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filtonvoice March, 2013 Issue 18

Budding reporters making headlines

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

Page 7

Letters, Pages 14&15 | NEW: Property of the month, Page 28

Council tax is frozen again Page 4

Anger over bin suspects Page 6

Shops unsuitable for GP surgery Page 8

Residents’ worries for police station site, Page 5

Band celebrates 40 years in Filton Pages 24&25

Business boost for Filton’s butchers after scare over horse meat Page 3

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Fears recede on student housing Page 9

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Contacts

Richard Coulter Editor and publisher

0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Emma Cooper Advertising sales

0771 577 0448 | emma@filtonvoice.co.uk EDITOR’S NOTE: Filtonvoice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered although we have used some of the services.

Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Filtonvoice is distributed each month to all Filton residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from Filton Library. Feedback is welcomed, call editor Richard Coulter on 0777 555 0607 or richard@filtonvoice.co.uk.

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

Fire

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

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, 2013

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Witness appeal

Filton butchers: trade up since horse meat scandal

Witnesses are being sought following a serious road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a bus in Filton. The incident happened at about 6.30pm on Monday, February 4th, outside Abbeywood Retail Park in Station Road. The pedestrian – a man believed to be in his late teens – was taken to Frenchay Hospital with serious head injuries. His condition is described as comfortable and stable. Anyone able to help is asked to call 101 or using the following link www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/contact/crime_ reporting

Pool evacuated

By Laura Sydney-Smith

Butchers in Filton have seen an increase in trade in the wake of the horse meat scandal. National reports suggested the public had started to lose faith in their supermarkets and had started to shop local for their meat, with customers trusting the butchers to know where there meat is coming from and what meat they are getting. Both butchers in Filton, Gales Farm Meats and Millhouse, said there had been an increase in sales. They said that as more was uncovered about horse meat in supermarkets, new faces were entering their shops. Stuart Gale from Gales Farm Meats said he welcomed the new trade. He said: “In the last few weeks we have found an increase in sales due to the horse meat scandal. “There have been lots new faces in the shop but whether they will stick with us we don’t know. “People have been saying that they have lost confidence with their supermarkets. “We get all our meat from our own farm in Gloucester; we make all our own pies and everything in the shop. We can ensure people know what they are getting.” Adrian Cunliffe of Millhouse echoed the statements of Stuart, He said: “We have had a few new faces over the last week.

“People have lost trust with the supermarkets and are turning to their local butchers. “All our meat is delivered fresh daily from a farm in Gloucester. We can ensure the quality we are receiving and selling.” Meanwhile, the South Gloucestershire School Meals service has said parents should not be concerned about school dinners. In a statement, a spokesman said: “You will be aware of the ongoing press coverage about the presence of horse meat in some beef products. “South Gloucestershire Council’s Catering Service would like to reassure schools and parents of the safety of its school meals. We do not purchase processed beef dishes for use in our school meals, nor do we purchase foods from any of the suppliers implicated in the press coverage. “All our meals are freshly prepared on school premises, using ingredients and provisions purchased through formal contract arrangements, with strict controls on product sources. “Our meat suppliers have provided confirmation of the source and traceability of their products, as part of routine product audit trails. “Once again, we would like to reassure schools and parents that school meals in South Gloucestershire remain safe.”

Butchers Stuart and Bernard Gale, left, from Gales Farm Meats and Adrian Cunliffe, right, from Millhouse

Filton Sports and Leisure Centre pool was evacuated after a fire in the staff room, caused by a fan. Swimmers were issued with foil blankets and taken to the Community Centre to warm up. Fire Brigade attended and staff managed to put the fir out. No one was hurt and the pool re-opened the following day.

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Council tax is frozen for third successive year Council tax is set to be frozen for a third consecutive year in Filton while a Living Wage (set at £7.45 per hour) will be introduced for low-paid South Glos council staff from October 2013. In the authority’s first budget proposals since moving to a committee system last May, committee members recommended a budget of £189 million for 2013/14, with council tax for a Band D property to be set at £1,234.43. This was ratified later in February by the full council. In Filton, the parish precept has been frozen at £174 but the yearly bill for a Band D household is still around £100 more than the South Glos average of £1,539.27

The proposals were agreed unanimously by the authority’s three political groups prior to implementation in April 2013. To draw up this year’s budget South Glos carried out a wideranging consultation which included holding road show events at the district’s main shopping centres, as well as carrying out our online survey. More than 1,410 people responded. Residents said the top three services which should be prioritised are care for older people, schools and care for the disabled and those with learning difficulties. Satisfaction with the council is up four per cent on last year to 73 per cent, and 54 per cent of respondents think the council provides good value.

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March, 2013

What Filton residents will pay (average Band D household)

South Glos Council tax: Filton precept: Police and fire:

£1,234.43 £174.48 £232.05

Total:

£1,640.96

Leader of the council’s Conservative Group Cllr John Calway said: “South Gloucestershire’s part of the council tax is one household item that does not have to increase because of our plan to freeze it, whilst at the same time protecting the value-formoney frontline services that our residents demand. As a result, the average Band D household is on course to have saved £139 on their council tax bill over three years.” Leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat Group Cllr Ruth Davis said: “This budget will see the protection of our vital services, and allow us to plan for the future. “I’m pleased we were able to

address the priorities of all three parties.” Leader of the council’s Labour Group Cllr Andy Perkins said: “I am pleased that key Labour proposals have made their way into the agreed package. Bringing in the Living Wage, keeping our Housing Benefit team fully staffed and freezing the Council Tax are all measures that should help those struggling with their finances.” The proposed spending commitments will be met by freezing the council’s inflation provisions for 2013/14. This will reduce its council tax increase requirements and in turn allow it to access a government grant that will allow council tax to be frozen for a third year.

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March, 2013

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New home fears on police site By Laura Sydney-Smith

A proposal for 19 new homes to be built on the Filton Police station site has been met with worry from local residents. Visitors to a consultation exhibition at Elm Park said the increase of traffic would put pressure on an already overcrowded area for places to park. Most residents who attended had received a letter from Knightstone making them aware of the plans and inviting them to attend and voice their concerns. Filton Police station is due to be relocated to a site at Patchway and demolished in April 2014. The land could be redeveloped by Knightsone Housing Association who are seeking permission to build 19 new homes on the site, a combination of 3 bedroom houses and 1-2 bedroom flats. The proposed build would last approx a year and be designed specifically for people who are on low income, mostly working families. Knightstone said that each house would meet the ‘Homes and Communities Agency’s Quality and Design Standards, HQI Ratings, Level 3 code for sustainable homes.’ According to residents, the worry is that with the increase of people moving to the area, parking for residents will be extremely difficult if not impossible. Local man Clive Allan said: “With the current situation it is hard to park already, even at night. Our worry is that the situation will just get worse. “We have applied for double

Artist’s impression: View looking south from Gloucester Road yellow lines before to reduce the congestion but were rejected. “Most families have two cars per family, but people down the road from us have 3+, some have large vans which block the road. More houses will just add to the situation.” Chris Dawson, Development Manger for Knightstone told residents that parking would be taken seriously. He said: “The houses will be allocated 2 parking spaces and the flats will have 1 parking space. There is a global need for housing in Bristol and South Gloucestershire and this site has been deemed suitable for development but we will take all residents’ worries into consideration when designing the final plans.” The deadline for the final plans to be submitted to the planning department is April

Here’s what residents have been saying on Facebook Pete Holcombe: I am rather concerned about the parking right on the corner between the proposed out and in roads. The parking will either mean the occupant/s will reverse on to the corner or reverse on to the drive way from the corner. This will create a strong likelihood of an accident with cars coming from the direction of the playing fields or also traffic going down Elm Park as the cars are most likely to just suddenly start reversing with out any prior warning.

Wajid Hussain: The flats proposed will be too high and overbearing on the church, and are not in keeping with the surrounding buildings on Elm Park. Mandy Holcombe: I would also have concerns about the ‘in and ‘out’ roads, and extra driveways on the corner, that is a very busy walking route for taking children to the local school. Accidents waiting to happen. www.facebook.com/filtonvoice

2013.

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Tel: 0117 969 1232 | www.galesfarmmeats.co.uk 4 Church View, Filton, BS34 7BT Also Gales of Westbury Park, 31 North View, Westbury Park | Good old-fashioned service

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March, 2013

Police’s ‘slow response’ over wheelie bin gang A Filton woman says police were unable to respond when she saw suspected thieves - including a 12-year-old child - in the early hours with a large wheelie bin. The resident, who has asked not to be identified, said she had been burgled a few years ago and the culprit had removed all the stolen items in a wheelie bin. She said she found it “depressing” that police told her they were unable to come out immediately even though she was able to pinppont an address. Police told Filtonvoice that although she did the right thing, there were nearly 40 “priority” calls at the time including assault and suicide incidents. The woman, from Filton Park, said she was returning with friend from town at about 1.45am and spotted a woman and a child with a wheelie bin. She said: “My friend who was

driving spun round, pulled along side and asked if she was ok, the bin looked heavy, where was she going? She came out with a ridiculous story about ‘living under a bridge’ and that the bin bag had chicken in it for her dinner. We drove off a little way a way and noticed that a man had joined her. “We decided to ring the police and told them what we’d seen and where they had headed to. We followed them at a distance down to a road just off Southmead Rd, and we watched them walk down. “The police took down the details asking if we were in any danger and thanked us for the call. A few minutes later we rang again to say it looked as if the woman, child and man had gone into a house. “This time the police said they’d be unlikely to send

someone out as it was Friday night. As we drove back up Southmead Road, we saw them again walking in the same direction - they’d obviously done a loop to see if we were still there. At this point the woman pulled up her sleeves and started running towards us. Needless to say we drove off. “It would have been reassuring to have had a better response from the police. Normal people do not walk the streets at two in the morning with a wheelie bin. They were clearly doing something suspicious. “If they were up to something, they would have been caught red-handed.” Police said the call was given priority but there were 39 other priority calls and 21 requiring immediate attendance in the Bristol and South Glos area between midnight and 3am.

These were for incidents including assault, suicide and missing people. As soon as there was an officer available, about an hour later they attended and searched the area but found no trace of the individuals. Force Incident Manager Inspector Adam Crockford said: “This caller did exactly the right thing by reporting their suspicions to us and I hope they will do the same thing again in similar circumstances. We must give priority to incidents where people are at risk but the descriptions have been recorded and are very useful. “We had no house burglaries reported in the area that night.”

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Budding reporters make the headlines with stories on burglary

Emily and Mike with their entries, left Year 6 children at Filton Hill Primary school have been looking at journalistic writing in literacy and recently staged a ‘burglary’ in the head teacher’s office! The children had to investigate by collecting facts and interviewing the head teacher and the caretaker. They planned and wrote their own articles, supposedly for Filtonvoice. Filtonvoice editor Richard

Coulter judged the articles and said that the quality was very high. He said: “It was good to see attention to detail in all the articles - this is one of the most important skills for journalists. “It was hard to pick the best but I felt that the entries by Emily Powell and Mike Meehan conveyed best the drama of the incident.”

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March, 2013

Filton’s vacant shops unlikely to be used for doctor’s surgery Vacant shops in Northville/Filton Park are unlikely to be suitable for development as a GP practice, doctors from the Elm Lodge surgery have said. GPs addressed Filton Town Council and told councillors and members of the public that they had looked at shops and also the current police station site but suitability and cost meant none were an option. The Elm Lodge practice on Gloucester Road North, a subbranch of the Concord Medical Centre in Little Stoke, is set to close this year after the current lease was not renewed.

Last month it was revelaed that, in documents seen by Filtonvoice, NHS South Gloucestershire had received a request from Concord to close the Filton sub-branch. This has led to concern in Filton that those most in need of care and treatment will be forced to either join a new practice further from their home or travel to Little Stoke for appointments. Dr Simon Bradley told the town council: “The cost of of redeveloping the current site would be £700,000 and the police station site cost was prohibitive such that the Primary

Care Trust was not interested. We have considered some of the vacant shops but the restrictions we work under these days mean that they would be unsuitable.” Dr Bradley said there could be issues with ensuring confidentiality and he also cited the problems with diagnosing conditions such as jaundice which requires natural light. A member of the public asked if the large ex-school uniform

shop on the corner of Northville Road and Gloucester Road North could be used and Dr Bradley said that site had not been considered. Dr Bradley said that other local surgeries had indicated that they could find spaces for the 300/400 patients who, they estimate, will wish to remain with a local doctor. He said this included the Monks Park surgery.

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Student housing fears recede The possibility of student housing on the site of Filton’s Newleaze House looks unlikely, it has emerged. Yate-based social landlord Merlin Housing Society is now looking to build “much needed” new family homes in Filton after deciding the supported housing scheme accommodation was no longer fit for purpose. Last year, it had been hinted that student accommodation could have been the replacement on the site - provoking concern among people living nearby who feared noise problems and issues with parking. According to Merlin, research has shown this optionto be unfeasible. The majority of Newleaze residents have agreed to move out, many to a new apartment complex in Bradley Stoke. In the interim, Merlin has agreed

to make the property available for rent by key workers such as nurses and police officers. Merlin had hoped to keep the existing buildings and use them for another specialist group like students, but Peter Crouch, Development Manager at Merlin said: “We’ve made a decision based on our Business Plan and our finances, but it has

also taken into account the views of our community and the local councillors. “We want to be an organisation that listens and that’s what we have done. We hope this level of feedback will continue as we look to consult with people who live in the surrounding area on our plans for the site.”

The majority of residents of Newleaze House agreed with the proposal to close the outdated scheme. Most have taken the opportunity to move into Bluebell Gardens, Merlin’s brand new Independent Living Community in Bradley Stoke. Merlin has also arranged for an organisation that houses essential workers like nurses and police officers to let the property until the site is cleared. “People told us they were worried that it would become a target for vandals if it was left empty, so we came up with a solution that will allay those fears,” said Mr Crouch. “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to hopefully satisfy them, house people we all rely on in the short term, and reduce the waiting list for housing in South Gloucestershire in the long term.”

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

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March, 2013

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In brief

Who is the ‘ghost’ of Filton Airfield?

Area of main map. The runway can be seen at the top and Concorded to the right

Shelter may move

Filton’s Teen Shelter at Elm Park could be moved, the town council has heard. Cllr Andy Chubb told the full council meeting that he had begun some informal consultations over possible new locations.

MUGA meeting

A meeting to discuss a ‘multi-use games area’ (MUGA) for Filton will be held on Saturday, April 6 at noon at Elm Park. If built, the facility would include modern sports courts including basketball and five-aside football. The town council has identified a preferred contractor but the (aprox) £120,000 project will require external funding and a proposal to begin investigations into possible grants will be heard by the finance committee.

Bus for Conygre

A ‘ghostly’ figure has been spotted on a map of Filton Airfield, just weeks after it closed to flights for the last time. The image, which looks like a man with a jacket, has been discussed widely on internet forums with many people coming up with theories on who the ghost could be. The image is shown on a piece of land next to the airfield on the site of the historic village of Charlton, which was bulldozed

in 1946 to make way for the runway. After the closure of the airfield in December, owners BAE Systems look set to turn the land over to property developers with the possibility of 5,000 new homes in total across the site. A huge campaign was launched to save the airfield and campaigners are clinging to the hope that in the Spring inspectors will view Filton as

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strategically important and vital for the UK’s air capacity. Meanwhile, ‘Lord of the Manor’ Tim Shorland, who bought the title of Lord of the Manor of Hempton and Northwick 25 years ago, claims to hold rights to minerals below Filton Airfield. He was reported as saying he would use the fracking process to extract the minerals. The Bristol Post reported BAE Systems as rejecting Mr Shorland’s claims.

Four Towns Vale Link/Severnside Transport Ltd will provide a demand service in Conygre, Cllr Ian Scott has said. Users would need to book in advance and there would be a fee for non-diamond bus pass holders. Diamond pass holders pay a £5 fee and the service is free. Cllr Scott said he was still trying to press Firstbus to reroute the 75 and 18 services through Conygre, along Filton Avenue, rather than staying on the A38 from the college to Filton Church. Cllr Scott has said that people in Conygre need a proper bus service and that the existing A38 route is subject to heavy delays at peak hours.

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

T: 0777 555 0607

Filton school news

filtonvoice

Abbeywood Community School

The school was pleased to raise £1,010.35 for the British Heart Foundation during their Rock Up in Red event last month. l During the half-term break, 25 Abbeywood students travelled to Obertauern, Austria for a week of skiing and snowboarding. The students were a credit to the school in the way they behaved and conducted themselves, mixing well with students from other schools and interacting with their instructors brilliantly. All of the students made high levels of progress and can now officially consider themselves as proper ‘skiers and snowboarders’. There were many notable performances and all students did well in tackling the challenges faced on the slopes. Finley Boyce (Skier of the Week) and Jamie Collins (Snowboarder of the Week) deserve special mentions but all students deserve praise for their efforts and improvements.

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

March, 2013

Orchard School Bristol

People from Filton and north Bristol are invited to a week-long celebration of arts this month (MARCH) – and the chance to seek out some giant apples! Stimulate your Senses is a week-long arts festival, from March 1521, organised by the With One Voice Partnership. Singers, dancers and bands are also being invited to take part in a showcase performing arts competition at Orchard School on March 18, 19 and 21. The week will include an arts trail around 12 venues on Saturday, March 16, mainly in Horfield and Filton. There will be displays to look at and opportunities for visitors to try out an artform themselves. The With One Voice Partnership is a joint effort between Orchard School Bristol, Filton Avenue Infant and Junior Schools, and Upper Horfield Community School. Details are available at www.wovp.org or by calling 0117 353 4698.

Filton Hill Primary

We were aware that not all children understood all the issues surrounding racism and therefore we invited SARI (Support Against Racist Incidents) to school last month. Desreen Bailey visited the school. She talked to the children about bullying and explained that racism is a kind of bullying. She explained to the children that some people treat other people badly and this is called racism. It isn’t just about skin colour, but also making fun of the way people dress or talk. If someone is picked on because of their culture, country or skin colour it is racist bullying. She told the children how hurtful and upsetting it can be and we should all say no to racism. We are all part of one race, but racism divides people.

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

Petcare with Michael Parry of Vets4Pets in Filton Dogs must be microchipped from 2016 The introduction of compulsory microchipping is a giant leap for dogs and their owners and is something that Vets4Pets have long supported. From 2016, all dog owners in England will have to microchip their pet. Ministers hope the change in the law will help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets and relieve some of the burden of stray dogs on animal charities. Michael Parry, Vet and Practice Partner at Vets4Pets Filton, said: “I’m delighted to hear the new ruling because

sadly it is all too common to have stray pets brought into practice and it’s very sad if we can’t find their owners. We always encourage all pet owners to microchip their pets and keep their contact details with microchip companies up to date so that they can be easily contacted.” Microchipping is safe for your pet and an essential part of responsible ownership. Vets4Pets Filton are offering to microchip your pet for only £15 until 30th April 2013.

£15 Microchip

They’ll be lost without one!

Snow-affected Open Morning rearranged Our snow-affected Lower School Open Morning has been rearranged for Friday March 8th (9.30am-11.30am) and will be combined with ‘Spring into Action’ in Nursery and Reception. Watch out for more Teddy Bears picnics on Saturday April 27th and Spring Open Morning on Friday May 3rd.

Further information: Stuart Smart, Head of Colston’s Lower School, Park Road, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BA

Book your appointment today

Call 0117 969 8400

Hope to see you without the snow this time!

Tel 0117 965 5297 stuartsmart@colstons.bristol.sch.uk www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk

or visit www.vets4pets.com Vets4Pets Filton

Shield Retail Centre, Gloucester Road, Filton, BS34 7BQ

Opening hours: 8.30am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat

Colston’s – a school for the family Registered Charity No 1079552

T: 0777 555 0607

filtonvoice

Letters and opinions

March, 2013

Road rage on Filton bus lane

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 stories at www.filtonvoice.co.uk. Please keep letters short. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

£10 prize

I refer to the article in this months Filtonvoice regarding the bus lane on Filton Avenue and as a resident on that particular stretch of the Avenue I can confirm that there is always abuse of the bus lane, not some, as your article infers. This occurs especially between the end of Mackie Road and the traffic lights, which in the morning rush hour can cause ‘road rage’, even more so with cars trying to turn up behind the hairdressers and come back down to turn left, causing grid lock in some instances. It has to be seen to be believed!! I don’t want this printed, but just thought you should be made aware of it. The only way to stop it happening is to install a camera and fine everyone £100 who enter the bus lane. The council would make a fortune!. Jane Gardiner Filton

Homes worries

Send your letters to the addresses (email or normal mail) opposite and the best one will receive £10 each month. Editor’s decision is final. Letters must not be anonymous and an address supplied (address will not be published if requested)

Having just viewed the plans on the Knightstone website I am rather concerned about the parking right on the corner between the proposed out and in roads. I personally think they are trying to put too much in to the area of land available. Also the flats will be overlooking St Andrew’s Church. It doesnt take a genius to work out the level of respect that will NOT be shown towards people attending church services on a Sunday. Pete Holcombe

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l The issue for me would be conflict with vehicles coming from the A38, even if they are on the other side of the road. Sean Walsh l I question why they need garden space for children when they have the Elm Park right at their doorstep. The 3 bed flats is good because it means families will be moving into an area with mostly families. Wajid Hussain See story on Page 5

Lower payments

I am sure that readers will be interested to know about a recent change to the Council Tax that has not been widely reported. The change is that from this

year taxpayers can spread their Council Tax payments across 12 monthly instalments rather than the current 10 payments. Of course, it won’t change how much households pay overall, but a move to 12 instalments would lead to a smaller amount being paid out every month. To get payments switched to 12 months, residents should contact their council as soon as possible as many don’t seem too keen to publicise this change. In these tough economic times I think residents have a right to know, and I have contacted South Gloucestershire’s finance officers and urged them to include information on how to switch to monthly payments when they send the bills out. Councillor Adam Monk

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

March, 2013

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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Letters and opinions GP surgery fears

My wife and I are among the many (1,500?) patients affected by the impending closure of Elm Lodge Surgery. We were informed of this by Concord a few weeks ago. We were therefore interested to read your article on this matter in the Filtonvoice February issue, and the letter from a fellow patient. There are a few “facts” and statistics in the letter from Concord and your article which seem worthy of comment. 1 The letter from Concord. “60% of you .... in the last year have been to our main branch ...”. This suggests that 40% did NOT go to Little Stoke, ie presumably attended Elm Lodge. This makes the surgery extremely important and critical. 2 As reported in your article: a) “Over the last 18 months Concord has looked for alternative suitable premises. i)How is it that WE have only just been informed? ii) There are several unoccupied retail premises at Northville, of which at least two are larger than Elm Lodge. iii) Surely Concord must have been aware of the duration of their current lease when they took over Elm Lodge surgery when Dr Redmond retired. b) “We are fortunate to have two alternative practices within a few hundred yards.” i) Who is “we”? ii)The alternative practices are, in reality, nearer half a mile from Elm Lodge and, of course, much further for those patients who live near Southmead Road. For those who are able to walk that distance this is only a minor inconvenience. Many others are not so fortunate, and no direct public transport links are available. For anyone who has need of medical care or assistance, continuity in the NHS service is essential. I am sure that many residents of Northville and its neighbourhood are, to say the least, dissatisfied with the

impending situation forced upon them. AJ Steadman Broncksea Road

Airfield fight

“Lord of the Manor” ... Tim Shorland’s claim to the “mines and minerals” beneath Filton’s “closed” airfield runway has taken a significant step forward in preserving this National asset. Combining with Bristol boxing promoter Tex Woodward, who shares similar rights with Tim on other parts of the airfield, they have discovered a resounding “body blow” to eager developers intent on saturating the airfield with upwards of 3000 homes. This will certainly have to be put on hold indefinitely until the legalities of this revelation have been substantially resolved. Through acquiring the mineral title to this prestigious airfield site they are requesting to uphold their legal rights to test-bore the runway to explore the prospects of “shale gas” beneath it. In a process known as “Fracking” it could provide a very substantial fuel source to generate much needed electrical energy at very low cost. It is currently operated in Northern parts of the UK and extensively in America. The Government Inspector, Paul Crysell will be returning to South Gloucestershire Council in March to consider an additional land supply that could add to the Council’s Core Strategy. But he will not be considering the airfield site. That I understand from a Council source is not an option. He considers it ... closed! I am not included in that examination. It is an established fact that the cessation of aircraft activity on this renowned airfield site and its replacement with housing is completely out of character with the neighbourhood. It would simply add to the town’s traffic difficulties particularly at peek times. Filton’s road structure cannot cope with the present capacity without adding more. Additional support in this fight to save the runway is coming from the “Charlton Village Green Committee” in nearby Henbury. “We want our village back,” they are demanding.

It was acquired through a compulsory purchase order to extend the runway in 1946. Appreciation in housing values over succeeding years would have added considerably to the village value contributing to descendants’ benevolence had it remained intact. It caused

anguish and regrets when it was initially undertaken. There were no “disturbance allowances” in those far off days. We are NOT accepting the matter lightly. Our efforts will continue until a satisfactory conclusion has been reached. Clr Douglas Daniels

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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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DGR Windows For a free quotation, call Mike on 07530 159050 Visit www.dgrbristol.co.uk

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

• 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.

Leisure centre gives a lift for air ambulance charity Filton Sports and Leisure Centre are pleased to announce that they have selected Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) as their Charity of the year 2013. During 2013, Filton Sports and Leisure Centre are running several fundraising initiatives to help raise a proportion of the £250,000 of additional funds required for a new Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter in order to replace the ageing Bölkow 105 model that it currently uses. A new helicopter would attend to patients four minutes faster, would allow a mother and child to fly to hospital together and would allow more space for the patient, equipment and mid-air

treatment. Speaking of their support of the charity, Kelly Pillinger, Assistant Manager at Filton Sports and Leisure

Golden Egg Hunt EASTER SUNDAY March 31st 10.00am – 12.00pm Filton Sports and Leisure Centre,

Left to right are Kelly Pillinger, Vicki Brown, Pete Sadler and Sam Scanlan.

Centre said: “We have raised money for various charities over the years but this time we wanted to pool all our efforts

and donate to just one. We selected to support Great Western Air Ambulance as they are local to us and provide such a wonderful service.” “We are excited and privileged to be helping them raise funds and we would urge all our visitors and customers to get involved in our forthcoming events.” John Christensen, Chief Executive of GWAAC said: “We are delighted that Filton Sports and Leisure Centre have decided to support our cause. “In 2012, one of their critical care paramedics attended a cardiac arrest related incident at a swimming pool which reinforces why it is so important for members of the public to learn such vital life-saving skills.”

SUNDAY 31ST MARCH

How far can you row in a minute?

(By Filton police station)

Activities include:  Golden Egg hunt  Pin the tail on the bunny  Face Painting  Basket Making  Hat & Mask making Easter goodie bag provided For more information ask at reception or call on 01454866686

Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Easter Holiday Programme

16th, 7pm Come and join our friendly staff in raising money for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

Come in any time between 10.00am and 4.00pm and have ago. Fastest time wins 12 free swims.

Ratepayers Arms Pub

TUESDAY 26TH MARCH HOLIDAY CAMP 9.30-12.30/12.30 - 3.30 Bouncy Castle, games, cake making and lots more 3 – 11 year olds £ 8.00 half a day £15.00 all Day Wednesday 27th March 10am – 12 midday Football Camp – technics, skills and games Age 5 – 7 year olds £6.50 1pm - 3pm Fun Time soft play, bouncy castle and games 3 – 11 year olds Drop off session £4.50 THURSDAY 28TH MARCH HOLIDAY CAMP 9.30- 12.30/12.30 - 3.30 Bouncy Castle, games, cake making and lots more 3 – 11 year olds £ 8.00 half a day £15.00 all Day TUESDAY 2ND APRIL HOLIDAY CAMP 9.30- 12.30/12.30 - 3.30 Bouncy Castle, games, cake making and lots more 3 – 11 year olds £ 8.00 half a day £15.00 all Day Book at Reception 01454 866686

Boat race competition

Elm Park

Ages 0-5 yrs & 5-10 yrs £3.50 per child

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

March 24th Dave Harris, Local singer, £1 Entry Monday March 25th - Saturday March 30th CORNISH WEEK. We will be selling Real Ales from St Austell Brewery plus Cornish Pasties, Cockles and other sea food. On Saturday 30th March we will be holding a Beach Party night from 8pm onwards and welcome people to come in wearing their summer outfits. Every week we run a Bonus Ball competition in connection with the national lottery. £1 per entry, choose your favourite number between 1 and 49 and the lucky winner wins the Pot (£49). Every Monday in March we have Carling on promotion from 8.30pm, £2.50 per pint.

Community garden

After the first bulbs were planted in the ‘woodland area’ of our Community Garden, we can now confirm several meetings to get things moving along. All will be at 10am in the Pavilion, other than March 16 which will be in the small meeting room at the council offices. The dates are: 16th and 30th March ... then 13th, 20th, 27th April. All volunteers welcome.

Easter Crash Courses in the pool

Week One, w/c March 25 SMALL POOL

Monday 25th March – Thursday 28th March Four Days Course for young children, £19.20 9.00 – 9.30 Pre-school 9.30 – 10.00 Stages One 10.00 – 10.30 Stages One 10.30 – 11.00 Stages One (Tadpoles)

MAIN POOL

Monday 25th March and Tuesday 26th March Rookie Lifeguards Can you swim 25m Frontcrawl and Backcrawl? Why not come along and do your Bronze One and Two Rookie lifeguard Badges Time 9.00 and 11.00 2 Day Course Cost, £19.20 Badges are not included. Wednesday 27th March Aqua Fun, One Hour Workshop, 10-11.00 am

Cost £7.20

With Kelly Holden who is a National / Gold medallist from 1992 – 1999 also one of our club link teachers. Learning skills like sculling, treading water, egg beater leg kick. Once you have mastered these new skills, you can put then all into a mini routine. This one hour workshop is ideal for children in Dolphins, Sharks, Club Link, Gold Link, National Plan Stages 5/6/7/8

Week Two, w/c April 1 SMALL POOL

Tuesday 2nd April – Friday 5th April Workshops – Stages Two and Three (Frogs and Otters), Time 9.00 - 9.45. Cost £5.50 per day, 4 days £22.00 Tuesday Backcrawl Wednesday Breaststroke Thursday Butterfly Friday Frontcrawl ALSO Stage One, (Tadpoles) 10.00 – 10.30 & 10.30 – 11.00 Four Days Course £19.20

Filton Sports and Leisure Centre Activities 2013 Rugby Six Nations 2013. All matches will be shown in the Ratepayers Arms bar. Raffle tickets on sale for a Rugby Shirt March – April 2013 Swimming Lesson re-booking starts 4th March Children’s Holiday Activities, also see poster opposite page Good Friday March 29th Bank Holiday (£1.00 per swim, 10.00am2.00pm) Easter Sunday – Golden egg hunt, around the field. (10.00am – 12.00pm) Easter Monday April 1st Bank Holiday (£1.00 per swim, 10.00am2.00pm) Sunday 31st March, Boat Race Competition, how far can you row in one minute! Royal Life Saving Society Trainer Assessors Course Monday 8th April – 14th April 2013 Monday 27th May Bank Holiday (£1.00 per swim, 10.00am-2.00pm) June – August 2013 Swimming Lesson re-booking starts 3rd June RLSS Lifeguard Course Monday 15th July – Sunday 21st July 2013

Town Council meetings March 12th, 7.30pm Finance Committee, Pavilion 19th, 7pm Planning Committee, Small Meeting Room 26th, 7.30pm Full Council, Pavilion April 9th, 7.30pm Finance Committee, Pavilion

Filton Festival This year’s Filton Festival will take place on Sunday, July 14, it has been confirmed. Follow Us On: Facebook, Filton Sports And Leisure Centre or on Twitter @Filtonpool Call 01454 866686

T: 0777 555 0607

Advertising feature Filton Golf Club

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March, 2013

Something for every golfer at Filton Spotlight on our head professional – Daryl Kelley At Filton Professional Shop we offer a great range of services for everyone: from golf lessons for beginners through to elite players, to club repairs, custom fitting and a large range of the latest clubs, footwear and clothing. We specialise in Callaway products, with all of our staff being ‘Gold Product Specialists’. You can find us on Twitter @FiltonProShop, or by searching for Filton Professional Shop on Facebook. We offer Twitter and Facebook specific deals along with regular updates on stock and the professional staff’s competition performance. Come and pay us a visit!

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

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

March, 2013

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News Food project fears over changes to benefit system by Rebecca Day

Concerns have been raised by a local community project that changes to the welfare reform system will increase reliance upon food banks nationwide. From April 2013, there will be significant changes to the way in which people receive housing and welfare benefits with possible impacts on their income and food expenditure. However, the Filton-based North Bristol Foodbank is helping to ensure that the people it will affect are supported. “This seems very wrong that our country should be in a situation like this,” said Stewart North, the founder of the North Bristol Foodbank. “So we need to do something about it. Food poverty can be an issue for people from all walks of life; many clients are from working families.”

For many of those who use food banks, the rising cost of food combined with static incomes, high unemployment and changes to benefits, have forced them into a situation where they struggle to afford to eat. North Bristol Foodbank has provided food for more than 400 clients in the last six months throughout the area, which includes Horfield, Lockleaze, Filton, Patchway, Southmead and Bradley Stoke. The local initiative currently feeds between thirty to forty clients each week. Food is donated weekly and dropped off at Revive Charity Shop on Filton Avenue. There are also several other collection boxes around North Bristol, and quarterly supermarket collections are undertaken by the Foodbank. All food is donated by the general public.

Those in need of food are identified by care professionals, who can then issue the clients with Foodbank vouchers. One voucher provides enough food for three days; sufficiently covering the immediate crisis. “In the event that it takes a little longer, then up to two more vouchers may be issued,” said Mr North. “If the crisis is still not resolved – or reoccurs – we are happy for the distributor to contact us to discuss extension of cover for a longer period.” The vouchers are given to individuals or families, who are in crisis, for short-term emergency food, whilst a longterm strategy is developed. For details on how to donate visit: www.northbristol.foodbank.org. uk. Facebook: www.facebook. com/northbristolfoodbank. Twitter: www.twitter.com/ northbristolfb

TV drama role for ex-Filton student

A former student from Filton’s South Gloucestershire and Stroud College is appearing alongside David Tennant and other household names in a new eight-part drama. Bristol born Joe Sims completed a BTEC in Performing arts at the college back in 1999. Now his dream really has come true after landing his latest part in a new ITV drama ‘Broadchurch’. Set in the West County, Broadchurch hit our screens on Monday, March 4 on ITV.

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See www.horfieldhealthcentre.nhs.uk for further information and registration form Horfield Health Centre, Lockleaze Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 9RR, Tel: 0117 9695391, Email: horfield@gp-L81022.nhs.uk

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

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March, 2013

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Computer tips with Graham Simmonds of goto iT in Filton

these? You can look up a list of common passwords online and make sure you don’t choose one! Also don’t use passwords that relate to you such as your name, relatives’ names, names of your pet and so on. So how do you choose a good password? Well, a mix of random letter and numbers are the best and make them longer than eight characters.

But these can be difficult to remember. A good technique is to think of a phrase like “the grand old duke of York, he had ten thousand men” and choose the initial letters “tgodoyhhttm” then choose a number and capitalise one or two letters. “tgoDoYhh10000m”. There are various websites you can use to test how strong this password is. This one

would take 98 million years to crack! I’m happy with that! If you would like to know more, drop in and see us. If there is anything you would like to see a short article about, please contact us on 0117 969 8767 or visit us in our shop on the corner of Filton Ave and the A4174. Advert on Page 11

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Passwords Passwords are everywhere – we need one for online banking, shopping, checking our emails or even logging into our PC. However, how do you make sure you choose a password no one can work out? The most common passwords used are, “password”, “123456”, “12345678”, “abc123” and qwerty. Do you recognise any of

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

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

T: 0777 555 0607

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March, 2013

News Hospital food leads the way in UK Southmead and Frenchay hospitals have become the only hospitals in the UK to be serving patient meals with the prestigious Silver ‘Food for Life’ Catering Mark accreditation from the Soil Association. North Bristol NHS Trust has been awarded the Silver catering mark, recognising the hospitals’ commitment to providing locally sourced and freshly prepared meals to patients using only farm-assured meat, as well as 100% organic minced beef. Each day around 2,500 patient meals are made on-site and much of the food comes from the local area – reducing the Trust’s carbon footprint and supporting local businesses. According to the hospital, in a survey of inpatients, 93 per cent said their hospital meals were good or excellent. The Silver Food for Life

Sharon Fortune, head of catering, and Gary Wilkins, catering operations manager, at North Bristol NHS Trust, with the new Silver Food for Life Catering Mark award from the Soil Association

catering mark was awarded for patient meals that include: • A high proportion of freshly prepared dishes for example Vegetable Cottage Pie, Chicken Korma or Braised Beef & Mushrooms. • Farm Assured meat • Free range eggs

• Free of undesirable additives • “A la carte” menus catering for different religious and cultural beliefs and for those who require specialised diets • 100% organic mince beef from John Sheppard in Ashley Parade, Bristol Simon Wood, Director of

Facilities at North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “The most important factor about the Silver Food for Life Catering Mark from the Soil Association is that it provides assurance to our patients that their meals will be of the highest quality. Ensuring that fresh, local and quality food is the focus of our menus is so important in nutritional terms for the wellbeing and recovery of patients. “The cost has been minimal and in some cases we have saved money by switching to a local supplier.” Rob Sexton, CEO of Soil Association Certification, said: “Patients in Frenchay and Southmead hospitals are unique in being served food that meets the very demanding standards required to reach Silver: freshly prepared, seasonal, local and organic, that is traceable from the farm to the fork.”

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, 2013

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Thought for the month The last time I did Thought for the Month for Filtonvoice, I wrote about Pope Benedict XVI becoming a tweeter, by opening an account on Twitter. At that time, I did not in my wildest dreams expect that by the time I would be writing for Filtonvoice again, Pope Benedict would have stood down from post and be retired. I heard the news in an Irish pub whilst on a few days’ break at the beginning of February. At first I thought it was a joke, and so did many others in the pub. Questions like ‘I wonder what the redundancy package for a pope would be’, reverberated around the lounge. A few minutes later, through the pints of Guinness, I spotted a television where Sky News was broadcasting this quite remarkable but true story. I could not quite believe what I was watching and

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with Father Tom Finnegan, parish priest of St Teresa’s in Filton and St Vincent’s in Southmead

reading. Popes do not retire, I thought. Is it allowed? I found myself questioning. It had been centuries since anything like this had happened. Certainly not in my lifetime, or my parents’ and grandparents’, I could go on…. Later though, after the initial shock had worn off I

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began to dwell upon just what quite had happened. With time to reflect I began to see what a tremendously brave and conscientious decision Pope Benedict had made. He knew he had neither the physical nor spiritual strength to continue in the enormous task of leading the world’s 1.2 Billion Catholics. What a tremendous witness I thought to the realization that one cannot continue doing something for ever. There comes a time in all our lives when we have to say enough is enough and let someone else take over the responsibility. This reality is not only true for Popes, but for all of us. We trust that when we have to give something up that is precious and treasured to us, that we will do so willingly and place our hope in a higher authority that in the end all will be well.

Easter church times St Andrew’s Methodist Church • Good Friday 29th March 10.30am • Easter Sunday 31st March 10.30am All Age Worship and Holy Communion service • Easter Sunday 31st March 6.00pm Evening Service St Peter’s Church • Sunday 24th March 2013, Palm Sunday: In addition the usual 8.00am service there will be a blessing of palms and procession from the Hall starting at 10.00am. Stations of the Cross at 6.00pm • Thursday 28th March 2013, Maundy Thursday: Eucharist of the Last Supper starts at 7.30pm • Friday 29th March 2013, Good Friday: 10.00am Family Service with feet washing in the Church Hall; 2.00pm Liturgy of the Last Hour • Saturday 30th March 2013 Easter Eve: 8.00pm, Vigil Service • Sunday 31st March 2013, Easter Day: 8.00 am, Dawn Eucharist of the Resurrection; 10.00am, Parish Eucharist of the Resurrection; 6.00pm, Solemn Choral Evensong St Teresa’s • Thursday 28th March Mass of the Lord’s Supper 8pm St. Vincent’s Southmead • Friday 29th March, Good Friday Liturgy 3pm St. Teresa’s Filton • Saturday 30th March Easter Vigil 8pm St. Teresa’s Filton • Sunday 31st March Easter Morning Mass 9am St. Vincent’s Southmead • Sunday 31st March Easter Morning Mass 10.30am St. Teresa’s Filton

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March, 2013

News feature Brass band celebrates 40 years of hitting the high notes in Filton Members of the Filton Concert Brass past and present gathered to celebrate the bandâ€™s 40th anniversary. It was an evening of reminiscing and music making when they met at the Parkway Tavern, currently the bandâ€™s rehearsal venue. Ken Brock, who has been with the band since the beginning, welcomed around 50 people to the anniversary celebration and players were keen to grab their instrument and tune up for an impromptu concert. There was also a display of memorabilia showing the band in the early days when many young people from the area were trained in music. Sadly, Jim Scott, the bandâ€™s leader for many years, was unable to attend the event due to illness.

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March, 2013

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Above, euphonium playing sisters Claire Price and Lynne Sullivan (Hain), who joined the band in 1974 as youngsters. Left, the band down the years. Opposite page, Ken Brock and flugel horn player Sarah Rigden, who left the band in 1985 but who still plays

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Filton beat with Sgt Steve Ives Spring is just around the corner and with lighter and longer evenings and hopefully a bit of sunshine as well it’ll be time to dust off the lawn mower and those garden tools again. We are all generally storing more and more items in our outhouses, sheds and garages these days. Apparently the average value of what’s in a garden shed is £1,000. Sometimes these are items of significant value, including garden machinery, power tools and push bikes. Unfortunately we don’t always back that up with the right level of security to protect our possessions – and criminals know it and will target your belongings. So please have a think, have you done all you can to make it difficult for a thief to get into

your shed or garage to steal? There are lots of security devices on the market, with many now available from DIY stores at reasonable prices, such as so-called ‘shed’ alarms, good strong chains and locks. It’s also important to make your property identifiable, as this deters thieves because they

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March, 2013

Please check out our website, www.avonandsomerset.police. uk, which has full advice on how to keep your home and property secure. 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, know we’ll be able to prove it Gloucester Road North. was stolen. It’s open 8.30am to 4.30pm We recommend you mark Monday, Tuesday and Thursday your tools, bikes and so on (closed 11.45am-midday), and with your postcode and house midday to 8pm Wednesday and number. Friday (closed 4.15-5pm). You can also register your In an emergency, call 999. property on the national Otherwise, you can call us on database www.immobilise.com 101 24/7. easily and for free.

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

www.filtonvoice.co.uk 27 filtonvoice Filton planning applications Views wanted on waste and decisions, February

March, 2013

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Applications l 46 Tenth Avenue, Filton Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extensions to provide additional living accommodation. Decisions l 75 Kenmore Crescent, Filton Erection of single storey rear extension to provide additional living accommodation Approve with Conditions l 15 Conygre Road Filton Creation of vehicular access onto a classified highway. Approve with Conditions l Filton Retail Park, Link Road, Filton Variation of condition 7 attached to planning permission PT11/3054/F dated 9 December 2011 to substitue approved plans and revise elevations, internal layout and landscaping. Approve with Conditions

For more information on all matters to do with planning, including full details on local applications, visit www.southglos.gov.uk

Filton residents are being asked for their views on proposals to further reduce waste and increase recycling in South Gloucestershire. The council has launched a three-month consultation on its draft waste management strategy for the period 2013-19. South Gloucestershire already has some of the highest recycling rates in England, with 53 per cent of waste recycled in 2011/12 – higher than the current national target of 40 per cent. Proposals in the strategy include extending kerbside collection services to include mixed plastics and small electrical items, and introducing a more comprehensive recycling service for residents living in flats. The strategy also proposes measures to charge for garden waste collection, like neighbouring authorities, to encourage home composting and ensure that the cost of the service

is met by those who use it. Consultation on the strategy runs until 20 May 2013. Further details, and an online survey, can be accessed via the council’s website at www.southglos.gov. uk/wasteconsultation

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Filton news in brief Night-time reading

Filton Library has two special events coming up in April during the week of Work Book Night The first event is on Thursday April 25th at 7.30pm – 9pm when the library will be hosting An Evening with best selling crime writer Tim Weaver, author of Vanished, Chasing the Dead and The Dead Tracks. Tickets are free and available from the library or from www.eventbrite.co.uk/ event/5426286168 On Saturday 27th April at 10.30am to 12pm the library will have ‘World Book Night Coffee and Cakes’. A spokeswoman said: “We’re inviting the public to come along and chat about their favourite books. Join us for a cup of tea and a cake and choose a free book from a selection of World Book Night titles (whilst stocks last). This is also a free event. “For the children during the school holidays we have ‘Flower Power and Beastly Bugs’ Stories and crafts for children aged 3-11

on Thursday 4th April 2013 10.30am – 11.30am.”

Coffee for funds

Filton Chest and Heart charity is holding a coffee morning and bottle stall at the Pavilion, Elm Park, on Monday, March 18. The charity raises money for vital medical equipment which is given to local Filton surgeries for use by local people. Admission to the coffee morning is £1, including refreshments and all are welcome. The event is being held with the assistance of Filton Town Council.

Bowlers wanted

BAC BAWA Bowls Club is looking for new members. Men and women are invited to come along to try this enjoyable and social sport, and free coaching is available. A pre-season meeting will be held for new and existing members at the BAWA Room 7 on Friday, April 12 at 7.30pm For more information, please call 0117 975 9126.

Healthy views

Consultation is being sought by Filton people on South Gloucestershire’s first Health and Wellbeing strategy. Prepared by the district’s Health and Wellbeing Board, the strategy sets out a series of priorities to make sure that South Gloucestershire’s health and care services meet the needs of local people in the coming years. Consultation runs until May 15. Copies of the strategy and an online survey are available from www.ourareaourfuture. org.uk/jhws. The strategy is also available by emailing cchengagement@southglos.gov. uk or by telephoning 01454 862 356.

Quiz night

A regular quiz night takes place at the Ratepayers Arms at Elm Park, with proceeds to the Air Ambulance, on the third Sunday of each month, except August, It starts at 8pm and costs £1 per team member (two upwards, but preferably four to six).

Councillor surgery

Filton’s three South Glos councillors - Roger Hutchinson, Ian Scott and Adam Monk - hold a weekly surgery at Filton library every Saturday morning between 9.30am and 10.30am. No appointment is necessary and councillors are happy to discuss issues and take up particular concerns for individuals or groups. Private discussions are available.

Funding rejected

Filton town councillors have turned down a request from Southern Brooks for £7,000 funding to help with the charity’s work in Filton. The sum had originally been identified in the 2013/14 budget but a motion by Cllr Darryl Collins and seconded by Cllr Brian Freeguard to give the £7,000 was defeated by eight votes to three. Southern Brooks supports the local voluntary and community sector across South Gloucestershire and runs a range of social enterprises.

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, 2013

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

News

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Lifeguard Kirsty gets on her bike to tackle poverty

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A Filton lifeguard is running and cycling from Liverpool to Leeds in April, to support a project that tackles poverty in India. Kirsty Barrett, 22, will travel to India this June to work on the development programme for 10 weeks. Kirsty will team up with Indian volunteers to tackle some of the problems facing the local community, after getting a place on the government funded International Citizen Service (ICS). ICS allows young people aged 18-25 to contribute to long-term development projects in countries like Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Nepal. The scheme offers young people the chance to develop personally and learn about team working and leadership on projects that are of genuine value to communities around the world. On return to the UK, ICS volunteers undertake an ‘Action at Home Project’, ensuring that their new skills also benefit their local communities. Kirsty said: “This sponsored

run and cycle is a way of making sure developing countries can continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it’s vital I reach my target. I’ve been training really hard in order to this; it’s not something I would usually do! So I am hoping that people dig deep into their pockets and help out with a really worthwhile cause. “The project I’m working on is run by the development charity, Raleigh International and aims to work with farmers on sustainable farming techniques, install biogas units to provide renewable fuel, build eco-sanitation toilets and organise health camps in small rural communities. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and make a difference where it’s needed most.” To sponsor Kirsty, please visit www.justgiving.com/KirstyBarrett27 To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit www.ics-uk. org.uk or call 0208 780 7400.

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March, 2013

Arts focus with Deborah Harvey I was sceptical when I saw that Neil Morrissey was top of the bill in the latest touring production of Oliver! at the Bristol Hippodrome, playing the part of Fagin. There have been many memorable portrayals of the most celebrated fence in English literature over the five decades since Lionel Bart wrote his musical version of Dickens’ classic, and I wasn’t convinced that Morrissey, best known for his role as the comical Tony in Men Behaving Badly, could be sufficiently sinister to pull it off. So it proved, with an illadvised gag featuring dirty underpants and stinky bottoms, plus a reference to Bob the

Builder, for which Morrissey provided the voice-over, only making matters worse. Far more impressive were

the exuberant cast of boys playing Fagin’s charges, in particular Daniel Huttlestone as the Artful Dodger and Sebastian Croft as the eponymous hero, Oliver. The star of the show, however, is Samantha Barks who plays Nancy despite only coming third in the televised competition to cast the role in 2008. She also played Eponine in the recent film version of Les Miserables. Her portrayal of Nancy, the feisty young woman who turns into a submissive, love-sick shadow of herself when confronted by her psychopathic lover, Bill Sikes, is by far the most dramatic part of the production.

As for Sikes himself, here portrayed by Iain Fletcher in a one-dimensional fashion reminiscent of Oliver Reed in the film, there was no hint of any residual charm which such a man must once have possessed in order to snare his hapless lover. Nancy’s devotion made for disturbing viewing and I found myself leaving the auditorium hoping that every mother who had taken her daughter to see the show would take the time to tell her that there is nothing romantic or admirable about loving a bad man literally to death. Deborah Harvey is a Filton poet and author.

What’s coming up in Filton Sat, 16th March

Stimulate Your Senses Arts Trail across Filton and north Bristol, including events at St Andrew’s Youth Centre, Filton Library and Charborough Road School. 11am-3pm, visit www.wovp.org for details.

Sun, 17th March

Indoor As New Sale (10.30 am - 12.30 pm), Abbeywood Community School, New Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8SF Not just a baby and children’s sale - household goods, kitchenware, bedding, books, dvds, cds and much more. No need to man a table. Register as a seller, label and price your items, drop off and we do the rest (we keep 20% for our school fundraising). Seller places are limited so please register as soon as possible to receive an information pack. For further information please email facs@ abbeywoodschool.com.

Mon, 18th March

Filton Chest and Heart charity is holding a coffee morning and bottle stall at the Pavilion, Elm Park, on Monday, March 18. The charity raises money for vital medical equipment which is given to local Filton surgeries for use by local people. Admission is £1, including refreshments and all are welcome. The event is being held with the assistance of Filton Town Council.

Sun, 24th March

St Andrew’s Youth Centre, Haircut for Little Princess Trust. We’re looking for people to donate at least 7 inches of their hair to a wonderful charity who make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer. We have the lovely Headspace salon in Bedminster willing to help us out with 10 haircuts for free! Please see www.littleprincesses. org.uk for charity and hair donation info. If people could contact me on 07789 947506 or standrewsmyc@hotmail.co.uk for more details and to register interest! ALSO: Ratepayers Arms, Dave Harris, local singer performing.

Mon, 25th March Sat 30th March

Cornish Week at The Ratepayers Arms at Elm Park. The pub will be selling Real Ales from St Austell Brewery plus Cornish Pasties, Cockles and other sea food. On Saturday 30th March we will be holding a Beach Party night from 8pm onwards and welcome people to come in wearing their summer outfits.

Thurs, 28th March

Filton’s Safer Stronger Community Group. BAWA Club, Southmead Road, 7pm. The group aims to improve your local community. The groups also enable you to have your

say about the services that your community receives.

Thurs, 4th April

Filton Library, for the children during the school holidays we have ‘Flower Power and Beastly Bugs’ Stories and crafts for children, 10.30am – 11.30am.

Sat, 20th April

Ladies’ Fashion Show, Abbeywood Community School, New Road, Stoke Gifford BS34 8SF, 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm (doors open at 2.00 pm). Admission just £2 per person by ADVANCE TICKET only (email facs@ abbeywoodschool.com). The clothes are from quality high street stores - M&S including Per Una and Autograph ranges, Debenhams, Next, BHS, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, Oasis to name a few. Also a few designer brand names such as DKNY, Rocha John Rocha, Timberland, Ted Baker etc. All items are between 30% and 60% off, sometimes up to 80% off! Clothes start at £5 and are always in season. ALSO: Filton Twinning Association fundraising event: Quiz Night in the Pavillion at Elm Park, 7.30pm for 8pm start - £5 entry including hot supper, BYO alcohol, raffle!

Thurs, 25th April

Filton Library, 7.30pm-9.30pm,

An Evening with best selling crime writer Tim Weaver: author of Vanished, Chasing the Dead and The Dead Tracks. Tickets are free and available from the library or from http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ event/5426286168

Sat, 27th April

Filton Library, 10.30am to 12pm, ‘World Book Night Coffee and Cakes’.

Sat, 18th May

Filton Twinning Association fundraising event: Wine & Cheese Night, 8pm in the Pavillion at Elm Park.

Various dates

Filton Community Garden, meetings for volunteers. All will be at 10am in the Pavilion at Elm Park, other than March 16 which will be in the small meeting room at the council offices. The dates are: 16th and 30th March ... then 13th, 20th, 27th April.

Filton Town Council

For meeting dates, see Pages 16 and 17 Due to space limits, we are unable to print our listings of regular events in Filton. However you can find all listings online at www. filtonvoice.co.uk. And if you are organising an event, you can upload details to the website

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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