Filtonvoice January 2012

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Filton

filtonvoice WINTER SALE January 2012 Issue 4

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Petrol thieves in Filton

Well done to Charborough Road’s lifelong learners P6

Fuel thieves drained petrol from vans belonging to a cancer charity while they were parked in Filton.

The CLIC Sargent vans were parked their offices at the Abbey Wood Business Park and petrol was taken on two occasions to a value of £300. Repairs were also necessary, costing the charity £400.

The Filton incidents were among several across the Bristol area recently. In particular transit vans have been being targeted. A police spokesman said an individual has been arrested in connection with manhattan oak dining these incidents and released on solid oak tables solid oak chairs bail pending further enquiries. from from

Inside Now it’s a 0% tax rise for Filton, PAGE 3 Latest on Filton clinic controversy, PAGE 3 35% Star man 50% nevada oak bedroom Ken, PAGE 4 £89 £69 £299 Sports charge Filton Festival date £239 review, PAGE 5 We want action on Letters, PAGE 14 our street parking Poppy record, PAGE 24 Filton Festival has been confirmed for Sunday, July 1, at Elm Park Playing Fields.

Now local people are being invited to take part. Organisers are seeking local bands looking to showcase their talent or are you a member of a Filton community group or organisation who would like to be involved.

Please contact Diane or Tash on 01454 866698 or e-mail office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk.

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January, 2012

Jack Lopresti MP Last month I was contacted by a constituent who had read the following on the Save Filton Airfield website: “The plan jeopardises Government funding for the proposed Bristol University Technical College next to Abbeywood Community School.

“This joint venture between University of West of England (UWE) and the City of Bristol College, with financial and technical support being offered

by Airbus and Rolls-Royce, is aimed at producing highcalibre engineers through academic and apprenticeship routes, largely aimed at the aerospace industries based around the airfield. The funding decision has been deferred until the fate of the airfield is decided. The young people of Bristol stand to lose their future livelihoods.”

Obviously concerned by this assertion, I immediately contacted the Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk, who responded with the following assurance: “Contrary to what you have heard, I can confirm that in October the Secretary of State for Education approved the Bristol and South Gloucestershire UTC proposal

to enter the preopening stage with a target date for opening in 2013.

“I understand the proposers’ preferred site option is the former Filton High School site.

“Department for Education property advisers, Partnerships for Schools, have recently commissioned searches for possible alternative sites in order to ensure best value for money in securing an appropriate site for the UTC. There is however no connection between the timescales for that process and the closure of Filton Airfield”.

I am pleased with the commitment from the Minister that the University Technical College will proceed as planned, and I hope this reassures anyone who has read the above statement on the Save Filton Airfield Website.

I am disappointed that the Save Filton Airfield group have felt the need to resort to scaremongering and spreading misinformation to achieve their aims.

This is obstructive to transparent and open debate over the future of the site, which could be of great benefit to the area if developed correctly.”

Local advertising in filtonvoice works Many thanks to everyone who has offered such positive feedback about your monthly magazine.

And it is YOUR magazine ... a place to find out things about our community and have your say.

For businesses, it’s a great - and affordable - chance to get your message out to 12,000+ people locally.

I decided to put an ad in filtonvoice and I was delighted to pick up work well into next year, and not just a one-off job but a number of jobs.

Gardener Graham Cook At Dream Doors we have been so impressed with filtonvoice. We have had several enquiries in the short period we have been advertising. But in addition, we are happy and proud to be associated with such a high EDITOR’S NOTE: Filtonvoice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation.

We cannot vouch for any services offered although we have used some of the services.

quality publication – it is well written, well designed and it is probably the best local magazine we have seen.

The monthly distribution through letterboxes means that the customers we are trying to reach will read our message and the fact that the magazine is so good means we know people will not throw it away. Keep up the good work!

Loretta, Dream Doors Just received the copy of Filton Voice. It looks very good. A good mixture of local news, advertising and top class promotions!

Phil Merry, Focus Media Please support local firms who advertise and when you do, please mention filtonvoice Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor.

Filtonvoice is distributed each month to all Filton residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from Filton Library.

Feedback is welcomed, call editor Richard Coulter on 0777 555 0607 or richard@filtonvoice.co.uk.

Directory of advertisers Accountant Martin Green, Page 10 Aerials MD Aerials, Page 10 Baker/sandwiches Buckley’s, Page 5 Beauty Kerry, Page 29 Butcher Gales Farm Meats, Page 15 Blinds Charisma Blinds, Page 10 Car parts/auto Motaman, Page 23 Carpets Quality Carpets, Page 10 Catering Porter’s, Page 9 Childminding Sunshine Kids, Page 6 Cleaner Dave the Cleaner, Page 23 Debt management Eurodebt, Page 11 Dentist ADP/IDH Group, Page 31 Doors Door express, page 18 Education/tuition Explore Learning, Page 6 Colston’s School, Page 7 Estate Agents Be Streets ahead, Page 13 Local authority Filton Town Council, Pages 16/17 Foster care FCA, Page 25 Florists Flowers in Bloom, Page 9 Fitness Riverside, Page 8 Zumba, Page 30 Furniture Branches, Pages 1&3

Gas services Bristol Gas, Page 27 Garages Westlec, Page 12 Brookfield, Page 27 Garden Centre Almondsbury Garden Centre, Page 32 Gardening JDR, Page 12 Graham Cook, Page 23 Holidays/short breaks Clapton Holidays, Page 15 Hairdressers/barbers Filton Barber, Page 4 Way-A-Head, Page 29 Kitchens Dream Doors, Page 26 Jobs Utility Warehouse, Page 5 Broadcare, Page 23 Leisure/Healthcare BAWA, Page 20 Offers Tea Roses, Page 22 Mobility Care Plus Mobility, Page 24 Party planning Jamie at Home, Page 2 Painter/decorator Keith Usher, Page 5 Rubbish removal Oscar’s, Page 5 Slimming Slimming World, Page 9 Tiling Lee Williams, Page 4 Therapy/hypnotherapy Chris & Elizabeth Clarke, Page12 Utilities/gas/elec/phone Utility Warehouse, Page 28 Vets Vets4Pets, Page 21 Windows and doors DGR, Page 4

Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 Filton Town Council More information on Pages 16/17 01454 866 698 NHS Direct 0845 46 47

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January, 2012

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News EXCLUSIVE: Tax bill now set for 0% rise in 2012 Filton residents may not face an increase in their precept after all.

Last month it was revealed that cost cutting measures had limited the precept rise to 1.5%, but this was set against a freeze in South Glos council tax.

The precept is collected to fund the spending of Filton Town Coucnil, which runs the sports and leisure centre at Elm Park.

Last month, it looked like families would be asked for an extra £2.66 on top of the average Band D precept of around £174.

Now, due to a recalculation of the banding process, Filton councillors will be recommending that there is no increase this year.

The new precept figure will now need to be ratified by the full Filton Town Council when it meets later this month.

Town council chair of finance Bill Moore said: “Following the hard work of the employees along with the council we have been able to identify areas for cost savings and we are now beginning to look at ways of increasing income.”

Council chairman Adam Monk said: “This means council tax bills in Filton will remain unchanged from last year.”

A summer cost scrutiny programme identified savings of around six per cent, or £50,000.

Letters: Pages 14&15

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The Filton health clinic in Shields Avenue, which won a reprieve in the autumn in the face of closure, could yet remain open permanently.

Health officials admitted last year that plans to close the clinic, which provided a range of services from baby care to treatment for the elderly.

However children’s services which are now carried out at the ‘hub’ in Patchway will never return to Filton, meaning many families with youngsters will have to continue to travel to the new facility.

Paul Frisby of NHS South Gloucestershire told filtonvoice that there would now be a

3

process of establishing exactly which services are offered at Shields Avenue.

After this, health professionals would be consulted and only if major changes were suggested, the public would be consulted.

Mr Frisby said the possible increase in housing in the Filton area would be taken into consideration, in light of the likely selloff of the Filton Airfield.

Last year, Filton residents protested outside the clinic, pictured above, after it was originally revealed it was closing and no consultation had been carried out.

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January, 2012

Star man Ken strikes gold

Filton charity fundraiser, businessman and councillor Ken Brock has received a prestigious honour.

Mr Brock, 73, was given a Bristol Evening Post Gold Star award at a lavish ceremony last month.

Guests and fellow award winners were told of his brave battles after developing cancer in 2005 and having surgery to remove part of his jaw. Doctors told him he may never speak again. But he recovered and has gone on to speak publicly about mouth cancer at meetings, raise money and help people diagnosed with cancer.

He said: “I felt I needed to pay back all the people who helped me.”

Among the well-known people

who paid tribute to Ken were actor Simon Shepherd, pictured right with Ken, and Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb.

And a second remarkable Filton resident also received a Gold Star award.

Teenager Yusef Yarmohamed was awarded a Gold Star for helping care for his younger brother.

His brother, Luqmani, has severe speech and learning difficulties. And the 11-year-old becomes distressed when Yusef is not around.

Yusef, who is 14, also has to keep an eye on him at school as Luqmani has suffered bullying.

The annual Gold Star ceremony, at Bristol’s Marriott Hotel, supported by First, recognises remarkable people

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Evening Post editor Mike Norton said: “All of our Gold Star winners are exceptional people.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

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News

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Sports charges in Filton facing review A wholesale review of all charges at Filton Sports and Leisure centre will be carried out next month.

This follows concerns over the boules court at Elm Park which is currently free for users.

Calls have been made by residents to bring the boules facility into line with other sporting activities.

At a recent meeting of the town council, South Glos councillor Roger Hutchinson, who plays boules at Filton, provided a written submission arguing that a charge should not apply to boules.

He said: “A boules team under the name ‘Ratepayers arms’ has played in the S Glos League for four years and aims to continue. I am certain we can enter a second team, doubling

the bar takings from home games. My plea to the council to continue with not charging is not because I don’t want to pay but because I want to encourage more people to play.”

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Mr Hutchinson said that more would be lost in revenue than the costs of the upkeep of the piste. A report will be considered in February by councillors on charges for all activities.

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Showers bacteria ‘risk’

The showers used by footballers in Filton have been closed after a regular monthly test for the Legionella bacteria identified a possible risk.

Council officials immediately closed down the showers and work is now underway to revamp the water system.

It has been stressed that the football showers, in The Pavilion, are not connected in any way to any other part of the sports and leisure centre.

Council staff have also said that there has been no case of Legionaire’s disease, but that a risk was identified The problem was connected with the original design of the water system. The work being done now will mean the water for the showers comes directly from the mains, not a tank, Councillor Brian Freeguard said: “We have got to get this right.”

It is hoped the problem can be resolved in one step, meaning a cost of about £5,800, but if further work is required this could rise to £22,000.

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

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Books of the month with the staff from Filton Library Adult book: Engleby,

by Sebastian Faulks, This novel follows the life of Mike Engleby. He is an intellectual and a loner.

Following his complicated thought processes and his questioning mind he recalls his life from his unhappy childhood where he was bullied at school in the 60s, through university in the hippy era, through to the present day. Sometimes you feel sympathy towards him, while at other times you feel disturbed.

At university, a girl he admires from afar, Jennifer, suddenly goes missing. Mike has her diary. Does he know what happened? A very black humoured novel but compelling.

Children’s book: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan Review by ‘Baked Teenz’ Filton Library Teen Reading Group.

The book is about Percy who is half boy and half god, his dad is Poseidon, and his friends are Annabeth and Grover. Someone has stolen Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy gets the blame and is ordered to return it. Percy gets into lots of adventures, such as fighting Medusa and playing poker, and meeting Hades in the Underworld.

We would recommend this book to someone who likes adventure stories, mythology and hanging on the edge endings!

Written by Sam, Mark, Johnny and Bethany

Schools

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January, 2012

Lifelong learning at Charborough Road Primary Charborough Road Primary In keeping with our school vision, ‘Learning for life together’, two Higher Level Teaching Assistants have shown that that learning doesn’t stop when you leave school!

Angela Lester and Sue Sambrook have graduated from UWE with Foundation Degrees – we are all very proud of them!

And their hard work hasn’t stopped!

Both Angela and Sue are continuing their studies this year at UWE.

Chance to reward the best in Filton

A Bristol secondary school will recognise people from Filton who make an outstanding contribution to the community at a gala awards night.

Orchard School Bristol has launched its Community Awards 2012, with individuals in 10 categories set to be recognised.

The school is now inviting people in the communities of Horfield, Lockleaze, Southmead and Filton to nominate deserving candidates. A panel from the school senate will then draw up a shortlist and a special voting system – online and offline – will then determine the overall winners.

Categories up for grabs are for best youth worker, sports coach, young person, local hero, local business/shop, community volunteer, secondary teacher, secondary support staff member,

primary teacher and primary support staff member.

The criteria for nominees is that they must be resident or do their work in Horfield, Lockleaze, Filton or Southmead.

Head teacher Helen Holman said: “At Orchard we are a real community school and this is a wonderful opportunity for our children to recognise the people who make our neighbourhoods so special. All across north Bristol there are people who go the extra mile to enhance the lives of others and while many might be reluctant to be thrust into the limelight, we think it is important that their contributions are recognised.”

Nominations must be received

by February 16. Please indicate which category, the name of the nominee, your name and contact number with a short summary of

why the individual deserves the award.

Please email to H.Burn@orchardschoolbristol. co.uk or post to Community Awards, Orchard School Bristol, Filton Road, Bristol Nomination forms will also be available in public places across north Bristol and online at www. orchardschoolbristol.co.uk A shortlist will be announced in February before voting begins and the awards ceremony will take place at Orchard School Bristol on March 28.

Upper Horfield Community Trust, Bristol Community Housing Federation, UWE and Avon and Somerset Police have already agreed to sponsor awards. Any other businesses or organisations are welcome to sponsor an award, at a cost of £100.

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

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News

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Youngsters’ hopes for Dreams in Filton How it works

Young people in Filton could soon be making their mark on the community if an innovative new scheme gets the go-ahead.

Youth workers want to launch a Dreamscheme, in which the whole community identifies a project - for example designing a mural on a public building with the work being carried out by the youngsters. In turn, the youngsters earn points which go towards days out and activities.

The scheme was outlined to town councillors by Debbie Teml of St Andrew’s Youth Club and Katie Donovan of Southern Brooks. They said that Merlin Housing had already pledged

A Dreamscheme is community youth development based on a simple concept of WORK, POINTS and TRIPS. Young people are enabled to carry out community based work projects for which they earn points.

These can then be exchanged for trips or activities of their choice.

The key is in its simplicity to replicate across almost any estate or community.

Dreamschemes exist as parts of Housing Associations; Residents’ Associations;

Community Safety Units; Regeneration Initiatives; or simply as a way for parents to ensure their children have something constructive to engage in.

One of the key benefits is in the reduction of antisocial behaviour; the knock on effects of this have reached policing of the areas, improved living environments, raised expectations of the young people and improved communications and relationships between residents.

£1,000 and they hoped to secure the help of an artist. Councillors welcomed the scheme but suggested that any design should be approved before work began.

They also said it was good that schools could be involved.

It was hoped that if approval was given, the scheme could be up and running by Easter.

7

Community centre in new membership drive

Filton Community Centre wants to link up more with the community by introducing a new membership scheme.

The centre in Elm Park provides facilities for receptions, meetings and entertainment, for all ages.

However it is facing increased upkeep costs, like other charities, and needs to rely on membership to survive.

All members are now being contacted to renew their subscription and take up their new membership cards.

Membership is fixed at £5 annually and members qualify for a 5% discount for events at the centre.

The centre is also aiming to link more closely with the business community in Filton.

The centre welcomes new members and ideas and prospective new members are invited to join.

For an application form, call at the centre office (tel 0117 983 6500), or call 0117 979 2473.

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

January, 2012

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

News

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Advertising feature

Parking action call Residents in Filton are calling for action to stop drivers who park on the pavement outside their homes.

Braemar Crescent is too narrow to allow legal parking on both sides of the street so motorists leave their vehicles on the pavement, almost up to the walls of the houses in some cases.

This means parents with buggies or elderly people with mobility vehicles are being forced to walk in the road.

There is a further worry that legal parking would mean an emergency vehicle would not be able to get through.

Signatures have been gathered from 31 households on both sides of the road who are calling for double yellow lines to be painted on the inside part of the crescent.

The issue has been raised at the Safer Filton forum and will be part of South Gloucestershire’s traffic management review.

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Resident Val Blake, pictured above, who organised the petition, said: “The problem is that if they park on the road, vehicles can’t get through but if they park on the pavement, people can’t get through.

“I have approached people who park on the pavement but

have been given a mouthful of abuse in return. Most of the residents are in favour of this and it would make life easier.”

Mrs Blake said many of those parking in Braemar Crescent seemed to be shoppers who were unaware of the shoppers’ car park on Gloucester Road.

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I hope that everybody had a good Christmas and are crossing their fingers for a better New Year. That may not be enough, however. A return to recession in Europe has been predicted by the majority of economists leading to a likely increase in debt help required throughout the UK. I think the more telling issues were raised in a recently parliamentary debate on Debt Advice and Debt Management, where it was quoted that a £50 per month drop in disposable income would result in 3.2 million people who are just about coping no longer being able to pay all their creditors.

One good New Year resolution should be to take a long hard look at unsecured debts and resolve to get them under control.

My colleagues and I at EuroDebt Bristol expect a busy 2012. If you want to talk to us then please give us a call. We are there to help.

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

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News in brief Care for a new career?

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Foster carers come from all walks of life but what they all share is a deep desire to make a positive and lasting difference to the children and young people they welcome into their homes.

Skills such as understanding, empathy and patience are far more important that academic qualifications. Being a foster carer means providing unswerving commitment to help young people overcome many complex emotional or behavioural issues so that they can go on to achieve their goals.

FCA is the UK’s leading Independent Fostering Agency and we were delighted in December to recognise the hard word of some of our Bristol foster carers. Between them local residents Tracy and Tim Daniels, Lois Hylton and Zoe Peckham have looked after over 20 foster children in the last five years and continue to make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

In the coming year FCA will continue its drive to find new foster carers who may be looking to take on this challenging yet rewarding role and make a difference to a child’s or young person’s life. Our office at 11-13 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 1PB is open between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday 17th, 24th and 31st January for anyone who wants to find out more about fostering so why not drop in for a coffee and an informal chat with our Bristol team? Alternatively, you can call FCA freephone 0800 023 4561 or visit the website iwanttofoster.com.

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Watch THEIR speed

Volunteers are being sought in the Filton area for a Community Speed Watch Scheme.

Community Speed Watch gives local people the ability to actively get involved in road safety.

A Speed Watch consists of local residents who are willing to volunteer a small amount of time each week to monitor speeds with speed detection equipment.

Persistent offenders will receive a second warning letter, and on a third occasion, offenders can expect further action by police.

Full training and support is given.

Anyone interested should contact Filton Neighbourhood Beat Team by calling 101, or send an email to the Filton Beat Team via the Avon and Somerset website, www. avonandsomerset.police.uk.

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A Community Speed Watch can be set up in area governed by a 30 or 40 miles per hour speed limit.

Strategy approved

Councillors approved South Gloucestershire’s Core Strategy at a meeting of Full Council.

The document sets out the development vision for the district until 2026.

The strategy was first submitted to the Secretary of State in March 2011 and the council has since been required to consider proposing a number of revisions in response to questions raised by the Government-appointed inspector. These include new provisions responding to changes in the status of Filton Airfield, which BAE intends to close by the end of 2012. To the east of the airfield site, around 50 ha will be safeguarded to create a new employment area.

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Katie Donovan of Southern Brooks Community Partnership is compiling lists of baby and toddler groups in Filton.

Below are some of the groups - to be included, call Katie on 01454 868 570/1.

Sure Start Childrens’ Centre Venue: Filton Children’s Centre Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Tuesdays 1:15-3:15pm (for babies up to 18 mths) Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am Friday 1:15-3:15pm Cost: £1 voluntary donation Contact: Sophie Williams 01454 864150 Baby Time Venue: Filton Children’s Centre Ages: Up to 6 months Times: Tuesday 10-11:30am Cost: £1 Voluntary Donation Contact: Serene Strode 01454 864150 Health Visiting Team, 0117 9699775 Info: Health visitor available Tiny Tots Venue: St Peter’s Church Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Every other Monday 2:15pm Contact: 0117 9791128 St Teresa’s Parent & Toddler Group Venue: St Teresa’s Church Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Mondays 9:30-11:30am Cost: £1.30 (1st child 20p per extra child) Contact: 0117 9833938

NEED AN ACCOUNTANT? Self-assessment, Consultancy, All Accounts, CIS, CT, PAYE,VAT, Ltd Co’s, Repayments, Online submissions.

Act early as penalties have increased ----- Free consultations --------- 25% fee reduction NOW --------- Tax Returns from £95 ----Telephone Martin Green on 07970 031095 or 01454 203710 ANYTIME

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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filtonvoice

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

Thought for the month

Filton news in brief

Carpe Diem - Seize the Day ... the year 2011 is gone, the year 2012 has come.

I wish you all a God blessed, prosperous and joyful year. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is yet to come.

What we have is today.

As we face the year 2012, with its numerous opportunities and challenges, it might be worthwhile to bear in mind the timeless words in the Bible, 2nd Chronicles 21:12: “O God ... our eyes are on you.”

You might say ‘but I don’t believe in God’.

But God believes in you and desires the very best for you.

As we travel through this year 2012, let’s travel with God, the God who loved us enough to dies for us in the person of Jesus Christ.

With our eyes on God, the task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.

With our eyes on God, we can face each day with confidence

l An award scheme has been launched to celebrate the contributions women make to the Filton community.

The aim of the Southern Brooks Outstanding Women’s Awards (OWA) is to celebrate the many contributions that women and young girls from Filton and nearby areas make to their families and communities that improve the lives and wellbeing of those around them.

This year three awards will be presented under the following categories: Community Awards, Business Woman Awards and Young Woman’s Awards, for young women and girls aged between 11- 18yrs.

If you know a woman who has done any of the above then nominate her for the Outstanding Women’s Awards.

You can nominate more than one woman.

Closing date for nominations is Friday 10th February 2012 Additional information

Rev Yemi Jaiyesimi St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Filton knowing that no situation is beyond God’s control. We may ask ‘where is God in the messy world in which we live?’ He is right here in the middle of the mess, reminding us that ‘it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness’.

Jesus once said: “I am the light of the World, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) In an ever changing world, let’s travel with the Unchanging God whose name is Love.

New every morning is the Love Our wakening and uprising prove ...

is available from www. sbcommunitypartnership. org.uk, call 01454 868570/1 or email winsomebmuir@ sbcommunitypartnership.org. uk. l A series of courses has been launched in the Filton area, aimed at families and healthy living.

They are run by Southern Brooks and include: • Active Families, Healthy Living & Dealing with Difficult behaviour, • Introduction to Youth Work & Introduction to Community Work, • Level 2 Certificate in Community Development, • Employability Award.

The first Filton course, Active Families, starts on the 1st February at Filton Surestart, running for five weeks.

For more information, call 01454 868 570 or email training@sbcommunitypartnership. org.uk

DRIVERS!

Have you seen any of these lights on your dash? Don’t panic, just ring Westlec and speak to one of our technicians!

• DIAGNOSTICS • FAULT FINDING • RE-WIRING • ALARMS • IMMOBILISERS • TOWBARS • PHONE KITS • ABS • AIRBAG / SRS • POWER STEERING • AIR CONDITIONING • STARTING / CHARGING • AUDIO

Chris & Elizabeth Clarke Dip HSM. MNCH (Acc) CNHC Registered

Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Coaching & Stress Management B

Unit 4/5 Grove Industrial Estate Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BB 0117 9792979

Anxiety, Phobias, Confidence, Panic Attacks, IBS, Habits, Smoking, Personal/Career & Sports Development

0117 969 2281 www.candeclarke.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

Sales, Lettings and Management

Filton, £750 PCM

Cotham, £650 PCM

Filton, £600 PCM

Horfield, £1,450 PCM

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Semi Detached Three Bedrooms Newly Refurbished Through Lounge/Diner Extended Kitchen GCH & uPVC DG Gardens & Garage

Getting the most out of your property investment Some agents regard lettings as relatively straightforward and as a simple broking operation, with tenants being introduced to available properties.

have found our lettings service to be “head and shoulders above the norm” when compared to their previous experiences!

However, we at Be Streets Ahead think a little differently. If your investment is going to provide you with peace of mind as well as a great return, then you will want to know the property is being managed by people who really care.

It is critical that all prospective tenants are thoroughly vetted and credit checked in order to ensure that they will not only pay the rent on time, but that they will also look after your property as if it were their own. Indeed, we wouldn’t let your home to anyone we wouldn’t happily let our own homes to!

Our response to the evergrowing rentals market has been to take a good look at the opportunity to deliver a service to landlords which not only meets expectations, but goes way beyond. Indeed, many of our clients have commented that they

During every tenancy we regularly visit the property personally for a visual inspection.

This not only means that we can keep an eye on how the tenants are treating it, but also allows us to advise you if any preventative maintenance should

be undertaken (gutters cleared, build up of condensation etc).

We also endeavour to build ongoing relationships with your tenants which is an excellent way of showing them that we care, resulting in them treating you and your investment with the utmost respect, resulting in an optimum return and a peaceful night’s sleep!

After all, that’s what a good letting agent is all about!

We can also provide professional inventories and rent guarantee, so when choosing a letting agent, choose Be Streets Ahead as we regard every property we manage as if we owned it ourselves!

Why not call us for a chat on 0117 9520829

Tel: 0117 952 0829 Email: info@bestreetsahead.co.uk Web: www.bestreetsahead.co.uk 415 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8TS

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January, 2012

Letters and opinions

Your view counts Have you got strong views about what’s happening in Filton?

Or you might want to take the opportunity to praise a friend, neighbour or family member for an act of kindness or to mark an achievement.

Whatever you want to say, write to us and we’ll make sure everyone in Filton knows about it. Send

Council tax precept

Story Filton residents are facing a council tax precept rise of 1.5% next year – around £2.66 per household. The precept is separate from the main South Gloucestershire council tax and is used to directly fund the town council. A cost scrutiny programme, which identified savings of around six per cent, or £50,000, from the council’s budget, has limited the increase in the precept.

See page 3 for update.

Views It actually could have been a whole lot worse! For a council operating a million pound a year budget they lack financial awareness and concern.

Everything financial mostly gets hidden in the “staffing meeting” so that they can discuss in private. This is a blatant attempt to keep things secret, something which is shameful and they know it. When anything gets close to exposing core financial issues you hear “We’ll discuss that in the staffing meeting” and it happily disappears.

There are also councillors in constant conflict with their party loyalties and politics that they regularly sit on the fence on issues, rather than upset the boules cart! This is costing

your letter by email to richard@filtonvoice. co.uk, by post to Letters, Filtonvoice, 49 Dunkeld Avenue, Filton BS34 7RQ or call us on 0777 555 0607. You can also comment on our stories at www. filtonvoice.co.uk.

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

money and needs to be sorted.

The leisure centre and ratepayers pub will never turn a profit with such massive overheads and they all know that, they just don’t appear to want to make drastic changes.

The first thing they should do is carry out a Filton-wide referendum and ASK the taxpayers what facilities should stay and which should go and tell them how much each costs to run as well. Let’s hope councillors like Bill Moore gets more support next year as he seems the only Labour councillor actually staying true to his word Filton resident “It means that the average Band D household in Filton will be paying around £177 for the Filton precept part of their Council Tax bill.”

That’s £177 too much. The first duty of any councillor is to find a way to bring this down.

Anything else is an abuse of position.

Pete What a lot of commentators are saying is basically sack all members of the town council staff and close down the leisure centre and the bar. Do any of them care about all the jobs that would be lost, that the centre and bar get approx. 200,000 visits a year, and provide a much-needed

service to the local community?

We in Filton are very lucky to have such great facilities, yes it costs us money but only on average £3.40 a week for the average band D household and if the centre is lost locals will have to travel into Bristol or to Bradley Stoke for a leisure centre and pool. Where will the 3 local primary schools go for swim lessons ... pupils at two of the schools are able to walk to swim lessons. I have a resident card for myself, my wife and kids, we swim at the pool for £2.20 an adult and £1.10 a child as we live in Filton and my youngest plays in the soft play for £2.10.

If these commentators get there way, how much will it cost me to swim somewhere else, take my youngest to a softplay? I will have to drive there and pay much more, than my £3.40 a week I pay through the councnil tax!

True Voice of Filton

Pupils’ ‘risk’ from cars

Story Filton Hill Primary head teacher Kirsten Lemming says the road chaos outside her school is putting the children’s safety at risk. Blenheim Drive becomes so congested during drop-off and pick-up times that some drivers mount the pavement to get past other

cars. Other parents have been seen parking on the pavement or across residents’ driveways.

Views Hardly surprising when there is no law enforcement in Filton.

Parking illegally is a nightmare around schools and most roads and the police or pcsos do nothing. Just over the border in Bristol council land you see traffic wardens booking cars all the time and pcsos on the case. None ever in Filton. We really need action from our local South Glos councillors to act and make sure roads in Filton are safer.

John It’s not the drivers that are the problem, it’s the blatant lack of enforcement. Cars parked with all four wheels on pavements should be towed away, but unless they cause an obstruction the authorities won’t do a thing.

Irresponsible parking, drivers should receive a warning notice.

We need active parking wardens in Filton, visible every day so that when anyone decides they can park how they like they get a ticket, the same as the States, zero tolerance.

The speed people drive through Filton is also a real issue. I remember a few years ago a man was knocked down on filton avenue at the crossing and he was thrown 100 years up the road it was awful. All down to speed.

Mark At the recent Southern Brooks Area Forum the members considered the highways capital programme for the next financial year and as Filton councillors we supported schemes that are part of the school travel plans for all 3 Primary schools.

The first stage in each scheme will be to investigate measures being proposed and for Filton Hill it will include the suggestion of Blenheim Drive becoming one way.

At Shields Road it will include a possible 20 mph zone, traffic calming and shared footways and at Charborough Road it will also be to investigate a 20 mph zone. We were also successful in securing an investigation into a one way system or other measures to ease traffic issues in

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

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E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Letters and opinions

Dunkeld Avenue and Kenmore Drive/Kenmore Cres where the no entry sign is an ongoing issue.

There will of course be consultation on each of the proposed schemes and if positive it will go forward to a design stage and further consultation.

Councillor Roger Hutchinson

Sports court for Filton Story Filton’s tennis and sports

courts could get a wholesale revamp if plans to create ‘multi-use’ sports courts can be fulfilled.

Well done to Councillor Teml for an excellent project and research for it too.

Filton resident

Views A fantastic idea for these run down neglected courts which local children and adults would without doubt use if they were better.

Instead of spending £10,000 on an unused boules court and £50,000 on an unused cycle track, at last we have a visionary idea with guaranteed useage.

An excellent presentation supported this idea and the council should stump up part of the cash from their healthy tucked away reserves.

All expenditure should be for the benefit of the taxpaying Filton public and the £100,000 new office was not!!

The ratepayers needs facilities that will attract people and whilst the boules court might pull in a few pounds for beer and crisps… this would provide real revenue.

Not sure why I should have my money taken by force so other people can play football.

Pete North

Gales Farm Meats Quality Fresh Farm Meats

Top-quality game and poultry now in season

‘Winter Warmers’ • Homemade Faggots • Speciality Sausages • Homemade Pies and Pasties • Home-cooked Meats and Cured Bacon • Deli Cheese and Chutney • Everything you need for Stews and Casseroles • Roasting Joints • Fresh Vegetables and Groceries always available

Also Gales of Westbury Park, 31 North View, Westbury Park Good old-fashioned service www.galesfarmmeats.co.uk

With prisons packed to their limits and 800 prisoners behind bars over Christmas, maybe it would be an idea to build a prison on the airfield to accommodate the ever increasing numbers of prisoners. The residents wouldn’t have any worries about escaping inmates because any criminals who climb over the wall will not be hanging around to wait for the No73 bus!

DA Killick Eighth Avenue, Northville

Why did they abstain?

I was horrified to learn that all

Bargain Breakaways from just £149 Bargain Breakaways Ba Torquay Party Party Break Torquay Break 27th Jan £149 £149 from just £149 3 nights DBB entertainment, excursion, 3 nights DBBand and entertainment, excursion, 27th Jan

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Torquay Party Break Scotland All Inclusive

27th Jan £149 12th Mar £279 3 nights DBB and entertainment, excursion, Scotland AllTrossachs, Inclusive 12theach Mar £279 4house nights in the FREE BAR drinks £1 each evening 4 nights inglass the Trossachs, evening, of wine withFREE dinner,BAR FREEeach tea/ evening, glass of wine with dinner, FREE tea/ Scotland All Inclusive 12th Mar coffee all day, excursions with FREE packed £279 lunch coffee all day, excursions with FREE packed 4 nights in the Trossachs, FREE BAR each Also coming up lunch evening, glass of wine with dinner, FREE tea/ Torquay 4 days 24th Feb £189 2012 coffee all day, excursions with FREE packed lunch brochure

For something different try our Top Quality Game Pheasant/ Partridge/Vension Your Game Specialist Tel: 0117 969 1232 4 Church View, Filton, Bristol BS34 7BT

Prison on the airfield?

our Filton Labour South Glos councillors (Adam Monk, Roger Hutchinson and Ian Scott) decided to abstain on the local Filton airfield vote.

The core strategy vote included housing and green belt protection and will impact our area severely and the fact they all failed to vote, to me means they let all constituents down.

The sticking point was that some amendments they requested weren’t included and they had to vote for the core strategy overall, so they spat their political dummies out the pram. We vote for councillors to ensure our interests are represented at such important times and when it came to the crunch, they opted out.

I would like to call upon South Glos Labour leader, Andy Perkins, to explain why paid councillors feel they have the right to throw their votes collectively, at such critical moments in our area’s progress?

Sally Allison, Filton Independent Party

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

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Filton resident pass

Filton residents are able to benefit from the use of the sports and leisure centre at reduced rates as recognition that the centre is subsidised by the town council precept, which only Filton residents pay. The pass can be obtained by taking a passport-sized photograph and proof of Filton residency, such as a utilities bill, to the leisure centre reception desk.

Your councillors ... and how to contact them

There are plenty of activities for you to choose from and with our superb facilities, you and your whole family can enjoy an active lifestyle with Filton Town Council.

The town council owns and runs the Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, BMX cycle and speedway track, skateboard bowl and go-karting.

All the sports Rikki Teml activities are available 6 Wades Road, 7 days a week.

Filton, BS34 7EE The council has a T: 07586 328995 meeting room and email: rikki.teml@ sports/function halls. filtontowncouncil.

The Pavilion can gov.uk cater for events for up to 60 people and the sports/function hall can cater for up to 150 people with its own bar.

• For details contact the town council office. Tel: 01454 866 698; Leisure Centre Tel: 01454 866686; or our website www.filtontown-council.co.uk • The leisure centre reception is open Bill Moore Monday to Friday 106 Mackie Road, 9am – 7.30pm and Filton BS34 7NB weekends 9am – T: 0117 923 6689 5.30pm. Please pop email: william.moore in and see us or ring @filtontowncouncil. on 01454 866686 for gov.uk information.

Ken Brock 3 Shanklin Drive, Filton BS34 7EL T: 0117 330 4968 email: ken.brock@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Andy Chubb 106 Station Road, Filton, BS34 7JJ T: 07531 063545 email: andrew.chubb @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Bill Edgeworth 29 Fourth Ave, Filton, BS7 0RN T: 0117 969 1906 email: bill.edgeworth @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Anne Kenyon 8 The Mead, Filton, BS34 7 AW T: 0117 969 5007 email: anne.kenyon @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Conservative

Conservative

Labour

Labour

Independent

Conygre .....................................................................................................

Darryl Collins 47 Mackie Avenue, Filton, BS34 7NE T: 0117 975 9170 email: darryl.collins@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Doug Daniels 56 Newleaze House, Filton BS34 7NW T: 0117 979 2473 email: douglas. daniels@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Melanie Drewitt 31 Shields Avenue, Northville T: 0117 983 3877 email: melanie.drewitt @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Kieran Hyde 25 Charborough Rd, Filton, BS34 7RA T: 07527 542783 email: kieran.hyde@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Adam Monk 642 Southmead Rd, Filton BS34 7RE T: 01454 864 056 email: adam.monk@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

(Chair)

Labour

Brian Freeguard 7 The Wicketts, Filton BS7 0SR T: 0117 969 5198 email: brian.freeguard @filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Conservative

Independent

Charborough ...........................................

Brian Mead 520a Filton Ave, Northville BS7 0QE T: 07765 796560 email: brian.mead@ filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

Labour

Labour

Labour

Conservative

Labour

(Vice Chair)

Northville ....................................................................................................

District councillors ....................

Roger Hutchinson 3 Northville Rd, BS7 0RQ T: 01454 864048, Mob: 07875 158423 E: Roger.Hutchinson@southglos.gov.uk Adam Monk 642 Southmead Road, BS34 7RE T: 01454 864 056, Mob: 07801 999699 E: Adam.Monk@southglos.gov.uk Ian Scott 55 Charborough Road, BS34 7QZ E: Ian.Scott@southglos.gov.uk

Children’s activities

The centre runs 5 different types of birthday parties, it offers an indoor soft play area and outside there are two 5 aside/ tennis courts and a children’s play park, a BMX track, a cycle MP ............................................................... speedway track and Jack Lopresti a new skateboard 27 The Courtyard, Woodlands, park Bradley Stoke BS32 4NH T: 01454 617783 or 020 7219 7070

Filton Town Council meeting dates Jan 17th 7.30p.m Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room Jan 31st 7.30p.m Full Council, Pavilion Feb 14th 7.30p.m Finance Committee, Pavilion Feb 21st 7.30p.m Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room Feb 28th 7.30p.m Full Council, Pavilion

Focus: New leisure centre manager Lisa Timbrell Exercise classes and jobs for receptionists and lifeguards available at Elm Park Lisa said: “I have been at Filton now for a month, I have worked in leisure since I was 16 years old. I am married and have two children aged 2 and 4 years. “ I am looking forward to the new challenge at Filton.

“For all our existing customers and any new customers we are going to running Circuit classes on Wednesdays at 7pm, starting on February 7th.

We are also looking to run Aerobics, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and children’s Soccer and Gymnastics “More details available at reception or in the next issue.

“We are also looking for receptionists and lifeguards if anyone wishes to apply please fill in the application form on the website. The lifeguarding qualification can be gained with us. “

Value and quality at Ratepayers This month, bar manager John Beese takes the chance to highlight why the Ratepayers pub, behind the leisure centre, should be the place of choice

John said: “We’ve got some great prices here on some quality beers.

“But it’s not just beer - we’ve got good wines, spirits, hot and cold snacks and also tea, coffee and cake during the day on offer.

“For example, a pint of Carling is £2.80, Butcombe is £2.70, a large white wie is £2.90, coffee is £1.20 for a mug and we’ve got hot and cold food for you to try. It’s all good value and we also have music nights, darts, skittles and all the facilities you need for a good night out. For sports fans we have a big screen for Sky Sports.

“Give me a call on 07813 814075 and I can tell you more.”

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filtonvoice

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January, 2012

What’s on in Filton in the next month February 15-18

Filton petanque club launch date

The inaugural meeting of the Filton Pétanque Club is to be held on Wednesday 1st February 2012 at 7.30pm in the Pavilion at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre.

The meeting is open and we welcome all who are either players or are interested in learning the game to play casually or in league and open competitions.

January 14

Filton Libary, Winter story time and crafts ages 3-10 2.303.15pm

January 15

Filton College, Winterguard UK competition, flag and dance displays

January 17

Filton Town Council Planning Committee, 7.30pm, Small Meeting Room Filton Chamber of Trade, BAWA, 6.30pm, coffee from 6pm

January 18 WEEKLY Pre and Post Natal Mother and Baby Class, University West of England, Frenchay Campus,

Calamity Jane The Panto

A production of Swan Lake took over the Olympus Theatre in Filton last month with the show performed show by students.

A total of 19 students performed, all currently studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Dance.

UWE Centre for Sport’s Aerobics Studio, Coldharbour Lane, For more information email Sue De Roos at: susandroos@sky.co.uk or tel: 07810804648

January 19 WEEKLY Feel the Heat, Coniston Community Centre, Patchway, 5.30-7.30, Winter Street dance for 12-16 year olds, £1, Contact Mark Seed on 01454 868570

January 21 WEEKLY Roller Disco, Patchway Sports Centre, Hempton Lane, Email: letssk8@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.letssk8.co.uk, £4.50 (including free skate hire)

January 31

Filton Town Council, full council meeting, 7.30pm, Pavilion

February 4

Filton Library, National Libraries Day Coffee Morning Saturday 10am -11.00am National Libraries Day Storytime, Crafts & Book Worm Treasure Hunt for children aged 3-10, 2.30pm – 3.30pm National Libraries Day is a nationwide celebration of libraries.

February 7

Bristol North Fringe Environmental Link Group, Greenfield Centre Winterbourne, meeting to discuss localised environmental issues, naturalenviroment@southglos. gov.uk

St Andrew’s Players present “Calamity Jane - The Panto” It will be held at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS from Wednesday, 15th to Saturday, 18th February, starting at 7.30 pm. There will be a Saturday Matinee, 18th February, 2.30pm.

Tickets: Adults - £6, Children £3. Box Office: 0117 9755538 Donations will be made to: Shine Together and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research

February 14

Filton Town Council, Finance Committee, 7.30pm, Pavilion

February 15-18

Horfield Theatre Group Presents ‘Confusions’

by Alan Ayckbourn Horfield Parish Hall Wellington Hill, Horfield Bristol, BS7 8ST. Visit www.horfieldtheatre.co.uk

February 21

Filton Town Council Planning Committee, 7.30pm, Small Meeting Room

February 28

Filton Town Council, full council meeting, 7.30pm, Pavilion

Have you got an event you would like to publicise? Or do you run a club or society in the Filton area? Send details to richard@filtonvoice.co.uk or call us on 0777 555 0607 and we will make sure 12,000 people in Filton find out about it, in print and also online at www.filtonvoice.co.uk

6 Doors Fitted In ‘OFFER OF Your Home For Only THE MONTH’ £339

primed 6-panel ‘Colonial’ or 2-panel ‘Classique’ doors, complete KeithAny 163 white with choices of brass handles, hinges, mortice catch & fitted in your home

DOOR EXPRESS

Call us: 08000 973333 07767 376770

A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR ORDER FITTING DATE This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27”.

Other sizes available for a small extra charge

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

filtonvoice

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What’s on in Filton on a regular basis

19

Mondays

Sundays

Tea Dance, Filton Folk Centre, 1.45pm-3.45pm 0117 302 6981

St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Morning Mass, 10.30am. Other masses visit www.stteresasfilton.org.uk

Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 9.30am-10.30am. These sessions are first come, first served. £3.50 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre

Tuesdays

Filton Library, Shields Centre, free one to one IT tuition with our Computer Support Volunteers on Tuesday afternoons. Contact the library to book a session. 1-5pm Pre-School story and Rhyme time Tuesdays 9.30am, Filton Library, Shields Centre, Spanish group. Sing Spanish songs with your child Tuesdays 4pm – 4.30pm , Filton Library.

Aqua fit Tuesdays, 9.45 – 10.30am & 8.30 - 9.15pm, cost £4 a session, class suitable for non swimmers, participants must be 16 yrs and over, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Keep Fit Association classes, all welcome, Filton Folk centre 2-3pm Call 0117 969 3326

Wednesdays

Filton Garden Club, St Teresa’s Social Club, 7.30pm. 1st Wednesday of every month, 0117 975 9126. Not January.

Filton Camera Club, 7.30 p.m, on alternate Wednesdays (except June, July and August) at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park.

Contact Brian Frost on 0117 9651242, Brnf3335@aol.com,

Thursdays

Filton WI, monthly meetings, 1st Thursday of every month, Newleaze House, Filton, call 0117 330 6071 Knitting Group 5.45 pm – 6.45pm Thursdays, Filton Library, Shields Centre Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 10am-11am. These sessions are first come, first served. £3.50 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only Tiddlers and toddlers playgroup, St Peter’s Church Hall, 10am-noon, term time only Filton Ladies, St Andrew’s Church, 2pm-4pm, new members welcome, call 0117 969 1825 Keep Fit Association classes, all welcome, Filton Folk Centre, 8-9pm Call 0117 969 3326

Fridays

Dinky Dolphins, baby and pre-school swimming session, games music and play, 10am-11am. These sessions are first come, f irst served. £3.50 for 1 adults and up to two children, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre, term time only, term time only Silver surfers drop-in. Free for over 55s, learn more about computers.

Call 0117 969 1938 or just show up. St Andrews Youth Centre Bingo, Filton Community Centre, 7.30pm

Saturdays

Filton Library, Shields Centre, free one to one IT tuition with our Computer Support Volunteers on Saturday mornings. Contact the library to book a session.

A monthly Teen Reading group for those in years 7 – 9. Meets on a Saturday morning, Filton Library, Shields Centre, January 28 Monthly Chatterbooks reading group for children in years 5 – 6.

Meets on a Saturday afternoon, Filton Library, Shields Centre, Filton, January 28

St Peter’s Church, 8.00am Holy Eucharist; 10.00am Parish Eucharist with crèche and Sunday Club; Noon, Baptism (by appointment); 6.00pm Evening Worship (Choral Evensong on the 1st Sunday of each month)’.

St Andrew’s Church, Filton, 10.30am, Morning Worship; 6pm, Evening Worship

St Andrews Methodist Youth Centre

Mondays: Duke of Edinburgh’s awards group for those with learning difficulties. ASDAN Towards Independence courses for 16+ year olds with moderate learning difficulties Tuesdays: 7-9pm youth club for School Years 7 + 8 (11-13yrs) Wednesdays: 7-9.30pm youth club for School Years 9-14 (1319yrs) Thursdays: 7-9.30pm youth club for School Year 10+ ...including those with learning difficulties + disabilities up to 25yrs (15 - 25yrs) + Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups Fridays: 6.30-8.30pm youth club + Arts project night for School Years 7-14 (11-19yrs) First hour = Arts related activities, second hour = general youth club night

Pyramid Youth Club

Mondays: 6.30-8pm: Inters 10-12 yrs. activities include football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop 8pm-10pm: Seniors 13+, activities include circuit training, football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop, Subs £1 (50p members) Tuesdays: 6.30-7.30: Junior Judo 5-13 yrs; 7.30-9pm: Senior Judo 14+, £2.50 children/students, £3 adults Thursdays: 6.30-7.45: Juniors 5-9 yrs, Activities include games, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop.

8pm-10pm: Seniors 13+, activities include DJing, football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop, Subs £1 (50p members) Friday: 7.15-10pm: Seniors 13+, activities include Music (drums, guitar, keyboard), football, basketball and other sports, pool, table tennis, computers, cookery and craft, tuck shop. Subs £1 (50p members).

Based at 470 Filton Avenue, contact Margaret Morris 0117 9691315

Filton Community Centre 983 6500

Mondays: Tea dance, 1.45-3.45, call 302 6981. Zumba fitness class, 6.30-7.30 Tuesdays: Keep fit, 2-4pm, 969 3326; Flower arranging, 2-4pm, 01454 412 087; Dog training, 7-9pm, 01454 616630; Pilates, 7-9pm, 502 2411; AA, 7.30-9.30; Cacti club (3rd Tues), call 950 3604 Wednesdays: Pilates, 10-12; Dawn James Art, 962 2982; Camera Club, 7.30-9.30, alternate weeks, call 965 1242 for details; Strictly Ballroom, 907 6960; Historical Club (4th Wed), 7.30-9.30, 969 2025 Thursdays: Short mat bowls, 2-4pm, 969 2025; Line dancing, 7.309.30, 07792 456988; Flower arranging, 7.30-9.30, 01454 412087; AA, 07831 338085; Keep fit, 8-9pm, 969 3326 Fridays: Bingo, 7.30-9.30, 9690311; Karate, 6-8pm, 07982 720158 Saturdays: Kung Fu, 07759 583688; Sundays: Karate, 10.30-noon, 07982 720 158; New Pastures Ministry, 07786 271 338

St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Vigil Mass, 6pm

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

20

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filtonvoice

Filton gardening January: Helping our feathered friends Denise Wilson, assistant shop manager at Almondsbury Garden Centre, provides us with some simple tips to help our feathered friends survive a colder climate.

Heavy snow fall last December forced wildlife into our gardens looking for food, however mild weather this year has meant there is still a lot of food in their natural habitats and unfortunately has meant our gardens have remained quieter than in previous years.

This does not mean we need to forget about our feathered friends. Once the temperature drops and the food runs out, they will be back, searching for food and somewhere to stay warm. Many small birds die of cold over the winter months.

Just a small amount of food in the garden can really help them out as well. You also get to see these beautiful creatures up close and personal.

The RSPB big garden birdwatch is taking place on the 28th and 29th January, so what can you do to help encourage birds into our gardens.

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

... with Denise Wilson Filton planning Applications

1. Birds eat a lot of dry foods and many die in cold weather due to dehydration as water in bird baths freeze. Remember to put out fresh water everyday and add a ball or apple in your bird bath to stop the water from freezing.

2. Don’t put out too much food. Regular filling is important to reduce the chance of the food becoming contaminated or mouldy.

3. Make sure your there is more than one source of feeding in the garden. Some birds find it difficult to perch on a small feeder.

4. Natural foods are best but in cold weather, mixes such as suet balls, sunflower hearts and niger seeds provide birds with essential nutrients and oils to help keep them healthy.

5. Birds would obviously prefer natural foods such as plant seeds or berries from trees. Why not plant a native hedgerow or a couple of fruit trees?

6. Don’t forget that birds will encourage other birds to your garden all year round.

In spring live, protein-rich food such as mealworms will be a godsend for busy parents desperately foraging to support their growing chicks. Robins and thrushes love these wriggly treats and live or soaked feed is best to give them the moisture they need.

Do you know any other good bird feeding tips? Why not post them to our facebook page or tweet about them @ parkgardencen #feedingwildlife #RSBPBGBW Visit the website www.parkgardencentres.co.uk to download your Counting sheet or for more information please visit our facebook page. l Staff and students at Filton College embraced the season of goodwill, collecting donations for the Bristol Based charity, Caring at Christmas, at a special service named “Christmas Extravaganza”. A total of £243.40 was collected.

81A Gloucester Road North Filton Erection of single storey rear extension, installation of rear dormer window to include Juliet balcony and new vehicle access and associated works 81A Gloucester Road North Filton Erection of 2 storey side extension to facilitate conversion of existing coach house to form 1 dwelling with associated works 15 Eighth Avenue Filton Erection of two storey and single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

24 Fifth Avenue Filton Erection of 1 no. attached dwelling and associated works 4 Broncksea Road Filton Erection of single storey side and rear extension to provide additional living accommodation.

Decisions Airbus UK Rodney Ltd Gloucester Road North Filton Application for the Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed realignment of an existing site access and its security fencing and repositioning of entrance gates and formation of pedestrian access points in line with the following plans: Approve with conditions 722 Southmead Road Filton Application for Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed construction of side and rear dormers to facilitate loft conversion Approve with conditions 26 Seventh Avenue Filton Erection of single storey detached garage Full Planning Approve with Conditions

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

£9.

99

for only

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

Filton beat

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per month*

21

Advertising feature

* Offer does not include joining fee of £29. Terms and conditions apply, see practice for details.

Call 0117 969 8400 or visit Pet vets4pets.com healthcare

Happy New Year to Filton Vets4Pets Limited with Sgt everyone in Filton from your Shield Retail Centre, Gloucester Road, Filton, BS34 7BQ Opening times Neighbourhood Police Team.

Steve 8:30am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-12 noon Sat I hope you all had an • Nurse clinics It seems times are tough out A5.indd 1 05/01/2012 11:45 enjoyable and crime-free 496.8-V4P FILTON CARE4PETS ADVERT Ives • 10% discount on selected there at the moment for a lot festive period. Further to my chronic medications of us. last posting, we have been • 10% off neutering But Vets4Pets have just what successful in arresting a • Annual diagnostic blood you need to help you keep your One of the best deterrents number of individuals for theft tests, pet happy and healthy in 2012, for burglaries is Neighbourhood of pedal cycles from across the • Annual ear swabs save money and spread the Watch schemes. These enable area. Some were directly as a • Anal gland expression. cost over the whole year.

Their local residents to join together result of information received • Nail clipping new Care4Pets healthcare plan in reducing and detecting crime from the public, which is great, And if that wasn’t enough, will help you take a proactive in their street. You will be thank you! as part of the Care4Pets approach to your pet’s health, directly sent warnings of local As a result the number of Healthcare Plan you will enjoy and it’s great value too! crime issues, so as to be better bike thefts has dramatically exclusive offers only available to The Care4Pets Healthcare informed and therefore better fallen, but you should still Care4Pets members!

Plan offers a comprehensive placed to help us. If you know register your bike on www.

For more information about list of healthcare treatments you are in an area that does immobilise.com and lock it up Care4Pets, and services for £9.99 a month not have a scheme then please safely whenever you leave it. call the plus a one-off joining fee of £29 contact 101 or check www.

Although the number of practice on including: avonandsomerset.police.uk. house burglaries continues vaccinations, 0117 969 • Unlimited consultations Our PCSOs are always Unlimited to fall on the whole across 8400 or boosters with the vet if your pet is sick, happy to visit local clubs, the area, we do tend to see an sick pet pop in and • 2 comprehensive health organisations and schools.

You and health increase at this time of year speak to consultations ... assessments every year to check can call us on 101 or e-mail so please ensure you remain assessments ... one of the they’re in tip top condition, ssnfilton@avonandsomerset. vigilant when out and about, friendly • Vaccinations, police.uk particularly after dark. team.

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Because Call your pets deserve the best 0117 969 8400 or visit vets4pets.com * Offer does not include joining fee of £29. Terms and conditions apply, see practice for details.

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496.8-V4P FILTON CARE4PETS ADVERT A5.indd 1 05/01/2012 11:45 Got a story/something you would like everyone in Filton to know about? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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filtonvoice FMFV04

FMFV04

Graham Cook Gardener and handyman

Grass cutting, hedge and shrub trimming, weeding, planting, felling small trees, winter preparation, clearing, small painting jobs and other maintenance work.

Please call for a no-obligation chat

Call 0117 377 0644 or 07415 658 205

CLEANERS/ HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED Regular work available in the North Bristol & South Gloucestershire areas

Excellent rate of pay @ £7.50/hr (rate includes mileage), rising to £8.00/hr after trial period.

Must be: • Self-employed with public liability insurance • Reliable & experienced with two checkable references • Car owner/driver All materials & equipment supplied.

* A Professional service with 25 years experience in domestic & commercial cleaning * Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning * Leather suite cleaning * Curtains Dry cleaned in situ * All other cleaning services available, quotes on request 149a Two Mile Hill, St George, Bristol, BS15 1BG Tel: (0117) 307 9559 - Mobile: 07966 290 263

Email: info@davethecleaner.com

BROADCARE

Contact: Hilary Broad Tel: 01454 619554 office or 07876 666458 mobile.

Email: hilaryb66@btinternet.com

24

T: 0777 555 0607

News

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January, 2012

Poppy appeal breaks record Filton residents have helped to create a record-breaking year for the poppy appeal.

The Stoke Gifford Branch of the Royal British Legion raised a Stoke Gifford Branch record of £30,500 for the year ending 30th September, 2011 But already since October 1, the branch has raised £35,000, or £4,500 up on last year’s 12-month total.

During the period up to Remembrance Sunday, the Stoke Gifford Branch, (which covers Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Bradley Stoke and Filton), had shifts of collectors at the Bradley Stoke Willow Brook Centre and Tescos, Bradley Stoke Aldi, Stoke Gifford Sainsbury’s, and Parkway Station.

It also had many static tins at

Filton MP Jack Lopresti with Poppy Appeal sellers at Parkway station a number of venues around the area.

Stoke Gifford Branch spokesman David Bell said: “The branch is very grateful for the

generosity of the public. One big hit of the Poppy Appeal were the knitted poppies that a number of branches had available.

“In Stoke Gifford a team

of knitters provided over two thousand knitted poppies for the branch’s Poppy Appeal.

“They were an instant hit and the branch couldn’t keep up with demand!”

Stoke Gifford RBL Branch Chairman Brian Hewitt said: “The Poppy Collection which has just finished for the current year, is truly amazing with a record breaking amount of £35,097.

“This figure is £9,170 more than that we submitted at the same time 12 months ago and already £4,554 more than the twelve months last year.

“We look after Service people, serving, ex-service and their dependants, who are in need. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously: your money will be well spent”.

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

January, 2012

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

News Filton carers’ charter

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), which runs Southmead Hospital, and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol) have launched a new charter that aims to promote a culture that recognises the vital role carers play within our hospitals.

A carer is someone who provides care for someone else who is unable to look after themselves due to factors such as illness, disability or old age.

Marie-Noelle Orzel, Director of Nursing at NBT, said: “Carers provide a unique link between the patient and our staff. This charter sets out how we can support them so they can help us. It’s an important partnership and one we are 100 percent committed to.”

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25

Transit ‘green light’

The go-ahead has been given for the £102m Hengrove to north fringe rapid transit scheme.

The scheme - part of a network of transport improvements across Bristol - is aimed at easing congestion in and around Filton, Bradley Stoke and sites for new developments Local Enterprise Partnership spokesman Robert Sinclair said: “The three rapid transit schemes form a network which will bring a step change in new public transport provision to the greater Bristol area.

“The network serves the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone supporting the creation of 17,000 new jobs, the South Bristol employment area supporting 10,000 new jobs and the Science Park – including the National

Composite Centre – and Filton/ A38 enterprise areas supporting 13,000 new jobs.”

There are still questions over what kind of vehicles will run on the routes, who will operate them and how will the multi-millionpound funding gap will be paid for.

The choice of vehicles is essentially between articulated

“bendy” buses or single-decker guided buses.

Filton MP Jack Lopresti said: “The £102m investment will greatly improve the transport links in our area.

“It will reduce congestion and enhance the chances of regeneration through the linking of areas of economic growth and housing expansion.”

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

26

T: 0777 555 0607

Local history

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Jane Tozer talks about the books produced by Filton Community History What helps to keep a community together? One of the answers is a shared history.

The history of Filton resides in the memories of the oldest inhabitants, so for ten years our group has been collecting people’s experiences and publishing them. So far we have recorded the stories of over 80 people, who have told us what it was like all those years ago. The dairy, the bakery, the groceries, butchers and chemist shops, as well as the private lives of some of the people who ran them are told.

What life was like as a child was so different from nowadays.

There was a lot of freedom, and fun to be had in the fields and orchards, and long walks to go on, taking jam sandwiches to eat, and bringing home flowers for mum. Some of the young people got up to all sorts of mischief.

One of our books is all about the

Bristol Cars in the former Shield Laundry (Christine Lewis) and Annie King with her family (Shirley Adlem) from the latest book in the series, Stories told in Filton Saunders family. Some of the anecdotes show that farming was only part of what went on!

Most of our participants were children during the war, and there are many stories of close shaves, Anderson shelters, enemy planes seen from the street, damage to houses and so on. Some people’s fathers and

husbands were working on the airfield during the daylight raid.

A special commemorative book was published by Filton Church in 2010, called Remembering Filton: September 25th, 1940.

All of these books are in A5 format, and vary in price from £3.50 to £5. The later ones have

January, 2012

Do you have any old pictures or memories you would like to share with people in Filton?

Call Richard on 0777 555 067 to discuss further photographs, and several also have family trees. This year we have published a book containing the memories of 65 people who worked in the aviation industry at BAC and Rolls-Royce. It is of interest to workers, and to family, local and aviation historians. It is called British Workmanship at its Best, and costs £15. All books are available on loan from Filton Library.

Filton Voices, is a bigger book. It contains about 100 photographs, and there are ten chapters containing comments from about 30 local people, on various aspects of Filton’s life and history, covering, for instance, Leisure, Work, The War, Schooldays, with chapters on Bristol Cars and the aviation industry. This is £12.99, or available on loan.

For more information about any of these books, contact Jane Tozer on 0117 9694378

Kitchens from design to completion including building, flooring and tiling

E L SA

We’ll pay your VAT for January

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Mrs Dawson’s Filton kitchen

Beef stew

Mrs Dawson says: “What a treat to come in to on a cold winter’s night.”

Ingredients • 1 pound stewing steak • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 onion, thinly sliced • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste • 3/4 pint beef stock • 1 cup chopped carrots • 3 potatoes, cubed • 1 sprig fresh rosemary • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 bay leaf • 10 ounces button mushrooms, quartered • 1 small packet frozen green peas, thawed Directions • Remove any bits of fat from the meat. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Saute the meat in the oil for 10 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.

• Add the onion and tomato paste to the pot and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until onion is tender, stirring often. Return the meat to the skillet along with the stock, combining with the onion and tomato paste mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until meat is tender.

• Add the carrots, potatoes, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf and simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes. (Note: It may be necessary to add some water if the stew seems too thick.)

• Finally, add the mushrooms and the peas and allow stew to heat through, about another 10 to 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and rosemary sprig before serving.

FilTEEN

Motoring advice ... with Motaman in Filton Vision – see clearly Keeping the windscreen and other windows clear is vital especially at this time of year. If your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even stickerinfested car windows you could face a hefty fine.

When frost or snow arrive, make sure you clear the windows before driving off. De-icer and scrapers are cheap but make this a much easier job, especially if you are late for workl. Make sure you clear snow from the roof as well as from windows as this can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view. It can be a hazard to other road users as well. Screenwash will both stop the washer fluid from freezing and aid in cleaning the windscreen. It comes as a ready mixed or concentrated solution and is easy to top up.

If you are unsure where your car’s washer bottle is, pop in to our Filton store where the staff will be happy to show you.

O

Check windscreen wipers and replace if split or failing to clear the windscreen. Wiper blades do wear out, so regular checks should be done on them.

Make sure that wipers are switched off in the park position when leaving the car, when there’s risk of freezing. If you don’t and the blades freeze to the screen, you could damage the blades or wiper motor when you turn the ignition on.

We carry a huge range of wipers in store, and we can fit them for you, if required.

See our advert on Page 23

FIELD GAR K A O Independent Ford specialist but any make or model welcome for Service, Repairs, Air Conditioning & MOTs

GE

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

This was the time, when in Scotland I was looking out of the hotel window, admiring the fireworks, and views of the city of Glasgow with all my family.

The whole point of celebrating New Year is to bring a new start, not just the date, but things you wished you had achieved in the past year.

Many people this year will be making their new year’s resolutions, which they will try to stick to for as long as possible.

For me, it was to do better in school and gain better grades.

Some people may choose to give up drinking, or to not eat as much fast food, but the whole point is that we are forgetting the wrong things in 2011, and bringing in the New Year of 2012 with open arms.

27

www.filtonvoice.co.uk Advertising feature

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

Tel: 0117 934 9200

January, 2012

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Opening times: Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5.30pm, 50Sundays, % off 10.30amtarka pine bedroom nevada oak dinin rrp 4.30pm extending tables solid pine bedsides double wardrobes so

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www.filtonvoice.co.uk from

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Fashion

New Year Style?

We’ve got it all wrapped up

29 from

Free parking £239 £249 at rear Advertising feature

Thedining store manhattan oak Times:

ng ni originally opened solid oak tables Ope solid- oak Sat chairs

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ilton style

Cable Knit Scarf £7 Beanie £5 George at Asda

Girls ...

Lash extensions, semi permanent mascara and all other eye treatments. Also spray tanning.

Call Kerry on 07528 274529.

Mon in 1995 under the am - 5.30pm 9.30 from name - 4.30pm 0amDurham .3 10 Sun

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Long leather gloves £20 Accessorize

Keeping out the cold doesn’t mean you have to compromise on looking good.

Choose from a great range of winter warmers in our local shops right now.

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Pine and, as the £69 branches £89 name suggests was primarily a Opposite Temple Meads Station | Bristol | BS1 pine furniture Free parking store.at rear | Tel: 0117 934 9200 | www.branch

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Cable knit earmuff £4 F&F for Tesco

In 2005, the name was changed to Branches to reflect the fact that the store now sells more oak furniture than pine furniture. In 2006, the store was expanded to nearly double the size and it nows displays a vast array of bedroom, dining, living room, nursery, and home office furniture as well as quality beds and mattresses, mirrors, clocks and prints.

Branches employs local craftsmen to enable it offer a made to measure service.

The store manager, Will Carley, has been with the store from the very start, and all of the staff are long standing loyal employees too.

The large bright showroom is right opposite Temple Meads train station and has its own FREE dedicated parking at the rear of the store. The store is open 7 days a week, including 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sundays.

You can also view, and buy, most ranges on line at www. branchesofbristol.co.uk See adverts on Pages 1 and 3

WAY-A-HEAD HAIR SALON

Your Local Friendly Salon

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Tel 0117 969 2701 ... call for an appointment 702 Filton Avenue Filton, Bristol BS34 7JL

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

30

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January, 2012

Filton business of the month

For January, we meet Rik Drew who runs The Physioroom in Filton Park Name, age and how long have you been working as a physiotherapist.

Rik Drew, age 45, following NHS experience I decided to open my own practice, 14 months ago Where do you live?

I live in Filton Park What did you do before?

Up to 2002, prior to qualifying as a Chartered Physiotherapist I was an aerospace engineer Why did you decided to start running your own business?

I wanted to give the patient more time with the therapist, I did not want patients to feel rushed or uneasy; I also wanted to give patients the option of seeing a Physiotherapist without waiting lists or restricted opening hours.

If you are in pain you want to see someone as soon as possible.

What’s the best big about the job?

Meeting people and helping them achieve their full potential, pain free life in the shortest possible time; making a real difference to people’s lives is a real buzz.

What’s been the biggest headache?

Getting our message across to the community what services a physiotherapist can provide. We are here for everyone from the young and sporty through to the elderly; for example: helping with mobility/balance issues or post op rehab; some people who have had a new hip for example can be unsure or nervous what they can do.

Tell us why your studio is a good place for treatments.

It is a small friendly place, situated just off Gloucester

Road North, adjoining my home, hence the flexible hours. It is also residential so plenty of parking What are you plans for the future of the business.

To be accepted and recognised as a one stop shop for advice and therapy for local community and businesses, providing therapy not only for the sporting community but also the elderly. I also hope to include acupuncture treatment later in the year.

Anything else you want to say.

If you are not sure if a physiotherapist can help you, give me a call, I am always happy to answer any questions or give any advice you may need.

Examples The Physioroom can help with include: sports injuries, chronic conditions, repetitive strain injuries, arthritic conditions, whiplash, back, neck, knee pain, post op rehab and more, we also provide home visits, a sports/ deep tissue massage service and business solutions service such as ergonomic work station assessments.

Contact: Rik Drew, The Physioroom, 0117 9334854, info@thephysioroombristol.co.uk www.thephysioroombristol.co.uk DO YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED AS BUSINESS OF THE MONTH? CALL RICHARD ON 0777 555 0607 TO DISCUSS

Snow White at the Olympus What an asset the performing arts facilities at the WISE campus are, not just for those lucky SWADA students who benefit from them directly, but also the rest of us who can go along to watch in-house shows and productions by outside groups in the state-of-the-art Olympus Theatre as well as the smaller Loft Studio.

It was the Olympus Theatre that hosted the Level 2 Performing Arts Group’s production of Snow White a week or so before Christmas, and what a treat it was. Under the inspirational guidance of tutor Becky Morgan, the students put on a funny and professional show. It seems unfair to single out individuals for their performance when the whole cast worked together with such enthusiasm and pride, but I feel I must mention Billy Hope, who played the role of Dame Daisy with exuberance and perfect comic timing. He instantly struck up a rapport with the audience, and showed that he is more than capable of

Deborah Harvey quick-witted ad libbing as well as following a script.

I was also very impressed by the quality of singing from the actors playing the three main female roles, Sinéad Hollom as wicked Queen Bernice, Franchessca Hinton as Snow White, and especially Chelsea Villiers as Odd Job John, who loves Snow White but is, of course, destined to lose her to ‘Prince Tightbutt’. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chelsea making a future career for herself as a professional singer.

There really does seem to be little need to head beyond Filton at Christmastime when such an enjoyable production is to be found on our doorstep.

Deborah Harvey is a Filton poet and author. Her poetry collection, ‘Communion’, is available from Amazon and Filton Library, price £6.99.

Her novel, ‘Dart’, is due to be published in 2012.

To advertise, contact Richard on 0777 555 0607, Emma on 0771 577 0448 or Wendy on 0771 577 0242. Email: adverts@filtonvoice.co.uk

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