence building, Health and Wellbeing • Childcare, Parenting and Family Learning • Computing and Digital Skills • Job Seeking, Office Skills and Volunteering Come to an Open Day to enrol – Join us to find out more information, get advice and enrol on any course. To enrol, please bring some form of ID and your National Insurance number. We may ask you to complete a quiz that will help your tutor to help you. Age: 16+ Wednesday 7th September 7.30pm at Bradley Stoke Community School Netball for Fun Play netball for fun and fitness with like minded people! Play at your own pace when and if you want to. No commitment required. Age: 16+ Cost: Free Further sessions on 14th, 21st & 28th September, also at 7.30pm.

Thursday 8th September 11am from the Willow Brook Centre National Walking Festival: Filton/Patchway Stokes, Concorde Way Walk Wander around Bradley Stoke taking in part of the Concorde Way, Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge and Patchway Common. This walk (2.5 miles lasting approx. 1 hour) is accessible to wheelchair users. All South Gloucestershire Walking for Health and Stepping Forward walks are free, led by trained volunteers. Meet opposite the bus stop in the town square, outside Domino’s.

Saturday 10th September 11am to 5pm at Winterbourne Medieval Barn Heritage Open Day Winterbourne Barn is an outstanding and unique building of national importance. All other surviving medieval great tithe barns were built by the monastic estates, universities, or the Knights Hospitallers, but Winterbourne Barn was built by Thomas de Bradeston in 1342, just a few years before the

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Black Death first hit in England. Next door, at St Michael’s Parish Church, there will be tours of the church tower in which there are six bells all cast in 1757 by William Evans of Chepstow. There will be CCTV coverage to show these bells in action.

Sunday 11th September 12pm to 5pm at Winterbourne Medieval Barn Heritage Open Day Details as above (Saturday 10th September).

Tuesday 20th September 7.30pm at Patchway Library Saxonpath: A virtual tour Surely there cannot be an ancient monument in Bradley Stoke! Well, there is…

Weaving its way through the 20th century streets of the town, is an ancient path, flanked by equally ancient hedgerows. As the name implies, Saxonpath may pre-date the arrival of William the Conqueror to these shores, making somewhere like Chepstow Castle a new kid on the block in comparison.

Come along for a virtual tour along the path and meet some of the characters associated with it. Then, you will be equipped to walk it for yourself and add your own story to its great heritage of tales. Age: 16+ Cost: Free Tuesday 27th September 4pm at Winterbourne Library Discover Technology: Making games in Scratch!

Using the drag ‘n’ drop code of Scratch, you’ll build your own games! Even if you’ve used Scratch before, this will give you the opportunity to develop new skills and try out new ideas. Age: 11+ Cost: Free Sunday 2nd October 11am to 4pm at Winterbourne Medieval Barn Orchard Harvest Day Visit our wonderful medieval barn dating from 1340s. Celebrate and discover the bounty of local orchards, locally-produced food and drink together with displays of local crafts and rural skills. Come and see traditional cider making using a Victorian stone apple mill and taste the results! Entrance: Adults £2; children under 16yrs FREE. Pay on entrance. There will be a parking charge of £2 per vehicle which will be collected by Paul’s Place; a local charity for disabled people. Access:– Dogs and well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome. The ground around the barn is uneven – care needs to be taken.

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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Accountants & Bookkeepers BS Accountancy Services, page 10 Bathrooms Bradley Stoke Bathrooms, Page 18 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 16 Business Services QUENSH Compliance Management, Page 30 Car Dealerships Carco Group, Pages 28 & 29 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 45 Carpet Cleaners B Clean, Page 24 Bonne Fresh Clean Ltd, Page 40 Carpets & Flooring Visit directory on BSJ website Child Care Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 8 Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 36 Happy Days Nursery, Page 43 Children’s Activities Mojo Active, Page 19 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Pages 5 & 44 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Cleaning & Domestic Services Welcomehome Cleaning, Page 15 Computer Services goto iT, Page 42 Conservatories Crystal Clear Windows, Page 34 Curtains & Blinds Harmony Blinds of Bristol, Page 48 Cycle Repairs Ride On Cycles, Page 36 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 33 Double Glazing Cloudy2Clear Windows, Page 11 Crystal Clear Windows, Page 34 JDC Windows, Page 25 Education & Learning The Castle School, Page 32 DCET Training, Page 10 Kumon Study Programme, Page 4 Little Stoke Primary School, Page 24 Marlwood School, Page 9 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 20 Redmaids’ High School, Page 31 Electricians NRB Electrical, Page 10 Estate Agents & Property Lifestyle Property Services, Page 1 McCarthy & Stone, Page 12 Ocean, Page 23 Events Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Funeral Services Visit directory on BSJ website Garage Services Filton Central Garage, Page 33 So Smart Alloy Wheels, Page 40 Social Access, Page 40 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 39 Plan-It Garden Design, Page 32 Smart Patios, Page 18 Professional Gardening Services, Page 46 Gyms & Health Clubs Anytime Fitness, Page 14 Riverside Leisure Club, Page 1

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Reflections, Page 37 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 35 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 18 Hotels DoubleTree Bristol North, Page 24 Launderettes Wash Shop Plus, Page 47 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 36 Nails & Beauty Sammy’s Beauty, Page 8 Office Space Courtyard Offices, Page 41 Opticians Specsavers, Page 27 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 45 Pet Services & Supplies Husse Bristol, Page 45 New Passage Cattery, Page 47 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 47 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Picture Framers Royall Framing, Page 35 Plant Hire T. Edwards Plant, Page 46 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 47 Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Page 26 Clifton Gas, Page 47 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 27 Gregor Heating, Page 13 JJ Plumbing, Page 42 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 47 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 47 Panache Plumbing, Page 47 Proudfoot Plumbing, Page 47 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 47 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 27 JJ Plumbing, Page 42 P.J.R Plastics, Page 45 Bradley Stoke Bathrooms, Page 18 Recruitment Bristol Care Homes, Page 22 LV= Careers, Page 2 Room & Facilities Hire Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 6 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 46 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 30 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 17 Sport & Leisure Bradley Stoke Town Council, Page 43 Carrie Vinson Equestrian, Page 22 Filton Sports & Leisure Centre, Page 21 Mojo Active, Page 19 Taxis South Glos Taxis Ltd, Page 47 Tilers Mr Tile, Page 7 TV & Aerials Image Aerial Systems, Page 47 Veterinary Surgeons Vets4Pets / CompanionCare, Page 38 Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 45 More in directory on BSJ website

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

September 2016

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PLUMBING & HEATING

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47

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