Filtonvoice February 2023

Councillors pledge to support 'most in need' with 'no change' to Filton part of council tax

Filton residents will pay slightly less for the Filton element of council tax from April - a far cry from the 35% increase in 2020.

Councillors agreed to no increase for the coming year, which will actually amount to a small 0.57% decrease due to Filton gaining some extra properties in the past year.

This means households will be paying around £6 per week for Filton Town Council services.

Councillors were divided over the issue with a group of four backing a 10% decrease in the bill. They said the council will have an effective £256k surplus and could afford a drop in the precept bill.

Other councillors supported no change, saying that they can use the excess to more precisely target those in need.

Cllr Alan Bird, who supported

maintaining last year's level, earlier in January proposed the creation of a social fund with the surplus which would target accurately those who needed help the most during the cost of living crisis.

He said: "This is an opportunity to use a social fund to help those in greatest need.

"A 10% decrease for all would be just pennies off (per month for each household)."

Cllr Dan Boardman said the council was in a significantly different position compared to when they were running the lossmaking leisure centre.

He said a 10% reduction

would still leave a £150k surplus which could be used for good causes.

The 2020 increase came in the context of the council struggling to keep the ageing leisure centre going. This has now been outsourced to Active Nation, meaning it is no longer part of the council budget.

Cllr Adam Monk said past attempts to reduce council tax had led to subsequent problems.

Cllr Andy Robinson said he was concerned about the high surplus during the 'cost of living crisis'.

Four councillors backed a 10% decrease, with six councillors opposed.

A subsequent motion to keep the precept unchanged was carried 7-3.

South Glos Council Tax, the largest element of the bill, and

other precepts for Police and Fire Brigade will also be collected and are likely to see a rise for households.

In December, South Gloucestershire Council’s ruling Conservatives were accused of “pretending they can solve” a £29.3million budget shortfall “caused” by their own party’s government.

The authority’s cabinet agreed a raft of proposed cuts, including green waste collections rising from £30 to £55 a year, dimming street lights and reducing staffed library hours.

Opposition councillors aired concerns about the draft 2023/24 budget, which will be agreed at full council in February, but the ruling group and officers had little more to say about the savings required to plug the deficit.

Contacts

Richard Coulter

Editor and publisher

0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Shane Gibson

Editorial and Advertising sales

0770 674 1200 | shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

COMPLAINTS

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Man in his 20s dies after road accident in Filton

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.

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Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Filton on Monday, January 9.

A pedestrian in his 20s was seriously injured in Station Road (A4174) - the Ring Road opposite Abbeywood Retail Park - in a collision between him and a silver Honda Civic shortly before 8.30pm. He was taken to hospital but sadly died on Wednesday, January 11.

The road was closed for a number of hours to allow collision investigators to attend the scene.

It was reopened the following morning.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or has dashcam that may assist their enquires, to please call 101 and quote reference number 5223006576.

New location as Filton Festival to return in 2023

Filton Festival will return in 2023 for the first time since preCovid - with a new location.

The popular event, to be held on a Saturday - July 22 - is being moved to the Millennium Green from the usual site at Elm Park.

Filton Town Council has outsourced the event to Re-Energize, a company which runs other events including Bradley Stoke Festival, which will source bands and other attractions.

The stage will be the focal point for a full line-up of bands and organisers are also seeking more dance groups to entertain the crowds.

This will be the 'delayed' 20th anniversary festival

There will not be a large funfair although there will be smaller attractions for children such as inflatables, go-karts and a helter-skelter.

Other attractions include a

graffiti wall and there will be the usual range of food and drinks, including a beer bar.

Robert Goodwin of ReEnergize told Filton Town Council: "We are still looking for dance groups to perform while the bands change over on the large stage."

He said parking arrangements meant those with cars would be asked to park in Elm Park then take the short walk down the footpath to Millennium Green.

Re-Energize will also provide rubbish bins and skips.

Councillors heard a 'headlining' tribute band was still to be confirmed.

The council also wants community groups and charities to apply to host stalls, at no charge.

Small stalls for businesses will cost £15.

All profits will go to a charity, to be confirmed nearer the time.

Filton Festival 2019

by BBC LDRS staff and Filtonvoice

Drivers in Filton could soon be fined for wrongly stopping in yellow box junctions or passing a no-entry sign at three major junctions after South Gloucestershire Council applied for new enforcement powers.

The local authority wants to take over responsibility from the police to install traffic cameras and clamp down on motorists illegally queuing at Hambrook roundabout, under junction one of the M32, and Aztec West and Filton roundabouts, both on the A38 Gloucester Road.

It will also target a “high level of abuse” by drivers ignoring part-time no-entry signs where Kenmore Drive meets Kenmore Crescent in Filton, which is used as a rat-run to avoid the B4056 Southmead Road.

Bristol City Council cabinet last month agreed to use similar new powers to enforce “moving traffic” offences, such as banned turns or driving the wrong way down a one-way street, which are available to local authorities following a recent change in the law.

South Gloucestershire is following suit by asking the Department for Transport (DfT) for permission to issue fixed penalties, which would be £70 or £35 if paid within 21 days, and has launched a public consultation, which closes on January 30.

It said on its website: “South Gloucestershire Council is

proposing to adopt powers to help improve road safety, tackle congestion and support both public transport and active travel by enforcement of moving traffic contraventions.”

The authority said each offence would be captured by automatic number plate recognition cameras but would be “subject to further human

review to ensure that action taken is proportionate and not automatically generated”.

It said the crackdown could be extended to other sites in future, which would not require further permission from the DfT but would need additional public consultation.

The council said: “Profiting from enforcement is not an aim of enforcing moving traffic offences.

“We are applying for these powers to make a positive difference to the highway network, and not as a source of income.”

The money from fines will fund the scheme’s costs and any surplus can be spent on public transport or highway improvements but it cannot be used to pay for routine highway maintenance or other council services.

“It is envisaged that this enforcement will be rolled out to more sites from 2023 onwards, but only at locations where there is a need,” it added.

The current consultation is here: https://consultations. southglos.gov.uk/MTE/ consultationHome

Moving Traffic Enforcement: Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are the Councils taking on these powers?

A: South Gloucestershire Council are applying to take on these enforcement powers to improve road network. The Police currently enforce moving traffic offences, and this will allow them to focus on other policing priorities. Each site to be enforced must help achieve at least one of the following objectives:

• improve road safety

• tackle network congestion

• increase public transport reliability

• improve air quality

• increase lifespan of highway assets.

Q: How will the Council enforce these offences?

A:The government have issued guidelines that regulate how Council’s must enforce moving traffic offences. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at the sites to be

enforced and Penalty Charge Notices (PCN’s) will be issued via post to the Registered Keeper of the vehicle (in the same way bus lane camera’s currently operate).

Q: How much will the fine be?

A: Motorists found to be in contravention of a restriction will be issued with a penalty charge notice. The charge is set nationally and is currently £70 or it can be paid at a discounted rate of £35 if paid within 21 days.

Q: Will South Gloucestershire Council make any money from this?

A: Profiting from enforcement is not an aim of enforcing moving traffic offences. We are applying for these powers to make a positive difference to the highway network, and not as a source of income. We hope that enforcement will help improve compliance at these sites and improve safety, reduce congestion, and assist public

transport. As compliance improves, the number of Penalty Charge Notices is expected to fall.

Q: What will happen to the income generated by fines?

A: The enforcement of moving traffic restrictions is intended to help improve the safety of the highway, to help ease congestion and aid bus journey reliability. Income raised through fines will go back into funding the operational costs of running the cameras. Any surplus income generated from fines, must be spent in accordance with Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Surplus income, should there be any, will need to cover all costs related to enforcement.

Q: Will there be more sites added to the enforcement regime over time?

A: It is envisaged that this enforcement will be rolled out to more sites from 2023 onwards, but

only at locations where there is a need.

Q: When will South Gloucestershire start enforcing?

A: It is estimated that the enforcement powers will be granted in 2023. Once camera equipment is installed and operational, warning notices will be issued for first time offences for a period of six months following the ‘go live’ date.

Q: Will drivers be able to challenge Penalty Charge Notices issued for these offences?

A:When a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued to the Registered Keeper there will be details on how a challenge can be made. As with parking PCNs this must be in writing and within the timescales set out on the PCN. For the first six months of operation Warning Notices will be sent for first time offences only.

'Beware of Earworms' warning from operatic society

This Spring, the Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society (BGSOS) is following up its 2022 success with HMS Pinafore by staging Patience: “The best Gilbert & Sullivan opera you’ve never heard of”.

The Gilbert & Sullivan operettas are an ancestor of the musical, and of all the G&S collaborations, Patience is the show where this is most clear. Composed directly after Pirates of Penzance and before Iolanthe, but a little less “operatic” than either, Arthur Sullivan was at the very top of his comic-opera game and Patience is packed with whistle-worthy tunes. “You’ll go home humming something from the show, ” said BGSOS Chair Hannah Long, “be warned that Patience contains a lot of high-class earworms”.

WS Gilbert’s storyline mocks the nineteenth century Aesthetic Movement – it is sometimes claimed that the character of pretentious poet, Reginald Bunthorne, was based on Oscar

Wilde. It sets a chorus of aesthetic maidens, smitten with a pair of rival poets, against a military chorus of cavalrymen, highly indignant at being abandoned.

But the wider theme is about the surface appearance that we all present to the world. The poets are only in it for the adoration, the maidens change their romantic

allegiance at the drop of a hat, the blunt soldiers are well aware how sexy their uniforms look.

Even the down-to-earth heroine, Patience herself, is persuaded to fall in love in the socially-approved manner.

This theme – social image versus sincerity – is one that goes beyond its Victorian origin and resonates in any age.

“Today, Bunthorne would be a social media influencer and the regiment would feature in a Gareth Malone TV series,” suggests Hannah. “Our production doesn’t bring it quite that up-to-date but sets it in the 1920’s – which apart from anything else gives us a great sequins-opportunity!”

Patience will be showing at the Redgrave Theatre, Clifton, from 30 March to 1 April 2023 (7.30pm Thursday, Friday; Saturday 2.00pm matinee and 6:30 evening). Tickets are available from www.bristolgsos. co.uk or directly through the Redgrave Theatre.

St. Peter's Ladies Group in Filton has been busy once again fundraising for BUST (Breast Cancer Unit Support Trust).

The Ladies Group were delighted to welcome to their recent meeting Jenny Wookey and Simon Cawthorn, both trustees of the charity, and were very pleased to present them a cheque for £500, which will be put towards a new scanner.

BUST is a local charity, formed in 1991 by three patients and it is based in Southmead Hospital. These patients heard that Consultant Surgeon, Simon Cawthorn needed £20,000 for an ultrasound scanner. They fund raised and achieved this in less than 2 years and from there the fund has grown and grown. There is now a whole team of unpaid volunteers who help. To date over £1,984,000 has been raised.

Simon told the group he had just returned from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where breast cancer is common, not just in women but also in men. He went there

Ladies raise £500 for cancer charity

★

to train nurses, midwives and doctors in the use of a breast ultrasound portable scanner. This is the start of a 16 week online theory class run by the

University of East Anglia. A scanner had been donated by the Association of Breast Surgery as part of an aid programme. This machine will now be used in

one of the new breast clinics in Bulawayo and will help to save many hundreds of lives. More information can be found at bustbristol.co.uk

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Filton facing bus cuts

Three bus services servicing Filton and nearby areas are to be axed in April.

Bus passengers across the West of England face further cuts to the region’s struggling public transport network as a total of 42 bus services face the axe. Due to a funding row, from April these publicly subsidised services will no longer be funded and most likely withdrawn.

The services affecting the Filton area include:

• 506 Bristol city centre to Southmead Hospital

• 17 Southmead Hospital to Kingswood

• 680 North Yate to Chipping Sodbury and SGS College Filton

The service cuts were signed off by the West of England combined authority in January 18, after the region’s political leaders heard how many of the services were crucial in connecting isolated communities and persuading car drivers to use public transport.

The axed bus routes form a huge 60% chunk of the region’s total of 69 subsidised services. However it’s unclear exactly which bus routes are facing the axe in April, and a full and accurate list was not provided in reports to the combined authority meeting.

During the meeting, West of England metro mayor Dan Norris blamed the three council leaders — in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset — for paying the combined authority too small a transport levy. Mr Norris said this year’s increase to the transport levy was less than inflation, so service cuts had to be made.

Responding to claims that the councils could spend more on the transport levy, South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage said many of the council’s reserves are for specific areas and can’t be spent on saving subsidised bus routes.

Community transport service fights back after arson attack

By Jane Williams

The charity providing community transport to people in Filton and other areas was left in a perilous state last spring after more than half of its’ vans were destroyed in an arson attack. Now that the culprit has been imprisoned, FiltonVoice caught up with CEO Nigel Davis to find out how the organisation has been managing.

Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport (4TVLCT) is a small charity based in Frampton Cotterell that provides transport to members of the community who, for whatever reason, cannot use existing transport services. Service users include vulnerable school children as well as older people who need to attend medical appointments or do their supermarket shopping.

The charity’s website states: “Our aim is to promote social inclusion within South Gloucestershire by helping residents to be self-sufficient and maintain their personal independence.”

The arson attack took place last April when 4TVLCT’s fleet was parked at Rolls-Royce Patchway. Some 13 of the charity’s vehicles were destroyed in the fire, for which Daniel Cron was sentenced in January.

“We are still not back where

we were prior to the vandalism,” Mr Davis said, nine months after the incident.

“It was a very difficult and time critical undertaking to try to replace the written-off minibuses in the open market. Certain vehicles were simply not available or delivery timescales were advised to be up to 52 weeks. We could not wait longer than a few days if all our commitments were to be achieved. This was a very stressful time for all of us at the charity.”

Nigel added that, following the arson attack, 4TVLCT was given just seven days to remove all of its vehicles from RollsRoyce, “which was more of a

blow than the actual fire itself as finding free parking in the area in which we operate was always going to be difficult”.

However, the community rose to the challenge and offers of support came in.

“We were loaned vehicles by Callicroft school and ALD Automotive, who then kindly allowed us to buy a minibus from them, which helped ease the vehicle replacement issues,” said Nigel.

Crossbow House in Frampton Cotterell also allowed the charity

to park vehicles on their site.

“This has helped us to maintain our support for SEN school runs, ring and ride transport for the elderly and a huge uplift in medical-related appointments on behalf of our members," he said.

Like many charities, 4TVLCT lost a great number of its volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic that began in 2020.

However, Nigel remains positive. He said: “Despite all of this, we are making some progress in respect of long-term minibus parking and office facilities. We are currently awaiting sight of a lease for parking our vehicles in Patchway. This currently rests between the developer Horizon 38 and South Gloucestershire Council. We are doing all we can to make this possible but we are really in their hands. This move is critical for us as it will give us a bus depot for in excess of 20 years and, by so doing, allow us to maintain our vital community services.”

Nigel promises that they are doing their best to maintain business as usual

He said: “We shall try to support the transportdisadvantaged with our minibus fleet, which is almost back to its pre-attack level.”

4TVLCT is actively looking to employ drivers. They can offer full training and have a range of full-time and part-time roles. They also have opportunities for volunteer car drivers and admin roles. If you are interested in these roles, or in using the services of 4TVLCT, please contact them on 01454 250500.

Police thank public after vehicle arsonist jailed

A Filton man who set fire to 20 vehicles causing hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage has been jailed.

Daniel Cron, 26, left, appeared at Bristol Crown Court in January where he was sentenced to three years in prison having pleaded guilty to 21 counts of arson – 20 vehicles and a fence – at a previous hearing.

Cron, along with an as yet unidentified man, set fire to both private and commercial vehicles in the Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford areas of South Gloucestershire in the early hours of April 3 last year.

A large number of the vehicles were minibuses which belonged

to Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport which provided transport services for vulnerable adults and children.

Following the incident, detectives appealed for the public’s help to identify CCTV footage which could aid their investigation.

Dozens of people submitted footage from their private CCTV, doorbell cameras and dashcam.

Using the footage, officers then tracked Cron and the other man as he set fire to the vehicles over a three-and-a-half-hour period.

Inspector Steve Davey, of Operation Remedy, said: “Cron has never offered any explanation for his actions and it was only by sheer

luck that nobody was seriously injured or killed.

“While no one was hurt, vulnerable members of the community lost a vital transport resource while the community group which owned the minibuses along with other motorists suffered a significant financial hit and the inconvenience of replacing their vehicles.”

He added: “We’re extremely grateful for the support we received from the public following our appeals. Their help in providing us with footage saved a lot of valuable police time and and provided the evidence we needed to secure this conviction.”

South Glos launches new consultation on Filton HMOs

South Glos turned down an application to create a large HMO at 15 Braemar Cresc in the autumn but an inspector reversed this decision on appeal

Have your say – South Gloucestershire Council want your views on its plans to introduce restrictions, known as ‘Article 4 Direction’, on converting existing housing into HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) in parts of Filton, and within the Stoke Park and Cheswick ward.

HMOs are converted properties with shared facilities, like a bathroom or kitchen, that are rented out to people who are not from a single household –such as professional sharers or off-campus students.

Currently properties providing six or fewer bedrooms can be converted to HMOs without planning permission.

However, under the Council’s proposed Article 4 Direction, permitted development rights will no longer apply and all houses within the specified area will require planning approval before converting to HMOs. This will give the council greater control over the concentration of small HMOs in these areas.

The decision to introduce these restrictions is now subject to consultation. Subject to reviewing the comments received, the council intends to move forward to complete the remaining stages to bring these changes into force.

For further information and to comment on the proposals, visit South Gloucestershire

Council’s website: Houses in Multiple Occupation Article 4 Direction Proposal 2023South Gloucestershire Online Consultations (www.southglos. gov.uk)

You have until January 31 to submit your comments.

l Last month it was revealed that the original 'Article 4' regulations which would have affected new HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in Filton would not be introduced until January 2024 after South Glos Council decided they faced a 'significant risk of liability for compensation' under the previous plans, which were due to begin on December 30.

This was seen as a blow for campaigners who have said Filton has too many HMOs, leading to a change in the character of the town and bringing significant parking problems. Developers say HMOs are needed to address the housing shortage.

Last month, Filton South Glos councillor Adam Monk said: "The situation with regards to the delay is Article 4 is disappointing and I recognise there is a fear that we could see in a further increase in HMOs.

"I would remind people that policies have been improved to control HMOs.

"I would encourage residents to continue to object and highlight that some applications have been stopped even at the appeal stage."

In a statement, South Glos Council said: "We consider that there is a significant risk of liability for compensation from the decision made in August 2022 if we continued to confirm the A4D and bring it into force on 30 December 2022, as originally intended.

"Given our current budget pressures and need to protect taxpayers’ money this requires us to take appropriate action."

“Daft place to put a bollard.”

New year, new NHS career? Visit jobs fair

Ajobs fair is being held to showcase full and part-time opportunities on offer at a new stroke rehabilitation unit at South Bristol Community Hospital opening soon.

Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, health, care and voluntary sector partners are working together to improve services for people affected by stroke.

This includes work to improve the prevention of stroke, as well as to provide the best possible stroke emergency care, rehabilitation and care at home once individuals are discharged from hospital.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, and one of the largest causes of disability. Working with other healthcare partners, the aim is to ensure local people have the best opportunity to survive and thrive after stroke.

As part of this work, Sirona Care & Health is recruiting to a number of new positions for a

dedicated rehabilitation unit, otherwise known as a Sub-Acute Stroke Rehab Unit (SSARU). The unit will meet the needs of people

who are unable to return home immediately after a hospital stay as they need specialist rehabilitation following their stroke.

The team is made up of a variety of clinical and support professionals, including registered nurses, therapists and support workers, who all work together to deliver the best rehabilitation experience possible for people. There will be on-the-day interviews available, too.

Join us – it’s free:

• Thursday 2 February

• 09:30 – 16:30

• South Bristol Community Hospital, Hengrove Promenade, Hengrove, Whitchurch Lane, Bristol BS14 0DE

• Register via our website –https://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/

If you can’t make the jobs fair –Sirona can be contacted by email via sirona.recruitment@nhs.net.

Filton planning applications in January

Applications

Land At The Shield Retail Centre Installation of 8 EV chargers, and 1 substation with associated equipment and works.

Plot C4 Landing Lights - East Works Filton

Erection of Coffee Shop with Drive Thru Facility (Class E) and associated works with appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale to be determined. (Approval of Reserved Matters to be read in conjunction with outline permission

Land At 28 Ferndale Road

Erection of 1detached dwelling with associated works.

668 Southmead Road

Erection of a two storey side extension to form additional living accommodation.

Decisions

Plots B1-B5, 38 Bullfinch Close

Erection of 8 units for industrial processes, general industry and storage and distribution (Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2 and B8)

with associated parking, access, landscaping, drainage and associated works.

EIA Not Required

26 Braemar Crescent

Non-material amendment to P20/18886/F to enlarge the extension and change materials.

Refuse Non Material Amendment

12 Sixth Avenue

Installation of a rear dormer to facilitate a loft conversion.

Approve Certificate of Lawfulness

22 Mackie Road

Installation of 1 rear dormer and loft conversion.

Approve Certificate of Lawfulness

Filton Sports And Leisure Centre

Elm Park (pic below)

Discharge of condition 17 (Low Carbon) attached to planning permission P22/01068/F. Partial demolition of existing leisure centre building and erection of new leisure centre to include double height soft play area, open plan cafe and reception, fitness

suite, health suite, changing facilities, office accommodation and erection of satellite external changing pavilion, with parking and associated works.

Discharge of Conditions Decided

79 Station Road

Continued change of use from residential dwelling (Class C3) to small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO (Class C4).

Approve Certificate of Lawfulness

15 Ninth Avenue

Erection of single storey rear extension.

Approve Certificate of Lawfulness

14 Clyde Grove

Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extensions to form additional living accommodation. Proposed rear dormer window to facilitate loft conversion.

Approve with Conditions

Visit: beta.southglos.gov.uk/ search-planning-applications

FREE Events at Filton Library in February

Regular FREE Dro p - in Events

Coffee Morning Mondays 10:30 - 11:3 0

Rhyme Time

Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:00

Story Time

Thursdays 11:00 - 11:30

Lego Club

Saturday 4 th & 18 th 10:30 - 11:30

Due to popular demand, we’re now running Lego clubs every two weeks!

Come along for some creative fun with our Lego! Suitable for all Primary school aged children

Come and join is for our Fairy - Tastic Fables Craft Event

Monday 13 th 14 :00 - 15 :00

Suitable for all primary school aged children

Join us for a free crafting session and make your own Treasure chest!

If you can’t come on the day a take - home craft bag will be available throughout the school holiday

Staffed Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 - 17:30

Saturday: 09:30 - 13:00

Tuesday, Friday, Sunday: CLOSED

Want to access the library 7 days a week? Find out more here: sou thglos.gov.uk/openaccess

Filton Town Council

Latest news on leisure centre

Active Nation are delighted to be able to share news that preparations to modernise Filton Leisure Centre are now well under way. Demolition of part of the existing building began in January.

Works are thanks to the multi-million-pound investment by Filton Town Council to create an activity hub that is self-sustaining and in tune with the needs of residents both now and in the future.

The works are being carried out by Speller Metcalfe and will be focused on the modernisation of poolside changing facilities, the creation of a new build with new main entrance and reception area as well as a new café and soft play area, gym and exercise area. In addition, facilities serving the outdoor pitches will become integral to the centre, accessible via a dedicated access point, and will include modern changing and showering facilities for home and away teams as well as officials.

Throughout the works, contractors will do all they can to minimise disruption and, whilst some adjustments to programming and facility use may be necessary to ensure safety, it is the intention to keep all facilities and services open throughout, this includes swimming lessons.

Stuart Martin, Managing Director, Active Nation, says: “Works will see facilities consolidated and modernised to provide a provision much more in-tune with the modern needs of our community. This will not only improve the experience of all our current Supporters, it will also create a sustainable future for the venue, meaning many generations to come will be able to enjoy an active lifestyle in a safe, affordable and fully supported environment.”

Active Nation would like to thank residents for their continued support and patience whilst they work together to create a better future for our community leisure provision. Works are expected to complete in early 2024.

Filton Town Council

Welcome to Filton’s Warm Space

Please take a seat… read a book… ... attempt a puzzle ... or just come along and sit in the warm and relax. All with a complimentary warm cuppa!! Every day from 10am to 3.30pm at Filton Leisure Centre, compliments of Filton Town Council and Active Nation

PUBLIC NOTICE

Please note due to the current demolition works the Filton Town Council meetings will now be held temporarily at SHE7, Braemar Crescent, BS7 0TD, 7.pm on the following dates: -

PUBLIC NOTICE

Monday 13th February - Full Council (Finance)

Council offices

The council offices have moved temporarily while refurbishment takes place at the Elm Park site.

Monday 27th February - Full Council

Monday 13th March - Full Council (Finance)

Monday 27th March - Full Council.

Please note due to the current demolition works the Filton Town Council meetings will now be held temporarily at SHE7, Braemar Crescent, BS7 0TD, 7.pm on the following dates: -

Monday 13th February - Full Council (Finance)

Monday 27th February - Full Council

Monday 13th March - Full Council (Finance)

Monday 27th March - Full Council.

The council is unable to have visitors to the office at the moment but appointments can be made or enquiries made at the Leisure Centre reception – which is now situated at the rear of the building.

Please contact us at office@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk or by phone 01454866698/01454 803918 to arrange an appointment if necessary. If you have an enquiry or wish to report a problem email office@ filtontowncouncil.gov. uk.

Filton Town Council would like to thank you for your patience during this time.

Please note: the leisure centre demolition works will NOT affect our warm space

Gang of boys in robbery attempt near station

News Police are appealing for witnesses after a group of teenage boys attempted to rob a woman on the cycle path near Filton Abbey Wood station.

It happened at about 6.15pm on Monday, November 28. The woman was cycling towards Abbey Wood near the bridge over the railway when the boys approached her.

Two of them grabbed her bike and they tried to take her bag.

The woman shouted and screamed and was able to ride away.

She was shaken but unhurt and nothing was stolen.

The woman told us there were up to six boys all aged between 12 and 16.

We’d like to identify a group of boys seen in the area at around the time, described as:

• White, with brown hair, wearing a black coat with fur round the hood and with a black rucksack and black shoes.

• Black, wearing a black coat and

• White, wearing a dark coat, a grey hood and grey tracksuit bottoms.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

footage, will contact them. To help, call 101 and give the call handler the reference

A new solution to our bus crisis

LAST year I held scores of mayor events across the West of England to meet thousands of local people face-to-face to discuss buses.

For me, this was all about listening. It quickly became clear the severe bus driver shortage nationally is impacting hard locally.

For the individuals and communities hit by route changes or cuts, this is a very big deal.

The old ways don’t work. It needs new and innovative solutions as soon as possible.

I am proud to announce that a fleet of green minibuses called WEST link will form a new ‘on-demand’ service within the West of England, starting this summer.

Passengers in designated zones will be able hail a ‘WEST link’ minibus by using an app on your smartphone, visiting a website or by phoning up.

Unlike traditional buses, WEST link will be unrestricted by a timetable. Instead, clever tech will use algorithms to link up

several people’s needs, combining them into one trip as efficiently as possible.

The 7am to 7pm Monday-Saturday service will cover much of North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and parts of Bristol including Windmill Hill, Knowle, Brislington and St Anne’s. Within this overall area, there will be local zones. Passengers will be able to use a WEST link minibus in their local zone to get to key transport corridors to then pick up another bus or train.

Vitally, using more minibuses will help address the acute bus driver shortage. How? Well, it’s easier and quicker to train to drive a smaller vehicle and for most people, it is far less daunting!

It also allows drivers already qualified to get behind the wheel of large double-deckers to focus on the busy routes. On demand minibuses also better meet the needs of our more remote or isolated communities.

You have been telling me the status quo hasn’t been working and that unrelia-

No personal details are taken, court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers. www.avonandsomerset.police

ble buses cannot be tolerated.

You have said things must improve to help you get to where you need to travel and to meet our vitally important and ambitious 2030 Net Zero targets.

I agree – so there will be changes.

Change is hard: it’s disruptive and takes time.

I, my staff, and the bus companies, will have to learn lessons as we work hard to put things right. Please play your part by trying WEST link, so we can grab this positive opportunity to shape our transport future for the better.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Filton MP Jack Lopresti

Bus firm improving connections across north Bristol

Last month I met with Rachel, Martin, Karen and Joe from Stagecoach at their depot on Gypsy Patch Lane who were very enthusiastic about the prospects for their Bristol operations. The depot is scheduled for a full refurbishment starting early this year.

They also told me how they are integrating newly-arrived refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine into their workforce, as well as working with local colleges and universities to promote driver apprenticeships.

The Stagecoach team also told me of their ambition to create greater connectivity for the North Bristol fringe which I am very much support. I look forward to working with them and local authorities to build a firmer strategy to provide long-term funding for our bus services.

Recently I again visited the Brabazon development and met

with Colin, Seb and Andrew at YTL to show my support for the building of this new community in our area which will now provide 3,000 more homes than originally anticipated.

I am particularly interested and supportive of the levelling up bid, which I have supported and raised in Parliament for the First World War era hangar, which will be converted into a community centre for the area and I will be enquiring into

the progress of this funding. In addition, I visited the hangars which will become the new Brabazon Arena and which will have a capacity for around 17,000 people.

We also discussed the planned Brabazon station and was pleased to hear that constructive conversations have been taking place between the West of England Combined Authority, Network Rail and YTL which could see the project

being completed in Autumn of 2025. YTL have the ambition to produce a railway station which could deliver a service of four trains an hour with a connection to Bristol Parkway and simultaneously provide connectivity for industry in the area.

I fully agree with our new Prime Minister that the Government must be judged on its ability to deliver its objectives and I will seek to help the government achieve this in the year ahead, alongside supporting improvements to local policing, transport connectivity and investing in education. As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at: jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance or to book a surgery appointment.

DAVE TRIMBY ROOFING SERVICES

We have a shortage of foster carers and need more people in Bristol to come forward. Please help us keep local children close to their schools and communities.

Get in touch with us to find out what support, training and benefits we offer our amazing foster carers.

Foster with Bristol City Council and make a difference.

0117 353 4200

www.bristol.gov.uk/foster

n MESSAGE FROM SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL

Helping you keep warm and save energy

WITH the high energy prices we’ve experienced recently, keeping our homes warm has been more of a challenge than ever this winter.

The council is taking action to help people in South Gloucestershire stay warm over the winter months, with several offers of support.

In November, we launched a thermal imaging camera loan scheme with our partner Warm and Well, where cameras can be borrowed from South Gloucestershire libraries to help identify heat loss around the home.

This initiative has been a great success, and has surpassed our expectations, with all of the cameras now booked out for this winter.

The cameras use colour images to display areas where heat

is escaping from areas such as poorly insulated roofs, and gaps around doors and windows. This enables the user to take steps to improve measures in these areas to help keep heat in.

We are offering warm packs to those who need help to keep warm, which include clothing such as hats, socks and gloves, as well as other items for the home, including a blanket, an LED light bulb and tea bags. We are also giving out radiator panels, which are fitted behind radiators and help heat circulation and reduce costs.

The warm packs and radiator panels have been paid for through central government’s Household Support Fund. Certain eligibility criteria applies for both of these offers: visit your local One Stop Shop or library to find

out more. We are additionally supporting a network of community welcome spaces across the area that are free to use, providing a warm place to go, with some also offering hot drinks and activities. For more information on available support, and to find a community welcome space, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/CostofLiving.

All libraries in South Gloucestershire also provide a warm and friendly place to stay during opening times.

For help with other household costs there are a number of funds and grants available, including the household support fund.

Details can be found on our financial support for residents page beta.southglos.gov.uk/ financial-support-for-residents.

Our partners Warm and

Well, run by local energy charity Severn Wye, also offer a range of home energy advice through their freephone advice line, 0800 500 3076, and can help people access a range of grant funding for energy efficiency improvements. For more information visit warmandwell.co.uk.

With Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council

Company offers 14% pay rise for care staff

Bristol Care Homes, which runs Fileld House in Horfield and three other care homes across the Bristol area, has brought forward a pay award to support care staff with the cost of living crisis

Nurses and carers worked valiantly to support our communities through the Covid pandemic, but are now facing huge financial challenges from the cost of living crisis. This has led to the first nurses’ strike in living memory in response to a low NHS pay offer. Many NHS nurses have recently come forward talking about how they can’t save money, pay into their pensions, and even have to use food banks.

Bristol Care Homes conducted a staff survey which showed the main worries of the team to be pay and the cost of living. The company therefore decided to bring its annual pay award due in April 2023 forward to 1 January, awarding a 14% increase in base rates of pay across all care staff roles.

"We have brought forward

our inflationary rise from April to December and made it significant enough that we will remain ahead of the national minimum wage by April 2023, with the vast majority of our team members paid at or above the real living wage," says Richard Crocker, CEO of Bristol Care Homes.

Bristol Care Homes is

committed to providing excellent lifetime care to residents.

Two of its homes have CQC ‘Outstanding’ rating, whilst its resident fees remain extremely competitive and good value. This staff pay award therefore ensures that working with the company is an attractive well paid career, and will avoid staff

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT FIELD HOUSE NURSING HOME

Providing top quality, best value, holistic care

Field House in Horfield offers safe and nurturing care

We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.

We also ensure:

• Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented

• Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply

• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand

• Safe face-to-face visits where possible

shortages or excessive use of agency staff.

Other staff benefits included in the pay scheme are

- Up to £250 welcome bonus

- Up to £250 refer a friend bonus

- 10% enhancement salary rate on hours worked on weekends

- Time and a half at Bank

Holidays

- Profit share bonus scheme

- Excellent induction programme

- Excellent training and development opportunities

- Career progression and development opportunities

- A wide range of holiday, retail and leisure discounts

- Employee assistance programme

- Cycle to work scheme

- Free meal when working +8 hours shifts.

Bristol Care Homes welcomes applicants to join its nursing and carer teams.

For more information, visit www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Don’t fall for romance fraud this Valentine’s Day

I WANT to start by thanking those who completed my precept survey last month. As ever, it was important that I heard from as many people as possible.

I understand how stretched finances are for many of us, so I need to carefully consider what the public has to say on any tax increases before I propose a finalised budget.

It is important to remind you it is also a difficult time for funding your police force; policing is not immune to the cost-of-living crisis, so the budget is being set against a challenging economic environment.

I will continue to update you regarding my precept decision in the coming weeks.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I urge online

daters to stay alert to potential scammers and to not fall victim to romance fraud. Romance fraud is much more common than many of us realise, with fraudsters taking advantage of those trying to find a connection or relationship.

Romance fraud involves fraudsters masquerading as romantic partners and, after laying the groundwork for a ‘relationship’ with a victim, the scammer will ask for ‘favours’, like sending them money, providing personal and financial information, or purchasing items for them.

It isn’t hearts these fraudsters want to steal: it’s bank account balances.

This is an awful, heartbreaking crime; victims invest

time into someone and think they have a genuine personal connection. I know many victims feel ashamed when they realise romance fraudsters have scammed them.

Please know support is available from the police and the Action Fraud website.

If you think a family member or friend is a victim of this terrible crime, please make them aware of the signs and encourage them to report it to Action Fraud.

I would also like to bring to your attention our next Performance and Accountability Board (PAB), which will take place on Tuesday, February 7.

I was elected to be the voice of local people in policing. I will be questioning Chief Constable Sarah Crew to ensure she delivers

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

an efficient, effective, and legitimate police service for our communities.

I will ask questions about police performance and priorities in Avon and Somerset.

If you have any concerns or questions you would like included in the live broadcast, you can contact me and the OPCC via our website.

Rail and homes put Filton at the heart of new developments across Bristol region in 2023

by BBC LDRS staff for Filtonvoice

Many major property developments are coming down the pipeline to Bristol this year with huge schemes across the city planned. More than 2,500 new homes were built in the city last year, and thousands more are expected this year, as well as big commercial developments.

As well as new homes, new developments in Bristol this year include train stations, hotels, shops and offices. Elsewhere, buildings far past their best, like the Galleries shopping centre or the Grosvenor Hotel, will likely see major progress towards their eventual replacements.

A giant regeneration project is expected to finally get under way this year around Temple Meads train station. This project received a £95-million boost from the government, and will see the area around the station redesigned, with much more planned east of the station, including a new university campus, student flats, hotels, offices, and a secondary school.

A huge amount of work is due to take place this year on converting the Brabazon Hangars at the Filton Airfield into a new arena, but the arena isn’t expected to open until next

year. Just north of the arena, thousands of homes will also be built. YTL, the company which owns the arena, has permission for 3,700 homes and is trying to get permission for another 3,000. See picture above.

Plans for a Bristol underground network could make some progress this year. The mass transit plans championed by Bristol mayor Marvin Rees would see four light rail lines built, costing billions of pounds. The next step, in the long journey to making these plans reality, is consulting the public on various options for the plans.

But it’s unclear when, or if, the West of England combined authority will launch this public consultation on Bristol’s mass transit system. That was initially due to happen in January last year, but has seen repeated delays. And if Labour lose the next local elections in the city, in May 2024, it’s also unclear if a new administration would carry on with Mr Rees’s underground. Construction on the new Ashley Down train station will begin at the start of this year. Once opened, the station will run trains every half hour to Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood.

The new train station will be built off Station Road, and work should be completed in 2024.

Another new train station is expected to open this spring. The Portway Park and Ride train station, in Shirehampton, will be the first new station to open in Bristol since Parson Street station opened in 1927. Trains will run half hourly along the Severn Beach line, running through the city. The station lies next to an existing park and ride, and has cost just over £4 million to build, with plans stretching back over a decade.

Bedminster will see thousands of new homes built over the next few years, with construction on some sites beginning or continuing in 2023. Two major regeneration areas have been earmarked, around Mead Street and Whitehouse Street. Permission has already been given to redevelop the old Bart Spices warehouses on York Street and build 221 apartments there.

The battle to build 260 homes on Brislington Meadows will take 11 days, starting at the end of January. A public inquiry will hear an appeal from Homes England about their plans to build 260 homes on the

south Bristol site, which local campaigners have fiercely fought. Council chiefs were initially in favour of development here, but then backtracked and have tried to stop it. But the decision on granting permission now depends on the public inquiry.

A huge eyesore near Temple Meads is likely to finally be demolished this year. Grosvenor Hotel, which has long been left derelict, could be knocked down as the council is ramping up pressure on the building’s owners to either make it safe or demolish it — particularly after a fire late last year. The council wants to redevelop the site but doesn’t own it, at least not yet, as compulsory purchase orders take a long time to go through necessary legal procedures.

More details about a major redevelopment scheme at the Galleries shopping centre, in between Broadmead and Castle Park, are expected to be revealed early this year. Developers Deeley Freed previously said they would submit a planning application around the start of this year to knock down the shopping centre, and build 450 homes, offices, student flats, a hotel, shops and cafes. Construction work is due to start late next year.

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

St Peter’s Church: Services

Sunday 5 February

10am Eucharist and 5pm Youth of God at the Rectory

Sunday 12 February

8.30am and 10am Eucharist

Sunday 19 February

8.30am and 10am Family Eucharist

Sunday 26 February

8.30am and 10am Eucharist with Thinking Day Church Parade

Midweek Said Eucharists are on Wednesdays at 12noon.

Wednesday 22 February is Ash

Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. We will be holding two special services on the day, at 12noon and 7pm, each being a Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes.

Social and Church Groups

Our Ladies' Group meets at 2pm every other Monday in the church hall. Full programme and contact details available on our website.

Our Mothers' Union meet on Thursdays at 2pm in the Coffee Shop. Again, full details on the website.

Brabazon Belles (a social group for women) meet on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the church hall.

Our Open House group meets every Tuesday in the church hall from 9.3011am for tea, toast, and companionship. Our friendly choir meets for rehearsals every Friday at 7pm in the church.

Our Zumba group meet on Mondays at 10am and 11.15, and Fridays at 9.30am. Contact Jools for more information jooljdh@gmail.com or julie737@zumba. com

Community Coffee Shop

Our friendly, welcoming coffee shop is now open from Monday to Friday, 10am - 1pm for hot and cold drinks, homemade cake and hot snacks. Suggested donation £1.50 per item. We are now an official designated Warm Space so come in out of the cold and find warmth, comfort and companionship with us.

You can find more information about all of this, and read our weekly news sheet, by going to www.stpeterschurchfilton. com and if you have any queries, please contact the Rector, or the administrator, who will be only too happy to help. rector@stpeterschurchfilton.com and faith.stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com

St Andrew's Methodist Church

Sundays Morning Service 10.30 am. Little Lights (for children whose parents are attending worship).

Tuesdays

Wesley Guild, alternate Tuesdays, 2.15 pm.

Thursdays (Term-time) Rainbows 5.30- 6.30 pm.

Friday (Term-time) St Andrews Baby and Toddler Group, 10.00 am – 11.45 am, £2 per family, includes refreshments. Play, crafts, chat and singing time.

Saturday Messy Church, 2nd Saturday of the month, 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm. Crafts, games, short service, and a delicious tea. And it's all FREE!

Outside groups also regularly hire our newly refurbished multi-use church. For bookings, Tel 07773636042. For all other enquiries, please Tel 0117 9872143.

FACE

Mondays: 12.30-1.30pm Tai Chi, £3 entry

7-9pm The Hangout youth club for young people aged 13-25, with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Tuesdays: 10am-12pm Coffee Club (tea & coffee morning for older folk), donations welcomed 5.30-6.30pm Rise youth club for School Years 3 & 4, £2 entry

7-8.30pm Shine youth club for School Years 5 & 6, £2 entry

Wednesdays:

7-9pm Outbreak youth club for School Years 7-13, £2 entry

Thursdays:

Silver Surfers (over 50s IT support drop-in) 10am-12pm, £3 including refreshments.

1.30-2.30pm Low Impact Fitness session, £3 entry

7-9pm Illuminators social club for adults aged 20+ with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Fridays: 10am-12pm “Coffee & Chat” coffee morning for anyone who would like to come for refreshments, conversations and join in crafts and games together. Donations welcomed.

Saturdays:

1.00 -3.00 pm The HUB - Environment and Wellbeing. For 18+ with social and learning disabilities as well as any other adult who is keen on gardening, art and nature. £2. Contact kate@facecharity.org.uk for any queries, the programme of activities and booking in. Actively welcoming volunteers at present to help with the group.

Contact: FACE, Youth Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. 0117 9691938 / info@facecharity.org.uk

Girl Guiding

Rainbows – age 4 - 7 years - Tuesday 16:45-17:45 & Thursday 17:30 – 18:30

Brownies - age 7 - 10 years - Tuesday 17:45-19:15

Guides - age 10 - 14 years - Tuesday 19:30 – 21:00

Rangers - age 14 - 18 years - Tuesday 19:30 – 21:00

To register your daughter, go to Girlguiding UK website and follow the link 'Register my daughter'

1st Filton Scouts

Beavers age 6-8, Tuesday 5:30 – 6:30 & Wednesday 5:45 – 6:45

Cubs age 8-10, Monday and Thursday 6:30 – 8pm

Scouts age 10 -14, Tues 7 – 8:45pm

The group is based in Scout HQ, Nutfield Grove, Filton, BS34 7LJ. All sections are open to boys and girls. Email:joining@1stfiltonscouts.co.uk Website:1stfiltonscouts.co.uk

Men In Sheds Filton

The DIY group, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among men aged over 50, operates from the Scout hut in Nutfield 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. The group runs every Wednesday, from 9.30am-12.30pm. Call John Cahill 07986053005

SHE7

Tuesday: Bingo 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Wednesday: Over 50s lunch, Cooked lunch, pudding and tea/coffee for just £3.50. Please ring 0117 969 5130 to book and arrive by 12.15pm.

Wednesday: Bristol Taiko - Japanese Drumming 7.00pm - 8:30pm, £5 per session

International Plastic Modellers Society Avon

Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday in the month from 7:30pm for 8.00pm at:

BAWA Healthcare & Leisure, 589 Southmead Rd, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG.

Ukulele Filton

We are an enthusiastic group of ukulele players, who meet to strum along and sing on Monday evenings, at 7.30 pm, at Filton Community Centre. No previous experience needed. We have spare ukes for you to try, and plenty of help in getting you started. For further details, phone Sue on: 0750 4561 831.

Bristol Scrabble Club

Bristol Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday evening from 7pm until 10pm at the Filton Community Centre. Elm Park Filton BS347PS. New

members are welcome and first visit is free so come along and give us a try. For more information ring Sheila Hinett 01179570792 or 07435316458. Alternatively email shinett@blueyonder. co.uk.

Bristol Sugarcraft Guild

We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Church, Elm Park, Filton. If you would like to learn to make sugar flowers and models we hold demonstrations and also workshops with instruction. Beginners are very welcome.

Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178 or Carole Hyams on 0117 956 8037 for more information.

Horfield Townswomen’s Guild

We will be meeting at St Andrew's Church Hall on the 2nd Wednesday afternoon of each month (except August) at 2pm to 4pm.

We welcome new members. For more information, please contact Edna on 9495413.

Community Garden

Help keep the garden looking great for all to enjoy. Come along to our Gardening Get-togethers on alternate Saturdays 11am to 1pm. All are welcome from beginners to expert gardeners. Wear suitable clothing, bring your own gloves, enthusiasm and hope for good weather! Tools and guidance are provided.

February 4th and 18th Gardening get-togethers

February 11th Fairy door workshop

March 4th and 18th Gardening gettogethers

Check for more information and updates at facebook.com/ filtoncommunitygarden for updates See posters opposite and on Page 26

Filtones Choir

Come and exercise your lungs and meet new friends every Wednesday afternoon from 1.45-3.45 at St Teresa’s Community Rooms (behind the Church) 71 Gloucester Road North, BS34 7PL. We sing four-part harmony, so all voice ranges are welcome and there are no auditions. Contact Dot on 0117 9690654 or 07870 984760 or Janet on 0117 9241534 or email dorothy.bryant@ btinternet.com We’ll be delighted to talk to you.

Ebenezer Church

Mondays COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

9AM – 10:30AM

Simple breakfast of croissant or pain au chocolat, cereal, toast and hot drinks for £1.50. Toys available for

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

pre-school children.

Wednesdays

FOOTPRINTS 2PM – 3:30PM

Group for senior citizens in our local community, with meals, activities and special events - www.ebe.org.uk/

footprints

Thursdays

TASTE CAFÉ 10:30AM – 12:30PM

Drop-in community cafe with affordable homemade cakes, lunches, etc.

FOODBANK OUTLET 1PM – 3PM

If you are at a crisis point and struggling with food, then please contact the foodbank about getting support - call 0117 472 5172.

Fridays COMMUNITY BREAKFAST 9AM –10:30AM

Simple breakfast of bacon butty, cereal, toast and hot drinks for £1.50. Toys available for pre-school children.

AFTER SCHOOL HANGOUT 3:30PM – 5PM

Different zones with crafts, games, books, homework space and a free meal. For families with primary school aged children. Sign up each week herewww.ebe.org.uk/afterschoolhangout

COMMUNITY PANCAKE PARTY -

Tuesday 21st February 5:30PM – 7PM

Everyone welcome to enjoy savoury and sweet pancakes. Also other pancakerelated fun for all ages. Free entrance. www.ebe.org.uk/pancakeparty

Regular updates and details of other local warm welcoming spaces - www.ebe.org.uk/

welcomingspace or contact Ebenezer Church Office on 0117 9791399

Concord Wind Band

We are a friendly, mixed ability band, playing music for fun. Our new address is: Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3T. We welcome new members. Contact Jayne on 07880724948.

Filton Bookworms

Are you interested in joining a reading group? Come along to the Bookworms monthly reading group at Filton Library! 1st Monday of each month 5:45pm -6:45pm If you are interested in Joining, please as inside the library. Phone: 01454 868006 or Email: Filton. library@southglos.gov.uk

Filton historical group

Programme of talks 2023

Wednesday 22 February - 7.30 pm 'Bristol in the 1950's' - Mike Hooper

Wednesday 29 March - 7.30 pm 'The Great Exhibition of 1851' - John Stennard

Wednesday 26 April - 7.30 pm AGM plus - 'The Myths & Legends of Sabrina, Goddess of the River Severn' - Nicola Haasz 'Lothlorian'

These talks will be held in St. Andrews Church, Elm Park, Filton. All talks will start at 7.30 pm. There is plenty of free parking available in the adjacent Church car park.

Please note that the February talk is different from that originally planned. Guests (or those who wish only to come to selected talks) will be asked to pay £5 per session. Please pass the information on these talks to anyone you feel might be interested. We welcome all comers, especially new members. The venue is very spacious, but in order to be careful, we ask that anyone who is feeling unwell, has covid, or has recently been in touch with anyone with the virus, should not attend.

Filton Garden Club

We meet at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month, (except January). We are a very friendly club & welcome new members. If you enjoy interesting talks & slideshows on

Bristol Male Voice Choir

Bristol Male Voice Choir are recruiting new members. 7pm - 9.15pm, St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. A varied repertoire. There is no audition, but if you visit our rehearsals and decide to join there is a voice test to find out if you are a baritone, bass or tenor. You don't need to read music - our regular practices will get you in shape to sing at our regular concerts and enjoy the social vibe. www.bristolmvc.org.uk or our facebook page, email secretary@bristolmvc.org.uk or 07764447699.

various aspects of gardens, plants etc., & daytrips to gardens of interest, please come along & join us. We meet at St. Andrew's Church, Elm Park Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS

Dance Moves keep fit

Tuesday, 2-3pm at St Peter's Church Have fun whilst improving your general wellbeing. Suitable for all ages. For further information, contact Eileen Scott, Tel. 07969929733/ email scottyartois@ hotmail.com

North Avon Speakers Club

We are a public speaking group associated with Toastmasters International. We usually meet every first and third Thursday of the month, at BAWA Filton, between 7:15pm and 9:30pm. Currently we have both types of meetings, In Person Only meetings and Hybrid which allows people to join in online via Zoom. Email: northavontm@ gmail.com for more details.

ST ANDREW’S METHODIST CHURCH, ELM PARK, FILTON

SATURDAY 11th FEB 2023

3.30 – 5.15pm

Crafts, fun and food for all the family

Can you help? Cyclist was placed in induced coma and lost memory of Filton accident

Avon and Somerset Police are making a new appeal for witnesses after a cyclist suffered serious injuries after coming off his bike.

The incident happened in Shellard Road, Filton, between 8am and 9am on Monday, September.26

The cyclist, a 35-year-old man, was placed into an induced coma in hospital as a result of his injuries.

Investigating officer PC Ben Fitzgerald said: “Thankfully, despite the serious injuries he suffered, the man has since been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery at home. He has no memory of the incident and cannot tell us how he came by these serious injuries.

“Today, we’re issuing a description of him to assist with our appeal for witnesses.

"At the time he suffered the injuries, he was riding a silver road bike and was wearing a black helmet with a white stripe on it, a navy Lycra top, black Lycra leggings and sunglasses.

“During the course of our enquiries, a witness has also reported that another man may have been cycling with him prior to this incident, but we’ve been unable to identify this man. If this was you, please come forward.

“If you can help with this appeal, please contact us.”

If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222240888, or complete the online appeals form.

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

Pictured, Shellard Road, scene of the accident

Stones Grass Cutting Service