Stoke Gifford Journal, October 2018

Delivered FREE to 5,000 homes in Stoke Gifford & Little Stoke

October 2018 • Issue 1

WHAT’S ON P27 | DIRECTORY P30

GRAND OPENING OF PHONE BOX TOY LIBRARY

Find us on Facebook: StokeGiffordJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheSGJournal

Rainbow Guides transform redundant ‘heritage’ phone box beside village green into an asset for the whole community Pages 16 & 17

Beaufort Arms

Pub goes ‘dog friendly’

PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE l Welcome to your new MONTHLY magazine l Concerns raised over “lack of police resources” in Stoke Gifford l Gold awards for OSR Scout troop quintet l Little Stoke Garden Society annual show l Decision expected soon on plans for 1,600 homes alongside new by-pass l Local RBL members on historic pilgrimage l Railway electrification work continues apace l Is 30mph speed limit right for new by-pass? l Local historian remembered through naming of new street l Massive 4-storey shipping container block proposed near Patchway Station

Meade Park

Pages 8 & 9

Friends group revived

Page 4

Where later life is for

LIVING!

Call us today for more information:

0117 321 7058

www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk stokegifford@extracare.org.uk

OPENING NOVEMBER

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October 2018

Welcome to the new monthly magazine for the Stoke Gifford area

Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB

Local reporter: Laura Mortimore (Covering Stoke Gifford Parish) Find us on Facebook: StokeGiffordJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheSGJournal

About the Stoke Gifford Journal The Stoke Gifford Journal website and magazine are published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: 7 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD. Our other publications include the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine & website, the Patchway Journal website and the Filton Journal website.

North Bristol Press is independent of any other media company or network operating in the Bristol area.

We accept no responsibility for anything stated by advertisers, who are themselves responsible for complying with all relevant legislation.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2018. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

N

orth Bristol Press would like to welcome readers of its second monthly community news title, created to serve the communities of Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke.

This new magazine, launched five years after the start of the hugely successful Bradley Stoke Journal magazine, is distributed to all homes in Stoke Gifford parish north of the A4174.

All homes in Little Stoke (which lies within the parish Stoke Gifford), a small number of which previously received the Bradley Stoke magazine, will henceforth receive the Stoke Gifford magazine.

The progression into print comes six years after the establishment of the Stoke Gifford Journal website (www. stokegiffordjournal.co.uk), which is the only interactive community news forum dedicated solely to Stoke Gifford. The website has in recent times been supplemented by the Stoke Gifford Journal Facebook page, which has amassed nearly 2,000 fans.

Like its Bradley Stoke counterpart, the new Stoke Gifford Journal magazine will include news items from relevant local authorities (in this case, Stoke Gifford Parish Council and South Gloucestershire Council), community groups, schools and local businesses.

North Bristol Press editor Stephen Horton commented: “For far too long, the Stoke Gifford community has suffered from the lack of a credible local news publication, having to rely on a quarterly advertising booklet edited miles away in another county. That has now changed, with the Journal geared up to bring its proven and respected formula to another part of the North Bristol Stokes area.”

The Journal has taken on a part-time community reporter, Laura Mortimore, to cover the Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke

Past examples of the types of story we expect to be featuring in the SGJ magazine (from top): Community group, St Mike’s Yarn Bombers; New store opening, Lidl; Community action, Hatchet Road; New transport infrastructure, Bristol Parkway

area. She has been writing stories for the Stoke Gifford Journal website since the start of the year and has already established contact with many local community groups. If you would like to get in to touch with Laura, please contact us initially on the main Journal number 01454 300400 or email info@ stokegiffordjournal.co.uk ● We would welcome your feedback on the first issue of our new magazine. Do please get in touch via the above channels.

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2018

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info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

News Parish councillors raise concerns over “lack of police resources” in Stoke Gifford

P

arish councillors in Stoke Gifford have raised concerns over policing levels after it emerged that the local beat team currently has just one member of staff on active duty.

A meeting of the Community Engagement Forum in March L-r: PC Julie Rudyard; Cllr Cranney was told by Chief Inspector Mark Evans that beat manager policing in the local area”.

PC Julie Rudyard was currently In his letter to the PCC, the the sole officer covering Stoke clerk wrote: “There have been Gifford because one of the two numerous staffing changes PCSOs assigned to the beat was over a number of years, leading on maternity leave and the other to instability amongst the was unavailable. neighbourhood team, with The matter surfaced again councillors questioning the at a parish council meeting in commitment to neighbourhood April, when Cllr Keith Cranney policing in the immediate area.” raised concerns about “the lack “At the time of writing we are of police resources in the Stoke grateful for the support offered Gifford police beat team”. The by our beat manager, Julie parish clerk was requested to Rudyard, who is seen by the write to the Police and Crime council as an excellent police Commissioner (PCC) for Avon officer for the local community.” and Somerset, Sue Mountstevens, “I would be grateful for the “about the force’s future opportunity to discuss these BSJ switch on 1 commitment to ad.qxp_Layout neighbourhood1 12/09/2018 concerns 10:09 in morePage detail.”

Response from Sue Mountstevens, Police and Crime Commissioner Thank you for your email raising concerns regarding police staffing levels in the Stoke Gifford area.

As you know, following consultation I raised the council tax precept for policing by £1 a month last year for an average house. This has allowed us to focus significant resources on recruitment – we are planning to recruit an extra 300 police officers this year and also to ensure that PCSO numbers are maintained at the full budgeted level.

In terms of the specific position in Stoke Gifford, I have taken the action of requesting a briefing from Sergeant Stephen Ives, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team. He has confirmed that there have been absences due to long-term sickness, but he has assured me that he does not believe that the Beat has suffered disproportionately as a result because his own team at Patchway has covered any issues that have arisen.

Going forward, it is expected that there will be a return to full staffing levels and there are no plans to reduce the policing team numbers dedicated to the Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke beat areas.

If the parish council have any specific issues they wish to raise with the Neighbourhood Policing Team then please do not hesitate to contact Sergeant Ives direct.

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October 2018

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News

Friends of Meade Park group revived

Left: Archive photo of a play area in the park. Right: Jenny James (centre) with some of the local residents who took part in a litter pick in the park on 4th August.

W

hen local resident Jenny James discovered that the group known as the Friends of Meade Park no longer existed, she decided to revive it. As someone who regularly walks through the park, she felt it was important to have a group of people who monitor and take care of the green space, alongside Stoke Gifford Parish Council.

Jenny began by creating a Facebook page for the group, which now has over 200 ‘fans’.

She said: “The Facebook page has become a real part of the community. There has been a lot of interest in the group and the page provides a place for people to report damage and share their ideas for the park.”

The Friends of Meade Park group then sent out a survey to local residents to find out what people would like from the park

and they organised their first community litter pick on 4th August. Jenny was extremely pleased with the turnout as around 15 people, including numerous families, attended the event. Stoke Gifford Parish Council provided all of the equipment, including gloves, bags and pickers and the local Co-op gave the group free bottles of water. In the space of a few hours, the pickers had collected enough litter to fill ten refuse sacks making a huge difference to the cleanliness of the park. As the litter pick was so successful, Jenny is planning on organising them at regular intervals throughout the year.

Jan Brunwin, who helps Jenny with the group, said: “It was a very successful event with many families coming to help. It was a great opportunity for children to understand and learn how to take

care of their environment.”

As a result of the survey that was sent out to local residents, Jenny and Jan have many longterm projects to work on which will need time and fundraising to come to fruition. Some of the requests include: • More picnic benches • Flower borders • Fruit trees • Basketball hoop area • Recycling bins If you have any ideas or suggestions for how to make the park a better place for the community, please get in touch with the group via email at friendsofmeadepark@gmail. com, on Facebook (Friends of Meade Park) or via Twitter @meade-park For now, Jenny and her friends are looking to form a full committee to help run the Friends of Meade Park group.

A meeting will be taking place on Tuesday 16th October in the side room of The Stokes Youth and Community Centre, Little Stoke Lane BS34 6HY from 7pm to 8pm. At the meeting, a vote will take place to decide on who will become chair, treasurer, secretary and other roles. If you would like to become a committee member or would like more information about the meeting, please contact Jenny via email or Facebook.

Friends of Meade Park Open meeting 7pm on Tuesday 16th October The Stokes Youth and Community Centre Little Stoke Lane Little Stoke BS34 6HY

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October 2018

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News

O

n 18th July, the Old School Rooms (OSR) troop of 1st Stoke Gifford Scout Group attended the Pirate Bay Golf Centre in Hambrook to celebrate the end of the summer term and invited the Avon county commissioner Graham Brant along to make the presentations of five Chief Scout’s Gold Awards.

Dan White, Matthew Coggan, Josh Nicholson-Warn, Dylan Harrison and Jack Dobie have spent the last four years working hard on the requirements of the top award for the scout section, completing the nine challenge awards in Adventure, Outdoors, Expedition, Skills, Creative, Teamwork, Team Leader, Promise and World, plus attending camps and earning activity badges in some of the 72 available categories.

After the presentation and congratulations from leaders and the county commissioner, the troop joined in with the celebrations with cake and drinks.

Gold awards for OSR troop quintet

Chief Scout’s Gold Award winners (l-r) Matthew, Dan, Dylan, Josh and Jack pictured following the presentations.

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October 2018

News

Little Stoke Garden Society annual show

H

eld on Saturday 1st September, this was the 43rd annual show, having unfortunately missed last year’s due to the refurbishment of Little Stoke Community Hall, writes John Harris (chairman).

Having previously been a closed show for members only, it was decided to open it up to local residents this year. We had a good response, although entries were down, due, in part, to the adverse weather earlier this year, and several people who said, “I didn’t think I was good enough.”

In fact, we are all amateurs, and have good days as well as failures; it is hard work, but good fun!

There are several categories, open to adults and children: vegetables, fruit, flowers, homecraft, handicraft and photography, with cups awarded for the best. Entries are assessed

by experienced, external judges – so there is no favouritism.

Judging takes place in the morning, and the awards ceremony is held at the end of the afternoon. Cups to be held for one year, were presented

by Simon Jones, Rector of St Michael’s Church, Stoke Gifford.

A special award, introduced

by Les Davis, was given this year to Mr David Hutton, in appreciation of his many years of hard work for the Little Stoke Garden Society. He was given a ceramic model of a garden shed and a lifelong membership of the society, presented by Janice Szczelkun and Maureen Harris.

We would like to thank everyone who worked hard over the weekend to make this year’s show another successful event. ● Visit the society website at http://bit.ly/lsags2018

Revd Simon Jones (left) with some of the cup winners at the annual show

The Journal: Serving the community 24/7 since 2012

David Hutton receives his award from Maureen Harris and Janice Szczelkun

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October 2018

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News

A short history of Stoke Gifford

By Adrian Kerton rom the coins spilling from a pot in a stream, that was broken by a lad throwing a stone, and from excavations around the parish, particularly on the Royal Estate at Sandringham Road, we know the Romans had a presence here. The coins were reported as those of Constantine the Great.

We know from the Domesday book that the population of Stoch was 8 villagers, 3 smallholders, 4 slaves and one priest. Its value to the lord in 1066 was £6 and in 1086 £8. As Stoch had a priest, it may have had a wooden Saxon church, perhaps on the site of the present day St Michael’s.

In Saxon times, Stoke Gifford was held by the thegn (a Saxon nobleman) Dunnne, (Dunne tenuit) until William the Conqueror invaded in 1066 who then gave lands to those who had helped him. Osbern Giffard, from the Normandy town of Longueville-le-Giffard, was given Stoch, hence we have Stoke Gifford. The three manors of Stoke Gifford were Stoke, Walls and Harry Stoke, though Harry Stoke was owned by the Lords of Filton and wasn’t part of the current parish until the 16th century when the Berkeleys bought it.

The Giffards moved away from the parish to Brimsfield where they built a castle, were notorious, and finally Sir John rebelled against King Edward and was hung, drawn and quartered at Gloucester when his lands passed to the Berkeleys and eventually by marriage to the Beaufort family who sold the village in 1915 to pay death duties.

In Medieval times the centre of Stoke Gifford was at the top of the village centred around Rock Lane. Excavations at Parsonnage fields by James Russell revealed a large farmhouse over 70 feet long, with at least three ground floor rooms and a projecting ‘garderobe’ or privy block on the west side. It probably covered the site of the supposed Giffard Manor House, It seems to have

F

View of The Green in Stoke Gifford ‘village’.

The old post office can be seen in the left of the picture

Local history timeline AD 270 The Romans Arrive.

1066 Duns the Saxon Lord loses his lands to William The Conqueror.

1294 The of endowment of the vicarage of Stoke Gifford from the Bishop of Worcester.

1299 A survey of the Tenants is taken.

1322 John Mautrauers takes ownership of much of Village and many surrounding lands including the Manor of Walls.

been demolished around 1600.

The last of the medieval buildings to survive was probably the Parsonage, which stood in a patch of ground called ‘Glebe’ in the southeast corner of the field.

An old map from the early 18th century contains some illustrations of the houses in the village at the time, which from some existing buildings, appear to be accurate.

It seems life carried on pretty much as usual as an agricultural community until the arrival of the railways, when new housing came to the village. Later on, Little Stoke expanded from being a small hamlet to provide housing for the aircraft industry.

Housing gradually expanded

until the large new estates arrived in the 1970s.

Those who liked a drink had to move from the Portcullis Inn on North Road (now Silverdale ) to the Beaufort Arms on the site of the old village pound where the hunt often met.

Despite the arrival of supermarkets, the post office shop continued to provide local produce to its loyal band of customers until it closed due to ill health.

The image that probably most associate with Stoke Gifford is The Green with the old school room and houses built in 1863 by the Beauforts.

The old post office can be seen on the left of the picture. The

1334 The Berkeleys gain Stoke Gifford.

1770 Elizabeth Berkeley duchess dowager of Beaufort gains the manor.

1863 The Duke of Beaufort endows the village with a school.

1903 The railway is extended to include Stoke Gifford 1915 Stoke Gifford is sold by the Beauforts to pay death duties.

tree has gone but The Green is still regarded as the centre of the modern village.

In future articles, we will focus on specific aspects of the history including Harry Stoke, Little Stoke and the general aspects including education. ● www.stokegiffordhistory. wordpress.com

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October 2018

News The Beaufort Arms, North Road, Stoke Gifford

T The Stokes Phoenix Club needs YOU! New members welcome We are a small group of ladies who meet on the first Tuesday of each month for talks and events, with time for coffee/tea and biscuits, sometimes cakes. There is also a Craft Group meeting on the third Tuesday of each month. We meet in the Community Hall in Little Stoke Park, off Little Stoke Lane.

Future programme 6th November: Communicating Christmas, with John Perry 4th December: Mummers of Winterbourne Down, followed by a Christmas buffet 8th January: Making marzipan fruits For more information, please contact Rosemary Davis on 01454 614474.

he Beaufort Arms, a local pub in Stoke Gifford, has decided to let owners bring their dogs into the bar area of the establishment.

The decision was made by the manager, Jim, who being a dog owner himself decided that it was time to welcome other dog owners into the pub. He said: “Being part of the community is really important and a large part of our community is people who own dogs. I don’t want to be the person who has to say ‘no’ and stop them from having fun. They should be able to come and enjoy

spending time at our pub just as much as everyone else.”

The decision has come after a few regulars inquired into why dogs were not allowed indoors when there are many other pubs nearby that do allow them in.

Jim decided that he needed to show an understanding for what it is like to have a dog and how difficult it can be to find dog friendly places to go for a drink or a meal.

Ben Bartlett and Glyn Lloyd (pictured with their dogs) are both regulars in the pub and were both thrilled by the news,

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October 2018

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News

The Beaufort Arms goes ‘dog-friendly’!

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BASED ON A MONTHLY PAYMENT OF £22.99 L-r: Glyn Lloyd with his Jack Russell Fidget, Beaufort Arms general manager Jim Carey with his puppy Blake and Ben Bartlett with his dachshund Rosie.

Ben and his wife said: “We’re delighted! Now we can come out for a drink with Rosie without the worry of the weather changing.” and Glyn added: “I think it’s great. I’ve just retired so now I can go for a walk and then come and enjoy a couple of beers with my dog.”

However, for those who may not want to share their meal with a furry canine, there is no need to worry as dogs are only allowed in one area of the pub; in the bar area up to the fireplace but beyond that is reserved for diners with two legs only.

The Beaufort Arms is part of the Ember Inns group, which nationally does not have a set rule on allowing dogs into their pubs but according to Jim you would find that most of them would allow this. The decision is down to the discretion of the manager and at the moment, The Three Brooks located in Bradley Stoke, allows dogs in the garden but not inside.

For some, this may seem like an interesting decision as it comes after JD Weatherspoon decided to ban customers from bringing dogs inside any of the company’s pubs across the country. This decision went into effect from 10th September and was made because dogs are too “unpredictable” and cause too much mess. However, so far, there has been lots of positive feedback regarding the decision with people on Facebook posting comments such as: “Love this idea!! Well done Team”, “Yaay!!” and “Fab news”.

Jim added: “Since the new rule has come into place, we have seen many new faces come to the pub and people are even ringing up to make bookings that include a space for their dog! We haven’t received any complaints from members of the public and there have been no problems with the dogs as owners are being very responsible and keeping them on their leads.”

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October 2018

News

Decisions expected soon on plans to build 1,600 new homes between Stoke Gifford & Hambrook

A

fter more than two years of deliberations, two planning applications for a total of more than 1,600 new homes on former green belt land between Stoke Gifford and Hambrook look set to be brought to the decision table within the next few weeks.

The East of Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood site was allocated for development when South Gloucestershire Council’s Core Strategy was adopted in December 2013 and housebuilder Crest Nicholson submitted the two planning applications in August 2016. One application is for land south of the Great Western mainline railway and the other for land north of it.

The application on land south of the railway, PT16/4782/O, seeks outline permission for a

mixed use development including 1,290 new homes, a local centre, community facilities, landscaping and open space and detailed access junctions.

The application on land north of the railway, PT16/4928/O, is for 327 new homes and associated infrastructure and landscaping. This is a hybrid application, with full permission being sought for some elements and outline permission for others. The full application is for 150 homes, an earthworks strategy, access and public open space. Outline permission is being sought for 177 new homes, as well as a new primary school and nursery.

Since the applications were first submitted, Crest Nicholson says it has engaged in comprehensive and ongoing

discussions with planning officers at the council.

These discussions are understood to have focused primarily on matters relating to landscape, arboriculture, provision of sports pitches and the viability of the site with respect to the provision of affordable housing.

A major factor affecting viability is understood to be the need to divert two high voltage electricity lines which cross the area. It is proposed that these will be ‘under-grounded’ around the perimeter of the site.

A ‘site inspection meeting’ for the Crest ‘south’ application, attended by some of the councillors who sit on the committee which will determine the application, was held on Friday 21st September.

The application subsequently appeared on the agenda for a full planning committee scheduled to take place on Thursday 4th October, with officers recommending that it be approved, subject to a number of conditions.

The development south of the railway will be accessed from two new junctions on the recently opened Stoke Gifford Transport Link (a.k.a. Stoke Gifford ByPass) which provides a link

between Parkway North and the A4174 Ring Road. There will also be access from Old Gloucester Road, at a point 80m north of the bridge over the M32.

Should planning permission be granted, Crest Nicholson will be required to submit ‘reserved matters’ applications for the detailed planning consent on the southern site. These are likely to go to the council in early 2019.

The Journal understands that the first phase of development on the southern site will be the parcel of land north of the Stoke Gifford Transport Link, behind existing properties on Hambrook Lane.

Subject to planning permission being granted, Crest Nicholson says it hopes to be ‘on site’ by April 2019, with the first homes being sold by the end of 2019.

With regard to the land north of the railway, an SGC spokesperson told the Journal: “The Crest ‘north’ application is currently at a less advanced stage. Amended plans were received, have been advertised and can be found on our website.

At present, it is anticipated that the application will be forwarded to the Sites Inspection SubCommittee at the end of October or early November, and then the DC (West) Committee in November or December.”

Councillors are talked through plans at the recent site inspection meeting

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October 2018

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info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk Winterbourne Road

East of Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood: Crest Nicholson Masterplan

Stoke Gifford

Red boundaries indicate areas for which planning permission is sought

M4

Area north of the railway line Hybrid planning application • Full permission sought for 150 new homes • Outline permission sought for 177 new homes, primary school and nursery

A

Railway Line Parkway Station

The recently opened Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL) provides a route between Parkway North Roundabout on Great Stoke Way (A) and the A4174 Ring Road (B), close to the Holiday Inn.

Hambrook Lane

SGTL

M32

Area south of the railway line Outline permission sought for a mixed use development including 1,290 new homes, a local centre, community facilities, landscaping and open space, and detailed access junctions

B Ring Road Holiday Inn

Annotations have been added by the Journal. Refer to the planning applications for definitive documents.

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October 2018

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13

News

BBC’s Emma Britton visits Stoke Gifford WI

P

resident Sue Grimstead welcomed members and guests Valerie Mead, Lillian Clark, Wendy Rimell and Sue Gibbs to the September meeting of the Stoke Gifford WI, writes Carolyn Snell.

Our speaker for the evening was Emma Britton from BBC Radio Bristol. Emma told us of her varied career, and how she took keep fit classes for many years, before starting her broadcasting career with Radio Somerset in 2007, and later moving to Radio Bristol for the breakfast show in 2015.

She kept us all thoroughly entertained with many hilarious stories about her career in broadcasting, and how she is now in training for the ‘Couch to 5k’ to raise funds for the Radio Bristol Alive Appeal.

The campaign is hoping to raise £50,000 to create 300 sessions to change the

Above: Emma Britton’s ‘Couch to 5k’ “I only run when the cake shop is closing, so this is a BIG deal for me!”

Left: Emma at the WI meeting

lives of older people in the Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire areas.

Emma is unable to accept payment as a speaker, so we have made a donation to the Radio Bristol Alive Appeal. We also presented Emma with a bag

containing homemade jam and cakes, and a doggy treat for Billy, her pet beagle.

Our next meeting with be on Wednesday 7th November at 7.30pm at the Trust Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford. This will be our annual general meeting

(AGM) as well as having social time and a game of beetle drive!

You will find a warm welcome, so please come along and join us.

● Find us on Facebook under ‘Stoke Gifford WI’

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October 2018

News

Local RBL members make historic pilgrimage

O

n 8th August 2018, five members of the Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), alongside thousands of other Legion members, recreated the march to the Menin Gate in Ypres that took place 90 years ago.

The original pilgrimage was organised to commemorate 10 years since the end of WW1 and gave veterans and war widows the opportunity to visit the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres before marching to the Menin Gate on 8th August 1928.

Exactly 90 years later, the Great Pilgrimage 90 took place.

Karen Falconer (standard bearer), Antony Peters (wreath layer), John Moloney (branch chairman), Brian Hewitt MBE and Veronica Caradine attended the event as representatives of the Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion. Karen and Antony were part of the

one thousand plus members who led the spectacular twomile march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate memorial.

When describing the event, John Moloney said: “Being part of such an historic event, representing Stoke Gifford branch in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something I will never forget.”

The march past was observed by invited diplomatic, civic and military guests. As part of this ceremony, each of the 1,152 Royal British Legion branches attending from the UK and overseas (as far away as Thailand, Hong Kong and the Falkland Islands) brought a wreath with them containing a Remembrance message from their communities. The wreaths were subsequently arranged into

A group of standard bearers at the GP90 event, including Stoke Gifford representatives Karen Falconer (on right) and Antony Peters (5th from right)

a display on the ramparts of the Ypres town walls and will remain in place for public viewing for at least two months.

Brian Hewitt MBE, who stood with the crowds to watch the march, said: “It was a fabulous occasion, the atmosphere was incredible and the crowds were

very supportive. 2,300 wreaths were laid at the Menin Gate – what a sight to see! Although it was very emotional and there were a lot of tears, it was well worth the trip and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” ● Contact the Stoke Gifford RBL branch at SGRBL@gmail.com

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October 2018

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News

Scouts go back to their roots for group camp

E

ighty members of 1st Stoke Gifford Scouts are back from their group summer camp to Brownsea Island (the place Lord Baden-Powell held the first scout camp), writes Andrew Phelps.

The history behind this island and the beginning of UK Scouting is a massive draw for Scouts throughout the world and we met troops from Liechtenstein, Australia, Italy and several from UK Scout Groups.

The travelling down from Bristol took about four hours on Saturday, then a quick ferry ride and a short walk saw the Cubs and both Scout troops on the very site of the first camp.

The weather was fantastic and with no natural predators, the abundance of ducks, peacocks, pheasants, deer and, of course, red squirrels, which were all well used to human close contact, made for a great experience.

We slept under canvas and

took part in many activities run by the island volunteers, like red squirrel ‘talk & walk’, the nature reserve and environmental conservation sessions. There were also section leader-led activities such as pioneering, orienteering, crabbing, island orientation hike, swimming and shelter building, to name but a few.

This camp was great fun and although all were tired out on our return home on Wednesday, with the picturesque location, hot weather and great camaraderie, it was a fantastic success and we would all go back tomorrow if given half a chance.

The staff and wardens on the island were always helpful, the ferry staff, well practised in taking large groups across, made transfers run like clockwork and Tesco’s ‘click and collect’ all made life easier for the adult leaders and minimised any time the Scouts and Cubs were waiting around.

We had fish and chips for lunch on Poole Quay and then it was back on to the coach to travel home. Four hours later and we arrived on The Green to waiting parents, who were all thankful to have their children home. They all must have had a great night’s sleep – I know I did!

Lastly, a massive thank you to all the leaders who give up their

time freely to make Scouting so exciting and interesting for our young people in Stoke Gifford.

If you would like to join the group as an adult leader, Beaver, Cub or Scout, please visit or website at www. stokegiffordscouts.co.uk and complete a ‘contact us’ form.

On Twitter? Follow @TheSGJournal

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October 2018

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News

Grand opening of Stoke Gifford Toy Library

T

he grand opening of the new Stoke Gifford Toy Library, housed in a traditional red ‘heritage’ phone box in the centre of the ‘village’, took place on Saturday 8th September.

The idea for a toy library came about six months ago after the 2nd Stoke Gifford Rainbows visited the North Bristol Foodbank. The girls decided that they wanted to do something for children in the community who may not be as fortunate as themselves. During a Rainbows meeting, they decided to collect toys and books and then it was just a case of finding somewhere to store them. The phone box, located at The Green, North Road (near the Beaufort Arms), had been out of use for a number of months and was therefore bought by the parish council for £1 as they didn’t want to see it torn down. After approaching the council, the Rainbows were eventually given permission to turn it into a community toy library.

Airbus Community Award Funding for the project was secured after a massive effort by volunteers, girls and supporters saw them collect over 96,000 Bristol Post tokens and win the second-place prize of £2,000 in the 2018 Airbus Community Awards. This money was put towards refurbishment and

painting of the telephone box, professional stickers for the windows and the all-important shelves for toys to be stored. The money that is left over will be used to maintain the facility in the coming years.

The grand opening was attended by children from both Rainbows and Brownies, as well as two local councillors and guests of honour Richard Bagenda and Bryan Curry, who gave up a lot of their time to help transform the phone box. There was also a cake sale held on The Green, with all proceeds going to the Gromit Unleashed 2 Appeal.

Alix, one of the Rainbows’ leaders, said: “I am really pleased with the result. It has been a lot of hard work but it’s all been worth it. I’m really proud of the girls – all of the ideas came from them, they have done all of the decorations for the toy library and coordinated the cake sale as well.”

The toy library was opened at 11.30am after a speech from Alix thanking everyone who had helped with the project. It will now be open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. However, the library is run by volunteers so these times may vary. The principle of operation is that children can either borrow an item and return it at a later date, or they may swap an item with something of their own.

South Glos & parish councillor

Brian Allinson, who attended the opening ceremony, said: “We’re all really pleased with how the toy library has turned out. I think it is going to be an important part of the community and we have been happy to encourage it.”

Ruth, who was one of the Rainbows to come up with the idea and is now a Brownie said: “We went to the foodbank and saw people less fortunate than ourselves. We wanted to do something for the community and thought that all children deserve to have toys to play with. I’m really happy now that it is done.”

Behind the scenes

Richard Bagenda and Bryan Curry both played vital roles in renovating the phone box, making it safe and water tight. Richard, who works as a structural engineer at the MoD, was asked to assess the phone box and write a report on what work needed to be done and how it should be done. This report was then presented to the council when the Rainbows were asking for funding. Bryan, a local resident, offered to help with the renovations and spent many hours working on parts of the phone box in his garage with Richard.

Bryan, who has lived in Stoke Gifford for many years, said: “This was a really interesting project. I enjoyed doing it and I enjoyed hearing people

commenting on it – saying that they were pleased it was being renovated as it makes up part of the history of Stoke Gifford.”

Richard added: “There were many challenges whilst we worked on the phone box from it being too hot to there being too much rain! However, after ripping it all out and removing the glass panels, we eventually finished and I’m really happy with how it looks.”

Although the library is now up and running, the Rainbows are still looking for donations of good quality toys and books.

If you have anything that you would like to donate please email 2ndstokegiffordrainbows@ gmail.com and someone will be in touch to arrange collection.

The hope is that, as well as being enjoyed by the community, this project will also raise awareness of what the Rainbows and Brownies do and this will then encourage more people to get involved with Girlguiding.

There is currently a waiting list of girls wanting to start Rainbows, but there are not enough people wanting to be leaders. At the moment, the division has vacancies for unit helpers and assistant leaders. If this is something you think you may be interested in, find out more by searching online for ‘Girlguiding, register your interest’ or email fromevalleydivision@ girlguidingbsg.org.uk

PHOTOS: 1 Rainbows at the start of the project. 2 Anticipation before the grand opening. 3 Cake sale on The Green. 4 Rainbows’ leader Alix gives her speech.

5 Some of the Rainbows cut the ribbon around the telephone box. 6 The first visitors choose toys to lend. 7 Presentation to Bryan Curry and Richard Bagenda.

Stoke Gifford School of Dance

Classes in ballet, modern and tap for children aged 3 years and above are held at the Trust Hall and Poplar Rooms, North Road, Stoke Gifford BS34 8PE All classes are led by teachers qualified with the Royal Academy of Dancing and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance Please get in touch to book your free trial lesson: stokegiffordschoolofdance@yahoo.co.uk For more information, search for us on Facebook or visit:

www.stokegifforddance.co.uk

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Location: The Green, North Road BS34 8PE Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 10am-4pm

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October 2018

News

Fortnightly gospel choir sessions in Stoke Gifford

D

id you enjoy the Royal Wedding gospel choir?

Do you like to sing along to the radio in your car? Do you love to sing in the shower? Do you think you might like to have a go at singing in a community gospel choir?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Stoke Gifford gospel choir might be just the thing for you. Part of the GGCC group of Bristol choirs (www.ggcc.org.uk), the Stoke Gifford choir has been going for two years now and has had some amazing adventures together.

They have sung with the worldrenowned London Community Gospel Choir, been part of various Bristol singing events, had a few road trips and put on their own concerts in venues such as the Victoria Rooms.

When the current members joined the choir, I doubt they would’ve thought they could

do any of these things but after being taught in a really fun, easy to access way, they have learned new skills they didn’t have before, made lots of new friends and had a lot of fun along the way.

We’re always open to new members. We meet fortnightly on a Tuesday evening in the St Michael’s Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford, usually in the hall

next to Old School Rooms Coffee Shop. We start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.15pm. The choir is for anyone, we love to have a wide mixture of people, that’s what ‘community’ is all about. We sing gospel music because at its heart it is about hope and that’s never a bad thing to have! You don’t have to call yourself a Christian or have any kind of faith to be in

the choir; if you’re happy to sing gospel then you’re in!

We don’t audition people and there is no membership fee – we just have a donations box at every rehearsal. Rehearsal dates for October are 9th & 23rd, then 6th & 20th November . If you would like to come and see what we get up to, then do just turn up. If you have any questions then do email Emma Smallwood at gospelgen@ googlemail.com If you fancy catching us in action, we’ll be performing in local concerts during December.

On the weekend of 7th-9th, we will be singing somewhere in Bristol (still to be confirmed) and on 15th December we are performing with Bath Community Gospel Choir and Geraldine Latty at the Roper Theatre in Bath. Details for all these events will appear on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/ggccbristol

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October 2018

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News

Barnardo’s charity fun day brings in over £500

T

he Barnardo’s charity shop in Stoke Gifford has exceeded expectations by surpassing its target of raising £1,000 throughout September.

Staff were originally given the challenge in September when they were asked to raise an extra £1,000 in addition to their usual sales. In order to succeed, they knew that they would need members of the local community to help by volunteering their time and ideas for how they could raise the extra money. To kick start the project, the charity shop, which is located on Ratcliffe Drive, held a Bank Holiday Fun Day on Saturday 25th August to raise awareness as well as vital funds. There was face painting, a magician, a balloon artist, cake sale, lucky dip and a raffle. The event was enjoyed by all who attended and made a great start towards the fundraising target.

Julie Britt, store associate, said: “We are amazed at how well we have done in the first couple of weeks. The Fun Day event was a great success and we raised over £500!”

The staff at Barnardo’s have now surpassed their £1,000 target due to a number of other events that took place throughout September. These included a trampoline taster session held at Cardiff Metropolitan University which raised £85, a stall held outside the Barnardo’s shop run

by two managers from Santander which raised £56, a bag pack at Tesco Extra which raised £246 and a generous donation from a customer.

Julie said: “Myself and my colleague Natasha would like to say a huge thank you to our customers and the local community for supporting us. We have now raised £1,287.75 which is more than we ever imagined!”

A volunteer at the shop has also been singing songs from a variety of musicals outside the store which has raised a further £34 and a customer has decided to do a sponsored head shave. There is also going to be an evening of mediumship (the practice of communicating with spirits) with Maria Deane held in the Stoke Gifford store on 23rd October. To buy tickets for this event or to donate to Barnardo’s ,please contact Julie or Natasha on 0117 9314115.

Barnardo’s is the UK’s largest children’s charity who work to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children through their services, campaigning and research expertise. They believe that they can bring out the very best in every child whether the issue is child poverty, sexual exploitation, disability or domestic violence. To find out more about the work that Barnardos’ does, visit www.barnardos.org.uk.

Cake stall at the Barnardo’s Fun Day held at the charity’s Ratcliffe Drive shop

The Stoke Gifford Journal is an independent newspaper, produced without subsidy from the public purse

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October 2018

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News Electrification work continues apace during three-week closure of Parkway NETWORK RAIL’S ‘orange army’ has been busy installing electrification equipment during a three-week closure of the Western mainline through Bristol Parkway Station, which is due to end on Sunday 7th October.

The work carried out during this period has involved piling the remaining foundations and installing masts, gantries and overhead cables.

Two giant 40m gantries, amongst the largest anywhere on the Western mainline, have been installed just west of Parkway Station, where the lines to Bristol and Wales diverge.

A further closure of the line through Parkway is planned for the weekend of 13th/14th October.

Rail services in the area will also be affected by a three-week closure of the line at Filton Bank from Saturday 27th October to Sunday 18th November, when buses will replace trains between Temple Meads and Parkway.

Clockwise from top left: Work on signalling equipment associated with new track layout at Parkway. Work on overhead cables through Parkway. Fitting the overhead cable. Work on the route just east of the Stoke Gifford By-Pass.

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October 2018

News

Is a 30mph limit right for the new by-pass?

T

he 30mph speed limit along much of the new Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL) between Parkway North and the A4174 Ring Road has been called into question by a number of residents who have contacted the Journal.

Between Parkway North Roundabout and a point just north of the Hambrook Lane crossing, the speed limit is 40mph, but the remainder of the road up to its junction with the A4174 has a limit of just 30mph.

Between Hambrook Lane and Oxleigh Way (the entrance into the Highbrook Park housing development) the road runs through open countryside and there are no junctions.

When opinions on the matter were sought on the Bradley Stoke Journal’s Facebook page, an

overwhelming majority of more than 70 respondents said the speed limit should be 40mph or even 50mph throughout. Several readers who said they try to comply with the 30mph limit said they had been subjected to tailgating or dangerous undertaking manoeuvres.

The 30mph limit has recently been enforced by the police mobile speed camera unit.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “The speed limits for the SGTL were set out at the design stage.

Road safety professionals were involved at the design stage and continue to monitor road use. The East of Harry Stoke development will be built adjacent to the SGTL and there are no proposals to change the current speed limits at present.”

Start of the 30mph limit, just before the Hambrook Lane crossing (going south)

Comments on the Bradley Stoke Journal Facebook page Nicola: I think it should be 40, at least until the housing development is complete and road usage is known.

Matt: Didn’t actually realise it’s a 30; it’s certainly not what’s observed!

Shirley: Nobody seems to do 30. I end up getting tailgated when I do.

It doesn’t seem the right limit for that road at this moment in time.

Sam: 40 seems sensible considering you have 40 through the middle in places through Bradley Stoke!

David: 30 is fine for me, I drive at 30 and don’t feel intimidated by a pratt trying to tailgate me Read more comments and add your own at http://bit.ly/bsj-181001

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October 2018

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News

Local historian remembered through naming of new street

A

local resident who passed away earlier this year is to be remembered by having a new street named after her. Sharon Ubank Close will be a new road in Little Stoke and will serve as a reminder of the work that Sharon did for the local community.

Many residents of Stoke Gifford will remember the Stokes Standard, a series of booklets about the local history, in and around the area, produced by local historian Sharon Ubank in the early 1990s, capturing the oral history of the area from older residents. The Standard not only covered historical matters, but articles about the local flora and fauna, helping residents to understand more about the local trees, plants and insects, and of course the obligatory ghost, Hugo who, in the 1920s rode his phantom horse along Worral’s lane.

Books published

Sharon also celebrated the area’s history in her books ‘A Ring of Rooks, stories from Little Stoke Farm’ and ‘Landscapes of the Past’. She arrived in Stoke Gifford in 1983 from Fishponds and was an enthusiastic conservationist.

Local resident and fellow historian, Adrian Kerton, spoke of her ability to discuss local history with a passion and fervour rarely seen: “Sharon

once delivered a fascinating talk on the Saxon Path running from Bradley Stoke into Stoke Gifford. What was amazing was how Sharon was able to captivate her audience without any slides or illustrations, her power of description and enthusiasm were all that was required.”

Sharon Ubank Close

Sharon is sadly no longer with us, having passed away at the age of 57 in July, but her memory will be retained as South Gloucestershire Council, with the agreement of her family, will be naming a new road in Little Stoke, off Collins Avenue, as Sharon Ubank Close. The idea originated from Adrian, who has been consulted on suitable new street names in the past.

Sharon’s brother, Andy Stafford said: “2018 has been a dreadful year for our family.

On 8th July we lost Sharon to cancer. Losing my sister at such a young age has left a massive void in our lives. Her children Dave and Elliott, her husband Phil, her step children Caroline, Jenny and Chris, myself and my mum cannot believe she’s no longer with us. But, on the day of Sharon’s funeral, Dave received a text asking whether the family would be happy if South Gloucestershire Council was to name a new street after her in Little Stoke.”

“Naming a road after Sharon is amazing. Her work in the community, including saving a Saxon-aged gulley from developers some twenty years ago is just one of many things she has achieved. She has written books about the area and she had planned to publish a book she had written about a Saxon Path used by pilgrims which runs through Little Stoke. We will posthumously publish the book, called Saxonpath, soon.”

“We are so proud of what Sharon had achieved and cannot believe that a cul-de-sac will be named after her, allowing her name to live on in the place where she loved to live.”

More information about the Stokes Standard and the Saxon Path can be found on Adrian Kerton’s local history website www.stokegiffordhistory. wordpress.com If you would like a street named after someone, please contact your local parish council.

Top: Sharon Ubank Above: The Stokes Standard, March 1994 Left: Living landmark plaque at The Common East, Bradley Stoke

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October 2018

This will be my eighth year raising money for the Movember charity, writes Mario Parrinello of The Filton Barbers. It all started after a few members for my family and friends went through different forms of cancer and I felt that, as barbers, we were in a great position to help with men’s cancer and mental health, as this is the main focus for Movember I also like growing crazy moustaches and seeing what I can come up with.

Last year was a quiet one for me as I felt I needed a break from it, but still managed to raise a few hundred pounds. However, this year, I’m back to it and want to beat the total in 2016 which was just short of £4,500.

I’ve started up the Filton Barber team again on the Movember website and hope to get a team of at least 20 joining in with the moustache growing event, and as an incentive there is a prize for the best team moustache as well as a free haircut for any team member who can raise £150 or more.

In November, I’m also donating all income from hot towel shaves to the charity, so it’s a great opportunity to experience one!

Raffle tickets are available from the shop at £5 each, with all proceeds going to the charity; a list of all prizes is also available in the shop.

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October 2018

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Advertising Feature

New Filton delicatessen offers treats for all The ‘Rozmaryn’ store has opened near Home Bargains

F

resh ham, bacon and sausages from eastern Europe are proving some of the most popular lines at a new delicatessen that has recently opened near the Home Bargains store in Filton.

‘Rozmaryn’ Polish Delicatessen, at the Shield Retail Park near Filton Roundabout, is the third Bristol store to be opened by local couple Sebastian Skurzynski and Edyta Borowiec, following the success of ‘Lubczyk’ in Southmead and ‘Bazylia’ in Henbury, with all three outlets being named after garden herbs (rosemary, lovage and basil).

Sebastian and Edyta came to the UK many years ago but were frustrated at not being able to find all the food products they were used to eating in Poland.

This led to them deciding to set up their own shop, stocked with popular products imported from their homeland. The expanded business now sees hundreds of people coming into its stores every day, not only from Polish families but from the wider community too.

Rozmaryn store supervisor Sara Kunicka said: “It’s a Polish shop with Polish products, but our audience focus is everybody in Bristol and around, not just foreign people. Our staff make everyone welcome and go out of their way to help people of any

nationality find what they need or might like to try.”

The store stocks a wide range of traditional hams (including some that are gluten free), bacon, sausages (some gluten free) and cheeses (some lactose free).

All the products sold are fully labelled, with product names and ingredients written in English, allowing everyone to browse and find what they like.

Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help and advise.

Staff pay particular attention to fresh products, ensuring that ‘best before’ dates are respected in the interests of food safety.

The current top-seller amongst the store’s growing British clientele is reported to be the extensive range of tasty and fresh sausages and hams.

There is a small café inside the shop which serves hot chocolate, teas and coffees, with a choice of milk that includes coconut, lactose free, almond, soya and semi-skimmed milk. Traditional sweet sauces are available as an accompaniment to the coffees (sugar free versions available).

The store also stocks a tempting range of cakes, sold by the kilo.

Opening hours are 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. ● For more information visit ‘Rozmaryn Polish Delicatessen’ on Facebook.

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October 2018

News

Massive 4-storey shipping container block proposed near Patchway Station

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lans have been submitted to create a massive small business centre formed from 178 converted shipping containers on a site in Station Road, Little Stoke, just north of Patchway Station.

The latest application for the site, which is currently occupied by a builders’ merchants and a taxi firm, comes after a previous bid to redevelop the plot with 24 houses and flats was rejected by South Gloucestershire Council on the grounds that residents would have suffered unacceptable living conditions due to the proximity of the nearby railway line and Rolls-Royce complex.

A report submitted with the latest plans claim the facility, which will be marketed under the brand name ‘Mainline’,

would meet a demand for space from “creative businesses that are attracted to the area to be co-located near the world class companies such as Rolls Royce, Toshiba and Airbus”.

“Successful examples of such models are already in place within Bristol, such as the Boxworks development and Engine Shed.”

“This project will provide people living outside of the centre of Bristol with business space and supporting facilities for small start-up businesses and entrepreneurs, mainly in the creative, digital and tech businesses.”

The planning application says the shipping containers will deliver space more quickly than a permanent building and they can

Visualisation of the proposed business centre, looking north up Station Road

be relocated if needed.

“The space created is fully serviced and flexible, perfect for small start-up business in the tech, media and creative sectors.”

If approved by SGC, the development would stand up to four storeys high and be delivered in three phases, to ensure supply meets demand.

Once fully completed, the facility would accommodate 160 small business units, with a further 18 shipping containers being used for communal

facilities, including a cafe operated by Friska, a co-working space and a cycle hub.

The application states that 178 full-time jobs would be created by the development. There would be parking for 58 cars within the site.

Existing businesses at the site are continuing to operate as normal. Approval of plans by a local authority does not necessarily mean that a proposed development will take place. ● Planning application reference: PT18/3922/O

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October 2018

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Get well · Stay well

by Laura Jane, Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist at Willow Brook Clinic

Positive thinking No matter how hard we try and how accomplished we become, life is just hard work at times.

Daily stresses can build up into feelings of being unable to cope.

When we are happy and coping, we use the more intelligent, rational and highly evolved areas of our brain to work through problems in a positive solution focused way.

When we become depressed, angry or anxious we use the more primitive parts of our brain, which are incapable of rationalising and tend to repeat the same thought processes over and over. When we’re not feeling on top of things we tend to get stuck in this primitive brain and the parts of the brain that would help us out actually start shrinking from lack of use.

Let’s take a moment to think about positive thinking.

Positive thinking is solution focused thinking. In Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, one of our key messages for promoting good mental health is positive thought. We work on developing our ability to think positively about events in order to build up our ability to cope better with the stresses and strains of everyday life.

We know that positive thinking encourages the release of serotonin, our feel-good

chemical, and we know that when we are in a state of positivity our immune system works better.

It’s no surprise that the things we tell ourselves in our daily internal dialogue guides our reality and ultimately shapes our future.

Every thought we have releases chemicals in our brain.

Focusing on the negative effectively saps the brain of its positive forcefulness, slows it down and dims our brain’s ability to function. To help us feel positive, we need to create a flow of serotonin. Serotonin is known as the neurotransmitter chemical that produces the catalyst for positive mental health. When we have lots of serotonin flowing we feel good about ourselves. It’s where the phrase ‘you are what you think you are’ comes from - all our actions proceed from our thoughts.

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

Spooky Fun At

Bradley Stoke Library Tuesday 30 October 2:00 – 4:00 pm Come along to make your own spooky crafts

FREE

Suitable for children aged 4yrs and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult

www.southglos.gov.uk/childrenslibrary

@southgloslibs facebook.com/sgloslibraries

Please park in Willow Brook Centre Car Park and walk to the fireworks

Try solution focused thinking start to feel the difference.

The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

● See our advert on page 15.

27

Sunday 4 November 2018 Bradley Stoke Jubilee Centre •Gates open at 4.30pm •Hot food will be served from 4.45pm •Fireworks display starts at 6.00pm NO ENTRY FEE, there will be various collection points in aid of the Mayor’s Charities – West of England MS Therapy Centre and Stroke Association

No Alcohol No Sparklers

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

28

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2018

News

September update from Jack Lopresti MP

T

he last month has been a busy period in the constituency, as the parliamentary recess came to an end. I visited a brilliant local attraction, Aerospace Bristol, to see the great work they are doing to preserve the region’s fantastic aviation heritage and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.

I also visited the Compass Project in Staple Hill, which provides a community for people in recovery from substance abuse. It was great to hear about many success stories where people have turned their lives around. I also met with Kevin Hamblin, the executive principal at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, to discuss their future plans. I was very impressed and fully support their

plans to bring addition skills to students in our area.

It was a pleasure to join the new defence minister for procurement, Stuart Andrew MP, for the opening of the LiftWorks facility at Rolls-Royce in Patchway. The facility will manufacture part of the new F35 Lightning Vertical LiftSystem, securing jobs for years to come.

Prime minister invited

In parliament, I took the opportunity to ask a question of the prime minister at PMQs. I invited her to the opening of Airbus’s new Wing Integration Centre in Filton and asked if she would join me in thanking and paying tribute to Airbus for its strong and enduring commitment to the UK. Mrs May congratulated Airbus on

the commitment it has made to the UK and the high quality of jobs it provides here. She also said that she would consider the invitation.

Senior Citizens’ Fair

My first Senior Citizens’ Advice and Information Fair will be taking place on the 1st November 2018. It will be full of information from a mixture of organisations to showcase what they can offer older people.

This will include charities and providers of health and social care needs that unfortunately affect many constituents, as well as groups that provide new opportunities to for people to try something new in later life. I also welcome the families of older

constituents to come along on their behalf, and hope that having many different groups together all in one place will be useful.

There is a page on my website that will be regularly updated with all the latest information on the event. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office for further information.

If you would like to discuss anything with me, be it as a resident, organisation or business, please contact my constituency office in Bradley Stoke on 01454 617783 or email me on jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk to arrange a suitable surgery time, or to arrange a visit to your premises.

For further details, visit www. jacklopresti.com

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2018

t: 01454 300 400

PLUMBING & HEATING

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk PLUMBING & HEATING

TAXIS & PRIVATE HIRE

PANACHE

Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

• Complete bathroom refurbishment • Ceramic tiling • Heating & general plumbing services • Clean & tidy workmanship • Competitive rates

• • • •

Airport transfers Private trips Parcel deliveries Accounts welcome

We are open 24 hours & 7 days a week

“Always on tap”

Call Darren on 07901 910361

Tel: 0117 901 2565 Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.bradleystokecabs.co.uk

Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

29

Your Local Gas, Boiler and Heating Engineers • Boiler Installation • Central Heating Installation • Gas Boiler Servicing

• Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires • Safety Certificates

Call Dan on

assistplumbingandheating.co.uk Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc….

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092 LAUNDERETTES

WASH SHOP PLUS

11 The Parade,Patchway Bristol BS34 5LP Tel : 0117 947 0284

www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding & Curtains washed, Dry cleaning Fast winter drying, Ironing service.

Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 1pm. (last service 1 hr. prior to closing times)

0117 214 0949

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Bradley Stoke based pest control expert ● Rats and mice ● Bed bugs ● Carpet moths ● Flies and all other insects Member of the National Pest Technicians Association

www.amanpestcontrol.ltd

TILING SERVICES

For a no obligation quote call Shayne on 07983 511 501 or 0117 960 5943 info@tileworxtilingservices.co.uk www.tileworxtilingservices.co.uk

Tel: 07400 000084

Professional Wall & Floor Tiling

GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

PET SERVICES

P.J.R. Plastics

Replacement and Maintenance: ● Guttering, Downpipes ● UPVC Fascia Boards ● Soffits and Cladding ● Unblock & Gutter Cleaning All work guaranteed

Call Paul for free quote 01454 850201 or 07980 001109

To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

30

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C&M Services, Page 25 Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, Page 23 Alternative Therapies Willow Brook Clinic, Page 10 Bathrooms Concept Property Maintenance, Page 28 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 4 Builders Criterion Construction, Page 14 Car Dealerships Drive Vauxhall, Page 20 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Northavon Carpentry, Page 19 Child Care Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 32 Children’s Activities Stoke Gifford School of Dance, Page 16 Chiropractic Cool Green Planet, Page 5 Willow Brook Clinic, Pages 15 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 15 Double Glazing Visit directory on SGJ website Education & Learning Charlton Wood Primary School, Page 6 Olympus Academy Trust, Pages 8 SGS College, Page 31 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 26 Events Jack Lopresti MP, Page 28 Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 15 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 22 LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 25 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 7 Gyms & Health Clubs Riverside Leisure Club, Page 9 More in directory on SGJ website Hairdressers The Filton Barbers, Page 24 Reflections, Page 21

Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 11 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 4 Launderettes Wash Shop Plus, Page 29 Opticians Specsavers, Page 18 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 30 Digby Decor, Page 30 Pest Control Aman Pest Control, Page 29 Pet Services & Supplies Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 29 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 15 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 29 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 28 Gregor Heating, Page 1 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 29 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 29 Panache Plumbing, Page 29 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 29 Property Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Page 1 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 28 David Coombs Services, Page 30 P.J.R Plastics, Page 29 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 17 Shopping Rozmaryn Polish Delicatessen, Page 25 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 19 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 13 Sport & Leisure Shanthi Yogalay, Page 29 Stoke Gifford School of Dance, Page 16 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 29 Z Cars, Page 14 Tiling Services Tileworx Tiling Services, Page 29

Visit our online directory: www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk/directory CARPENTRY & JOINERY

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

October 2018

PAINTING & DECORATING

Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier We load and clear Same day service Household, garden, garage & sheds cleared Single item jobs Cheaper than a skip No VAT

Contact Stuart or Sue on 0800 0234 995 (Freephone) or 07770 944727 stuart.thistlewood@yahoo.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

FREE day trips for the over fifties If you are over fifty and want to discover exciting new attractions as well as meet new people, then SGS College has the course for you.

Locations and dates available: • Cake International – 3rd/4th November – Maths course • Artes Mundi/Cardiff Museum – 1st/2nd December – English course

Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a For further information and to book your place qualification in English or maths at the same time. please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327 your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you.

Booking is essential, as there are a limited number of places.

FREE COURSE AND DAY TRIP

50+ W OF L EEKEN D EAR DISC NING, OVE AND R TRA Y VEL

Childcare from 3 months to 5 years of age at Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol.

Providing a safe, caring environment for children from three months to five years of age.

•

Open 7.30am - 6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year

•

Home-cooked food

•

Secure environment with extensive CCTV and biometric fingerprint entry system

•

Outdoor learning environment

•

Friendly and highly experienced staff.

To find out more or to book a visit, call 0117 969 1662 or email info@bananamoon-bristol.co.uk

CCTV

Fingerprint biometric access

operates throughout our nurseries

Fully equipped outdoor play area

Home-cooked food

Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol Pinnacle House, 166a Gloucester Road North, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BG Call us on 0117 969 1662 or visit bananamoon-bristol.co.uk