Town News - Issue 1 - February 2022

TOWN NEWS February 2022. Issue 1

The Official Newsletter of Patchway Town Council

A VIEW FROM THE HAIR C

An update from the Chairman of Patchway Town Council, Jon Butler.

Hello and welcome to the first-ever edition of Patchway Town Council’s newsletter. In this edition, you will learn some of the projects that Patchway Town Council are undertaking, read about Patchway’s community spirit and learn about the plethora of groups we have here on our very doorstep. For me, 2022 is all about completing what we have started as a Council. We will see the final completion of the new and enhanced Patchway Community Centre, increasing the space by over 50% and we will see the start of the Norman Scott Park Redevelopment Project, which will bring a brand new facility to our community.

In January 2022, we set our budget for the following financial year. This budget was set with a view for the future in mind. We are an ever-increasing Town and our infrastructure needs to match that. We need to ensure all of our residents can have facilities they can use on their door step. We also agreed to keep our ‘Patchway 100’ appeal going throughout the year which will benefit a lot of families in our area in 2022, providing food for them when they need it most.

We want to hear your views on what you would like to see happen in Patchway and what we can do to make Patchway an even better place to live. Please contact our Town Clerk, Jack Turner via email clerk@patchwaytowncouncil.gov.uk or via phone to 01454 868 530 with any suggestions you may have.

WILD PAT HWAY

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HRISTMAS JOY

You can read about the 'Wild

Read all about how Patchway

Patchway' photography

Town Council and the residents

competition and how residents

of the Town contributed towards

explored their local area in search

the festivities in 2021.

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OUN IL TAX PRE EPT C

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We breakdown what your Council Tax Precept goes towards and how this money will be spent in the 2022/2023 financial year to improve your town!

of nature.

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IN REMEMBRAN E: HARLES HORTON C

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Patchway Town Council were extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Charles Horton, an Honorary Freeman of Patchway. Charles Horton was an outstanding member of the Patchway community and had served on Patchway Town Council between 1978 and 2003. He was the Vice-Chairman of Patchway Parish Council from 1990 – 1994.

On Thursday 21st February 2013, Mr Horton was made an Honorary Freeman of the Town due to his outstanding and committed service to Patchway. He was always involved within his local community and this was reflected in his time on the board of Governors at Patchway Highs School, Stoke Lodge Infant School and Callicroft Junior School. He was a dedicated member of Patchway Community Association, having served as Vice-Chairman and Secretary and also pushed forward the plans for the new hall in the centre. Mr Horton was also a trustees of Coniston Community Association for 20 years, promoting the building of Patchway’s newest community centre.

On Mr Horton, current Mayor of Patchway Cllr Jon Butler remarked that ‘Charles was an extremely committed member of Patchway Town Council and served his community well during his 25 years as a Councillor between 1978 and 2003.

Although I did not personally know Charles, other members as well as people in the community had taken to his extremely likeable nature and he was always committed to ensuring Patchway was a good place to live for everyone. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this tough time’.

Patchway Town Council’s Book of Remembrance will be open for signing until 4:30pm each weekday, for anyone who wishes to leave a message in remembrance.

PAT HWAY OMMUNITY ENTRE C

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As the residents of Patchway and Charlton Hayes should have noticed the enhanced Community Centre appears to be nearing completion. However there are still a lot of small jobs to be finished both internally and externally before the Community Association can accept it as finished.

We are working very hard to keep the regular groups accommodated but it will be a little time yet before we can accept new groups or activities as the newly created space will require careful programming to allow us to ensure clean handover between groups, COVID has not gone away.

Our Martial Arts groups have been back for some time, working to rules set out by government and the Community Association to allow space for them to practice their various disciplines.

Main Hall floor has been resurfaced and is now perfect for both Martial arts and Ballroom Dancing.

We have two Ballroom Groups meeting on alternate Saturday evenings and ballroom dancing lessons in the new upstairs hall on 3 out of 4 Wednesday evenings per month Aside from our regular Martial arts groups there is Dog Training on Tuesday evenings, Ladies keep fit meet on a Wednesday evening in the Main Hall and Slimming World on a Thursday evening in the new upstairs hall, Children’s Dance class on Saturday mornings and Irish Dancing Wednesday evening and Saturday Midday We have Yoga on Tuesday evenings, Line Dancing on Tuesday morning and Short Mat Bowls on a Monday and Friday afternoons.

We have a Carers group on 3rd Wednesday of the month.

We have a large number free community classes to include Maths, IT, English, English as a Second Language organised by South Glos Adult Learning, come in and get a prospectus.

Senior Citizens Lunch Club has not returned as yet but we are hoping to welcome them back by springtime of this year.

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OMMUNITY NEWS THE PAT HWAY 100 DELIVERS C

Patchway Town Council are pleased to announce that 157 residents have been helped through our Patchway 100 scheme!

The scheme which was set up to ensure that anyone in our community would not go without during this difficult time of year. The Town Council put out a call and we were totally overwhelmed with the generosity of the Patchway community.

We have packed up over 75 packages which will feed a family for around 7 days, as well as offering presents, sweet treats and Christmas luxuries to those who need it most.

157 people have been helped through the scheme this year and the Town Council will support our residents who need, into the next year as well.

Patchway Town Council would like to say a thank you to the following people, whom without, this project would not have been possible: Cllr Isobel Walker Cllr Roger Loveridge Cllr Jon Butler Cllr Roland Walker Cllr Peter Knight Steve Ellis (Lead Grounds Person) Barbara Loveridge Kim Bird Kacie Walker Marian Thomas Caroline Ogborne Dawn Richards Cllrs Sanjay Shambhu, Sam Scott, Jo Buddharaju and Brian Hopkinson for their donation of £1000 towards this project.

Southern Brooks Community Partnerships for their donation of presents.

And of course to our wonderful residents for their generous donations!

Please see below some images from our deliveries to local schools!

THE TOWN OUN IL S BUDGET FOR 2022/2023.

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A Budget To Deliver Key Projects Patchway Town Council have set their Council Tax Precept for the 2022/2023 Financial Year.

Patchway Town Council have made the decision to raise the current precept from £730,655 to £816,643 to enable key projects to be undertaken within the next financial year. The impact on the Council Tax Precept that you pay will be an increase of just 94p a month which will be used to fund key services and projects in Patchway. This is based on a 'Band D House Equivalent'.

The budget contains general running costs for Patchway Town Council as well as an capital provision of £410,000, which will be used to fund the redevelopment of the Norman Scott Park Pavilion, to finish the redevelopment of Patchway Community Centre and to refurbish the Casson Centre on Rodway Road. This capital provision also includes a budget for new play equipment, new street furniture and community engagement projects. There is also £11,200 budgeted for the Town to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 and also a provision for food support for our residents, all year round.

Mayor of Patchway Councillor Jon Butler, stated that: ‘Over the previous financial year during the COVID-19 pandemic, we made substantial progress on our key projects as a Town Council whilst also ensuring that Patchway kept moving with the times in terms of infrastructure. Over the next financial year we are going to be delivering several key projects which will be of a real benefit for our Town. This budget was set with an eye on the future and we hope that we can continue to make great progress on improving the infrastructure in Patchway’.

Chairman of the Finance Committee Councillor Sam Scott added: ‘This budget, which has been agreed, sees a 15% reduction in Patchway Town Council’s revenue budget costs which has been achieved with the long-term goal of reducing the Council Tax Precept in mind. The next financial year sees an increase in capital funds of 63%, which shows the Council’s dedication to getting their key projects done in this next year.’

PAT HWAY GOES WILD C

Patchway Town Council along with Patchway Conservation Group are delighted to announce that the judging panel have decided on the winners from the Autumn round of the Four Seasons Photography Competition. We would like to thank all those who entered.

The budget is available to view on the Patchway Town Council website at www.patchwaytowncouncil.gov.uk/finance and paper copies are available upon request from the Town Clerk.

Calendars are available to collect from Patchway Town Council office.

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THE TOWN OUN IL S JUBILEE PLANS UNVEILED C

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Patchway Town Council are excited to announce their plans for Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee later this year.

On 6th February this year Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The bank holiday will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

Patchway Town Council will be holding a series of events, which can be seen below. More information will be released in due course.

Thursday 2nd June 2022 - A candle-lit walk from The Parade to the BMX Track. The Beacon will be lit in line with national guidance.

Friday 3rd June and Saturday 4th June 2022 - It is is time for PARTY IN THE PARK! We are going to be bringing you two days of entertainment in Scott Park. We have live music, a funfair, local stall holders, inflatable games, street food vendors and outdoor bars! We also have lots of entertainment for children planned too!

Sunday 5th June 2022 - We will be encouraging all residents to have a street party. We are happy to assist with any road closures, should residents want this.

More information will be released over the next few months whilst we get our plans firmly into place!

PAT HWAY ENTRE PRE-S HOOL & TOTS C

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Patchway Community Centre Email: patchwaycentrepreschool.tots@gmail.com Telephone: 07875201322 Registered Charity No: 1051253 With the help and support of the Community Centre Manager and Chair we are happy to report that Patchway Centre Pre-school & Tots have now settled into our new building which is part of the newly built extension to the rear of the Community Centre in Rodway Road. Our setting is bright, airy, open plan and designed to meet the individual needs of young children, doors that lead out from the main room give our children access at all times to a large, safe secure outdoor area. Part of this outdoor area we are in the process of re-developing this will include water features, a sensory area alongside a planting nurturing area, and a covered multi use structure that will our give our children endless opportunities to experience and explore outdoor activities this will support their development, learning and play skills all through the year regardless of the weather.

We experienced Christmas number one in our new surroundings and pleased to say all went well, the children had fun, games and food before they were entertained by a magician, we also had a visit and present from Father Christmas and were lucky enough to be given presents by the Centre Manager.

PAT HWAY S NEW OMMUNITY FA ILITY C

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Patchway Town Council are pleased to share with the residents, the revised plans for the Norman Scott Park Pavilion redevelopment project. The revised plans now feature a one storey building, but is still fully equipped with all of the same facilities such as the community café and four changing rooms for our sports teams.

There will be a small office which will house Patchway Town Council staff too. There is a considerable amount of working going on in the background, to achieve this project for the residents and we hope to provide more information as the project moves along.

‘Due to the effect that COVID-19 has had on the building trade, we have had to revise our scheme accordingly for this project by losing the top floor and balcony. However, we have managed to house the same facilities in the revised scheme as well as creating a terrace area at the front of the Pavilion. We, as a Town Council, along with our professional services are dedicated to ensuring that this project continues to move along despite all of the challenges we have faced in the last 12 months. We want a building that Patchway can be proud of and we are committed to delivering that’.

Cllr Jon Butler, Mayor of Patchway.

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THE TOWN OUN IL S RA KDOWN ON PPE LITTER C

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Patchway Town Council has purchased 20 PPE recycling bins for use across the Town. We have signed up to the ideal zero waste solution, to avoid unnecessary landfill usage or mask waste ending up in our natural environments!

For every box purchased, Reworked will also plant a tree. We want to give back to our environment whilst ensuring that PPE does not litter our streets.

We will share the locations that these will be in, when they are delivered!

Accepted Items are: Disposable face masks Plastic Gloves Visors & face screens Safety gear (helmets, bump caps) Goggles & safety spectacles Earplugs Plastic overalls & clothing covers Lateral flow tests (to be placed within the plastic/foil bag it comes in)

A POSITIVE INTERNAL AUDIT

RETURNING TO NATURE

Patchway Town Council’s Internal Auditor has stated that they are ‘pleased to again acknowledge the effectiveness of the existing accounting arrangements with support from an external contractor (DCK Accounting), the quality of retained documentation and approach to governance matter.’

Patchway Town Council has received a positive report from the internal auditor, Auditing Solutions LTD on their interim visit for 2021/2022 with only one recommendation arising which has now been satisfied. There are no further outstanding recommendations of this interim report.

The report highlights how far the Town Council has come in the last two years and commends the positive action being taken to safeguard public money.

Mayor of Patchway Councillor Jon Butler said: ‘We have seen a massive shift over a period of time to get to this stage where we have exemplary audits and procedures in place, which are now strictly followed. I wish to thank all of the Council’s staff and members who have worked hard to keep making drastic improvements in the way in which we handle the financial side of Patchway Town Council. This report is testament to the hard work that the Council have put in over a number of years.’

In November 2021, Patchway Town Council's Parks, Open Spaces, Planning and Transport Committee agreed to return an area of Scott Park back to nature. The details of which can be found here: https://www.patchwaytowncouncil.gov.uk/post/scott-parknature-area We have now commenced work on this area and want to update residents on our progress.

Since the turn of the year, we have installed a new walkway, defined with tree log's from trees that had to be cut down. We have added some bark chippings to this to create a circular walkaway around a feature tree. This inner area has also been planted with bulbs and seasonal plants. Three benches have been installed overlooking this area as well as the woodland, where we now have birds starting to take home in the bird boxes.

We hope to fully complete this area for opening in early Spring 2022.

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HARLTON WOOD PRIMARY A ADEMY C

This year in our School Development Plan, one area that we are focussing on is the development of our curriculum outcomes through the implementation of our Trust Curriculum. At Charlton Wood, we want every child to have access to a full curriculum and to be given the opportunity to shine in all areas . This term, we launched our end of block exhibitions and due to COVID these were done by year group to reduce the number of adults in the hall – next time we are hoping for these to become by Key Stage and then whole school . The purpose behind these is to give the pupils a final published outcome that allows them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired through their learning in history, geography, art, RE etc .

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HRISTMAS LIGHTS

We would like to say a thank you to HMC Patchway, for sponsoring our Christmas lights this year. It is down to businesses like HMC, that we can continue to provide these lights for our residents!

SOUTHERN BROOKS Photography Project Would you like to be involved with in an art project that will be installed at Patchway rail station (permanently). The project involves photographs of people's hands, spelling out letters using sign language. The idea is to create a visual representation of people living in Patchway, as well as using "visual language" to create two phrases that reflect on our shared responsibility for the future and the power of community within this (which are: "The future is in our hands" and "together we are stronger") We are looking for a diversity of hands to use within this work would you like your hands photographed to potentially be used in this work?

Please contact katiehanning@southernbrooks.org.uk to get involved or for more info.

Wellbeing Support Would you like help with your wellbeing? South Glos. residents are able to access one to one support by talking to a wellbeing coach who can help you make small changes to help your wellbeing. To access this service contact: wellbeing@southernbrooks.org.uk or call (01454) 868583.

There are also a number of FREE online courses running, from tea and talk, photography, men's/women's groups, managing anxiety to healthy food choices, building resilience and much more. There are also walking for wellbeing groups if you are looking for an in person activity.

To see the full list, for more info and to sign up: https://southernbrooks.org.uk/wellbeing/#workshops

Patchway Litter Champions Do you love where you live, but are fed up with litter, fly tipping and waste?

Do you want to join a group to discuss the problems, and work out what action is needed to make Patchway litter free?

We are looking for proactive, passionate Patchway people to come together create team to discuss these issues and create real positive change, alongside other organisations working in the area. All ages welcome! We will meet up once a month to plan activities, share ideas and pass on local knowledge to those who can help us achieve our goals.

Want to be involved? Katiehanning@Southernbrooks.org.uk

Community Group Grants Are you a community group in Patchway and looking for funds for your project? Here are some grants currently available: Two more February dates have been added to the Brightside community learning.

This programme for community and voluntary groups is an opportunity to reflect on the impact Covid-19 has had on us all and work together to reduce the impact on everyone’s health. Groups attending are able to access a £500 grant (no group too small). For more info or to sign up: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/brightside This Wellbeing programme includes The One You South Glos Community Grant. This is a small grant scheme, which can award £14,500 per annum in total across all applicants, and includes a contribution from St Monica Trust. Grant application requests can be between £50 - £1,000. For more info and to apply: https://southernbrooks.org.uk/oysg-grant/ The Quartet community foundation have money that is specifically for Patchway and the surrounding areas. If you have a project that you need money for and are a community group working in this area you may be eligible. For more info on how to apply visit: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grant-programmes/express/ Youth Sessions Drop in to one of our youth sessions You can meet up with friends, try new things and get support and advice from our friendly youth workers in our safe and relaxing spaces. Every week we have different activities - arts and crafts, games, sports, pool, cooking and opportunities to take part in community projects.

FREE WIFI AVAILABLE. Sessions run Wednesdays 5-7pm for school years 7-11, Thursdays 3.30-5.30pm for school years 5-7 and Fridays (referrals only) Art Therapy 5.30-7.30pm school years 59. Sessions are 50p (first session free) at the Patch Youth Centre: Coniston Rd, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5JP. For more info: lisajimenez@southernbrooks.org.uk

Volunteer Centre: Patchway, Filton and The Stoke Would you like to learn new skills, take a step back into work, meet new people, build your confidence or give back to your community? Volunteering could help you do all these things and more!

If you are a group or organisation that is looking for volunteer or are someone who is looking for a new volunteer opportunity, then get in touch with us and we can help you find the volunteers you need or the perfect volunteer placement. volunteeringpfs@southernbrooks.org.uk

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AN UPDATE FROM ONISTON OMMUNITY ENTRE C

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Hello Everyone! We hope everyone has had a fantastic 2022 so far and that the New Year’s resolutions are still going strong. Especially as there is always something going on at Coniston Community Centre; fitness classes, craft groups, educational courses and so much more.

We have a lot going on, such as; regular dance classes, informal coffee mornings, fitness classes, volunteering events, art classes, baby and toddler groups, health groups, citizens academy Q&A, rehearsals, Table Top Sales, Link Club and so much more on offer.

We also have Descare, DHI and Southern Brooks Community Partnership here on a regular basis, all offering services to benefit you.

And on the last Friday of the month it is Coniston Café’s infamous Theme Night.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

Drop in for some cake, coffee or a delicious meal at Coniston Café and see what we have to offer.

Have an idea of a class you want to run? An event you want to put on? Whether it is a class, a workshop, a Birthday party, a business meeting, a conference, a baby shower, an engagement party, a coffee morning or something else entirely, Coniston has the facilities to help make your event memorable, easy and affordable. Or maybe you have some free time & would just like to volunteer? We always appreciate the support, come in to find out more.

Feel free to contact the Centre Manager Amelia Jackson at Coniston on 0117 923 68 78, or email info@conistoncommunitycentre.org.uk.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Instagram, follow us on twitter and visit www.conistoncommunitycentre.org.uk See you soon!

PAT HWAY TWINNING ASSO IATION C

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Hello Everyone!

Patchway is twinned with Clermont l’Herault in France and Gauting in Germany.

Patchway Twinning Association organises visits and exchanges, fun events and the opportunity to get to know other people from different cultures.

We are currently looking for more members and would love to get our community involved.

We have planned our visits for 2022 and hope that you are all keen to get involved.

The French and Germans will be visiting Patchway Wednesday 15th – Sunday 19th June 2022 and we will have the opportunity to visit Gauting, Germany in 2022 too in the week Monday 24th - Thursday 27th October 2022.

We also run a Language Cafe, starting Monday 7th February 2022.

Membership is just £5 for the year and provides access to some incredible events.

Feel free to contact the Membership Secretary Amelia Jackson with any queries on 07432 701 706 or ameliaepjackson@gmail.com Don’t forget to like us on Facebook @PatchwayTwinningAssociation

PAT HWAY IS TWINNED WITH LERMONT L HERAULT AND GAUTING. C

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PRE IOUS TIME ONSORTIUM C

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The Patchway Memory Cafe is OPEN and is held in St Chads Church Hall, Rodway Road, Patchway on the First and Third Monday of the month from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. (where a bank holiday falls on either of the Mondays we will be open) The Cafe is Free and welcomes people from patchway and surrounding areas who are experiencing memory problems or living with dementia. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer.

We offer support and information plus good entertainment is always on offer.

Come along and see if its for you. For more information call Sue in 0117 9759347

Audrey Dart’s story on living with dementia My name is Audrey I am living with dementia, this is my story of how dementia has affected my life and how I live with it.

I have frontal temporal lobe dementia I have had dementia for approx 8 years, I started visiting Patchway Memory Cafe about 6 years ago. I wanted to give something back and started to make cards this hobby also helped my brain stay active, up to date I have raised over £1700.00 for the memory cafe.

My dementia affects my short term memory and speech, I cannot pronounce words all the time. I cannot read at all now ( before I would read 1-2 books a week. I still have a driving license, which is renewed every year, I can only drive local.

I still complete all the house work, gardening, and I run the house the best I can. If I have a bad day, which I do often my 2 furry friends cheer me up. I found COVID-19 difficult to cope with, I have been in for nearly 14 months, my card making and my lovely dogs have help me through it. I am happy to give anyone more information on my dementia or talk to someone who has been diagnosed.

Musical Memories are currently Closed.

We will let you know when they reopen

Men in Sheds are OPEN and ready to welcome new members from Patchway and surrounding areas.

Wednesday 10 am Patchway allotments Please phone Les on.

07786134883.

Older Peoples Tea Party is OPEN to people of Patchway and surrounding areas on the last Sunday of the month 2pm till 4pm at Coniston Cafe please contact Tanya on. 07876501227 For more information.

Silver Surfers will be opening again soon watch this space for time and date.

Silver Surfers Friendly informal support for over fifties wanting to get to grips with computers.tablets,phones& the internet. Or you may want to learn a new skill like Publisher or Excel. Come along and join the group. We are also looking for more volunteers to join us.

Call Sue on 0117 9759347 for more information

The Patchway mini Bus is volunteer-run service for residents and groups who live and operate in Patchway and surrounding areas. We are currently looking for mor volunteer drivers would you like to join Please ring Ray on 07434011337 -For more information.

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OMMUNITY SPORTS STOKE LANE AF

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Enabling community participation in football for over forty years, chartered standard football club Stoke Lane was formed in 1979.

Affiliated to the Gloucestershire Football Association, our core values are based on being a family oriented club - with over 20 teams playing local league football between the ages of 6 to adult – and helping players fulfil their footballing potential, grow in confidence and build team spirit in a safe and positive environment.

Stoke Lane AFC in Patchway We have 5 teams use Scott Park as their home ground across our U13, U15, Men’s and Ladies teams with games being played Saturday PM, Sunday AM and Sunday PM. All welcome to come along and watch / support us.

Players needed Both our Men’s and Ladies teams are looking to add to their squads. During the winter months they train at Patchway school. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact Club Secretary Steve Payne (07972 039413 / pspayne@blueyonder.co.uk) who will put you in touch with the appropriate team manager and coaching team.

Tournament 2022 On the weekend of 18/19 June Stoke Lane are delighted to be holding our annual tournament for the first time since 2019 at Little Stoke Playing fields. We are keen to make this a real community event with a bar, BBQ and football right across the weekend from the Friday night. Do come and join in the fun if you get the chance.

Sponsorship We are looking for new sponsors for the 2022/23 season. As part of the package we are offering front of shirt sponsorship across all 23 teams’ matchday shirts. We are also introducing new opportunities such as back of shirt sponsors, team short sponsors and match ball sponsorship. If you are interested, please contact our Club Secretary whose details can be found at the bottom of this article.

Keep in touch If you like what you’ve heard and want to keep tabs on us, follow us on Facebook: Stoke Lane AFC Youth Football Club (U16-U18) and Stoke Lane AFC (Men’s team).

Join us If you or your child is interested in becoming part of the Stoke Lane family please contact our Club Secretary Steve Payne (07972 039413 / pspayne@blueyonder.co.uk) who will put you in touch with the appropriate team manager and coaching team.

FREE HIRE OF CRICKET NET FACILITY FOR UNDER 14'S* Patchway Town Council are allowing any children under the age of 14 to use to Cricket Net facility in Scott Park for a one on one coaching basis with an appropriate adult.

There can be no more than two people per lane and no more than four people in the facility at any one time. Slots are for one hour only. Anyone found to be breaking these simple rules, will not be able to hire these facilities in the future.

To book a free session please contact the Council via email to office@patchwaytowncouncil.gov.uk

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OMMUNITY NEWS

ADVERTISE WITH US We are on the look out for some local businesses to come on board and advertise in this new monthly newsletter. We have affordable prices to help your business reach your local community.

For more information on advertising please contact office@patchwaytowncouncil. gov.uk.

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UPDATE FROM ONISTON SURGERY

David Clark, Managing Partner at Mendip Vale Medical Group writes:

At the Post Office we are continually looking to refresh our network and ensure we meet our customer needs. I’m therefore pleased to let you know that we are planning to open a new Post Office in your area in Spar, Unit 1 & 2,Great Brier Leaze,Charlton Hayes,Bristol, BS34 5FX on Friday 18 March 2022at 13:00, and it will be known as Charlton Hayes Post Office.

The service will be one of our local style branches with a lowscreened, open-plan Post Office service point carefully integrated into the retail counter.Customers will be able to carry out a wide range of Post Office transactions alongside retail purchases.The new service will offer long opening hours, with the Post Office opening hours in line with the retail business.

Details of the opening hours and the key products and services that will be available are provided below. Please feel free to share this information with others who may be interested to hear about the new service.If there are any unforeseen changes which mean these dates change, posters will be displayed in store to let customers know.

We’re carrying out this notification in line with our Principles of Community Engagement. An extract relating to Notification is available at the end of this letter.

We hope that you and the local community will support the Post Office network in your area.

We continue to recruit and have been successful in having a further 2 GPs join shortly (they have a 3 month notice period to serve at their current practices). The Clinical Pharmacist Team (will be shared with the Monks Park surgery which is also part of the same group and the patient boundary is next to Coniston) is now fully recruited with 3 Pharmacist and a Pharmacy technician .

We have 1 First Contract Physiotherapist starting in January , and another 2 are being interviewed before Christmas. This does mean we will be fairly tight for clinical space, and as I mentioned at the meeting would be keen to explore support from the town council on converting the first floor into more clinical rooms.

From the website the latest updates and link to eConsult is available: mendip-vale.co.uk For the Covid booster programme we have seen around 85% of patients aged 65 or over vaccinated, and over 80% of patients aged 65 given their ‘flu jab. Ongoing work to increase take up for both ‘flu and covid is planned, and as we go through the age group over the coming weeks further clinics will be available to book. We would like to see all patients 18 and over given their covid booster by early February, for those patients eligible for ‘flu we will also look to get close to finishing this seasons by end of January.

NORTH BRISTOL ADVI E ENTRE C

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North Bristol Advice Centre provides free and independent advice and support in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We are debt and welfare benefits specialists and can help with: ·ESA and PIP appeals (including representation at tribunal). benefits checks tax credits issues benefit overpayments advising on claim forms Contact North Bristol Advice Centre on 0117 951 5751, team@northbristoladvice.org.uk or visit: www.northbristoladvice.org.uk to arrange an appointment by phone (for debt or benefits) or face-to-face every Tuesday in Patchway (for benefits).

Get help to appeal disability benefits decisions Have you had your PIP or ESA benefit claim turned down? If so, you’re not alone. Many people who apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA) benefits are having their claims unjustly refused. This, despite suffering from serious health problems.

If this has happened to you, North Bristol Advice Centre can help.

Our experienced advisers can provide one-to-one support to help you challenge the decision and appeal. This includes gathering evidence and preparing the paperwork for your case. They can even be there with you at the tribunal hearing, making it less stressful.

North Bristol Advice Centre’s overall success rate at appeal is around 90%.

If you or anyone you know is struggling to challenge an unfair decision regarding a PIP or ESA claim, please contact North Bristol Advice Centre. Tel: 0117 951 5751 or visit: www.northbristoladvice.org.uk to arrange an appointment by phone, or face-to-face every Tuesday in Patchway.

FRAUD

We have been made aware of a case of a postal 'scam' where the correspondence is written from someone claiming to be an official government department.

If you have been affected by a matter such as this, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

E-BIKE GRANT S HEME C

South Gloucestershire Council has launched an E-Bike Grant Scheme where community groups and organisations, including town and parish councils, can bid for funding to hire e-bikes for up to six months.

The e-bikes, which are suitable for leisure and commuting journeys, can be used by members of the group, service users, staff, or other members of the local community. The aim of the new scheme is to encourage people to consider more sustainable modes of travel for getting around whether they are traveling for work, education or for leisure purposes.

The e-bike trial will also allow those who do not cycle to give it a go. E-bikes enable the rider to travel with the assistance of an electric motor, making the journey far less strenuous than a conventional bicycle. This will make cycling more accessible to those who find physical exertion difficult.

Cycle training will be available for free from South Gloucestershire Council to help develop road safety skills.

To find out more and to apply for the scheme, visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/ebike-grant-scheme Applications must be submitted by Friday 11 February 2022.

If you have any questions, please email transport.policy@southglos.gov.uk.

"As we collectively work to achieve our Climate Emergency goals, we must consider how we travel for all of the journeys we make. This new initiative will enable local community groups and organisations to give sustainable transport a try as they go about their daily business.

E-bikes are a great way for people to get around and are easy to use, making journeys far less tiring than riding a regular bicycle. It is hoped that this e-bike grant scheme will enable people who have previously thought cycling is not for them to get on two wheels."

Cllr Stephen Reade (Pictured) - South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure

SOUTH GLOU C ESTERSHIRE C OUN C IL UPDATE SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL (Highwood Road - Eastbound, Patchway) (Temporary Prohibition of Use by Vehicles) Order 2022 Notice is hereby given that South Gloucestershire District Council in pursuance of the provisions of section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as amended intends to make an order the effect of which will be to close, temporarily, to vehicles that length of the eastbound carriageway of Highwood Road which extends from its junction with Durban Road to its roundabout junction with Coniston Road. This order is required for the following reason: in connection with telecommunications mast maintenance works. The order will be operative from 14 April 2022 for a maximum period of eighteen months. The closure however may not be implemented for the whole of the period but only when traffic signs are in position and only for so long as is necessitated by the works which are anticipated to be of a 1 night duration, between the hours of 10pm and 6am. Alternative route: Durban Road, Rodway Road, Coniston Road PO Box 1953, Bristol, BS37 0DB John McCormack Monitoring Officer and Head of Legal, Governance and Democratic Service

PATCHWAY TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS 2022 All meetings commence at 7pm at Callicroft House.

11/01/2022 - Finance Committee 18/01/2022 - Full Council 25/01/2022 - Parks, Open Spaces, Planning and Transport Committee 08/02/2022 - Finance Committee 15/02/2022 - Full Council 22/02/2022 - Parks, Open Spaces, Planning and Transport Committee 08/03/2022 - Finance Committee 15/03/2022 - Full Council 22/03/2022 - Parks, Open Spaces, Planning and Transport Committee 05/04/2022 - Finance Committee 26/04/2022 - Full Council 27/04/2022 - Parks, Open Spaces, Planning and Transport Committee 10/05/2022 - Annual Council Meeting 23/05/2022 - Annual Town Assembly - 6:30pm

WWW.PATCHWAYTOWNCOUNCIL.GOV.UK