Filtonvoice June 2013 issue

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filtonvoice June, 2013 Issue 21

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Property of the month, Page 23 | Letters, Pages 14&15

Cuts on cuts! Just two trims a year P3

Looking rosy for garden project P6

Rallying call to save Conygre House, Pages 8&9

Sporting honours for Big name stores Filton primary P18 for retail park P7

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Filton people raising charity cash P13&29

Filton MP Jack fighting cancer Filton MP Jack Lopresti is fighting cancer, he has revealed.

The Filton and Bradley Stoke MP said the outlook was postitive after treatment at Southmead and Frenchay hospitals.

Mr Lopresti has been in and out of hospital with suspected appendicitis for three months which culminated in a major operation three weeks ago and he has now been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

He said: “‘I am to have three months’ chemotherapy.

I am not sure yet how I will be affected by the treatment but it is my intention to get well as soon as possible and do as much Turn to Page 3

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June, 2013 Please mention Filtonvoice when replying to an advert!!!

Read why advertising in ‘The Voice’ is the BEST option ... just listen to what our advertisers and customers are saying GotoiT, P28

Computer repairs

I recently had a computer virus and on a Saturday morning I phoned Graham at gotoiT. He could not have been more helpful and asked me to bring my computer in straight away. Graham phoned me several times to keep me updated on his progress and I picked up my computer the following Tuesday, completely restored to health. I was impressed that he explained things to me in words I could understand and he was very professional. I am delighted to find such excellent service locally.

DGR Windows, P26 Window and door repairs

After reading the advert for DGR Windows in the ‘Voice’ we contacted them and 2 other companies who all attended and quoted for 6 replacement ‘Georgian’ barred double glazed units that had ‘misted’ up over the years. Not only was DGR Windows the cheapest quote but the time scale between measuring and fitting was just under 3 weeks. He is a very personable man and we would happily recommend his work to any person needing similar work to ourselves.

Lanes Carpets, P34 Carpet supply and fitting

Jeff as usual did a first class job of measuring, ordering and fitting a new bedroom carpet. The time scale between contact and completion was very acceptable. The price and fitting charges very reasonable. Would recommend him for all types of carpets and flooring.

Andrew Murley (digital aerial installation), P32

Andrew responded promptly to my phone call to attend our house (poor television signal). He diagnosed various connection problems, upgraded the booster and plugs and re-tuned the TVs. All at a reasonable cost. (He insisted on removing his shoes on entry!) 2 0 1 3 Very impressed.

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, P23

We are happy and proud to be associated with such a high quality publication – it is well written, well designed and it is probably the best local magazine we have seen.

Dream Doors, P24

I have used FiltonVoice from the very first issue to advertise our FACS (Friends of Abbeywood Community School) events. At our car boot sale on 19th May we asked people coming through the door how they had heard of the event and the vast majority said it was because they’d seen it in FiltonVoice.

They also commented on what a great magazine it is. I shall continue using the magazine to advertise our fundraising events.

Jeanne Clements (FACS)

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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.

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 or Emma on 0771 577 0448. Email: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

June, 2013

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E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Filton MP Jack fighting cancer Cuts on cuts!

Filton faces just two grass verge trims a year

Grass verges across Filton could be cut just twice a year by South Glos Council - down from once a month - under new cost-cutting measures.

A meeting of the town council was told that the grass cutting service would ensure that there were no safety risks but that any extra cutting would have to be funded by residents through the precept (the part of council tax which funds the town council).

Jon Manslow of Streetcare told the town council that the service needed to cut around £0.5million and that maintenance of grass cutting, hedge maintenance, hanging baskets and dog bins would have to be cut back.

He said: “We need to move

to a point where we provide facilities which are fit for purpose but we also have to rationalise services and so we need to work with the parish councils to provide the right level of service.

“From the next financial year we will provide a core service and let the communities top up these services if they choose.”

Mr Manslow said Filton currently had 12-14 grass verge cuts a year but that this could go down to two.

Councillor Rikki Teml said: “This is the effect of localism where will it end?”

The council was also told that there could be insurance issues if residents cut ‘their’ piece of verge. Any changes will begin in the financial year 2014/15.

From Page 1 constituency work as I can in the interim. I apologise in advance to all constituents if I am not out and about during the next three months as much as I normally am. I am looking forward to getting back into full-time action in September.

“The future prognosis is positive, most of the cancer was removed during my recent operation and in my consultant’s own words they will “mop up” any remaining cancer cells and are aiming for a complete cure and recovery.

“I cannot praise enough the medical teams and staff at Frenchay and Southmead for the care I have so far received and that I was looked after wonderfully by them when I was admitted to Frenchay Hospital.

“I would like to place on the record my huge thanks to them and all my friends and family who have rallied round and been

incredibly supportive in what has been a difficult few weeks.

“I am very lucky to be supported by a dedicated and professional team both in Westminster and the constituency. My local office in the Willowbrook Centre, Bradley Stoke, is open every day 9 – 5 run

by Liz Jarvis, my office manager, and Mike Cobb my caseworker.

Please give them a call or better still pop in to the office (no appointment required) if we can help. Jonathan Benjamin as my Senior Parliamentary Assistant manages my London team and can be reached on 0207 219 7070.

“As far as my local and Westminster teams are concerned it is business as usual.

I will continue to serve the people of Filton and Bradley Stoke to the best of my ability, which I am always very honoured and proud to do.”

ERNEST S TILL (South West) & CO LTD ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Shower Installations - Rewires - Sockets - General Maintenance - Intruder & Fire Alarms - Lighting Design & Installation Emergency & Security Lighting Specialists Full Testing & Inspecting to Certification (Landlord’s Certificate) Portable Appliance Testing Local Authority Approved Contractors 2 GLOUCESTER ROAD NORTH, FILTON, BRISTOL BS7 0SF TELEPHONE: 0117 914 5400 FAX: 0117 914 5404 Email: info@estillsouthwest.co.uk Website: www.estillsouthwest.co.uk

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Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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June, 2013

Filton youngsters urged to have their say on new youth council Young people in Filton could be given a greater say in town issues after plans were revealed to set up a youth council.

The council would involve around 20 youngsters, aged 6-18, who would meet on a regular basis to discuss matters which affect those in their age group.

Local teenagers Paige Hinton and George Glover presented the idea at the recent parish assembly, which was well received by councillors and members of the public.

The original idea was driven by the town council but it was stressed that while adults will help set up the youth council, the ideas will come from the young people.

Among the ideas already being considered are:

Centre leader Debbie Teml, left, who assisted Paige and George in the presentation, said membership of the council would come from Filton’s primary schools along with Abbeywood and Orchard secondaries, as well as youth centres and uniformed organisations.

She said: “This is all about bringing young people together to help the adults find out what the younger people want.

“We quite often hear adults • Input to the town’s proposals for a MUGA sports court; • A young people’s page in Filtonvoice; • Feedback to the town council on matters affecting youngsters.

St Andrew’s Methodist Youth

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saying, “Young people want this or that” when in fact they don’t really know.”

Filton Town Council has given the youth council £200 on top of the £200 provided by the youth centre to launch the project and it will begin on June 24.

This budget is for the young people to decide upon, but will benefit the wider Filton young people not just themselves, so it could be to run an activity/trip or buy some equipment.

St Andrew’s Methodist Youth Centre are excited to introduce their two new youth work apprentices, George Glover (18) and Paige Hinton (17), who started work on 1st April.

Supported through South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, the Youth Centre have offered this yearlong Level 2 Youth Work apprenticeship as a pilot which they hope to replicate in future years if all goes well.

George and Paige are paid for 30 hours each week by the Youth Centre and will be completing a variety of tasks to build up their portfolio and assignments learning the art of youth work, with modules including ‘Developing communication skills’, ‘Dealing with challenging behaviour’, ‘Designing and creating activities’, ‘Supporting young people’s play and leisure’ and ‘Safeguarding the welfare of young people’.

Their time includes planning and leading youth work activities with young people aged 9-25 years as well as learning more about the administration, fundraising, and ‘behind the scenes’ work that youth workers do. One of their core responsibilities will be to facilitate the new Filton Youth Council which will be starting this month.

Both George and Paige live in the Church View complex and were both ‘NEET’ (Not in Education Employment or Training) before the youth centre gave them this opportunity through working with the college. They are both looking forward to learning more about youth work and developing their skills for future life and employment.

What are the big issues facing young people in Filton? Write to us at richard@filtonvoice.co.uk and we’ll print your views

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

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June, 2013

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Staff from the University of the West of England have responded after last month’s Filtonvoice, in which residents were highly critical of some Filton landlords and also students living in tented accommodation.

Residents said they were angry with noise, rubbish and general lack of care of properties and that landlords, in some cases, did not seem to care.

UWE has over 30,000 students with roughly 4,000 living in private rented accommodation and employs Nigel England as a dedicated community liaison manager, who works with partners across the city to build and maintain good community relations.

Mr England said: “We have a range of initiatives designed to build community relations including a Moving In campaign, a Waste campaign and a leaflet entitled Keeping the Peace that is given to all students when they move into private rented accommodation. We believe

filtonvoice

UWE: We urge students to be responsible neighbours that prevention is better than cure and that we have a social responsibility to encourage our students to be neighbourly.

“We stress that it is important for students to get to know their neighbours and to behave like responsible residents.

“However some students will inevitably have parties and play loud music. We do all we can to resolve complaints from neighbours when this arises.

“We do have a student code of conduct which students are bound by and a disciplinary procedure. Most complaints are dealt with by way of a first formal

Crooms of Bristol Est 25 years

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Flowers in Bloom

would like to announce the shop on Gloucester Road North is closing down. I would like to thank all our customers for their continued support over the years and I will miss them all.

Julie

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warning and no further action is required. We vary rarely have to take things further.”

“I visit students in their homes and explain that their stay is transient compared to their more permanent neighbours, who have to deal with a new intake of students each year.

“The vast majority of students are respectful people.”

Residents who may experience noise and or anti social behaviour from neighbouring students can contact the University at community@uwe.ac.uk or telephone 01173281366.

Filton resident Dave Mikkelson has urged the town’s South Glos councillors to push for ‘Article 4’ status, which would make it harder for landlords to convert homes into multiple occupancy dwellings.

Under current rules, as long as the house has shared facilities such as a kitchen, planning permission is not needed. An Article 4 ruling would mean that homes in which 3-6 people share facilities would require planning permission, allowing the opportunity to object.

Mr Mikkelson told the town council: “UWE is expanding and Filton is good for landlords. Many students represent a transient community who don’t pay council tax and don’t add anything to the community.”

Cllr Roger Hutchinson said the council is effectively forced to allow flat conversions because if they are refused, the result is usually that they are eventually overturned following a costly appeal.

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Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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June, 2013

Filton Community Garden

Everything in the garden’s rosy for community project

By Bill Moore The Filton Community Garden project is well under way with the construction of the paths and substructure for the main feature benching and raised planters.

This crucial phase, which marks the beginning of a fantastic partnership between Filton Town Council, the wider community and businesses, has

been made possible by Miller Construction and importantly d20 who provide a complete earthwork and ground work service to the construction industry from their offices in Bristol and Bridgwater.

Without d20 onboard, the project could have been held up for months. But with such a prestigious company doing the work we can be assured of a top quality finish which will stand the test of time.

It was Miller Construction who contacted d20 on behalf of the Filton Community Garden Committee and it is the infrastructure support and

Firms praised for construction role in project

financial aid that Miller is providing for this phase that has enabled d20 to become so involved.

With the donations from local business and the Town Council providing funding for the rest of the project, it is now a reality that this project will complete on time and well within the budget that was laid out before the Council and approved last year.

It is anticipated the garden will be completed later this month as laid out in the plans.

Future additions may be considered at later dates.

There is still opportunity for YOUR involvement in this, the first project in Filton to combine the Town Council and the community in making Filton a better place to live, rest and play.

See the poster on this page.

Miller Construction, in partnership with one of its supply chain partners, d20, has donated materials, machinery and labour to help create and shape the new community garden in Filton.

Miller Construction is currently building new office accommodation and custody unit for Avon and Somerset Police Constabulary on Gloucester Road. In partnership with Avon and Somerset Police Authority, Miller Construction aims to deliver tangible benefits for the local community through providing local employment initiatives, sourcing from local suppliers, offering school and college engagements and supporting community projects such as the ‘Community Garden Project’, led by Filton Town Council.

Russell Thomas, Project Manager for Gloucester Road Avon and Somerset Police Accommodation for Miller Construction, said: “We are committed to supporting the local Filton and Patchway communities where we are currently operating. We are delighted to have joined forces with d20 and Filton Town Council and to contribute to the creation of this new community garden.”

Jon Rose, Construction Director for d20, currently working on the Avon and Somerset Police facilities at Filton and Keynsham, added: “As a Bristol-based company, a lot of our staff may well enjoy this new facility. My children spent their primary school years enjoying the playground with their friends and learnt to swim in the Dolphin pool, so it’s nice to be involved in the construction of this new scheme and to give a bit back.

“One of the first contracts undertaken by d20, nearly 12 years ago, was the construction of the learner pool extension at the Filton Dolphin pool facility.”

Community garden volunteers celebrate as the project gets under way, top. Left, volunteers with representitives from Miller and d20

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

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June, 2013

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Big names to open soon at Abbey Wood Retail park

Left and centre, artist’s impressions of the new development. Right, work under way

Major chains have been lined up to occupy the Abbey Wood Retail Park in Filton, with the first set to begin trading as early as September.

Along with Asda, which will take the site of the former Big W store, restaurants Frankie & Benny’s and Nando’s, coffee shop Costa and variety retailer B&M

extensive parking, sits next to the Abbeywood MoD site and will be close to new housing developments and the new Bristol Rovers stadium.

A spokesperson said : “Abbey Wood will serve a vibrant mix of residents, commuters, business workers, students, and, in due course, sports fans.

had signed up for units, as we went to press.

A lease for the former JJB store, next to Pets At Home, has also been agreed, leaving just two new units unoccupied.

Current occupiers on the scheme are Matalan, Pets at Home, Brantano, Next Clearance and McDonald’s.

Leasing agents DTZ told Filtonvoice it was expected the first new units will be open

by September with the others following through the Autumn.

In recent weeks, there has been considerable work on the site with large building frames emerging.

The retail park, which has

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Residents urged to rally as decision day looms for historic Conygre House Residents gather outside Conygre House.

Opposite page, Councillor Keith Briffett.

Main images by Rikki Teml

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June, 2013

The future of Filton’s historic Conygre House - one of the last reminders of ‘old Filton’ - will be decided next month.

Residents are being urged to lobby a meeting of South Glos Council which will consider offers to buy the 400-year-old former farmhouse.

Local people are fearful that the Conygre area will lose another asset and also that there could be the prospect of homes or flats replacing Conygre House.

The council, which owns the building, decided to sell Conygre House in 2005.

Since then, the council has worked with Friends of Conygre House to establish whether it could be run as a community venture.

Costs now mean this seems unlikely and the building and gardens have been on the open market.

It is understood bids have been received, including one from a counselling service which residents say would be beneficial to the area.

However Filton Town Council was told that there was a ‘significant difference’ between this bid and the highest bidder.

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

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Views Mavis Moore and Pam Kershaw: If it does go, we’ll just get more houses and flats. People are very worried., the roads can’t take it any more with the traffic. It’s the last piece of old Filton The town council has now written to South Glos saying that Conygre House, if sold, should remain a community asset.

Around 30 local people gathered outside Conygre House to express their views on the sale.

They were addressed by chairman of Friends of Conygre House and recently elected town councillor Keith Briffett.

He said: “We are worried that they will go for the highest offer then just pull it down.

“We don’t know who the bids are from but we believe that the £250,000 bid from Network training and Counselling would mean the house would offer a very good balance for the community.”

Mr Briffett told residents that with the decision looming, he was keen for as many people as possible to lobby the meeting of South Glos on July 1 at the council HQ in Thornbury, beginning at 7pm.

Protesters were also backed by town council chairman Darryl Collins and Councillor Brian Freeguard who said that there were some protections in place for trees in the grounds.

WAY-A-HEAD

For ladies and gentlemen

Bert Weenink, below, from Bristol-based Network Counselling and Training, said his organisation wanted to turn the house into a counselling service for people with a range of issues, including bereavement, depression, relationship problems and addictions.

He thanked residents for the positive response he had received and added that if successful, his organisation would make space available for community use in the house. He said that funding was from trusts.

Some residents said they believed bat colonies lived in the house, which could affect any future activity on the site.

Protesters are now looking to lay on a bus to take people to the meeting.

If anyone is interested in attending, they should contact Mr Briffett on 0117 969 1504.

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Filton, Bristol BS34 7JL Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Conygre could get its very own bus

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Conygre could get its own bus if a bid for £50,000 is successful.

The bus would be run

by Four Towns & Vale Link Community Transport, which already provides a free or low cost on-demand service for those members of the community who, for whatever reason cannot use existing transport services.

Conygre does not have a regular bus service although Filton councillor Ian Scott has been lobbying Firstbus to run its 75 and 18 services along Filton Avenue and up Conygre Road Now residents are being urged to attend a meeting on Tuesday, June 18, to discuss the issues and establish if there is support for a new bus service. This could pave the way for a bid for cash and the purchase of a bus.

Katie Donovan, Priority Neighbourhood Development Coordinator for Filton, said: “The Conygre Ward has been deprived of a bus service for too long. The Sustainable Transport Fund for

Communities might just provide the answer.

“There is £750,000 available in The Sustainable Transport Fund for Communities within South Gloucestershire and Priority Neighbourhoods can bid for up to £50,000.

“To meet the criteria for this funding we need to prove that a bus could ‘improve access to sustainable travel for residents’, ‘demonstrate support in the community’ and ‘increase the accessibility of regular activity for local residents’ to name just three points on a very long list.

“Please join the ‘Filton Working Together’ group, Tuesday, 18th June 2013, from 6pm until 8pm at the Bethany Church Hall. We need as much support as possible to evidence and document the need for the service in the Conygre ward.”

The meeting will start with short presentations outlining historical context by Cllr Scott and current services on offer

with Michael Parry of Vets4Pets in Filton

No fleas on me please!

Every cat and dog is at risk of being infected with fleas at any point during their lifetime. Flea infestations can make our pets very ill and that’s why Michael Parry, Filton Vets4Pets practice partner and vet, believes it is so important to offer you the best advice and to make sure your pet gets the right parasite protection.

Michael says: “Fleas can cause skin irritation and disease in cats and dogs, as well as people. Surprisingly, flea infestation is one of the most common health problems occurring in cats and dogs in the UK.” Effective and regular flea control will help make sure your pet and your house stay flea free. At Filton Vets4Pets,

we can prescribe effective spot-on treatments that, used regularly, will prevent flea infestation.

Fleas are very small and are often hard to detect. The best way to check for fleas is to check for “flea dirt” which are brown/black specks seen in the pet’s coat. The best way to check for flea dirt is to comb through your pet’s coat onto a wet piece of kitchen roll or paper.

For expert advice contact Michael and his team at Filton Vets4Pets.

by Four Towns & Vale Link Community Transport.

This will be a two hour ‘drop in’ consultation for those coming from work or unable to get there earlier. Organisers will consider routes, payment/fares, volunteer support, accessibility, usage, and time/days of operation.

Diary date:

Conygre bus meeting, Tuesday 18th June 2013, from 6pm until 8pm at the Bethany Church Hall

For rent to over 60s One bedroom apartments at Hanover Court, Rectory Lane, Filton BS34 7BE n n n n n

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Call 0117 969 8400 or visit vets4pets.com

Vets4Pets Filton Shield Retail Centre, Gloucester Road, Filton, BS34 7BQ Opening times 8.30am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat

Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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June, 2013

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Ever since I was a child growing up in North London I have loved books and I would constantly visit the local library.

I have loads and loads of books, many of which I will have to part with as I move to a new appointment in the Barnsley Circuit of the Methodist Church in August.

I will cherish the memories of my time here in Filton.

As a parting gift I leave you with something I read very recently, which I found most uplifting.

In the book titled “Can Man Live Without God”, Ravi Zacharias writes: “In the Cross of Jesus Christ, I see the marvel

with Rev Yemi Jaiyesimi St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Filton of forgiveness as a starting point of rebuilding one’s own life.

“Hear the words of an elementary schoolteacher: He came to my desk with a quivering lip, the lesson was done.

‘Have you a new sheet for me, dear teacher? I’ve spoiled this one.’

I took his sheet, all soiled and blotted and gave him a new one, all unspotted.

And into his tired heart I cried: ‘Do better now my child.’

I went to the throne with a trembling heart; the day was done.

‘Have you a new day for me, dear Master? I’ve spoiled this one.’

He took my day, all soiled and blotted and gave me a new one, all unspotted.

And into my tired heart he cried, ‘Do better now, my child.’

I do hope you found the words of the teacher helpful.

God is love, you are special.

Jesus died for you.

Forgiven, we can forgive ourselves and others. God bless you.

Editor’s note: This will be Rev Yemi’s last Thought for the Month in Filtonvoice. Can I take the opportunity to thank him for his words and wish him luck in his new posting

State-of-the-art sports facilities for hire Sports Hall Sprung floor dance studio Floodlit multi use games area for Netball, Tennis and Basketball Floodlit all weather pitch for Hockey or Football (sand based) For more details contact us by phone or email on Tel: 0117 3075660 | lettings@abbeywoodschool.com www.abbeywoodschool.com/lettings www.abbeywoodschool.com/Partnerships/Facilities-for-the-community/

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

June, 2013

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Soap & bath bomb making workshop

£1,500 for charity

In the school holidays Wednesday 31st July 10.30-12.00 At Playful Toys on Gloucester Road £14 each making a bag & set of soaps, bath bombs & bubble bath Ages 7 to 13 Kids parties also available Leader comes to your home or venue Members and friends of Filton & District Social Club in Conygre Grove have raised £1,500 - double last year’s effort - for Diabetes Research after a fundraising day and auction. The cheque was received by Ella Kennan from the charity. Organisers Martin Sedlen and Terry Hamilton began the event last year in memory of club regular Brian Jarrett who died last year. The club has already placed a memorial bench outside the premises in memory of Brian.

Email or call to reserve your place party@bubbletastic.co.uk 07595 350764

www.bubbletastic.co.uk

Abbeywood Community School New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8SF

Post 16

Apply now to join us in September 2013 for an excellent range of A Level and BTEC subjects       

49% of students achieved A*-B at A Level 75% A* - C 100 % pass rate 70% of students went to University 40 courses to choose from across the Concorde Partnership Dedicated Post 17 Pastoral support Excellent Facilities

www.abbeywoodschool.com Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

14

T: 0777 555 0607

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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 stories at www.filtonvoice.co.uk.

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

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Family’s thanks

To the anonymous, kind-hearted person that posted a gift through our letterbox on the evening of Wednesday 22nd May: I would just like to say a very heartfelt Thank You. You can not know how much it means to us and we are humbled that you chose us to receive it. You are an asset to our community and a shining example of a human being.

Thank you so very much you wonderful person.

The Murphysmith Family, Wallscourt Road

Traffic solutions

I have been raising concerns with South Glos regarding the proposals to add another lane to the Link Road entry to the A38/ Link Road roundabout and how it will affect the already poor deal that the traffic from the south gets to go north and east, which at peak times regularly queues back as far as Braemar Avenue.

Their emails to me state “that the A38 northbound entry to Filton roundabout is unsignalised in order to help the roundabout operate as efficiently as possible.” I have pointed out that at best only 2 or 3 cars (or a bus) from the south entry get on (and have to stop at the roundabout lights) between the east and north phases due in part to the lights being jumped in both these entries and cars already waiting at the lights on the roundabout. I do not understand how a roundabout can be efficient if the south entry does not get a fair look in.

They also state “The council is very shortly due

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to start consultation on an improvement to build additional capacity on the westbound Link road approach beyond that previously consulted upon for the Southmead hospital development.” The proposals to add an extra lane on the Link Road entry is so that “by passing a greater volume of traffic through the westbound link road approach this phase can be shorter for a given number of vehicles. These additional seconds saved can be shared through out the junction to maximise its overall operation including the un-signalised arm.”

I believe the thinking behind these proposals is faulty and it will make the situation worse for the south entry. The proposals will make it even more difficult to enter from the south as more cars will be able to jump the lights and more will be queuing on the lights on the roundabout to go north.

I have asked for either the south entry to be light controlled or the phase between the north and east entries to be longer with both sets of the lights on the roundabout switched during this period to allow the south entry traffic to clear the roundabout.

If you are in agreement with me, please make South Glos aware of your feelings.

Stuart Armsby

Parking ‘disgust’

After seeing the photograph of vans parked outside Filton Hill School, below, in the May issue of Filtonvoice I want to express my disgust.

Also many Sunday mornings outside the Catholic Church, Gloucester Road North, cars and vans are parked on the pavement

June, 2013

there. I am disabled with MS on a mobility scooter and I hate having to ask members of the public to help me onto the road because of not being able to use the pavement, on my way to see my 94 year old mother to take her a paper! The police don’t want to know!

Ann Owen

Council ‘cuts’

The issue: Grass verges in Filton could be cut just twice a year under new costcutting plans put forward

by South Glos at a meeting in Filton. Extra cutting would have to come from town council funds.

Your views on Facebook:

l Following media coverage about verges in the last week, I think this would be ok providing the verges are seeded with wild flowers to sustain butterfly and bee populations and providing the height of the verge does not cause a visual obstruction to drivers.

Jules Trucks l Work could be taken on by the grounds team for Elm Park.

But I do like Jules’ views on sowing the verges with wild seed.

Pete Holcombe l South Glos is going to look a mess without the grass cut, it is like when you cut your grass in your garden you are proud and you sit back and look at it but you will not be able to do that in South Glos, people will take it on themselves and cut there

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

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June, 2013

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areas and then you will have a insurance issue and dare i say it but accidents happening and then you have a issue regarding litigation.

Ken Hoare

Hospital naming

The issue: Southmead Hospital will be renamed Southmead Hospital Bristol Your views on Facebook:

l Hmm, how many thousands was spent on a working party to think that up I wonder ....

Jeanne Clements l And how many of us will say that we have an appointment at Southmead Hospital, Bristol?

How many people from outside Bristol WILL say Southmead Hospital Bristol anyway without a name change?

Roger Hutchinson l Everyone knows it as Southmead Hospital so hopefully no confusion. Just looked on the website, it looks an incredible hospital. Let’s hope there is no long waiting in a&e as there is now.

Ken Hoare l I think it’s a shame that Elizabeth Blackwell hasn’t been acknowledged in some way.

Nor elsewhere in Bristol that I can think of. Though not sure if there’s a clinic named after her somewhere.

Emm Gee l I just call it saaarrfmead!!!

Judy Joinson

A superb curry

We had a flyer through our letterbox about the new curry night at Vittles, pictured above right.

We went as a family two adults and two young children on Saturday and what a find this is.

I wanted to encourage all curry fans to go and it is open

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from Weds to Saturday night from 6-11pm. The curries were delicious, not too spicy, but with a bit of a kick and a creamy mouth tingling rice pudding for afters. The waiter was very friendly and helpful and he even brought me out a free sample.

The set menus were only £7 a bargain and delicious food.

Jonathan Ford, Northville Road

Bin dates, please

With the increase of student accommodation along Filton Avenue, litter is also increasing. Shouldn’t owners post bin collection dates in the properties?

Name and address supplied

Too much money!

I wonder how much longer Filton has to suffer road hold-ups due to roadworks.

The Filton House (Airbus) works went on for months and now we may have to suffer with Fiton Hill which is terrible in the mornings, which makes all the buses late.

Now we are told there will be more disruption at the roundabout at Southmead Road.

Obviously the council has too much money to spend!

Margaret Martin Recently I was informed by a local resident that the April council meeting for Filton Town Council had been changed from the usual venue of the pavilion Elm Park to the Bethany Chapel, Conygre.

I checked local ftc notice boards and the dates and change of venue had not been updated and a day after the council meeting the boards still were out of date. Who took the decision and when?

Most residents would agree that to hold regular meeting at the Bethany Hall would be popular with the residents of Filton and Conygre so few residents turned up from Conygre, maybe because of the lack of public notification.

Indeed it would appear some councillors were in doubt about the venue. While canvassing the days before in the Conygre ward the one comment that was most heard was that residents felt the area was neglected and FTC had little interest in Conygre ward.

Please, Filton Town Council, get your act together.

Elizabeth Elsde

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16

T: 0777 555 0607

Filton news in brief

Help for dads

Southern Brooks Community Partnership is celebrating new three year funding from the Big Lottery which will help families in Filton.

Director Julie Close said: “We are thrilled that we are going to be able to continue to work with families to help them tackle the difficult issues they face.

“Over the years we’ve built strong relationships with local families and the community – including schools, churches and other professionals. This funding will secure two full time posts and fund two new posts.

“One will focus on working with dads. We’ve just started a new project working with men, called Cook Out and we aim to build on this to set up new groups for men. We’re really keen to work with dads to promote the rights of fathers and their involvement in their children’s lives.

“The second post will focus on developing volunteering

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opportunities. Many of our families want to get involved in helping other families. This new post will make sure that they are supported to have a great experience of volunteering. ”

Healthy rating

North Bristol NHS Trust has been rated as ‘Good’ for their apprenticeships at Frenchay and Southmead Hospitals and in community health services.

It is the first Ofsted inspection for the trust’s vocational education team who also achieved an ‘Outstanding’ grade for the quality of outcomes for learners.

Almost all apprentices at North Bristol NHS Trust go on to higher-level qualifications or a job.

This year there have been 698 full-time apprentices at the Trust in clinical and non-clinical roles like nursing or accountancy.

Accidents down

Road accident rates in South Gloucestershire have reached

 Eden Grove Methodist Church Hall Eden Grove. Horfield. BS7 0PQ 

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their lowest level since the council was formed in 1996, new figures show.

Accident statisics for 2012 reveal that the number of road accidents involving injuries to one or more people fell below 500 for the first time in 16 years, to 489 incidents.

In total, 653 casualties were recorded during the year, of which seven were fatal. The casualty figures are also the lowest recorded since 1996 and 8 per cent lower than 2011.

Chair of the council’s Planning and Transportation Committee Cllr Brian Allinson welcomed the figures: “South Gloucestershire has always had some of the safest roads in the country and these figures continue this pattern.”

Sport in Union

In his first official engagement since becoming Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Ian Boulton was on hand to open the 2013 Union Cup in Filton.

Cllr Boulton met members of Bristol’s gay and inclusive rugby club, Bristol Bisons RFC at the start of the twoday tournament being played at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College’s WISE campus in Stoke Gifford.

More than 500 players and supporters from all over Europe gathered at the college campus for the biennial Union Cup which is supported by South Gloucestershire and Bristol councils.

Coronation spirit Come and experience concerts of popular music played on this wonderfully refurbished 1927 Compton Organ played by some this countries top organists

South Glos Council wants Filton community groups to tell them

Byron Jones Dirkjan Ranzijn In Concert

Do you need a local, reliable service offering ...

l l

Concerts 7pm - 9.30pm approx Doors open 6.30pm

l l

Further details from Byron 0117 949 7742

l

Send SAE for full programme of events to 523 Filton Ave. Horfield. Bristol. BS7 0QF Please phone for details of Special Events

what plans they have to celebrate the Queen’s coronation and enter a dress-up competition at the same time.

The council is encouraging residents to get into the party spirit and help celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation by decorating homes or dressing up in your best bib and tucker.

Everyone who sends in photos of their royal-inspired costumes or bunting-festooned homes will be in with a chance of winning some coronation-themed goodies.

And if you are holding a coronation event in South Gloucestershire and would like it posted on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ sgloscouncil please contact us at strategiccommunications@ southglos.gov.uk and we can add it on for you.

Nationally, there are many events happening around the country to mark the Queen’s coronation including a special festival running from July 11 to 14 so there is plenty of time to organise your own event and enter our competition.

• Entries must be received by Sunday 21 July • Photos must be taken during June or July 2013 • Entries (houses and individuals) must be from South Gloucestershire • Permission must be sought from all individuals in photos submitted, with agreement from the parent/carer for anyone under 18 years old • Photos will be displayed on the facebook page www. facebook.com/sgloscouncil • The competition winners will be notified in August.

Sue’s Home & Garden Services

Concerts are every 4th Saturday in Month Special Event July 6th Wersi, Bohm & Compton Organs

June, 2013

l Windows cleaned One-off or regular (inside) gardening/cleaning l Help sorting/ All garden/cleaning downsizing work considered l No job too small Fences painted l Fully insured Vacuuming, mopping, l Member of the RHS dusting Ovens cleaned Contact Sue 07964 890135 or email suemciver@talktalk.net

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

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

June, 2013

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News

Filton youth club secures £15,000 over three years Filton’s Pyramid Youth Club will be £15,000 better off after the Southern Brooks Area Forum awarded the organisation money from the ‘Positive Activities Subsidy Grants Programme’.

The money will be used over the next three years to fund open access youth work at the club on Filton Avenue.

Money was also allocated under the New Homes Bonus to St Andrew’s Methodist Youth Centre in Filton.

The Southern Brooks Area Forum made awards to three other organisations, including the Southern Brooks Community Partnership which received £42,518 over three years to provide creative arts sessions at Patchway Youth Centre.

Transitions Skate Community Interest Company (CIC) received £13,376.25 over three years which contributes 75 per cent of the funds to deliver youth work and youth work activities centred around the Fromeside Youth Centre. This includes a skate park, café and outdoors games area.

Bradley Stoke Town Council received £26,489.18 over three years to deliver a range of positive activities including detached youth work sessions with an emphasis on sports, and young women’s project sessions.

Other area forums gave money to projects including a Saturday soccer club, a venture which provides music production sessions and a number of community projects. Meetings were held by The Chase, Kings Forest, Southern Brooks, Severn Vale and Frome Vale forums.

At each discussion councillors considered applications for the second round of the Positive Activities Subsidy Grants Programme 2013/14 and decided on a number of awards to fund youth projects across the district.

The meetings also saw a large amount of New Homes Bonus applications submitted for officer assessment for approval, including plans to refurbish young people’s play areas in Bitton, Downend and Bromley Heath, providing disabled access at a play scheme in Bradley Stoke, installing a zebra crossing in Kingswood, and allocating funding for St Andrew’s Methodist Youth Centre.

The next round of Area Forum meetings will be held in July: For Filton: Southern Brooks Tuesday 9 July, 7pm, Shield Road Primary School If you would like to receive details of the meetings in your area please contact 01454 864425 or visit www.southglos. gov.uk for more information.

“Mum is in Charge” Do we know this? - YES! Do we appreciate it? - YES! Would we have it any other way? - NO! Should we give her a gift every now and again? - YES! This inexpensive book is based on true events of a Filton family.

To all living in Filton and the surrounding area, this could wet your appetite through fourteen cameo chapters.

Order at Amazon, Waterstones, or book shops ISBN number 9781 849632881 For a signed copy by the Author order direct from John O’Neill.

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June, 2013

Filton schools ... sporting success for primary Charborough Road Primary

Over the past few years, Charborough Road Primary School has had its fair share of sporting success. However, this year has seen an unprecedented number of achievements across a wide range of sports.

Leading the way is the Girls’ Football Team who won the South Gloucestershire league, cup and knockout tournament.

This talented and hard working group were also runners-up in the Gloucestershire County Finals.

Not to be outdone, the Boys’ Football Team were third in the South Gloucestershire Larger Schools League.

Among all the primary schools in South Gloucestershire, Charborough Road provided the winning team in the sports of netball, tag rugby and indoor athletics. Each team then went on to compete in the Avon County

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Finals. The Indoor Athletics Team were runners-up and the Netball and Tag Rugby Teams both came third. The school was also the South Gloucestershire winners in golf, with the Avon County Finals still to come.

The school basketball team competed in the Orchard School Basketball League and finished in second place, with several members of the team invited to try out for the Bristol Flyers Junior Squad. In swimming, Charborough Road were the inaugural winners of the Bristol North Swimming Club Primary Schools League, competing in 3 galas across the school year and performing superbly.

In the Marlwood Cross

Country Event, the school was the overall team winner, with not only the Year 6 Boys and Girls victorious in their events, but also the Year 5 Girls and the Year 3 Boys.

In cricket the boys were runners-up in the South Gloucestershire Cricket Tournament and the girls came third in the Gloucestershire Cricket Tournament.

Headteacher, Mrs Nicola Bailey, is extremely proud of the sporting success achieved by the school this year and says that it is down to the dedication of the children and staff. These achievements are also made possible thanks to the support of the families.

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

June, 2013

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Filton schools

filtonvoice

Abbeywood Community School

Nearly 300 girls, teachers, parents and primary school pupils took part in Abbeywood’s first Race for Life.

The competitors, dressed in pink tutus, onesies and feather boas ran, jogged and walked 3km around the school track.

All competitors completed

the race and fun was had by all despite the weather.

Congratulations to Jessica Mead in Y8 who ran the race in the fastest time. Hanna Mohammed came second with Neve Shorter and Rebecca Ryan joint 3rd. Over £1,500 has been raised for Cancer Research UK.

Orchard School Bristol Years 7 and 8 had the opportunity to visit Oxford University.

After visiting the Pitts

Rivers Museum we went to Christchurch College and we ate in the Great Hall where they filmed scenes from Harry Potter.

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Kelley repeats victory at Wedmore Gloucester & Somerset Professional Golf Association Captain Daryl Kelley, the resident professional at Filton Golf Club, collected his first Medal victory of the season last month as he led the way at Isle of Wedmore Golf Club.

The G&S PGA have only visited the venue twice for Medals (previously in 2011) and both times Kelley has ended the day as the winner. On this occasion his round of 2 under par 68 was good enough to collect the winner’s cheque, one shot ahead of Cirencester’s Ed Goodwin.

Wedmore Golf Club obviously suits Kelley as he produced a solid round of golf with his card showing 3 birdies and just one dropped shot.

He opened his round with a birdie 4 at the par 5 first and another was added at the dogleg par 4 7th to see him reach the turn in just 32 strokes.

He had to wait until the last of Wedmore’s par 5 trio, the 15th, to notch his next and final gain. His round ended with a disappointing bogey 4 at the

last but this was matched by Goodwin so didn’t prove costly in the end.

Kelley’s Assistant at Filton, Matt Carter, produced one of his best results of the season with a 71 and took third place on his own, a great start to his budding professional career.

Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

• The leisure centre reception is open Monday to Friday 9am – 7.30pm and weekends 9am – 5.30pm. Pop in and see us or ring on 01454 866686 for information.

Get to know your Filton town councillor After the last full council meeting and parish assembly, Councillor Darryl Collins was elected as chairman of the council for 2013/14.

The deputy chairman will be Councillor Rikki Teml.

Your councillors are here to help you and each represents a different part of Filton Conygre, Charborough or Northville.

You can also get in touch with your councillors through the friendly staff at the council offices at Elm Park, details above.

Charborough

Conygre

Northville

Northville Ward Darryl Collins (Chr) (Chair of Council) 47 Mackie Avenue Filton, BS34 7NE Telephone: 0117 975 9170 Mobile: 07974 762 040 Email: darryl.collins@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Conygre Ward Rikki Teml (Vice-chair of Council) 6 Wades Road Filton BS34 7EE Telephone: n/a Mobile: 07586 328995 Email: rikki.teml@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Labour

Independent

Northville Ward Bill Moore 106 Mackie Road Filton BS34 7NB Telephone: 0117 923 6689 Mobile: 07943 813439 Email: william.moore@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Conygre Ward Andrew Chubb 18 Roycroft Road Filton BS34 7NN Telephone: n/a Mobile: 07957003243 Email: andrew.chubb@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Independent

Labour

Charborough Ward Brian Freeguard 7 The Wicketts Filton Park BS7 0SR Telephone: 0117 969 5198 Mobile: 07930 515090 Email: brian.freeguard@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Northville Ward Melanie Drewitt 31 Shields Avenue Filton BS7 0RR Telephone: 0117 983 3877 Mobile: n/a Email: melanie.drewitt@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Conygre Ward Anne Kenyon 8 The Mead Filton BS34 7AWE Telephone: n/a Mobile: 07826 317146 Email: anne.kenyon@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Independent

Independent Labour

Conservative

Charborough Ward Adam Monk 642 Southmead Road, Filton Park BS34 7RE Telephone: 01454 864056 Mobile: 07801 999699 Email: adam.monk@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Northville Ward Douglas Daniels 3 Bluebell Gardens Bradley Stoke BS32 8GE Telephone: 01454 201987 Email: douglas. daniels@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Conygre Ward Ken Brock 3 Shanklin Drive Filton BS34 7EL Telephone: 0117 330 4968 Mobile: n/a Email: ken.brock@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Labour

Conservative

Independent

Charborough Ward Kieran Hyde 25 Charborough Road, Filton Park BS34 7RA Telephone: Mobile: 07527 542783 Email: kieran.hyde@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Northville Ward Brian Mead 2 Bridgman Grove Filton BS34 7HR Telephone: n/a Mobile: 07765 796560 Email: brian.mead@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Conygre Ward Keith Briffett 81 Conygre Road Filton BS34 7DG Telephone: 0117 9691504 Mobile: n/a

Independent

Labour

UKIP

• Contact the town council office Tel: 01454 866 698; Leisure Centre Tel: 01454 866686; or our website www.filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Filton Festival, Sunday, July 14 The Filton Festival is about all the people of Filton coming together as a community and where Filton based activity groups and clubs are actively encouraged to take part.

It is our annual opportunity for us all to come together and raise our group profiles as well as raise some funds.

This is a not-for-profit event and is organised by Filton Town Council, together with local sponsors.

Be involved and contact Tasha on 01454 866698 or email tasha.gould@ filtontowncouncil.gov.

June – August 2013 Swimming Lesson re-booking started 3rd June

Regular activities

Karate makes a splash

Filton Sports and Leisure Centre and GKR Karate Club joined forces in organizing a charity seminar event in aid of the Great Western Air Ambulance, the leisure centre’s charity of the year. The karate club had sole use of both of the leisure centre’s swimming pools.

Sensei Darren Capper put the pupils through their paces. Some manoeuvres were a little tricky at times, but enjoyable for the supporters to watch. However the students got their own back by splashing the supporters! Inevitably, Sensei Darren himself went for a swim, with a little help from his students.

A big thank you to Rikki Teml for donating his time and taking photos.

GKR Karate Club meet at the Filton Community Centre (opposite the Leisure Centre).

JOB VACANCY: Filton Sports and Leisure Centre require a Leisure Centre Manager To run a successful busy Town Council owned Leisure Centre, comprising the following range of facilities, 2 swimming pools, large 100 class swim school, 2 meeting rooms, function hall, skittle alley, squash and badminton courts, indoor soft play area, hard-court and grass football pitches The successful candidate must have proven experience in facility management, extensive HR experience, health and safety management, staff training, marketing and promotion of a leisure facility or similar, programme management, event co-ordination For further information please contact: kelly.pillinger@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk Or call our Reception on: 01454 866686

NOTE: This course is IN ADDITION to the course being run from July 15th-21st which is now fully booked

Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Activities

The successful candidate will earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year, depending on skills and experience Closing Date Monday 21st June 2013 For an application pack please ring 01454 866698 or e-mail lesley.reuben@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Mondays Dinky Dolphins, baby and preschool swimming session, games music and play, 9.30am-10.30am.

These sessions are first come, first served. £3.70 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Tuesdays Aqua fit Tuesdays, 9.45 – 10.30am & 8.00 - 8.45pm, with a 15-minute swimdown afterwards, cost £4 a session, class suitable for non swimmers, participants must be 16 yrs and over, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Thursdays Aqua circuits 10am - 11am £4.00 Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only Fridays Dinky Dolphins, baby and preschool swimming session, games music and play, 10am-11am.

These sessions are first come, first served. £3.70 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only, Follow Us On: Facebook, Filton Sports And Leisure Centre or on Twitter @ Filtonpool. Call 01454 866686

Town Council meetings June 18th, 7pm Planning Committee Small meeting room 25th, 7.30pm Full Council Meeting Pavilion June 9th, 7.30pm Finance Committee Pavilion A full list of meetings can be found on our website

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June, 2013

St Teresa’s Church celebrates Parish Mission

The St Teresa’s Church joint Parish Mission will run from 19th to 23rd June, and members of the CAFÉ Team (Catholic Faith Exploration) have been booked.

Our Deepest Desire: Weds 19th June – St Vincent’s, 12.30pm; St Teresa’s, 7.30pm.

A fun session of testimony with David Payne, Director of CAFÉ (Catholic Faith Exploration).

Life to the Full: Thursday 20th June – St Teresa’s, 7.30pm.

An inspirational evening of faith.

School Anniversary Mass: Friday 21st June – St Teresa’s School, 10am. Our Parishes’ School of St. Teresa’s celebrates its 50th Anniversary and Bishop Declan joins us in our celebrations.

Your Children and Faith: Friday 21st June – St Teresa’s School, 11.30am; St Teresa’s 7.30pm. How we can help our children get the most out of life.

Big Boys’ Breakfast: Saturday 22nd June – St Teresa’s Social Centre, 9.30am. A practical session on faith for men from former police officer Tim Stevens. (Breakfast from 8.30am). Followed by live Rugby: Australia play The Lions.

Ladies’ Lunch: Saturday 22nd June – St Vincent’s, 12.30pm. A bring-and-share meal exclusively for the women of our parishes, with Jenny Baker.

Graham Cook Gardener and handyman

Grass cutting, hedge and shrub trimming, weeding, planting, felling small trees, clearing, small painting jobs including garden fences and other maintenance work.

Please call for a no-obligation chat

Call 0117 377 0644 or 07415 658 205

Sunday 7 July 2013 from 11am ‘til 2pm

Golden Jubilee Barn Dance: Saturday 22nd June – St Teresa’s School, 6pm – 8.30pm (ish).

A Barn Dance in the school marquee to mark our School’s 50 year anniversary. Open to everyone including families, parishioners, past pupils and staff.

Fun Day of Faith for All: Sunday 23rd June from 10.30am to 3pm. Mass, followed by sessions for children and adults.

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Other dates for our wedding shows in 2013: 8 September 17 November

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

June, 2013

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Filton Property of the Month, with A beautifully presented, semi detached three bedroom family home with spacious loft room currently being used as an additional bedroom.

To the ground floor this home offers a large living area which has been extended and has a conservatory making it an open, bright living space, with a modern wc and kitchen which has been recently fitted with the added benefit of a separate utility room.

To the first floor there are two double rooms and one single with a family bathroom. Further benefits include ample off-street parking and a garage.

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Ocean ‘best in the West’

Ocean has been voted The Times and Sunday Times Medium Letting Agent of the Year in Bristol and the South West.

This was voted for by an independent panel of industry experts.

Ocean was selected as the best medium sized letting agency in the South West. The competition was fierce and Ocean was up against 13 other candidates.

Ocean was also awarded third place nationally in the customer services award.

Scott Hudson of Ocean said: “It will not stop here; we will continue to develop the service we provide to our customers further.”

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Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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June, 2013

News All change at Filton Community Association

By Doug Daniels The Annual General Meeting of Filton Community Association held at the centre in Elm Park on Monday, May 20th brought changes to its management committee.

What has been, and still is, an active undertaking serving the community of Filton for a long period of time has been beset by several problems recently, not the least being its failure to adequately respond to additional requirements and the increase in costs of upkeep.

Established as a registered charity in September 1967, it originated from a relocation of the Filton Memorial Hall.

It has been central to many activities ... wedding receptions, anniversaries and many other important community meetings.

It is a vital undertaking

to community life. It is now intended that the association re-addresses its essential activities and restructures its management team under the direction of newly-elected chair, Cllr Douglas Daniels – its current president.

Paul Cook, its chair for 25 years, has been beset by several changes in administration – particularly the protracted illness of the current administrator. It had undoubtedly been a very trying period for him to contend with.

However, it is now hoped that the centre will benefit from a new management style and from the recruitment of new members to its management team.

Those with experience in various activities, central to the working of the community centre, are especially invited.

Due accord was given at the meeting to those who have been actively involved in the community centre over the years.

It is confidently expected that this will continue. The whole essence of the operation will be to investigate the centre’s current activities, add even more and return a more profitable income.

It is essentially self-supporting and not currently assisted by public funding.

Local businesses and industry will be approached to assist in the centre’s upkeep.

Additionally the centre will appeal to the South Gloucestershire Council for proportional support as afforded to other community centres in their administrative area.

The community centre appreciates the assistance provided by Filton Town Council

in surfacing the centre’s car park.

This was to the advantage of both the community centre and the town council since both use it jointly.

It is intended that in future the community centre will be able to co-operate fully with the town council in a mutually acceptable manner.

The new management committee will fully respect all who have contributed to the community centre’s progress in the past years.

It is confidently hoped that they will continue to provide their valued support making the centre a vibrant a hub of community activities.

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

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with Dr Terry Kemple Horfield Health Centre

Hay Fever season Hay Fever is allergy to pollen.

About 1 in 10 people’s bodies react to protect against pollen with a combination of sneezing, runny and blocked nose, watery and itchy eyes and throat and sometimes wheezing.

The commonest cause is grass pollen, but you can also react to tree and shrub pollens.

The peak of suffering with Hay Fever is usually Wimbledon week. The timing of the hay fever varies according to the pollens that cause it: tree pollen allergy in spring, grass pollen in June/July, shrub pollen from spring to autumn. In grass pollen allergy symptoms rarely start before the first week of June.

The grass pollen is released in dry, sunny weather and by noon most of the grains have risen to high in the atmosphere. They descend again as the air cools towards evening, remaining suspended longer in warmer urban areas.

Peak levels occur at 6pm-8pm in rural areas and at 10pm to midnight in towns. You can get pollen forecasts online from the Met Office.

You can’t avoid the pollen but you can reduce your exposure if you wear wrap-around sunglasses, rub Vaseline inside your nose, avoid the open air around noon when pollen counts are at their highest, keep windows shut at that time when indoors, in the countryside in a car keep the windows closed and shut down the ventilation system (or get an efficient air filter ventilator system with a pollen filter), in towns avoid open spaces and keep to built up areas, in tall buildings keep windows shut (the wind swirls high carrying pollen over tall

buildings). If you have been in the countryside, shower and wash your hair on return, avoid country holidays in the pollen season (sea breezes are sometimes but not always pollen free).

You can more advice from NHS choices online and from your local pharmacist. You can buy treatments direct from a pharmacy more cheaply than the price of a NHS prescription.

Various antihistamine containing tablets like loratidine, cetirizine, acrivastine can suppress the symptoms but not cure it. Nasal Sprays like Beclomethasone help reduce nasal symptoms. These are corticosteroids.

They can help clear a blocked nose but must be used every day to be effective.

They won’t be effective if the nose is blocked so using a nasal decongestant first like xylometazoline may also be necessary.

Eye drops like Xylometazoline or Azelastine eye drops may help quickly and Sodium cromoglycate drops may take a few days to become effective. They can help sooth itchy eyes.

There are other treatments you might get from your GP like Corticosteroids by mouth or injection or AllergenSpecific Immunotherapy. These treatments are rarely used as they can have side effects. They are only available from your GP. They will only be used if all other treatments do not help Allergies like Hay Fever tend to run in families. If you have an allergic parent you have a 1 in 3 chance of developing an allergy.

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Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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by a fascinating question and answer session chaired by the Director of Poetry Can, Colin Brown.

The Bristol Festival of Ideas continues until the end of August; Bristol Poetry Festival will be back in the first week of October with an exciting line-up of poets and performances.

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Deborah Harvey is a Filton poet and author

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haunting exposition of the insanity of war, the enormity of its cost in human lives.

Apart from Memorial, Alice also read from A Sleepwalk on the Severn, a long poem for several voices which was published in 2009, and earlier poems including Hymn for Iris, a prayer for bridges and connections. Perhaps most riveting of all was a poem about her village in Devon which described in the present inhabitants from generations ago, and which, despite its repeated exhortations to the reader not to be alarmed, was decidedly eerie.

The reading was followed

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I first encountered Alice Oswald’s work when her long dream-like poem Dart was published in 2002.

At the Watershed, the focus was on her most recent collection, 2011’s Memorial.

Subtitled An Excavation of the Iliad, Memorial departs from the usual telling of the stories of Achilles, Paris, Helen, and the rest to focus on the individual, named heroes whose fates are mentioned only in passing.

By providing the reader with sufficient telling detail, she brings them to life only to confront us with the pathos of their deaths.

The resulting work is a

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Alice Oswald at the Watershed, Bristol, Saturday A 11th May 2013 M

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June, 2013

with Deborah Harvey

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FE The last time I had a ticket for an Alice Oswald reading, ten years ago in Bath, she fell ill and was unable to attend, so I was delighted finally to catch her sell-out performance of a selection of her work at the Watershed, put on by the Bristol Festival of Ideas in association with the Bristol Spring Poetry Festival.

I use the word ‘performance’ advisedly, as Alice Oswald, one of our most intelligent and imaginative poets, learns her poems by heart and is thus able to summon an intense and dramatic delivery that grabs the attention of the audience from beginning to end.

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

June, 2013

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Filton planning, May Applications Bluebells Pre School, Shield Road Primary School, Shields Avenue Installation of access ramps to east and west elevations, and installation of 2 doors to east elevation.

42 Gloucester Road North Demolition of external staircase and alteration of door to window in side elevation to facilitate conversion of 2 flats to 1 dwelling.

Approve with Conditions

1 Gayner Road Erection of side porch and alterations to roof to facilitate conversion of 1no. dwelling to 3 flats and erection of three storey building to form 6 flats. Creation of new access with parking, bin and cycle stores and associated works. (Resubmission of PT12/3193/F).

6 New Road, Stoke Gifford Erection of two storey rear extension to include Juliet balcony and single storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation; and single storey side extension to form additional garage with new access.

Approve with Conditions

67 Gloucester Road North Installation of one front dormer window to create additional living accommodation.

23 Ninth Avenue Erection of a single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approve with Conditions

Decisions 29 Glebelands Road Erection of two storey and single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Withdrawn 97 Station Road Filton Variation of condition 2 attached to planning permission PT12/4017/F to allow hours of operation between 0700 hours and1800 hours Mondays to Fridays.

Approve with Conditions

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Suspected drugs found in homes

Spring

By Michael Tozer of Filton

69 Gloucester Road North Erection of one detached dwelling with detached double garage and associated works

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Rear Of 32 and 34 Station Road Erection of 1 no. dwelling with access and associated works.

Refusal 40 Wallscourt Road South Erection of detached garage with first floor dormer to form gym/ storage area. (Amendment to previously approved scheme PT11/1132/F).

Approve with Conditions

For more on planning matters, visit the website www.southglos.gov.uk

Three men were arrested after police found suspected cannabis plants at a house in Mortimer Road, Filton, on Wednesday, May 22.

Officers found plants being dried and arrested three men aged 19, 20 and 22 who were each given a police caution for possession of cannabis.

The next day, May 23, police seized more suspected cannabis plants in Station Road, Filton.

A 55-year-old man was arrested and later charged with possessing cannabis and also producing (growing) the drug.

On Friday, May 31, officers seized 65 suspected cannabis plants from a house in Stanley Avenue, Filton. No one was at the address and officers are still investigating who was growing the plants.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Ives said: “We were able to take this action thanks to the information we’ve had from

the community, telling us of their concerns about what was happening at these addresses.

“I’d ask anyone with information about drug crime to get in touch.

“We always take the call seriously although it can take us time to build up enough evidence to get a search warrant from the court.”

Anyone with any information or concerns can contact the neighbourhood team through www.avonandsomerset.police. uk/contact or by calling 101.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

They never ask your name or trace your call.

You can also contact us in confidence via our website. Find out more about how we are keeping you safe by visiting our Operation Relentless section.

Sgt Ives column: Turn to Page 30

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June, 2013

Filton business of the month PC help without too much jargon!

This month we meet Graham Simmonds of goto iT on Filton Avenue, where the two-man team are always ready to help residents iron out those computer nightmares Name, age and how long you have been working in your current profession.

There are two of us who work in the shop.

Graham Simmonds, 43 years old, 20 years plus experience in the profession! I originally worked at Price Waterhouse in London as a programmer, then the NHS locally. I set up the business in 1999.

We moved into the shop in March last year, which has been the best business move I have ever made!

Neil Kelly, 33 years old with 6 years in the profession. Neil has been managing an IT network for a local charity for this time.

Where are you from?

Born in Surrey but I have lived in Bristol for over 25 years. I moved to Bristol in 1987 when I started my degree at Bristol University in Physics and now live in Filton.

COM

PS TI

UTER P

Tell us a bit more about what you do and what the job entails.

We provide a complete IT support service for home and

with Graham Simmonds

What is social media?

This is a phrase you might hear a lot in the news. You may have even seen the film The Social Network about the creation of Facebook. But what is social media?

It is the sharing of thoughts, pictures and documents in online networks. There are various services which help people do this such as Facebook or Twitter. Both of these allow you to send and receive messages immediately and share pictures about anything. This could be as simple as what food you are eating at that exact moment to a photo of violence inside a war-torn country.

You can use them as much or as little as you like, but obviously the more interesting you make it, the more people are going to be interested in

what you do. These people are called followers. You can even follow famous people which can feel like you can get close to someone you might have only seen in films.

There is a downside though! You have to be careful what you say or write as once it is on the Internet, everyone could read it.

People have been arrested for various comments that were considered racist or libellous.

It can be great fun and an easy way of keeping in touch with your friends. Just make sure what you post doesn’t come back to haunt you!

If there is anything you would like to see a short article about, please contact us on 0117 969 8767 or visit us in our shop on the corner of Filton Ave and the A4174.

business users. We repair, install, build and upgrade computers. We also look after servers and networks for commercial clients. Some of our clients are global with offices across the world.

We also set up and maintain websites as well as repair tablets and phones. If your hard drive fails we also provide a data recovery service to help recover your lost documents.

What’s the best bit about the job?

The variety. You never know what the next job will bring! It is also great meeting lots of different people with different levels of knowledge and working to give them the best service possible.

Of course we love new technology and how it can help improve people’s lives.

Tell us what you offer to set yourselves apart from others.

We have always prided ourselves in being very approachable and not using jargon where possible. We want our customers to feel comfortable and understand any work we have carried out on their computer.

Of course there is always a place for jargon in a professional environment. We also pride ourselves in our no diagnosis

fee and no fix no fee policy. We don’t believe we should charge just to have a look at a computer and we also don’t believe we should charge if we have not made any improvements to it.

What are your plans for the future of the business?

We are always looking for the new directions in the IT industry and how we can bring new innovations to our customers.

For example very soon we will be selling a device that will enable you to interact with your computer by just moving your hands in front of the screen!

We are looking to expand our client base and if all goes well maybe open other shops and increase the number of staff.

Anything else you want to say?

We really appreciate the good feedback. The positive comments in Filtonvoice helps let us know we are going in the right direction. We even just had someone pop in the shop today to thank us for our help.

Actually, maybe that is the best part of the job!

Graham Simmonds Managing Director, goto iT Telephone: 0117 969 8767 Website: www.goto-it.co.uk Email: info@goto-it.co.uk

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

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Filton charity efforts

Runs add up for charity cricketers FILTONES CHOIR 13TH ANNUAL CHARITY CONCERT SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2013 at 7.30 P.M.

EDEN GROVE METHODIST CHURCH EDEN GROVE, HORFIELD, BRISTOL BS7 0PQ ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS CONCERT WILL GO TO THIS YEAR’S CHOSEN CHARITY

RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS

Tickets £6 obtainable in advance from:Tel. 0117 9083778 or 0117 9690654 Or at the Door

A group of cricketers from Filton ran the Bristol 10k in style to raise money for the charity which cared for a beloved coach.

Members of the Bohemians Cricket Club took on the challenge in full cricket whites in memory of youth coach Dave McCarthy, who passed away at Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice.

Donning whites, gloves, pads and carrying their bats, the eight-strong team raised £1200 from their efforts with some of the team finishing in just under one hour.

Club secretary Mike Joy said: “Dave McCarthy played a pivotal role in the creation of the club’s youth section and the majority of this year’s first team squad

is formed of players coached by Dave. We wanted to say thank you to those who helped him at the end.

“Dave was the recipient of the amazing palliative care provided by St Peter’s Hospice so for the past three years we have been raising money to go towards others who need the hospice’s help. The total now stands at £3,500, which is a great achievement.”

Events like the 10k are essential for St Peter’s Hospice as it costs £6.8 million to run yearly. Seventy-seven per cent of funds come from the generosity of public support and people like Mike and the team.

Caring for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as

supporting family members, St Peter’s Hospice is now in its 35th anniversary year.

St Peter’s Hospice community fundraiser Petra Littlefair said: “It’s fantastic that the Bohemians supported us again this year. The 10k is not easy under normal conditions but in full cricket gear, the boys had their work cut out!”

The Bohemians have made a positive start to the season with the first team unbeaten in May after being promoted to Bristol & District Division Three. The club run two Saturday league sides, a friendly Sunday side and two Midweek 20/20 teams and are always on the lookout for new players of all ages & abilities.

Anyone interested contact Mike Joy on 07811840008.

Filton mum organises buggy push to say thanks for Amber’s care A buggy push organised by a Filton mum is being repeated this year after last year’s effort raised £5,000 for Bliss, which supports babies born prematurely.

Kerry Robinson got involved after her daughter, Amber, was born prematurely in 2011, pictured right.

Thanks to all the care Amber received whilst in Nicu (Neonatal intensive care unit) at Southmead Hospital, she is now a happy, healthy and very independent nearly two year old, far right. The youngster spent three weeks in the unit before

being allowed home.

Kerry said: “I’ve organised this buggy push to raise money for Bliss as it’s a charity close to my heart.

“Having a baby in nicu is

something you think will never happen to you. It’s a scary time and that’s when Bliss becomes a lifeline, offering support and help to the unit.

“We’re thankful everyday to

the care Amber received and this is one way of saying thank-you.”

This year’s buggy push is on Saturday, June 29 at 10am, leaving from Brook Way activity centre, with a teddy bear’s picnic & cake sale after the walk from 11am - 1pm in the Brook Way Centre.

Supporters can join the walk with or without a pushchair.

Email kerryrobinson@hotmail. co.uk for a participants pack, search ‘bliss buggy push Bristol’ on Facebook. Also www.justgiving.com/teams/ Blissbuggypushbristol.

Visit www.bliss.org.uk

Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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with Filton Sgt Steve Ives We’ve seen a recent increase in what we call ‘acquisitive’ crime, such as burglaries of people’s sheds and garages – although this is still a safe place to live and work.

At the moment, I’m noticing that criminals are choosing to steal bicycles and DIY tools.

Tools are also being stolen from cars and vans. If you’re a tradesman, having all your tools stolen is going to make your life very difficult.

Please don’t make life easy for criminals. Our advice is simple - don’t leave valuables in your vehicle if it can be avoided.

Keep your tools in a secure cage bolted inside your van and empty it at night.

Marking your bicycle or the tools of your trade with your postcode or business name will put thieves off, because it means we can identify who it really belongs to.

Most importantly, always lock up and set the alarm if you have one.

As well as trying to prevent you from becoming a victim in the first place, my job is to catch and convict those thieves and burglars out there. So please be my eyes and ears. With your help we can achieve so much – as has been the case recently in relation to drugs in our community.

Your local police officers have been acting on the

information you have given us and executed drugs warrants in the places we believe people are selling, growing or even making drugs. So a big thanks from me and my officers, but remember to keep the information coming in, we really do value it.

Contact the Filton team: • Call Filton police station on 101 • E-mail: ssn.filton@ avonandsomerset.police.uk • Make an appointment to meet an officer by phone or e-mail • Go to www. avonandsomerset.police.uk – you can report crime, find local policing information and more

• 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, you can call us on 101 24/7.

A complete funeral service from £1,550 The home of fair priced funerals 177 Crow Lane, Henbury, BS10 7DR Tel: 0117 950 8066 Web: www.bcmfuneralservices.co.uk

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

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Local photographer Rikki Teml is keen to put the focus on our Filton sporting teams. Here are images from last month’s Thornbury Junior Football Tournament featuring Filton’s St Valliers club. If you would like your club featured, contact Rikki.You can find his contact details and see more of his photography at www.rmtphotos.co.uk

Young footballers on Weymouth tour

Digital Aerial Installations TV / DVD Repairs 20 Years’ Experience Freeview & Digital Recorders, Sales & Installations.

Tel. 01454 774045 / 07890 336310

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St Valliers in Weymouth. Picture submitted

It has been another successful year of friendlies for the Youth Development Squad of St Valliers Amateur Football Club, run by Ian Jones. As normal, the season is now drawing to a close with a series of tournaments into which teams from both the Under 7s and the Under 8s will be entered.

These tournaments are held in the local area and are generally for teams of 6-a-side rather than the usual 7-a-side.

However, on Saturday May 18, nine members of the Under 8s squad and their families took the bold step of travelling further afield as they made their way south to Weymouth in order to take part in a football tournament the following day.

As a father of one of the participants, I can confidently state that, not only do the boys get on as a team, but also the parents get on really well socially. Therefore, it was decided to develop these relationships by organising a ‘mini tour’ outside of Bristol.

The planning for this ‘mini tour’ had been undertaken months before by Emma Bailey, and all the accommodation was already booked. The only thing that had not been planned for was the weather, but fortunately the Saturday was dry and sunny so everyone headed for the beach.

The weather on the Sunday was not so kind as it rained most of the day. However, this proved to be not such a bad thing as the tournament lasted for the best part of six hours, and playing on a hot day would have been unbearable. Under the leadership of Lee Bailey, the boys did themselves and the team proud with results: P 7 W 5 D 1 L 1 GF 19 GA 4 Plans are now underway for another tour next year!

Thank you to Ian, Emma and Lee for organising everything, to Darren for providing a gazebo and to H&P Aerials for sponsoring the team.

Wilson McKelvie

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

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The Filton-based South Gloucestershire and Stroud College basketball academy completed a very successful 2012-13 season by capturing the playoff runner up title in the U19’s Premier Playoff Final Four competition organised by England Basketball and British Colleges Sports.

SGS overcame a 15 point deficit in the second half to secure a 78 to 73 semi-final win over Copleston School from Ipswich. In the Playoff Final Four Final, the SGS students were unable to continue their winning run, losing 80 to 56 to Harris Academy.

SGS Head Coach Andreas Kapoulas was pleased with the progress the young academy players demonstrated over the year: He said: “It’s a great way to finish the season confirming that we are in the top two U19 sides in the country. It is a great achievement for our programme and the way we performed shows how far our students came this season. Their hard

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Filton basketball academy stars runners-up in premier playoff

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work and commitment has helped them elevate their game into a new level.”

“It is also important to mention that the other three teams taking part in the competition had a number of U19 players but all our athletes are still U18. “This makes the significance of our achievement even bigger and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our Principal Kevin Hamblin and the college for the support they have shown to our basketball programme.”

SGS progressed to the U19 playoffs after capturing Premier Group 4 League Champions honours with a record of 17 wins and 1 loss. The academy side, based at the WISE campus, knocked out Hackney College in the Last 16 round and Loreto College in the Last 8 stage to reach the U19s Premier Final Four for the first time in its nineyear academy history.

Visit www.sgscol.ac.uk

T Paisley leads region to national title Paisley Boyce, 14 of Abbeywood Community School has led the South West gymnastics team to the national grade 5 championship title held in Birmingham last month.

Paisley was on top form and put in an amazing all around performance to help secure the gold medal and national title for the South West team.

The Filton youngster won the floor exercise with her newly choreographed routine, placed second on beam with a steely performance and took a further individual silver medal in the all around competition.

Avon runners-up after just nine months SGS College’s Bristol Academy of Sport under 14s netball squad have finished as runners up in the Avon Netball Division 2 League.

This achievement comes despite the team having only been playing together for nine months.

Out of 12 games the girls have won a total of seven against well established clubs such as TeamBath and TJ’s which have been running for years.

Bristol Academy Netball

Club was established in June 2012 after demand from girls in the local area for a new Junior Netball Club. There is currently an U12 and U14 squad and the Academy will be launching an U16 team for next season.

Head Coach Alii Hucker said: “This is a great achievement for the U14 squad especially as it their first year as a team.”

For more information on netball please contact Alii Hucker on 0117 9192616 or email Alexandra.hucker@sgscol.ac.uk

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being able to board Concorde and see inside the cockpit.

The girls said of the visit: “It was really, really cool” Jessica, 10; “It was great fun and we learnt loads” - Sophie, 17; “Amazeballs!” - Megan, 14.

Girlguiding has a long history of providing opportunities for girls and young women in Bristol, and units have been running in the area since 1910.

The formation of the new Division, and the review of the structure for the first time in over fifty years, will create more chances for girls to get involved and many new opportunities for volunteers.

The new Division covers Patchway, Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Filton, Southmead,

In brief

Charity goes over the edge

New Guides division is flying high

Girlguiding members celebrated the formation of a newly created Division for Bristol and South Gloucestershire with a visit to its namesake, the historic Concorde.

Part of Girlguiding Bristol and South Gloucestershire, the new Concorde Division of the UK’s largest organisation for girls and young women will provide a stronger network for the organisations’ 5,700 young members, and the 1,425 volunteers that support them in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area. 25 young members, and five leaders, representing all the units in the newly created Division visited Concorde at its Filton home, in the heart of the new Division.

Airbus employees gave a tour of the aircraft, which included

June, 2013

Horfield and Lockleaze, and the name was chosen by volunteers, as both Concorde and Girlguiding have strong historical ties to the area.

Lorna Lee, County Commissioner for Girlguiding Bristol and South Gloucestershire, said: “The review of the County was long overdue and we needed to ensure that we can continue to provide a solid framework of support to our volunteers.

“We still have over 1,600 girls on waiting lists throughout the County, illustrating how popular Girlguiding is. We just need more volunteers to offer these opportunities to more girls and young women’.

To find out more visit www. girlguidingbsg.org.uk

Home-Start Bristol – a local charity which provides support for families in Filton and north Bristol with young children – is organising a sponsored abseil down the Avon Gorge on Saturday 29th June.

Up to 50 supporters ranging from age 12 to 70, including Patron and Bristol MP Charlotte Leslie, are expected to rise – or descend – to the challenge.

Jenny Harris, chair of the charity, tackling her first big abseil in her 70th year, said: “I am absolutely delighted that so many people are taking part – all the money will go towards the vital work of supporting families in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.”

Home-Start Bristol depends on volunteers to carry out its work. To offer support, here are some things you could do: • Become a volunteer - a challenging but rewarding role • Make a donation – £25 helps to train a new volunteer • Become a trustee – we are looking for people with a wide range of skills Visit www.homestartbristol. org.uk l Filton-based Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) held an event to give thanks to the volunteers that help its cause.

The event took place at the charity’s base at Filton airfield.

During the day, guests were treated to an afternoon tea and refreshments. Attendees of the event included trustees and patrons of the charity, including Mrs Mary Prior HM LordLieutenant of Bristol and Steve West, UWE Vice Chancellor.

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

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Southmead Hospital will now be called ... Southmead Hospital Bristol Local people have decided the new Southmead Hospital will be called ... Southmead Hospital Bristol.

It is one year until the opening of the new £430 million hospital.

The North Bristol Trust takes ownership of the building from the developers, Carillion, in March 2014. The first patients will be moved into the new building in mid-May next year with all other patients, teams and departments moving across during the following two weeks.

By May 2014 the hospital will be fully open.

The building itself is now completely watertight and work is well underway to add the fixtures and fittings to each area.

The atrium is beginning to take shape, and the first 32 bedded area is already

complete inside. In Filton, there have been fears that parking will not be sufficient for staff and patients, leading to local streets being affected by cars left all day outside their homes.

Hospital officials have said they are encouraging staff to find alternative ways of getting to work.

Late last year, the trust asked staff for suggestions of what they would like to call the hospital site. The shortlist came down to three variations on the existing Southmead name, Bristol Brunel, Elizabeth Blackwell (after the world’s first female doctor who was born in Bristol) and Prince William.

These were then opened up to the public and our staff and a poll was launched on the Trust’s website and with the Bristol Post newspaper. More than 3,700

people gave their preferences.

The most popular choice was to keep the hospital as Southmead.

The second most popular choice was to name it after Brunel. The rationale many people gave was that he was considered a forward thinker, an innovator ahead of his time – two important elements shared with the new hospital and the services the Trust will provide.

A spokesperson said: “As such, we listened to the community we serve and decided to keep the hospital site as a whole as Southmead Hospital, but to include the word ‘Bristol’ in its title.

“As such the site will be called Southmead Hospital Bristol.

We also decided that the new hospital building will be called Brunel.”

Marie-Noelle Orzel, Chief

Executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “In addition, the trust is preparing a public campaign to inform people about the move from Frenchay to Southmead.

“Our research has shown that whilst the public are familiar with the new building taking shape at Southmead, they are less aware that almost all the exceptional teams and services from Frenchay will be moving to Southmead including the major trauma centre, neurosciences and plastics and adult burns – so it really will be a case of brand new hospital, same familiar faces.”

Readers can keep up to date with the latest news and details of the move in May 2014 via www.nbt.nhs.uk/newhospital which is regularly updated with the latest photos and news.

Award-winning GP Practice – Recruiting New Patients NOW!

Have you registered with us yet?

WHY YOU SHOULD…

• Personalised service – you will have your own GP • Fast service – we always have same day appointments • Convenient service – open 8:00am to 6:30pm Mon-Fri, AND Sat am • 24 hour telephone and on-line booking available • Email and telephone GP consultations available Extensive range of services offered including: Stop smoking support | on-site pharmacy | travel clinic | sexual health See www.horfieldhealthcentre.nhs.uk for further information and registration form Horfield Health Centre, Lockleaze Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 9RR, Tel: 0117 9695391, Email: horfield@gp-L81022.nhs.uk

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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, 9.30am10.30am. These sessions are first come, first served. £3.70 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. 10am 1pm NOTE TIME CHANGE Pre-School story and Rhyme time 9.30am, Filton Library, Shields Centre, Unity Coffee morning takes place every Tuesday (term time) starting 10-11.30 at PYRAMID Youth Club, 470 Filton Avenue, Bristol, BS7 0LW. 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.

For details, contact Brian Frost on 0117 9651242, Brnf3335@ aol.com, Work club: St Andrews Methodist Youth Centre, Elm Park, BS34 7PS, 2-4.30pm: Dropin session, Open to all who want some advice / guidance looking for work! Get support with CV writing, filling in job aplications, job searching, interview techniques/practise, volunteering placements, and finding local courses to get more qualifications!

Filtones Choir. We rehearse every Wednesday afternoon

from 1.45 to 3.45 p.m. at Eden Grove Methodist Church. “We are a non auditioning four part harmony choir of mainly retired ladies and gentleman who enjoy the sociability of singing together. We give afternoon concerts to organisations, such as pensioners’ clubs, all over Bristol, and at least two main evening concerts every year, one of which is in summer (our main charity fund raising event) and at Christmas. We have sufficient sopranos at present but are actively seeking tenors, basses and ladies who can sing alto. If you would like to come along and try us out please ring our Musical Director, Mike Watson on 0117 9083778 for a chat or just come along one Wednesday afternoon and have a listen to us. You will be made very welcome.” For more information please see our web site www.filtones.co.uk

Thursdays

Goldies meets in Filton “Singing for Fun”, songs from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. Every Thursday 10.30am-11.30am In Sinclair House community room (next to the police station). £1 donation to the Goldies charity.

For further information contact abby@golden-oldies.org.uk or call 01761-470006 Bristol Male Voice Choir, weekly practice at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, Filton Avenue, 7.15 pm. Potential new members very welcome. Call 0117 9424378.”

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 Aqua circuits 10am - 11am £4.00 Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only Tiddlers and toddlers playgroup, St Peter’s Church Hall, 10amnoon, 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 0117 969 3326 Silver surfers: St Andrews

Methodist Youth Centre, Elm Park, BS34 7PS, 10am-noon (note we’ve changed from Fridays!) Drop-in for ‘silverhaired’ folk (over 50yrs) to get help with accessing computers, the internet, mobile phone technology, digital cameras, and much more! Run by a dedicated team of friendly volunteers with Lisa at the helm, this supportive group is just as much a social session as it is about learning!

Come and join us! Free to come along anytime, just £2.50 per session with free refreshments.

This group does not run during August.

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.

Fridays

St Andrews Youth Centre

Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 10am11am. These sessions are first come, first served. £3.70 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only, term time only.

Pre-School story and Rhyme time 2.30pm, Filton Library, Shields 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.

Monthly Chatterbooks reading group for children in years 5 – 6.

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

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,

Weekdays

Coffee shop, 9am – 12:30pm, St Peter’s Church, Filton

For young people: We’re closed til April 21st and then will be re-opening with: Mondays 5.30-7.30pm Duke of Edinburgh’s award groups Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm Youth Club for Years 8-14 (13-19yrs) Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm Youth Club for Years 8-14 (1319yrs) Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm Youth club / transitions for young people aged 16-25 with learning difficulties Fridays 6.30-8.30pm Girl’s Only youth club Fridays 8.30-9.30pm Tea & Toastie drop-in (tea, toasties, and information, advice / contraception drop-in for 13-20s) Then coming from May: Tuesdays 5.30-7pm Youth club for Years 5, 6 and 7 (9-12yrs) Wednesdays 5-7pm Youth Council Thursdays 5.30-7pm Youth club for 11-15year olds with learning difficultiesThe youth club programme has a range of activities including sports, arts/ crafts, roller skating, quizzes, computers, games, Wii, karaoke, and cooking. We’re also a C-card access point for condoms!

Also tuck shop and pool tables available at subsidised rates!

We also do lots of trips and weekends away! Contact the office for holiday times as we usually change the programme to do more trips!

Contact us at 0117 9691938 or standrewsmyc@hotmail.co.uk

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

June, 2013

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Pyramid Youth Club

After the withdrawal of South Glos. funding to the Club we are fortunate to have been offered funding from Young Bristol and Filton Town Council which together with various other smaller donations, will help us to keep the Club open. Thanks to all organisations concerned.

We are now open almost as usual:Juniors 5-9 yrs Thursdays 6.30 - 7.45 p.m.

Inters 10-12 yrs Mondays and Fridays 6.30 - 8.00 p.m.

Seniors 13+ Mondays and Fridays 8.00 - 10.00 p.m.

Judo Tuesdays Juniors under 13 yrs 6.30 - 7.30 p.m. and 13+ adults 7.30 - 9.00 p.m.

filtonvoice

Juniors have a rotating programme of crafts, games, cookery and computers working in small teams.

Inters and Seniors have football, basketball, dodgeball etc. plus pool and table tennis, computer games, cookery and music.

New members are welcome.

Please ring 9691315 if you want more information. There are vacancies in all age groups.

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

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

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, 7.30-9.30, 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;

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Karate, 6-8pm, 07982 720158 Saturdays: Kung Fu, 07759 583688; Sundays: Karate, 10.30-noon, 07982 720 158; New Pastures Ministry, 07786 271 33

1st Filton Scouts, Cubs & Beavers

Beavers, aged 6-8, Weds 6-7pm Cubs, 8-101/2, Thurs 6.30-8.30 Scouts, 101/2 - 14, Tues 7-9pm The group is based in Scout Headquarters, Nutfield Grove, Filton. BS34 7LH. All sections are open to boys and girls.

Contact for all sections is John Cahill (jcahill@blueyonder.co.uk, Phone 0798 605 3005)

What’s coming up in Filton Sat, 15th June

There will be a TABLE TOP SALE at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church Hall, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol - 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in aid of Church funds. Enquiries or bookings tel. 0117 9799233.

Shield Rd School summer fete. noon until 4pm Car Boot Sale, Abbeywood Community School, New Road, Stoke Gifford BS34 8SF, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm. Access to sellers from 8.30 pm. Strictly NO admittance to buyers until 9.00 pm. Cars £6, vans £8, no need to book a pitch.

See advert on Page 19

June 19th-23rd

St Teresa’s Church Mission and St Teresa’s School anniversary.

See full story on Page 22

Sat, 22nd June

LNB Towbars, OPEN DAY, We are holding an Open Day on

22nd June 2013 at Golf Course Lane, Filton, to showcase all that we do. Everything and anything that can added to a vehicle we do. We will have a Free BBQ, Drinks, Bouncy Castle, New Landrovers, Free Raffle with Big Prizes. We will have displays of Roof racks, trackers, roof boxes, bike racks, parking sensors, car audio, handsfree kits, towbars, dvd systems and more.

See advert on Page 40

Sidwell’s School Sport Day, Ashley Down Rugby Club, from noon, in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

See advert on Page 38

Thurs, 27th June

Sat, 20th July

Orchard School Bristol Community Fun Day, 1.30-5pm, FREE, all welcome.

See advert on Page 18

Sat, 6th July

Charborough Road School Summer Fete, 12-3pm, 50p entry for adults. Great family day with a Bristol theme. All the usual attractions, refreshments, games, face-painting, cream teas and lots of fun. Do come and join us.

See advert on Page 18

Thurs, 11th July

Filton Library, Chatterbooks, 5.30-6.30pm. A reading group for children in Yrs 5 and 6.

Telephone: 01454 868006. filton.library@southglos.gov.uk www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries

Third Thursday

The Avon & Bristol Woodturners meet at St Teresa’s Church Hall from 7pm to approximately 10pm. For contact details, www. avon-and-bristol-woodturners. org.uk/

Shield Road School Car Boot Sale, 10am-1pm See advert on Page 18

Saturdays

9.30am – 10.30am, Filton District Councillors’ Surgery, Filton Library, Shield Road Retail Park, Link Road, Filton, Bristol (map) Discuss local issues with the Filton South Glos councillors.

Wizard Compton concerts

May 24, Nigel Ogden May 25, Byron Jones June 22, Donal McKenzie All at Eden grove July 6, Byron Jones with Dirk Jan Ranzjin Methodist Church.

July 27, Andrew Nix Call August 24, Len Rawle MBE 0117 949 7742 September 28 Michael Woolridge or visit www.

October 26, John Mann wizardcompton.org.

November 23, Robert Wolfe uk December 14, 7pm and December 15, 2.30pm, Byron Jones Christmas Concert

We can help people get to the shops, appointments and to social events in the local area.

Call: 01454 868 529 Email: info_4tt@yahoo.co.uk

Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start unless stated

Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Feature

T: 0777 555 0607

filtonvoice

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

June, 2013

The garden with the ‘Wow’ factor

On his latest trip with Filton Garden Club, Doug Daniels visits Malmesbury’s Abbey House Gardens, home of the ‘naked gardeners’ (but not on this occasion!)

Anyone visiting Malmesbury could not help but be attracted by the charm of the Wiltshire town and its Benedictine Abbey, confidently described as “where the Cotswolds meet the West Country.”

It compels your attention on arrival. Not merely by its compactness but by the attention that has been given to restricting the encroachment of over-development. It retains its individuality by preserving the character and the traditions of the past.

This was the experience of the Filton Garden Club recently when 40 or more of its members enjoyed their visit to its “Abbey House Gardens.” Its huge expanse of tropical plants enshrined within well-kept borders and lavish arcades and archways is really spectacular.

TV gardening presenter Alan

Titchmarsh referred to it as “The Garden with the Wow Factor.”

Along with its charming residence – Ian and Barbara Pollard – acquired it in 1994 – the garden has been the setting for several TV productions.

It is seldom that you observe a beautiful sculptured tree fashioned as a smiling face. It greets you at “Abbey House.”

And then there is the famed Mulberry tree believed to be around 300 years’ old. King James imported this to “boost the economy” ... a traditional habitat for silk worms in silk production. It did the opposite ... they were the wrong type of trees.

Abbey House Gardens’ fame as the “Home of the Naked Gardeners” raises a few eyebrows to be sure. We saw none on this visit although it is featured on certain summer occasions. If

“stripping off” and grabbing a hoe is any incentive then it’s all here at Malmesbury!

No doubt the shop close to the garden’s entrance gave an inkling with its welcoming poster:

“Gardens to put a smile on your face”. There was no doubting that at Malmesbury.

This was yet another of the excellent garden visits organised

by Pat and Brian Smith.

Filton Garden Club meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month (except January) at St Teresa’s Social Club, 7.30 p.m. Ring 0117 965 1242 for more details.

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

Trade services

To advertise in our trade services section from as little as £15 per month contact Richard on 07775 550607 or Emma on 0117 9082121.

RECORD COLLECTIONS

ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE FOR JUST

£99 FOR

SIX MONTHS

CALL 0777 555 0607 PEST CONTROL

WASP PROBLEM? Wasp Problem Specialists Prompt & Reliable Service

Call 01179 041756

07966 439423/07770 414968 www.falconpestcontrolbristol.co.uk

19 Beaufort Road, Downend, Bristol PLUMBER

KNIFE SHARPENING

Commercial and Household Knife Sharpening Service • Knives sharpened and broken blades re-tipped • Filton based Call us on 07946 460322

Reliable Plumber

Leaking taps l Blocked wastes l WC l Ball valves Overflows l Showers l Basins l Taps l Boilers l Heating & Plumbing

Complete bathroom installations

Tel: 0117 979 3842 or 07791 786 820

MEDIA SERVICES

YOU make HI! the headlines!

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MAD WADS: SHE’S THE NUTTIEST! COLSTON SCHOOL’S

BETH WADEY FRIENDS LINE UP TO REVEAL THE TRUTH ABOUT FRENCHAY GIRL’S CRAZY ANTICS EXCLUSIVE PICTURES

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SPECIAL BIRTHDAY EDITION FREE ... IN RETURN FOR A SLICE OF CAKE

SPOTTED PIGGING OUT IN GOURMET BURGER

DEANZ: ‘I COULDN’T BELIEVE HOW MUCH SHE ATE’ BRISTOL’S NEXT TOP MODEL?

WHAT A POSER SHE IS! SHOCK FOR FRIENDS AS FAKE TAN SESSION GOES HORRIBLY WRONG

Call 0777 555 0607

THE COMBINATION BOILER SPECIALISTS Service | Repair | Installation Tel: 0117 325 1111 Mob: 07798 804 541 info@combiline.co.uk www.combiline.co.uk

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Rubbish clearance Cheaper than a skip - guaranteed Domestic & Commercial Man & Van service For a free quote, please ring Mark on 07817 959 860 or 0117 904 8097

Fully Insured Waste Carrier’s Licence

LNB Towbars & Vehicle Extras Ltd 0117 9694944

Open Day and Free BBQ June 22nd 2013 10am-2pm

Bouncy Castle New Landrovers Free Accident Damage Estimates Thule Roof Racks & Boxes Numerous Bike Racks Displayed Food & Drink Parrot Handsfree Car Kits IO and NSV Handsfree Kits Headrest DVD Systems Cruise Control Westfalia Towbars Alpine Car Audio Ply Lining & Racking Rhino Commercial Roof Rack Systems Parking Sensors & Reverse Cameras Traffic Master Stolen Vehicle Trackers

Free Prize Draw with Huge Prizes from LNB Towbars • Thule • Valeo • Cobra • Rhino • Parrot • IO • NSV • Trafficmaster and more!

Come and see all that we do . . . more than you expect

Big Discounts Filton GC

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0117 969 4944

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Golf Course Lane, Filton, Bristol BS34 7QS

LNB TOWBARS Go

Find us: Unit 7 & 8 Fairway Industrial Centre,

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www.LNBTOWBARS.co.uk