£100,000 revival plan for cycle speedway track Page 3
Councillor's party membership terminated in ageism row
A longstanding Filton-based town and South Glos councillor says he has had his Labour Party membership 'terminated' after he complained of ageist treatment.
Ian Scott, who currently represents Woodstock (between Kingswood and Warmley) and is a longtime trade unionist and activist, was among six local politicians hoping to be Labour’s candidate in the West of England mayoral election next May.
At the end of last year, Cllr Scott made a complaint after he was dropped from the race at the first hurdle along with the other South Gloucestershire councillor on the list, Cllr Sean Rhodes, a senior cabinet member on the local authority.
Cllr Scott, who has been a member of the party for more than 40 years, says he was given no reason why he was “blocked” before having the chance to put his nomination to a ballot of the region’s members.
At the time he said: “The only
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Councillor's ageism claim
From Page 1
two people blocked at this stage were the two eldest males, of which I was one and blocked with no reason provided, which provides evidence that I have been discriminated against on the grounds of age and sex.
“I do not mind being rejected by Labour members, that is democracy, but being blocked with no reasons and no right of appeal by a small Labour panel is not democracy."
He has now told Filtonvoice that the party has refused to investigate his age/sex discrimination complaint, following the blocking of Cllr Rhodes and himself and added that they later blocked Lesley Mansell, who had previously been the Labour Metro Mayor candidate and came a close second to Tim Bowles.
He said: "The three eldest candidates, including Sean
and I, were also blocked from the Filton and Bradley Stoke parliamentary candidate Labour Members' vote. Labour have refused to investigate my age/ sex discrimination case despite their previous commitment to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
"My most practical option to challenge this is to put my case to the Court of Public Opinion at the next Metro Mayor Election."
Cllr Scott will now stand as an Independent in the election as well as on South Glos Council.
He added: " After 40 years of membership it was terminated by Labour. I was going to stand as an Independent anyway in the West of England Metro Mayor contest in May."
Cllr Scott was previously a Filton town councillor and South Glos councillor for Filton.
The Labour Party was approached for comment.
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News
Revival plan for Filton's cycle speedway track
Filton's underused cycle speedway track at Elm Park could be set for a total revamp, helped by £50,000 in grant money.
And in a separate development, Filton Town Council is seeking funds to improve the skateboard park.
The cycle speedway track was built in 2006 at a cost of £40,000 but attracted controversy because it was rarely used, despite attempts to revive the sport.
Outdoor gym equipment is currently stationed in the centre of the track.
Now Filton Town Council wants to create a better facility for cycle speedway as well as for roller skating, remote control cars and running.
A specialist firm will resurface the track into four lanes as well as reshaping the corners.
It is understood the total cost
will be £105,000 with £15,000 from Sport England and £35,000 from the Falconer Family Trust, with the remainder funded by the town council.
The council would be looking to host a grand opening at the Filton Festival in the summer.
Separately, the council is seeking around £10,000-£15,000 from the GWR Customer and Community Improvement Fund to revamp the skateboard park.
A full refurbishment of the skateboard park would be in excess of £150,000 but the
council believes more limited work could make significant improvements.
Is it hoped that if the grant is awarded, this would be completed by the summer.
Bob Falconer of the Cycle Speedway Commission (part of British Cycling) and the Chair of the Falconer Family Trust said: “We have worked closely and collaboratively with Filton Town Council in developing and helping finance a community first plan for this facility.
"The creation of a Multi-Use
Short Track (MUST) not only sets a new model for cycle speedway but also creates a robust, low maintenance facility for a wide range of activities such as Learnto Ride, roller blading and model car racing to name just some. It could also provide a short 80m running track that is much less daunting than an Olympic size 400m one.
"We are delighted that this work has now been scheduled.”
What is cycle speedway
According to britishcycling.org.uk, 'Cycle speedway is a fast-paced dirt track sprint event, with a thriving domestic and international scene in the UK. Riders race four laps of the 70 metre track, over several rounds, in order to win points for themselves and their teams. The sport has a very inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, while also showcasing some of Europe’s top athletes at the elite league meetings.'
Another year on ... and still no arena
By Alex Seabrook, LDRS reporter
Another year has passed without Bristol being able to go to concerts at the planned new arena in Filton.
First announced more than two decades ago, the long-running saga of Bristol’s arena rumbled on in 2024 as construction plans were delayed yet again.
The arena was initially planned for an empty plot of land near Temple Meads train station, south of the city centre. Arena Island remains empty today but remedial work has taken place, ahead of plans to build offices there by Legal and General, a financial services company.
Instead, the 19,000-capacity arena is now planned for old Brabazon aeroplane hangars on the northern edge of the city’s boundaries. These too remain
Bristol Arena main building. Image: YTL/ McGregor Coxall
empty and construction work has not yet begun to convert these hangars into a giant music venue.
Meanwhile, big musicians are missing Bristol out on their tours, but crossing over the bridge and playing in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Taylor Swift played there in June and Oasis are playing there in July next year; neither included a stop to Bristol in their tour.
The arena will be built and owned by YTL, a giant Malaysian company which also owns Wessex Water and is building a new housing estate next door. The housing estate is already under construction on the Filton Airfield, with a planned total of 6,500 homes.
Last February, YTL received planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council to more than double the number of homes on the airfield. The plans also include new schools, restaurants, cafés, parks, three hotels, student accommodation
and a train station.
The airfield was closed in 2012, formerly owned by BAE Systems and then sold to YTL in 2015. Last March, YTL announced the construction schedule for the arena had been delayed, with a new opening date pushed back to 2027, although preparation and enabling work has begun.
The history of the arena stretches back to 2003, then with a planned capacity of 10,000. It was originally going to be built on the site next to Temple Meads of a former diesel depot, with the location chosen for its ease of access by foot or train.
The venue was initially due to open in 2008, but funding the construction quickly became an issue, with a row between Bristol City Council and developers over costs. Plans were abandoned in 2007 over concerns the project would “not be a good use of public money”.
But they were back on the
table two years later in 2009, when architect and future mayor George Ferguson supported the Temple Meads location, while the council favoured a new site next to Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium. Mr Ferguson was elected mayor in 2012 and the Arena Island site was handed over to the council in 2015, paving the way for building to begin.
Then in 2016, Mr Ferguson lost the mayoral election to Labour’s Marvin Rees. A year later, the council was considering moving the location to Filton, after concerns over costs resurfaced.
At the time, Mr Rees said: “What we’re seeing with the cost is a challenge and we need to deal with it. I’ve asked our consultants KPMG to consider every avenue. This includes raising private investment, thinking about other sites and considering designs which could be delivered within budget.
Nothing is off the table because one way or another this city is going to get an arena it can afford.”
Then in 2018, the row over its planned location erupted. The council admitted considering YTL’s offer to build the arena at Filton Airfield, but opposition councillors and thousands of petitioners urged the council to keep the location next to Temple Meads. Consultants published a value-for-money assessment, which claimed the costs had risen to £188.6 million.
Later in 2018, Legal and General revealed their plans for an alternative development, and Mr Rees formally approved the plans to scrap the Temple Meads location for the arena.
In 2020, the council gave planning permission to YTL for their arena plans in Filton, and the firm said they would open the doors to the first gig-goers in 2023 — but even today, they’re still waiting.
Museum celebrates a high-flying year
Supersonic Brick Day at Aerospace Bristol, which saw visitors enjoy incredible Lego displays throughout the museum
Visitor numbers to Aerospace Bristol have gone up by 40 per cent, the museum's very first impact report has revealed.
The report celebrates a successful 2023/24 for the museum, which saw 109,000 visitors pass through its doors — an increase of 40 per cent compared to the previous year.
Alongside this significant growth in visitor numbers, highlights include an increase in school visits from 8,800 to 13,200, strengthened ties with the growing community around the historic Filton airfield site, and significant progress on the Bolingbroke restoration project.
Sally Cordwell, CEO at Aerospace Bristol, said: “I’m delighted to share Aerospace Bristol’s first impact report.
“As well as looking back at a very successful year, the report highlights the important work that we do as a charity and the crucial role that Aerospace Bristol plays as a family day out, a school visit destination, an
important community hub, and a museum that preserves Bristol’s remarkable aerospace heritage.”
Other highlights from the report included the museum marking the 20th anniversary of Europe’s first Mars mission with the Journey to Mars exhibition. Over 2,000 visitors enjoyed the first Supersonic Brick Day in partnership with GertLUG, while the Father’s Day Car Show attracted more than 1,400 attendees.
A £61,000 South Gloucestershire Council grant helped the museum to increase its school visitors.
Volunteers collectively gave more than 11,000 hours of their time to the museum between April 2023 and March 2024.
Aerospace Bristol’s Concorde Hangar is one of the city’s largest indoor venues, while the museum café is free to enter and offers a locally-sourced seasonal menu. To read the impact report, visit aerospacebristol.org
Vital funding will support the elderly and disabled News
Significant investment has been announced to support disabled and elderly residents across Filton and Bradley Stoke.
A funding boost of over £351,000 has been earmarked for South Gloucestershire Council as part of an £86 million injection to the Disabled Facilities Grant.
residents can receive more routine checks and care at home without needing to travel to healthcare settings.
The package will help to keep older people in the constituency out of hospital and living at home independently, for longer.
Care workers will be better supported to take on further duties to deliver health interventions, such as blood pressure checks, meaning
Local MP Claire Hazelgrove, pictured left, said: “This funding will be vital in supporting people in the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency to live at home with the dignity, independence and quality of life that they deserve.
“In the election, we pledged that a Labour government would prioritise both the investment and long-awaited reforms so desperately needed for adult social care.
“I'm glad to see these plans set out which will help deliver that for those who need support the most in our community.”
Getting to grips with technology
A weekly support group for those who have lost confidence and skills in using technology has been launched by a local charity.
Using the internet can be overwhelming, but FACE Filton's friendly volunteers are on hand to help learners get to grips with technology, including computers, phones, tablets, and more.
The sessions are informal and offer one-to-one tailored support.
FACE said: "If you are new to using the internet to stay in touch, confused by the jargon people use, or worried about how to keep safe online, then we are here to help you."
The group meets every Thursday, 10am until midday at FACE Filton Centre, Elm Park, BS34 7PS.
Sessions are £3 and tea/coffee and plenty of biscuits are provided. For more information, call 0117 9691938.
Will Writing
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Family
Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Probate
Volunteers Matt and Claire ready to meet learners with tea and biscuits at the ready
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
Brabazon project set for £2 billion boost
Filton's Brabazon development is set to receive a major financial boost after YTL announced a £2 billion investment in the project.
The cash injection is part of YTL's recently announced commitment to spend £4 billion in the great Bristol region over the next five years.
Over 30,000 jobs are set to be created, in what has been regarded as one of the largest brownfield developments in the UK.
The announcement comes following Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to London to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson.
Malaysian-owned YTL announced half of the total investment will go towards the Brabazon development, which comprises of 6,500 homes, three new schools
and a 19,500-capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space.
According to YTL, the development will deliver more than 30,000 jobs, with the remaining £2 billion invested in YTL’s UK businesses over the next five years.
Aerial view of the Brabazon development
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "This investment is incredible news for the UK and will create a generational transformation for north Bristol, delivering infrastructure, new schools and
creating thousands of new homes and jobs in the region."
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: "This investment is what our Plan for Change is all about. Investment that will boost growth, create good jobs and shows that the UK is open for business."
UK-Malaysia trade stood at almost £6 billion in the year to June 2024.
YTL acquired the disused Filton Airfield and associated Brabazon hangars in 2016.
In November 2024, YTL obtained planning approval to deliver 6,500 homes, three schools, three hotels, 2,000 student beds, a retirement village, a new railway station and 60 acres of commercial development focused on high tech, aerospace and university facilities.
• YTL arena story, pages 4-5
New homes traffic 'won't be an issue'
By Alex Seabrook, LDRS reporter
Planning permission has been approved for new homes in a suburb near Filton which will not lead to a “harmful increase in traffic”.
Developers now have outline permission to build 14 new homes in a field on a corner with Hambrook Lane and the Stoke Gifford bypass.
The development forms part of the giant new neighbourhood east of Harry Stoke.
Councillors on a strategic sites delivery committee at South Gloucestershire Council voted to approve the plans on Thursday, January 9.
Details such as layout of the homes still need to be approved.
Some local residents living nearby objected to the development, citing concerns about the extra traffic coming onto the narrow Hambrook Lane.
However none were at the
committee to speak to their objections.
According to a planning consultant, the extra number of cars will be minimal.
Stuart Rackham, a planning agent representing the developers, said: “The proposed
Loft Boarding & Insulation
The field where 14 new homes could be built. Image: Google
access is further south on Hambrook Lane than the existing field gate, further away from the Curtis Lane junction and existing properties that face onto Hambrook Lane.
“Additional movements onto Hambrook Lane would
be equivalent to one additional vehicle every eight and a half minutes.
“This is not considered to be significant or a harmful increase in the number of movements on Hambrook Lane.
“The proposal also delivers a two-metre wide access path on Hambrook Lane, which will provide an improved link for the existing houses and residents in Stoke Gifford to the Metrobus stops on the new Stoke Gifford relief road.”
The existing gate into the field will be closed off.
A three-metre wide path will also be built into the adjacent housing development, to the south-west of the site.
Next to the site is a much larger housing development of 144 new homes, the first phase of the South of the Railway development of a gigantic 1,290 homes.
Way A Head
Quizzers battle it out to be crowned Quiz Off champions
Among the chaos and coldness of a Saturday evening, Bawa in Filton hosted the Let’s Get Quizzical Quiz Off – and what a night it was.
Thirty-seven top quiz teams from venues all over Bristol came together to battle it out for a £500 cash prize and the glory of being the Quiz Off champions.
Let’s Get Quizzical, run by Sam Munnings, hosts quizzes all over the city most nights of the week and the top three teams earn points on the leader board.
With points counting from December through to November, teams have plenty of chance to show up and earn their points, fighting it out against those regular teams as well.
With 11 rounds ranging from movies and TV, name the year, history and geography and general knowledge, there’s something for everyone and there are always fun twists along the way.
Company owner and quiz enthusiast Sam shared his pride in hosting the smooth and successful 6th Quiz Off.
He said that the teams "were amazing" and "the competitive buzz around the room was great to see".
The winning team, with just five points in it, was ‘Taking Care of Brisness’ from the venue Grounded Brislington.
If you’re looking a regular fun night out, with great food and drinks without going too far from home, follow Let’s Get Quizzical on Facebook at www.facebook. com/LetsGetQuizzicalUK
Bawa where quiz teams from across Bristol competed in the Quiz Off championships
New
web
Filton Town Council
pages to give key road information and facility to report problems about rubbish, fly-tipping and more
Two new key public information and help pages have been launched on the town council website.
This page gives updates of new information regarding roadworks, paths - for example diversion routes and timescales for works.
If you have any feedback on this, please get in touch with Simon Davies, Town Clerk, town.clerk@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
Council meetings
January
28th, 7pm, Full Council
Active Nation Filton, Studio 1
February
11th, 7pm, Full Council Finance & General Purposes
Active Nation Filton, Studio 1
18st, 7pm, Planning Committee
Active Nation Filton, FTC Council room 25th, 7pm, Full Council
Active Nation Filton, Studio 1
Contact Filton Town
Town Clerk
Simon Davies
Visit
The Council Office is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm, and is located at Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. Call 01454 803918
Email
GARDENING GET TOGETHERS
Alternate Saturdays, 11am-1pm No experience necessary, just turn up on the day Tools and guidance provided
February Saturday 1 February
Saturday 15 February
March
Saturday 1 March
Saturday 15 March
Saturday 29 March
Join the committee
If gardening’s not your thing, you can still get involved by joining our friendly committee to help with things like organising events and publicity To find out more, contact us using the details below
Filton Community Garden, Gloucester Road North, Filton BS34 7PF
Online updates at:
Facebook com/filtoncommunitygarden Email:communitygarden@filtontowncouncil gov uk
Town Clerk - town.clerk@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
General Enquiries – office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
Website
www.filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
Filton Community Garden
Filton Town Council
Town Council precept - how your money will be spent in 2025-26
Ending the scramble for GP appointments
IT has been great to hit the ground running again early this year, both locally and in Westminster.
From listening to thousands of you on your doorsteps and more widely, I know that access to NHS services is a top priority for us.
I regularly raise this, including in the House of Commons during the first week back after the Christmas and New Year break.
I was glad that Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed to me his plans to end the 8am phone scramble for booking GP appointments, including for those who do not
use apps and websites confidently.
This is part of wider NHS and social care reforms: the government is working to bring back the family doctor, with 40,000 more NHS appointments a week, see waiting lists fall by nearly half a million by March 2026, and establish a much-needed commission on adult social care.
This will inform vital work towards creating a National Care Service.
I’m part of the cross-party group of MPs sitting on the Water (Special Measures) Bill Committee, tackling the sewage scandal.
As legislators, we’ve been considering lineby-line this bill, which will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas through tough action against water companies and bosses who fail customers and our environment. It contains powers to ban bonuses and introduce new penalties –including prison.
I was pleased to meet with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson ahead of voting for the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
This bill will help us drive high standards in schools, put more expert teachers in classrooms, and save local families £500 a year through free breakfast clubs in all primary schools – pilot schemes are happening soon. There will also be new limits on branded uniform items, to further support families.
It was fantastic to visit St Michael’s Primary
School in Stoke Gifford to meet the team, talk with the pupils and answer their brilliant questions!
A huge thank-you to everyone who has supported the school following a fire there before Christmas, not least head teacher Pete Barnard and his staff.
I have also been visiting more local businesses, including The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and Aviva, and meeting local NHS leaders to discuss their work.
My new informal ‘Coffee with Claire’ events continue, this time in Stoke Gifford.
These are a great way to get together to share ideas on how we can make ours an even better place to live.
They are held in addition to monthly advice surgeries and regular door-knocking sessions, as I try to do politics differently and bring local people together.
Keep an eye out for events near you on facebook.com/ClaireRHazelgrove or my website, clairehazelgrove.co.uk.
As ever, I’m here to help: you can email me at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.
I am Labour’s candidate for the West of England Mayor in May 2025.
This area is my home. I grew up on the outskirts of Bristol, my family live across the West Country and I’m now raising my three children here.
Our region is a great place to live but I know there are challenges too. I will work every day to put our region on the map and deliver good well-paid jobs, reliable public transport and more affordable homes
Get in touch and let me know what your priorities are for the West of England.
Claire Hazelgrove meets the St Michael’s Primary School council in Stoke Gifford
Applications
640 Southmead Road Erection of a single storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Conversion of garage to living accommodation.
Site Off Of Golf Course Lane Non material amendment to permission P24/02045/RVC (formerly P23/03353/F) to amend condition 18 to allow for partial discharge of the condition and subsequently the phased commencement of development.
Flat At 150 Gloucester Road
Erection of first floor rear extension, installation of rear dormer window and other associated works to facilitate the formation of a 5 no. bedroom, 5 no. person house of multiple occupation (Class Use C4).
3 Northville Road Erection of a two storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation.
21 Charborough Road Installation of 1no. rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion..
75 Conygre Road
Erection of a single storey rear extension to facilitate change of use from small house of multiple occupancy (HMO) (Class C4) to a large HMO (Sui Generis) for up to 8no. people as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended), creation of access, vehicle parking, bin storage and cycle parking.
Decisions
48 Gloucester Road The erection of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.00m, for which the maximum height would be 4.00m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.50m Prior Approval Objection (PNH)
16 Clyde Grove Erection of single storey wrap around extension to form additional living accommodation and the erection of a front porch (partretrospective). Refusal
199 Conygre Grove
Change of Use of 1no. dwelling (Class C3) to Small HMO (Class C4) for up to 6 people as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Approve with Conditions
82 Conygre Grove
Change of use from (Class C4) small house of multiple occupancy to an 11no. bedroom large HMO (Sui Generis) for up to 11no. people including vehicle parking, bin storage and cycle parking. Approve with Conditions
New u3a groups set to launch
Bristol u3a (University of the Third Age) is extending its reach to Patchway with the launch of a Scrabble group and an arts and crafts group.
The two new interest groups will launch in February 2025 at the Coniston Community Centre cafe.
U3a is aimed at anyone with free time, particularly those who are retired or semi-retired.
The new Scrabble group will start on Wednesday, February 5, followed by an arts and crafts group on Wednesday, February 19. Both groups will meet at the Coniston Community Centre café on Coniston Road, starting at 1pm. For more information or to join, please contact Richard Johnson at richard.johnson433@gmail.com
Automated care plan system. Automated care plan system.
Wheelchair cars available for all. Wheelchair cars available for all.
Great daily activities. Great daily activities.
Nutritious fresh meals. Nutritious fresh meals. And much, much more. And much, much more.
No Waste Wonders
Transform your leftovers into something outstanding with these tasty recipe ideas.
Roast vegetable frittata
Ideal for a brunch, this is an eggcellent way to transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Use whatever vegetables or cheese you have on hand – spinach and goats cheese, roast peppers and manchego, for example – and serve with a green salad.
Ingredients: Leftover roasted veggies, eggs, cheese, herbs.
Instructions: Beat eggs, add chopped leftover veg and sprinkle
over cheese and herbs if you have them. Cook over a low heat in a non-stick pan until set.
Tortilla wraps
It is always worth cooking a big batch of certain foods like chilli or pulled pork, and by piling them into tortillas with cheese (and whatever else you have at hand) you can create super tasty snacks that can even be wrapped up and frozen for future eating.
Ingredients : Leftover chilli/ pulled pork/shredded chicken etc., roasted vegetables such as peppers or onions or coleslaw/ salad, tortillas, grated cheese. Instructions: Place your filling into your tortilla and top with cheese and their toppings. Fold and grill in a pan or heat in a microwave.
Potato cakes
You say potato, I say “hold onto that leftover mash”. Another brilliant brunch idea, these potato cakes make a fantastic breakfast treat (served with bacon, eggs, sausages etc.) and handily double as a hangover cure!
Instructions: Mix potato with flour, cheese, onion and egg to form a dough. Shape into patties and fry until golden on each side.
What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk
St Peter’s Church: Services
Sunday 26 January 8.30am and 10am Eucharist
Sunday 2 February 10am Eucharist to celebrate Candlemas
Sunday 9 February 8.30am and 10am Eucharist
Sunday 16 February 8.30am and 10am Family Eucharist
Sunday 23 February 8.30am and 10am Eucharist
Midweek Said Eucharists are on Wednesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 11am. However, as we are currently in vacancy, midweek services may be cancelled at short notice. Please check our news sheet and Facebook page for up to date information about midweek services.
Social and Church Groups
Our Mothers' Union meets on 2nd Thursday 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. Time to Grieve. Grieving the loss of a loved one? Time to Grieve offers you a space to talk about your loved one with a trained bereavement counsellor and to meet others in a similar situation. 10.30 - 11am on the first Wednesday of every month in the Coffee Shop.
Community Coffee Shop
Our friendly, welcoming coffee shop is open from Monday to Thursday, 10am1pm for hot and cold drinks, homemade cake and hot snacks and soup. Suggested donation £1.50 per item. We have a wonderful hairdresser in the coffee shop who is happy to cut people's hair in return for a donation to the church. She is usually in the coffee shop on Wednesday mornings if you
OVER 30s DANCE
PARTY at the superb BAWA Club, Filton on the FIRST Friday of every MONTH (NO dance in August or January) It’s the ideal night out for the 30-60 age range. Come dance and socialise amongst a friendly, lively crowd. Dancing Thru’ the Decades includes Motown, Soul, Club Classics… Music you can relate to. Club times are 9 ‘til 1. Last entry 11pm – very smart casual. No t-shirts or trainers and gents required to wear collared shirts. Entry: £8. www.mingles.co.uk. Facebook: @Luv2mingle
would like a quick trim but do pop in to confirm her availability. Why not join us on Toasty Tuesdays from 10am for a hot drink and some toast. We usually have donations of bakery items to give to those in need on Mondays from 10am. All for a small donation. Please note, the Coffee Shop is currently closed on Fridays, and at the weekend.
You can find more information at www. stpeterschurchfilton.com and if you have any queries, please contact wardens. stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com or faith. stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com
St Andrew's Methodist Church
Regular Services
Sundays
Morning Service 10.30 am. Little Lights (for children whose parent(s)/ carer(s) are attending worship). Please join us! You are assured of a warm welcome.
Thursdays
Rainbows (term-time) 5.15 pm.
Fridays
St Andrews Baby and Toddler Group, term-time, 10.00 am - 11.45 am, £ 2.00 per family, includes refreshments. Play, crafts, chat, and singing time.
Messy Church: Meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 3.30 pm5.15pm. Crafts, fun and food for all the family. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. This event is free. The next Messy Church will be on 8th February 2025
Sip 'n' Chat Coffee morning: 10.00 am12.00 noon. Enjoy a cuppa, a cake and a chat - all welcome.
Hire of Church: Outside groups also regularly hire our newly refurbished multi-use church.
For bookings email: standrewsfilton@ gmail.com. For all other enquiries, please visit our website, standrewsfilton.org.uk
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
10am-12noon Tech & Talk - IT or mobile phone support and more, whilst
Tom’s Slimming World group will be held at Greenway Centre, Southmead, BS10 5PY every Tuesday at 5:30pm & 7:00pm from Tuesday 11th June 2024. For more information or to join Tom’s group call him on 07920779270.
enjoying a cuppa and a natter, £3 entry
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.
1–3pm Creative Writing, Donations welcomed.
6-8pm, monthly Social Club for 8-13s with social or learning disabilities, 3rd Friday of each month
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 17:15 – 18:15
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'
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. The group runs every Wednesday,
from 9.30am-12.30pm. Call John Cahill 07986053005
SHE7
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. Contact the club at: ipmsavon@gmail.com
Ukulele Filton
We are an enthusiastic group of ukulele players, who love to strum and sing every Monday evening in Filton. We meet at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, from 7.45 to 9.15 pm. We are always pleased to welcome new members. We have spare ukuleles for you to try, and plenty of help to get you started. For further details, phone Sue on: 07504561831.
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.
Community Garden
Gardening Get-togethers continue on alternate Saturdays 11am to 1pm Join the friendly volunteers and help keep the garden looking great for all to enjoy. All abilities welcome, just turn up on the day wearing suitable clothing and bring your own gloves. Tools and guidance provided.
February
Saturday 1 February
Saturday 15 February March
What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk
Saturday 1 March
Saturday 15 March
Saturday 29 March
For updates and more info visit facebook.com/filtoncommunitygarden or email communitygarden@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
Filtones Choir
Our long-established mixed voice choir is looking to recruit new members in 2024. Adults of all ages, and all voice ranges are welcome from soprano to bass. We meet every Wednesday afternoon from 1.45-3.45 p.m. at the St Teresa’s Community Rooms, (behind the church) at 71 Gloucester Rd North BS34 7PL
Come along and try us out for four weeks free, with no audition and no commitment. For further info. contact 07870 984760 or visit www.thefiltones. co.uk
Concord Wind Band
We are a friendly, mixed ability band, playing music for fun. We rehearse at the Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3T every Friday 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with a tea break. We welcome new members. Contact Jayne on 07880724948
Filton Bookworms
Come along to the Bookworms monthly reading group at Filton Library! 1st Friday of each month at 2pm. If you are interested in Joining, please as inside the library. Phone: 01454 868006 or Email: Filton.library@southglos.gov.uk
North Avon Speakers Club
We usually meet every first and third Thursday of the month at BAWA Filton, 7:15pm to 9:30pm. We have prepared speeches, but also Table Topics, which are a fun way to help members and guests practice impromptu speaking. After our meetings some members and guests usually also go to the nearby lounge/bar at BAWA. Please email northavontm@gmail.com for more information.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2025
Connect and celebrate with women and communities across Bristol, Saturday 8 March 2025, Bristol City Hall, 10am –5pm. Over 50 workshops, all welcome, free transport, creche, interpreting and accessibility support available. For more information go to: www. bristolwomensvoice.org.uk or email info@bristolwomensvoice. org.uk
Dance Moves Keep Fit
Tuesday, 2-3pm at St Peter's Church Filton. Have fun whilst improving your general wellbeing. Suitable for all ages. For further information, contact Eileen Scott, Tel. 07969929733/ email scottyartois@hotmail.com
Short Mat Bowls
We are a friendly group that meets Thursdays 1:45pm to 4pm at the Filton Community centre, Elm Park Filton, BS34 7PS. New members are welcome, and the first visit is free, then each session £3. Contact Alan Riley on 07957295287 or email alanriley73@gmail.com
Royal Air Forces Association – Bristol Branch
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month we
run Veterans lunch at our club, The lunch is for veterans of all services and widows of Service men. Open from 12pm, lunch is at 1pm until 3pm. The price is £7 for two courses. Address 38 Eastfield, Westbury On Trym, BS9 4BE. Please ring 0117 0470775 to book.
Filton Pétanque Club
Come and try a game of Pétanque - the French game of boules. No equipment needed initially, just wear flat, trainertype shoes, and dress for the weather. Wednesday evenings at 7.00pm. Sunday mornings at 10.30am. Venue: the boule piste, Elm Park, next to the community garden. https://filtonpetanqueclub.my-free. website
Filton Historical Club
Wednesday 26 February 2025 - 7.30
pm ''The Burdens of Bristol' with Peter Carpenter. These talks will be held in St. Andrews Church, Elm Park, Filton. All talks will start at 7.30 pm. Those who wish only to come to selected talks will be asked to pay £5 per session. Tel: 0117-9424378. E-mail: alansnook@ blueyonder.co.uk
Northavon Singers
Rehearsals are weekly at St Peter’s Church Hall, Filton, every Wednesday at 7.30 pm –9.30 pm. Come and join us! northavon.singers@outlook.com or phone 0117 9699206
Functional Skills Maths Course
Free maths course for over 19s who do not hold a level 2 maths qualification. Mondays 9:30-11:30am at FACE. Contact Louise Gillett on 07720143 891 or louise.gillett@southglos.gov.uk
ST ANDREW’S METHODIST CHURCH, ELM PARK, FILTON
'Scrapping service could put lives at risk'
By Adam Postans, LDRS reporter Bristol’s
lollipop ladies and men could be saved from the axe after cross-party councillors opposed controversial plans to cut their funding to zero.
The city council’s finance sub-committee overwhelmingly demanded scrapping the proposal after hearing children’s lives would be put at risk and the savings would amount to only £314,000 a year compared with the local authority’s £52million funding gap over the next five years.
But the sub-committee has no decision-making powers and can only comment on planned cuts before all the options to save money and balance the books are considered by the strategy and resources policy committee on February 3 ahead of a final decision by full council three weeks later.
The strength of feeling against the move at the meeting on
Wednesday, January 15, was apparent, however.
Cllr Ed Plowden (pictured, above), chair of the transport and connectivity committee, which is responsible for the city’s school crossing patrols, said the cuts, along with proposed new fees for disabled parking bays, would have a big impact, especially on people with protected characteristics.
He said they were on the list of options because if the council
effectively declared bankruptcy, as some other authorities, including Birmingham, have had to do, both would be among the first decisions by commissioners brought in to take over the council’s finances, as they are not statutory services.
Cllr Plowden told the meeting: “It’s worth saying that if one of our aims is a preventative approach, school crossing patrols encouraging children and often their parents and siblings to travel actively to school is a very good preventative measure, a very healthy thing to be doing.
“If they are removed, more people may choose to drive and that could increase the danger for those, particularly deprived people, who may not be able to afford a car and will still be travelling actively.
“One way to reduce the impact of taking out school crossing patrols is to install zebra crossings where possible
but often the patrol is there specifically because it’s not a simple site to do this and it’s not the same as a proactively attended patrol.”
He said staff were reduced from 65 to about 42 by the previous Labour administration in 2017 and that those who remained were at sites deemed more dangerous.
Cllr Plowden said: “We can also review the need for them on an ongoing basis as we roll out school streets and liveable neighbourhoods and as we put in other measures to try to improve road safety overall."
Cllr Patrick McAllister said: “School crossing patrols are a really important thing for children and their families, so if there is any headroom then I fully support not taking those savings options forward.”
Cllr Tim Kent said cutting lollipop ladies and men would be a “very bad choice”.
With NHS dentists hard to find, local people are rightly concerned about their mouth health. But there might be an alternative. In her regular series of columns, Sarah-Joy Lendon, the Filton-based 'Virtual Hygienist', offers tips on how you can take steps yourself to reduce your need to visit the dentist
How smoking impacts your oral health
How are you getting on with all those New Years' goals?
Did you decide to make any changes to your health this year?
A common challenge at this time of year is to give up smoking.
I think we are pretty much all aware that smoking (and I include vaping in here too) is bad for us.
But did you know it can affect your mouth health too?
Smoking will put you more at risk of mouth cancer, especially if you drink and smoke, it will also stain your teeth, give you a dry
mouth and possibly bad breath.
But did you know it also puts you at much greater risk of losing your teeth to gum disease?
And, what’s more, smoking will mask the signs and symptoms of gum disease so you are less likely to seek help and treatment.
If you are keen to learn more about the oral effects of smoking or just want to understand more about gum disease and other preventable dental problems such as tooth decay and sensitivity caused by tooth wear, please do come along and join the free
Facebook group by scanning the QR code.
And remember, never give up giving up.
Sarah-Joy Lendon, The Virtual Hygienist
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