Town News - Issue 11 - February 2023

February 2023. Issue 11

TOWN NEWS

The Official Newsletter of Patchway Town Council

PATCHWAY TURNS 70!

2023 is the year we celebrate 70 years of being Patchway! Patchway was formed in 1953 and this year gives us the opportunity to celebrate, reflect and appreciate our Town. We have put a selection of images below that have been sent in by local residents, can you work out where they are taken in Patchway?

THE COMMUNITY HUB CONTINUES

In October and as a response to the cost of living crisis, Patchway Town Council opened The Community Hub at the Casson Centre for the people of our town as a warm space for residents to come for activities, hot drinks & food, social interaction, and support

Hosted and run every weekday 10am – 2pm by a committed team including Town Councillors Isobel and Roland Walker and a fabulous group of volunteers, the Hub hosts craft workshops, a well-stocked library, board games, and a kids corner Prize Bingo has become a popular weekly highlight on Fridays

Essential items donated from businesses and the community for residents include food items for the Community Larder, blankets, hats & scarves, children’s toys and books

Christmas at the Hub included a fantastic Santa’s Grotto created by the festive Hub team with 200 children from Patchway receiving gifts donated by John Lewis and other local organisations & businesses over three days in the run-up to Christmas

Other gifts donated through the team’s outreach and the Hub have seen 100 presents given to Patchway pre-schools, and 50 gifts donated to each of St Chad’s and Coniston Primary Schools. Around 400 presents have been gifted to children & young people across Patchway this Christmas.

The Community Hub has been successful in securing £3250 00 of external funding through grants that have ensured the Hub can provide these essential services

£2000 from Sovereign Housing Community Fund

£500 from South Gloucestershire Council ‘Community Welcome Spaces Award’

£500 from South Gloucestershire Council for hot food at the Hub

£250 from The Care Forum

Patchway Town Council are pleased to announce that the Community Hub at The Casson Centre on Rodway Road is set to continue until May 2023

This hub has become a vital resource for all generations of Patchway residents, opening from 10am – 2pm each weekday and ran by a team of dedicated volunteers headed up by Councillors Isobel and Roland Walker

The community hub offers a safe space for residents to come, keep warm, have a chat, enjoy hot refreshments and meals as well as allow their little ones to play in a safe environment Everyone who has attended has had the most warm welcome from everyone and it has become a thriving space.

In the next few months, we will be running events and workshops for all ages

So please come down to the community hub, stay warm and have a chat with your fellow residents

PATCHWAY COUNCILLORS BRIGHTEN UP PATCHWAY IN AID OF CHARITY

Patchway Town Councillors, Isobel and Roland Walker, brought festive cheer to the residents of Patchway by illuminating their house in aid of the Mayor’s Charities

The couple, who live on Coniston Road, delighted residents with their colourful array of lights and unique festive objects throughout the winter period, whilst raising money for the 2nd Patchway Scout Group and The Link Club The display consisted of a multitude of lights, a dazzling sleigh and a hand-made igloo for residents to see and take pictures with. The display was one of many wonderful display’s in our Town and the community feedback from residents was extremely positive

On their display and raising money for the charities, Isobel and Roland said, ‘We really love getting into the festive spirit and sharing it with our community The last year has proved really tough for everyone and we just wanted to add a bit of joy and fun back to our community We thoroughly enjoy seeing how happy people are when they visit our display and it makes us even happier, knowing that we are going to help two really good Patchway charities with the money that we raise. The decorations are a labour of love and we are especially delighted with our igloo, which we made ourselves for this winter! We are lucky to have such a giving community and we are so thrilled that there are so many displays for all of our residents to see across the town!’

Isobel and Roland have raised a massive £339 for the charities with their displays at Halloween and Christmas Isobel also raised £60 by hand knitting different characters for residents, all of which will go towards making a difference in our community

HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME AT PATCHWAY COMMUNITY CENTRE

On Wednesday 14th December, Patchway Community Centre played host to the Wednesday Lunch Club’s first Christmas Dinner since returning to the centre and it was a great success

Over 60 hot Christmas lunches were prepared for the lunch club as well as some special guests from Patchway Town Council and the staff at Patchway Centre Pre-School and Tots.

The day was a success with everyone enjoying the delicious food on offer Christmas cheer was spreading when Zoe from Mini Concerts delivered an amazing set of Christmas classics which had everyone up from the tables and dancing in the hall!

A free raffle thanks to Patchway Community Centre and Patchway Town Council took place along with a raucous game of bingo to finish off the afternoon’s festivities

Mayor of Patchway, Cllr Dayley Lawrence, who was a special guest commented that ‘It was so lovely to see our older generation in Patchway come together and celebrate Christmas in this way especially in a post-pandemic world Thanks must go to Tina, Barbara, Dawn, John, Roger, Marion and Marilyn for their unwavering support of the Lunch Club giving up so many hours each Wednesday to help cook and serve these delicious meals. This is such a valuable resource to our community and I’m so glad it is a success’

PATCHWAY IN 2022 | A YEAR OF ACTION AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

2022 was an exciting year of community action, bumper events and new facilities across our fabulous Patchway community and we want to remind everyone of some of the highlights that this community created and supported as we progressed our Three Year Plan

It was the year our fantastic new Pavilion at Scott Park opened its doors to the public providing a brand new sports facility and café offer for users and residents with local sports teams impressed with the new changing room facilities, and Snack Attacks moving from the Roundabout to the Park to run the café. The Casson Centre in Rodway Road re-opened following refurbishment offering a bright new space for the Town We had an Award ceremony for our 2022 calendar winners and a long service award, and Patchway Town Council achieved the highest accolade possible - Local Council Award Scheme Quality Gold

In May, Cllr Jon Butler handed over to Cllr Dayley Lawrence as Mayor and Chair of the Council with several initiatives launched including selecting the Mayor’s Charities as The Link Club and 2nd Patchway Scouts with £1802 55 raised so far Cllr Lawrence visits have included Patchway Cadets, 2nd Patchway Scouts, Coniston Primary School, opening Lovell Place Care Home, and judging for the John Lewis Bear Competition at Cribbs Causeway.

In June, the Town celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee in style with a bumper weekend of activity including:

A candlelit walk

Music festival at Scott Park

Lighting of The Beacon at Bristol BMX Track

Beacon Bingo at Coniston Café Street parties across the town visited by the Mayor

We celebrated international links with our Twin Towns of Gauting, Germany and Clermont L’Hérault by hosting a delegation from both towns to Patchway in May showing them the highlights of our town and surrounding area In October, Mayor of Patchway Cllr Dayley Lawrence and residents from Patchway reciprocated with a Civic visit to Gauting to celebrate 20 years of twinning. And we launched our Twinning Pen pal scheme between Patchway and Gauting

Our sports facilities returned to full use following Covid with the football pitches, new 3G pitch, and cricket nets in demand by local sports teams including Patchway Town FC, local residents ‘mates teams’, and several Stoke Lane FC teams And over 800 children and young people received Free Summer Sports Sessions funded by Patchway Town Council delivered by Signature Sports Coaching. Across our outdoor spaces, we worked with Bromford and South Gloucestershire Council to look at the future of The Parade and where the area can be improved, we installed new lamp posts in Scott Park to enhance security for all residents and user groups, and we purchased Christmas Light motifs for the whole Town.

TThe Town Council Local Nature Action Plan was introduced to support the environment and biodiversity with initiatives including 10 'Bee Hotels' at the Tumps and BMX Track, high level squirrel feeders, and outline plans for a grant funded Community Orchard at The Tumps in progress. We purchased and installed PPE recycling boxes around the town to reduce waste, and we held a biodiversity morning with Council ground staff, Councillors and Coniston Primary School

Patchway Town Council awarded £3050 in grants for local organisations including Men In Sheds, Wednesday Lunch Club, Pretoria Road Allotment Association and The Link Club We worked with Foundation for Active Community Engagement (FACE) and South Gloucestershire Council to ensure youth provision for Patchway was being delivered to a majority of young people to a good standard. And we worked with FACE to repaint the skate park area in Norman Scott Park

In October, the Community Hub opened at the Casson Centre in response to the cost of living crisis as a warm place for everyone across the community to access hot and cold refreshments, craft activities, support, community larder, blankets and weekly Bingo Driven by Cllrs Isobel and Roland Walker, the Hub has provided support and services for hundreds of local residents and received £3330 in external grant funding

The Town remembered the fallen with the Remembrance Day March and Service starting in Coniston Road and concluding at the Memorial in Scott Park Representatives from the Town Council including the Mayor joined the March with the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Jack Lopresti MP, the Royal British Legion, cadets from the Army, Navy and Air forces, and Scouts and Rainbows

In November, the Town Council held a huge Music & Fireworks Event at Scott Park for over 3000 people with food, drink, stunning entertainment, and an electric atmosphere for residents, visitors and vendors. And later that month, the festive season was launched with a Christmas Lights Switch-On & Festive Fair at Holy Family Church with Santa Claus and His Very Tall Elf making a special appearance.

The Community Hub hosted a Santa’s Grotto and Festive Crafting Sessions in the build-up to Christmas with 200 children and young people visiting across three very busy days. And through the Hub, over 400 children and young people across Patchway received gifts donated from local businesses, organisations and residents

Across the year, our food vendor scheme raised £6631 that has been reinvested back into the Town, whilst ensuring a great culinary choice for our residents

As you can see from these highlights, 2022 was a year of community engagement, exciting new projects, civic pride, and celebrating all that is fabulous about the Patchway community

As we enter the Town’s 70th Anniversary year, please do stay in touch with your Town Council working on your behalf through our social media, our Local News page on the website, and one of our new 2022 initiatives, the hotly anticipated monthly Town News hosted online and in print at a number of Patchway locations.

STATEMENT ON THE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR PATCHWAY DENTAL PRACTICE

Patchway Town Council have released the following statement:

Patchway Town Council have received assurances from Patchway Dental Practice that the current owners have no intention of closing their business The current owners have invested heavily into the Patchway community with their practice and still continue to serve the residents as they have done for a number of years.

If any residents have a query about this planning application, they should contact South Gloucestershire Council via email to planningapps@southglos.gov.uk

PLANNING A STREET PARTY FOR THE CORONATION?

The deadline for applications for street parties to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III is 10 March

Patchway has a great reputation for street parties to bring the community together and the Coronation on 6 May is another fabulous opportunity for our residents to come together and celebrate this historical occasion together

All the information you need to find out about and apply for a road closure can be found at https://beta southglos gov uk/apply-to-close-a-road-for-an-event And please contact the Town Council if you need help in completing the forms

Please do let us know about your street party in plenty of time so we can share across the town. And we may be able to send a rather special Civic guest.

PATCHWAY’S MAYOR TURNS JUDGE FOR THE DAY!

On Friday 2nd December, Mayor of Patchway Cllr Dayley Lawrence was invited to John Lewis at the Mall in Cribbs Causeway to judge a very special competition.

John Lewis have been running a competition for all local children to enter The competition was simple, design your very own ‘Lewis Bear’ John Lewis has been overwhelmed by the amount of children who entered, and all designs had taken pride of place in The Place to Eat in John Lewis.

The Mayor of Patchway inspected each picture carefully before eventually choosing his winners Upon his judging experience, Dayley said ‘I feel really privileged to be able to come to John Lewis and judge this wonderful completion All of the designs are amazing and it has proven really hard to choose a winner. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank John Lewis and Carol, in particular, for their assistance with items for the community hub in The Casson Centre John Lewis have provided the Council with a lot of items this year, all of which have been used to benefit our community’

PATCHWAY TOWN COUNCIL GOES PAPERLESS

Patchway Town Council has voted to go paperless at its Full Council, Finance Committee and Parks, Open Spaces, Planning and Transport Committee meetings The move received unanimous support and Councillors will use digital devices for all future meetings

Patchway Town Council in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council also recognises the importance of taking steps to address the ecological crisis our world is facing and the Local Nature Action Plan was drawn up earlier this year in order for us to take the necessary steps to stop the decline of biodiversity:

https://www.patchwaytowncouncil.gov.uk/nature

The Town Council is currently discussing options for a community orchard and community garden in the town to improve the biodiversity of our open spaces, as well as provide our community with access to community growing opportunities

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The Council installed 10 'Bee Hotels' throughout Patchway in May at The Tumps, the BMX Track, Scott Park and Pretoria Road Allotments. And squirrel feeding platforms have been installed at high levels in Scott Park.

Council is committed to supporting the environment, biodiversity and the use of the earth’s precious resources.

PATCHWAY TOWN COUNCIL’S NEW COMMUNITY FACILITY IS NOW OPEN!

Patchway Town Council are pleased to announce the completion of their final project in Norman Scott Park, the redevelopment of the sports pavilion.

After 9 years from the original application, Patchway now has the sporting and changing facilities that all of our community can be proud of This project has been part of a series of changes in Norman Scott Park which include the Jason Franklin 3G Facility and TwinLane Cricket Net Facility The 3G pitch was dedicated to the memory of Jason Franklin, who is sadly no longer with us

In September 2015, South Gloucestershire Council awarded Patchway and Charlton Hayes Community Sports Association £676,640 for sporting development within Scott Park This included £400,000 towards the improvement of changing facilities The community sports association along with Patchway Town Council and their user groups, oversaw the construction of a new twin-lane fully enclosed cricket practice facility as well as a 45m X 40m, all weather multi-use sports training facility These projects were completed over two years ago and are now regularly used by teams based within our community, as well as organised use during school holidays for free sports sessions for all and in term-time for The Patch youth centre

After discussions between Patchway Town Council, the Patchway and Charlton Hayes Sports Association and users of Scott Park, it was agreed due to the poor condition of the existing Pavilion to build a new one that would enhance the facilities as well as adding something different to the park area. Patchway Town Council went ahead and funded over £800,000 worth of work along with Sport England contributing £50,000 to create the new Pavilion The new pavilion boasts four changing rooms which are fully accessible for all as well as two smaller multi-use changing rooms The new Pavilion also has a new café which is now run by local business, Snack Attacks and it has been great to see them open their doors for the Patchway community.

Now that the facility has been completed, an open evening was held for all of the user groups and was met with appreciation and excitement for the future of sports in Patchway!

Chairman of Patchway and Charlton Hayes Community Sports Association, Roger Loveridge had this to say on the development, ‘l would like to say how proud I was to be part of the team with Paul Thompson, Jason Franklin and John Thomas, all of the community sports association for all their work in making this sports development possible. Without their early commitment, Patchway would not have been blessed with such a wonderful first class facilities for all its residents A special mention also goes to Patchway Town Council for their total support in making the development of the pavilion possible and to Jon Butler of Patchway Town Council for all his time and advice to ensure the successful build of the Jason Franklin 3G Facility.’

Mayor of Patchway, Cllr Dayley Lawrence said, ‘It is wonderful to see this brand new facility for Patchway finally be delivered. The new pavilion really complements that existing facilities and the café has been a hit for all residents! I am so glad that as a Council, we have achieved these larger projects and can now focus on improving the other areas in the coming years I would like to thank all Councillors and staff for their hard work on this project’.

PATCHWAY TWIN TOWNS OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2023

Hallo, Bonjour, Hello

Following positive and informative civic visits between Patchway’s twin towns of Gauting, Germany and Clermont l’Hérault, France in 2022, Patchway Twinning Association is looking forward to more international activity in 2023. And importantly how the young people and residents of Patchway can be involved in these exciting relationships

From 15 – 19 May 2023, Patchway will host a group of secondary school students from Gauting who are coming to do a form of work experience and explore our town and area The Twinning Association is seeking host families for these young people and their teachers

We are seeking residents with space to host and time to dedicate to this international exchange which will include fun activities All hosts will be offered a chance to join the visit to Gauting in the summer.

Secondly a delegation of residents and Patchway officials will visit our twin town of Clermont from 31 May – 4 June 2023 We estimate the cost is around £150 return (from Bristol) with guests accommodated by our friends in France

And finally, a delegation of Patchway officials and residents will visit the picturesque German town of Gauting from 21 – 25 July 2023, also estimated at £150 (from Bristol) with our German friends accommodating our delegation

Both twinning visits promise to be fun-filled programmes of events and cultural exchange and offer a great opportunity to explore the culture of our twin towns

If you are interested in hosting in Patchway in May, or being part of the delegation on the twinning visits to Clermont or Gauting, or just to ask for further information, please email us on office@patchwaytowncouncil gov uk by end of January for hosting and 6 February for the visits

PATCHWAY MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS VISIT

Mayor of Patchway, Cllr Dayley Lawrence was invited by John Lewis Cribbs Causeway to celebrate with the winners of their Christmas Bear Colouring Competition Winners enjoyed a family afternoon tea, a Christmas magic show by The Great Baldini and received a John Lewis Jolly General Store Christmas 2022 Red Lewis Bear.

PATCHWAY MAYOR VISITS PATCHWAY ARMY CADETS

Regimental Sergeant Major Steve Hoydan is Detachment Commander for Patchway Army Cadets had the following to say: 'Cadets received awards for Most Improved Recruit, Best New Recruit, Best Dressed Cadet, Most Improved Cadet and Cadet of the Year.

There was also a Special Recognition Award for our Non-Uniformed Volunteer for outstanding contribution to the unit and Bristol ACF There's also one for the wider squadrons end of year awards, at which Patchway Detachment had much success, winning 3 out of 5 possible awards and receiving 7 promotions!'

For more information and to join the Army Cadets, please visit: https://armycadets com/

At the end of 2022, Mayor of Patchway, Cllr Daley Lawrence paid a visit to Patchway Army Cadets for their award ceremony

PATCHWAY TOWN COUNCIL HOSTS FIRST EVER BOOK-SIGNING

Patchway Town Council hosted its first ever book-signing on 21 December with local resident author David Giles signing copies of his first published novel ‘Oathbound; The Suffering of Others’

As a resident of Rodway Road, David was delighted to host the book-signing at the Council offices on the same road, and there was a creative atmosphere across the afternoon

David read excerpts of his book for guests in the Boardroom at Callicroft House with a steady flow of people attending to have copies signed by the author, including Cllr Toni Scott who initially introduced David to the Council team.

NEWS FROM YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT JACK LOPRESTI MP

Last month I met with Rachel, Martin, Karen and Joe from Stagecoach at their depot on Gypsy Patch Lane who were very enthusiastic about the prospects for their Bristol operations The depot is scheduled for a full refurbishment starting early this year.

They also told me how they are integrating newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine into their workforce, as well as working with local colleges and universities to promote driver apprenticeships

The Stagecoach team also told me of their ambition to create greater connectivity for the North Bristol fringe which I am very much support I look forward to working with them and local authorities to build a firmer strategy to provide long-term funding for our bus services

Recently I again visited the Brabazon development and met with Colin, Seb and Andrew at YTL to show my support for the building of this new community in our area which will now provide 3,000 more homes than originally anticipated.

I am particularly interested and supportive of the levelling up bid, which I have supported and raised in Parliament for the First World War era hangar, which will be converted into a community centre for the area and I will be enquiring into the progress of this funding In addition, I visited the hangars which will become the new Brabazon Arena which will have a capacity for around 17,000 people.

We also discussed the planned Brabazon station and was pleased to hear that constructive conversations have been taking place between the West of England Combined Authority, Network Rail and YTL which could see the project being completed in Autumn of 2025 YTL have the ambition to produce a railway station which could deliver a service of 4 trains an hour with a connection to Bristol Parkway and simultaneously provide connectivity for industry in the area

I fully agree with our new Prime Minister that the government must be judged on its ability to deliver its objectives and I will seek to help the government achieve this in the year ahead, alongside supporting improvements to local policing, transport connectivity and investing in education

As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at: jack lopresti mp@parliament uk if I can be of assistance or to book a surgery appointment

AVON & SOMERSET POLICE

Statement from the Patchway Neighbourhood Police Team

Re: Patchway and Charlton Hayes Anti-Social Behaviour issues

Dear residents, business owners and their employees,

The Patchway neighbourhood policing team has successfully worked with the community to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Patchway and Charlton Hayes, after seeing an increasing number of reports in November of last year

Officers started to get calls about issues caused by a group of children aged between 13 and 15, including:

Stealing snacks and causing a nuisance at shops

Swearing at and being abusive towards members of the public

Causing damage by kicking the communal doors of flats and writing graffiti

Smoking cannabis

We could see the impact this was having on individuals, businesses and the community but found people weren't always reporting incidents It's important to tell us what's happening You can call 101 or report online at any time but should ring 999 when a crime is underway. After encouraging people to report incidents we had calls coming in almost every day and were able to prioritise the issue and target our patrols Thanks to the support of the community this paid off, with more than a dozen boys and girls identified as being involved

It's important to remember that it's only a small minority of our young people who get involved in ASB Most teenagers just want to meet their friends, and of course should be able to use our community spaces just like anyone else. The behaviour of this group, however, was unacceptable We investigated and were able to identify them While most don’t live locally we've visited all their families and carers and let them know about the problems the children were causing

All those who've been identified as involved in criminal offences are being formally interviewed at the police station Seven young people have already been interviewed over offences including theft, damage and public order and referred to the Youth Offending Team, who work with young people and their families and carers to help them stay out of trouble Several more have been identified and are due to be formally interviewed shortly Others, who weren't involved in crimes, could be asked to sign acceptable behaviour contracts. There’s been a drop in reported incidents involving this group, with none since early January.

We want to thank the community for their support in reporting incidents and supplying us with information and CCTV footage. Everyone living or working in Patchway and Charlton Hayes should be able to feel safe and go about their life and business in peace Rest assured, with your help we'll carry on working to target those responsible for ASB

Neighbourhood PC Harry Barrett

THE INTRODUCTION OF VOTER PHOTO ID MAY 2023

From 4th May 2023, voters in England will be required to show a form of photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This applies to: Local elections, Police & Crime Commissioner elections, UK Parliamentary byelections and Recall petitions. It will also apply to UK General Elections from October 2023

Accepted forms of photo ID include: Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country, Driving Licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state, A Blue Badge, Older Person's or Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Identity Card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS Card), Biometric immigration document, Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card), National ID card issued by an EEA state, Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland, Voter Authority Certificate or Anonymous Elector's Document

You will only be required to show one form of photo ID and it must be the original version, not a photocopy You can use ID that has expired as long as it looks like you and the name must be the same name that you used to register to vote

For full details of all accepted ID, including how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, please visit: https://www electoralcommission org uk/i-ama/voter/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id

YOUT H CENT RE

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A PLATINUM PARTY FOR PATCHWAY!

Patchway Town Council are pleased to announce our plans for a big platinum party to celebrate Patchway’s 70th Anniversary!

On 8th July 2023, from 11am there will be a whole host of activities and events for all of our residents to join in with at Norman Scott Park!

At 11am, the Town Council’s Mayor along with other Councillors and persons of interest will officially open all of Patchway Town Council’s new facilities in Scott Park, including the twin-lane cricket net facility, the Jason Franklin 3G facility and The Norman Scott Park Pavilion A short ceremony will take place and we invite all residents to gather in the car park at the Pavilion to see the official opening

From 12pm, we will have a whole host of live performs from solo acts, duets and even a magician for the whole family to sit and listen too There will be music from the 1950’s through to the modern day provided by our friends at Mini Concerts Everyone’s favourite magician, Johnny G, will be performing a variety of tricks and treats for the whole family.

We will also have the long awaited return of Crole’s funfair to Scott Park for this platinum weekend. The team at Crole’s will be bringing us a big selection of the best funfair rides, stalls and food that they can offer We can guarantee that this will be so much FUN!

As well as all of the fun and frolics, we have an outdoor bar, covered seating area and plenty of options for food! There will be a chance to purchase local crafts and goods from a range of local stallholders too.

We hope to see you there to celebrate Patchway’s 70th Anniversary!

PATCHWAY TOWN COUNCIL - BOUNDARY AND WARD CHANGES

From May 2023, Patchway Town Council’s boundary and wards are changing due to the formation of Charlton Hayes Parish Council

The Town will be split into three wards: Callicroft, Coniston and Highwood rather than the current two

The Town Council will still have fifteen elected members who will serve the residents in Patchway These elections are in May 2023 and you will vote for those who are standing in your ward To see which ward your road is in, please see the attached map.

We believe that Patchway will have one dedicated South Gloucestershire Council Councillor for the Coniston Ward

The table below details the Councillor to resident ratio and due to the changes, residents will have more Councillors representing them in their wards as opposed to the current situation

These changes will be in effect from May 2023

If you have any questions regarding this please contact us via email to office@patchwaytowncouncil gov uk

PATCHWAY WAITING RESTRICTION REVIEW

South Gloucestershire Council have advised of the Proposed Waiting Restriction review for various roads in Patchway

The Council proposes to make an order that will:-

a) prohibit vehicles waiting at any time in lengths of ARLINGHAM WAY, BAY TREE CLOSE, BEVINGTON CLOSE, BIRCH CLOSE, BLAKENEY ROAD (EASTERN SPUR), BLAKENEY ROAD (SOUTH WESTERN SPUR), BRADLEY ROAD, BRIGHTON ROAD, CAVENDISH ROAD, CLERMONT CLOSE, CONISTON ROAD, CRANBOURNE ROAD, DERWENT CLOSE, DURBAN ROAD, EAGLE DRIVE, ELMORE ROAD, EPNEY CLOSE, FALCON DRIVE, HAWTHORN CLOSE, KESTREL CLOSE, LARCH WAY, LEE CLOSE, LINNET CLOSE, LONGNEY PLACE, LOWER THIRLMERE ROAD, NEWNHAM PLACE, PRETORIA ROAD, RODWAY ROAD, SEVERN WAY, STROUD ROAD, SWALLOW DRIVE, SYCAMORE DRIVE, THIRLMERE ROAD, UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD TO REAR OF NOS. 14 TO 36 BRADLEY ROAD, UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN NOS 67 AND 69 CONISTON ROAD, UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD TO REAR OF NOS 77 TO 115 CONISTON ROAD (NORTHERN SPUR), WATER SIDE DRIVE, WILLOW CLOSE, WINDERMERE ROAD and WORTHING ROAD, Patchway;

b) prohibit vehicles waiting between the hours of 9am and 5pm on Monday to Friday (inclusive) in lengths of CRANBOURNE ROAD, LOWER THIRLMERE ROAD and THIRLMERE ROAD, Patchway;

c) prohibit vehicles waiting between the hours of 8am and 6pm on Monday to Saturday (inclusive) in lengths of BRADLEY ROAD, CONISTON ROAD, DURBAN ROAD and RODWAY ROAD, Patchway;

d) restrict vehicles waiting between the hours of 8am and 6pm on Monday to Saturday (inclusive), two hours with no return within 4 hours in lengths of RODWAY ROAD and WATER SIDE DRIVE, Patchway; and

e) revoke the South Gloucestershire Council (Southern Brooks Area) (Prohibition and Restriction of Waiting) (Consolidation) Order 2012, as varied, in so far as it relates to ARLINGHAM WAY, BAY TREE CLOSE, CRANBOURNE ROAD, EAGLE DRIVE, ELMORE ROAD, EPNEY CLOSE, FALCON DRIVE, HAWTHORN CLOSE, KESTREL CLOSE, LEE CLOSE, LOWER THIRLMERE ROAD, NEWNHAM PLACE, SEVERN WAY, SWALLOW DRIVE, UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD TO REAR OF NOS 14 TO 36 BRADLEY ROAD, UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD TO REAR OF NOS. 77 TO 115 CONISTON ROAD (NORTHERN SPUR), WATER SIDE DRIVE and WILLOW CLOSE, Patchway the provisions of which will be brought forward unchanged into the new order.

For more information please visit: https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/PT.7330PatchwayWR/consultationHome

Copies of the documents and maps are available at Patchway Town Council's Office - Callicroft House, Rodway Road, Patchway BS34 5DQ.

DO YOU HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTERS OR IPADS?

Volunteering is a great way to get out and meet others whilst assisting a local group to help others in your community.

Anyone who has knowledge of using a computer or IPad and how to access and use the web can volunteer

If you can volunteer and help this much needed group to continue please contact us on: 07580436273

VOLUNTEERING CAN BE TWO HOURS AWEEK OR ONCE A MONTH

The Silver Surfers are currently not meeting as we need some volunteers We normally meet once a week in the Patchway Community Centre, Rodway Road, Patchway from 10.15 till 12.

WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN GET THIS GROUP UP AND RUNNING AGAIN

2ND PATCHWAY SCOUTS

2nd Patchway Scout Group would like to thank all the very generous residents of Patchway, Charlton Hayes and Stoke Lodge for their donations to our Christmas Float.

With a raffle at our Christmas party we raised over £2000 This will go towards payments to the Scout Association for membership fees

We were amazed at the kindness of our neighbours especially in the current economic climate and are so grateful for all the support we’ve received over the years It is wonderful to see how happy people are to see the Float and Father Christmas

PRECIOUS TIME

Precious Time is a collective that was set up with help from Southern Brooks to provide activities for people over 50 in the Patchway, Stoke Lodge, Little Stoke, Filton and Stoke Gifford areas Precious Time is currently made up of 4 groups: - the Memory Café; Sunday Tea Party; Men in Sheds and Silver Surfers.

The Memory Café is held twice a month on a Monday and is for people living with dementia and their carers People can drop in for a hot drink, piece of cake and a chat and there are regular activities or entertainment for everyone to enjoy. For details contact Sue Williams on 07500 905590

Silver Surfers supply help and advice on using devices such as iPads or laptops and help people to navigate their way around apps and online form filling processes

Men in Sheds are part of a nationwide group allowing men to develop their wood-working skills, or indeed to develop new skills, and to give them an interest after retirement. Men in Sheds are based at the Blakeney Road allotments in Patchway and have recently benefitted from grants to allow them to expand their workshops further to have enough space for everyone to work

The group recently fitted shelving into the Warm Room in the Casson Centre and also attend local fetes and open days selling some of the items they have made at their weekly sessions. Men in Sheds meet every Wednesday in the metal sheds at the allotments and anyone interested should contact Les Brookes on 07786 134883

The Tea Party has been held for the past 7 years at Coniston Community Centre on the Parade, Patchway welcoming local residents over 55 who would like to come out for a cup of tea and a chat The Tea Parties are free and there is no need to book-just turn up on the last Sunday of the month between 2-4 pm and you will find some friendly faces to greet you.

Sundays can be a very quiet day for some older people if they are spending the day on their own, which is why the Tea Party was started People can come along and find themselves meeting up with old friends, neighbours or workmates or they may meet people for the first time- but they can always be sure of a warm welcome

If transport is an issue Four Towns Transport often have a service running to and from the Tea Party –please book early to ensure a place or the Tea Party may be able to help find transport To know more about the Tea Party please call Tanya on 07876501227

Same Same but Different Theatre Company Presents

The Victor Space Show

An interactive theatrical adventure for primary aged children 5+ and their families

Victor is from a distant planet and is lost in space. He finds Earth a strange and confusing place. With your companion you will create music, develop a craft and explore dance , to help Victor find his way

Patchway Library

15th of February

10:30-11:30

Free tickets available on Eventbrite

Knit and Natter

Enjoy knitting and other crafts?

Come along andjoinin, meet new people and share hints and tips

Last Saturday of each month 10:00 to 12:00 at Patchway Library

It's not just knitting; you can bring along any craft project and just start nattering.

Beginners and experts are all welcome

Patchway Waiting Restriction Review

South Gloucestershire Council have advised of the Proposed Waiting Restriction review for various roads in Patchway.

They say: 'It is proposed to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions (double yellow lines) at junctions, bends and narrow sections of carriageway to prevent indiscriminate parking which can reduce visibility, obstruct the free movement of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic as well as hampering access to service vehicles such as refuse lorries '

Please find documents relating to this at: https://consultations southglos gov uk/PT 7330PatchwayWR/consultationHome

Copies of these documents are also on display for residents at Callicroft House.

A38 Junction Works

What's happening? YTL Developments has appointed Turnbull to build a new junction onto the A38 at the Eastern end of Brabazon, the new neighbourhood for Bristol being built on the former Filton Airfield

What changes are being made? The creation of a new road junction onto the A38 at Brabazon This junction will be the future route of the m4 MetroBus and includes: A dedicated filter lane for Northbound traffic entering Brabazon, A new signal controlled junction, Improved footways, Dedicated cycle lanes that run both East-West between Brabazon and Horizon 38 and connect with the existing North-South route along the A38, Associated new street lighting and signage

How long will construction take? Construction is underway and expected to complete in Summer 2023

How will construction impact other road users? Traffic management measures will be in place during construction to protect the workforce building the new junction The exact mitigation measures in place will vary depending on the stage of construction, and may include lane closures and speed restrictions. Any mitigation measures will only be implemented following approval from South Gloucestershire Council Health & Safety - for both workers and all road users - will always be the priority

What are the hours of operation for the work? Permitted hours for construction work are from Monday - Friday between 0730h1800h and Saturday between 0800h - 1300h unless otherwise agreed with South Gloucestershire Council

Arena Parking & Travel Survey

South Gloucestershire Council, in partnership with Bristol City Council, have launched a joint survey to learn more about people’s travel habits and parking needs in the area around the arena

They say: 'The development of the new YTL Arena Bristol, alongside the redevelopment of the former Filton airfield, will really put our area on the map, creating new jobs and bringing forward building of much needed new homes on this brownfield site

This is an exciting new development for the area, but as with any facility of this scale, there will be an impact on transport and potentially on parking in areas around the arena With the arena expected to open its doors in a few years’ time, we have started planning for what impact this will have and how this might be managed, so everyone can enjoy this new facility

We therefore want to understand from you how and when you currently travel in the area and what parking requirements you have

As part of their planning permissions for the new arena and wider airfield development, the developers committed to helping to mitigate the impact of increased traffic movements in the area This included:

Providing an on-site car park

Funding for improved public transport

A park and ride and a shuttle bus service

Funding for improved walking and cycling routes

Funding for consultation and implementation of arena parking management measures.'

For more information, and to have your say, visit: https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/Arena EDP/consultationHome

New metrobus service launched

The CPME (Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension) team have announced the start of the new m4 service which serves The Mall, Stoke Gifford, Parkway, UWE & Bristol City Centre. They say: 'This new bus service will operate between The Mall and Bristol City Centre, via Stoke Gifford, Bristol Parkway Station and UWE Frenchay

It will serve communities in Patchway and Stoke Gifford. It will also eventually serve the new Bristol Arena and Brabazon development on the former Filton Airfield

The m4 service will:

▪ run between 6am and 11.25pm on weekdays, with a later start and earlier finish at weekends.

▪ run approximately every 20 minutes on Monday to Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The service will run along the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME), which has been a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system.

The m4 service starts this Sunday, 22 January.

The service is being operated by First Bus on behalf of the West of England Combined Authority, the Transport Authority

For the route and timetable, visit the First Bus website '

Lane ClosureLysander Road

South Gloucestershire Council have advised that, due to water mains works by Bristol Water, a lane closure is now in place along Lysander Road, Cribbs Causeway These works are part of a major project to serve the new housing developments along the A4018 and will last around 6 months

For more information, please visit South Gloucestershire Council's website at: https://beta southglos gov uk/localroadworks-south-gloucestershire

Moving Traffic Enforcement Powers

South Gloucestershire Council are asking you to give your opinion on their plans to apply for Moving Traffic Enforcement Powers in three locations:

Filton roundabout A38 Gloucester Road North junction with B4056 Southmead Road and A4174 Link Road (ring road)

Hambrook roundabout, M32 junction 1

Aztec West roundabout, the A38 Gloucester Road junction with Park Avenue and Bradley Stoke Way

They are also asking for your views on plans to also apply these powers of enforcement at Kenmore Drive junction where it joins Kenmore Crescent in Filton which has a part-time no entry restriction, Monday to Friday between the hours of 3:45 and 5:30 pm

They say: 'The government has announced that local authorities outside of London and Wales can adopt moving traffic enforcement powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, currently enforced by the Police

We intend to apply for these powers, as they will allow us to enforce moving traffic offences such as banned turns, waiting in yellow box junctions and breaching some weight restrictions using traffic enforcement cameras. By implementing a fair but robust approach to moving traffic enforcement, we aim to encourage compliance to make our roads safer, reduce congestion and protect public assets and infrastructure

We are asking you to give your opinion on our plans to apply for these powers '

Visit https://consultations southglos gov uk/MTE/consultationHome for more information and to participate in this consultation

Clean Air Action Plan

South Gloucestershire Council are requesting feedback via survey regarding their Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP)

The draft Action Plan outlines the action South Gloucestershire Council will take to improve air quality in South Gloucestershire from 2022 to 2026. It addresses how they will tackle five of the most important air pollutants and considers these under five themes: Emissions from new development and buildings, emissions from transport, communication and awareness raising, emissions from solid fuel/solid waste disposal, council policy and measures

The draft CAAP and survey can be found at: https://consultations southglos gov uk/CAAP22

Warm Packs

South Gloucestershire Council have advised that: 'If you need extra help keeping warm this winter, you can pick up a free warm pack from any South Gloucestershire Library or One Stop Shop.'

The packs are for families, single adults and pensioners who are struggling to heat their homes to 18°C and usually include:

a hat gloves

socks

a blanket

a hot water bottle

a thermal flask

a torch

tea bags

soup

Age UK are also working with SGC to give out a limited number of warm packs to people aged 65 and over

For more information on this, as well as other support available, please visit: https://beta southglos gov uk/help-with-the-cost-ofliving.

Primary School Places

South Gloucestershire Council are reminding parents & guardians of children born between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019 to apply for Primary School places no later than Sunday 15th January for them to start school in September 2023.

For more information including an admissions guide, paper applications and a schools directory, please visit: https://www.southglos.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-education/school-admissions/

Library Cards

Following South Gloucestershire Council's project to give every child in the district a library card over the next four years, they have announced that they have given every Year 6 pupil in South Gloucestershire a library card

They go on to say that in addition to the 3,500 cards given to Year 6 pupils at the end of 2022, 6,000 cards have been given to Reception children during the Summer Term

For more information on this project, please visit: https://beta southglos gov uk/my-library-card

New Warning Signs on Roundabouts

South Gloucestershire Council are installing new warning signs to raise awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists using roundabouts They say: ' Data shows that a third of collisions at roundabouts resulted in cyclists being injured - 341 of these have happened in the last 5 years.

Recent changes to the Highway Code states that cyclists may stay in the left-hand lane of a roundabout when they intend to continue across or turn right

Motorists are reminded to look and double check for all vulnerable road users before entering roundabouts Also, if it's not safe to overtake a cyclist, hold back until it is

Cyclists aren't always easy to see at roundabouts and are encouraged to make themselves easier to see Using lights at night is a legal requirement, but also using them during the day and wearing highly visible clothing can help

All road users are asked to help keep each other safe.'

Community learning and skills service

FREE* Courses coming January 2023

Community Learning and Skills Service (CLaSS), are pleased to bring you our new course offer starting January 2023 Please also refer to our online Course App for more detailed information and any updates to course listings: https://acl-south-glos glideapp io/dl/da19fa

You can find regular updates on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sgloslearning

*For adults aged 19+ with few or no qualifications

*More detailed information about our courses and where charges may apply is available from our Community Learning Development Workers - phone numbers and emails can be found on page 5 of the Prospectus

For our online courses you will need to have an internet connection and access to a computer or laptop. If you feel you need help with this, please discuss this with the Development Worker South Gloucestershire Council provides accessible and high quality learning opportunities for eligible adults to improve their skills and qualifications This can benefit not only you, but your family, local businesses and the community Our courses offer the opportunity for you to:

set goals towards your personal aspirations and recognise and value your achievements grow in confidence so that you can engage effectively and contribute to your community inspire your family and friends with the pleasure and value of learning see learning as a positive experience and life long journey, seeking to continually develop and extend your skills, knowledge and understanding develop positive routines and approaches which transfer to future learning or work

Our courses meet the needs of many different learners including:

learners who do not have a recent Level 2 qualification (5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above including Maths and English) learners who are living with or have experienced mental and/or emotional health and wellbeing difficulties learners who may be returning to learning or employment after a gap in time learners who may be seeking to develop their skills to find employment or support children or grandchildren in school

You can choose from a variety of learning opportunities, these are grouped into: Wellbeing courses - e g cultural crafts, building confidence and assertiveness and an introduction to mindfulness

Employability courses - these are designed to improve your employability prospects and range from courses in childcare to awards in office administration

English and Maths courses up to Function Skills Level Two

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

IT courses - these cater for a range of learner needs from basic skills in using the internet to more advanced courses on using IT for work

Some of these courses are non-accredited This means you do not receive a qualification at the end of the course but we also offer accredited courses with a range of qualifications

WEST OF ENGLAND COMBINED AUTHORITY

South Glos schoolchildren are being encouraged by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to discover the birds in their playgrounds as part of the UK’s biggest school bird-watching event

Classrooms will be turned into bird hides, binoculars fixed to eyes and school kids urged to stare out of the window in a bid to chart the West of England’s wildlife

This is all part of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ annual Big Schools’ Birdwatch running until Monday 20 February - which helps the charity build a picture of birds visiting school grounds and monitor any changes in the population

Last year, participants discovered that the woodpigeon claimed the number one spot in the Big School Birdwatch rankings as the most commonly seen bird with an average of 7 per school spotted The blackbird took second place with the carrion crow completing the top three

One school getting involved is Warmley Park special school on Tower Road. Binoculars, books and clipboards will be the order of the day for the sixthformers as they join Mayor Norris in taking part in the count

Mayor Norris said: “For six and a half weeks this new year, pupils gazing out of their classroom window will have a good excuse! Rather than daydreaming they’ll be taking part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch helping paint a vital picture of our feathered friends This is a wonderful opportunity for our youngsters to celebrate the species that regularly flock to their school grounds and so get excited about nature, and the world around them And most importantly, it encourages them to think about the issues involved in protecting our precious planet, and giving nature a home”

Teachers, helpers or children don’t need to be experts to take part in the survey All you have to do is spend one hour at any time noting the bird species seen in your school grounds at any one time. Then submit your results online.

Rachael Albon, RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch Co-ordinator added “Big Schools’ Birdwatch offers children the chance to contribute to a UK-wide citizen science project in their school grounds. This year we have made the Birdwatch even better by including historical results data so classes can compare their sightings with national data from previous years It’s a great opportunity to provide a valuable learning experience and, together, be part of something bigger!”.

Everything a teacher would need to plan a fantastic Birdwatch and develop their children’s knowledge and interest in the birds they see every day is available to download, including guidance notes, recipes, things to make and counting charts, Mr Norris added.

To sign up, visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch

OUT WITH THE OLD… AND IN WITH A BRAND-NEW CHALLENGE?

We don’t just mean quitting smoking, giving up the booze or losing 10 pounds this January. At South Gloucestershire Council, we are embarking on an even bigger mission this year. We are looking for positive, can-do individuals that are ready to set their most rewarding New Year’s Resolution yet.

Do you have a spare room and childcare experience? Then you could be just who we’re looking for. Make a real difference this New Year and help a young person begin a whole new chapter, by choosing to foster with South Gloucestershire Council.

We understand that no real New Year’s Resolution is ever taken lightly Becoming a foster carer is a huge decision, but when you commit to us, we’ll commit to you. From day one of your fostering journey, you’ll benefit from local training, support and a generous foster carer allowance

So what are you waiting for?

If you’re ready to send a child off to a flying start this 2023, give us a call us on PHONE-CIRCLE 01454 866423 or visit www.fosteringsouthglos.org.uk to find out more details.

Prefer an informal chat in person? Visit one of our local information stands, where details are listed on our social media pages

FACEBOOK-SQUARE @FosterSouthGlos

TWITTER-SQUARE @FosterSouthGlos

Skills Toolkit – Employability short course

• Consider the skills employers are looking for.

• Find out how to research to help prepare for an interview.

• Identify skills to offer to an employer. This course is suitable for those wishing to develop their confidence and motivation to take the next step in finding the right job. The course would suit those who would benefit from additional support progressing into employment.

Contact us to REGISTER YOUR INTEREST and sign up:

Where:

How long:

Time: Phone: Email: Website: Facebook: App:

Patchway Community Centre , BS34 5PF

4 weeks THURSDAY 23rd February 2023 – 9th March 2023

1.00pm-3.00pm

07759720535

Mary.connolly@southglos.gov.uk southglos.gov.uk/communitylearning

sgloslearning

acl-south-glos glideapp io (or scan the QR code below)

*For adults aged 19+ with few or no qualifications; or experiencing other barriers to work

This course will help you to;

Building Confidence through Sewing Skills

Dates: Thursday 23rd February- 11th May 2023

Time: 10.00am-12.00 pm

Venue: Patchway Community Centre, Rodway Road, BS34 5PS

This course will help you to develop a range of basic sewing skills whilst developing your own creativity and confidence.

Contact us to sign up: Phone: Email: Website: Facebook: App:

07759720535

Mary.connolly@southglos.gov.uk

southglos.gov.uk/communitylearning

sgloslearning

acl-south-glos glideapp io (or scan the QR code below)

*For adults aged 19+ with few or no qualifications; or experiencing other barriers to work

FREE Course*

Developing Maths - art and crafts

This x2 hour workshop will help you to improve your Maths Skills by creating and designing crafts Valentine theme.

Tuesday

2023 February 14th 10.00am-12.00pm Patchway Community Centre, BS34 5PF

If you’re aged 19 and over and don’t have maths GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent), you can access free numeracy courses through multiply to build your confidence with numbers and gain a qualification.

Good numeracy skills will; • Improve ability to understand and use maths in daily life, home, and work • Improve household finances • Help children with homework • Make more sense of stats and facts in the media • Improving

Contact us and register your interest!

Phone: 07759720535

Mary.connolly@southglos.gov.uk

Email:

Website: southglos.gov.uk/communitylearning

Facebook: sgloslearning

App: acl-south-glos.glideapp.io (or scan the QR code below)