Filtonvoice August 2020

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Filton

filtonvoice August 2020 Issue 106

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North West View

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Filton to get new Greggs and hotel

South Westf View

- Pages 6-7

Pages 2-4

Preschool closes for the last time - but no replacement until 2021

Anger over student flats plan in village - Pages 8-9

What's on offer after lockdown - Pages 14-15

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Contacts Richard Coulter Editor and publisher

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Ruth Drury Advertising sales

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07590 527664 | 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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August, 2020

Anger as preschool closes for final time but alternative 'not ready until 2021' The chairman of Filton Park Preschool Playgroup has hit out over South Glos Council's role in its closure after 55 years of service to Filton.

The sound of children playing at the site in Charborough Road was heard for the last time in July.

It can now also be revealed that plans to offer alternative preschool education as part of Charborough Road Primary School have been shelved for at least 12 months.

This alternative provision was seen as partly softening the blow

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The staff team at the preschool receive awards after the closure. Far left, FPPP chairman Adrian Reed of the closure when plans for the site were revealed last year.

Then, FPPP was given 12 months before it must close for good.

The Olympus Trust, which runs Charborough Road Primary School, has confirmed it intends to open the new nursery class next year, putting the delay down to the Covid pandemic.

FPPP chairman Adrian Reed said the alternative provision was "presented to the public and to stakeholders as a commitment but in the event it has been defaulted upon, leaving the community with a hopelessly inadequate early years provision."

In 2019, South Glos Council and the Olympus Trust began discussions over part of the land being used as an extended field space for the school with the remaining area, including the pre-school site and the former training buildings nearby, to be developed.

This provoked an angry response from local people who said the preschool had been a vital part of the community for several generations.

There have been fears that the loss of the 'Good' rated preschool, which catered for up to 33 children, will mean limited opportunities for parents in Filton with the Bluebell preschool at Shield Road the only comparable facility in the town.

Preschool supporters said

South Glos had previously suggested the facility could remain with grants sought to revamp the dated building.

The pre-school paid rent to South Glos of just over £7,000 per academic year.

FPPP chairman Adrian Reed said: "Filton Park Preschool Playgroup has been in operation for 55 consecutive years, reaching out to children and in many cases to children’s children. It has had a huge impact over more than two generations in the area of Filton Park as a much loved and trusted playgroup. There has been much sadness that it has had to close for no other reason than that there is not any other building in what is considered to be its catchment area that is both suitable and available to us.

"We have received many words of support and encouragement from all quarters of the community and would like to thank the residents of Filton for this. The doors in Charborough Road finally closed to children on Friday 10th July and to staff on Friday 17th July with a busy occasion that included well earned presentations to a hard-working and very long-serving team. As chair of the setting for 6 years I have been wonderfully supported by a further team of volunteers serving as trustees, never more so than with the current group to whom I am indebted."

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there were four preschool settings in Filton and our closure reduces this to one. One of the others closed through loss of premises and it highlights the paucity of buildings to serve the community of Filton. South Gloucestershire Council have received a grant to enable demolition of the derelict buildings around our own, and with that demolition of the preschool as well.

"This provides the council with access to a tranche of land which is very valuable for redevelopment. Although preschool was promised verbally a plot to rebuild on and this appears still to be acknowledged by council staff, it has been made clear that this is not an undertaking which the council still feels able to honour, preferring to entertain the hope that there will be a preschool started at the adjacent Olympus Trust building. This was presented to the public and to stakeholders as a commitment but in the event it has been

Mr Reed said the closure leaves Filton poorly served for early years education.

He said: "Three years ago

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August, 2020

News

Sadness for staff and familes as preschool closes From Page 1 defaulted upon, leaving the community with a hopelessly inadequate early years provision.

"It is with great sadness that we must walk away from this community need. Early Years has been consistently underfunded for a very long period and there is now little prospect of the service returning to anything like what it should be. Certainly not in Filton."

A spokeswoman for the Olympus Trust said: "The Trust has been working with South Gloucestershire Council to commission a new nursery class facility to be located on the Charborough Road Primary School site.

"It is planned that the new nursery class will open in September 2021 and will provide a separate nursery facility located adjacent to the current Reception class.

"While the class is opening later than originally planned, please be reassured that we are working hard to overcome

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"The designs for the new nursery are being developed and we hope to share plans with parents/carers in the near future."

Filton South Glos councillor Adam Monk said: "It is a great shame that the preschool is closing. I am annoyed that there has been a delay in the Early Years Provision being established in the Charborough Road Site.

"It is frustrating that for many factors there has been a systematic failure to ensure there is a continuity of a much-needed service. The disposal of the land on Charborough Road has been ongoing for a number of years and I am grateful that the school will have a playing field and eventually a better building for the Early Years Provision."

PARENTS' VIEWS Ronnie McFarland Hunt: A lovely preschool with a team of very dedicated staff. A great loss to our community.

Mandy Holcombe: All three of my children went to Filton Park Pre-School.

Loved the family feel and friendly staff.

Gemma Annunziata: Absolutely devastated that it’s closing. They’ve been fantastic with all three of my children, and two would still have been going in September. It’s a huge loss for our children and community.

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Jayne Bakos: My eldest started there in 1987 in the days of Diane Tucker and Pauline Harris. In total four of my children have attended, the youngest leaving in 2008. Standards have always been very high. All children had the benefit of an excellent introduction to school for which I remain eternally grateful. Amazing staff throughout. Terrific memories.

Louise Lyddon: My two went when Karen Naish and Diane Tucker were leaders. Loved it. I worked there running afternoon sessions 1990-1998.

Liz Keep: Both my children went there, my first in 1994 and my second in 2003. They loved it. It is a very sad day. Fantastic staff. All the very best go to the staff, past and present.

Janet Kaminski: Lovely memories of the playgroup, very dedicated staff.

My two children loved it. Very sad to see it go.

Elizabeth Jane Clark: Well I had the pleasure of all my children attending Filton Park but also working there for 10 years. I’ve meet so many wonderful children and their families and worked with so many dedicated staff. I have so many amazing memories: The organised chaos of nativity plays only lasted about an hour but you felt you worked all day; the bells - only those who attended preschool would understand(!); Weston-superMare, never rained once in all my time there; teddy bears' picnic. Loved every day there and so did my children. It's going to leave a very big hole in Filton.

To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07590 527664

August, 2020

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Win a digital portrait of your pet!

Fancy winning a digital portrait of your favourite pet?* Email us now and let us know the answer to the following question.......

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A/ Corgi or B/ Rottweiler Email your answer to sales@filtonvoice.co.uk Oodles of Doodles specialises in pet portraits of all varieties, using shadows and colours to create a beautiful print. Portraits start from £10 per pet but Voice readers can get theirs for half price if they mention ‘The Voice’ when booking.

Winner will need to contact her with a photo of their chosen pet and Ruth will create a digital file for you to print on to canvas or frame as you wish. Please mention Filton Voice in your message.

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August, 2020

News

Filton could get a second Greggs and Travelodge A 24-hour Greggs drive-through and a Travelodge could be built next to McDonald's at the Abbeywood Retail Park.

A planning application on behalf of Greenspruce GP and Invesco Real Estate, supported

by Savills in Bristol, details plans for the new buildings which would be on land before the McDonald's site as you enter the retail park. The hotel would have 85 rooms and the whole site is expected to create 25 jobs, in addition to the work created in construction.

The backers say the hotel will be needed, particularly in light of the new arena at Filton Airfield which will attract visitors from outside the local area and who will need accommodation after late-night concerts.

Filton already has a Greggs on Gloucester Road North and several hotels nearby.

Local people have expressed concern that the hotel and Greggs will mean an already congested part of Filton will see further traffic issues.

In an economic report produced alongside the planning application, Savills say: "With a capacity of 17,000 seats, the proposed ‘YTL Arena’ at the Brabazon Hangars will give the area a national standing in terms of large entertainment events.

"The ‘YTL Arena’ will create a significant level of demand for hotel accommodation across North Bristol Fringe. The forthcoming arena proposal will give national prominence to the area and the hotel is one part of fulfilling the economic demands."

They also say the development will add £500,000 per year to the local economy.

South Glos planners will now consider the application.

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RESIDENTS' VIEWS Residents have been able to respond to the plans on the South Glos Planning website.

Phillipa Hoare: I object to the planning of the building of a new drive Gregg's and hotel by the MOD roundabout as this is going to cause more congestion and traffic problems and solutions have not been thought through, as there are sufficient shops, restaurants cafes and takeaway food chains.

Samantha Rawle: This is at complete odds with South Glos Joint Local Transport Plan v4, particularly with respect to the aim to improve poor air quality and address climate change. The two businesses will employ mostly low skilled (staff ) and thus attract low wages; this will have very limited positive impact on the local economy and employment. There is no net improvement to quality of life for local residents such as myself. I wholeheartedly oppose this development.

Lynne Goldsack-Rowland: In normal traffic conditions (ie before lockdown), the road into and out of South Westf View the retail park is heavily congested between 3pm and about 7pm, so much so that traffic queues around the retail park for an hour or so just to get out.

The McDonald's road feeds into

this road so either will contribute to increasing the queues around the retail park, or (visitors)will have to queue themselves for an hour or so.

Linda Hendrick: I do not think we need another hotel. We have one next to the MOD and there is also one by Filton College. There is

enough traffic now which causes gridlock every evening. There are empty units in the shopping area, why can't these be used? During lockdown the air was different and the noise was reduced. If this (development) were to happen the levels would go up and it would not be a nice area in which to live.

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August, 2020

News

Student flats 'will change character of our village' More than 70 Cheswick residents have made stronglyworded complaints to South Glos Council over plans to create a 50-bed student accommodation block in currently empty retail units.

The accommodation, for UWE students, would be on two levels and would sit below existing residential apartments.

It would consist of a mix of shared and studio apartments and is being applied for by Christian Grant Properties Ltd. Local people and councillors have voiced considerable concern, citing potential problems around parking, noise, litter and even potential drug taking.

They say many people moved to Cheswick thinking it was a family-friendly neighbourhood but that this plan would change the character of the village.There are also concerns that rents

were prohibitively high and not enough effort went into finding retail tenants.A small number of people have defended the plans, accusing some objectors of creating 'horrible stereotypes' about students.

Parish councillor Andrew

Shore said the development would effectively extend the university into a normal residential area.

He said: "When acquiring their properties, local residents were not expecting to become part of an extended student

campus."This building was designed for retail use and it would be much better if we had a doctor or a dentist.

"The university will say they are thriving and need the accommodation, but this will change the whole character of Cheswick. Instead, they should be expanding accommodation within the campus grounds.�

Cllr Shore is particularly concerned that following recent problems with noise from the gym, which took over a nearby retail unit, there could be more impact on residents if student accommodation occupies units intended for retail use.

South Glos councillor James Arrowsmith said: "When residents moved into Cheswick Village they were promised a Square alive with shops, bars, restaurants, and businesses.

After seeing it quiet and empty for so many years only for

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student accommodation to fill the space feels like a slap to the face. Residents have the right to feel a sense of betrayal over a developer's broken promise."

Documents submitted to the council by Angus Meek Architects say: "The proportion of vacant premises on site convey the difficulty of its current landuse in respect of viability as a commercial location.

"A change of use to student accommodation would enable the existing building to provide a positive contribution to the locality.

"Given the number of positive aspects the existing building and site would provide for student accommodation, development can be delivered with minimal change to the existing vacant premises or impacts on the existing accommodation and uses.

"The inclusion of students on the site could help support local businesses to help sustain those in the neighbouring retail units."

In a letter of support for the

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application, Alistair Brooke, UWE Assistant Director of Estates, said: "To help maintain and grow its reputation, UWE wishes to ensure that all students have a first class student experience and in particular are provided with suitable accommodation in which to stay during their time at Bristol. As part of the residential accommodation strategy, there is an emphasis on campus living. UWE has provided a large amount of accommodation on Frenchay Campus; however, there is still strong demand.

"Accordingly, UWE is keen to see new Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) provided, however, this must be in the right location and of a high standard of design.

"The locational credentials of this scheme are excellent.

The site is immediately adjacent to the main UWE campus, and accordingly the occupiers can easily walk or cycle for their studies and student campus experiences."

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PUBLIC VIEWS Dave Atkinson: I strongly oppose this development because of the adverse effect it will have on the local community and it's detriment to the sustainability and balance of the area. The vast majority of the students who already live here seem to have little or no respect for the other local residents. We are constantly plagued with loud music, drug use, shouting and car doors being slammed at all hours.

Neha Agarwal: :It is disappointing to see a plan that hinders the growth of business and community. Cheswick village hasn't got a town/community centre or a place where neighbours could gather as a community. Instead of creating more flats I would have liked to see the creation of openings for local businesses.

Timothy Fairlie: The high density of accommodation proposed is totally out of character in Cheswick, where there is no comparable density of accommodation for students (or otherwise). Cheswick is a development with a distinctive feel, consisting primarily of family homes.

Dr Tope Ajayi: There currently isn't enough parking for residents and their visitors, let alone having an extra 50 students, most of which will have cars.

Elena Porter: I fully support the development. The lot is not being used currently and as a student I understand how difficult it can be finding student housing. I have heard comments about students being loud and messy. I think this is a horrible stereotype as my housemates and myself have been living in Cheswick for over a year without a single noise complaint from neighbours.

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August, 2020

News

80-bed care home to be built near Filton Airfield Construction is about to begin on a new luxury 80-bed care home at Filton Airfield.

The state-of-the-art care home, when completed, will be operated by the award-winning Hamberley Care Homes.

The new home will be located on the former Filton airfield site on the corner of Charlton Boulevard and Hayes Way. The leading-edge home will include full en-suite bedrooms throughout, a spacious Café bistro, a private dining room, a hair salon and nail bar, activity room/bar, a cinema, spacious resident lounges, dining rooms and quiet lounges.

Outside space will include external patios and terraces, available on all floors, plus spacious and beautifully landscaped external gardens.

Backers say the home has also been designed with the highest safety standards in mind, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and

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the home will also have hand washing and hand sanitising stations throughout for staff, residents and visitors.

Additional features include a bespoke Covid-secure visitation suite, in-built thermal imaging technology in the entrance lobby (to ensure all visitors to the home, including staff, have their temperature taken on a daily basis) and a ventilation system which ensures air in public

spaces is fully replaced four times an hour.

The home is being built by Hamberley Development – the sister development company of Hamberley Care Homes, the current HealthInvestor Magazine Residential Care Provider of The Year.

Daniel Kay, Hamberley Development Director, said that the new care home would be at the heart of the local community.

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He said: “There is a real short-fall of high quality care home beds in the local area and we are confident that this new Hamberley Care Home will help meet the needs of local older people.

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News

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Council accountant: financial predictions difficult Filton Town Council's accountant has said it will be difficult to predict the authority's financial situation for the next year.

Derek Kemp told a meeting of the council's finance committee that although losses this year of £46,800 were not as bad as first feared, cash reserves have dwindled to just £44,000.

When pressed by councillors, Mr Kemp said he could not make predictions for the coming year.

He added that it appeared the lockdown meant costs were lower than normal due to the majority of staff being on furlough.

Asked by Cllr Chris Wood the reasons for this, Mr Kemp said: "The pool costs you money to run and we have to fund this from the precept. A lot of expenses have dropped, especially staff costs which always outweigh income generated from the pool."

He also said that rebates given to households for council tax due to Covid problems would

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In February, residents were landed with a 35 per cent hike in Filton Town Council’s share of the council tax, a rise of more

than £80 per year to £315.

The biggest element of Filton's precept went towards propping up the leisure centre and pool.

Councillors are currently

engaging with a consultant to investigate ways of keeping the leisure centre sustainable.

Councillors also debated the opening hours for the councilowned Ratepayers pub, with some calling for opening hours to be more in line with other pubs.

Town clerk Lesley Reuben said the opening hours initially involved a skeleton staff but that the arrangements would be reviewed.

Currently drinkers sit in the badminton hall to ensure social distancing.

Cllr Wood said he wanted to see a breakdown of wider staffing costs for the Ratepayers in order to assess how financially viable it was.

Cllr Andy Robinson said: "If we’re not making a profit we shouldn’t be opening up."

But Cllr Adam Monk said it could be an opportunity to open up the pub to 'new clientele'.

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August, 2020

Filton Town Council New hours for Ratepayers The Ratepayers pub at Elm Park is open and offering a friendly welcome for all.

The staff are operating with safety in mind but, with the badminton court being used, there is plenty of space to enjoy a relaxing drink.

Payments are by card only.

New Opening Hours For Ratepayers are: Monday – Friday, 2pm – 8pm and Saturday-Sunday 12pm – 4pm (in Badminton hall) Note: These are temporary hours only as we are providing an interim service during these times. The hours are flexible and will be adjusted as required to suit customer needs.

Council offices Filton Town Council office is now staffed 9am until 1pm Monday to Friday, but due to the current pandemic there is still NO public access. Access can only be by telephone appointment.

Please contact us at office@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk or by phone 01454866698 to arrange an appointment if necessary.

Staff are working from home out of the above hours If you have an enquiry or wish to report a problem please email office@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk. l Physical council meetings are unable to take place so meetings are being held online via the Zoom platform with details at www.filtontowncouncil.gov.uk l August, NO MEETINGS l September 8th, Finance Committee, 7pm l September 29th, Full Council, 7pm

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Filton Town Council Pool gets go-ahead to reopen

Good news – the pool at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre is reopening! Many of you will have heard the recent announcements that we have been given the go ahead to reopen. We are pleased to let you know we will be opening our main pool for Phase 1 pre-paid lane swimming only from Monday, August 3. (Numbers will be limited due to social distancing.)

ALL Sessions MUST be pre-booked in order to ensure there is safe and adequate space for you to participate in your activity. We ask all users to follow our new COVID19 guidance please when on site.

We will be reviewing our activities weekly and will look to move to Phase 2 as soon as

possible. Pre booked tickets and spaces will be available to book on July 31 for swimming on Monday, August 3. This includes any pre-paid dawn dipper tickets. To book your space please email reception@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk, or call 01454 866686 between the hours 10am – 11am.

Please note there will be no small pool open for the time being and the sessions are for adult lane swimming only.

Our temporary timetables will be available on our website.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back soon. * Subject to change at short notice*

l Week 1 we will be open from 7am – 1.30pm, Monday – Friday only. (August 3 – August 7) l Week 2 we will be open from 7am – 1.30pm, Monday – Friday. We will be open 9am – 1.30pm Saturday & Sunday (August 15 and 16)

Families can enjoy play area ... but please take care The play area and outside gym at Elm Park reopened last month.

As per the government guidelines, please adhere to the following advice:Do not remove any temporary barriers to the playground or plastic fencing or unravel any swing seats or cables that may have been secured to put them out of use – this must be done safely by the owner or operator of the facility.

Follow the current social distance guidelines when visiting and encourage your children to do the same.

If the playground is busy, consider coming back at a later time. Talk to your children about this possibility before visiting.

Wash your and your children’s hands before and after visiting. Take hand sanitiser with you and consider taking a bottle of water for if your children’s hands get covered in mud. Ensure your children are using hand sanitiser frequently.

Follow and adhere to all current government advice in addition to the above guidance.

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August, 2020

Coming back to life after lockdown Filton businesses are gradually opening up again and Shane Gibson spent a couple of days finding out what the 'new normal' is like and speaking to staff and owners trying to pick up the pieces

T

he Lockdown undoubtedly pushed not only the people of Filton but also the local businesses into an era of uncertainty. However, from July 13 national government sanctions were lifted to allow businesses that offered beauty essentials to re-open, joining pubs and restaurants and nonessential shops. Over two days I paid a visit to a some of the businesses and facilities in and around the town.

At 8:15 I headed out towards the Greggs on Gloucester Road North. I had not visited for breakfast since March and I was pleasantly surprised to see that there really did not seem to be any items excluded from the breakfast menu. I

GLODEN ordered a double omelette with sausage bap and a double shot of espresso. Whilst waiting for my breakfast I spoke with store supervisor Suzanne who said: “Customers have adapted really

“Children flourish and are inspired to learn at this rich and vibrant nursery. They are exceptionally happy and confident...”

well to the new procedures and as staff we all have are own zones to work in and are remaining safe. Honestly, we’re glad to be back!”

Sitting down at home to eat

the food at 8:41 I realised that there had been a mistake. I had been given two omelette and sausage baps rather than a single bap with double omelette.

The omelettes were fluffy, the sausage was meaty and tasted as expected, whilst the espresso was nicer than what is served by some other establishments who specialise in coffee. For £2.45 I certainly had nothing to complain about.

I entered The Filton Sports and Leisure outdoor fitness area at 9:26. Apart from myself the only other user at this time was a magpie hopping across the running track.

The area was relatively clean and tidy although the waste bin was overflowing. (Sadly I cannot say the same for the following

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August, 2020

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VIGOUR

evening, for I found the area at that time to be littered with crisp packets.)

As I approached the end of my morning workout, I spoke with two other users, Cameron, an engineer, and Oscar, a support worker. “The lockdown has meant that you can’t use your regular gym but having this here has allowed me to stay fit a little bit,” said Cameron. Oscar agreed saying: “Its not the gym, but they are very good facilities and they do the job.”

Vigour Café is located next to Reptile Zone on the edge of the Shield Centre. Whilst ordering my post-workout coffee I spoke with team member Sophie who spoke of the support that they have received from customers.

She said: “We thought that we were going to be quiet, but we are quite fortunate that we have a lot of local customers and other customers from before who wanted to come and support us.

Customers have also been able to sit outside, it’s all been really

AIR BALLOON

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nice.” As I sat outside enjoying my flat white and complimentary PURO biscuit I had to agree.

The following day at 10am I set out again for the Shield Centre, to pay a visit to Gloden. I had not tanned in four months, and my Celtic paleness was beginning to re-emerge. The tanning centre’s three-women team looked after me. They clearly laid out the new safety requirements and returned to me lotions that they had been able to store previously.

I found my cubicle and prepared for the sun bed session to start. After 5 minutes I called out for help. The bed was not working. After being closed for so long a slight hiccup can be forgiven. I was promptly moved to another cubicle with the same premium bed and the experience was as satisfying as I remembered. Afterwards I spoke with the Gloden ladies Adelay, Claire, and Lydia, all of whom were happy to be back and welcomed the new safety requirements. “We’re excited to be back, and we think our customers are as positive as we are,” said Adelay. After a day of errands in Bristol I returned to Filton to take in an early afternoon meal at The Air Balloon. I was taken to my seat at 14:35.

I ordered my food through the Green King phone app. This took 10 minutes as I had to set up an account. The spacing of furniture to comply with social distancing has left the dining area feeling sparse. The service was prompt. Within a couple of minutes of placing my order of fish and chips and a glass of white wine, the wine was brought to the table. The food arrived 10 minutes later. After finishing off the relatively plain offering of fish and chips, (the advertised tartare sauce could not be supplied) I

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GREGGS chose to stay for coffee and ice cream.

Ordering via the phone app allowed for decaffeinated regular sized coffees. Full strength coffees were only available in large sizes.

A waitress collected my empty plate but it was required that I push it off the edge of the table as staff are no longer allowed to lean over the table whilst customers are sat down.

My dessert, the chocoholic sundae arrived as I was contemplating the changes that each of the businesses I had visited had made.

I feel that The Air Balloon may have had to make too many changes although I did like the musical accompaniments.

As I finished the main course Europe’s The Final Countdown was as enjoyable as ever, now as I sipped the Americano, I looked around and realised that an enthusiastic beginning was turning into a tired ending.

As I walked home, I considered what I had observed over the two days and concluded that we are trying to make the best of our situation.

Today I ask, how much longer can we tolerate it?

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August, 2020

Tech centre will create workforce of the future

ALL GARDENS

The final timber was fixed into place at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS), Wise campus to celebrate a key milestone in the construction of the new Brunel Building on the campus near Filton and Cherswick.

Following the hygiene rules and one-way systems which were implemented as part the Construction Leadership Council’s Site Operating Procedures in response to COVID-19; guests from the college along with the Willmott Dixon team, consultants and supply chain were able to witness the final screw being fixed into the timber structure.

Designed with sustainability and wellbeing at its heart, along with the timber frame, when complete, the Centre will be home to a variety of Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering courses.

With high ceilings and

exposed timber interior walls, the whole building has been designed to improve the health and wellbeing of those in the learning environment.

Kevin Hamblin, CEO of the SGS Academy Trust said: ‘I am delighted to witness this important milestone in the creation of a new centre for high tech skills at SGS College.

The £7m building is being funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to provide increased capacity for the next generation of scientists, engineers and creatives.

"It will provide a world class environment for another 400 students a year to study at SGS. We know that Technology, Engineering and the Creative Sectors will be at the forefront of the Country’s economic future and with a facility such as this, SGS College can encourage, educate and make work-ready young people."

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News

Aerospace Bristol all set for ‘return to flight’

The Aeropsace Bristol family visitor attraction on Filton Airfield, which offers the chance to step aboard the last Concorde ever to fly, is certified as ‘Good to Go’ by Visit Britain, with new Covid-19 safety measures in place Aerospace Bristol has announced that it will reopen its doors to visitors from Saturday August 1, with tickets available to book now at aerospacebristol. org.

The museum will open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets must be booked in advance and numbers are strictly limited to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Rachel Chivers, Visitor Services Manager, said: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to Aerospace Bristol from the start of August. The museum is always so popular in the summer, with children enjoying our time-travel trail, the outdoor play area, the interactive exhibits and, of course, all the amazing aeroplanes, helicopters and space technology on display.”

The 'We’re Good To Go’ COVID-19 industry standard and consumer mark confirms that the attraction adheres to Government and public health guidance.

New safety measures include a one-way route around the museum, with visitors encouraged to stick to the ‘flight path’ as they follow the story of Bristol’s aerospace achievements. The story begins with the formation of the Bristol Aeroplane Company and some of the earliest powered flights,

before exploring Bristol’s contribution to two World Wars, the space race, the supersonic Concorde, and the cutting-edge technology of today’s aerospace industry.

“We’re fortunate that the museum is situated in large, spacious aircraft hangars”, Rachel added. “There’s lots of space between the exhibits and an easy-to-follow one-way route, which will allow people to enjoy a family day out while maintaining safe social distancing. We also have a large outdoor space, where the kids can enjoy the Little Pilots play area, while the grown-ups grab a coffee and bite to eat from the cafe.”

The museum’s star attraction - the last Concorde ever to fly will be open, with visitors able to step on-board the supersonic jet and glimpse into the cockpit.

Due to the confined nature of the aircraft, visitors will be asked to take extra precautions if they

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wish to go on board Concorde as part of their visit.

These include wearing a face covering while on-board and using hand sanitiser prior to boarding and upon exiting the Concorde.

The museum exhibition

includes a stunning show projected on to the side of Concorde, giving visitors the chance to learn all about a remarkable aircraft that cruised at 1,350mph - twice the speed of sound - and reached altitudes of 60,000 feet.

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August, 2020

News

Pandemic forces cancellation of airfield concerts A huge summer drive-in concert programme for Filton has been cancelled amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic.

The team responsible for the YTL Arena Complex, Bristol, had been working with global entertainment company Live Nation to present an exciting summer of live music, theatre and cinema events.

The events were to be held on the former Filton Airfield, one of 12 locations which were planned to host Utilita Live from the Drive-In. Among those who were due to perform in Filton were Brainiac Live, Russell Watson, Tony Hadley, Sigala, Gary Numan and Jack Savoretti.

A Live Nation spokesperson said: "The Live From The Drive In concert series will no longer proceed as planned this summer.

We received huge support from artists, the live music production

contractors, our headline sponsor Utilita and of course you, the fans. However the latest developments regarding localised lockdowns means it has become impossible for us to continue with the series with any confidence."

Sarah McBride, YTL Arena Complex Partnerships Director, said: "We are bitterly disappointed that Live Nation have had to cancel their summer programme of Drive-In events

throughout the UK. They had put together an exciting and diverse line-up for Bristol with several events selling out in days, further demonstrating demand for live entertainment in the South West.

"However, public health and safety must come first, and with government guidelines on ‘local lockdowns’ Live Nation have had to take this very difficult decision.

The YTL Arena Complex team remains committed to our goal of creating an arena for Bristol and

the south west and to bringing live entertainment to the region.

We continue to work on our plans and look forward to the day that we can open our doors to the public."

Under the original plans, concert-goers would have arrived in their car and viewed the event from their own designated space in the arena site.

Full refunds were being issued directly to all ticket holders.

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19

School news

Pupils to face very different schools in September Schools in Filton are preparing for the new academic year - but Covid has meant things will be very different from the usual September start for children.

The Olympus Trust primaries (Charborough Road and Filton Hill in Filton) will see Years 1-6 returning on September 3 while at Abbeywood Community School, Year 7 and Year 12 will return to school on Thursday and Friday September 3 and 4 but other year groups will not return until the following week.

Reception classes will start on Monday September 7 and will have a two-week phased introduction where they will do half days and will be full-time from Monday, September 21.

Olympus Trust chief executive Dave Baker said: "It is important that we have the confidence of staff and parents.

"In secondary, we want to ensure that all learners are given a full induction into new

Dave Baker and Jim Mepham arrangements and to allow time for Year 7 students in particular to settle into school having had none of the usual transition experience in preparation for September. Depending on site and transport issues, schools will be operating year group bubbles (Post 16 are likely to

be one bubble). There will also be physical zoning within the school to keep bubbles apart, shift systems for break and lunchtimes, different entrances for year groups and Key Stages, and staggered start and finish times.

"In primary, each school

will be in touch about sitespecific arrangements and these will address some of the major challenges which include staggered start and finish times and separate entry and exit points for different year groups or Key Stages."

At Shield Road Primary, head teacher Jim Mepham said: "There will be separate entrances and exits for children, with staggered times for the start and end of the day.

"Children will spend all their time with their class bubble and will eat their lunch in their classroom and will have allocated lunch times / playtimes that keep them within separate ‘bubbles’.

"Children do not need to bring anything into school apart from a coat, a water bottle and a packed lunch, if appropriate."

Mr Mepham and Mr Baker both thanked parents for their understanding since the beginning of lockdown.

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August, 2020

News

Nightingale hospital could be used to support NHS

by Amanda Cameron, BBC LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice Potential interim uses for Bristol’s pop-up Nightingale hospital near Filton and Cheswick to meet local needs are being considered while it is on standby.

Regional and national NHS bosses will need to agree on any new way forward for the “very restricted” facility, which will need extra investment to implement.

NHS England this week refused to confirm the cost of creating a field hospital at the University of the West of England’s campus, or what the running costs have been.

It was built in less than three weeks in April to provide 300 intensive care beds for coronavirus patients, but was never used and was put into standby on June 30.

Updating the Bristol, North Somerset and South

Gloucestershire clinical commissioning group’s governing body, Professor Peter Brindle said: “Nightingale capacity is a very live issue at the moment. There are a number of different proposals we could consider. The challenge is it’s a very restricted facility.

“At the moment it’s only really capable of looking after people who are unconscious and have Covid. At the moment we don’t have any of those at all.

“Anything we want to do differently will require extra investment.

“A team is collecting ideas and

business cases. We may not end up going with any of them.”

CCG chief exec Julia Ross added: “Of course we want to use a facility that’s there for use. It’s about going through the right process so whatever we need to use it for is appropriate.

“If we can, we want to use it.

It’s got capacity for us.”

A spokesperson for the Nightingale confirmed that potential interim uses for the hospital were being explored “to support the NHS during this phase of its response to Covid-19”.

Tim Whittlestone, its medical director, said: “We are actively discussing with our NHS colleagues across the region how we can best use our facilities during our standby period to support their clinical and nonclinical work while maintaining our ability to stand up to provide care to critically ill people with Covid-19 when needed.

“Our focus is on making the best use of our resources for the benefit of all and a cost/benefit analysis will be considered for all proposals.”

Marie-Noelle Orzel, the chief officer, said any decision about its future will be in the hands of its programme board and the chief execs of hospital trusts from Gloucestershire to Somerset. It would also be subject to approval from the North Bristol Trust and NHS England and Improvement.

Responding to a freedom of information request on the costs of the Nightingale, NHS England said releasing the details now risked putting “duplicated or inaccurate” information into the public domain but they would be published “soon”.

A previous FoI request revealed that the bill to build England’s seven Nightingales was £220million. Reports suggest Bristol’s cost between £5.4million and £16million.

FACE Filton community charity update Throughout the Covid19 pandemic, youth and community charity FACE in Elm Park has been supplying food, toiletries, and household goods to people who need them.

The successful helpline, which was supported by more than 100 volunteers who helped those in need, will be stopping from August but some volunteers have been in touch saying they are willing to stay on a database in case more requests come up in the future FACE has now created a ‘Community Store’ in their foyer area in order to continue to support the community in this way.

This will be open 10am-12pm Monday-Friday until the end of the year, and possibly beyond.

Wednesday-Fridays there are also tables outside

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with food donated through the supermarket ‘Fareshare’ scheme.

Goods can be donated to the community store as long as they are from a household with no Covid19 symptoms, unopened and within their ‘best before’ date.

FACE hope that by providing the community store it may prevent elderly people visiting busy shops, and also can help families / people in our community who may be struggling.

Any goods can be taken from the community store by those in Filton who need them, with no questions asked. FACE is just asking for donations if people can give towards the costs to help pay the charity’s bills!

Kind donations to their fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/filtoncovid19 are keeping the store and community support going. More donations are always welcomed.

FACE coverings

With a change to the law from 24th July meaning that face coverings should be worn in shops as well as public transport and other places, you may be wondering where you can get these from. There are a range of options including making your own or buying them.

However, in Filton we have a very kind and generous community member who has donated printed face coverings to FACE

to raise funds for our work, and also to share the message of love and care in our community.

If you would like one please visit the FACE ‘community store’ at Elm Park, Monday-Friday 10am-12pm. There is a suggested donation of £3 per person, but any donation would be gratefully accepted!

Quiz night

FACE is holding an online family quiz night to raise funds!

OnSaturday 5th September from 7.30pm the quiz will be hosted on Zoom and, at only £2 per person, it’s a fun and affordable night for all! (children welcome) To find out more or book your family team in please go to: https:// facefamilyquiznight.eventbrite.co.uk

Pod volunteers

FACE is looking for volunteers who are willing to work a weekly 2 hour shift in the Pod in the Park food kiosk at Elm Park.

Training is provided.

Please contact info@facecharity.org.uk for more details.

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21

JACK LOPRESTI MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke

We must not leave the next generation behind

T

he road to economic recovery postCovid may well be a long one, but we are moving in the right direction.

One of the most important things we must bear in mind as we emerge from this national emergency is to ensure that young people still in education, or just embarking on their careers, have many opportunities. We need to nurture the knowledge and wealth creators of tomorrow now so that they can reach their full potential and benefit not only themselves, but their families, neighbours, and our country with their successes.

The Prime Minister made a pledge to offer an Opportunity Guarantee in his Dudley speech on 30th June. This Guarantee means that every young person will have the opportunity to undertake either an apprenticeship or a work placement to help foster the skills and grow the experience they need to flourish. The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, built on the foundations laid in the Dudley speech to promise approximately £2bn worth of spending on jobs and training, including a Kickstart Scheme. This scheme will offer to pay businesses the minimum wage costs of each young person aged 16-24 they employ on this basis, up to 25 hours a week, for up to

six months. In addition, employers who take on a trainee or an apprentice will be eligible for a number of bonuses, up to £3,000 per new hire over the next six months.

This is particularly important to our engineering industry and I know well that many local employers in the engineering sector will agree. A study by the Engineering Construction Industry Trade Board (ECITB) forecast that 91,000 engineers and 26,000 engineering technicians in the UK will have retired by 2026. Whilst this is a daunting

prospect for those worried about skills gaps, it means there is a world of opportunity ahead for young people who are looking to get on in this industry.

I am supporting the sector as an officer for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Apprenticeships, but I want the Government to back our aerospace industry by committing to a scrappage scheme for old and polluting aircraft. Such an idea would not only be the right thing for the environment, taking the least green aircraft off our runways and out of our skies, it would also help protect local jobs and cement our commitment to an economic recovery led by clean growth.

Young people can be among the hardest hit in times of economic turbulence. They tend to work in industries more vulnerable to downturns, and are more likely to become unemployed. However, we don’t have to write history in a way which paints today’s young people as the ‘Covid generation’, for whom we expect fewer opportunities. I will be continuing to champion efforts to invest in our future so history will remember this next generation as innovators and strivers who helped revive a stalled economy with fresh ideas and youthful energy.

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A 4

P

L T

A 1

2

J

D

E 3

B

I

1

7

O

3 2

S

8

U

7

A

6

2

Down 2. 52726 3. 2352787 5. 8646 6. 4727

F

5

Across 1. 3454 4. 34978 5. 87464323 7. 4826 8. 3276

8

4

Txtpert M

3

Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

A

2

Easier suduko Solution Q

Theme: Countries

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Answers (don’t peek!)

U

Txtpert 1

5

G

7 1 2

9

O

5 2 1 8

2

d)65

6 4

8 6

c)14

6 5 4 1

For younger readers

b)60

9

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

a) 36

The FIEND

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