Filtonvoice Feb 2012

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Filton

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February 2012 Issue 5

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What next for Abbeywood School? P2 35% 50% working, Let’s get Filton manhattan oak dining nevada oak bedroom new campaign, P4 We did it! £50,000 lotto funds for Filton play area.£89 Page 5 £239 £69 £299Calls to sort parking After months chaos in Filton, P6-7 All change for Filton of protests, business, P30 Filton Clinic solid oak tables

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T: 0777 555 0607 2 filtonvoice www.filtonvoice.co.uk All you need ... in one mag School set

Directory of advertisers Accountant Aerials

Martin Green, Page 10

MD Aerials, Page 10 Andrew Murley, Page 16 Dan Grace, Page 31 Baker/sandwiches Buckley’s, Page 16 Beauty Kerry’s Hair & Beauty, Page 37 Butcher Gales Farm Meats, Page 2 Blinds Charisma Blinds, Page 10 Car parts/auto Motaman, Page 23 Carpets Quality Carpets, Page 10 Catering Porter’s, Page 12 Childminding Sunshine Kids, Page 6 Cleaner Dave the Cleaner, Page 29 Days Out Old Down Park, Page 18 Debt management Eurodebt, Page 11 Doors Door Express, Page 30 Education/tuition Explore Learning, Page 6 EF Language Centres, Page 31 Electrician ES Till, Page 13 Foster care FCA, Page 25 Five Rivers, Page 26 Florists Flowers in Bloom, Page 29 Fitness Riverside, Page 17 Furniture Branches, Pages 1&3 Gas services Bristol Gas, Page 27 Garages Westlec, Page 12 Brookfield, Page 27 Garden Centre Almondsbury Garden Centre, Page 40

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Henbury Golf Club, Page 5 Holidays/short breaks GG Travel, Page 4 Hairdressers/barbers Filton Barber, Page 29 Way-A-Head, Page 31 Chopps, Page 33 Home care Broadcare, Page 23 Kitchens Dream Doors, Page 7 Jobs Utility Warehouse, Page 22 Local authority Filton Town Council, Pages 16/17 Offers Diamond Jubilee, Page 32 Parties Bubbletastic, Page 31 Mobility Care Plus Mobility, Page 24 Mortgages KPNE, Page 33 Rubbish removal Oscar’s, Page 16 Slimming Slimming World, Page 34 Sports/conference facilities Abbeywood School, Pages 8/9 Therapy/hypnotherapy Chris & Elizabeth Clarke, Page 12 Utilities/gas/elec/phone Utility Warehouse, Page 39 Vets Vets4Pets, Page 28 Weddings The Guild of Professional Wedding Services, Page 35 KP Badges & trophies, page 35 Aztec hotel, Page 36 Aimee Winstone, Page 37 Galateia Gowns, Page 37 Kerry’s Hair & Beauty, Page 37 Windows and doors

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Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 Filton Town Council More information on Pages 16/17 01454 866 698 NHS Direct 0845 46 47

Gales Farm Meats ‘Winter Warmers’

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Tel: 0117 969 1232, 4 Church View, Filton, Bristol BS34 7BT Also Gales of Westbury Park, 31 North View, Westbury Park Good old-fashioned service. www.galesfarmmeats.co.uk

February, 2012

to be academy after inspection blow Abbeywood Community School could become an academy by September, it has been revealed, after an Ofsted report placed it in special measures.

The school would effectively re-open after this academic year as part of the Olympus Academy Trust, which oversees Bradley Stoke Community School.

Since October, Dave Baker, head of Bradley Stoke, has been acting as executive head of both schools and if the academy plans are ratified by the Government, he would continue to be head of both schools, which would have separate governing bodies.

Mr Baker stepped in after the resignation of previous head Ann Duff and is currently carrying out a major review of learning and behaviour at the school.

The changes introduced since October were highly commended by the Ofsted inspectors, who praised the “get tough” policy on uniform, mobile phone use and lateness.

Mr Baker said there had been shock among teachers and parents at the results of the Ofsted, which was critical of learning in the school but which acknowledged big changes were now being made to the curriculum.

He said: “Parents want things to move forward and they are in support of the things that are going on now.

“For example, we now have the most improved attendance figures in the local authority.

“We will be in contact with parents of our new Year 7 intake, once places have been offered, to explain what is going on.”

The Secretary of State has the right to force any school in special measures to become an academy under a sponsor of his choosing. Nigel Minns, head of quality and standards at South Gloucestershire, said they were backing the move to academy status under Mr Baker’s leadership.

Filton Town Council agrees 0% precept rise PLUS update on showers hit by Legionella risk: Turn to Pages 20 and 21 Local advertising in filtonvoice works Many thanks to everyone who has offered such positive feedback about your monthly magazine.

And it is YOUR magazine ... a place to find out things about our community and have your say.

For businesses, it’s a great - and affordable - chance to get your message out to 12,000+ people locally.

I decided to put an ad in filtonvoice and I was delighted to pick up work well into next year, and not just a one-off job but a number of jobs.

Gardener Graham Cook At Dream Doors we have been so impressed with filtonvoice. We have had several enquiries in the short period we have been advertising. But in addition, we are happy and proud to be associated with such a high EDITOR’S NOTE: Filtonvoice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation.

We cannot vouch for any services offered although we have used some of the services.

quality publication – it is well written, well designed and it is probably the best local magazine we have seen.

The monthly distribution through letterboxes means that the customers we are trying to reach will read our message and the fact that the magazine is so good means we know people will not throw it away. Keep up the good work!

Loretta, Dream Doors Just received the copy of Filton Voice. It looks very good. A good mixture of local news, advertising and top class promotions!

Phil Merry, Focus Media Please support local firms who advertise and when you do, please mention filtonvoice Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor.

Filtonvoice is distributed each month to all Filton residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from Filton Library.

Feedback is welcomed, call editor Richard Coulter on 0777 555 0607 or richard@filtonvoice.co.uk.

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

February, 2012

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News Filton clinic win a reprieve after massive public outcry Filton Clinic – which last year looked doomed to closure – has been given a reprieve, with the number of services likely to expand.

NHS South Gloucestershire’s review of services at Filton and Patchway clinics has concluded that both facilities and clinics should remain open and that the PCT (Primary Care Trust) will seek to increase the number of services.

The possible closure of the Filton Clinic, in Shields Avenue, provoked a storm of protest from residents. This led to a suspension of the closure plans and a review, which has now concluded. Health chiefs will now seek services to use both facilities, which are operating under-capacity at the moment.

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be thriving facilities that offer a greater range of facilities to local people. We will be attending local events to hear what local people would like.”

Representatives from NHS South Gloucestershire shall be attending the following events: Tuesday 28 February, 7.30pm, Filton Town Council Tuesday 13 March, 7pm, Southern Brooks Area Forum, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, Tuesday 10 April, 2012 7.30pm, Patchway Town Council, Callicroft House, Rodway Road, Patchway In addition, NHS South Gloucestershire will be holding open day events at Filton Clinic in March, dates to be confirmed.

Comments: Pages 14&15

WINTER SALE Currently, only two thirds of the space at Patchway Clinic, and three quarters at Filton, is being used.

Paul Frisby, Joint Commissioning Manager for Community Development & Partnerships at NHS South

35%

Gloucestershire, said: “We have taken the decision to keep both Patchway and Filton clinics open, but we will be seeking to boost the number of services available as there are currently rooms that are not being utilised.

“We do want both clinics to

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Let’s get Filton

WORKING

In October 2006, South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet identified five priority neighbourhoods, including Filton, an area which, it was felt, needed additional support in order to improve the quality of life for residents. This included employment issues, with wages in Filton slightly below the rest of South Gloucestershire and numbers of benefit claimants slightly higher than the rest of the authority area.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show benefit claimant numbers in Filton and Bradley Stoke rose by 20 per cent over the past year, with 1,299 people claiming benefits.

In Filton, there are many agencies working to ensure these trends are slowed and eventually reversed. Over the next few months, Filtonvoice will be highlighting some of the work going on and helping people to find the opportunities that exist. l If you are seeking work, offering work or training or can provide other opportunities, get in touch on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

G G Travel Specialist Coach Travel Tel: 01275 543721 Mob: 07966 486251 ggtravelinfo@gmail.com

Day Excursions Mar Thu 29 The Wallace Collection London Apr Mon 23 Eastnor Castle (light lunch & tour)pm May Tue 15 RHS Rosemoor Thu 24 River Cottage(lunch/tour/gardens) Jun Thu 7 Hay on Wye Book Festival Wed 27 Horse Drawn Barge trip Tiverton Jul Tue 3 Avebury Manor, Museums & Gardens Wed 18 RNLI Poole Tour(2 course carvery lunch) Aug Sun 5 Polo at Cirencester Park (take a picnic! ) Tue 14 Sudeley Castle (with or without tour) Sept Sun 9 The Lost Gardens of Heligan (incl tour) Wed 19 Snowshill Manor Oct Thu11 Cheltenham Literature Festival Tue 23 Cardiff Nov Sun 25 Ludlow Medieval Christmas Market

Adult/Senior

27.50/26.50 38.00/37.00 30.50/29.50 52.50/51.50 19.50/18.50 29.00/28.00 32.00/31.00 38.50/37.50 26.00/25.00 31.00/30.00 38.50/37.50 26.30/25.30 16.00/15.00 17.50/16.50 28.00/27.00

Pick up Points Water Tower on the Downs* Henleaze Road lay-by near the Eastfield Inn* Westbury Village opposite the Co-op Cheques payable to GG Travel, Flat 7, Averill Court, 37A Hill Rd, Clevedon.

BS21 7NE or drop into W H Mogford & Son, 2 High St, Westbury on Trym

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February, 2012

McDonald’s, Filton

McDonald’s in Filton is a standard bearer in the South West for the company’s apprentice programme.

Many employees join the company thinking it will be a stop-gap job but end up managing their own restaurant.

The apprentice scheme has seen around 8,000 staff complete the qualification - equivalent to five GCSEs - and it was given an Ofsted rating of ‘good’ in its first inspection. This programme, which includes qualifications in maths and English, is one of several in the firm’s ‘learning ladder’ which ranges from work experience for 16-year-olds to a Foundation Degree in Managing Business Operations for restaurant managers.

Franchisee Mike Guerin, who runs several McDonald’s restaurants across Bristol, is passionate about the apprenticeship programme and sees it as vital in the development of his ‘crew’ of workers.

He said: “We celebrate employees gaining an apprenticeship as part of the company’s investment in local people.

Damian Thomas, above Heather Rowlands, left, had no GCSEs above right, who helps when he left school but train the apprentices at he is now thriving on the the Filton restaurant, had McDonald’s Apprentice an unusual route to the programme, for which he company. gets paid normal working She was a PhD rates. chemistry student He said: “I got the job who took a job with after hearing about it from McDonald’s and liked my neighbour, who is a it so much she stayed, manager. working her way up the “Since then I have career ladder. seen career opportunities As training manager, with the company and I she has seen 50 staff go am now nearly through through the programme my apprenticeship, which with a further 13 I do alongside working in currently working to their the restaurant.” qualification.

To find out more about the training opportunities at McDonald’s, visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/people

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

February, 2012

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£50,000 lotto funds for Filton play area

A Filton residents’ group is celebrating after securing nearly £50,000 in Lottery funding for a new play area.

The Viewpoint Action Group, which is made up of residents from four blocks of flats owned

by Merlin Housing Society, has received £49,999 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Spaces programme.

Together with £35,000 of funding from Merlin, it means the residents now have the funds to build a new play area.

The group has been trying to secure funding to build a new play park for the past two years, after the existing one was closed for health and safety reasons by South Gloucestershire Council.

Since then the area has been fenced off, leaving children from the flats with nowhere to play.

But all that is about to change, much to the delight of Donna Burgess, chairwoman of the Viewpoint Action Group said: “It’s so exciting. It has taken us two years to get here so we’re really happy to have the money.

“We’re hoping it will all be finished in June. It’ll make a huge difference.

“The play area was built in the early 1990s and was really looked after by the residents – there was never any vandalism or graffiti.

The kids loved it and took a great pride in it as it’s the only space they’ve got really. It’ll be great to have it open again.”

Residents and children have been involved in the design of the new park, which includes separate areas for children of different ages. There will be a zip wire for older children, while a

more traditional climbing frame will be installed for younger ones.

The group also plan to run some vocational workshops for some of the older children, to give them the chance to learn new skills and make some of the equipment themselves.

Community Investment Officer Louisa Massey, who helped the group put their application together, said: “This is great news for the residents.

“They’ve worked so hard over the past few years to find the money for this project; their dedication has been really inspiring.

“Facilities like this playground are vital for children and we’re really pleased to be working with the residents to make their plans a reality.”

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Keep Filton lights on, councillor urges

Proposals by South Glos Council to turn of some residential street lights in Filton should be resisted, one town councillor has said.

Cllr Brian Mead told a meeting of the town council that he believed crime could rise in the area if the cost-cutting measures were implemented.

In November it was revealed that street lights could be switched off across Filton for several hours at night under a cost-cutting plan by South Gloucestershire Council.

Approval has already been given for a switch-off on sections of the main A38 between midnight and 5am, starting in April, including the stretch between the Filton roundabout and Filton College.

But the community is under pressure to sign up for a more wide-ranging scheme – in which more than half the lights in residential areas of Filton could be switched off – as South Glos attempts to reduce its budget for street lighting by £250,000 per year. The authority has already invited other communities to volunteer for the residential switch-off.

However the council needs all neighbourhoods in South Glos to take part if the savings are to be made and the decision on Filton may ultimately be taken by district councillors.

Cllr Keiran Hyde said experiments in San Francisco with state of the art LED bulbs had led to savings without the need to remove the lighting.

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Parking problems

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February, 2012

Schools Heads’ With parking in Filton continuting to be a hot topic, one group of residents say their street is being used by NHS workers, our three primary heads explain their problems and a local councillor outlines what can be done

We’re suffering from Southmead Hospital overflow Residents in Kenmore Drive and Kenmore Crescent say staff and visitors to Southmead Hospital are causing huge problems for parking.

It is understood parking fees imposed by the hospital trust on the site off Monks Park Avenue mean car drivers are leaving their vehicles in residential streets.

The problem has been made more acute for Filton residents after Bristol City Council acted to impose restrictions on the part of Kenmore Drive which is inside the city boundary.

This has left problems for residents in the South Glos part of Kenmore Drive at its junciton with Kenmore Crescent, with cars clogging up the road and

also making a mess of the grass verges.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “The problem is due to staff at Southmead Hospital and students at the Learning & Research Centre at Southmead Hospital using residential streets as a ‘long term’ car park because parking fees are imposed imposed by North Bristol NHS Trust if parking on site.

“Problems caused include congestion, problems of access for larger vehicles, poor visibility close to the junction, difficulty with deliveries, lack of street cleaning and a complete change to the character of the area.

“In addition, parking with two wheels on the grass verges has

turned many of them into mud baths with mud being spread to the footpath.”

Residents have been meeting with South Gloss councillor Roger Hutchinson as well as highways officials.

To date they have painted ‘keep clear’ on the road close to the junction but residents say that unless further action is taken, the problem is likely to become much worse and will extend further into Filton.

Cllr Hutchinson said: “Bristol was proactive in dealing with this. We need to look at measures for the Kenmore residents in South Glos - possibly yellow lines or residents’ parking. This has to be done quickly and we are looking at solutions.”

£20,000 funding given to look at five traffic hotpsots in Filton Filton could see improvements in five key hotspots after South Glos Councill allocated £20,000 for investigations into solutions to traffic problems.

The locations are outside the

three primary schools, the rat run in Dunkeld Avenue and the parttime no entry sign at Kenmore Drive. Once an investigation is done, public consultation would take place before any work is

started, however that is not likely until 2013/14.

Cllr Roger Hutchinson said the work to improve safety at schools was part of the primaries’ travel plans.

Filton Hill In December, Filton Hill Primary head teacher Kirsten Lemming told filtonvoice the road chaos outside her school was putting the children’s safety at risk.

Blenheim Drive becomes so congested during drop-off and pick-up times that some drivers mount the pavement to get past other cars.

Other parents have been seen parking on the pavement or across residents’ driveways.

Mrs Lemming, above, said she had tried to persuade South Gloucestershire Council to take action for several years, without success.

She wants a one-way system along Blenheim Drive to solve the problem.

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

February, 2012

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views on parking perils in Filton

Shield Road

Head Jim Mepham: “We have had an ongoing problem for several years of parents parking on the zig zag lines and blocking the driveways of residents in the morning and after school.

“We have worked closely with local PCSOs to persuade parents not to do this, put reminders in our weekly newsletters and even designed our own

Charborough Road

sign displayed outside school. The sign has a slogan which reads “We don’t mean to nag. Please don’t park on the zig zags”. Last year, pupils put leaflets on the windscreens of cars which parked on the zig zags.

“Another big problems is the blocking of residents driveways. Shield Road children would like everyone to think carefully about where they park.

Head Nicola Bailey: “Charborough Road also has its fair share of issues regarding traffic, especially in the periods before and after school each day.

“Whilst we are delighted that we have new signage and additional double yellow lines around the school, we still suffer with dangerous situations from drivers.

Charborough Road is often used as a ‘rat run’ between Gloucester Road and Southmead Road.

“We have been asking for a long time for a speed

restriction to prevent this.

“For us, parking is a major issue.

Whilst trying to create good relationships with our local neighbours, much of the work is undone by inconsiderate parking around the school. Sadly, when challenged, some of our parents have been very abusive to local residents. We have a successful ‘three strikes’ reporting procedure, and we have the support of our PCSOs, who provide a physical presence when they can.

Kitchens from design to completion including building, flooring and tiling

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Receive a 10% discount for the month of February

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Schools

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St Teresa’s Primary

Year 1 visit to church

Year One enjoyed a walk up to St. Teresa’s Church to visit Father Tom, pictured right.

We had a wonderful look around the church which gave the children the opportunity to learn more.

The children were also able to have a close look at the various statues and found out lots about them.

We ended our session with a hunt for all the things we had looked at.

‘This is the best trip ever’ Madison

Year 6 meet PCSO

Pupils in our Year 6 class family took part in a crime prevention session yesterday led by our Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Kelly Parfitt.

The class discussed the consequences of crime as well

as safety and how to prevent themselves becoming victims of crime. This is as part of the Police’s educational programme across the region.

Website going live

Our website address from now on will be www.st-teresas.bristol. sch.uk

Abbeywood Community School

Y11 Drama Evening

On Wednesday, 11th January, Year 11 Drama students presented two plays to an audience of friends, family and staff.

The GCSE Drama group went first, with their workshop

February, 2012

performance of Mark Wheeler’s play, “Too Much Punch for Judy”.

This is a fast-moving and physical play based on the true story of Jo and Judy, two sisters who are involved in a drinkdriving incident. The group had studied the play for their Unit 2 Exploration, which makes up 30% of the total GCSE marks.

Although they were not formally assessed on this performance, the students used the opportunity to practise many of the performance skills and techniques that they will be expected to use in their final devised performance.

The BTEC Performing Arts group then presented “Teechers”,

by John Godber, which is a comic and moving portrayal of life in a struggling comprehensive school in the 1980s. They were assisted in the direction by Ms Tomo and Mr Langdown. This showed what talent we have at Abbeywood Community School.

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February, 2012

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How it all adds up for Bogdan For most students, achieving an ‘A’ in GCSE maths is the endresult of five years’ study.

But Bogdan-Mihai Dumatrescu, who attends Orchard School in Filton Road, Horfield, made the grade at the age of 12 and after just two weeks’ revision.

He was finding Year 8 maths too easy so he was encouraged to try something more challenging.

His first task was a GCSE past paper and he scored a ‘B’ without any revision.

So the teachers at Orchard School entered him for the higher tier GCSE exam before Christmas and, armed with

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only a revision CD and his own remarkable mind, he sat the exam two weeks later.

Bogdan, who lives with his mum Marinela-Ani Ghitan in Horfield, has now discovered he passed with an ‘A’ grade – and he only struggled in parts of the paper which he had not had time to revise in the two weeks.

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He said: “Maths is difficult but I just seem to understand it right away.

“I don’t spend too much time revising but I do enjoy some of the maths websites which challenge me to work things out.

“The teachers at Orchard have been really good, helping be get to where I am now and I really appreciate all the help I’ve had from them and from my family.

“I was having the problem of not being challenged enough in class but the teachers have supported me in going on to a higher level.

“I’m not really sure why I am able to understand maths so well but it may be because I have a good memory.

Now Bogdan will sit the GCSE exam again in the Spring and his teachers fully expect him to achieve an A* before starting work on A-Level maths.

Orchard School head teacher Dr Helen Holman said: “His achievements are remarkable for someone of his age yet he is level headed and modest and I know he is a joy to teach.

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Charborough Road Primary Children have been carrying out a topic all about Australia.

Recently they dressed up to celebrate Australia Day and they have been studying, and reproducing, examples of Aboriginal Art. The children have had great fun learning a variety of songs – the Rolf Harris CD has come in very useful. They have not quite mastered the didgeridoo accompaniments, but are working on it!

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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February, 2012

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Filton Library and book reviews

There has been mention in the media over the last few months of councils making budget cuts by closing libraries. I am pleased to say that I recently attended a meeting at which all present were assured that closures will not happen in South Gloucestershire.

Some savings in the library service will be made, but these will have no adverse effect on people who use the library.

Two positive innovations are coming to Filton Library, one of which is already in operation.

As from 16 January, it has been possible to borrow free eBooks.

You can now choose up to three titles at a time, for up to 21 days. More than 300 people used this facility in its first week.

Between them they accessed over 500 titles.

You can use any e-reader other than Amazon Kindle. For further information, ask at the library, or e-mail: libswest@ gmail.com Later in the spring, Filton

Library will be closed for a few weeks for refurbishment.

It will gain extra space for books, and self-service machines for issuing and returning books.

I can assure you that these machines are really easy to use.

If I can manage one, anybody can!

What’s more, they automatically renew any books you still have out: very useful if you forget to bring them back when they’re due.

At the time of writing, I am looking forward to meeting other library users at Filton Library’s coffee morning on Saturday 4th February.

This event, along with IT sessions and children’s activities was organised to mark National Libraries Day. I hope those of you who came along enjoyed the occasion.

Sue Lonsdale Chairman, Filton Library Users’ Group

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Adult book: Eve and her Sisters, by Rita Bradshaw An utterly compelling, dramatic and heartbreaking love story.

Following their father’s death in a mining accident, sisters Eve, Mary and Nell journey to the Michaelmas fair at Gateshead to be put up for hire it is that or face the workhouse.

Eve, who has looked after her younger sisters since their mother’s death, cannot bear the thought of them being separated so she is indebted to innkeeper, Caleb Travis, when he takes pity on her and agrees to hire them all.

Over the years, Eve’s gratitude towards him turns to love, but Caleb is blind to Eve’s feelings as he is infatuated with Mary. It is to take many more years of heartache before he realises his mistake.

I really enjoyed this book; it is reminiscent of Catherine Cookson.

Books of the month with the staff from Filton Library Children’s book: Shark in the Dark,

by Nick Sharratt ‘Fun-tastic’ sequel to the storytime favourite ‘Shark in the Park’, Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Dark’ promises just as much fun!

Timothy Pope is once again looking into his telescope, this time on a dark night. Will the pesky shark make an appearance? Is it really a shark that Timothy can see? Each peephole reveals a different shark like object. But surely there are no sharks about…are there?

Great rhyming story, fun to read and it even glows in the dark!!!

Firm fined after waste escape on ring road South Gloucestershire Council has successfully prosecuted a company and three of its drivers for allowing waste to escape on to the A4174 Ring Road, which runs through Filton.

Construction and waste management firm Smiths of Gloucester were fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs totalling £18,336 and a £15

victim surcharge at a hearing at Northavon Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecution relates to a breach in the company’s duty of care in that it did not take all reasonable steps to prevent waste escaping from its lorries.

Cllr James Hunt said: “Cleaning up litter from the Ring Road is a burden to council tax payers as they bear the brunt of the costs.”

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Top award for legion

Thought for the month with Fr Tom Finnegan, parish priest of St. Teresa’s in Filton and St. Vincent’s in Southmead A postcard dropped through my letter box the other morning!

It was from a friend taking a winter holiday in the sun.

As the temperature outside was just above freezing, I will not deny being just a tad jealous.

And as I read the usual words concerning the food, company and weather, I began to think that it had been quite sometime since I had received a postcard.

The receiving of the postcard came just a day after I had listened to a programme on the radio about the history and significance of postcards.

The programme stated that the sending of postcards had

February, 2012

declined radically in recent years, and the main reason for this, it seems, is the growth of social messaging over the internet.

Why bother with the selection, purchase, writing and posting of a card when you can send a photo of yourself on the beach with friends instantly from your iphone or similar device.

In this age of Facebook and Twitter, we can now communicate our thoughts, news, beliefs and our rants in an instant.

We can share what’s going on in our lives to people thousands of miles away and let

them know now what’s on our mind.

There is great value in this and for many when loved ones are far away it is great to be able to keep in touch so easily.

Call me old fashioned if you like but I took great satisfaction in pondering where and how my postcard had arrived through my letterbox.

What journey had it taken, in whose hands had it been, what machine stamped it, what vehicles had it been transported in?

And as I placed it on my wall, I thought I’d just send my friend on holiday a text to say thanks for the postcard!

The Stoke Gifford Branch of the Royal British Legion is celebrating winning an award at the RBL Gloucestershire County Conference last month, for Small Branch Efficiency.

The branch is having another record year, having raised £35,100 since 1st October, 2011. for the Poppy Appeal.

Branch chairman Brian Hewitt said: “It was the hard work of branch members and the generosity of the public that helped us to achieve this.

“The Legion in Gloucestershire County has 60 branches and just over 6,500 members. With 45 Members we are classed as ‘small’ and this is the hardest fought category, so we are doubly pleased to win.”

The Stoke Gifford branch covers Filton, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Bradley Stoke.

The next event is a band concert, 7.30pm on February 25, the Church Rooms, The Village Green, North Road, Stoke Gifford, £6 on the night or call Mr Hewitt on 01454 7875632.

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February, 2012

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News

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American dream for Filton gymnasts Two talented gymnasts from Filton could be travelling to Orlando, Florida, later this year for the Gymanstic World Championship.

Gabby Cousins, 17, and Chloe Gunter, 11, from the Harriers club in Patchway, won a silver medal in the British championship at Stoke in December, attracting the attention of national selectors.

Their head coach, Sarah Bateman, received a call inviting

the pair to attend trials for the Great Britain team, who will be travelling to Orlando in April for the Gymnastic World Championships.

The first round of trials took place last weekend in Loughborough with further trials next month, before the squad is annnounced.

Filton College student Gabby combines full time education with 15 hours per week of

Gymnastics training and a part time job.

Chloe attends Abbeywood Community School, combining her school work with gymnastics.

Harriers club have worked in the local community for 26 years and in recent years have managed to develop a growing squad of gymnasts who dedicate long hours to training.

Head Coach Ms Bateman said: “This is fantastic recognition for the club. We have worked so hard to give young people opportunities locally and in recent years our club has grown significantly with over 120 members from four years of age and up.

“To reach this level of performance takes dedication

and despite not having purpose built training facilities our gymnasts love what they do and it’s this love that gets results.”

More information on the Harriers club can be found at their new website www. harriersacrobaticgymnastics. com

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Letters and opinions School parking

I agree there is a problem with cars parked illegally outside Filton Hill School during drop off and pick up times..

However everyone is wanting tickets to be given and fines handing out... This will not stop the problem. In this day and age with parents working and having to pick up from two different schools and the risk of our children walking home alone with the other problems that the authorities have failed to deal with, such as drug dealing and paedophiles, I would rather have the parking ticket!

Why doesn’t the local governing authority make it easier to collect our children and less of a frustration for local residents with drives being blocked and provide a pick up and collection point by using say the playground or moving the path back into the school field.. Im not saying these are the anwers but maybe it’s something to be looked into...

A oneway system will not solve the problem. Cars will still park on the pavements, which is the real issue. A one way system will stop cars moving onto pavements to avoid oncoming vehicles but won’t stop the real issue...

Carl Eyres

Filton referendum

I write in response to the letter last month regarding the possibility of a referendum to ask residents what facilities they want in Filton.

To call a parish poll is a very complicated and bureaucratic process.

It involves calling an extraordinary meeting of the Town Council to agree on the question to be voted on.

The poll can only be on one question and there can only be a yes or no answer. The outcome of the poll would be fed back to the Town Council but the result is not binding.

Even if the issue is specific to one individual ward all wards would need to be balloted. The costs involved would be very similar to a by-election, in Filton’s case around £3,000 per ward. It would be more sensible (and less costly) for the council to carry out their own form of

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

Your views Have you got strong views about what’s happening in Filton? Or you might want to take the opportunity to praise a friend, neighbour or family member for an act of kindness or to mark an achievement.

Whatever you want to say, write to us and we’ll make sure everyone in Filton knows about it. Send your letter by email to richard@filtonvoice.co.uk, by post to Letters, Filtonvoice, 49 Dunkeld Avenue, Filton BS34 7RQ or call us on 0777 555 0607.

You can also comment on our stories at www.filtonvoice.co.uk.

Please keep letters short and the editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

consultation e.g. by leafleting individual houses.

Cllr Brian Mead

Boules charges

I am the secretary of Filton Athletic Football teams and I read with interest sports charges in Filton facing review.

Filton Athletic have been playing in Filton since 1956, Filton charges us for the pitches, and we take 30+ people into the bar every week when we play at home. (Usually one team is home every week, the other team come back from their away game to meet at the Ratepayers).

We call ourselves FILTON to promote our town council, and we also wear Filton Town council badge on our football tops.

We would encourage more younger members to play for us if we could drop our subs, but this has not been an option.

We have no showers and as we speak no changing rooms, which has caused chaos for me trying to rearrange games to away matches. We will now be playing a lot of night games once Filton’s shower problems have been sorted.

We asked Filton Town Council if they could sponsor us (for a new kit or some balls) but the answer was NO.

So why should the Boules Team think they can use the facilities for nothing.

Pat Burge

Filton clinic reprieve

Story Filton Clinic – which last year looked doomed to closure – has been given a reprieve, with the number of services likely to expand. See page 3 for update.

Views Very welcome news for local people that Filton clinic will remain and the land not sold of to the highest bidder.

It’s also good that the NHS planners will be consulting on what additional services can be installed at the clinic to enhance the capacity to 100% use.

The big learning from this has to be that proactivity is always better as it shouldn’t have taken residents to raise the issue and concerns when closure had been planned for over a year.

Councillors did miss the impact centralising services in Patchway would have on Filton clinic. I believe because they didn’t read the small print at the time changes were proposed to them.

February, 2012

I would like to praise Cllr Ian Scott who, once he was aware of the concerns, did represent residents and ensured communication. I would hope Filton councillors identify issues like this much sooner in future in order they may communicate what they are doing to prevent community impact.

A significant victory for people power you might say!

Filton resident Definitely thankyou to residents and filtonvoice too for making me aware!

I had absolutely no idea what was happening until I found out by word of mouth that councillors for Filton had voted in favour of centralising services at Patchway which meant giving the NHS representatives the thumbs up to allow the sale of Filton clinic!

When we challenged the Filton councillors about this, they clearly did not have a grasp of the local knock-on effect the closure would have, trying to say it was an NHS decision but they had voted to allow services to move to Patchway!

It’s great news but anonther reminder for me that frankly having councillors in office you expect them to fight for your area but again they let us down.

Sally Allison I wish to put on public record my gratitude to NHS South Gloucestershire for reaching the conclusion to keep Filton Clinic open and thereby respecting the clear wishes of Filton residents to retain these vital services.

I welcome the consultation to support both clinics to develop thriving facilities that will offer a greater range of services to local people.

Cllr Ian Scott – Filton Ward South Gloucestershire Council

Legionella ‘possible risk’ Story The showers used by footballers in Filton were closed after a regular monthly test for the Legionella bacteria identified a possible risk, Views This article requires balance and is more of a defensive statement on behalf of the council in my

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Letters and opinions view. I feel it is a reactive article.

You have to report all the facts. The discovery was made in November 2011 and only now is being addressed. Who stressed the Pavilion is not connected to the leisure centre? It’s still all run by the same council and management and is used by members of the public for activities.

You fail to mention work costing £6000 was done on the same problem back in 2008, as I remember staff mentioning it back then. The reserves budget you mention is being used, is tax money set aside, it’s still Filton taxpayers money for a same problem experienced back in 2008.

I will be interested to see if my comments get published.

John, Dunkeld Ave. I think that’s a bit harsh and I don’t think it defends anyone.

The showers are closed, it’s costing a fair bit of money … all reported. It’s also important we don’t have sensationalist stuff because it seems clear the problem is in the showers, but not those in the swimming pool.

I agree previous problems should have been mentioned.

Marcus Harris, Northville

Parking action call

Story Residents in Filton are calling for action to stop drivers who park on the pavement outside their homes. Braemar Crescent is too narrow to allow legal parking on both sides of the street so motorists leave their vehicles on the pavement, almost up to the walls of the houses in some cases.

Views Parking is not a unique problem to Braemar Crescent in Filton, as there are several roads where parking on the pavements is a constant problem as is inconsiderate parking.

Every time it gets raised at Filton Town Council meetings, councillors simply shrug their shoulders as if there is nothing they can do. They won’t even do an assessment of the issue, their own car park is a disgrace itself and has been like it for years.

Only when there is a serious

accident will they be forced into action!

George

Not just my efforts

I am pleased that a “Filton Resident” (issue 4) thinks that I am doing all I can on the council.

It is a little unfair, though, to say that other Labour councillors are not helping in equal measure.

I like to have fair, balanced views wherever possible. The current council parties are working well together with many common goals. We are driving costs down and programmes to generate more income are being developed as well as improving facilities for residents.

Our new leisure centre manager Lisa Timbrell has already demonstrated to us that there are further savings to be made and that the centre can generate more income through, for example, the new exercise classes mentioned in the last issue. Whilst positive criticism is welcome, the council also needs Filton residents support too.

One final thing – a community garden proposal is being looked at and I would like to take this opportunity (forward planning) to ask the gardening experts in Filton to propagate cuttings from herbaceous shrubs so that, when the garden is designed and built, we have a selection ready for planting at zero cost and the knowledge that this will truly be a community garden in more than once sense.

Cllr Bill Moore

Making it clear

Your letters page of January featured a letter questioning South Gloucestershire’s Labour councillors’ decision to abstain on the final Core Strategy vote at December’s Council meeting.

We have also recently noted articles posted by individuals on several websites which have attempted to re-write the events of December’s meeting, so for the avoidance of doubt, allow me to explain our position rationally.

Labour councillors PROPOSED and voted FOR the continued safeguarding of the Airfield at the December council meeting but lost that key vote because councillors from the other parties voted it down. So any suggestion that we don’t

back the Airfield is complete fantasy.

Our Policy Resolution was: Council believes that Filton airfield is a unique British strategic asset and therefore resolves that the South Gloucestershire Core Strategy should retain its designation as an airfield for land use and agrees to make the necessary amendments to the December 2011 Core Strategy to reflect this position.

In doing so Council takes due regard the fact that the Government aims to adopt a new aviation policy framework

by March 2013 which local authorities will need to have regard to when making planning decisions.

Consequent Recommendation: Reaffirms Filton airfield’s designation as an airfield for land use and instructs the Director of Environment and Community Services to make the necessary amendments to the

December 2011 Core Strategy to reflect this position.

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was lost. In terms of the Draft Core Strategy the public have the opportunity to make representation to South Gloucestershire Council until February 17th. Labour’s record of defending the airfield is quite clear and we will continue to support its safeguarding.

Whilst we oppose key elements of the Core Strategy, it must progress to the next stage, where we will continue to argue for Filton Airfield.

Cllrs Adam Monk, Ian Scott and Roger Hutchinson.

Please return my phone

Will the person who found my mobile phone at Church View Post Office on January 4 please return it to Filton Police Station or to my address, 1 Mackie Rd, Filton.

RJ Benson, Filton

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Baby/toddler groups

Katie Donovan of Southern Brooks Community Partnership is compiling lists of baby and toddler groups in Filton.

To be included, call Katie on 01454 868 570/1.

Sure Start Childrens’ Centre Venue: Filton Children’s Centre Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Tuesdays 1:15-3:15pm (for babies up to 18 mths) Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am Friday 1:15-3:15pm Cost: £1 voluntary donation Contact: Sophie Williams 01454 864150 Baby Time Venue: Filton Children’s Centre Ages: Up to 6 months Times: Tuesday 10-11:30am Cost: £1 Voluntary Donation Contact: Serene Strode 01454 864150. Health Visiting Team, 0117 9699775 Info: Health visitor available Tiny Tots Venue: St Peter’s Church Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Every other Mon, 2:15pm Contact: 0117 9791128 St Teresa’s Parent & Toddler Group Venue: St Teresa’s Church Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Mondays 9:30-11:30am Cost: £1.30 (1st child 20p per extra child) Contact: 0117 9833938 St Andrew’s Toddler Group Venue: St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Fridays 10.00 - 12.00 Cost: £1.50 per adult Contact: Alison 0117 931 5942 TERM TIME ONLY

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February, 2012

Filton beat In a previous publication the long running issue of cars parking inconsiderately was raised and commented on by residents. I would like to clarify a few points for your readers.

Some years ago contravention of Traffic Regulations i.e. yellow lines and limited waiting etc was transferred to South Glos Council and the police no longer have the powers to deal with these issues.

With regard to causing an unnecessary obstruction, the law is very clear that there has to be a significant effect on someone attempting to use the highway and not merely that their view is obstructed, or it’s inconvenient to manoeuvre onto or off their driveway. We have to be able to offer evidence in court that someone was actually at that time obstructed from having free passage along either the road or pavement.

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with Sgt Steve Ives Another issue that continues to be raised is parking on the pavement. There is a specific offence of driving a motor vehicle on the pavement, but driving is the operative word, in that the driving has to be witnessed by an officer to be in a position to prosecute the offender. My team are always happy to attend any reported issues, but these are the legal challenges we have to consider.

I know that the whole topic of parking causes Filton residents a great deal frustration, but please be assured that we want to help and will do so where the law allows us to.

But please remember that the local roads were never designed to support the volume of vehicles that we as a society choose to use today. Therefore I and my team try to achieve a balance between being tolerant of the difficulties that we all experience when parking locally and those going about their daily business.

If anyone has specific concerns, or wants to bring our attention to a location then please give the Beat Team a call.

• Call Filton station on 101 • E-mail: ssn.filton@ avonandsomerset.police.uk • Call into Filton police station, Gloucester Road North.

It’s open 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (closed 11.45am-midday), and midday to 8pm Wednesday and Friday (closed 4.15-5pm).

In an emergency call 999.

Otherwise call 101 24/7.

Graham Cook Gardener and handyman

Grass cutting, hedge and shrub trimming, weeding, planting, felling small trees, winter preparation, clearing, small painting jobs and other maintenance work.

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February, 2012

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Jubilee could lead to protection of fields The Queen’s Jubilee could be the opportunity to protect the status of Elm Park field in Filton as a public recreation area.

The site next to Filton Sports and Leisure centre has been the subject of much debate in recent years over its future and use.

Now it could be given protected status which would mean residential and industrial development would not be allowed.

Filton councillors have been told that they could apply for protection under the QE2 Fields Challenge, which is being run

by Fields in Trust, formerly the National Playing Fields Association.

The QE2 programme would be a more straightforward way of protecting the site, compared to covenants or town green status.

It would mean Fields in

Trust, in partnership with the town council, would be able to designate the site as recreation ground and development would be limited to projects which were intended for recreation only.

There would be a legal deed of protection and the process usually takes just six to eight weeks.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We need as much open space as we can get in Filton and I back this programme wholeheartedly.”

It will now be up to the town council to consult with residents and decide how to go forward.

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At a recent full council meeting, councillors gave the scheme a cautious welcome.

They have asked Fields in Trust to investigate whether the site could be the subject of compulsory purchase in the future, even if it was part of the QE2 scheme.

The QE2 programme was launched to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and London Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the 2014 Commonwealth Games by permanently protecting 2012 outdoor recreational spaces by 2012.

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February, 2012

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What’s on in Filton in the next month

February 14

Filton Town Council, Finance Committee, 7.30pm, Pavilion

February 16

Filton Library’s February school holiday activity, ‘February Fun’ is on Thursday 16th Feb 10.30am – 12pm.

February 15-18

Horfield Theatre Group Presents ‘Confusions’

by Alan Ayckbourn Horfield Parish Hall Wellington Hill, Horfield Bristol, BS7 8ST. Visit www.horfieldtheatre.co.uk

February 15-18

St Andrew’s Players present “Calamity Jane - The Panto” It will be held at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS from Wednesday, 15th to Saturday, 18th February, starting at 7.30 pm. There will be a Saturday

Matinee, 18th February, 2.30pm.

Tickets: Adults - £6, Children £3. Box Office: 0117 9755538 Donations will be made to: Shine Together and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research

February 15 WKLY

Pre and Post Natal Mother and Baby Class, University West of England, Frenchay Campus, UWE Centre for Sport’s Aerobics Studio, Coldharbour Lane, For more information email Sue De Roos at: susandroos@sky.co.uk or tel: 07810804648

February 16 WKLY

Feel the Heat, Coniston Community Centre, Patchway, 5.30-7.30, Winter Street dance for 12-16 year olds, £1, Contact Mark Seed on 01454 868570

February 18 WKLY

Roller Disco, Patchway Sports Centre, Hempton Lane, Email:

letssk8@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.letssk8.co.uk, £4.50 (including free skate hire)

February 21

Filton Town Council Planning Committee, 7.30pm, Small Meeting Room

February 28

Filton Town Council, full council meeting, 7.30pm, Pavilion.

March 2

Race Night at Abbeywood Community School. Doors open at 7pm with the first race starting at 7.30pm. Over 18s only please. Licensed bar.

Horses are available to buy and name in advance. Email facs@ abbeywoodschool.com

March 10

Saturday 10th March 2.30pm –

3.30pm - Stories and crafts for children age 3 – 10, free activity.

March 13

Filton Town Council, Finance Committee, 7.30pm, Pavilion

March 15

There will be a poetry reading with Hazel Hammond and Filton poet Deborah Harvey at Filton Library from 2pm - 3.30pm to tie in with International Women’s Day.

March 17

Come and celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Ratepayers Arms and enjoy the’ Irish craic’ with a live Band. ‘Darwin’s Last Hope’ will be appearing. It’s free entry with a late bar until 12.30am.

March 27

Filton Town Council, full council meeting, 7.30pm, Pavilion.

Have you got an event you would like to publicise? Or do you run a club or society in the Filton area?

Send details to richard@filtonvoice. co.uk or call us on 0777 555 0607 and we will make sure 12,000 people in Filton find out about it, in print and also online at www. filtonvoice.co.uk

Come and join us at

FILTON WI

Keith 1 For something different try our Top Quality Game Pheasant/ Partridge/Vension Your Game Specialist

Our friendly group meets once a month in Filton and welcomes new members.

We host speakers who give talks on many fascinating subjects and we also enjoy outings and other activities.

March 1st meeting: A talk on Filton Police

For more information, call Edna Shopland on 0117 330 6071. Filton WI meets on the first Thursday of each month at Newleaze House, Filton

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

February, 2012

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What’s on in Filton on a regular basis Mondays

Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 9.30am-10.30am. These sessions are first come, first served. £3.50 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Tea Dance, Filton Folk Centre, 1.45pm-3.45pm 0117 302 6981

Tuesdays

Filton Library, Shields Centre, free one to one IT tuition with our Computer Support Volunteers on Tuesday afternoons. Contact the library to book a session. 9.30am - 1.30pm NOTE TIME CHANGE Pre-School story and Rhyme time Tuesdays 9.30am, Filton Library, Shields Centre, Spanish group. Sing Spanish songs with your child Tuesdays 4pm – 4.30pm , Filton Library.

Aqua fit Tuesdays, 9.45 – 10.30am & 8.30 - 9.15pm, cost £4 a session, class suitable for non swimmers, participants must be 16 yrs and over, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Keep Fit Association classes, all welcome, Filton Community Centre 2-3pm Call 0117 969 3326

Wednesdays

Filton Garden Club, St Teresa’s Social Club, 7.30pm. 1st Wednesday of every month, 0117 975 9126. Not January.

Filton Camera Club, 7.30 p.m, on alternate Wednesdays (except June, July and August) at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park.

Contact Brian Frost on 0117 9651242, Brnf3335@aol.com,

Thursdays

Filton WI, monthly meetings, 1st Thursday of every month, Newleaze House, Filton, call 0117 330 6071 Knitting Group 5.45 pm – 6.45pm Thursdays, Filton Library, Shields Centre Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 10am-11am. These sessions are first come, first served. £3.50 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only Tiddlers and toddlers playgroup, St Peter’s Church Hall, 10am-noon, term time only Filton Ladies, St Andrew’s Church, 2pm-4pm, new members welcome, call 0117 969 1825 Keep Fit Association classes, all welcome, Filton Community Centre, 8-9pm Call 0117 969 3326

Fridays

Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 10am-11am. These sessions are first come, f irst served. £3.50 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only, term time only Silver surfers drop-in. Free for over 55s, learn more about computers.

Call 0117 969 1938 or just show up. St Andrews Youth Centre Bingo, Filton Community Centre, 7.30pm

Saturdays

Filton Library, Shields Centre, free one to one IT tuition with our Computer Support Volunteers on Saturday mornings. Contact the library to book a session.

A monthly Teen Reading group for those in years 7 – 9. Meets on a Saturday morning, Filton Library, Shields Centre, January 28 Monthly Chatterbooks reading group for children in years 5 – 6.

Meets on a Saturday afternoon, Filton Library, Shields Centre, Filton, January 28 St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Vigil Mass, 6pm

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Sundays

St Peter’s Church, 8.00am Holy Eucharist; 10.00am Parish Eucharist with crèche and Sunday Club; Noon, Baptism (by appointment); 6.00pm Evening Worship (Choral Evensong on the 1st Sunday of each month)’.

St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Morning Mass, 10.30am. Other masses visit www.stteresasfilton.org.uk St Andrew’s Church, Filton, 10.30am, Morning Worship; 6pm, Evening Worship Kids street dance classes(5 - 16 years of age), every Sunday @ Charborough Road Primary School, Filton, 5.15 - 6pm or 6 - 7pm (depending on age/ability), £3.50/£4.00 per session (pay as you go).

Lots of fun, make new friends and very good exercise too!!

Please phone Emma on 07725 612088 or email her at emmacwyatt@ hotmail.com for more information and to book your place.

St Andrews Methodist Youth Centre

Mondays: Duke of Edinburgh’s awards group for those with learning difficulties. ASDAN Towards Independence courses for 16+ year olds with moderate learning difficulties Tuesdays: 7-9pm youth club for School Years 7 + 8 (11-13yrs) Wednesdays: 7-9.30pm youth club for School Years 9-14 (1319yrs) Thursdays: 7-9.30pm youth club for School Year 10+ ...including those with learning difficulties + disabilities up to 25yrs (15 - 25yrs) + Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups Fridays: 6.30-8.30pm youth club + Arts project night for School Years 7-14 (11-19yrs)

Pyramid Youth Club

Mondays: 6.30-8pm: Inters 10-12 yrs. activities include football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop 8pm-10pm: Seniors 13+, activities include circuit training, football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop, Subs £1 (50p members) Tuesdays: 6.30-7.30: Junior Judo 5-13 yrs; 7.30-9pm: Senior Judo 14+, £2.50 children/students, £3 adults Thursdays: 6.30-7.45: Juniors 5-9 yrs, Activities include games, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop.

8pm-10pm: Seniors 13+, activities include DJing, football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop, Subs £1 (50p members) Friday: 7.15-10pm: Seniors 13+, activities include Music (drums, guitar, keyboard), football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop. Subs £1 (50p members).

Based at 470 Filton Avenue, contact Margaret Morris 0117 9691315

Filton Community Centre 983 6500

Mondays: Tea dance, 1.45-3.45, call 302 6981. Zumba fitness class, 6.30-7.30 Tuesdays: Keep fit, 2-4pm, 969 3326; Flower arranging, 2-4pm, 01454 412 087; Dog training, 7-9pm, 01454 616630; Pilates, 7-9pm, 502 2411; AA, 7.30-9.30; Cacti club (3rd Tues), call 950 3604 Wednesdays: Pilates, 10-12; Dawn James Art, 962 2982; Camera Club, 7.30-9.30, alternate weeks, call 965 1242 for details; Strictly Ballroom, 907 6960; Historical Club (4th Wed), 7.30-9.30, 969 2025 Thursdays: Short mat bowls, 2-4pm, 969 2025; Line dancing, 7.309.30, 07792 456988; Flower arranging, 7.30-9.30, 01454 412087; AA, 07831 338085; Keep fit, 8-9pm, 969 3326 Fridays: Bingo, 7.30-9.30, 9690311; Karate, 6-8pm, 07982 720158 Saturdays: Kung Fu, 07759 583688; Sundays: Karate, 10.30-noon, 07982 720 158; New Pastures Ministry, 07786 271 33

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

Filton resident pass

Filton residents are able to benefit from the use of the sports and leisure centre at reduced rates as recognition that the centre is subsidised by the town council precept, which only Filton residents pay. The pass can be obtained by taking a passport-sized photograph and proof of Filton residency, such as a utilities bill, to the leisure centre reception desk.

Your councillors ... and how to contact them

At this month’s full council meeting, a proposal to design a Filton Community garden on Elm Park was proposed (by Councillor Bill Moore) and agreed.

This will be the first major project undertaken by the new council, and it will involve the local Rikki Teml community. This is a 6 Wades Road, very exiting prospect Filton, BS34 7EE for me personally, T: 07586 328995 as it was one of my email: rikki.teml@ main ambitions to filtontowncouncil. build a garden which gov.uk incorporates sensory and touch areas for the disabled and senior members whilst providing for the wider community to meet in a relaxing space.

This has been driven by the Elm Park working group who have put thought into this as part of Filton Town Council’s willingness to listen to local consultation Bill Moore groups. I would ask 106 Mackie Road, those green fingered Filton BS34 7NB residents out there T: 0117 923 6689 to start cultivating email: william.moore cuttings for possible @filtontowncouncil. inclusion in the garden. gov.uk Cllr Bill Moore

Andy Chubb 106 Station Road, Filton, BS34 7JJ T: 07531 063545 email: andrew.chubb @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Bill Edgeworth 29 Fourth Ave, Filton, BS7 0RN T: 0117 969 1906 email: bill.edgeworth @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Anne Kenyon 8 The Mead, Filton, BS34 7 AW T: 0117 969 5007 email: anne.kenyon @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Conservative

Conservative

Labour

Labour

Independent

Conygre .....................................................................................................

Ken Brock 3 Shanklin Drive, Filton BS34 7EL T: 0117 330 4968 email: ken.brock@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Filton garden

Darryl Collins 47 Mackie Avenue, Filton, BS34 7NE T: 0117 975 9170 email: darryl.collins@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Doug Daniels 56 Newleaze House, Filton BS34 7NW T: 0117 979 2473 email: douglas. daniels@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Melanie Drewitt 31 Shields Avenue, Northville T: 0117 983 3877 email: melanie.drewitt @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Kieran Hyde 25 Charborough Rd, Filton, BS34 7RA T: 07527 542783 email: kieran.hyde@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Adam Monk 642 Southmead Rd, Filton BS34 7RE T: 01454 864 056 email: adam.monk@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

(Chair)

Labour

Brian Freeguard 7 The Wicketts, Filton BS7 0SR T: 0117 969 5198 email: brian.freeguard @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Conservative

Independent

Charborough ...........................................

Brian Mead 520a Filton Ave, Northville BS7 0QE T: 07765 796560 email: brian.mead@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Labour

Labour

Labour

Conservative

Labour

(Vice Chair)

Northville ....................................................................................................

District councillors ....................

Roger Hutchinson 3 Northville Rd, BS7 0RQ T: 01454 864048, Mob: 07875 158423 E: Roger.Hutchinson@southglos.gov.uk Adam Monk 642 Southmead Road, BS34 7RE T: 01454 864 056, Mob: 07801 999699 E: Adam.Monk@southglos.gov.uk Ian Scott 55 Charborough Road, BS34 7QZ E: Ian.Scott@southglos.gov.uk

Children’s activities

The centre runs 5 different types of birthday parties, it offers an indoor soft play area and outside there are two 5 aside/ tennis courts and a children’s play park, a BMX track, a cycle MP ............................................................... speedway track and Jack Lopresti a new skateboard 27 The Courtyard, Woodlands, park Bradley Stoke BS32 4NH T: 01454 617783 or 020 7219 7070

Filton Town Council meeting dates Feb 14th 7.30p.m Finance Committee, Pavilion Feb 21st 7.30p.m Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room Feb 28th 7.30p.m Full Council, Pavilion

• For details contact the town council office. Tel: 01454 866 698; Leisure Centre Tel: 01454 866686; or our website www.filton-town-council.co.uk • The leisure centre reception is open Monday to Friday 9am – 7.30pm and weekends 9am – 5.30pm. Please pop in and see us or ring on 01454 866686 for information.

0% increase in precept is agreed Firstly, Filton Town Council wish all residents a very happy new year.

Secondly, there is some good news with regard to the town Council portion of your Council tax. In December it was announced in Filtonvoice that unfortunately, despite

significant cost saving measures, which had been put in place after only six months into the newly formed Council, there was still going to be an increase in the town council precept (the portion of money that South Gloucestershire contribute).

We are now delighted to

Pavilion showers Grant scheme Just a quick update regarding the showers at the Pavilion.

The work has now finished and the showers are now mains fed instead of being fed by the old water tank on site .This new design will cut out any risk of bacteria and lead to a more efficient system for the council.

The new system included a new calorifier as the old one from 1962 would not stand the pressure of a mains supply. The showers will be open to football teams when Bath Water Works who installed the system have received a water inspection certificate from the UKAS accredited laboratory. This was sent on the 25th January and the results take 14 days.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bath Water Works for a quick and efficient job and also the Football teams for their tolerance and understanding throughout this difficult disruptive job.

Neil Palmer, Maintenance Manager

Filton Festival

Are you a member of a local organisation or community group who would like to raise their profile and also have some fun at the same time? Book a stall at this year’s annual Filton Festival.

The festival takes place on Sunday 1st July at Elm Park Playing Fields. Stalls cost £10 for local community groups or £40 for traders. To book a stall please contact Tash on 01454 866698 or e-mail office@ filtontowncouncil.co.uk for more details.

Every year Filton Town Council sets aside money within their budget for community grants.

Filton Town Council is empowered to award grants to groups running projects in Filton or which benefit the residents of Filton. The general premise is that the work of the group should benefit some or all of the residents of Filton.

If your organisation is intending to apply for a grant during 2012/2013 please note that application forms can be downloaded from the Town Council website at www.filtontown-council.co.uk or from the Town council office by e -mailing office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk or telephoning 01454 866698.

Applications must be returned by either 30th April or 30th September 2012.

Ratepayers pub

Come and celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Ratepayers Arms and enjoy the’ Irish craic’ with a live Band. ‘Darwin’s Last Hope’ will be appearing at the Ratepayers Arms on Saturday 17th March.

It’s free entry with a late bar until 12.30am. Contact John Beese (bar manager) on 017813 814075 for further details.

The skittle alley is available for hire with special rates for parties of 30 or more people. Contact John on 017813 814075 for more details.

Dreamscheme

Dreamscheme is a national project that involves children and young people aged 8 – 16 years of age. It’s based on a simple concept of Work, Points and Trips.

announce, that as a result an increase in band D properties in Filton, there will be a 0% ( YES – Zero!) increase for 2012 – 2013.

As the current Chair of Finance, I would like to reiterate that this has only been possible through the unified approach of the town Council with staff

Filton Town Council has been approached by Debbie Teml from St Andrews Methodist Youth Centre and Katie Donovan from Southern Brooks to look at developing a Dreamscheme project in Filton where young people and community members can work together to improve their community.

looking in detail at savings across the board, and the people of Filton who contributed ideas.

There are still savings to be made and more importantly – realistic income generation as part of developing a medium/ long term town council plan.

Cllr Bill Moore

Following a presentation

by Debbie at a recent Town Council meeting, a group of councillors have since met to carry out a ‘walkabout’ of the Leisure Centre to identify a piece of wall or an area suitable for the project. For further information please contact Debbie at standrewsmyc@ hotmail.co.uk or 0117 9691938.

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News

filtonvoice

Hospital sorry for appointment chaos

Patients had operations cancelled and hundreds more were given clinic appointments that did not exist due to problems with a new £3.9 million computer system at Southmead Hospital.

Managers have called for an independent review of the chaos that has affected Southmead and Frenchay hospitals.

The chairman of the hospital trust, Peter Rilett, was reported as saying the Cerner Millennium System was “not fit for purpose”.

The new system was introduced in December but in some cases consultants have been forced to send patients away without surgery because their notes were not available.

Other patients were turned away for outpatient appointments that had not been recorded on the new system,

which is intended to cope with about 30,000 appointments per month.

Dr Chris Burton, Medical Director of North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “Here at North Bristol NHS Trust we have been implementing a new electronic patient record system to replace an outdated, less efficient system.

“Our wards, two minor injuries units, the Emergency

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Department, theatres and maternity are using the new system. We have experienced some unexpected problems with some of our outpatient clinics resulting in non-existent appointments to be set up and letters sent to patients in error.

“Our priority is always patient safety and we are clear that this has not been compromised.

“These issues have caused disruption and frustration for

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our patients and our staff and we recognise that this has not delivered the level of service that we expect, and the public expect, from us. We apologise wholeheartedly for that.”

The trust told filtonvoice that currently around 90 per cent of outpatient activity was now being processed via Cerner and it was their intention that 100% of outpatient areas would be fully using Cerner by mid February.

The introduction of the system involved 6,500 staff being retrained. The trust said it was not aware of any patients being harmed as a result of the move to the new system, designed to replace paper notes.

Responding to criticism that training in the system has not been adequate, the trust said only a few hundred causal staff had yet to be trained.

NBT said it was sure the issue was not with the Cerner system itself but issues that had occurred in its implementation.

Information can be found at www.nbt.nhs.uk.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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February 15-18

St Andrew’s Players present “Calamity Jane - The Panto” It will be held at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS from Wednesday, 15th to Saturday, 18th February, starting at 7.30 pm.

There will be a Saturday Matinee, 18th February, 2.30pm.

Tickets: Adults - £6, Children £3. Box Office: 0117 9755538 Donations will be made to: Shine Together and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. l The Daylight Saving Bill was derailed by a small group of MPs last month but pressure is growing on the government to give the bill a fair hearing.

Filton MP Jack Lopresti has joined scores of other politicians and organisations calling for more parliamentary time to see it through.

The bill would mandate the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of putting clocks forward an hour throughout the UK, resulting in lighter evenings every day of the year.

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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February, 2012

Twins - but five years apart Remarkable work at Southmead Hospital brings joy to parents Brother and sister Reuben and Floren Blake were conceived from the same batch of embryos but born five years apart thanks to fertility treatment at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), based in Southmead Hospital.

Parents Simon, 45, and Jody Blake, 38, had been trying to start a family without success and began fertility treatment in 2005. During the process, five embryos were created and two implanted in Mrs Blake, which resulted in the birth of Reuben in December 2006.

The remaining three embryos were frozen until the couple, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, decided to try for another child last year.

Against the odds, Floren arrived on November 16 2011 two weeks before her due date - but five years after her twin brother.

Mrs Blake said: “We obviously had nine months to get it straight and to think ‘Gosh, we’re having Reuben’s twin’, but it’s incredibly special.

“When we had Floren, because I had her by Caesarean, we told the theatre team and they were all absolutely blown away and excited, ecstatic really.

“They were sort of saying ‘We’ve never had this before’ and they were just really, really excited for us, which just made

the experience really special.

“Reuben knows that she’s been in the freezer - he likes to say she has been in the freezer with the chips and the chicken so he is sort of aware that she is his twin, but obviously he doesn’t really understand how it’s all worked really.

“She does look like a mini version of him really.”

They were first referred to the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine, which at the time was

based in Clifton but has since moved to Southmead Hospital, in September 2005 to have intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment - a technique used with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in which one sperm is injected into one egg in order to fertilise it.

Five embryos were produced and two were implanted in Mrs Blake’s womb. The remaining three were then frozen.

The treatment was successful and in March last year the couple returned to the BCRM at Southmead Hospital when one embryo that survived the defrosting process was then implanted into Mrs Blake.

Dr Valentine Akande, lead clinician and director of fertility services at the BCRM, at Southmead Hospital, said: “We would very often recommend storing surplus embryos so that they can be used at a later date.”

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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It’s Filton College no more after merger The new South Gloucestershire and Stroud College has officially launched with staff and students celebrating the merger of thetwo institutions.

Kevin Hamblin has been selected to become Principal and Chief Executive of the new college after successfully leading Filton College over the last ten years.

During his leadership at Filton, student numbers doubled and success rates placed Filton College in the top 10% of colleges nationally.

Mr Hamblin said: “The merger between Filton and Stroud Colleges is central to realising our shared ambition to extend and protect our provision for learners, employers and local stakeholders – to meet the challenges of the economic

development of individuals and the social regeneration of our connecting communities.

“Both Filton and Stroud colleges were extremely successful independently, but as a merged institution we can secure a sustainable future that can weather the turbulence of the national environment over the coming years.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College has the ability to meet the needs of all our learners and employers through the pooling of our resources, expertise and aspirations. The merger is the union of two like-minded organisations: compatible cultures, harmonised vision, and equally high standards of learner success’.

The founding Board of Governors of South

Gloucestershire and Stroud College consists of four governors from the previous boards of Filton and Stroud Colleges respectively and is chaired by John Huggett, the former Filton College Chair who has been an active college governor for the last two decades.

Staff at both Filton and Stroud Colleges marked the end of both colleges with a series of celebrations to recognise the achievements of both institutions and to recognise the impact they have had on learners and their local communities. The day’s events at Stroud College were especially poignant as staff and students said goodbye to retiring Principal Beri Hare.

Her services to education were recently recognised when she was awarded the OBE.

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Green cash for homes

South Gloucestershire Council is helping to set up a new scheme to encourage more Filton residents to invest in home energy saving measures.

Although open to all households, the Countdown Project is aimed particularly at people who have difficulty heating their homes efficiently with the rise in energy prices but who also have an interest in making their property more energy efficient. For example, you will be able to apply for funding to help invest in green technology, such as air or ground source heat pumps, or put the money towards the cost of cavity wall insulation.

The £30,000 investment in the Countdown Project by South Gloucestershire Council will be spread over three years and applications for the scheme will be available in the summer.

To find out more about this scheme, email our private sector housing team at psechousing@ southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 865453.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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February, 2012

Students’ vision for Conygre House

UWE Architecture students have completed an exercise to put together their vision of Conygre House and how it could be used for the community in Filton.

Eighteen students in their second or third year studying architecture, planning and environmental engineering at UWE produced ideas for the revival of the house, one of the few historic buildings in Filton.

This challenging design studio project gave students a valuable opportunity to test their skills on a real project and the very positive experience of working with a group of local residents who have been campaigning to save the building as a community centre.

The students worked in groups of three or four

to produce five alternative proposals for the re-use of the building, which dates back to the 17th Century. They worked under the guidance of Jonathan Lees, an architect trained at UWE who was born in Filton and recently opened his own architectural practice in Bristol.

With a café or restaurant as the central social space the designs had rooms for community services where visiting practitioners for everything from rieki massage to

hairdressing could come in.

There were rooms for local meeting spaces, training and one inspirational idea of an entertainment space with a large screen and stage. The mainstay of all these plans was a series of rooms for small companies to set up business and a work-hub.

Backers of Conygre House have produced a study which attempts to show how the house could have a future as a sustainable community facility, with no drain on public money.

A decision on the plan will be made in the Spring and if the case is made, a committee will be formed to run the facility on behalf of the community.

Friends of Conygre House spokesman and former town councillor Tony Blake said: “We want this facility to be there for social needs, as a meeting place, as a venue for services such as chiropody and advice.”

Last year, Filton Town Council contributed £1,500 towards the feasibility study.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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music industry experts and musicians and the finalists will be announced on Friday 18th May. The finalists will take part in a battle of the bands to determine the winner on Wednesday 30th May and the winner in each category will perform live at a final competition reception on the Terrace at the House of Commons in the evening.

Mr Lopresti, above, said: “There is a wealth of live music talent in my constituency, and I would urge all musicians and live music venues to fill in an application and send it to me.

The recognition and contacts entrants can get from taking part is priceless and it would be great to put the constituency on the map for its artistic talent.”

Mr Weatherley said: “The UK has a world-leading music and creative industry and this competition aims to celebrate the very best up-and-coming artists; and to raise the profile of intellectual property rights among politicians. I urge all unsigned musicians to fill in an application form and send a copy of their music to their MP.”

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Filton MP Jack Lopresti is supporting the second annual Parliamentary live music competition, Rock the House, and invites under-18s, solo artists, bands and live music venues in the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency to write and nominate themselves.

The competition was founded

by Mike Weatherley MP in support of the UK live music sector to raise the profile of intellectual property rights issues and counts rock legends Alice Cooper and Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan as Patrons.

Musicians and live music venues within the Filton and Bradley Stoke area can find all forms and information on the competition at www. rockthehouse2012.com and can send in their nominations to Jack at loprestij@parliament.uk.

Any musicians outside the constituency can still write to their own MP to nominate themselves to take part.

Prizes include music equipment, and a chance to play at high profile festivals and mingle with the great and the good of the music industry.

Successful nominees will go forward to the national competition which will be judged by a panel of international

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Big spring clean

Back to Victorian Bristol I’ve been more or less laid up this month, having fallen down the bottom step of the flight leading to my parents’ house and sprained my ankle the day before Christmas Eve. (I know what you’re thinking, but I hadn’t had a single drink.)

Then, the catering pack of Ibuprofen which staff in the Minor Injuries Unit told me to take exacerbated the ulcer I didn’t know I had, and consequently I’ve spent much of 2012 propped up on the settee feeling sorry for myself, rather than getting out and about.

Still, I have a column to fill so I thought I’d dig out one of the Bristol poems from my collection, ‘Communion’. It’s a true story my grandmother, Hilda Hill, used to tell me and my cousins when we were small, about her grandmother, Mary Block, who used to run a sort of early takeaway on Christmas Steps, selling faggots and peas in pails to the men laying the tramlines in the Centre.

February, 2012

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A call for volunteers in Filton has gone out to persuade community groups and residents to support the annual Big Spring Clean, which runs from March 1 to April 30.

South Glos Council is looking for people to join us in taking action against litter as part of a national campaign to give our neighbourhoods and open spaces a spring clean. Last year around 60 groups took part in the campaign clocking up a staggering 5,000 hours of volunteering to improve the local environment.

Cllr James Hunt, executive member for communities, said: “What a difference we could make to South Gloucestershire if we all did a little bit of spring cleaning in our local area.”

You need to register by Friday 24 February to take part.

Download a booking form from our website at www.southglos. gov.uk/bigspringclean Alternatively, you can email NaturalEnvironment@ southglos.gov.uk to request a form or call 01454 863592.

Deborah Harvey

The Mary Block Pleasure, for my great-greatgrandmother, was always deferred.

You’ll get your reward in Heaven the creed of her fellow Brethren as they trod their narrow path towards a stern, starch-collared God. Abstinence deemed a virtue, while hardship fell like blessings on their heads.

Not that Mary never softened.

At times she pitied the wanting faces of her offspring.

Scarlet ribbons … marbles … a waxen doll …

You’ll get it when my ship comes in!

Almost a promise you live by the harbour of a city a-bristle with ships, and surely not idle (for Mary Block was never idle).

Unlike her daughters, sent out for pig’s fry, but sidling along the quays in search of adventure amongst the stacked timber, the bales of tobacco, the casks of amber Bristol Milk, and finding a ship gilded to legend by a shadow-shuttered dawn, the name Mary Block engraved on her bows and escaping like orisons from their mouths as they hallelujah up Christmas Steps towards disappointment. ©Deborah Harvey 2011 Deborah Harvey is a Filton poet and author.

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February, 2012

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Local history Business in Filton, 1920s style Have a look at this wonderful old picture of Turner’s Bakery in Filton, though to have been taken in the 1920s.

It was kindly sent in by Peggy Allen of Filton Community History, who said that people may remember it as the baker’s shop next door to the National Provincial, and later the Nat West Bank.

She told us: “In 1910 Edward and Bessie Turner opened a bakery and confectionery in a shop at the top of Filton Hill (approximately where the golf shop is now). Ted made bread and cakes in the bakehouse behind the house, and to complement the sales, Bessie started serving teas at one side of the shop.

“Over the next eight years they had three children, Freda, Ivy and Ron, and as they grew up Turner’s became a family business, with the family living behind and over the shop. The shop became busier as the aircraft factory grew, and in addition to the shop, Bessie eventually opened a café in a wooden hut further up the road behind the rank of shops.

“They developed bread rounds, selling bread, cakes and some provisions around the Filton and Patchway area, and as far afield as Hallen. After the deaths of Ted in 1948 and Bessie in 1954 the business was carried on by the family in the old shop until they had to move out to the new shops in Church View

in 1963, and the old shop was knocked down for road widening.

“After the sudden death of Ron in 1968 it became increasingly difficult for his sisters and his wife to carry on, and in 1970, sisxty years after Ted and Bessie had started Turner’s Bakery, they sold the business to Turners of Hambrook (not related to them).

“The picture shows Ted, on the right, and either his brother or brother-in-law on the left.”

Peggy Allen Member of Filton Community History and grand-daughter of Edward and Bessie Turner

THE FILTON BARBERS Telephone: 3 Gloucester Road North 0790 774 2566 Filton, Bristol www.thefiltonbarber.co.uk BS7 0SG Mon, Tues: 8am-5pm | Wed: Closed | Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm | Sat: 7am-3pm

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Flowers in Bloom Florist in the heart of Filton

From stunning bouquets and baskets to personalised tributes or sympathy flowers, we can provide you with an arrangement to suit your design and budget for any occasion, with local or national delivery.

124 Gloucester Road North | 0117 979 9594 www.flowersinbloombristol.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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filtonvoice

Filton business of the month

This month, Dougie Daniels meets the old and new owners of Millhouse Butcher

Norman Millhouse with new owner Adrian Cunliffe Rated as possibly Filton’s oldest established traders it had its first beginnings in 1928. Departing owners: Roger and Norman Millhouse and their father, Roy, before them have served generations of customers for nigh on 80 years.

Norman, recently retired, is joining brother, Roger, in handing over the business to Adrian Cunliffe who, along with his wife, Jemma, will soon be familiar faces behind the counter.

The name, “Millhouse Butchers” will remain.

With quality and service at the forefront, it has a 5 star rating from South Gloucestershire Council.

“Where did your family start up the business?” I asked Norman.

He told me: “Grandfather,

Charles, came from London to open the shop in 1928.

“He was 48 years’ old and with his wife and four children it was a big step to take so late in life.

“He worked very hard and took £15 in his first week’s trade and was overjoyed at making the princely sum of £5 – a lot of money at the time.

“His eldest son, Jack, opened a shop opposite Pegasus House in the late 30’s and Roy, my father, took over the present shop after the war.

“Roy served in the Navy as a Gunman on the merchant ships.

He was sunk 3 times and was lucky to survive.

“Roger, my brother, emigrated to Australia in 1968 returned in 1972 to join me when I began in the shop in 1961.

February, 2012

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“What do you intend to do now you are retired?” I enquired.

“I’ll play a little golf and we will all help the new owners whenever it becomes necessary,” he said.

“What was your most exciting experience?”

“Without hesitation … “flying supersonic on Concorde,” he said. “Incredible.”

I asked Norman for his parting comments.

He said: “I want to acknowledge the fantastic support we have received from the local people. I want to thank them sincerely for our well nigh 50 years of trading.

“They have been our lifeline.

May the business long continue.”

Advertising feature

Familes’ constant struggle with debt

As many as ten million Britons are locked in a ‘constant struggle’ with debt, according to research undertaken by the University of Nottingham for the charity, Money Advice Trust.

The study found an estimated 2.5 million people in the UK are in arrears on at least one consumer credit product, household bill or other domestic payment.

Unfortunately more people are likely to struggle in 2012.

With unemployment rising and wage growth relatively flat, whilst prices are going up, it’s going to take a greater proportion of household income to heat your home, put food on your table and petrol in your car.

The real squeeze for most Britons has come from years of slow-rising pay at a time when inflation has taken off, with the consumer prices index peaking at more than 5 per cent last year.

Rental costs have also risen sharply, as has unemployment.

The good news is that individuals are now doing something about it. I am speaking with so many more families in Bristol who are fed up with the state of their finances.

They have decided to take positive action and are getting to grips with their growing debt.

Until recently people tended to “stick their head in the sand” but a new year and a new resolve seems to have provided new clarity of thought.

Alan Crawford, Eurodebt See advert on Page 11

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

February, 2012

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Advertising feature

... new party idea

Children’s birthdays – they come round the same time every year, so it really shouldn’t be a big surprise, or a last minute panic. But it’s difficult to think of something different to keep the little darlings entertained.

There’s only so long that soft play areas and discos can thrill them.

They seem to want something more sophisticated, so much younger these days.

Luckily there’s people like Karina who runs Bubbletastic, to save the day. She’ll come to your home (or local hall) and run a soap making party. She works with children aged 5 and over, occupying from 6 to 12 of them, for about 2 hours, making their own soap, bath bombs, lip balm and bubble bath. She comes along with a car full of goodies, lots of patience and the skills to help them make their own bath creations, which they then take home in their party-bag gifts…no

more plastic rubbish and sugar invading the house.

Each girl (and yes lots of boys love it too), selects their own scents, colours, petals, sparkles, shapes and glitter. They then pour, mix, mould and wrap their creations. They can keep them, use them (or if you’re really honoured,) give them as presents.

Feedback from the parties has been brilliant…. “If all your parties are as good as this one, then no wonder you are busy!”

Mum of Taryn age 7, “Thanks so much for today, we had a great time. Lottie said it was the best party she’s ever had” Mum of Lottie age 10 and my personal favourite from an 8-year old - “WOW, you just have the best job in the Whole World...because you just get to go to parties all the time!”

So this year, if you want an easy, creative and no fuss party – bring in the expert.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Sport

Focus: St Vallier AFC St Vallier AFC are a local side based at Elm Park, Filton, who provide a platform for local boys and girls to learn, play and enjoy their football.

St Vallier were founded in 1984 and were once one of the top sides in Bristol and represented teams in every age division and many players have gone on to play for professional clubs. One such player of recent times is Chris Lines, a Filton lad who played for the club and represented Bristol Rovers and today plays his football for Sheffield Wednesday.

St Vallier did slip into near extinction until the club chairman Ray Edwards started the youth development programme in 2007 to build teams for the future and with the goal to represent St Vallier & (Filton) at all age levels for many years to come.

St Vallier can now proudly say

Calling all Filton sports clubs: tell us about what you do and we will feature your results and news. Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@ filtonvoice.co.uk

February, 2012

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we now have representation at under 9,10&11,s in the Hanham Minor League and under 14&16s in the Avon Youth League.

And with the youth development programme the u8,s are in wait for their league debut due to start in Sep 2012 The Youth Development squads are started from school year 1 (u6s) school year 2(u7s)

and school year 3(u8s) and the soccer school takes place at Elm Park in Filton(bottom fields) every Saturday from 10-11:30am and the emphasis is on developing the players and mostly focusing on their enjoyment of the game, whatever their ability. All coaches are qualified to FA requirements and the club have to continually undergo a yearly health check to maintain the FA’s Charter Standard Club accreditation.

St Vallier AFC are always keen to develop local relationships with schools and organisations as the next aim is to achieve the FA’s Standard charter community club status.

For further information please contact Club Chairman Ray Edwards on 01179698471 or 07730231117 or Youth Development Coach Ian Jones on 07815613151 or email i.jones50@yahoo.co.uk

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

February, 2012

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33

Flyers: we’ll bounce back from cup agony Head coach Andreas Kapoulas insists his Filton-based Bristol Academy Flyers will bounce back from their recent National Cup final heartbreak by going on to win their second successive league title.

Kapoulas watched his side suffer an agonising 64-63 defeat at the hands of London Leopards in Sheffield – in a game in which his side had led from the early stages all the way up until the final two minutes.

He said he was determined that his side would bounce back from the cup loss The Filton College-based team made the long trip back without the trophy for a second successive year, having lost to

Brixton Topcats 12 months ago – but Kapoulas is determined not to let the disappointment have a negative effect on the rest of his side’s season.

“The fact we were in control of the game for the majority of it makes it that little bit harder to take,” he said.

“It happens in basketball sometimes and now it is my job to lift the players up again. We are still top of Division One and have a chance to win the National Trophy, so it is important now that we put this disappointment behind us and focus on what is ahead.

“We suffered a similar

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disappointment this time last year and then went on to win the league. That’s what we’ll be aiming to do again.

“The guys can all go away with their heads held high. We’ve been in the last three finals and that is an achievement in itself. They all played a great game, but it just didn’t go our way. Sometimes you just have to accept that.”

Flyers had a 12-point cushion going into the final quarter and looked certain to see the game out before a scintillating display from the Leopards in the last ten minutes completed an unlikely comeback.

The two sides were locked at 59-59 going into the final minute before Leopards’ David Buchberger sunk a three-pointer.

Flyers were backed by a vociferous travelling contingent, and Kapoulas added: “I just wish we could have won the game to give them something to celebrate on the way home.”

Flyers’ remaining home fixtures Feb 18, 7.00pm, Bristol Academy Flyers v Brixton Topcats, WISE Campus, Filton College Mar 3 2012 7.00pm, Bristol Academy Flyers v BA London Leopards, WISE Campus – Filton College Mar 17, 2012, 7.00pm,

Bristol Academy Flyers v Medway Park Crusaders, WISE Campus, Filton College Mar 25 2012, 7.00pm, Bristol Academy Flyers v Westminster Warriors, WISE Campus, Filton College Entry prices are £5 adult; £3 concessions.

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KPNE Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Pink Home Loans. Pink Home Loans is a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Filton gardening

February: Potatoes

Emily Hall of Almondsbury Garden Centre discusses Seed Potatoes, Growing Potatoes, Potato Planters, and how to grow potatoes anywhere!

How do I grow potatoes?

Potatoes are a great vegetable if you are just starting out with grow your own. They can be grown in any space and need sunlight and frost free conditions. The only question you really need to ask yourself is which type of potatoes should I grow?

The choice is between ‘Earlies’ and ‘Maincrops’. These names basically tell you when they need to be cropped and also give you an indication of the space you’ll need, how closely and when the potatoes can be planted.

Early Potatoes If you are short of space you should concentrate on Early

potato varieties such as Duke of York, Annabelle and Swift.

They will provide new potatoes in summer.

They are usually planted between January and March and are ready for digging from May to July.

Earlies are also less likely to encounter pest problems as they are lifted so much earlier in the year. Short on space, why not try growing your early Swift seeds in a potato grow bag.

Maincrop Potatoes Maincrop take up the most space in the garden and the varieties will provide tubers for storage during the winter months.

Planted in mid-April, these potatoes will be ready for digging in August and for storage in September. Varieties include Desiree, King Edward and Maris Piper.

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February, 2012

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

... with Emily Hall

Filton planning Applications

Your problems solved I grew potatoes last year and they were soft and spongy, how do I avoid this?

If you have grown potatoes before and they have ended up soft and spongy, this is simply down to them being dehydrated.

Watering them every day in hot weather is important. Do not let the leaves wilt or look tired, just like any plant, keep them fed, watered and warm!

What kind of soil do I need?

From a strip of land to a field, potatoes are easy to please and will grow in most soils.

What is Chitting?

Before planting your potatoes it is a good idea to ‘chit’ them. Chitting simply means encouraging the seed potatoes to sprout before planting.

You need to start chitting about six weeks before you intend to plant out the potatoes. Each seed potato has a more rounded, blunt end that has a number of ‘eyes’. Stand the tubers with the blunt end uppermost in trays or old egg boxes, with plenty of natural light. The shoots will be ready to be planted out when they are 0.5 to 1 inch long.

How do I plant seed potatoes?

You should plant your chitted potatoes when your soil has started to warm up. A good indicator is usually mid-March or early April.

You need to have a v-shaped trench about 3 inches deep; although this will vary depending on the type of potatoes you are planting. Make sure you add some feed/fertiliser in the soil and ensure that there is a good helping of manure.

Planting your earlies about 12 inches apart is a good guide and plant your second earlies and maincrops around 15 inches apart. Make sure you handle your chitted potatoes with care as the shoots will be extremely delicate.

Place them into the trench with the shoots facing up and cover potatoes lightly with soil. Keep them watered, warm and frost free and if you are struggling for space, plant your potatoes in an old tyre or veg planter?

Emily Hall, Park Garden Centre, See advert on Page 40

14 Dunkeld Avenue, Filton Erection of single storey and two storey rear extensions to form additional living accommodation.

Land Adjacent To 2 Gayner Road, Filton Non-material amendment to PT11/0837/F to amend boundary between host site and new dwelling.

Airbus UK Ltd, Gloucester Road North, Filton Variation of condition 3 attached to planning application PT05/0749/O to allow for an extension of time for the submission of reserved matters for the campus area.

Airbus UK, Golf Course Lane, Filton Erection of a Data Centre with supporting external plant compound and associated parking.

69 Gloucester Road North, Filton Erection of 2 detached dwellings with associated works.

46 Tenth Avenue, Filton Erection of 1 detached dwelling with associated works Decisions Broncksea Road, Filton Erection of single storey side and rear extension to provide additional living accommodation.

Full Planning Approve with Conditions 81A Gloucester Road North, Filton Erection of single storey rear extension, installation of rear dormer window to include Juliet balcony and new vehicle access and associated works.

Full Planning Approve with Conditions

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

filtonvoice weddings Valentine’s Day is upon us ... so it’s the right time for marriage proposals. Yet the proposal is the just the first step so this month we take a look at some of the things our future Filton brides and grooms need to think about

Giving notice

Before you can marry in a register office, approved premises, church or chapel in England or Wales (other than within the Church of England where you may have banns called), you must each give notice of your intention to marry.

A fee of £33.50 is charged for each notice.

Couples living in Filton who are British nationals or nationals of a member of the European Economic Area can give their Notice of Marriage at the Register Office, Poole Court, Poole Court Drive, Yate, or in certain circumstances at Kingswood Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood.

Appointments for Notices of Marriage can be made by telephoning the Register Office on 01454 863140

l In 2008, the average cost of a UK wedding was over £20,000. However, in 2012 the average cost of getting married has dropped by a massive 25% to £15,500, probably due to the recession.

Despite a £5,000 drop, a £15,500 average wedding budget is still a lot of money!

So where does all this money go? The reception usually accounts for the largest part of the budget, with couples spending around £4,000 on their venue and feeding their guests. The bride’s dress, groom’s suit and other attendant’s outfits can often add a further £2,000.

Then add the engagement ring, photographer, flowers, cake, transport, stationery and the cost of the stag/hen festivities and you can see how it’s very easy to spend well over five figures! www.compareweddinginsurance.org.uk

Where you can get married

You can get married in a church or other religious building, with a ceremony conducted by a priest or minister. Or, you can have a civil ceremony at a register office or at an approved premise, conducted by a superintendent registrar.

If you wish to be married in the Church of England or Church in Wales you should speak to the vicar of the church. There is usually no need to involve the local superintendent registrar. Civil ceremonies can take place at a register office or in other buildings that have been approved to hold a civil marriage.

Marriages are not allowed to take place outdoors or in temporary or mobile structures such as marquees or boats.

l Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart. In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness.

filtonvoice weddings Bow cloche hat £20 Accessorize

Fashion to fall in love with

Floral strapless dress £95 Next

It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air! If you’re going to a wedding or engagement party, make sure you look your best in the new spring range from our local shops!

BC

Dandelion prom dress £70 Monsoon

Romance clutch £12 Brantano

Love Lace Shoes, Emilio Luca £26.00 Brantano

Restored pre-loved & sample gowns All under £500 Over 100 Dresses from size 8-24 in stock

Tel. Christina on 0117 983 0528

Apricot Perspex heel shoes £29.99 New Look

38

T: 0777 555 0607

Advertising feature

February: Antifreeze

With the temperatures dropping sharply this month, it is vital to ensure your car is protected with antifreeze. Here are some points to look out for.

A continuous squealing noise as soon as the engine is started is a sign the water pump is frozen - it’s the fan belt slipping on the pulley. The cylinder block could be frozen too. Stop the engine immediately and allow it to thaw out. This may take several days unless the car can be moved to a heated garage.

If the car begins to overheat a few miles from home it’s likely that the radiator has frozen preventing coolant from circulating. Stop straight away to avoid serious damage and allow the radiator to thaw.

Antifreeze costs only a few pounds, prices at Motaman start at £4.99 for a 1L bottle, but a frozen and cracked engine block will cost hundreds of pounds to repair. Most modern cars use long-life antifreeze - but it’s important to use the right type and avoid mixing different types.

Check the handbook or ask in our store.

Glycol-based antifreeze should be changed at least every two years.

You need a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system for winter. This gives maximum protection down to -34° centigrade, and without it, severe engine damage costing hundreds of pounds can occur.

See advert on Page 23

filtonvoice

February, 2012

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

Mrs Dawson’s Filton kitchen

Valentine’s Cup Cakes Mrs Dawson says, “These lovely treats are a thoughtful way to show someone you care! They’re also really easy and great fun to make with the kids during the school holidays.”

Ingredients • 110g/4oz unsalted butter • 110g/4oz caster sugar • 30g/1oz flavouring: lemon zest, grated or 6 drops vanilla essence • 2 eggs, whisked • 110g/4oz self-raising flour For the icing • 125g/4oz butter, softened • 250g/8oz icing sugar • 1 tbsp milk • small drop red food colouring Preparation method 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

2. Cream the butter and the sugar together until light and fluffy. Add your chosen flavouring of lemon zest or vanilla.

3. Add the whisked egg to the mixture. Slowly fold in the self-raising flour and spoon the mixture into paper cases sitting in a bun tin.

4. Cook for approximately 10 minutes until risen and bouncy to touch. Allow to cool.

5. For the icing, beat the butter in a bowl until light and fluffy. Carefully stir in the icing sugar and continue to beat for five minutes. Beat in the milk and food colouring.

6. Pipe the icing onto the cup cakes and decorate with heart-shaped sweets.

FilTEEN

Find the countries in the grid: Andorra, Armenia, Aruba, Benin, Bhutan, Chad, China, Congo, Cuba, Denmark, Fiji, Gambia, Godthab, Guam, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Laos, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Peru, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Sudan, Togo, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, USA, Western Samoa, Yemen, Zaire

Yo dude. Whattup?

This is what I woke up to on Saturday morning. My friend had messaged me asking whether I would like to meet with him that following day.

Many teenagers and young people use the so called ‘text language’ whilst using BBM, Facebook and Twitter.

This is used frequently in our day-to-day lives, and has taken over the way in which we communicate. ‘OMG, LOL, BRB’ are all examples of ways in which teenagers communicate.

Some people often resort to speaking this language!

Yes, that’s right; people will actually say ‘LOL’ in public, and will be proud about it!

I would be interested in your view on text language, so email the editor, and your question and answers will be published on the FiltonVoice web page! Thnxs 4 redin!

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk