Filtonvoice March 2012

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Filton

filtonvoice March 2012 Issue 6

Tickled pink! P45

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Titanic Centenary offer Turn to P32

BUSINESS DIRECTORY, P2 |LETTERS, P14 | PANTO REVIEW, P28 | HISTORY, P29

Olympic star thrills pupils at primary school. Page 6

In your 48-PAGE magazine We’ll stand in front of bulldozers, P3 Row raging over sports charges, P5 On the march to save airfield, P8

First look at Rovers’ stadium plans, P9 New police station, in pictures, P20-21

60 years’ married life in Filton, P23

T: 0777 555 0607 2 filtonvoice www.filtonvoice.co.uk All you need ... in one mag Hospital:

Directory of advertisers Accountant

Aerials

Martin Green, Page 10 TJS Business, page 21

MD Aerials, Page 10 Andrew Murley, Page 33 Dan Grace, Page 31 Baker/sandwiches Buckley’s, Page 26 Beauty Kerry’s Hair & Beauty, Page 36 Butcher Gales Farm Meats, Page 3 Car parts/auto Motaman, Page 23 Carpets Quality Carpets, Page 10 Catering Porter’s, Page 12 Childminding Sunshine Kids, Page 6 Children’s entertainment Chrisptee, Page 47 Counselling Jo Reader, Page 4 Cleaner Dave the Cleaner, Page 45 Days Out/entertainment Old Down Park, Page 34 Bath & West Show, Page 34 Singin’ in the Rain, Page 34 Debt management Eurodebt, Page 11 Doors Door Express, Page 30 Door repair DGR, Page 17 Education/tuition Explore Learning, Page 6 Ridings Federation, Page 9 EF Language Centres, Page 36 Electrician ES Till, Page 17 Foster care FCA, Page 37 Florists Flowers in Bloom, Page 29 Fitness Riverside, Page 7 Gas services Bristol Gas, Page 26

Garages

Westlec, Page 12 Brookfield, Page 27 Garden Centre Almondsbury Garden Centre, Page 48 Gardening Graham Cook, Page 45 Gifts Headlines, Page 47 Golf Filton Golf Club, Page 13 Holidays/short breaks Clapton Holidays, Page 1 Hairdressers/barbers Filton Barber, Page 29 Way-A-Head, Page 31 Chopps, Page 33 Kitchens Dream Doors, Page 44 Jobs Utility Warehouse, Page 22 Local authority Filton Town Council, Pages 24/25 Mobility Care Plus Mobility, Page 39 Offers Titanic, Page 32 Parties Bubbletastic, Page 31 Public relations Amageo Media, Page 47 Record collections Jamie, Page 47 Restaurant McDonald’s, Page 5 Rubbish removal Mark, Page 47 Slimming Slimming World, Page 35 Sports/conference facilities Abbeywood School, Pages 40/41 Taxis Avon Cars, page 2 Therapy/hypnotherapy Chris & Elizabeth Clarke, Page 12 Utilities/gas/elec/phone Utility Warehouse, Page 46 Vets Vets4Pets, Page 28 Wills Allguard Page 27 Windows and doors DGR, Page 17

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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March, 2012

come and talk to us about parking Residents fed up with Southmead Hospital staff parking outside their houses have been invited to speak to North Bristol Trust officials. Several public meetings in Filton have heard that staff parking in Filton roads, especially Kenmore Drive, has led to grass verges being damaged and roads clogged up. The problems for Filton residents have been added to by parking restrictions recently introduced in the Bristol section of Kenmore Drive but not in the South Glos part. The residents say the problem is caused because parking at the hospital, which is being redeveloped, is too expensive for staff and the number of bays does not match demand. A spokesman for the trust said residents with problems should come and speak to health bosses. He said: “The amount of parking spaces available for staff at NBT is relatively high compared with other hospitals but this is a finite number, as is the case with any hospital or city based business site. “Permits are issued according to where members of staff live

and what their job role requires of them. For example someone who lives close to the hospital and works regular hours will be a lower priority than someone who lives a longer distance away for whom driving to work is the only option. “The amount payable for a parking permit is directly proportionate to individual salaries and those members of staff who have been allocated a permit pay 0.5 percent of their basic salary towards this. “We also have a regular bus service which runs half-hourly between our main sites and BAWA. We encourage staff to find alternative ways of travelling to work and to support this we offer staff subsidised bus travel, secure bike storage and free bike maintenance. “When the new hospital opens additional parking spaces will be created to accommodate staff transferring from Frenchay Hospital. We ask our staff to park considerately and responsibly on public roads should they need to. “We work with our neighbours and would ask them to contact us should they have issues they wish to raise.”

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.

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

March, 2012

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We’ll stand in front of bulldozers to stop roundabout widening Filton councillors have said they would ‘stand in front of the bulldozers’ to stop a piece of green space being used to widen the junction of the ring road/A38 roundabout. South Gloucestershire Council has approached the town council asking for the land – on the edge of Elm Park at the top of the ring road – to be ‘contributed’ for the scheme. And they put the town council under pressure to respond, giving them just six weeks to come up with an answer to the request. The plan would create an extra lane on the ring road in anticipation of the extra traffic after Southmead Hospital is redeveloped in 2014. A total of 317 square metres have been requested by South Glos, with funding coming from contributions from the hospital development, known as ’106′ money. But town councillors slammed the proposal, saying they were not elected to get rid of green space. Councillor Rikki Teml said: “We should fight this and I’ll stand in front of the bulldozers if it comes to it.” Cllr Teml was backed by Councillor Bill Moore, who is the driving force behind a proposed community garden in that particular corner of Elm Park. In a letter to the council, Mark Shearman, principal engineer for transport services said: “We are acutely aware of the impact to tree and shrubs and would endeavour to replace these with landscaping where possible” South Gloucestershire Council has offered no payment to Filton council for the land and said that budgets were limited but they wanted to carry out the improvement in time for the opening of the new Southmead hospital in 2014. In addition to the road changes the council say they want to improve facilities for cyclists with pathways but they have a limited budget and

are under timescale pressure. Filton councillors also commented that traffic congestion in Filton is already at breaking point, with badly planned lane markings causing near accidents. On an internet forum, one resident said: “This is an utter disgrace that South Glos council have the audacity to write to small parish council, pressuring them to hand over land that it protects for the enjoyment of residents and users. “It smacks of big brother type tactics and Filton people are fed up with bad planning. “They have clearly planned for the future badly. Just on the roundabout in question, a brand new development of flats is near completion which will also add to the congestion”. Cllr Moore, responding to a suggestion from Cllr Brian Freeguard, said that when he had suggested the cycle paths could go through Elm Park instead of creating an extra lane on the road, he was told the planners had not considered this option. Cllr Keiran Hyde said the road could include a filter lane without encroaching on Elm Park fields because the pavements are so wide. The town council voted to reject the proposal and invited Mr Shearman to a future council meeting to discuss the request. l Councillors have also expressed concern that the new left turn only markings on the southbound approach to the roundabout is causing a huge amount of confusion and could lead to a serious accident. There are concerns that there are no advance signs, meaning drivers frantically try to cut across to the middle lane if they want to stay on the A38

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South Glos councillor Roger Hutchinson, Labour’s spokesman on transport, told Filtonvoice: “As part of the building of the new acute hospital at Southmead a sum of money was committed by the NHS for changes to Filton roundabout to assist with traffic movements for patients and visitors. Whilst I was aware of this, I was not aware that this approach was being made to the town council, and no report of this has been made to the Select Committee that I sit on, but having checked I understand this is at an early stage and that other possibilities are being discussed with the town council. I hope that a solution can be found which will not require land to be taken from Elm Park and I will do whatever I can to assist in finding a more acceptable solution.

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News

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March, 2012

Airfield key to new Filton station Filton could have a new rail station by 2019 - depending on plans for the future of Filton Airfield. Transport campaigners say they would like the former Filton North station to be reopened if development eventually happens on the airfield site. They say Filton North, Henbury and other stations would be needed to avoid gridlock across the greater Bristol area. Both stations were included in the South Glos core strategy blueprint which was announced in December. Now the West of England Partnership – the body that represents the four local authorities in the Bristol area – has launched the Greater Bristol Metro Rail campaign. It wants disused rail lines and stations to be reopened and for the public to lobby the government to help make it happen. The partnership has now produced a report setting out a timetable for when they want those improvements to happen, in two main stages. Planning consultants Halcrow have set out what could be achieved if the public and local authorities successfully lobby the government for better local rail services. According to reports, Greater Bristol Metro Rail could deliver up to ten new stations within the 15-year Great Western franchise period, when it is re-appointed

next year. The government is currently consulting on what changes should be made to the Great Western rail franchise and the campaign will aim to have local rail improvements as part of the new contract. Key to the plan is the restoration of four tracks between Parson Street in Bristol and Filton Bank, which currently has two tracks. The stretch between Temple Meads and Filton is one of the

most congested in the UK. South Gloucestershire Council’s executive member for transport Brian Allinson says the Greater Bristol Metro will also benefit people living outside of the city. He said: “With the possible development of Filton Airfield the Henbury Loop will be important. “Wherever people can, we want them to contact their MPs, their councillors and people

of influence to explain how important it is to get Greater Bristol moving.” It is understood that in the short term, a new park-and-ride platform at Bristol Parkway could be delivered by 2013 with Bristol City Council funding. To get involved with the campaign, go to the website www.greaterbristolrail.com. Airfield protest march: Turn to Page 8

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March, 2012

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News Filton sports 5% price rise ... but decision on boules delayed

Charges for most sports in Filton will increase by five per cent from April. The rise will include swimming and swimming lessons, snooker, badminton, hard courts, hire of the pavilion and soft play. The decision means swimming for an adult living in Filton who uses a Filton residents’ pass will now cost £2.35, up from £2.25. For a child aged 3-15, it goes up from £1.80 to £1.90. Tennis will rise from £7.20 to £7.50 while snooker will increase by 10p, from £2.15 to £2.25 for a half hour session. However no decision has been 811_A5L_EDGE_Refurb_234099.ai

made on charging for the boules court and cycle speedway, which currently have no charge. This has been questioned in recent months by some town councillors and residents who believe charging should be in line with the other sports. Boules players, including former town councillor Roger Hutchinson, say the facility should remain free because the players bring revenue to the Ratepayers Arms. At the town council meeting last month, Councillor Rikki Teml said boules teams in other parts of the UK were usually charged an annual subscription to 08/03/2012 play, in some cases around 1 15:36

£20. Councillors said that in the case of the cycle speedway, they needed to establish whether or not participants who paid would have exclusive access. Leisure centre manager Lisa

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Timbrell recommended a £500 annual charge for the local cycle speedway club, in line with Newport in Wales. However councillors deferred a decision until the next meeting.

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“The cycle speedway has not had a Filton team for years and has had so may “re-inventions and re-launches” it would make Madonna proud! The many football teams using the fields weekly and having to pay regular fees should question why others do not have to pay.” Mark, Filton footballer “Cllr Hutchinson says boules brings revenue to the Ratepayers Arms? So all the football teams, badminton, snooker and swimming don’t then? And they pay!” Margaret

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Filton school news

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March, 2012

From Tanzania to Shield Road!

Shield Road Primary Simon, a teacher from Tanzania, visited us as part of a developing global link. He spent two days in February, finding out what life is like in a South Glos Primary school. He told us: “Thank you to the children and staff of Shield Road Primary School. I have really enjoyed my time here this week. “I learnt a lot by talking to the children, Mr Mepham and the staff. There are many things that are similar about school in Tanzania and here. The children learn English and Maths, PE, Art and Music. “The teachers think that children learn best by good interesting lessons. We believe like you, that parents play an important role in helping their children learn. “There are many differences too. In Tanzania there may be 80 children in a class. Children do not have targets and there is not so much paper work as you have!” I would like to thank Simon for talking to the children and staff, telling them stories and taking assembly. I would also like to thank Miss Statter for organising the whole visit. Mr Mepham, head teacher

Visit from an Olympic Athlete

St Teresa’s Primary We had an amazing afternoon on Tuesday when we were visited by 200m international and Olympic athlete Christian Malcolm. Not only did the children have their photograph taken with him and take part in fitness activities to promote the importance of being fit and healthy, they were able to watch Christian race and ask him lots of questions about his life and his career as an athlete. Christian appeared completely at ease with the children and was so inspiring in the information and advice he gave. I hope that all the children will take something from the afternoon, most importantly that they will be inspired to excellence by being determined and enjoying what they do, even when things seem tough.

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March, 2012

Filton school news

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Art exchange

World Book Day

Abbeywood Community School This year World Book Day was Thursday 1st March. During the week a number of activities were organised including the Big Book Swap where students were invited to bring in a book that they had read and enjoyed and swap it with another student in their year group during assembly time. Staff also joined in with a book swap box in the staff room and I hope everyone is pleased with their new book. In addition, students have been invited to enter the 500-words short story competition as launched by Chris Evans and the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show. For World Book Day every student is given a £1 book token which can be redeemed between 27th February and 25th March 2012. They can either be swapped for any of the specially produced

£1 World Book Day books OR used to get £1 off a book or audio book priced £2.99 or more. The tokens are a gift from publishers, booksellers and National Book Tokens to help children celebrate World Book Day.

‘The Grimm Tales’

Months of after school rehearsals came to an end when 40 students, from Years 7-10 and

Post 16, took to the stage with their production of some of the classic fairy tales, adapted for the stage by the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. There were two performances on the day. For the matinee, we welcomed 150 Year 5 and 6 pupils from St. Michael’s and Filton Hill Primary Schools and the public performance in the evening saw families, friends, students and staff come along to support the event.

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Orchard School Bristol Students from Orchard School Bristol, in Horfield, have designed a special wall hanging which has been presented to their partner school in Uganda. They created a bold design using ideas from traditional European art, led by staff members Rebecca Phillips and Abi Edlin. The wall hanging was then taken to Uganda during a recent visit by staff and students and presented to Kinyara School. During the visit students Beth Smith and Will Sambrooke took part in lessons, had a tour of the village, boarding accommodation and nearby sugar cane plantation. They visited one of the Kinyara teachers at home for a meal, giving them an understanding of the lives of Ugandan people. Ms Phillips said: “The school were thrilled with the gift.”

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March, 2012

Marching in the rain to save Filton Airfield

Protesters fighting to save Filton Airfield marched in torrential rain in protest at the decision by owners BAE to sell the site. Around 180 people made their way down the A38 before gathering outside the airfield site, where speakers addressed the crowd. It was organised by the Unite union who are concerned that Filton’s aero heritage will be destroyed if the airfield is lost. They called on politicians to save manufacturing on the site while others expressed concern about the potential gridlock if up to 5,500 homes are built in the area. Patchway councillor Dave Tiley, who helped organise the event, said: “It’s a privilege to stand in front of the airfield. We are here to fight to save it so let’s hope we make a difference. We need jobs and manufacturing, not just houses.” Filton Town Council chairman Adam Monk, who addressed the marchers, said: “If all the homes we hear about are built, the site will become the biggest car park in the country.” Tony Burke, Unite’s assistant general secretary, said: “The loss of the airfield will have a dramatic impact on the local economy. We are going to do all we can to keep it – and we mean

business. We must keep Filton flying.” BAE Systems plans to close the airfield at the end of the year. It wants to use the land for an aerospace enterprise zone and South Gloucestershire Council recently agreed to allow some 2,500 houses to be built on part of the site. But a planning inspector will soon open an inquiry into the council’s development plan, which includes the airfield, and objectors are hoping it will lead to a reversal of the decision. Opponents are worried that having so many extra houses would result in traffic chaos on surrounding roads. Last month, it was reported that Gloucestershire County Cricket Club had made an approach to South Glos with a view to building a new stadium on the airfield. The club suffered a blow when Bristol City Council turned down expansion plans for the County Ground in Bishopston. Privately, airfield campaigners say they believe the move was aimed at pushing the city council towards working with the club to let them stay in Bristol. And GCCC has admitted that it would prefer to stay in Bristol and has said it would revisit its plans.

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

March, 2012

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A first look at Rovers’ new stadium

Bristol Rovers have unveiled their vision for the future of the club, on the edge of Filton. Rovers have submitted the planning application to build a 21,700 all-seater arena on the land next to the University of the West of England’s Frenchay Campus. After more than two years of planning, consultation and discussion, the planning application was handed in to South Gloucestershire Council. The club will now engage with South Gloucestershire Council to answer any concerns they may have and anticipate the council reaching a decision in June.

The club has completed an extensive public consultation process before submitting its plans, and has taken into account the comments and concerns raised by local residents. The new stadium would have no floodlight pylons with all the lighting enclosed within the canopy. Rovers will now have to wait to see if planning permission is given for their existing Memorial Ground in Horfield, as well as permission from South Gloucestershire for the new stadium. If both happen, the stadium work would begin next year, ready for the 20114/15 season.

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Filton library and book reviews

Adult book: Edge, by Jeffery Deaver

A great Deaver. Keeps you guessing. When you get to the end of a chapter, you just HAVE to read the next one. A standalone suspense novel from Deaver, this has all his trademarks: multiple twists, some easier to spot, some all but impossible, a tense, fast-moving plot and great characters. The plot concerns the Kessler family, who are targeted by a ‘lifter’ - a specialist at extracting information hired by an unknown person. Once the threat becomes known, the Kesslers are placed under the care of Corte, a protection officer. Corte narrates the story, and is

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Books of the month with the staff from Filton Library involved personally as well as professionally, as the lifter was responsible for the death of his mentor. The plot unfolds slowly but grippingly; which family member is the target and why? Who wants to know the information? It centres on Corte’s attempts to out-think the lifter, which becomes increasingly difficult. The twists continue right to the very end, involving the family, the authorities, the lifter, and Corte himself. Underpinning it is Corte’s fascination with gaming theory - chance, odds, reckoning on your opponent’s strategy; this provides a fascinating theme throughout the novel as he grapples with his professional responsibilities and personal instincts. Edge is available to borrow from South Gloucestershire libraries and is also available as an audio download. Please ask library staff for details. Children’s book: The Dragon and the Warlord, by Thomas Bloor, illustrated by Daniel Atanasov The Dragon and the Warlord is a Barrington Stoke ‘Reloaded Fiction’ publication aimed at 10 to 14 year olds with a reading age of eight.

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The stylish cover does not mention this but the book encourages reluctant readers in several ways, including: being printed on cream or off-white paper which is more restful to the eye; having a specially modified font to encourage smooth reading; no right-hand justification to help readers keep their place; and well spaced text and short chapters. This is quite a short and simple story with a theme both oriental and based on myth and fantasy. In this context it is well written and engrossing, despite its relatively simple language and structure. The protagonist is a young boy and I think this story would particularly appeal to boys in the specified age range. The black and white illustrations which accompany the text are well executed and appropriate to the oriental setting. Overall I found the story interesting and original, containing thought- provoking themes about the abuse of power, the importance of family and the need to find your own place in the world.

March, 2012

What’s on at the library in March and April Story & Rhyme Time Every Tuesday 9.30 - 10.00am Chatterbooks Members Group Saturday 24th March 2.30 - 3.30pm Baked Teenz Members Group Saturday 24th March 10.30 - 11.30am Knitting Group Every Thursday 5.45 -6.45pm One-to-One IT Sessions Tuesday mornings from 9.30am Saturday mornings from 9.30am Story & Rhyme Time Tuesday 3rd April 9.30 - 10.00am Easter Extravaganza drop-in Thursday 5th April 10.30 - 12.00pm Volunteer Bureau Drop in Session Tuesday 10th April 10.00 -12.00pm Please be aware that Children’s Activities may be noisy. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. For more information please contact us: Telephone: 01454 868006 Email: filton.library@ southglos.gov.uk Website: www.southglos.gov. uk/libraries

Please note Filton Library will be closed for refurbishment from 5pm on April 10th 2012. We are expected to re-open on Monday 21st May at 9.30am.

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March, 2012

Thought for the month with Rev Elspeth Desmond, St Peter’s Church, Filton There is an advertisement on the TV at the moment which begins with a young woman waking up and looking in the mirror at herself. Her hair is standing on end and she is generally looking a mess! “Time to come out of hibernation and face the Spring” she exclaims before retreating to the bathroom with an array of beauty products - which of course is what the advertisement is all about. She emerges eventually and to the amazement of her friend she is completely transformed, beautiful and ready to face the world.

I was reminded of this advert in a strange sort of way as I drove across The Downs this week. The bleakness of the Winter had disappeared and in its place the purple crocuses and yellow daffodils looked magnificent in their clusters under the trees, which were beginning to show the first stirrings of the new leaves, as the buds slowly open. The sun was warm - and everything appeared to be waking up from hibernation and a transformation was taking place as well. We are approaching Easter when we think of transformation and new life.

Good Friday and Easter Day are the centre of the Christian faith story. Our churches will be busy, as we tell again what we believe to be the greatest story of all human history - and you are very welcome to join us. The drama of the innocent suffering and death of Jesus Christ is the story of how God suffers and dies - restoring through that suffering the lost relationship between God and His people. Through and beyond that suffering comes the joy of our Easter celebration. Our churches on Easter Sunday will be full of those

Spring flowers and alive with the joy that Christ is risen - and that new life is the message of hope for our world today. Every blessing to you and your loved ones on this very special festival in the Christian year.

“Our churches will be busy, as we tell again what we believe to be the greatest story of all human history”

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Focus: Filton Golf Club

Advertising feature

A beautiful course in the heart of Filton and a welcome for young and old

“

A rich oasis of opportunity sits within Filton, bordered by diverse communities, but unknown to many. There is much more than an airfield, hangars and industrial site at the end of Golf Course Lane. As the name may well suggest there is a truly superb golf course with a wealth of tradition and association with those who both work and live in the area. Filton Golf Club dates back to 1909, starting life as a nine-hole club which became so popular that it was extended to eighteen holes in 1912 and a clubhouse built. It was in 1979 that the Club was able to purchase the land on which the course now sits from the then land owners Rolls Royce. The club has further long standing association with the other major employer in the area then known as The Bristol Aeroplane Company, and in 1948 saw the formation of the Bristol Aerospace Golfing Society, BAGS, whose members still play regularly at Filton. The club celebrated its Centenary in 2009 and had great success with a series of celebrations throughout the year. In January I took up the position of Club Captain, something I was extremely honoured and proud to except. The role comes with many responsibilities, one being to promote and extend a warm welcome to new members. In

this article I hope to whet the appetite of both the uninitiated and seasoned golfer to consider joining us. Golf is one of the few ball games that do not require a standardized playing area. Instead, the game is played on golf courses, each of which features a unique design. ”Sometimes the grass is greener” ... we at Filton believe that to be true of our course, which has evolved over 100 years with its natural contours set in beautiful rolling parklands, which offers an exhilarating challenge for all golfers. Recent course modifications have been carried out, under the watchful eye of head green keeper Marcus Phelps. This is testament to our culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that all aspects of the club exceed the expectations of the modern golfer. To complement the 18-hole golf course the club has a modern clubhouse with full bar and catering facilities; the terrace overlooking the course is just perfect for a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day. The bar and restaurant are open daily from 9.30am and we pride ourselves with the quality of our catering and the range of food. The clubhouse is also available for your function, whether it’s a wedding reception, anniversary or birthday. Golf is one of those sports that have no boundaries, enjoyed by both male and females alike, of all ages and most importantly all levels. We have a very active membership of nearly 700 people with all age groups well represented. Our men’s, ladies’ and junior sections offer a full competition fixtures schedule. We as a club

are extremely proud of the number of youngsters we introduce to the game and their accomplishments both on and off the course, working tirelessly to continue and expand this further. In May 2011 the club was awarded the Golf Mark High Achiever Award. This is a national scheme that identifies, and recognises junior and beginner friendly golf facilities. At the other end of the age spectrum is our Senior Section which promotes enjoyment of golf, etiquette and camaraderie amongst senior golfers. So if you are a keen golfer or someone looking to take up the game, aged over 55, enjoy good company and have a good sense of humour, then you are more than eligible to join Filton Golf Club Seniors Section. The pro shop is well stocked with all of the latest equipment from the top brands, Ping, Callaway and Titleist to name but a few. This, coupled with a group of extremely friendly and welcoming staff, makes a passing visit to the pro shop a good experience for everyone. Deciding to join a golf club can be a difficult proposition, but we believe we can offer the best all-round experience for you. This can be made easier by contacting are Club Secretary Trevor Atkinson on 0117 9694169 to arrange a meeting where he will show you our facilities and introduce you to all the key staff who will look after all your golfing needs, explain to you the various membership options, along with answering any questions that you may have. It really could not be easier.”

Geoff Anderson Club Captain 2012 Filton Golf Club

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Letters and opinions Poorly served by buses

People living in Filton Park, in the triangle created by the A38 and Southmead Road, are poorly served by buses. Currently the majority of existing buses and the new proposed routes towards Bristol are all along Filton Avenue which is of no use whatever to us. From the A38 you can get to the centre of Bristol, but from the Southmead Road passing BAWA the destinations are limited to Westbury-on-Trym and Shirehampton. Without changing buses it not possible to get to Henleaze Road, Clifton, Blackboy Hill and Whiteladies Road. I would like the councillors to lobby for rerouting some of the existing and proposed buses to provide a better service to people in our area, otherwise continued use of the car will be essential. Stuart Armsby, 40 Dunkeld Avenue

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Your views 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 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.

A couple of points

Please may I be allowed to comment on two topics mentioned in the February 2012 edition of “Filton Voice”? Pavement (and grass verge) parking Due to the very selfish parking habits of both residents and people who appear to be hospital employees, the lovely grass verges which we are lucky to have locally have been destroyed by cars being parked, and transformed into muddy patches, pictured right. I appreciated Sgt. Ives’ column with advice on parking problems. We are car owners who prefer to walk where possible, leaving the car in the garage. We need to use care at the bottom of Kenmore Crescent, where this mud is washed by rain into a pool on the pavement; when we get home, shoes must be removed before entering the house. In a similar vein, please may I appeal to local “dog lovers” not to “exercise” their pets on pavements, verges, and in Monks Park? A walk in the dark is a hazardous business for pedestrians. I do appreciate that some owners “pick up” after their dog has done its business, but, please, is it too difficult to pull

the dog into the gutter before it performs? (Where one dog goes, the others follow). Parking perils I note that Nicola Bailey, the Head of Charborough Road school states that the school suffers from “dangerous situations” due to Charborough Road often being used as a ‘rat –run’ by car drivers. If she would care to stand on the pavement in Dunkeld Avenue at school “going in” and “coming home” times, she would witness some terrible driving by school mums in cars with children in the back – driving at what might be called excessive speed (perhaps they are afraid that they will

be late for school or their next appointment). Similarly, in the afternoon, some parents who walk their children to-andfro, allow them to race ahead, running literally along the edge of the kerbstones. I look out and wonder who would at fault if a child should stumble and fall in front of a speeding car. Geoff Lonsdale Dunkeld Avenue

Permits may be answer

Firstly let me say how interesting I have found the Filton Voice. It is an ideal forum to find out about my local area - at last!

March, 2012

In reference to parking issues, we have similar parking issues with owners parking on pavements and double parking all the way along New Rd in Filton and continuing into The Sidings. If a fire engine needed to get through it would have no way of getting through. I think that we should (as residents) be given parking permits so anyone parking illegally runs the risk of getting fined. Anyone parking in this way appear to be working in local business or possibly work nearby. What do other readers suggest? Regards Mr Chapplow

Airfield vote response

I would like to take this opportunity to respond to Councillors Hutchinson, Scott and Monk regarding their statement “making it clear” in your magazine, Febuary edition. I did not attempt to re-write the events of the December Council meeting. It is a fact, on record, that all 15 Labour councillors, including yourselves, abstained from voting on the core strategy vote, a vote which will affect Filton for decades to come. Your statement says the core strategy must progress and yet councillors Hutchinson, Scott and Monk did not vote. How can councillors take such contradictory action? So lets make it ABSOLUTELY clear, you all support the core strategy but decided not to cast a vote on it? To me that’s clear as mud I’m afraid and the statement you made only talks about supporting the airfield and brushes over the core strategy which will protect areas from over development of housing. The conclusion I have come to is this. If our Filton councillors invested as much time in local issues such as the threatened closure of our clinic, or the terrible parking issues being experienced at all three Filton schools, instead of defending vote abstentions, then we would have a vibrant, successful Filton. What we have in reality is something South Glos class as a deprived area and priority neighbourhood, hardly something to hang your political

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March, 2012

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Letters and opinions hat on? Perhaps our councillors could comment on why Filton continues to be classed as second class and what they are doing about it? Sally Allison Filton Independent Party

Sports charges

I write to make my feelings clear on the matter of failing to introduce charging for two sports facilities in Filton, that have cost us as taxpayers over £77,000. The two “sports” in question are cycle speedway and boules. The cycle track cost us £50,000 plus a lost £17,000 when councillors decided to move an original skate park and replace it with a cycle track. Prepared foundations, paid for by Filton people charity at a cost of £17,000 were squandered without any consultation with the public. A lawnmower had to be purchased so it could cope with the newly formed slopes at a cost of £4,000. None of this supported by any public consultation. The cycle speedway has not had a Filton team for years and has had so may “re-inventions and re-launches” it would make Madonna proud! It is only used by clubs from out of town now and then. The proposal was to charge £500 for clubs to use it annually, which would bring it in line with what Newport cycle speedway charge. Yet councillors decided to reject the proposal and not even debate it. Funnily enough Newport teams travel to Filton to use our track free! How ridiculous. The boules courts again are rarely used by Filton taxpayers. At the council meeting the matter was glossed over when councillors who were unaware that the cycle track and boules had been “excluded” questioned how that had happened. All charges should have been debated as recommended by councillors at full council. They had no right to remove parts of the report that some did not like the sound of. All other sports charges, football, badminton, squash, snooker, swimming, were reviewed and agreed . So why is it this council persist in ignoring the need to introduce fair charging? No other sports were selected to be used for free.

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The many football teams using the fields weekly and having to pay regular fees should question why others do not have to pay. I would ask this council see sense and charge fairly for ALL facilities, not just ones they prefer to make money from. Mark Filton footballer

sure people like Gabby and Chloe both have the opportunities and also get the best training. Jenny P, Northville

Funds for play area

Well done, girls!

Story Two talented gymnasts from Filton could be travelling to Orlando, Florida, later this year for the Gymanstic World Championship. Gabby Cousins, 17, and Chloe Gunter, 11, from the Harriers club in Patchway, won a silver medal in the British championship at Stoke in December, attracting the attention of national selectors, pictured above. Views Congratulations to these two talented young women. It’s a bit of a cliche but there is sometime a negative perception of young people yet here are two individuals who have reached the top as a result of their own dedication. We should also credit the coaches and helpers who give many hours of their time to make

Story A Filton residents’ group is celebrating after securing nearly £50,000 in Lottery funding for a new play area, pictured above. The Viewpoint Action Group, which is made up of residents from four blocks of flats owned by Merlin Housing Society, has received £49,999 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Spaces programme. Together with £35,000 of funding from Merlin, it means the residents now have the funds to build a new play area. Views Congratulations to Vewpoint group for receiving this grant. I disagree though that there is nowhere to play as across the road at Elm Park is a great park and leisure centre. Can all Filton kids use the new park, as the new basketball courts that Merlin housing funded and councillors took credit for, is only allowed to be used by church view flats residents, will this park be the same? Its only fair this as this lottery grant is given to a community cause ALL local Conygre area children should surely be allowed to use it? Sally

Ask us what we want

In response to Cllr Brian Meads’s letter saying Filton does not need a referendum, I would like to

point out that this council have been in office now for nearly a year and have still yet to ask Filton people what services they would like to continue or have. Filton council need to publish the cost of running facilities like the Ratepayers Arms and leisure centre, pictured below, and ask Filton taxpayers if they want to keep these services or spend the money on something else. Both facilities are heavily subsidised by the council and

don’t make any money. I think people should be asked to clearly answer a council questionnaire what they want, instead of the council second guessing. George M

TALKING POINT Should political parties discuss Filton Town Council matters with party members before council meetings?

Turn over to read views on this hot topic

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March, 2012

Should political parties discuss Filton Town Council matters with party members before council meetings?

A number of readers have contacted Filtonvoice expressing concern. about this issue. Is it perfectly reasonable for political parties to discuss town council matters when party members who are not councillors are present? Or is there a danger that members of political parties are being given the chance to have more influence than they should? Here, the parties give their view and readers at www.filtonvoice.co.uk respond

“

The United Kingdom is a democracy made up of political parties, each of the major parties having local and national organisation. The Labour Party has branches usually based at District ward or multi ward level, where members discuss both local and national politics. It is right that locally elected councillors should discuss issues with local people and seek their views. In the case of councillors elected openly on a political ticket most people would recognise that it is reasonable for them to seek the views of other local party members, but the final decision

is down to each councillor. In our democracy it is not only reasonable but right for those who are elected as Labour representatives at all levels discuss policies and decisions at meetings of Labour Party members. Of course issues that affect our community are discussed at branch meetings as are ideas as to how improvements could be made. No confidential matters are discussed, particularly individual staffing issues,

Talking point .. “

Conservative Filton Town Councilors do not hold meetings before town council meetings at which public / non-town councilors are present. “In the interest of transparency we meet officially before the start of each term in May to discuss who is interested in joining which committees. We do not have any official meetings monthly but we will ask colleagues for information discussed at any public meetings, which others had not attended in order to have further information on topics within the agenda. No agreements are made during these discussions as to how individuals would vote on agenda items. Our councillors always go into formal council meetings and listen to the debate, reports etc. and take the appropriate decision/position. As long as no rules are broken, group voting is not agreed during such meetings and that only Filton Town Councillors are present then

we have no issue with this (discussion prior to Filton Town Council meetings). We would never discuss confidential matters at public meetings, the only staffing information we ever receive comes officially from the council; we would not support any meetings apart from official council ones discussing staffing issues. We would like to add that any group meetings that may take place are useful, information sharing exercises aimed at helping group members in their elected roles. Only appropriate issues would be discussed amongst Conservative Filton Town Councillors only. There would be NO sharing of confidential matters with people who are not elected members/council officers.” Cllrs Rikki Teml, Kieran Hyde, Doug Daniels & Anne Kenyon

none of this is contrary to the standing orders of the council nor should it be. To suggest that councillors should not discuss anything outside of council meetings, with groups of residents and therefore within their political party, is a nonsense. As we live in a democracy and not in a police state we will always defend our right to do so, as, indeed, do the Conservatives although their statement fails to mention that there isn’t a Conservative party branch in Filton. In fact the row that occurred within the local Conservative Party before the elections last What the Labour “statement” doesn’t say is that the branch only allows party members at the meetings, the public are not allowed to attend at any time, making it a “private members’ club”. The danger here is that the branch is made up of councillors and member of the public who are members, sat there discussing how councillors may vote on council issues and upcoming issues. That’s not democratic. Why no names against this statement? Do ALL Labour branch members sign up to this statement? Why do they not publish minutes of meetings if nothing to hide from? I think this meeting should be open to any member of the public and documents published. Labourstitch If these meetings are supposed to discuss community issues only, then why are they failing drastically. Where was the proactivity on Filton Clinic closure?? Nothing out of this branch until residents discovered it and questioned these very councillors. Residents of course talk and discuss local issues too and we know some of what gets discussed from “leaks”. What saddens me is knowing

May was down to the fact that they were being run by Bradley Stoke, and this was why several Conservative councillors left the party and stood as Independents. Bradley Stoke is, therefore, where they have their discussions about local councils’ policies. We are proud to be a democratic party where members can have free and open discussion within the Party and that all who choose to join can take part. Individuals join political parties because they want to discuss issues and solve problems and this should be encouraged not attacked.” Filton Branch Labour Party that more time has been spent by members, on trying to find out who has “talked” rather than the fact that the public did not know! Does that sound like democracy to you? If this is a democratic group, why not allow members of Filton public to attend and listen to what is being talked about? Why the secrecy? What have they to hide? Filtonresident I can state, categorically, that the Filton Branch has never been “run by Bradley Stoke”. The party agent and his staff are actually based in Redland. Personally, I have never attended a political meeting in Bradley Stoke, let alone discuss Filton Town Council business with Bradley Stoke Councillors. On behalf of the group I can confirm that there IS a properly constituted Filton ward branch of the Conservative Party. Cllr Rikki Teml Thankyou to (the Conservatives) for making it clear how local politics in our area should be, transparent. Pete Labour, Tories – all as bad as each other. They should ALL work together for the benefit of Filton. All they want to do is score points off each other. Frankie

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March, 2012

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News Filton Clinic - your chance to say what services are needed

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Advertising feature

Filton Clinic is to stay open - now health bosses want to know what services local people would like to have at the Shields Avenue site. In March and April 2012, NHS South Gloucestershire is hosting two open days at Filton and Patchway clinics to give the general public, clinic staff, health and community organisations an opportunity to suggest new services that they would like to see provided at the clinics which would benefit local people. This follows the decision to offer a reprieve for Filton Clinic, which had been threatened with closure last summer. A strong wave of public protest persuaded health bosses to rethink the decision and earlier this year - as revealed in Filtonvoice - it was decided to keep it open.

What do you want for the clinic? Use the contact details on Page 14 to write to us and let us know It is understood that with the population of the Filton area possibly set to grow over the next 15 years, more facilities will be needed. Currently, only two thirds of the space at Patchway Clinic, and three quarters at Filton, is being used and NHS South Gloucestershire would like to expand the number and type of services that are provided that will benefit more of the local

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community. The open days will be held on: • 21 March, 2pm - 7pm, at Filton Clinic in the Health and Education Room, Shields Avenue, Bristol, BS7 0RR. • 3 April, 2pm – 7pm, at Patchway Clinic in the Health Education Room, Thirlmere Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5PD. Staff from NHS South Gloucestershire will be on hand

Windows and doors needing some attention? • Misted glass units need replacing? • Locks need replacing? • Handles need replacing? • Doors/window adjustments required? • New door inserts needed? • Doors not closing properly? • Conservatory leaks? • Conservatory roof needing upgrade to make more energy efficient?

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to discuss the possibilities with residents. Paul Frisby, Joint Commissioning Manager for Community Development & Partnerships at NHS South Gloucestershire, said: “Filton and Patchway Clinics are under occupied and we would be interested to hear what services local people would like to see. “It could be a health service clinic that you regularly have to travel across town to attend. “Alternatively, there could be a community group looking for space to offer benefits advice.” At a recent meeting of the town council, it was suggested that with the Filton police station to be closed, a drop-in office for police could be considered. Another suggestion was a meeting place for young mums.

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March, 2012

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What’s on in Filton in the next month

March 15

There will be a poetry reading with Hazel Hammond and Filton poet Deborah Harvey at Filton Library from 2pm - 3.30pm to tie in with International Women’s Day.

March 17

Come and celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Ratepayers Arms and enjoy the’ Irish craic’ with a live Band. ‘Darwin’s Last Hope’ will be appearing. It’s free entry with a late bar until 12.30am.

March 20

Filton Town Council, 7.30p.m, Planning Committee, small meeting room

March 22

Filton Church, Charity Lunch for Lent in the coffee shop 12.00 1.00pm. Speciality Soup, bread rolls & fruit will be served and there will be a collecting plate for

our Lent Charity, which this year is Emmaus.

“Please support your local youth centre.”

March 27

April 3

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

March 31

St Andrew’s Methodist Youth Centre is hosting a quiz night, 7-9.30pm, on Saturday 31st March. It will be held at St Andrews Methodist Church Hall, Elm Park, Filton. The cost is £10 for a team of up to 6 players, and at least one team member must be under 18yrs old! Youth centre leader Debbie Teml said: “This will be fun for all the family. “There will also be brilliant prizes, raffle & soft drinks/ snacks available on the night. “This event is being organised by young people & youth work staff to raise funds for the youth centre.

Story & Rhyme Time, Filton Library, 9.30 - 10.00am

April 5

Easter Extravaganza drop-in Thursday 5th April 10.30 12.00pm, Filton Library

April 10

Filton Town Council, 7.30pm Finance Committee, Pavilion Volunteer Bureau Drop in Session, Filton Library, 10.00 -12.00pm

April 17

Filton Town Council, 7.30p.m Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room

April 24

Filton Town Council, 7.30p.m Full Council, Pavilion

April 31

Barn Dance at 7.30 in the Badminton Hall, Ratepayers Arms, Filton. Tickets for the Dance, and American Supper are £5 from 07842592072

Weekdays

Coffee shop, 9am – 12:30pm, St Peter’s Church, Filton

For Easter church times, please turn to Page 47 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

Come and join us at

FILTON WI

Keith 1 For something different try our Top Quality Game Pheasant/ Partridge/Vension Your Game Specialist

Our friendly group meets once a month in Filton and welcomes new members. We host speakers who give talks on many fascinating subjects and we also enjoy outings and other activities.

April 5th meeting: Guidedogs and more

For more information, call Edna Shopland on 0117 330 6071. Filton WI meets on the first Thursday of each month at Newleaze House, Filton

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March, 2012

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What’s on in Filton on a regular basis Mondays

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

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. 9.30am - 1.30pm NOTE TIME CHANGE 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 Community 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 Community 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 Teresa’s Catholic Church, Vigil Mass, 6pm

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Sundays

St Peter’s Church, 8.00am Holy Eucharist; 10.00am Parish Eucharist with crèche and Sunday Club; Noon, Baptism (by appointment); 6.00pm Evening Worship (Choral Evensong on the 1st Sunday of each month)’. St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Morning Mass, 10.30am. Other masses visit www.stteresasfilton.org.uk St Andrew’s Church, Filton, 10.30am, Morning Worship; 6pm, Evening Worship Kids street dance classes(5 - 16 years of age), every Sunday @ Charborough Road Primary School, Filton, 5.15 - 6pm or 6 - 7pm (depending on age/ability), £3.50/£4.00 per session (pay as you go). Lots of fun, make new friends and very good exercise too!! Please phone Emma on 07725 612088 or email her at emmacwyatt@ hotmail.com for more information and to book your place.

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)

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 33

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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News Filton residents get their first l Current station to close by 2014 before move to Patchway l Filton will not lose dedicated beat team l More police on the beat, it is claimed

Filton beat As the longer evenings approach and we all begin to venture outdoors more, to enjoy the open spaces, I would like to ask for the community’s vigilance in relation to robbery. We don’t suffer a large number of this very personal crime, but evidence does tell us that we see an increase in the spring months in the Filton area. Robberies tend to happen in parks and open spaces, with the victims usually being young men, who use these areas more than most. The offenders often target mobile phones, ipods, cash and pedal cycles, so please remind your friends and children not to ‘show off’ their new kit to strangers, to mark possessions and to register their belongings for free on www.immobilise. com. This is the national police database of registered property

with Sgt Steve Ives ownership and stolen property records. It allows officers to search for property by serial numbers to identify the registered owner and check whether an item is stolen. Officers can then contact the owner to return stolen goods and investigate any criminal activity relating to the property. The database is searched thousands of times a day by forces all over the UK including Scotland and Northern Ireland. And of course, if you know who is responsible for any offences or if you have any information that you think might be useful please call us. Together we can continue to

make Filton a safer place to live. Contact the Filton team: • Call Filton police station on 101 • E-mail: ssn.filton@ avonandsomerset.police.uk • Make an appointment to meet an officer by phone or e-mail • Go to www. avonandsomerset.police.uk – you can report crime, find local policing information and more • Call into Filton police station, Gloucester Road North. It’s open 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (closed 11.45am-midday), and midday to 8pm Wednesday and Friday (closed 4.15-5pm). In an emergency (when someone is at risk of getting hurt or a crime is happening there and then) call 999. Otherwise call 101 24/7 to report an incident or contact an officer.

Filton will not lose its dedicated beat team when operations are centralised at a modern new office in Patchaway, residents have been assured. The force is creating the new custody and investigations station opposite Filton Airfield on the A38 - the former Bensons site - housing 300 officers. The building will also serve as the police station for Filton as well as Patchway, Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Frenchay, Winterbourne, Severn Beach, Almondsbury, Easter Compton and Hambrook. At a recent town council meeting, Chief Inspector Mark Evans, who is heading up the project, said the move should mean local officers would no longer need to take detainees to places like Staple Hill or Bristol city centre. This, he said, would mean officers back out on the beat quicker than now. He also assured residents that the dedicated Filton team would still serve the area. Officers hope the new building will have planning permission granted by June with building scheduled for August and completion in 2014. The Filton station would remain as a police station until then but would probably be sold eventually. Avon and Somerset Police Authority and Constabulary were granted permission by the Home Office and HM Treasury to appoint Blue Light Partnership consortium as their PFI partner for this project and others in the force area. An allocation of up to £129m

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

March, 2012

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look at new police station

of PFI Credits will be made by HM Treasury in order to deliver this programme of investment. A spokesperson said: “This increased capacity to hold criminals will support Avon and Somerset Police’s drive to protect local communities by improving the detection of crimes and bringing more offenders to justice. “The new facilities will provide comfortable and discrete units for victims and witnesses of crime and a flexible, modern, sustainable working environment for our staff. “ Avon and Somerset Police Authority Deputy Chair Cllr

Claire Gordon said: “This is a good news story for Avon and Somerset. “This project has met many tests for being affordable and cost effective for taxpayers and will provide many jobs for the local area.” Chief Constable Colin Port said: “We are wholly committed to making the communities of Avon and Somerset feel and be safe by improving our performance and providing the best service we can, in spite of the financial challenges we are facing. When others are talking about recession this is real growth.”

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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News Dreaming of a brighter future

Debbi Teml, the centre manager at St Andrew’s methodist Youth centre, reports on this exciting project

Dreamscheme is a national scheme which engages local young children/young people, and adult volunteers, in work in their local community, which builds up points. These can then be used for trips and other rewards! So, Work = points = trips! Southern Brooks Community Partnership and St Andrews Methodist Youth Centre are coordinating this first project, which is part of the ‘Filton Working Together’ Priority Neighbourhood work! It runs through 4 weeks of March and the Easter holidays and is going to engage about 25 young people aged 8-16years old. (5 from each of Shield Road, Filton Hill, and Charborough Road Schools, plus 5 from the Youth Centre and hopefully 5 from Abbeywood School)

The Town Council has approved and given its support to the project, and selected a wall for the group to paint a mural on. The group of young people will be working with a community artist to design and then paint a mural onto the Filton Leisure Centre wall - which backs the pool, facing the play park. See the picture, right. We hope this will mark the start of an ongoing Dreamscheme project in Filton, which will then run during all school holiday periods; seeing children and community volunteers coming

together to improve the local community. The scheme does need more community volunteers and local businesses to help support the Dreamscheme project, so if you think you could help please get in touch! Contact Katie at Katiedonovan@

Want a second income you can bank on? Join the Club!

sbcommunitypartnership.org. uk or Debbie at standrewsmyc@ hotmail.co.uk And look out for a beautiful mural appearing on that wall at the beginning of April! Debbie Teml, Youth Worker / Centre Manager St Andrew’s Methodist Youth Centre

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Diamond wedding anniversary

For Irene and Bernard Taylor, the key to a happy marriage can be summed up in one word ‘kindness’. The Filton couple, who have lived in Hunters Way for 58 years, recently celebrated 60 years of married life. Sitting together in their pristine living room, with Bonnie their King Charles spaniel, they said respect and kindness have always been at the centre of their life together. And they laugh when they describe other couples who claim to never having a crossed word. “Our answer was always to put the kettle on,” said Irene. Irene and Bernard, both 81, met as teenagers at Pen Park Youth Centre in Southmead although Bernard admits it took him a while to pluck up the courage for their first kiss! Their courtship continued and they were married in 1952 at St Stephen’s Church in Southmead. Bernard worked as a site manager in the construction trade during his working life and one of his notable projects was the St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Filton, completed in the late 1950s. Irene was a nursery nurse for 22 years, some of that time at Filton Avenue Nursery. The couple had two children, Angela, who sadly passed away aged 51, and David. They talk fondly of their children and four grandchildren, all of whom work in medicalrelated professions, despite there being no history of this kind of work in the family. They also have two great-grandchildren, Niamh and Zachary.

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Kindness the key after 60 happy years married Bernard is a keen member of Filton Golf Club and has enjoyed playing there for many years. They say they have seen many changes in Filton over the years.

Irene said: “Filton has changed, but that is the case with most places. It is a different world now. Things have changed so quickly for our generation.”

Things may have changed, but as I left Irene and Bernard, it was clear their devotion and love was as unshakeable as ever. RC

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

• Contact the town council office. Tel: 01454 866 698; Leisure Centre Tel: 01454 866686; or our website www.filton-town-council.co.uk

Filton Town Council meetings March 20th, 7.30pm, Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room 27th, 7.30pm, Full Council, Pavilion April 3rd, 7.00pm, Consultative Ctte (followed by Staffing Ctte), Small Meeting Room. NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC 10th, 7.30pm, Finance Committee, Pavilion 17th, 7.30pm, Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room 24th, 7.30pm, Full Council, Pavilion

Date for your diary: Public meeting, March 24, 10am

May 1st, 7.00pm, Consultative Ctte (followed by Staffing Ctte), Small Meeting Room. NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC 8th, 7.30pm, Finance Committee, Pavilion 15th, 7.30pm, Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room 22nd, 7.00pm, Parish Assembly followed by Annual Meeting, Pavilion

Apprenticeship Opportunity Filton Town Council is seeking a horticultural apprentice for a one year apprenticeship programme at Elm Park, Filton. This is a great opportunity for a school leaver to gain valuable practical experience whilst being paid a wage. The Town Council has a weekly day release scheme in partnership with the City of Bristol College. For further information and to request an application pack please contact Neil Palmer on 01454 8666 or download an application form from the Town Council website at www.filton-town-council.co.uk The closing date for applications is 31st March 2012

Council chairman Adam Monk, chair of finance Bill Moore, resident Helen Johnson and, front, groundsman Mark Hoskins on the site of the proposed community garden

Help us to create a new community garden and shape the future of Filton Filton needs YOUR help! We are creating a town plan which will map out the future for Filton and we want to make sure all residents have the chance to have their say. There will be a meeting in the Pavilion at Elm Park on Saturday, March 24 at 10am, at which we will be seeking ideas. One of the ideas to be considered is a community garden which will be created in a corner of Elm Park, behind the tennis courts. This is intended as an attractive space, created by

residents with the help of the council, where residents can spend time. The community garden is the sort of project which needs input - it could be a sensory garden, for example - and the meeting on the 24th is the perfect place to express your views. This project has been inspired by Councillor Bill Moore who wants Filton people to help in the creation, both in terms of imaginative ideas and actual work on the garden. Filton College are already providing apprentices for

some of the work and B&Q have agreed to provide materials. Filton needs your skills, your knowledge and we need your time, talents and enthusiasm to join together with the council to create the town plan for Filton. There are also other parts of Filton we would like to improve, together with residents, such as Elm Park, and Millennium Green. This is the start of consultation, discussion, and decisions made between the people of Filton and your council.

• The leisure centre reception is open Monday to Friday 9am – 7.30pm and weekends 9am – 5.30pm. Pop in and see us or ring on 01454 866686 for information.

Easter holiday programme fun at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre HOLIDAY CAMP @ FILTON Thurs 5th & Weds 11th April 2012, 9am-3.30pm Ages 4-11

• A day packed full of activities for your child to have fun. • Bouncy Castle, Soft Play, Den-making, Imaginative play, Team Games, Sporting Activities, Outdoor Pedal Go-Karts (weather permitting), ‘Splish and Splosh’ Water Activities (over 8’s only) and ‘Get Glitzy’ (nail and face painting) etc. etc. Please bring a packed lunch, drinks and suitable clothes for indoors and outdoors. • Hosted by our experienced ‘Holiday Team’, your child will have a ‘high flyer’ of a day at Filton. • Age 4 – 11 years 9.00am3.30pm, max 26 Children

KIDS PLAY TIME Mon 2nd & Weds 4th April 2012, 10am-noon Ages 4-11

• ‘School’s out’, ‘Time out’. 2 hours of fun for your child on our Bouncy Castle, Soft Play, Den-Making, Imaginative Play, Team Games, Sporting Activities. Please bring a drink and clothes suitable for indoor and outdoor play. • Age 4 – 11 years, 10.00am – noon, max 26 children

A CELEBRATION OF SPORT Tuesday, 3rd April 2012 9am-3.30pm Ages 7-11

• It’s Olympic year. Join our Holiday Team for a day of sport. Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Tag Rugby, to name a few. Try our exciting parachute and invasion runs! Please bring a packed lunch, drinks and suitable clothes for indoors and outdoors. • Age 7 – 11 years, 9.00am – 3.30pm, max 24 children

A delegation of four councillors was delighted to accept an invitation to take a tour of Pegasus House on the A38, which has recently been given planning permission for redevelopment work. Cllrs Adam Monk, Brian Freeguard, Darryl Collins and Rikki Teml saw the historic building before restoration work begins. We were told about the new Airbus offices as well as exciting plans for community space on the ground floor. We understand work should begin soon on returning the building to its former glory.

SOCCER TOTS Monday, 2nd April 2012 1-1.45pm Ages 3-4

• A great start for the young football player. Our coach provides a safe, fun and learning environment. Ideal for social interaction. Please bring plenty to drink. • Age 3 – 4 years, 1.00pm – 1.45pm, max 8 children

MUSIC TOTS Wednesday, 4th April 2012 1-1.45pm Ages 3-4

• Join us in this Holiday session of Music Making for your little ones. Explore the fun world of Music, Movement and Song with our qualified musicians. • Age 3 – 4 years, 1.00pm – 1.45pm, max 12 children

Contact reception for more details, on 01454 866686 Weekly Activities at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Exercise classes

Circuit Training Wednesday 7 – 8pm Boot Camp Wednesday 1 – 2pm

Courses

RLSS Pool Lifeguard Course 10th April - 16th April 2012 See reception for more details on 01454 866686

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March, 2012

WORKING Work club

A work club for Filton will be starting on Wednesday, 21st March, 2-5pm, at St Andrew’s Youth Centre, in a partnership between N-Gaged, Unite, Job Centre and City of Bristol College with others, such as the Volunteer Centre, coming in monthly There will also be computer courses running here, and possibly customer services and fork lift truck training, giving Filton access to good training and support on their doorstep!

Filton MP Jack Lopresti visited Halfords Autocentre in Filton to meet one of their apprentices, Ben Fisher, pictured, and learn more about how the company is starting careers for local young people. Ben is undertaking an apprenticeship with the company, and Jack discussed the skills that he is learning and the support he is receiving from the company. Halfords currently employ 180 apprentices across the company, which represents around 10% of its technician workforce, and has taken on another 60 promising youngsters each year to replace those graduating. In the last two years they have increased the number of apprentices by 60%, and

New! Starts March 21st!

expect to take on 25% more this year. Mr Lopresti said: “I am delighted with the work that Halfords are doing with Ben. “He is thoroughly enjoying working for Halfords, and I know the skills that he is learning will stand him in good stead for the rest of his working life. Halfords are very pleased with the progress he is making, and I am sure their apprenticeship scheme

will give him and all others who are on it a career path. “We want to increase opportunities for young people by improving access to high quality training. Many local firms, especially Rolls Royce and Airbus, offer apprenticeships and we had the fantastic news last year that the South Gloucestershire University Technical College has the goahead.”

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At St Andrews Methodist Youth Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS Get help with: job searching, completing application forms, interview techniques, writing & adapting CVs, support & advice from other job-seekers, volunteering opportunities to boost skills, how to dress for success, advice from local employers, mock interviews & much more!

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March, 2012

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Local jobs promise as top firm moves to Filton offices

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optimised costs in aerospace and defence .” The Filton facility is significant for QuEST as it augments its existing five sites in the UK by paving the way for more opportunities in this fast growing global business sector. The company presently employs over 200 engineers in the UK and is planning to double it in this year. Currently there are over 100 positions that will be filled over next two months. In what is seen as another commendable initiative, QuEST has partnered with the Department of Environment and Community Services of South Gloucestershire Council to increase the provision of bike storage for its employees as part of the company’s drive

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QuEST Global Engineering, a leading engineering services provider, has announced the opening of their new UK head office in a prestigious location in the heart of the South West’s aerospace industry. And they said they will be looking to recruit and retain ‘local talent’ for the new operation. The facility located at the Brabazon Office Park, will support QuEST’s growing local customer base that includes major players such as Airbus, GKN Aerospace, BAE SYSTEMS, Thales and Rolls Royce. This move is also consistent with the company’s plans to reach out to new customers in the UK in aerospace, defence, energy and other neighbouring industrial markets. The entire QuEST global leadership team and key customers were present at the occasion showcasing their commitment towards creating and growing the company’s presence in the area and towards bringing value to its customers with its unique Local/Global support model. Commenting on the occasion Ajit Prabhu, CEO QuEST Global said, “Following the acquisition of Engineering Services from GKN Aerospace last year, this is our first step in formalising and making concrete our focus for the European market. Through this centre we will be able to extend our global delivery model to our customers in this market while ensuring high quality services at

City Brunel centre site

Opening hours Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm Sat, 8.30am-12.30pm

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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REVIEW: Calamity Jane - The Panto, St Andrew’s Players Deborah Harvey Back in the day, it was to St Peter’s church hall that we were taken as children to see the annual pantomime – and how I loved going! I remember Ali Baba and the

Forty Thieves, Puss in Boots, and a host of others that had me quite bedazzled. Then, pantomines put on by St Andrew’s Players weren’t even a twinkle in Widow

Twankey’s eye, yet this year they are celebrating 30 years of productions and I am feeling very, very old. This year’s offering was the rather less traditional tale of ‘Calamity Jane’ – a Dame from Yorkshire – who visits her nephew, the Milky Bar Kid, out in the Wild West, hoping to have a share in his gold mines but instead falling into adventure with a succession of motley characters. A spoof on all those Westerns which always seemed to be on the telly when I was a kid, the show includes a cowardly sheriff, a pair of incompetent outlaws, a trio of Mexican bandits, an Indian Chief who loves pizza, and an Old Timer who constantly spits into a spittoon – not to mention a grizzly bear and

rather more familiar pantomime horse. The cast were competent and did well to wring laughter out of the script, although the accents they put on did make it difficult to understand what they were saying at times. And whilst there were plenty of chances for the audience to shout ‘He’s behind you!’, I found myself wishing for a star-crossed pair of lovers who actually had major roles in the production; likewise, the baddy, Geronimo, also seemed more of a bit part than a proper pantomime villain. On the plus side, there were excellent sets and music, and several strong performances from the ensemble cast. Deborah Harvey is a Filton poet and author.

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Do her big eyes melt your heart or his silky smooth coat make you smile with pride? Then grab your camera, snap a photograph of your lovable pet and enter the Vets4Pets Picture Perfect Pet Competition. From Greyhounds to Siamese cats, we are looking for the UK’s most appealing cat or dog. The winner will receive £250 of Vets4Pets vouchers, and 5 lucky runners up will receive £150 of Vets4Pets vouchers - or £150 cash back if they sign up to Care4Pets. The competition is celebrating the launch of the Care4Pets Healthcare Plan, which offers conscientious pet owners peace of mind through its comprehensive

list of preventative healthcare Vets4Pets Filton treatments and services. It includes Call 0117unlimited 969 8400 sick pet consultations, two comprehensive health assessments each year, vaccinations and boosters, microchipping, nurse clinics, and much more, along with exclusive offers only available to Care4Pets members. Plus it represents great value through a simple monthly direct debit payment of only £9.99 per month. To enter, visit www.vets4pets. com/pictureperfect . All entries must be received by midnight on 30th April 2012.

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March, 2012

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Local history, with Filton Community History Opening of the Filton British Restaurant, February 1942 Appropriately the opening of Filton’s British Restaurant on Monday 23rd February 1942 was celebrated with a lunch. The Duchess of Beaufort formally opened the building accompanied by Mr A W Britton of the local family building firm. Mr Britton lived on Southmead Road. During WW2 he was Superintendant of the South Gloucestershire Rescue Organisation who provided emergency help making buildings safe following bombing raids. He was awarded the BEM for his war work. The British Restaurant originally arose in London, originating from a Londoners’ meals service set up in September 1940 providing for those who had been bombed. They were established by the Ministry of Food to ensure that communities and people who had run out of ration coupons were still able to eat. The British Restaurant was open to all but mainly catered for office workers and industrial workers. They were set up by the local authority and run by local committees on a non-profit making basis. The cost of a meal was generally 9d (£1 in 2008) and consisted of two or three courses. No-one was allowed more than one helping of meat, game, poultry, eggs, fish or cheese. The food was not subject to rationing but there were restrictions eg.

29

Duchess of Beaufort, second from right, after performing the opening ceremony. Mr A W Britton is on her left and Lady Apsley on her right. (Bristol Evening World Photo from the Britton Collection.) no more than 3 courses could be served, and maximum price was 5/- (£5, 2008). During the peak years of the war Filton’s aircraft factories worked 6.5 days a week, operating two twelve hour shifts. Workers were drafted into Filton from all over the country lodging with local families. BAC had its own canteens such as the one on Golf Course Lane, demolished about 20 years ago but there was still demand to be met by the British Restaurant. After the war the building became the home of Pye, a British telecommunications

THE FILTON BARBERS Telephone: 3 Gloucester Road North 0790 774 2566 Filton, Bristol www.thefiltonbarber.co.uk BS7 0SG Mon, Tues: 8am-5pm | Wed: Closed | Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm | Sat: 7am-3pm

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company. One project, in partnership with Bristol Aeroplane Company, was to broadcast some of the first air to ground television pictures from a Bristol Sycamore helicopter designed and built at Filton. And the building is still with

us. It’s next door to the Police Station (in the background); the white building on the roadside, part of Sinclair House on the A38 opposite the Tesco petrol station. To complete the picture does anyone know the gentleman on the left? The photograph is one of a number of photos and newspaper cuttings given to Filton Community History by Mr Britton’s Family. Sinclair House Elderly Peoples , on Gloucester Road south Home of Filton Police Station and opposite the Tesco Petrol Station. (Photo Stan Sims 1996 )

Flowers in Bloom Florist in the heart of Filton

From stunning bouquets and baskets to personalised tributes or sympathy flowers, we can provide you with an arrangement to suit your design and budget for any occasion, with local or national delivery.

124 Gloucester Road North | 0117 979 9594 www.flowersinbloombristol.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

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March, 2012

Filton business of the month March: Porters, Filton-based buffet service company Name, age and how long have you been working in catering. Ashley & Sarah Porter. We are 32 & 33 years old have been working on buffets for almost a year now. Where do you live? We live in Filton on Charles Road down near Filton College. We have lived there for 10 years although I(Ashley) have lived in Filton all my live. We have been married for 6 years and have 3 children.

presented plastic covers for no extra cost (see pics) What’s been the biggest headache? The main problem is getting the word/name out there. Telling people who we are and what we do. What’s the best bit about the job? The best bit is once it’s delivered, when you can see the end result on the table.

What did you do before? As the buffets are mainly weekends at the moment, we still both have full time jobs. Sarah has her own childminding business and I am the assistant manager of a company that sells Truck & Trailer parts.

What are your plans for the future of the business? The plans at the moment are just to try to grow the business. It would be nice in the future to be able to employ people and expand all aspects of the business.

Why did you decide to start running your own business? We thought about doing something together for sometime and a family member mentioned she needed someone to do a buffet for a christening and we volunteered ourselves and it sort of took of from there. Our house/kitchen was already rated by the council as Sarah has to prepare food for the childminding children.

Anything else you want to say. We are a fully registered with South Gloucestershire council and have a 5 star hygiene Rating. Although the name is Porters catering, our main focus is buffets. We cater for any event - weddings, birthdays, christenings, funerals

Tell us what you offer to set yourself apart from others. We feel we offer a good quality buffet for a very reasonable price, with set menu’s starting from only £2.95 per person. We also offer buffets in well

To contact Ashley and Sarah: Home – 0117 9490036 Mobile – 07810 772688 Mobile – 07894 010936 Email address – porters-catering@ hotmail.co.uk

Porters Catering Menus from just £2.95 per head l Buffets for all occasions ... Weddings, Birthdays, Funerals, Christenings and much more l Fully registered with local authority l 5-star hygiene rating Filton based: Call us on 0117 9490036 or mobile ... 07810 772688 + 07894 010936

6 Doors Fitted In ‘OFFER OF Your Home For Only THE MONTH’ £369 Any 6 white primed 6-panel ‘Colonial’ or 2-panel ‘Classique’ doors, complete with 3 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

March, 2012

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Quiz night fun for all at News Have a Sunday cuppa! Filton youth centre Older people from Filton can now enjoy a free tea party once a month thanks to Southern Brooks Community Partnership and Coniston Community Association. The tea parties, for people from Patchway, Filton and The Stokes, are held the last Sunday in the month from 2.30 – 4.30 pm at Brooks Café, Coniston Community Centre in Patchway. Karen Cheal from Southern Brooks said: “Weekends can sometimes seem long for older people and we wanted to give the over 60’s in the community a chance to catch up with old friends, meet new friends and find out what’s going on in their neighbourhood. “Brooks Café provides a safe, clean and pleasant environment for us to offer free tea and coffee and plenty of cake to keep the conversation flowing!” Speaking about the February tea party, residents said: “A really nice atmosphere, met old friends.” “Very enjoyable and friendly afternoon.” “It was really enjoyable, and the cakes and tea were very good. We will come again.” The tea parties are run by volunteers from Coniston Community Association with transport provided by Four Towns. Volunteers are always welcome, especially drivers. To raise funds for future tea parties, a raffle is held and prizes are always needed. To volunteer or donate a raffle prize please speak to

St Andrews Methodist Youth Centre is hosting a quiz night, 7-9.30pm, on Saturday 31st March It will be held at St Andrews Methodist Church Hall, Elm Park, Filton. The cost is £10 for a team of up to 6 players, and at least one team member must be under 18yrs old! Youth centre leader Debbie Teml said: “This will be fun for all the family. “There will also be brilliant prizes, raffle & soft drinks/ snacks available on the night! “This event is being organised by young people & youth work staff to raise funds for the youth centre. Please come and support your local youth centre.”

Karen on 01454 868 570. Brooks Café is run by Southern Brooks Community Partnership and offers local people the chance to get together and enjoy healthy low cost food. All profits go directly back into charity work. The café is open Monday – Friday from 9.30 to 2.30. The next tea party will be held on Sunday 25th March, Brooks Café, Coniston Community Centre, Patchway.

Soap making parties Creative and fun, hands on parties making bubble bath, bath bombs, lip balm and soap.

Mobile party leader comes to your house and runs a session making beautiful practical gifts to take home. No mess, no fuss, just lovely smells 07595 350764

www.bubbletastic.co.uk

WAY-A-HEAD HAIR SALON

Your Local Friendly Salon

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

THE AERIAL MAN (DAN GRACE) Local engineer

l Digital Aerials l Repairs l Sky work l 12-month guarantees l Free quotes l OAP discounts l Poor reception problems l Additional TV points

01454 660 046 | 07818 413 451 www.dangraceaerials.co.uk Is your company looking to reach thousands of people in the Filton area? Call 0777 555 0607 to find out more.You might be surprised to find out how little it costs

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

A centenary of •T I T A N I C•

On April 15 1912 on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, the RMS Titanic liner carrying 2,200 passengers struck an iceberg and sunk. One thousand five hundred people lost their lives and 700 survived. 100 years on from this tragic event there is still huge interest in this maritime disaster with many websites, publications and films dedicated to keeping the story alive.

To commemorate this centenary, William Edwards, one of Britain’s leading ceramics designers has produced a limited edition Titanic collection made of the finest bone china and carrying the William Edwards backstamp.

Each item is supplied in a smart black presentation box and is hand-decorated with 22 carat gold at the factory in Stoke – on - Trent.

Titanic Coaster - £15 Bone china coaster - 115mm diameter Titanic Trinket Box - £40 Bone china hinged trinket box - 45mm diameter

Titanic Collectors’ Plate - £35 Bone china collectors’ plate - 210mm diameter

Titanic Tankard - £25 Bone china tankard, - height 75mm

Every item is produced in a limited edition of 2012

PLEASE SEND ORDER AND PAYMENT TO: Filtonvoice, Your paper’s name William Edwards’ Titanic FMFV07 Collection, Dept Your ref code, PO Box 30, St Leonard’s on Sea, East Sussex TN38 9YQ How to Order: Complete the order form, and send it with the appropriate payment to the address shown on the order form. Payment: Make cheques/PO payable to: Park Promotions UK Ltd and write your name and address on the back or complete your credit/debit card details. Offer closes July 31 2012 and is open to UK residents only. Your contract of supply is with Park Promotions Ltd. Terms and conditions on request. All offers are subject to availability. If you do not want to receive further offers please tick [ ]

Your logo here I enclose a cheque for £ ………… made payable to Park Promotions UK Ltd with my name and address on the back. (No stamps or cash please). Or charge my Card Number Expiry Date M M Y Y Maestro Issue No. or Start Date M M Y Y Security Code Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: D D M M Y Y

CODE

T01 T02 T03

Titanic William Edwards Coaster Titanic William Edwards Tankard Titanic William Edwards Collectors Plate T04 Titanic William Edwards Trinket Box WEPP Postage and Packaging

PRICE £15.00 £25.00

QTY

TOTAL

£35.00 £40.00 £3.99

1

£3.99

TOTAL Name…………………. Surname..................................................................................................... Address…………………………………………….............................................................................. …………………………….................................................................................................................. ................................Postcode…………………................................................................................ Tel....................................................... Email..................................................................................

March, 2012

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Youth club’s thanks to firms as premises transformed

Above, seniors at the Pyramid Youth Club playing pool. Left, young members of the Pyramid Youth Club street dance team with instructor Liesel Freitag, who runs dance sessions of all types and for all age across north Bristol. Contact her on 07871 436600 or visit www.danceworks. uk.com, or liesel@danceworks.uk.com. She is now seeking dancers, boys and girls, to take part in the Filton and Patchway festivals this summer During the past few months there has been quite a change in the appearance of the Pyramid Youth Club premises in Filton thanks to several businesses who have helped us. During the holiday period we had to do urgent repairs to the office and thanks to a donation of £250 worth of materials from B&Q we were then able to partially re-paper, paint and re-carpet the office for very little cost to ourselves. Also we have a nice new portable barbecue, which we used recently on camp, and several other useful items. This is part of B&Qs involvement in the community. Thanks again to Richard New and B&Q. Soon after this we were approached by ‘Business in the Community’ as to whether we would like some parts of our premises decorated. After meeting it was decided that the two main halls plus the entrance hall would be done on Friday 16th December.

The firm Accenture sent 16 of its workers and they made an amazing transformation to our building. The members had previously chosen the colours they wanted and the transformation was amazing. We would like to thank both

these firms for their support. As a voluntary club, owning our own premises, maintenance is a big problem so a big thank you to B & Q and Accenture. We have vacancies in all sections of the club ages 5 19 and we would also like to increase the 10 - 15 age group

of Judo. Come and learn a new skill. There are rooms to let at Pyramid Youth Club during the day and opportunities to hire for childrens parties at the weekends. Ring 0117 9691315 for information. Margaret Morris

ANDREW MURLEY Digital Aerial Installations TV / DVD Repairs 20 Years’ Experience Freeview & Digital Recorders, Sales & Installations. Tel. 01454 774045 / 07890 336310

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

Have your say on services at Filton and Patchway Clinics Come to our open days and share your suggestions NHS South Gloucestershire would like to hear what services local people would like to see provided at Filton and Patchway clinics. It could be a health service clinic that you travel to regularly on the other side of town, or you might belong to a community group looking for space to offer benefits advice or classes. This is a real opportunity for local people to help us deliver a wider range of services and support that will benefit the local community. Open days will be held on: 21 March, 2pm - 7pm, in the Filton Clinic Health & Education Room, Shields Avenue, Bristol, BS7 0RR. 3 April, 2pm – 7pm, in the Patchway Clinic Health & Education Room, Thirlmere Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5PD. Staff from NHS South Gloucestershire will be on hand to discuss the possibilities. If you cannot come to any of these events you can still let us know your ideas, email: Paul.Frisby@sglos-pct.nhs.uk or call 0117 330 2432.

March, 2012

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Obituary Muriel was so proud of Filton twinning work Filton Twinning Association was saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs Muriel Smith, right, on January 17th, 2012, writes Dougie Daniels. She was aged 92. Wife of the late Alderman Eric Smith, MBE – the Twinning Association’s co-founder – she suffered a broken hip after a fall in her home and died at Frenchay Hospital. The couple are pictured below. Muriel took an active role in the formation of the Twinning Association assisting Eric in negotiations with Filton’s twin towns St Vallier (France) and Witzenhausen (Germany). It became the well-known “Filton Twinning Triangle” formed through interlinking their geographical locations with straight lines. She had three sons, Ian, Robin and Tony, and Tony told me that their mother was proud of her husband’s achievements. He was awarded the MBE for his contribution to European unity. Sir Edward Heath (the former Prime Minister) acknowledged

his work, forwarding a personal letter to him, right. Filton, previously a Parish – is believed to be the first Parish in the UK to be linked with European towns. It celebrates its 38th year of twinning this year. Muriel was its Vice President. Members of all three “twinned” towns meet in Filton this year. (August 4th to 10th). As we say ‘Goodbye” to Muriel let’s thank her for supporting her late husband, Eric, in his stalwart work forming the Filton Twinning Association as we enjoy it today.

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Slimming World ...I feel sooo gorgeous! MONDAY Filton The Pavilion, Filton Leisure Centre, Elm Park, 5pm & 7pm with Carolyn on 01454 898494

l North Bristol NHS Trust will get £3.3million over the next year for a new range of equipment to improve services for NHS patients, the Government has announced. The new items which will be used purchased include: Dialysis machines to enable us to expand our home dialysis service, offering renal patients more choice in where they receive their treatment; intensive care ventilators and a pulmonary function suite which will be used by patients with respiratory conditions.

TUESDAY Filton The Pavilion, Filton Leisure Centre, Elm Park, 10am with Maxine on 0117 979 2391

WEDNESDAY Stoke Gifford Trust Hall, North Road, 9.30 am, with Michelle on 07540 472326 WEDNESDAY Horfield Horfield Leisure Centre, Dorian Road, 3.45pm, 5.30pm & 7.15pm, with Carolyn on 01454 898494

THURSDAY Stoke Gifford St. Michael’s School, Ratcliffe Drive, 5pm & 7pm with Michelle on 07540 472326

0844 897 8000 www.slimmingworld.com

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March, 2012

News South Glos roads ‘safer than ever’ but 14 accidents in three years at Filton roundabout Stats boost - but fears remain over safety South Gloucestershire’s roads are safer than ever, according to data for 2011 which show that the number of fatalities in the district reached an all-time low during the year. The announcements comes as residents in Filton have expressed concern abou t the layout of the main FiltonA38/ ring road roundabout, which has seen the third highest number of accidents in the district. There were 14 reported injury accidents on that roundabout from 2008-10, making the site third on the list of South Gloucestershire’s ‘accident concentration’ site listings. Recent white line works has been aimed at improving safety for cylists but councillors and residents say the change on the southbound approach - with a left only lane now in operation - is not well enough signposted, leaving drivers frantically trying to move lanes. Police accident reports show that there were just two fatal casualties on roads within the district in 2011, compared with 11 in 2010 and nine in 2009. Serious casualty figures also indicate a positive outcome for 2011. By November, serious road casualties in the district numbered 30, compared with 86 during 2010 as a whole. The positive data is echoed in recent figures published by the Department for Transport, which showed that South Gloucestershire had the lowest casualty rate among all British local authorities in the years 2007 to 2009. In total, 33 people were killed or seriously injured per billion vehicle miles in South Gloucestershire during the three years, compared with a national high of 455 in Westminster. Welcoming the news, South Gloucestershire Council Executive Member for Planning, Transport and the Strategic Environment Brian Allinson said: ”This is very good news for

all those who are committed to improving road safety in South Gloucestershire. “The council takes road safety extremely seriously and we work closely with our partners in the police, with schools and with other agencies to identify where and why road accidents happen and what can be done to prevent them. “However, we cannot afford to become complacent. Two fatalities is two fatalities too many, and will continue to make every effort to make sure that South Gloucestershire continues to be one of the country’s safest areas to live and work.” The council continually monitors police reports in order to identify where people are injured on South Gloucestershire’s road network, and who is involved. This data is used to target spending on areas where injury accidents occur most often and on the most vulnerable road users such as children, pedestrians and riders of two wheeled vehicles. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of these interventions. The council also has a very active Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity team which delivers a wide range of education and training services to vulnerable road users who are most likely to be involved in accidents, such as children, cyclists and motor cyclists. Each year the team provides road safety training sessions to thousands of people throughout South Gloucestershire. In 2011 alone, the team had direct contact with 27,902 students of all ages, ranging from primary school to university. The team also provides motorcycle and pre-driver training schemes as well as working with the Institute of Advanced Motorists to encourage 17 to 24 year old drivers to take further driver education.

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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Road safety - what we’re doing In response to a request from Filtonvoice, South Glos Council has outlined the safety measures it has taken in Filton in recent years. Regarding road safety/ schools engagement, this is what we have done in Filton: • The school crossing patrol on Filton Avenue – been there for 15 ½ years • Filton Hill Primary had a road safety presentation 2 March 2011 and another is

all pupils have been put into Abbeywood and Patchway secondary schools on pedestrian safety. • Abbeywood have used the Ghost Street year 10 resources in tutor groups. booked for 26 April 2012

Over the last six months:

• Over the past 2 years all Senior Citizen groups in the area have been visited with a road safety chat and the provision of free high visibility shopping bags.

• Road safety input has been put into UWE and Filton as part of their Freshers Fair.

• Regular talks to uniform groups in area • Young Voyager – our transistion book covering road safety when moving from primary to secondary went into Filton Hill May 2011 • Filton Hill took part in Walk to School in May 2011

• Abbeywood have participated in cycle training.

• A specific Road Safety Day event was held for Filton College covering all modes of travel including, walking, cycling, driving, using public transport and powered two wheelers. With an emphasise on road safety Including a drink drive campaign and collision reconstruction event 300 plus students attended the day.. • RS assemblies covering

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foster carer “Fostering has been an amazing experience - it’s really changed our lives”

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FOSTER WITH FCA

• Competitive fee, £390.25 p/w • Comprehensive and ongoing local support • 24 hour support, 7 days a week

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0800 023 4561 www.iwanttofoster.com 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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Baby/toddler groups in and around Filton Katie Donovan of Southern Brooks Community Partnership is compiling lists of baby and toddler groups in Filton. To be included in this list, pleases 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 Mon, 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 St Andrew’s Toddler Group Venue: St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton Ages: Birth to 4 years Times: Fridays 10.00 - 12.00 Cost: £1.50 per adult Contact: Alison 0117 931 5942 TERM TIME ONLY

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Advertising feature

Filton motoring March: Driving economically

With fuel prices set to rise again shortly, fuel consumption has a lot to do with the car you buy, but whatever you drive there are things you can do to save money and reduce energy use, CO2 emissions and pollution. These eco-driving tips are the motoring equivalent of insulating the hot water tank, fitting lowenergy bulbs and not leaving the television on standby. They are simple ideas that really will make a difference. Save more than 10% on fuel – here’s how! Maintenance • Servicing: get the car serviced regularly (according to the manufacturer’s schedule) to maintain engine efficiency • Engine oil: make sure you use the right specification of engine oil (check the handbook) • Tyres: check tyre pressures regularly and before long journeys; under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance and so use more fuel (check the handbook and increase pressures for heavier loads as recommended) Before you go • Lose weight: extra weight means extra fuel so if there’s anything in the boot you don’t need on the journey take it out • Streamline: roof-racks and boxes add wind resistance and so increase fuel consumption. If you don’t need it take it off – if you do, pack carefully to reduce drag • Leave promptly: don’t start the engine until you’re ready to go as idling wastes fuel and the engine warms up more quickly when you’re moving; in the winter, scrape ice rather than leave the car idling to warm up En route • Easy does it: drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking

• Decelerate smoothly: when you have to slow down or to stop, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear • Rolling: if you can keep the car moving all the time, so much the better; stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling • Change up earlier: don’t labour the engine but try changing up at an engine speed of around 2,000 rpm in a diesel car or around 2,500 rpm in a petrol car. This can make such a difference that all cars in the future are likely to be fitted with a ‘Gear Shift indicator’ light to show the most efficient gear change points. • Cut down on the air-con: air-conditioning increases fuel consumption at low speeds, but at higher speeds the effects are less noticeable. So if it’s a hot day open the windows around town and save the air conditioning for high speed driving. Don’t leave air-con on all the time but aim to run it at least once a week throughout the year to maintain the system in good condition. • Turn it off: electrical loads increase fuel consumption, so turn off your heated rear windscreen, demister blowers and headlights, when you don’t need them • Stick to speed limits: the faster you go the greater the fuel consumption and pollution. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. Cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph. • Don’t be idle: if you do get caught in a queue, avoid wasting fuel – turn the engine off if it looks like you could be waiting for more than three minutes. See advert on Page 23

March, 2012

Filton MP welcomes reform of benefits

The Government’s victory in passing the Welfare Reform Bill, ensuring that no family can get more in benefits than the average working family earns, has been welcomed by Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke. Under the reforms, the benefit payments that a household on out of work benefits will be capped at £26,000 per year so that work always pays. Mr Lopresti said: “In Filton and Bradley Stoke, the average person would have to pay tax for 23 years to pay for one household to receive £104,000 in benefits a year, which could happen if Labour had their way. “This benefit cap shows that Conservatives are the party of fairness, standing up for hard working taxpayers. By voting against it, Labour have once again shown they are the party of something for nothing.’ Prime Minister David Cameron said: ‘This marks an historic step in the biggest welfare revolution in over 60 years. This government has taken bold action to make work pay, while protecting the vulnerable. Past governments have talked about reform, while watching the benefits bill sky rocket and generations languish on the dole and dependency. “This government is delivering it. Our new law will mark the end of the culture that said a life on benefits was an acceptable alternative to work.’

First aid training

As part of the enrichment programme at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, - formerly Filton College - the Level 1 Public Service students recently took part in first aid training with St John Ambulance. The training was delivered by Anne Millett an experienced trainer with St John’s Ambulance, who arrived with both adult sized and baby sized manikins. These manikins were used to demonstrate life saving skills in the form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Sarah Bishop, tutor, said: “The students enjoyed the training and were fully engaged from start to finish. A few of the group were natural first aiders, showing excellent skills.”

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Council says no to webcast The chance to view Filton Town Council meetings from the comfort of home will not happen after a plan for webcasts of meetings was rejected on the grounds of cost. Councillors heard that authorities such as Bristol City Council broadcast meetings online. But the cost of a professional broadcast service - estimated at £12,000 per year - was deemed by councillors as too expensive. Councillors also questioned whether there would be sufficient interest from members of the public. Councillor Kieran Hyde, who investigated the possibility for the council, added that the town council would also have to invest several thousand pounds in high quality equipment to make it work. Webcasts

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Advertising feature

Fostering - a chance to discover yourself

a different outlook on life and Foster Care Associates is the UK’s was a very humbling experience, leading independent fostering helping him to reassess his allow people to view live events if agency who are passionate about personal values. James and they have a good quality internet making a lasting difference to Hannah believe learning to connection. the lives of children, families and be part of a community and The council had been urged to communities. understanding the importance look into webcasts after a request Two of our carers in Bristol, of a strong family unit are from a member of the public. James and Hannah Roberts are significant aspects to a young The possibility of podcasts also passionate about sharing person’s development. - recordings of the meetings with young people what they At FCA we recognise the but with no pictures - was also have found by visiting Sierra value of such ventures as the rejected for now. Leone - “an opportunity to Roberts family have undertaken Councillor Doug Daniels said: discover yourself, what it means and are pleased that Mark found “It is interesting but for a small to belong and what it means the trip a valuable experience. council like ours it seems a bit to achieve beyond your own If you think you have what over the top.” imagination.” it takes to become a foster This sentiment motivated carer intoour our Bristol James and Hannah to amazing take experience “Fostering has been an - it’s then really pop changed lives” office at 11-13 Whiteladies their 17 year old fostered young onright a trip to Sierra Couldperson, fosteringRob, be the challenge for you? Road, Bristol BS8 1PB on any We are looking Tuesday betweenforalso 10am-1pm in LeoneWITH whereFCA James is originally FOSTER experienced Form F March or alternatively from and where they • Competitive fee, £390.25 p/ware Assessorsyou can • Comprehensive ongoing local support call FCA Freephone 0800 023 developingand a food programme • 24 hour support, 7 days a week 4561 or visit the website www. project. iwanttofoster.com. Rob volunteered his services INTERESTED? advert on Page 37 a local primary school and to a childSee If you at want to make a lasting difference or young person’s life and you have a sparean bedroom thenand get in touch. helped organise athletics football tournament, helping We are an established independent fostering agency with 15 years’ experience, children far less fortunatespecialising than in looking after children all ages. himself. The tripoftruly gave Rob 0800 023 4561 www.iwanttofoster.com

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foster carer

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March, 2012

News Help for the over-60s Help is available relating to: • • • • • • • • • • •

Neighbourhood policing Fire safety Energy advice Water consumption Community transport Library service Benefits advice Age UK South Glos Handy Van service Care and Repair Keeping Active

People over 60 in Filton can receive services to improve their quality of life as a result of the innovative First Contact scheme. Under the scheme, elderly people who are visited by one agency - for example the police or the council - can ask the visiting worker to put them in touch with a range of other services. For example, a fire safety officer might call to an elderly person’s home and during the visit, the resident might explain he or she had a problem with community transport. The fire service officer would complete a very simple form, pass it to the relevant authority, and the resident could expect information about transport within weeks. A spokesperson for the

scheme said: “The First Contact Scheme supports older people in South Gloucestershire to access services to which they are entitled. This is achieved by maximising the opportunities for agencies routinely visiting or coming into contact with older people to complete a simple checklist to identify if a person will benefit from the services offered. The referral will be passed to the relevant agency to contact the older person directly and to deliver the appropriate services. “It encourages take up of services through trusted and known professionals and volunteers who can explain the positive side of seeking help and the types of service available. “The scheme uses a simple, quick and easy checklist of 12

questions, enabling staff and volunteers to ascertain the needs of the person they are dealing with. “The checklist is completed by the agency that first has contact with the older person; it is ususally completed by the member of staff or volunteer from the agency in conjunction with the older person. The checklist is available in South Gloucestershire libraries and at events for older people to either complete themselves or complete with the help of staff.” Forms are also available at www.southglos.gov.uk/ firstcontact

State-of-the-art sports facilities for hire Sports Hall Sprung floor dance studio Floodlit multi use games area for Netball, Tennis and Basketball Floodlit all weather pitch for Hockey or Football (sand based) For more details contact us by phone or email on Tel: 0117 3075660 | lettings@abbeywoodschool.com www.abbeywoodschool.com/lettings

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March, 2012

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Market traders sold counterfeit designer clothes South Gloucestershire Council has successfully prosecuted a market trader and his son who have been convicted of selling and possessing counterfeit items of clothing at a market in Filton. Balvinder Singh and his son Harminder Singh, both of Westbourne Road, Downend, appeared before Northavon Magistrates Court on Monday 13 February where they were found guilty of offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994. Dad Balvinder Singh pleaded guilty to two offences of selling counterfeit goods under the

Trade Marks Act 1994 and will now be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court in March. His son Harminder Singh was found guilty of 12 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, relating to possessing counterfeit clothing. He was sentenced with a 2 year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1,000 prosecution costs. Trading standards officers seized around 250 items of counterfeit stock similar to well known fashion brands including G Star, Super Dry, Adidas, Nike and Fred Perry.

Officers were first alerted to the duo in October 2009 after they received reports from a brand holder that counterfeit goods were being sold at a market in the Filton area. An officer visited the market and was able to buy a pair of counterfeit jeans and polo shirtfrom market stalls operated by Balvinder Singh. Police were alerted and a warrant was executed at their home address in October 2010 where the fake clothing was found in two vehicles parked on the driveway. Cllr James Hunt, executive

member for communities, said: “Trading standards are fighting to protect our legitimate traders and consumers from counterfeiters and this case sends out a clear message – crime does not pay.” Neil Derrick, trading standards senior enforcement officer, said: “The trade in counterfeit goods is against the law and therefore we would discourage anyone from knowingly purchasing these types of substandard items and therefore supporting this illegal trade.”

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Filton gardening

March: Barbecues

The sun is starting to come out and it’s never too early to make sure you have the right equipment for a family barbecue. Here at Almondsbury Garden Centre we stock Weber products which are from a family run American company that has been selling barbecues all over the world for nearly 60 years. Weber was the first company to put a lid on their barbecues, allowing to food to be cooked evenly on the inside and the outside. By having a lid on their barbecues it allows you not only to barbecue but also to roast on them. Weber barbecues are made from punched steel that is checked and checked again to make sure that only the best quality is turned into a Weber barbecue. By punching the steel instead of welding it, the barbecues will never burn through. Over the last 60 years Weber has not lost it spirit of invention. With the bestselling barbecue in its range, the One Touch Original barbecue has inspired the creation of the One Touch Premium barbecue. The coating on the barbecues is porcelain enamel that will not scratch under normal everyday use. All Weber barbecues are designed and tested to withstand all weather conditions that the barbecues face when left outside all year round. In 1985, Weber produced the first Weber gas barbecue. This allowed Weber to manufacture the Weber Q bbq range, compact gas and electric barbecues which

... with Denise Wilson Filton planning Applications

3 Pine Grove, Filton Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. (Resubmission of PT11/3404/F). 3 Hunters Way, Filton Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. 848 Filton Avenue, Filton Construction of vehicular access to Filton Avenue. 2 Gayner Road, Filton Works to a line of Lime trees to re-pollard back to previous points, covered by Tree Preservation Order dated 9 July 2009 12 Fifth Avenue Filton Bristol South Gloucestershire BS7 0LP Application for Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed installation of rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion. were designed with the likes of camping, picnics and weekends away in mind. Even on the gas barbecues Weber designed them so that you can cook with the lid on, to produce the tastiest and juiciest food. All Weber barbecues come with a substantial warranty, and a range of accessories to make cooking on your Weber barbecue an enjoyable experience. And remember to stay safe – the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says barbecues should be fun and will be safe if you prepare properly. It advises choosing one which

is strong and sturdy, in good condition and make sure it is in a suitable location, prepare it early to make sure it is the right temperature for when you want to cook, and never pour on accelerants. Use long handled tools – we’ve got a great range here – and don’t leave it unsupervised and make sure it is fully extinguished before you leave it. So what are you waiting for – get ready for summer now. We look forward to helping you choose your perfect barbecue! Denise Wilson, Almondsbury Garden Centre See advert on Page 48

FilTEEN Don’t you just hate it how parents have constant arguments with you about the simplest things? My parents seem to be having arguments with me a lot during my teenage years. Apparently it’s now ‘rude’ to ask a favour of your dad to do something with you, and also, if your mum tells you what dinner will be, and you decide to make

March, 2012

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our own dinner because you don’t like the idea of it, that’s rude as well. This seems to happen with me on a day to day basis, so what can we teenagers do about it? I feel that parents should respect us being teenagers, and let us have a bit more free will. I agree, they won’t want us using the free will to go out, and

stay out to ridiculous hours, but I think that a little more respect for our age is necessary! I hope you can agree with me that parents are too stressed out, and need to understand that being a teenager now is a lot different to being a teenager 30 years ago! I hope one day, sometime soon, stressful, pointless arguments will be no more!

1 Canberra Grove, Filton Sub-division of existing dwelling to form 2 flats. Erection of two storey side extension to form dwelling. Erection of cycle/bin store and associated works. Decisions Pegasus House And Old Filton House Gloucester Road North, Filton Refurbishment of Pegasus House, demolish later additions to Old Filton House and refurbish, repair entrance gates, form new pedestrian gate opening in wall. Listed Building Consent, Approve with Conditions Land Adjacent To 2 Gayner Road, Filton Non-material amendment to amend boundary between host dwelling and new dwelling. Non-Material Amendment, Objection 14 Dunkeld Avenue, Filton Erection of single storey and two storey rear extensions to form additional living accommodation. Full Planning Approval with conditions

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March, 2012

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We need your views on Filton family and young people services

MP in call to back Filton cycle routes Filton MP Jack Lopresti has urged the government to support cycling in the local area by looking favourably upon a South Gloucestershire Council bid from the government’s Local Sustainable Transport fund. Mr Lopresti was taking part in a debate on cycling in Westminster Hall, the House of Commons, which was prompted by a national campaign supported by The Times and The Independent newspapers. Mr Lopresti told the Transport Minister Norman Baker MP: “My own local authority, South Gloucestershire council, is working very hard to promote cycling, both in my constituency and across the wider Bristol area as part of the West of England partnership, thanks to the funding that has been recently secured through the first phase of bidding for the Government’s local sustainable transport fund. “The council has submitted a larger funding bid as part of the next bidding round. I urge the Minister to look favourably on that bid and support local efforts to promote more sustainable

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means of travel across the subregion.” The Minister responded that he was aware of the bid but that he would not give further comment whilst it was being evaluated. After the debate Mr Lopresti said: “There are so many great benefits to cycling: it is cheap, healthy, efficient, sustainable and

fun. The debate united all sides of the House and it was very well attended. Our desire was to raise more awareness to the issues faced by cyclists, in terms of road safety but also to promote cycling as a great form of transport and something that can deliver real health benefits. I look forward to hearing the Government’s views on the local bid in due course.”

Three key routes for cylists The Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) project is designed to reduce car-based commuting on six key commuter corridors across the West of England. In South Gloucestershire, actions to improve the alternatives to driving will focus on the Bristol North Fringe area providing missing links of cycle and pedestrian routes and building on the infrastructure delivered through the Cycling City project - completing a link between the residential area of Lockleaze and the employment locations in the North Fringe via Bristol Parkway Station. There are 3 cycling routes being promoted in Filton and Bradley Stoke by South Gloucestershire Council as part of the DfT’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (phase 1) and building work on various route improvements is happening already. These routes are: Parkway Station to Cribbs; Parkway Station to Lockleaze; and Lockleaze to Cribbs

Filton residents are being urged to share their views on proposals to transform services for children, young people and families - which include children’s centres, family support services and youth services. The council wants to ensure that the local children, young people and families most in need get support and help to radically improve their lives. There will be an event on 19 March (7-9pm) at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, where local people can find out more about the proposals and ask questions. Like all local authorities, South Gloucestershire Council is reviewing services to ensure that they can meet current and future needs effectively and affordably. The council believes that refocusing services on early intervention and prevention, and making the services more integrated, will deliver greater service quality while also providing better value for money. Key features of the consultation include: • A proposal to develop an enhanced Children’s Centre Programme in those parts of South Gloucestershire where there is the highest concentration of disadvantaged families • A proposal to create an integrated Family Solutions Service to provide targeted support to parents and carers and their families to enable them to become effective as a family unit • A proposal to establish an integrated Targeted Youth Support Service to meet the needs of those teenagers who are most at risk of not achieving their potential or the best quality of life. In each case, the redeveloped services could be delivered either directly by the council or via an external provider and the council is keen to hear people’s views. Welcoming the proposals, Further information can be viewed at www.southglos.gov. uk/consultation

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Mrs Dawson’s Filton kitchen

March, 2012

Choirs unite for concert

TWO amateur choirs based in north Bristol will join forces to perform their latest concert. The New Harmony Ladies’ Choir Bristol will join with the Bristol Male Voice Choir at St Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church on Gloucester Road North in Filton at 7pm on March 23. Approximately 100 members are expected to sing at the church, performing everything from three-part arrangements and religious songs to modern music from the musicals and hits from stars like Michael Buble. New Harmony Ladies’ Choir was formed in 1994, and Bristol Male Voice Choir was founded in 1968 and is one of the largest male voice choirs in the South West. A New Harmony spokesperson said: “We are always delighted to sing with our co-male choir and this should prove to be another memorable event of high standing.” Tickets £7, telephone 0117 9694278 or 0117 935 5597 or pay at the door.

March: Easter biscuits Mrs Dawson says, “I always use oil of cassia when making my Easter biscuits to give them that traditional west country flavour, but if you prefer, you can always use mixed spice as a substitute. You can also add lemon zest if you want to give them an extra zing. I prefer to serve them on a china plate with a light dusting of icing sugar. Some people like to add to the Easter theme by cutting the butter cookies into crosses, rabbits or egg shapes.” Ingredients • 275g Plain Flour • 200g Butter • 150g Caster Sugar • 50g Currants • 2 Egg Yolks • 6 drops of Cassia oil Method • Mix the ingredients together. • If the mix is a little dry add a little milk. • Roll and cut to shape. • Bake in a moderate oven (180c/350f or Gas Mark 4) for 10 to 15 minutes

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Tickled pink! Spring is here at last, so ditch those drab colours from your winter wardrobe and step out in style in this season’s gorgeous selection of fuscias and hot pinks. Gingham crop trousers £10 Matalan

Block colour bag £12 George at Asda Fontana Top £55 Monsoon

Blazer £28 and Trousers £20 by F&F Limited Edition. Top £16 by F&F. All at Tesco

Hot pink bodycon dress £40 Next

Pink bow shoe by Emilio Luca £28 Brantano

Ultimate wrap dress £40 Gok for Tu at Sainsbury’s

Graham Cook Gardener and handyman

* 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

Grass cutting, hedge and shrub trimming, weeding, planting, felling small trees, clearing, small painting jobs including garden fences and other maintenance work. Please call for a no-obligation chat

Call 0117 377 0644 or 07415 658 205

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Rubbish clearance Cheaper than a skip - guaranteed Domestic & Commercial Man & Van service For a free quote, please ring Mark on 07817 959 860 or 0117 904 8097

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Local couple organise Little Stoke Beach Party Fundraiser

17th March 7pm to Midnight at Little Stoke Social Club Rob and Catherine Ellingford (mum & dad to their beloved pet dog Tamsin) are organising a pre-summer Beach Party Evening in aid of Bristol D.A.W.G, (Dog Action Welfare Group). The event follows a very successful Christmas Party fundraiser, which raised £1,850 for this very worthy cause. Local residents are encouraged to gather family and friends to go along for a great night out. There will be beach party decorations to get you in the evening mood with fancy dress optional, a disco by D.J.Bristol to dance away the night, and a charity auction (with kind donations from various local traders, who will all get a big thank you on our web site after the event). Rob and Catherine, who run Avon Cars a local private hire and executive travel company, have chosen Bristol D.A.W.G as their nominated charity of the year. For more information on this event you can contact Rob or Catherine on 07843 469416, the tickets are £10 (which includes all entertainment and buffet). The Little Stoke Social club can be found at the back of the Concord doctors surgery on Braydon Avenue, Little Stoke. Tickets need to be purchased before the night. If you need a taxi, give Avon Cars a call, we are a private hire company but do a similar service to a taxi, so give us a call for your everyday services, supermarket shopping, hospital and doctors appointments or airport transfers. Call now for a quote on 01454 62 50 50 or e-mail avoncars@btconnect.com, www.avoncars.co.uk

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Easter church services in Filton St Teresas’s Thursday 5th April Holy Thursday Mass of the Lords Supper 8pm St. Vincent’s Southmead Good Friday 6th April Stations of the Cross 11am St. Vincent’s Good Friday Service 3pm St. Teresa’s Holy Saturday 7th April Easter Vigil 8.30pm St. Teresa’s Easter Sunday 8th April Easter Sunday Mass 9am St. Vincent’s 10.30am St. Teresa’s St Peter’s Palm Sunday 8am Holy Eucharist 10am Parish Eucharist with procession Maunday Thursday 7.30pm Eucharist of the Last Supper Good Friday 10am Family Feet Washing Service in the hall with hot cross buns 2pm Liturgy of the Last Hour Holy Saturday 8pm The Vigil Service Easter Sunday 8am The Eucharist of the Dawn 10am Festival Eucharist 6pm Solemn Choral Evensong St Andrew’s Maunday Thursday 7.30pm Good Friday 10.30am Easter Sunday 6.30am Communion 10.30am Service 6pm Service

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Filton Petanque Club

Pla yP etanque (Boule s) Play Petanque (Boules) a ar k, F ilton att Elm P Par ark Filton all w elcome to come welcome and ha ve a go hav

Practice on Sunda y lunch time s Sunday times om 12 noon starting on Sunda y from Sunday fr 18th Mar ch and March Wedne sda ys 7 .30pm starting on ednesda sday 7.30pm Wedne sda y 21st Mar ch ednesda sday March Roger Hutchinson (Secretary) Filton Petanque Club Tel: 07875158423 Membership £5 per annum rmhutchinson@blueyonder.co.uk