Filtonvoice April 2019

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filtonvoice April 2019 Issue 91

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Schools boss slams MP over failure to attend funding debate

The Filton students on a mission to end the scourge of Islamophobia, P4 Concerns raised over disabled toilets in council pub Pages 6-7

Tenants hit out over noise and damage in Filton flats Pages 8-9

Community Association set to hold long awaited AGM Page 19

The chief executive of the largest schools trust for Filton has criticised the area's MP for missing a debate on schools funding.

Dave Baker, chief executive of the Olympus Trust which incudes Abbeywood Community School, Filton Hill Primary and Charborough Road Primary, took to Twitter to express his concern after Jack Lopresti failed to attend the debate - taking part in Brexit discussions instead.

Mr Baker said: "We are in the lowest-funded local authority in the country and our MP was apparently not present for the debate about school funding."

Mr. Lopresti said: “Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Westminster Hall debate on school funding because I was in a meeting as part of my Government role assisting the Brexit Secretary.

"I believe it is absolutely vital that Brexit is delivered and I felt I would be letting constituents down to abandon these duties Turn to Page 2

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Contacts Richard Coulter Editor and publisher

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07513 517 593 | ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk COMPLAINTS If you have a complaint about anything in the Filtonvoice, contact the Editor using the details below. We take complaints seriously and aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website www.localvoicenetwork.co.uk, or can be obtained by contacting the publisher, above.

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.

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April, 2019

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Schools funding row From Page 1 at such a critical time. I have spoken in two Westminster Hall debates this week, one highlighting the amazing work that thousands of local residents do in the defence industry contributing to our national security and another on the UK’s bilateral relations with Kurdistan."

Mr Baker said that he subsequently met Mr Lopresti and was given an assurance that Schools Minister Nick Gibb would visit the area in the coming weeks to allow him to "share the serious concerns of school and Trust leaders in South Gloucestershire."

He added: "I agreed to provide specific examples of our funding pressures. Mr Lopresti has also pledged to liaise with other local MPs so that they can show a united front in highlighting concerns from across the education sector in South Gloucestershire which is the lowest-funded local authority area in the country."

Mr Lopresti added: "I met with the Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb MP to discuss with him the schools funding situation in South Gloucestershire in general and with specific issues on school buildings, some of which are now outdated and in need of maintenance, repair, and, in some cases, replacement. This

was a successful meeting where the Minister informed us that school funding per pupil will be 6 per cent higher next year than it was in the 2017/18 academic year.

"I was able to raise my concerns again about the condition of Patchway Community School, having visited it myself and met with Headteacher Karen Cornick and also the Olympus Academy Trust Chief Executive Dave Baker. I strongly felt that the Minister should come and see the school for himself and he has accepted my invitation, giving a commitment that he will come and visit Patchway in the near future.

"I welcome the Government’s commitment to spend an additional £1.3bn on education above and beyond previous spending plans. In fact, figures from the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies show that real terms per-pupil funding in 2020 will be more than 50 per cent higher than it was in 2000. I welcome that the Autumn Budget reiterates the commitment to improving every child's education, with an additional £400 million for schools to spend on improving their facilities.

"In addition, I am pleased to welcome the Budget put forward

by Conservative colleagues on South Gloucestershire Council, which includes £78m

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for building, maintaining, and upgrading schools over the next three years, to include a brand new primary school for Charlton Hayes and two new special schools, at Marlwood and on the former Soundwell College site.

In addition, schools in South Gloucestershire will receive £208m in funding for education and measures have been brought forward to provide a pot of £100,000 in match funding for ‘friends of’ school projects.

Not only this, but cash has been found to fund a programme to allow deaf children to take their

hearing aids home overnight, which will be life-changing for them.

"I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Council, in the F40, in schools, and in the Government and hope to come to a schools funding arrangement that works for everyone.”

The South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet approved an updated Capital Programme that will see £77.86million invested in schools across the district, on major projects that will increase the number of places available and improve the learning

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April, 2019

How a simple 'let's be friendly' experiment exposed the darker side of society prejudice

A 'High 5' - it's a near-universally accepted friendly greeting, yet for a group of Filton students, it has come to represent one of the most serious issues in society.

The experiment carried out by the Abbeywood Community School 6th Form students was a simple one - invite passers by in the city centre to 'high 5' a pair of students.

On one side of the street were two of the group - identifiably Muslims - while on the other side of the street two others stood who were not Muslim.

The results were stark - 187 people 'high 5-ed' the non Muslims. Just 120 high '5-ed' the Muslims.

The group, IslamNOphobia, has been working with skills organisation Envision to develop a project based on a social issue which will lead to extra credits after they leave school.

They have already won ÂŁ100 from Envision after a Dragon's Den style pitch of their project.

The students, from mixed faith backgrounds, had heard anecdotal examples of Islamophobia directed at friends and wanted to investigate further.

One student, Shazera, said: "We all know of people who have experienced Islamophobia. They are called terrorists - people see Muslims and think they are all members of ISIS. "I believe the causes are due to a mixture of factors lack of knowledge, hatred and prejudice. People want someone to blame and when it comes to name calling, they don't see it as wrong."

The students said they were shocked after the experiment in Broadmead.

Burhan, who was one of the two Muslims, said parents were guiding their children away from him while for the two nonMuslims, there was no apparent hostility.

The students want to take facts - for example a large rise in faith-based hate crime since 9/11 - and help to educate the younger generation.

Lauren said: "We want to raise awareness among younger people. We think this will be more effective as the older

Opposite page, front row Lauren, Ellis and Shazera; middle row, Daler, Burhan and Dom; and back row, Amerdeep. Left, the group after winning their pitch to Envision; above left, the group in Broadmead after the 'High 5' experiment, including Aksha

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n NEWS

generation may tend to stick to their views."

They also accept that the Muslim community itself can do

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more to create an atmosphere where harmony can thrive.

A concern which they have identified is a perception that

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the media creates stereotypes - branding Muslims involved in atrocities as terrorists but sometimes not when a non-

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Muslim is involved. The students have set up an Instagram account which has attracted many positive comments.

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n NEWS Council commits to phasing out single-use plastics by end of 2020 As part of South Gloucestershire Council’s commitment to the environment, following a Cabinet decision earlier this year, singleuse plastics will be phased out where possible from across the council’s estate by the end of 2020.

This work will involve gaining an understanding of what this commitment means for each service area, along with the identification of the single use plastics currently being consumed and who may be affected. The council will then build a plan to meet the 2020 commitment, implement the identified changes, and put a robust monitoring and audit trail in place to ensure it is delivering against its commitment.

Cabinet Member for

Corporate Resources Cllr Rob Creer said: “Everyone now knows how harmful single-use plastics are to the environment and the devastating pollution already caused across the globe. The recent removal of single-use cups and plastic cutlery from our catering facilities was an important step forward in tackling the issue of unnecessary waste plastic and we’re pleased to be able to widen the approach to look at the removal of single use plastics across the council more generally.

“We all individually have a duty to help tackle this crisis and it’s appropriate that South Gloucestershire Council take the lead, be ambitious and commit to doing something that will genuinely make a difference.”

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Concerns over disabled toilets at council-run pub Action is set to be taken after concerns were raised about disabled access at The Ratepayers Arms.

Filton resident Helen Johnson visited the council-run pub with a group of friends for a quiz night on Saturday, March 2.

One member of the group was a wheelchair user, who struggled to use the facilities during the evening.

Speaking to Filton Voice about his experience, the friend, who did not wish to be named, said: “I use a standard NHS wheelchair, and I found getting around the building very difficult due to there being narrow

doorways and corridors that are tight to turn around in.

“During the evening we were in a room just off the bar, which is accessed down a slope.

“It wouldn’t have been possible for me to wheel myself along this slope due to its steepness, and I had to rely on a friend to help me.

“In order to access the men’s toilets there was a very tight corner, and inside there was one cubicle which was apparently disabled friendly, however it only had a commode frame over a low slung toilet pan and there were no grab handles on the wall.

“In addition I also couldn’t

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get the wheelchair in and close the door at the same time, which gave me no privacy at all when other people walked in.

“Following this, I used the ladies’ toilets after a friend checked that no one was in there.

The ladies’ disabled cubicle has a handle, but it is still a low slung toilet and I still couldn’t get the wheelchair in and close door, which made it very embarrassing for the ladies who wanted to use

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the toilets while I was in there.

“The council’s claim that it’s accessible for disabled people is fairly mistaken, as if you’re in a wheelchair it is very difficult to get around the building, even in the bar area there are tables all over the place.

“The doors also have powerful springs on them, which are impossible to open with one hand when you are trying to manoeuvre through at the same time.

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“On a good point, however, the organiser of the quiz contacted me the next day to say that she is hoping to arrange for us to meet the council’s ground and maintenance manager at the pub, in order to discuss the improvements that should be made as part of the toilet refurbishments.”

Before the evening, Helen had contacted The Ratepayers to ask about disabled access and their facilities. Speaking to Filton Voice, she said: “I asked the question and the council staff told me they had the facilities and I believed them. However the facilities may be OK for somebody walking with sticks but are not fit for purpose for wheelchair users.

“The misleading information marred what was otherwise an enjoyable night out. The state of the building will not encourage return customers that’s for sure.”

Helen took to the Filton News and Views Facebook group to express her concerns about disabled access, and in response the Town Clerk for

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Filton Town Council, Lesley Reuben, said: “We are aware of this upsetting incident and have are taking steps to resolve these issues. We have been applying for grants to help with the cost of refurbishment but all this takes time. Work is about to be scheduled… we were hoping to complete the works all in one go however financial restrictions mean it will have to be done in stages.

“We will start with improving the disabled facilities and progress through to improve the toilet facilities generally.

“If anyone knows of any grants out there or would like to sponsor the improvements then please let me know. Please bear with us during this time.”

The Equality Act 2010 states that organisations have a duty to make reasonable adjustments in order to ensure that disabled people receive the same services, as far as possible, as someone who is not disabled.

Further updates on this story will be covered in future editions of Filton Voice.

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Tenants unhappy about noise levels and damage at their flats

The radiator at Sabrina’s flat

Two tenants have contacted Filton Voice to express their concerns about the level of noise they experience in their flats in Conygre Grove.

Sabrina Knight and Rosy Gray both live in flats that are managed by Bromford, who partnered with Merlin Housing Society in July 2018. They moved into their properties in September 2018, and say that they are both concerned about poor sound insulation and the lack of action that seems to have been taken following their complaints.

Sabrina lives with her two young children, and she has told Filton Voice that the poor sound insulation of her flat causes her son to have sleep problems.

In addition, she says that the heating hasn’t worked since

October, the radiators are also in a poor condition, there are huge cracks throughout her property, and she has numerous problems with her front door, door handles and kitchen cupboard doors being broken.

Despite chasing Bromford about the issues she has experienced, she says has only had recent success in booking appointments with the maintenance team. So far, only the problems with her radiators, door handles in kitchen and her front door have been resolved, and she is also currently awaiting an appointment to have her windows sealed as they also hadn’t been done when she moved in.

Commenting on the issues that she has experienced, Sabrina said: “I have been told

by a member of the complaints team that the properties we have moved to are not as advertised. I checked with South Gloucestershire Council who have said that their adverts are based on what the housing associations send in, so therefore we feel Bromford knowingly misadvertised these and therefore we have signed tenancy agreements under false pretences.

“They should move us into suitable properties and fix these as they are not fit for purpose, nor what me and my neighbours signed up for.

“Bromford are still refusing to do a sound test and the noise is just beyond ridiculous now, so I’m having to go through South Glos Council to sort a private sound test as a result. I’m still waiting for my front door to be

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fixed, and a surveyor is sorting for the seals on my windows to be fixed and has also arranged for one crack in my property to be sorted. Heating is still an issue but with the window seals being sorted hopefully it might make a difference.”

Rosy lives with her young daughter. She told Filton Voice that special carpet was installed in the property and pipes were also insulated when she moved in as part of sound proofing measures, but that it has not made any difference to the noise issues. She has also said that she

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has been in regular contact with Bromford, and that although sound testing has been done, it seems to take a long time for anything to be resolved.

She said: “I can hear things through the floor and I regularly get woken up by noise from my neighbours. I complained to Bromford on the first night I moved in, but it’s taken a very long time for anything to be done and I’m at my wits’ end as it takes weeks to hear back from someone. It’s not that they aren’t dealing with it, it’s just that everything takes such a long time.

“The noise problems are also affecting my daughter and she’s not sleeping either.

I often struggle putting her to bed because of all the noise. If anyone sat here for five minutes, they would see that the carpet is not solving the issue – some movements from my neighbours even make the windows shake.

I’ve been through a lot to get this place, and I just want something to be done.”

Addressing Sabrina’s and

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Rosy’s concerns, Marc Goldby, Head of Property Investment at Bromford, said: “We have been in regular contact with Mrs Knight over the past few months about her concerns about her flat.

“Our heating engineers visited the property in January and determined there were no issues with the boiler or radiators which were all working, but did clear the debris from behind the radiators. And in February we also carried out the annual gas safety inspection of the flat to fully check the heating system, which showed the heating system is working normally.

“Before customers moved in we invested around £100,000 improving the energy efficiency of this block of flats by installing new insulation to help all the flats retain heat. An independent energy assessment was carried out following this work, the flat achieved an energy efficiency rating of C74, which is above the national average of D60.

“At the same time we also fitted acoustic underlay to all the flats to minimise noise

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disruption. Although it is not unusual for noise to be transferred between properties in a block of flats, we have hired an independent company to carry out a sound test at the block.

This was completed on February 27 and found the sound levels to be compliant with building regulations.

“The damage to Mrs Knight’s front door has happened since she moved in. After this was reported to us, we visited and gave Mrs Knight the choice of new door and advised that it will take up to six weeks to manufacture the door which she was satisfied with.

“Our properties are advertised through South Gloucestershire Council’s choice-based lettings system. Mrs Knight chose to apply to live in this property and was given an opportunity to have a look around before moving in.

"We apologise if she feels the property was mis-advertised and will endeavour to ensure future adverts accurately reflect new and refurbished properties.”

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n NEWS

New Sort It centre planned as council seeks to expand and improve facilities South Gloucestershire Council will build a new Sort It centre and waste management facility in Filton, to improve recycling services for residents and to increase capacity to manage household waste from the growing communities in the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, Charlton Hayes and former Airfield housing developments.

The council has completed the purchase of the Viridor Filton Collections Unit on the North Bristol Park industrial estate as part of a £6.5million project, which will see the new services delivered in 2023.

Initially, Viridor will continue to operate from the site, but after they vacate in 2021 South

Gloucestershire Council will demolish the existing facilities and deliver: n A new transfer station – where collection vehicles can drop off waste collected from households n A new Sort It centre – to serve residents who currently use the Little Stoke facility, with an improved facility as well as to meet the needs of expanding local communities n A depot for waste vehicles – allowing collection trucks to be based closer to the areas they serve, reducing traffic movements and their impact on local roads and the environment The option of a Reuse shop will also be explored, whereby

certain unwanted but serviceable items can be safety tested by our staff and made available for sale second-hand sale.

Once the new facility is complete, to modern standards similar to the recently redeveloped and improved Sort It centres at Mangotsfield and Yate, the existing Little Stoke Sort It centre will be closed.

Cabinet Member for Tourism and Communities, Councillor Paul Hughes, said: “We are a growing community and we are committed to growing sustainably and it is important that we invest now for the future infrastructure to support new communities as well as existing residents.

“By redeveloping this site, we

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“It will help us further improve residents’ experience of the recycling service because the new Sort It centre will be larger than at Little Stoke.

“We are already recycling more than 51 per cent of our household waste and we’re well on the way to reaching our 60 per cent target.

“The new facility will have the capacity to manage the extra waste that comes from new homes and its location will reduce the number and length of journeys taken by the trucks across the district to collect waste and recyclable materials.

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Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism Cllr Paul Hughes 2015-2019, which saw the change to weekly recycling and smaller black bins, South Gloucestershire now recycles 51.6 per cent of all household waste.

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n NEWS

Nigel beats charity target by more than a whisker

Nigel Nixon, left, before the shave with Mario of The Filton Barbers

A man from Filton has raised funds for Diabetes UK by shaving off his beard.

Nigel Nixon has lived on Gayner Road in Filton with his wife, five children and their two dogs since 2005, and was diagnosed with type one diabetes in February 2018.

As his daughter has also been a diabetic since the age of 10, following his diagnosis Nigel decided to grow a beard for the whole year before shaving it off to raise funds.

In addition, Nigel also organised a fundraising event at Filton and District Social Club on Saturday, March 2, from 2pm

until 5pm. As part of this he held a raffle and auction, with prizes including signed team photos donated from Manchester United and Everton, as well as items donated from the local branches of Tesco, Asda and Nandos.

The event also had a disco, provided free of charge by Dan’s Disco, and hot dogs and cakes were also sold.

Nigel’s beard shave was provided free of charge at the event by Mario Parinello from The Filton Barbers.

In total, he has raised £1,235, and he told Filton Voice that he would like to thank all of the

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ALL GARDENS local people and businesses that have supported him.

He said: “Diabetes UK is a cause that is close to family’s heart, and although my wife

didn’t like it I enjoyed growing my beard for a year to raise funds. I only really expected to raise £500, so it’s unbelievable that the target has been beaten!”

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All Garden Craft DESIGN • Garden clearance and maintenance • Garden make-overs • Patios & Decking • Ponds • New Lawns • Fences/stone walls • Tree pruning Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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April, 2019

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15

n NEWS

Council's 'no tolerance' with Filton dog owners who don't pick up mess Filton Town Council will be adopting a no tolerancenapproach NEWS to dog owners who fail to pick up after their dogs.

The action comes in response to complaints from residents.

Resident Dave Mikkelson, chairman of the Community Garden and who is supporting the council in taking action, said: "Dog faeces are unsightly and unpleasant.

"It is not acceptable that users of Elm Park and the Millennium Green have to look out for it and avoid treading in it whilst walking or involved in recreational activities including sport.

"As well as being filthy, dog mess is also unhygienic and a health hazard, the key health issue is dog faeces can lead to toxocariasis in humans of all ages but particularly in children.

Toxocariasis can cause seizures, stomach upsets, sore throats, breathing difficulties and serious eye conditions.

"The way to prevent toxocariasis is for dog owners to be responsible and pick up after their dogs."

New signage will shortly be erected in Elm Park and The Millennium Green advising inconsiderate dog owners that if they fail to clear up after their dogs they will be prosecuted and will be fined up to £1,000.

The Council has also requested additional patrols from South Gloucestershire Dog Warden Service, and council staff will also be more vigilant and will challenge owners who do not pick up.

Dave added: "We would ask members of the public to report dog fouling to the Town Council or Dog Wardens, letting us know where and when the problem occurs with as much detail and relevant information as possible so we can deal with the problem.

You are advised not to approach dog owners directly."

This venture involves Filton Town Council and the Green Spaces Section of Filton Community Plan.

February, 2019

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

area, but since I moved back here I’ve had nothing but problems.

“Recently I watched someone let their dog do their business outside my house before walking off. By the time I got to the front door they had already walked down the road, but I shouted after them that next time they should clean up after their dog.

“It happens at least three or four times a week, I feel like I’m always dragging my daughter away from it. I’ve owned a dog in the past, and been in the situation where I thought I’ve had bags with me and haven’t, so have put leaves over it and then gone back to pick it up. People just don’t seem to care anymore though, they do what they want and then leave it to the next person to clean up instead.”

Following the incident that Sabrina witnessed, she reported it to South Gloucestershire Council on their website, and one of their two Dog Wardens were sent out to clean it up within a couple of days. In addition, they

filtonvoice

also put down a spray painted sign in order to deter other residents from not cleaning up after their dogs in the future.

On the council’s website, they state that dog waste can be disposed of in any available litter bin or black household bin, and it is no longer necessary to separate

11

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dog waste from other types of household waste.

Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act of 1996, anyone who lets their dog foul on land open to public access and does not clear up afterwards can be given a fixed penalty notice with a £50 fine. If this is not paid within 14

days, you could be prosecuted and might be fined up to £1,000.

Any residents who have concerns about dog fouling can report it on the council’s website: www.southglos.gov. uk/environment-and-planning/ street-care-and-cleaning/dogfouling-and-bins/

Above, Filton Community Garden, part of Elm Park. In February, South Glos painted warning signs on the pavement in response to You’ve got the complaints and local football teams have frequently complained that it affects players skills to foster… you may not know it yet

“I wIsh we’d done It years ago” Fatima, Foster Carer

Become a foster carer with South Gloucestershire Council and make a real difference.

We’re looking for foster carers for children of all age groups. If you have a spare room, childcare experience and the time, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you isolated? Lonely? Do you have an access need?

 01454 866423  fostering@southglos.gov.uk www.fostersouthglos.org.uk

We are here to help get you out and about

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Here at Four Towns we provide safe, cost effective accessible transport.

Our ring and ride service is door to door and we can take you on shopping trips, social visits or get you to your medical appointments. We run monthly trips of interest, as well as running regular social events for our passengers.

A membership fee will be payable from the 1st of April 2019 We are based: Crossbow House, 58 School Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, BS36 2DA To become a member or for further information on our services please give us a call on 01454 250500 or you can email us at info@4tvl.org.uk visit our website: www.4tvl.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1084874

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

April, 2019

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17

n FILTON LITTER PICK DAY

Filton's spring clean NORTHVILLE

CONYGRE

A bright Sunday morning saw residents and councillors across Filton collecting rubbish.

Litter is a constant grumble among members of the public who attend town council meetings so groups gathered in Charborough, Northville and Conygre wards to make the town that bit cleaner.

It was part of the South Glos Spring Clean campaign and participants included several children.

CHARBOROUGH

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

McDonalds

l New technology including: touch screen ordering, tablet technology available for customer use. l Table service for your convenience l Bigger dinning area with more seating available. Your local McDonald's restaurant at

Abbey Wood Retail Park, Filton

April, 2019

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19

n NEWS

FCA pledge to hold AGM 'in April' The leadership of Filton Community Association, which last year was subject to scrutiny by the Charity Commission, has told Filtonvoice an AGM will possibly be held this month.

The association has been at the centre of controversy for several months over issues surrounding its governance Newly published but late accounts show a loss in 2017/18 of apparently £11,000 Repeated appeals for the association to call an AGM have not led to such a meeting but now treasurer David Gillard told Filtonvoice that while he didn't know when it would be, it would probably be 'April'.

The association, which also came under fire for the membership of its trustee body, has also now updated its entry on the Charity Commission website.

The trustees are now named as David Gillard, Margaret Gillard, Steven England, Anthony Dark and Nigel Williams.

At a recent Filton Town Council meeting, Cllr Alan Tink revealed he was now vice chairman of the association.

He called for councillors not to 'interfere' any more.

The accounts for 2017/18, only recently published, show an apparent loss of between £11,539.97 and £60,978.97.

The accounts show expenditure of £117, 967.90 and income of £56,988.93 - aloss of £60,978.97.

The expenditure includes nearly £60,000 in maintenance between April 2017 and March 2018.

However in what appears to be incomplete accounts, a category called 'business/ membership' shows monthly income totalling £49,439.

This would still leave a loss of £11,539.97.

Mr Gillard refused to explain what 'business/membership' was but Filtonvoice has been told two large sums of around £30,000 and £10,000 in this category could be lottery grants.

The accounts also have no entries for bar purchases (alcohol) or income from the bar.

The association has come under fire for the practice of taking cash home after functions instead of keeping it in a safe.

In the past year several incidents have provoked concern from town councillors and residents: 1. The Charity Commission said it had concerns over 'serious mismanagement within the charity'. In an email to FCA treasurer David Gillard, a Commission case worker highlights failures to keep details on the register of charities up to date.

2. Paid employee Oliver Newbury, who has since left the organisation, raised serious concerns over its governance and placed the FCA accounts in the hands of Filton Town Council while the Charity Commission investigated.

3. FCA lost a major client Robins Nursery - after a dispute over payments and the terms of their agreement.

4. An acrimonious public meeting nearly failed to take place when treasurer Mr Gillard initially walked out.

Several issues were raised including membership of the trustee body coming largely from Mr Gillard's family.

5. An EGM collapsed in disarray when Mr Gillard resigned on the spot only to retract this decision after the meeting.

Mr Gillard said he was unwilling to discuss the accounts with Filtonvoice but said that in terms of accuracy, they were 'as near as dammit'. When pressed about the meaning of 'business/ membership' he refused to offer an explanation.

The accounts and details of the new trustees can be viewed at www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/charity-

commission then click 'Find a Charity'.

A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “We engaged with the trustees of Filton Community Association regarding concerns relating to the charity’s governance.

"We provided guidance to the trustees, and following our intervention, an election was held and a new board of trustees has been appointed.

"We have instructed the trustees to update the register of charities to ensure this is accurately reflected to the public.

Charities are rightly held to high standards and so we expect the new board to ensure they are actively fulfilling their duties and responsibilities to ensure the charity is well-managed and inspires the trust of the community it serves.”

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Filton Town Council Filton Sports and Leisure Centre

Lifeguard qualification Indoor cycling/spinning Coming Soon - we will be introducing indoor cycling/spinning classes in April.

Please speak to a member of our reception team to register your details, or email us at reception@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

8th April – 13th April, only £255 Lifeguards benefit from varied working hours which you can easily fit around your other commitments, working within a team and there’s also the opportunity to progress your career within the leisure industry as most leisure managers start off as Pool Lifeguards.

Lifeguard Course Pre-Requisites Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16 years old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to: • Jump / dive into deep water • Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds • Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water • Tread water for 30 seconds • Surface dive to the floor of the pool • Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits For more information or to book your place please call 01454 866686

Little Squids Softplay Come and try our multi-level play area, now includes slides and ball pit with a separate under 3’s section and submarine.

Bring the kids along to play and explore while you sit back and relax. After the kids have run out of steam you can take advantage of our new seating area to enjoy hot or cold drinks, or snacks available from our bar area.

Our soft play is available to drop-in and also for pre-booked parties with our new dedicated party room included.

Open daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm, bring your little sea monsters for some fun. Coffee machine available in the party room next door to our softplay.

Swimming crash courses 8th – 12th April During the school holidays we will be running some intensive crash courses. They aim to speed up children's swimming progress with an intensive batch of 4 or 5 lessons, held Monday to Friday.

Intensive courses are often used to boost children's swimming skills and increase their confidence around water as well as giving their swimming a boost, and being a fun and productive way of filling up holiday time! Covering Pre school, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 and Stage 5 skills. Only £25.00.

Dates for your diary Monday 8th April 4-5pm The Filton Police Team will be holding a beat surgery at Elm Park.

Wednesday 17th April 2-4pm. FREE bicycle security marking (normal retail price £12-99), Filton Leisure Centre Car Park

Make a change, become a local councillor ABOUT Do you care about where you live? Are you passionate about your community? If so, you could make a great local councillor. Stand for election and make a local change.

WHAT IS A LOCAL COUNCIL? Local council is a universal term for community, village, neighbourhood, parish and town councils. They are the first tier of local government and are statutory bodies. They serve communities and are elected by residents. They can raise their own precept (a form of council tax). There are 10,000 local councils in England and 120,000 councillors who serve on these local councils.

WHAT DO LOCAL COUNCILS DO? Your local council has overall responsibility for the well-being of your local community. Their work falls into three main categories: o Delivery of services o Improve the quality of life for residents o Give communities a democratic voice BECOMING A LOCAL COUNCILLOR As a local councillor, you can become a voice for your community and make a real change. Local councillors are community leaders and represent the interests of the communities they serve.

Local councillors have three main responsibilities: o Decision-making o Monitoring o Getting involved locally

GETTING ELECTED To stand for election to a local council you must: o Be a UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or be a citizen of another Member State of the European Union o Be at least 18 years old o Be an elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary. o Local councils welcome and are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all regardless of race, culture, ability, ethnicity or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status.

If you would like to know more please contact Filton Town Council on 01454 866698 or email office@filtontowncouncil. gov.uk.

Activities at Filton Sports & Leisure Centre:

Do you know we are more than just a swimming pool? We have Walking Netball, Bums and tums classes, Bootcamp fitness, Zumba classes, yoga all going on throughout the week.

We also are the venue for Slimming world and Weightwatchers in Filton.

For any more information on any of our activities, please give us a call on 01454-866686, or online at www.filtonleisurecentre.co.uk

Deep water aquafit

We run a Deep-Water aqua class as well as our trusty Aquafit to music. Deep-Water aqua provides a dynamic total body work out without any impact.

Tuesday – 9.15am – 10.00am Friday – 9.30am – 10.15am *£4.75 per person on a first come first served basis.

Lane swimming

Monday to Friday from 12.00 until 1.30pm, 3 x lanes available.

Meeting dates April

There are no town council meetings in April due to the May elections.

Contact us Town council office 01454 866 698; Leisure Centre 01454 866686; filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

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April, 2019

n NEWS

Foodbank urgently seeks new home to keep service going

Matt Dobson, manager at North Bristol Foodbank, and right, food in the warehouse which needs to find a new home

of

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ir l iv

our

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ec t ed F or t he time

and North Bristol Foodbank seeks to address some of the underlying causes of referral with additional services and support.

Foodbank volunteers are trained to talk to people about why they’ve needed the foodbank’s help and signpost them to other agencies and charities that could help tackle the issue in the long-term.

Foodbank manager Matt Dobson said: “Time and time again we're overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of the people of North Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Last year alone people donated 56 tonnes of food to help local people who are in crisis.

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ot t pr

In order to keep providing a vital service to local people, North Bristol Foodbank is asking the community for urgent help to find a new home for their warehouse as soon as possible.

The role played by the Filton Avenue-based foodbank in the community is a crucial one.

In the last year, North Bristol Foodbank provided 4,152 three days emergency food supplies to local people in crisis, 1,664 of which went to children. The sudden need for warehousing comes after we have been asked to move from our previous premises.

Foodbanks offer much more than just emergency food parcels

just

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Vets4Pets Filton

Call: 0117 969 8400 or visit: vets4pets.com/filton

Companion Care Vets Filton

Call: 0117 979 9200 or visit: companioncare.co.uk/bristolfilton *Terms and conditions and exclusions apply. Pet must have been vaccinated within the last 30 days. Initial vaccination course is payable separately.

Promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Handforth, SK9 3RN. Please ask in practice for further details or visit vets4pets.com/vac4life

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19/02/2019 10:55

To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07513 517 593

April, 2019

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About North Bristol Foodbank

"The support is incredible but we now need somewhere secure to store these donations so we can continue to make a real difference to families in North Bristol, South Gloucestershire and beyond who might otherwise go hungry.

“We’ve been fortunate to have the warehouse cheaply in the past, as this has allowed

more of the money donated to the foodbank to be spent on services for people who need our help, instead of being swallowed by renting costs. We urgently need help to find a space for our warehouse as quickly as possible – we’d be very grateful for the support local people can give.”

The requirements for the foodbank are for a 3,000 square

feet building in Bristol, where donated food can be stored and processed into packages to give to clients at the foodbank's distribution centres. Electricity points for weighing equipment are also a necessity.

Anyone who is able to help is asked to contact the foodbank on 0117 979 1399 or email: info@ northbristol.foodbank.org.uk.

North Bristol Foodbank provides three days’ worth of emergency food to local people in crisis. Everyone who comes to the foodbank is referred by a frontline agency or professional, such as a Citizens’ Advice worker, health visitor or children’s centre.

The foodbank opened in 2012, and in the last full financial year provided 4,152 three day emergency food supplies to local people in crisis.

1,664 of these went to children.

The foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network. n Find out more at http:// northbristol.foodbank.org.uk n Contact Matt Dobson (Foodbank Manager) on matt@ northbristol.foodbank.org.uk or 0117 979 1399 or 07772275706 n Or Stewart North (Chair of Trustees) on Stewart@ northbristol.foodbank.org.uk or 07866259848

ST ANDREW’S METHODIST CHURCH, ELM PARK, FILTON

COMMUNITY COFFEE SHOP

SATURDAY

6th APR 2019 4.00 - 6.00pm Crafts, fun and food for all the family

Come and join us.

Entry is FREE!

TEA, COFFEE & HOMEMADE CAKE SUGGESTED DONATION £1 PER ITEM

MON - THURS 9.30-1.30 FRI 9.30 - 12.30

ST PETERS CHURCH SERVING GOD BY SERVING YOU, YOUR FAMILY & THE COMMUNITY

** Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times **

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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filtonvoice n NEWS

n ON THE BEAT With PC Sean White

How to deal with doorstep traders With a recent increase in neighbour disputes, this month’s report will outline what police do when dealing with neighbour fall outs. A first step is mediation and low level talks to resolve tensions.

At this point it may not necessarily be a police matter but we try to prevent things going to the next level.

From that point we look at Anti-social behaviour contracts (ABC) and beyond that Community protection warnings (CPW) which can be done in partnership with the local councils or housing.

April, 2019

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If we get breaches of this we can take further action and offenders can lose their tenancy and/ or receive a criminal record.

Noise issues with neighbours are not initially a police matter and are dealt with by environmental dept. at South Gloucestershire council. Best advice is to get along with your neighbours if you can.

Free trips to aerospace museum to continue South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet has approved financial assistance for the Filton Airfield-based Aerospace Bristol museum that will secure free school visits for local schools up until 2021.

Councillors approved the arrangement of a 10 year loan extension for Aerospace Bristol. The interest received from this arrangement will provide the funding for South Gloucestershire schools to continue to visit the museum during 2019/20 and 2020/21 (£40k per annum), extending the 2018/19 programme.

Council candidate resigned following taxi booking incident

Council candidate Chris Wood has responded over the 'controversial' circumstances surrounding his resignation from a borough council in Hampshire.

Mr Wood, who is standing as a Conservative for Filton Town Council and also for Filton on South Glos Council, had a fouryear spell as a UKIP councillor before switching back to the Conservatives in 2016, calling UKIP 'toxified'.

After returning to the Conservatives, he was a borough councillor and deputy mayor in Fareham but resigned after he said he acted in an 'unprofessional' manner over a taxi booking.

According to the Portsmouth News, the complaint, released

under Freedom of Information law, alleged the firm did not take him ‘due to his perceived aggressive nature’.

It added: ‘(The firm) notified Mr Wood that if he had a complaint he would have to go through the standard procedure of emailing his grievance to our customer care team. It was at this point that the threat was made when he said: “I don’t need to (email with a complaint) I’ll just go to the licensing panel and have your licence revoked…I’m the deputy Mayor of Fareham”.’

Mr Wood told Filtonvoice: "That's essentially the complaint that was made, yes."

"I resigned as a Councillor in Fareham in 2017 a week before I started my new job with the

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www.alpine-landscaping.co.uk To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07513 517 593

April, 2019

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25

Chris Wood, centre, with MP Jack Lopresti and Cllr John Ashe

MOD at Abbey Wood, which I had accepted some months prior.

"Very regrettably my resignation came amid some controversy, which I took full responsibility for.

"I acted in an unprofessional manner after a taxi firm told me the taxi I had booked would be half an hour late.

"When I was made aware that a complaint had been filed

I resigned immediately and apologised wholeheartedly to the firm in question who accepted my apology.

"The reason I am standing for election in Filton is because I

absolutely loved serving as a local Councillor, it is hugely rewarding and I really feel I have something to offer our local community.

"I live and work in Filton and want to make a difference."

Mr Wood left UKIP in 2016, swaying he had not taken the decision lightly.

On the Conservativehome website, he said: "I have not taken this decision lightly, there are many good and decent people in UKIP who I regard as friends, however I don’t believe in opposition for opposition’s sake.

"Many will recognise that UKIP has become toxified over the last 18 months through comments about HIV and AIDS among other issues such as Nigel (Farage’s) un-resignation."

Since deciding to stand for election in Filton, Mr Wood has campaigned for a better environment in the town and has also urged a rethink over how the Filton Sports and Leisure Centre is funded, calling for a long term sustainable plan.

Will Writing & Estate Planning

A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –

if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.

We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.

Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk

Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

April, 2019

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27

n WORLD BOOK DAY

Read all about it! Pupils celebrate written word

FILTON PARK PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP Children across the Filton area - and their teachers - dressed up as their favourite characters to celebrate World Book Day. World Book Day is the world’s biggest campaign to provide every child and young person in the country with a book of their own.

The day is supported by sponsor National Book Tokens and brings together the UK and Ireland’s bookselling and publishing industries.

Each child is given a special £1 book token and a range of titles are available in exchange for their token.

A spokesman said: "World Book Day this year had range of new initiatives to help to get even more books directly into the hands of children and young people, especially those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to them.

Catering for all age groups, from toddler to teen, the expanded list of 13 new £1 titles for World Book Day 2019 has been created to appeal to the widest possible range of children and young people, tastes and abilities."

SHIELD RD PRIMARY CHARBOROUGH RD PRIMARY

ORCHARD SCHOOL BRISTOL

ST TERESA'S PRIMARY

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April, 2019

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n ORCHARD SCHOOL

Quintet thrive at leading sixth forms after securing scholarships For five of last year’s Year 11 at Orchard School, the next chapter in their education has been exciting and is paving the way for a bright future.

Lewis Bullock, Emily Holbrook, Max Grant, Nathan Herbert and Steen Maxwell secured 6th Form scholarships at two of Bristol’s leading independent schools.

Scholarships vary – some are related to subjects and in most cases a proportion of the fees are paid.

The quintet have been discussing how the opportunities arose and have given some tips to current students thinking about their options.

Lewis said: “I attended OSB from 2013 to 2018. I am now

taking 3 A-levels (maths, biology and chemistry) at Colston’s School sixth form.

“I was given a scholarship to the school which means they thought I could benefit the school and the school could benefit me should I go. I was given the opportunity to be interviewed by the headmaster to see if I was able to attend and to get to know me better in person and luckily I was accepted.”

Lewis was also full of praise for the staff at Orchard School.

He added: “For me, the best thing about Orchard was the support circle that I found myself in that consisted of both friends and teachers. Without the guidance of the teachers especially, I wouldn’t be where

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I am now given that this opportunity of a scholarship was presented to me by a member of staff.

“My advice to current Orchard students would be to not worry if they don’t know what they want to do later in life. It’s only the beginning and there’s no point in stressing out over it this early on, just focus on improving yourself in whatever way best suits you.”

Max, who excelled at handball at Orchard School including securing international honours, said: “I attended Orchard School from 2013-2018 and I am currently attending Bristol Grammar School, studying 4 A-Levels.

“I received a scholarship from BGS along with a bursary which

covered a high percentage of the school fees.

“During my time at Orchard the teachers were extremely supportive in helping me to push myself to the best of my ability.

I’ also grateful for the effort they made in helping me to choose the best place for sixth form.

“My advice for current Orchard students? Don't stop working hard at school. All of the effort you put in (even as early as Year 7) counts towards your success at the end of year 11 and further. Never say no to any opportunities that come your way, enrich yourself with experiences and make the most of them – it’s worth it!”

Emily said she had been pleasantly surprised by the experience at Colston’s and was enjoying both the learning and the many extra-curricular opportunities.

She said: “I’m at Colston’s Collegiate Sixth Form studying A level biology, chemistry and

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29

Steen and Lewis recently returned to Orchard School to update Miss Richards on their progress at Colston’s

psychology. I’ve been there for five months now and it’s been an amazing experience so far.

“It was very easy to settle in as everyone was so welcoming and kind. I was very nervous before I went, but it didn’t take me very long to settle in at all which

surprised me, the supportive teachers and pupils really helped with that.

“I was concerned before about the stereotype of a typical private school, but my preconceptions were proved wrong and I wouldn’t change my decision of

choosing Colston’s as my sixth form at all. Some of the benefits from going to Colston’s I’ve already found are that the small class sizes mean the teachers can really focus on my requirements as well as everyone else’s and there are many great extra

curriculum activities that I can do that will look really appealing to universities when I start applying for them next year.

“Orchard School inspired me to get the best grades possible.

They also found this new opportunity that I had never considered before and then encouraged me to take it and I cannot thank them enough. If anyone has the opportunity to go to Colston’s I would strongly advise it. I’ve made friends for life and I feel this school will help me achieve the best grades possible to get me to my desired university.”

Orchard School assistant head Miss Richards said: “All five students are a credit to Orchard School and we have been delighted to watch their progress in Sixth Form.

“They are clearly thriving in their new environments and our staff are always seeking out the best opportunities for our current students.”

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30

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n NEWS

filtonvoice

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

April, 2019

Joint winners of literature prize

Slimming World members in local groups are being encouraged to donate any clothes that are now too big for them to Cancer Research.

Carolyn Collier, who runs groups at Horfield Leisure Centre on Wednesdays and at Filton Sports Centre on Mondays, says that this event has been running every year since 2013, and has during this time, raised millions of pounds for Cancer Research. Last year alone £3 million was raised.

This year Slimming World is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and they are hoping to exceed this amount and in doing so, help fund research into this worthy cause.

Members are pictured at last year's event. l Slimming World groups are held all over the UK and details of local groups can be found on Page 9

For the first time in the award’s history, two authors have shared first place in South Gloucestershire’s literature prize for young people, the Concorde Book Award.

Murder mystery thriller ‘One of us is Lying’ (by Karen M McManus) and the moving and powerful novel ‘Paper Butterflies’ (by Lisa Heathfield) have both been chosen as the 2019 winners. The two authors beat off competition from four other shortlisted young people’s fiction titles to jointly claim the coveted award.

Once again this year’s winners were chosen after an exciting district-wide reading challenge in which hundreds of young people from public and school library reading groups throughout South Gloucestershire, including Abbeywood Community School, read their way through a shortlist of six books.

FREE Events at Filton Library in April Every week:

This month:

Filton Friends Coffee Morning

Happy Nappies

Mondays 10.30 – 11.30am Come along for a cuppa & make some new friends. (No session Easter Monday 22 April)

Monday 1st April 11am - 12.30pm Re-usable nappy scheme drop-in.

Digilocal Coding Club

Wednesday 3rd April 10.30am – 12noon Shared Lives offers a community based alternative to other forms of care for people that need support. Drop in for more information.

Mondays 6 – 7pm Coding club for primary aged children – booking required.

For information & to book a place email digilocal@hbb.org.uk

Story & Rhyme Time Wednesdays 10.30 – 11am Rhymes & stories for pre-school children with bubbles and musical instruments!

Colouring & Board Games for adults

Shared Lives

Easter Fun Crafts Thursday 11th April 2 – 3.30pm Craft activities for children aged 4-11yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lego Club

Wednesdays 2 – 4pm Relax with colouring & games in this new social group.

Saturday 13th April 11am – 12noon Stories & theme based building fun! For primary aged children & above. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Colouring Fun

Memory Café

Saturdays 10.30am – 12.30pm Colouring fun for all the family (except 13 & 20 April) Would you like to use the library 7 days a week at times when it is unstaffed?

You can by registering for Open Access* Find out more and book your one-off Open Access induction at www.southglos.gov.uk/openaccess Or ask us during Staffed Hours on Mon/Weds/Thurs 10-5.30 & Sat 9.30-1.00pm *T&Cs apply, min. age 16 yrs.

All events are FREE! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Thursday 25th April 10.30am – 12.30pm Worried about your memory? Or care for someone with Dementia?

Come along to a friendly group hosted by the Alzheimer’s Society EASTER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: No staffed hours Friday 19 April – Monday 22 April inclusive. Find Open Access unstaffed hours (for registered Open Access users only) on our website www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries and social media

@southgloslibs

@sgloslibraries

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31

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

n NEWS

First wave of 278 homes to be built on airfield site Permission has been given to build early 280 new homes, the first phase of the transformation of the former Filton Airfield into Brabazon, a new neighbourhood for North Bristol.

Following the grant of planning approval, owners YTL Developments anticipate that construction will begin before the end of the year. The homes are expected to go on sale during 2020, with the first residents set to move in to Brabazon in 2021.

The homes - ranging in size from one bedroom flats to four bedroom houses - will be the first phase in the development of the completely new neighbourhood in the north of the city, to be known as Brabazon.

Malaysian firm YTL will be building a total of 2,675 homes on the former airfield.

The new community will have modern transporzt links, schools, healthy services, space for high tech industry and green space as

Quarry Court

well as its own new rail station.

A spokeswoman said: "The 278 new properties will have spacious rooms, generous windows and soaring doubleheight spaces in selected homes.

"The architecture recognises the heritage of the site, with the rooflines at Brabazon designed to

echo the profile of an aeroplane’s tail-fin while also maximising light for energy-efficient solar panels.

"The homes and apartments all include access to outside space. The neighbourhood is set out on a network of tree-lined streets, close to attractive public

squares and Brabazon Park, a new area of green parkland that will be a community asset open for everyone to enjoy.

Sebastian Loyn, Director of Planning & Development, YTL Developments said: “Filton Airfield is a historic local landmark.

"We are working with worldrenowned architects to ensure its future lives up to the legacy of its pioneering past.

"The first phase of new homes is designed to form the heart of a thriving new neighbourhood for North Bristol.”

The homes will be connected to Bristol by major new transport infrastructure. The new rail station at Brabazon will connect to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes, while a MetroBus route will link to both Cribbs Causeway and the city centre. Brabazon will also offer a range of new walkways and cycle paths for local people.

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FREE day trips for the over fifties If you are over fifty and want to discover exciting new attractions as well as meet new people, then SGS College has the course for you.

Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English or maths at the same time.

The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you.

Booking is essential, as there are a limited number of places.

50+ W OF L EEKEN D EAR DISC NING, O AND VERY TRA VEL

Locations and dates available: • Exeter Food and Drink Festival – 4th/5th May – Maths course • Malvern Spring Festival – 11th/12th May – Maths course • Roman Baths/American History Museum – 8th/9th June - English course • Blenheim Palace – 29th/30th June - English • All Aboard, Watersports Centre, Bristol – 13th/14th July - Maths • Stratford-upon-Avon – 20th/21st July - English For further information and to book your place please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327

FREE COURSE AND DAY TRIP

April, 2019

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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33

How that extra £2/month will be spent on policing

R

esidential burglary, knife crime and the illegal supply of drugs have a devastating impact on our communities. I know local people continue to be very concerned about these crimes, as am I – especially with the ongoing national conversation about knife crime – and you want to be assured that the police are doing everything they can to tackle these issues.

With the council tax bill coming through our letterboxes recently, you will have noticed an increase for policing. By increasing policing by £2 a month for the average band D household, the Constabulary will be intensifying their fight against serious violence and continue to make our communities safe.

This investment means we can recruit an additional 100 new officers and launch a focused operation that will tackle burglary, knife crime and the supply of drugs as part

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens of initiative called Operation Remedy. I want local people to see and feel the difference in our Constabulary’s fight against crime, and we will be sending a loud and clear message to

criminals that coming into our area to commit crime and exploit the vulnerable is not an option.

Work to tackle knife crime and serious violence was intensified in mid-March as officers took part in Operation Sceptre, a week of action that aims to reduce the number of knives on our streets. The initiative incorporates several tactics including education of both young people and retailers, targeted patrols of hot spot areas, weapon sweeps and knife surrender bins.

We need to remember that knives do not keep you safe; by carrying a knife you are putting yourself in much greater danger and are more likely to become involved in a violent situation.

We must work alongside other agencies in health, local government, the charitable sector and our communities to understand the reasons why young people are arming themselves. We need to make

it clear it is never acceptable to carry a knife or a weapon. If you are worried that someone you know is carrying a knife but are nervous to talk to the police, you can contact Fearless (the Crimestoppers youth arm) anonymously and potentially help to save a life.

Finally, we also supported child exploitation (CE) awareness day. Children and young people can be victims of sexual or criminal exploitation in return for money, drugs, the newest trainers or simply just affection.

The children who are being exploited don’t think of themselves as victims; we need to be their voice, speak out on their behalf and raise awareness of the warning signs.

Our officers are working with hospitality businesses and taxis so employees can spot and speak out about this abuse. If you suspect a child is being exploited, please let the police, local authorities or a charity know.

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

filtonvoice

T: 0777 555 0607

For serious sudoku fans

Each 3x3 box, every row and every column must contain the numbers 1-9, with each used only once. Can you crack it?

2

7 8 4

3

9 2 7 1 1 2 6 5 8 4 3 2 7 1 8 6

The solution is below – but no peeking until you have had a go!

© www.123rf.com/profile_zakowski

SUDOKU

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6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

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3

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Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

S

The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad

Across 4 6756 (4) 5 5462 (4) 7 76342 (5) 8 247728 (6)

SOLUTIONS

I

This month: Capitals

EASY for children

T

TXT PERT

Can you help the child find their way out of the maze?

B

5

FIND MY FRIENDS

8

THE FIEND

PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE

A

n TAKE A BREAK

April, 2019

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

FIND MY FRIENDS

34

www.filton-central.co.uk

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April, 2019

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

filtonvoice

n YOUR MP writes for the Voice

35

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

An update from Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke

Putting the spotlight on apprentices This month I have decided to put the spotlight on National Apprenticeship Week, which took place between 5th and 9th March.

Whilst we rightly applaud those who go the academic route and achieve, it has only been in recent years that we have really recognised and promoted the value of the Apprenticeship route. Since 2010 our Government has begun the process of increasing emphasis on apprenticeships and since 2010 there have been over 3.8 million apprenticeships started.

It is crucial that as a nation we create many more engineers and scientists, especially if we are going to maintain and enhance our sovereign defence manufacturing capability.

Not only are apprenticeships a vital way of getting young blood into engineering, a field

which is crying out for talent across the country, it is also an excellent way to retrain if you are thinking about a change in your career. The Ministry of Defence, for example, has an excellent initiative called the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), which works with businesses to offer apprenticeships to service personnel leaving the armed

forces. A fantastic case study of this is the work CTP has done with Persimmon Homes, who have a presence in our local area and have worked to bring 500 ex-military personnel on board, training them in crafts such as bricklaying and joinery. Not only does this help fill a vital skills gap in our housing industry, which needs to be addressed in order for us to meet the challenges presented by the housing crisis, but it also treats those who have served their country courageously with the respect they deserve, by offering them an opportunity to make an honest living after leaving the forces.

I am such an avid supporter of apprentices that I am intending to employ one in my constituency office; I had a fantastic apprentice for a couple of years in my Westminster office to work as a key part of my

team there. As well as working and earning, apprentices working for MPs study towards a qualification in business administration, which will give them a strong foothold moving forward onto the next stage of their career.

I have agreed to visit John Lewis at the Cribbs Causeway Mall and also Rolls-Royce in the coming weeks to meet with some of their apprentices and their supervisors to discuss their programmes and thoroughly look forward to hearing about their experiences.

If you or someone you know could be interested in an apprenticeship then please get in touch with me at Jack.

Lopresti.MP@parliament.uk and my team and I will do our best to sign post you to someone to discuss any opportunities further.

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April, 2019

n REGULAR EVENTS Advertise your event in our What's On section ONLY

£15 + VAT FOR A 5cm X 1 COLUMN DISPLAY ADVERT Mondays Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 9.30am-10.30am. These sessions are first come, first served. £4.25 for 1 adults and up toMovement two children, Filton Exercise and Sports and Leisure Centre Dance class for ladies St. Peter’s Ladies Group (formerly LowGroup) impact classes exercise core Wives “Weoffer aredance, a group ofand ladies, who meet inStrengthen St. Peter’s Church Hall levels, strengthening. muscles, raise energy at 7.30 pm on the second and fourth improve balance and mobilise joints.

Mondays of each month, except August at Fairlawn Primary School, for a 6.25-7.30pm talk or social gathering.

Our Fairlawn Road, Bristol, 5JL. programme canMontpelier, be seen on the BS6 church Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / website at www.stpeterschurchfilton. rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net . just com. New members very welcome, come along ring as Jane on Classes run onon 5-7the weeknight basis -or charged a block 0117 9699987 or Janet on 0117 9696958. booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free) Bristol & Avon Family History Society. We meet on the 2nd Monday of the month, except JUNE which is the 3rd Monday. We do not meet in JULY or AUGUST. VENUE BAWA Southmead Road FILTON at 7.30pm. There is a varied programme of family history related topics and speakers, for beginners and more experienced researchers. Help, books and more always available at each meeting. Further information from secretary@bafhs.org.uk Ukulele Filton continues to meet at 7.00 - 8.30 pm every Monday at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, (Bank Holidays excepted,) and we would be delighted to welcome new members. No previous experience necessary; we always have spare ukuleles and songbooks to get you started. Contact Sue on 0117 979 0381; e mail: itchyfeet49@hotmail.co.uk St. Andrew's Methodist Church Lunch Club: Hot lunches served - 12.00 for 12.15 p.m. Special dietary needs catered for. £3 for 2 courses with tea/coffee. If interested - please ring 0117 987 2143; you do not need to be a member of St. Andrew's Methodist Church to join.

Messy Hands: A sensory messy playgroup at St Andrew's Church Hall, 10-1130am, £3. More details contact emma@facefilton.org.uk.

PLE

EXAM

Tuesdays Aqua fit Tuesdays, 9.45 – 10.30am, cost £4.75 a session, class suitable for non swimmers, participants must be 16 yrs and over, Filton Sports and Leisure Keep Fit Association classes, all welcome, Filton Community Centre 2-3pm. Keep fit with dance moves Improve your mobility and general wellbeing, have fun, challenge yourself and feel more confident, keeping fit to music. The class also includes some body conditioning. Working at your own pace, the class is suitable for everyone. Come along and make new friends at this very social and friendly class. Pay as you go at £4 per session. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. For

further information contact Eileen Scott, (qualified instructor), on 07969929733, and visit the website http://www. keepfit.org.uk for more info about our organisation.

Westerly Showband welcomes able adult wind band musicians to its weekly rehearsals every Tuesday at Horfield CEVC Primary School Bishop Manor Rd, Bristol BS10 5BD from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Under its experienced conductor Chris Harris players will be receive the coaching and support needed to achieve a satisfying performance. Band practices take place in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere and include nice biscuits. The repertoire includes a wide variety of genres especially chosen to please both band members and audiences alike. Prospective members

Pilates

Filton Community Centre, Elm Park Tuesdays Mixed ability, 7.30-8.30pm Wednesdays Intermediate, 9.30-10.30am with Nicola Fry

07500 962 821

truebalancepilatesbristol@gmail.com truebalancepilates.co.uk

can look at the website at www. westerlyshowband .com or ring 0117 9561950 for more information. Visitors to rehearsals are always welcome. See also Friday for training band.

Wednesdays Pre-School story and Rhyme time 10.30-11am, Filton Library, Shield Centre Filton Garden Club, St Teresa’s Social Club, 7.30pm. 1st Wednesday of every month, 0117 975 9126. Not January.

St. Andrew's Methodist Church Lunch Club: Hot lunches served - 12.00 for 12.15 p.m. Special dietary needs catered for. £3 for 2 courses with tea/coffee. If interested - please ring 0117 987 2143; you do not need to be a member of St. Andrew's Methodist Church to join.

Filtones Choir. Don’t like going out in the evening? At a loose end on a Wednesday afternoon? Ever thought of joining a choir? Why not come along on and exercise your lungs and challenge your grey cells with our friendly group of people who are The Filtones. We are actively seeking to recruit altos, tenors (gents or ladies) and basses to join our happy band. We sing four part harmony but ability to read music, although useful, is not essential as we supply CDs and MP3 files as teaching aids. We give afternoon concerts to elderly people’s clubs and societies around Bristol and two evening concerts in June and December from which we donate much of our profit to charities. We are a very caring and sociable group of people who sing together with the aim of giving as good a performance as we can, but mainly to enjoy ourselves. For more information please ring Jilly on 0117 9232281 or Shirley on 0117 9654348 or e mail dorothy.bryant@btinternet.com. or look at our web site on www.thefiltones. weebly.com. Alternatively, just call in at Eden Grove Methodist Church Horfield BS7 0PQ between 1.30 and 3.45 pm on

a Wednesday afternoon (not during August) for a listen and a chat.

Men in Sheds in Filton is extending its hours to meet demand. The DIY group, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among men aged over 50, operates from the Scout hut in Nuffield Grove, providing a space to socialise, build, share skills and drink tea. Men in Sheds Filton is part of a national movement, initiated by Age Concern Cheshire in 2009 and sustained by the UK Men’s Sheds Association. There are now over 200 “sheds” across the country, with many more being developed. The group runs every Wednesday, from 9.30am-12.30pm.

Horfield Townswomens Guild are a really friendly Guild that meet on the second Wednesday of every month at St. Gregory the Great Church Hall, Filton Road, Horfield at 2.30 pm. Ladies are

Yoga Class for Beginners

EVERY WEDNESDAY 7.30-8.30pm

Filton Scout Hut Nutfield Grove BS34 7LJ CONTACT: Aruna Prabhakar 07913987487 shanthi.yogalaya@gmail.com Facebook - Facebook.com/ Shanthiyogalaya

welcome to just turn up or ring Edna on 0117 949 5413 for a chat about the Guild.

Sound of Song ( a Choir for Female Voices) meet in Horfield URC, Church Hall, Muller Road on Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.30pm. Repertoire covers classical, choral, jazz, popular, folk, and show songs. No auditions necessary." www.soundsofsongchoir.com Northavon Singers Northavon Singers are looking for new members in our four-part all age choir. We sing in Filton and South Gloucestershire at many local venues,supporting local causes

Top Flight Ballroom Dance Club EVERY WEDNESDAY BAWA, Southmead Rd, Filton Ballroom, Latin, Sequence £5 per person. New members welcome For more information, call 0117 919 2756 and events with two public concerts each year. We do not need you to have a formal audition but will help you to find your voice group. We sing a wide variety of music from light Classics to country, folk, modern, musicals and more. We are a friendly group and would be glad to help you settle in ! Come to rehearsals at St.Peter’s church hall Filton, each Wednesday at 7.30 pm (Opp.Airbus) or phone Margaret 0117 9699206 or visit website publicity@northavonsingers. org.uk On the third Wednesday of each month the Avon branch of the International Plastic Modellers Society (IPMS UK)

meet at the Avon Suite BAWA Club. 7.45late. Over 18 please unless accompanied by an adult. All types of plastic modelling and one of the largest groups in the UK. For further information check out website www.ipmsavon.org.uk Filton Historical Group. meet at Pavilion, Elm Park, Filton. 7.30pm last Wed.of months. Sept. to April (not December) Interesting speakers. For further details: 0117 9695198.

Thursdays Bristol Male Voice Choir...If you are a follower of male voice choir music, or would like to sing in a male voice choir, then 2018 is a great year to pursue your interests, by tracking the concerts that Bristol Male Voice Choir will be performing in the course of 2018. Follow us on our website bristolmvc.org.uk.

We warmly welcome new members.

Come and join us as we rehearse every Thursday at SGSC at the end of Filton Avenue where it joins the A38. Find our website or ring 0117 329 3192 for more information. You will receive a very warm welcome..

Bristol Sugarcraft Guild meet every third Thursday in the month except August.We welcome all -from beginners to the more competent crafter Meetings start at 7.30-9.30 at St. Andrews church.

For more information ring Bristol 9568737 or 9653568 Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 9.30am-10.30am. These sessions are first come, first served. £4.25 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only, term time only.

Filton Ladies, We are Filton ladies group, who meet every Thursday, 2pm to 4pm at St Andrew's Church, for a chat and catch up with friends old and new, over a nice cup of tea or coffee and biscuits and would love new ladies to join us. Plus, every 3 rd Thursday we have very interesting speakers when we open up our meeting to nonmembers including men. Why not pop along and meet us, we are a very friendly club. We also do armchair exercises, hold raffles and table top sales. We also arrange various coach trips. Contact Margaret on 01179041844 or Jenny on 01179312822.

Or just come along any Thursday to meet us.

Silver surfers: FACE, Elm Park, BS34 7PS, 10am-noon Drop-in for ‘silver-haired’ 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, this supportive group is just as much a social session as it is about learning! Come and join us! Come along anytime, just £2.50 per session with free refreshments. Does not run during August.

Should you wish to take Flower Arranging lessons, there is a small, friendly group which meets at Filton Community Centre (formerly Filton Folk Centre) on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm from mid September. Catering for beginners and improvers we cover all aspects of flower arranging from traditional to contemporary including Church flowers and flowers for special occasions. More details from 01454 323610 or 01454 412087.

The Avon & Bristol Woodturners meet every third Thursday at St Teresa’s Church Hall from 7pm to approximately 10pm. For details, www.avon-andbristol-woodturners.org.uk/fortnightly,

To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07513 517 593

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

April, 2019

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n REGULAR EVENTS St Peter’s MU (Mothers Union) 2nd Thursday of each month (except August), 2pm in the church hall. All ladies and Gentlemen invited. For more information look on St Peter’s Church web site or call 0117 9491833 or just turn up.

Stop Smoking Sessions, 3-4pm.

Appointments to be booked in advance.

01454 865502. smokefree@southglos. gov.uk Diddi dance, Preschool dance class for girls and boys ages 18 months to school!

Thursdays 9:45-10:30am, St. Teresas Church Hall. Contact Emily for your free trial.07850983821. emily.norman@ diddidance.com Avon Harmony are a Ladies Barbershop Chorus. We welcome visitors for a no obligation taster session. We rehearse at The Dance Studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every Thursday evening 7.30pm - 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532

Fridays Toddler Group, meets term time only at St Andrew’s Methodist Church from 10 to 11.45. A warm welcome to all toddlers and their carers.

Over 30’s Dance Party Dancing Thru’ The Decades Club Classics * Motown * Soul

BAWA Club,

Filton First Friday Monthly

A Friendly Popular Night Out 8:45-1 (last adm 11) Gents Collar Shirts Req. No tee shirts/Trainers

www.mingles.co.uk

fb: luv2mingle

Aqua fit, 9.30 – 10.15am, cost £4.75 a session, class suitable for non swimmers, participants must be 16 yrs and over, Filton Sports and Leisure St Andrew's Methodist Wesley Guild meets in the Church lounge every other Friday evening at 7.30 p.m commencing September 14th. We are a small,

friendly group with a wide variety of speakers and members evenings and would welcome your company. There is no membership fee, just a small subscription on the evening which includes light refreshments.

Ring 0117 9698523 for further details.

Concord Band is a Wind Band. We meet every Friday from 7.30pm – 9.30pm at St Andrews Methodist Church Hall, Elm Park Road, Filton BS34 7PS. Our Conductor Keith Williams is a well know Teacher and Performer in Bristol, we play a wide range of music, so if you would like to get back to playing again, look no further. Contact Jayne 07880724948 or email: jaynerentonharper@gmail.com or come along with you instrument and have a play. Visitors to rehearsals are always welcome.

Saturdays

Councillors’ Surgery, Filton Library.

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, Evening Worship Bethany Church Filton, Meadowsweet Ave, Conygre 1st & 3rd Sunday 3pm 2nd & 4th Sunday 11am followed by lunch.

Pyramid Youth Club Monday 6.30-8 p.m. Club aged 9+ Tuesday 6.30-7.40 Judo aged 6+ (no adult class) Thursday 6.30-7.45 Club aged 6-8 Friday 6.30-8 p.m. Club aged 9+ 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 0117 9691315

‘Pop-In’ Lunch Club (St. Andrew’s Methodist Church)

CAN YOU HELP?

St. Andrew’s Methodist Church has been running two sessions (Monday and Wednesday) of a lunch club for 21 years providing a two course meal plus coffee or tea at a very reasonable price.

We are looking, at the moment, for several kitchen helpers as a couple of our faithful helpers have moved on.

We need help between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and about 2.30 p.m.

This help does not need to be every week or even for the whole of the session, and could even be just for our reserve list to step in, in case of sickness, holidays etc.

If you are interested, please ring 0117 979 1780, leaving a message if necessary

F.A.C.E.

Weekly Services

Wednesdays: Youth club for 12-18s (Year 8+) 6.30Sundays 8.30pm, £2 8am Said Eucharist Thursdays: Ignite 10am Parish Eucharist Thursdays: (all sessions £2) 4pm Evening Worship* 5.30-7pm: Bright Sparks *1st Sunday Evensong, 2nd Sunday Healing Service, Youth club for age 11-15 3rd Sunday Benediction, Last Sunday Taize with learning/social difficulties or ASD, 9-17yrs 7.30-9.30pm: Illuminators Transitions social club for Midweek age 16+ with learning/ Tuesday 7pm social difficulties or ASD Contemplative Eucharist No 1-2-1 or personal care Serving God by serving you, provided - please bring Wednesday 10am your family & the community support worker/carer.

Said Eucharist Fridays: Look out for seasonal changes in 3.45-4.40pm: Street dance Daily OfÞces Advent & Lent for 8-14year olds, £4 Morning Prayer 5-6pm: Youth club for www.stpeterschurchÞlton.com School Years 3, 4 & 5, £2 Tuesday - Thursday The Revd Lizzie Gregory (Rector) 8.30am 6.30-8.30pm: Youth club Tel: 01179 312 808 for School Years 6, 7&8, £2 New members always welcome to all groups.

1st Filton Scouts, Cubs & Based at: FACE, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 Beavers 7PS, phone 0117 9691938, email info@ facefilton.org.uk and website www.

Beavers, aged 6-8, two groups, Weds facefilton.org.uk Please follow us on 5pm and 6.15pm Facebook: ‘FACE-Filton’ and Twitter: @ Cubs, 8-101/2, Mon and Thurs 6.30-8pm FACEFilton to keep updated.

Scouts, 101/2 - 14, Tues 7-9pm The group is based in Scout HQ, Nutfield SHE7, Grove, Filton, BS34 7LH. All sections Braemar Crescent, Filton are open to boys and girls. Contact for all sections is John Cahill (jcahill@ Tuesday blueyonder.co.uk), Phone 0798 605 3005) Bingo 7.30pm – 9.15pm Wednesday Over 50's 2 course lunch £3.50 12.15pm, lunch served at 12.30pm.

Thursday Over 50's 2 course lunch £3.50 12.15pm, lunch served at 12.30pm.

Friday North Bristol Amateur Radio Club, Open to Public, 7pm - 10pm Saturday Bingo, 7.00pm – 9.pm

Blues Rock Revue present

VAMP Saturday, 27 April th

8.30 PM FREE ENTRY

Ratepayers Arms ELM PARK, FILTON. BS34 7PS Follow us on Facebook, give us a like. www.bluesrockrevue.co.uk 0759 0099564

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Tuesdays Rainbows - ages 5-7 years Brownies - ages 7 - 10 years Guides - ages 10 - 14 years Rangers - ages 14 + Wednesdays Brownies - ages 7 - 10 years Thursdays Rainbows - ages 5 - 7 years For more information please contact : concordedivision@girlguidingbsg.org.uk or register at Girlguiding UK website. and follow the parent links to register your daughter.

Filton Community Garden meetings Every second Saturday of the month at 10am-12noon in the Town Clerk's Meeting Room at 10am.

Ukelele Filton If you are looking for a new interest, why don’t you give Ukulele Filton a try? We are a friendly and enthusiastic group who meet every Monday evening at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, from 7.00 to 8.30 pm. You are welcome to join us, even if you have never picked up a ukulele before. We always have spare ones for you to try.

Contact Sue on 01179790381; email itchyfeet49@hotmail.co.uk, or look up “Ukulele Filton” on Facebook.

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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April, 2019

n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH WITH OCEAN The Villa, Lower House, Conygre Grove, £250,000

Looking for something a little bit different?

This two-bedroom apartment in a grade-II listed building offers a host of features.

Split over two floors, with garden and loft room, it is close to Abbeywood train station, local bus and motorway routes and employers such as MOD and Airbus. It is also near to shops and Conygre Medical Centre.

The Property offers a lounge complete with feature fireplace, kitchen-diner and second reception

Trade services

AERIAL SERVICES

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room with doors opening out onto a low-maintenance rear garden complete with shed, side access and plenty of BBQ space.

Upstairs the property has two double bedrooms and a family bathroom, the loft has been partially converted and offers pulldown steps into another room.

We would recommend viewing this quirky property, which is decorated in light and airy colours and ready to move straight in.

AERIAL SERVICES

H&P Aerials Digital, Freeview and Freesat Specialists

• TV, FM & DAB • Radio Aerials • Extra Points • Fully Guaranteed • OAP Concessions CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION

Advertise here... prices start at just £17.08*/month Call 0777 555 0607 for more details * +VAT

BUILDING SERVICES

For a free quote

Tel: 0117 908 7232 or Mobile: 07815 029775 BUSINESS SUPPORT

D Turner

Painting, Decorating & Property Maintenance • Tiling • PVC • Full Electrics • Fencing • Flooring Interior & Exterior Free Estimates Competitive Rates

Office: 0117 982 3930 or 0777 391 6802

Does your business need to free up the burden of doing your payroll in 2019?

Affordable, flexible and reliable payroll management and administration.

Email: denise@busybusinesssupport.co.uk Web: www.busybusybusinesssupport.co.uk Phone: 07929477158

To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07513 517 593

April, 2019

filtonvoice

Trade services

To advertise in our tradewww.filtonvoice.co.uk services section from as little as £15 per month contact Richard on 07775 550607 or Emma on 07513 0117 9082121.

Ruth on 517 593

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

CLEANING SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

Stones Garden Maintenance

For friendly and professional grass cutting services within Bristol. Fully insured for regular/one-off jobs, both domestic and commercial.

For more information call 07867 484360 terrystone1964@hotmail.co.uk PAINTER AND DECORATOR

PAINTER & DECORATOR l Local professional painting and decorating service for all internal and external work l Free quotations on request ... with no obligation.

CALL ANDY ON ...

T: 0117 985 1899 | M: 07860 750167 Email: ajh.1@blueyonder.co.uk PLUMBER

ELECTRICIAN

LOCAL PLUMBER • TAPS • WASHERS

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0117 9564912 0117 **NO VAT** **NO VAT** **O.A.P. DISCOUNTS** DISCOUNTS** **O.A.P.

GARDENING SERVICES

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LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building

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For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc…

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957 5092

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PLUMBER

The EXPERTS in plumbing and heating 365 days a year!!

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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 ROOFING

DAVE TRIMBY ROOFING SERVICES l All Roofing Work Undertaken l Professional | Friendly | Local l Independent family business l Well established l Roof repairs and renewals l Fascia, soffit and guttering work

0117 904 3656 | 07899 921 338 www.davetrimbyroofing.co.uk RUBBISH CLEARANCE

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Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Childcare from 3 months to 5 years of age at Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol.

Providing a safe, caring environment for children from three months to five years of age.

•

Open 7.30am - 6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year

•

Home-cooked food

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Secure environment with extensive CCTV and biometric fingerprint entry system

•

Outdoor learning environment

•

Friendly and highly experienced staff.

To find out more or to book a visit, call 0117 969 1662 or email info@bananamoon-bristol.co.uk

CCTV

Fingerprint biometric access

operates throughout our nurseries

Fully equipped outdoor play area

Home-cooked food

Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol Pinnacle House, 166a Gloucester Road North, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BG Call us on 0117 969 1662 or visit bananamoon-bristol.co.uk