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September 2019 • Issue 11
SCHOOLS P10, P23 | WHAT’S ON P20 | SPORT P25 | DIRECTORY P30
Plans revealed for Aldi store in Stoke Gifford P6-7
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Premier Inn, Costa drive-through and gym also planned for development on vacant land near Sainsbury’s
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PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE
Abbeywood Community School
Gipsy Patch Lane
Students celebrate results
Three-way lights in September
P10 & P19
P16-17
l Public left in dark over proposed roundabout improvements l Willow Brook Centre appeals McDonald’s refusal decision l Update on the 2,600+ new homes coming to the Stokes area l Consultation on latest round of waiting restrictions l Guide Dogs latest to benefit from Beaufort Arms fundraising l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Funds secured for sport and leisure facilities l 1st Little Stoke Scouts summer camp report l Little Stoke bus driver thanked for actions l Stoke Gifford gospel choir records first EP!
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News Public left in dark over proposed roundabout improvements
T
he results of a public consultation on proposed capacity improvements at a major roundabout on the border between Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford will not be released until just one week before a funding decision is made on the £2.3m scheme, the Journal can reveal. The consultation on the proposed work at Great Stoke Roundabout (a.k.a. Rabbit Roundabout) took place in February and March 2019 and it was stated that a feedback report which raised concerns the work would be prepared and published might run concurrently with ahead of a decision being planned road closures on Gipsy made by South Gloucestershire Patch Lane from early 2020 in councillors on “proceeding with connection with the scheme to the scheme and seeking funding replace the railway bridge. from the West of England However, the response to a Combined Authority (Weca)”. recent enquiry submitted by The consultation documents the Journal has revealed that also stated that, subject to the Weca funding application receiving funding, “construction has already been made, could commence in autumn 2019 raising questions about South WB…BSJ 1 06/06/2019 Council’s 22:17 Page 4 and takeBALLOON one year toADS.qxp_Layout complete”, Gloucestershire
(SGC’s) commitment to genuine community engagement. In response to our enquiry, an SGC spokesperson said: “Earlier this year, the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) approved an outline business case for a preferred scheme to increase vehicle capacity and reduce queuing times at Great Stoke Roundabout in Stoke Gifford. We ran a public consultation, including several
drop-in sessions during February and March 2019, and invited people to fill in a questionnaire about the proposed scheme.” “Following this feedback, a full business case has been submitted to Weca and we are expecting a decision on the future funding of this scheme in October. The results of the public consultation will be published a week prior to the Weca decision.” “Following the funding decision from Weca, we will be in a position to confirm a start date for the main work and the traffic management which will be in place during the scheme.” “If funding is approved and we progress the scheme, we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to residents and all road users and will take into consideration other road improvement schemes in the area.” ● More info: www.southglos. gov.uk/greatstokeroundabout
Life changes in the heart of the community
WillowBrookCentre Great shopping in the heart of the community willowbrookcentre.co.uk
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September 2019
News
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 magazine is published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: Equinox South, Great Park Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4QL. Our other publications include the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine and 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 2019. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.
Have your say: Reader letters Do you have strong views about something that’s happening in or around Stoke Gifford? Want to pass comment on something you’ve read in the Journal or another local publication? Send your letter to letters@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk or post it to: Reader Letters, Stoke Gifford Journal, 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8GB Please include a phone number, in case we need to contact you. Our next issue: October 2019 • The advertising copy deadline is Friday 13th September • The article copy deadline is Monday 16th September • The magazine will be distributed from 28th September
A
gents acting on behalf of Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook shopping centre have lodged an appeal against South Gloucestershire Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for two new drivethrough food and drink units (foreseen to be occupied by McDonald’s and Starbucks) and two new retail units at the town centre site. The controversial planning application, submitted in March 2018, was first denied permission by the local authority’s Development Management Committee in February 2019 and then again in March 2019 by the higher-level Spatial Planning Committee. Officers at South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) had originally recommended that the application be approved, but it was ‘called in’ for a decision to be made by council members. With one of the proposed food drink units being located only 22m from the nearest residential property in Wheatfield Drive at its closet point, councillors decided there would be “prejudicial impact on residential amenity due to noise, general disturbance, fumes, smells, and late night activity”. They also said the proposals “failed to promote the economic, social and environmental character of the area”. News of the appeal surfaced in early July when a Planning Inspectorate appeal application form dated 28th June 2019 appeared on the council’s planning portal. The appellant originally requested that the appeal be determined by way of a hearing, and the case officer at the
Planning Inspectorate initially announced that this would indeed be the procedure used. However, in a letter dated 7th August, she explained that, after further consideration, the alternative procedure of ‘written representations’ would now be used as a hearing could not be justified, stating: “… although there are a lot of interested parties, the issues are not particularly complicated and the council have indicated that they will not be submitting anything very technical, therefore a hearing is not justified and this appeal will now proceed by way of written representation…” A deadline of 21st August was set for interested people and organisations to submit written representations for consideration by the inspector. In its ‘statement of case’ the appellant rejects the grounds of refusal and argues that the proposed food and drink units would “have an acceptable relationship with nearby housing so as to avoid any negative impacts based on noise or odour”. The statement adds that a condition restricting the opening hours of the food units to 6am11pm for Starbucks and 6ammidnight (Sun-Thu) / 6am-1am (Fri & Sat) for McDonald’s would be acceptable if the inspector considered this would “serve a purpose in limiting disturbance”. Now that the submissions deadline has passed, the appellant and the local planning authority (SGC) have until 4th September to comment on the representations received. An inspector will then visit the Willow Brook site. The
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News
Willow Brook appeals McDonald’s refusal decision Criticism from objectors as further planning applications for advertising signage are submitted main parties may be invited to accompany the inspector, but no discussion about the merits of the appeal will be allowed during the site visit. No date has been set for making a decision on the appeal. Information published on the website GOV.UK states that the current average time taken to decide an appeal determined by the written representations procedure is 27 weeks (from initial validation).
Plan showing proposed illuminated advertising signage on the north-east elevation of the proposed McDonald’s unit
● The appellant’s ‘statement of
Advertising signage
case’ may be viewed on the SGC planning portal under application reference PT18/1491/O (on the ‘Documents’ tab). To read the full history of the case, visit the ‘Planning Applications of Note’ page on the Bradley Stoke Journal website at htp://bit.ly/bsj-planning
In a further development, objectors to the scheme have been angered by the submission, within days of the appeal on the main case being announced, of two new planning applications that relate to advertising signage on and around the proposed McDonald’s restaurant.
Objection comments submitted by members of the public claim the latest applications are “confusing” and “putting the cart before the horse”, with one asking if the council “knows something we don’t”. Bradley Stoke Town Council has also weighed in, saying the applications “don’t make sense” as there is currently
no building to attach the signage to. The town council has asked local South Gloucestershire ward councillors to ‘call in’ the applications, in view of “the impact of illuminated signage on local residential properties”. ● Application references for advertising signage: P19/09453/ ADV and P19/09456/ADV
BUILDING SIGN SCHEDULE - ERDDS SIGNAGE (BUTTERFIELDS SIGNS)
ADVERT REF
SIGN TYPE
QTY
SIZE (mm)
MATERIALS
HEIGHT (mm) ABOVE GROUND
LETTERS
SIGN 5
2
5450W x 100D x 606H
White acrylic "McDonald's" text.
Refer to Elevations N/A
606
(STATIC Max. 600cd/m²)
ARCH PANEL
SIGN 23A 2
1660W x 80D x 1660H
Aluminium panel painted matt dark Green with Yellow acrylic "Golden Arch" symbol (internally illuminated) set on Reynobond composite aluminium panel colour RAL 9010 Pure White
Refer to Elevations N/A
1089
(STATIC Max. 600cd/m²)
ARCH PANEL
SIGN 23C 2
1380W x 80D x 1380H
Aluminium panel painted matt dark Green with Yellow acrylic "Golden Arch" symbol (internally illuminated) set on Reynobond composite aluminium panel colour RAL 9010 Pure White
Refer to Elevations N/A
905
(STATIC Max. 600cd/m²)
EXTENT (mm) HEIGHT (mm) ILLUMINATION OF PROJECTION OF TEXT
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News
CARETAKER REQUIRED at LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Plans to open an Aldi store in Stoke Gifford
From autumn term 2019 Little Stoke Primary School is a friendly, happy and caring place where everyone is a valued member of the team. We are looking for a Caretaker to play a key role in the smooth and efficient running of the school to maintain a high standard of facilities for our children. Hours: 10 hours per week, all year round, possibly increasing to 15 in the future. Salary Range for 10 hours: £5,080 - £5,181 Holiday Entitlement: 24 days holiday, plus 9 Bank Holidays. Duties include:
Aerial view looking south, with the Premier Inn and gym in the foreground. The rear of the existing Sainsbury’s store can be seen in the far background.
P
rovisional plans for a new Aldi, Premier Inn, Costa and gym (The Gym Group) in Stoke Gifford are being consulted on ahead of a possible planning application being made in the coming weeks. Aviva Investors, which owns the vacant site next to Sainsbury’s and between Fox Den Road and Great Stoke Way, says it has been working on the plans for the last four years. The proposals were made public in early August when residents living near the development site were sent a letter and site plan (see facing page) with an invitation to provide feedback in an informal consultation. Helen Rainsford, senior real estate director at Aviva Investors, said: “We are delighted to progress these proposals, which will help serve the growing community, existing employment and passing trade from Parkway.” “We did explore a number of different options, including residential and student,
employment and retail. The initial feedback has been really positive, especially for the Aldi. With parking being an issue in the area, we have been mindful not to exacerbate the situation and make the site accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.” Aviva Investors says it would welcome further feedback on the proposals, which can be sent to consultationevents.southwest@ eu.jll.com or by calling their agents JLL on 0117 927 6691. There are also plans, still subject to confirmation, to give a presentation to Stoke Gifford Parish Council at a scheduled meeting of its Planning and Transportation Committee on Tuesday 24th September. The meeting takes place at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Park, starting at 7pm. Subject to feedback, a planning application could be submitted “in the next month” and Aviva Investors says it hopes the new facilities will be open by early 2021 (subject to receiving planning consent).
• Acting as one of the main keyholders, ensuring security of the school site • Carrying H&S checks including alarm systems, water, playground etc. • Waste management including recycling • Maintaining general tidiness, upkeep and safety of internal and external areas • Some DIY tasks as is reasonable within the hours For full details and an application form please see our school website at www.littlestokeps.co.uk Closing date for applications: Wednesday 18th September 12 noon. The school is closed during August but applications can be submitted via email and will be picked up at the beginning of September. Email address admin@littlestokeps.co.uk
How the site looks today
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Bradley Stoke
This map is provided for illustrative purposes only. Refer to planning applications for definitive information.
September 2019
LAND AT HARRY STOKE [1] Planning ref: PT12/1302/RM Developer name: Crest: Highbrook Park 166 homes already built [2] Planning ref: PT17/5810/RM Status: Awaiting decision Developer names: Crest: Brooklands Park Linden Homes: Brook Park 763 homes planned Delivery: 2019 to 2028
Stoke Gifford [5]
[3] Planning ref: PT17/5847/RM Status: Awaiting decision
M4 J19
Developer name: Crest: Highbrook Park Phase 2 257 homes planned Delivery: 2022 to 2026 EAST OF HARRY STOKE [4] Planning ref: PT16/4782/O Status: Outline permission; S106 and reserved matters pending
[1]
[4]
Developer name: Crest: ‘South of the railway’ 1,290 homes planned Delivery: 2020 to 2026
[2]
[5] Planning ref: PT16/4928/O
[3]
Status: Part approved; S106 and some reserved matters pending M32 J1
UWE
Developer name: Crest: ‘North of the railway’ 327 homes planned Delivery: 2020 to 2024
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News Update on the 2,600+ new homes coming to the Stokes
A
nyone who has driven along the A4174 Ring Road between Abbey Wood and Hambrook recently can’t failed to have noticed the plethora of housing developer signs that have sprung up along the northern edge of the road, with Crest Nicholson and Linden Homes telling us that some new development is ‘Coming soon’ and urging us to ‘Register now’. Journal readers will be aware from previous articles that 2,000 new homes are to be built on either side of the Stoke Gifford By-Pass, which links Parkway North with the Ring Road. This development is known as the ‘East of Harry Stoke (EoHS) New Neighbourhood’, where the houses are currently planned to be completed between 2020 and 2026, subject to further planning approvals and S106 agreements. This is in addition to the 1,200 new homes earmarked over a decade ago for an adjoining area further to the west known as ‘Land at Harry Stoke’ (LaHS). Here, just 166 units of the approved housing quota have so far been delivered – at Crest Nicholson’s Highbrook Park development. Little has happened on the ground for the last couple of years, but that all changed in July when excavators began work in earnest on land between Westfield Way and Highbrook Park. The Journal understands that this activity is associated with the construction of a new access road that the developers are contractually obliged to provide before the 200th home can be occupied on the LaHS site, suggesting that house building might be about to resume. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Crest Nicholson has been urging South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) to move towards making a decision on its reserved matters (detailed) planning application to build 763 homes on the west-most part of the LaHS site, bordering Harry Stoke Road.
As previously reported, the land here was recently acquired by Crest Nicholson, who went on to submit a swathe of revised drawings in November 2018, angering local residents who claim the new plans are no longer compliant with design codes associated with the outline planning permission granted back in 2007. Describing the latest proposals as “a modern, urban design with some tall blocks and a cramped layout”, the objectors argue that this clashes with the traditional and locally listed buildings in the historic hamlet of Harry Stoke. They have also raised concerns over an alleged over-concentration of affordable housing towards the southern end of the site and along part of the ‘rural edge’ along Harry Stoke Road. Eighteen of the residents have now grouped together to investigate the possibility of taking legal action by using the services of a planning expert solicitor, in an effort to “achieve a better development on [their] doorstep”. A reserved matters application for 263 homes on the third parcel of land within LaHS was made by Crest Nicholson in December 2017. This lies to the south of the already-built Highbrook Park development, bordering the Ring Road. The SGC planning portal records no recent activity in connection with this application although it is noted that a recent housing supply report published by SGC foresees the first houses on this site being delivered in 2022, subject to the undergrounding of power lines. A recent development concerning the EoHS New Neighbourhood saw an SGC committee meeting being brought forward by two weeks in July, to resolve legal technicalities that were blocking progress on an S106 agreement associated with Crest Nicholson’s ‘land south of the railway’ site.
A new access road is being constructed off Westfield Way, near Harry Stoke
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September 2019
Schools
Abbeywood celebrates Post-16 success stories
L-r: Ella Heaven, Olivia Jadeja, Gemma Shafto (director of Post-16 at Abbeywood) and Lauren Brenton
T
his year’s Post-16 exam results at Abbeywood Community School saw almost one-third of all grades awarded being at A*-B, with 15 percent in the top A*-A band. The overall pass rate was 96 percent. Bursary students, in receipt of
financial support, achieved an entire grade higher than last year, says the school. All students on the IT and business courses achieved the top grade. Additionally, art, photography, media, physics and the Extended Project
Qualification (EPQ) all achieved above national expectation for every single student on these courses. As always, many students are off to study a wide range of undergraduate courses, including law, philosophy, criminology,
geography, journalism, nursing, engineering, sociology, psychology, politics, dentistry, computing and business. Other students have taken up high-quality apprenticeships, moved directly into employment or are undertaking voluntary work or travelling the world during a gap year. Top performers highlighted by the school include: • Olivia Jadeja who achieved 4As (biology, chemistry, psychology & EPQ) and is going to study medicine at Exeter University • Lauren Brenton who achieved 3As (art, English language & sociology) and is taking up an apprenticeship at a prestigious law firm • Ella Beven who achieved 3As (chemistry, geography & EPQ) and 1B (maths) and is going to Durham University to study geography Gemma Shafto, director of Post-16, said: “We are delighted so many of our students have been so successful. It has been a very exciting morning sharing the results with our students and confirming their destinations. Our students now embark on a wide range of exciting courses, apprentices, employment or a gap year. We are extremely proud of the achievements of our Year 13 students and we wish them all the very best for their future.” Headteacher, David Howe added: “We are all delighted for our students who have achieved another excellent set of Post-16 results. We always encourage our students to be resilient and ambitious and they have done us and themselves proud. These excellent results are a springboard to a great future and I wish all of our students the very best wherever they are headed. These exam outcomes are the culmination of a huge amount of hard work undertaken by both students and staff.”
October magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 16th September To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400
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September 2019
News
Consultation on latest round of waiting restrictions
P
lans to introduce doubleyellow lines on numerous short sections of residential roads in the Bakers Ground and Kings Drive area of Stoke Gifford were the subject of a public consultation during August. South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) says the purpose of the proposed scheme is to address “obstructive and inconsiderate” parking on the eleven specified roads (see panel, right). Comments left on the Stoke Gifford Journal’s Facebook page suggest that much of the inconsiderate parking is caused by users of the nearby Bristol Parkway Station who are reluctant to pay to park at the station or in the council-run ‘park & ride’ car park on Hunts Ground Road. The Journal has also heard that bus passengers who catch the M1 MetroBus and T1 services from the stop at Great Stoke Way
Roads in Phase 4A Adelante Close Bakers Ground County Way Halls Garden Kings Drive Manor Place Newbrick Road Riviera Way Simmonds View Star Avenue Voyager Close A notice advertising the recent ‘phase 4A’ waiting restriction consultation
may also be contributing to the parking issues. The consultation, which finished on 30th August, is designated as being ‘phase 4A’ of an area-wide waiting restriction review (covering the whole Stoke Gifford district ward) that began back in 2011. The types of restrictions introduced as a result of previous
phases of the review have included ‘no waiting at any time’ (double-yellow lines), ‘no waiting 8am-9am and 3pm-4pm’, ‘no waiting Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, except permit holders’ and ‘limited waiting of 30mins MonFri 1pm-2pm’. Phase 1 (consulted on in 2011) resulted in the full range of measures being
implemented across a wide area stretching from New Road and Sandringham Road in the west to Hunts Ground Road and Trevelyan Walk in the east. Phase 2 (consulted on in 2013) added further roads close to Parkway Station (and revisited some that already had restrictions) plus Gifford Crescent and Lawford Avenue in Little Stoke.
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News Comments on the Stoke Gifford Journal Facebook page KW: There is definitely an issue by the park in Bakers Ground with people blocking the dropped kerbs so it’s really hard to get a pushchair to the park. RvC: This is a commuter parking issue caused by the station. Easily solved if station parking was free with a valid ticket. AW-J: Bakers Ground is becoming dangerous with people parking and walking to the station to avoid paying for parking. Good move! PD: Excellent. One of the Kings Drive proposals will mean we can actually get off our driveway without having an inconsiderate tenant blocking our exit. Long overdue! Glad the council seem to have listened to recent complaints. KP: There are far too many double-yellow lines already, that’s why there’s a parking problem on Bakers Ground. The council should remove some of the existing ones and make the park & ride cheaper – all this does is make it harder for everyone to park. Phase 2A (sometimes referred to as Phase 3; consulted upon in 2014 and again in 2015) resulted in further restrictions in Beaufort Crescent and New Road. The ‘statement of reasons’ accompanying the most recent consultation explained that, in view of the large size of the ward, it had been decided to split the current review into three phases: 4A, 4B and 4C. In response to an enquiry from the Journal, an SGC spokesperson explained that the proposed waiting restrictions within the phase 4A review had been included following requests received (over a period of time) by residents/ members of public with the support of local ward members. Any roads within phase 4A area that do not have any proposals is because no requests have been submitted to include waiting restrictions. The spokesperson added that there is still time to consider and investigate sites within the additional phases (4B and 4C) should residents/members of public wish to submit a request. The spokesperson was unable to say when the consultation feedback report for phase 4A will be published, adding that “it could take some time depending on the number of responses we receive”. Likewise, dates for phases 4B and 4C of the review are not currently known.
Asked if the council has allocated extra resources to properly enforce the everincreasing number of waiting restrictions in the area, the spokesperson said: “Our enforcement team will be informed of all new restrictions that are implemented on the public highway. To report a vehicle that is illegally parked on existing restrictions, please email parklegally@southglos.gov.uk or telephone 01454 868000, so that they can arrange for a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) to attend site and enforce the offending vehicle.” Last year, the Journal reported that the Co-operative store in North Road had introduced a parking time limit to combat commuter parking and the nearby Beaufort Arms has recently followed suit. Asked to comment on the view expressed by some of our readers that introducing ever more parking restrictions only displaces commuter parking into adjoining areas and that the issue can only be properly solved by reducing the cost of parking at Parkway Station, the spokesperson said: “The cost of parking charges at Parkway Station is not within the scope of this review. Any comments or suggestions of this nature would need to be directed to First Group who manage Parkway Station.”
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Councillor Column Transport-related issues to the fore
T
here are a number of transport-related issues that continue to cause me some anxiety in the Stoke Gifford area. Obviously, we are all concerned about the disruption that the impending work to increase the width and clearance under the Patchway Bridge will cause. Your three district councillors are determined to do everything we can to ease the disruption, but would also appeal to the community to support our small local businesses who are bound to come under pressure during the period that Gipsy Patch Road is closed. At the same time, I am becoming increasingly alarmed by the danger posed to pedestrians and cyclists passing under the Parkway Bridge. The bridge was designed and built at a time long before the current levels of transport were envisaged, and long before the new office development and schools such as Abbeywood were built. Today, literally many hundreds of children and adults heading to their place of work, pass through that bridge at least twice a day on narrow pavements whilst all manner of vehicles thunder past only inches away. Parkway Station is going to get busier, and more and more buses will be passing under the bridge to add to the danger to pedestrians. Plans were drawn up about five years ago to put a dedicated pedestrian and cycle tunnel through the embankment between the existing tunnel and the station; but were then shelved due to cost. I believe the cost to create that vital tunnel will be as nothing compared to a life lost due to an accident if the vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists are not separated from the traffic. I am determined to achieve action on this issue. I continue to receive complaints regarding the
speed of some vehicles on North Road. I had originally proposed that speed tables be placed under both existing pedestrian crossings, but I am aware that speed tables are not to everyone’s liking. However, I will continue to press for a 20mph limit on that road. Graffiti continues to be a problem, and we must redouble our efforts to prevent it spoiling our community. It is nothing short of criminal damage and I urge the police to be vigilant to catch the vandals who are doing it. I am very concerned by the sudden decision of South Gloucestershire Council to change traffic flows at the Hambrook lights in an effort to reduce pollution. The changes appear to be causing unacceptable delays and merely spreading the pollution elsewhere. Please make your views on these changes apparent. Finally, we have not forgotten the parking blight that has now also spread to Bakers Ground and Parkway North. We have requested South Gloucestershire Council to look at the question of a residents’ parking scheme. Cllr Brian Allinson Stoke Gifford parish councillor and South Gloucestershire councillor for Stoke Gifford ward
Find details of YOUR South Gloucestershire ward councillor at council.southglos.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx
t: 01454 300 400
September 2019
News Guide Dogs latest to benefit from Beaufort fundraising
L-r: Monica Cave (Guide Dogs Charity), Lorna, Sue (guide dog owner and Guide Dogs Charity fundraiser), Jim Carey (pub manager) and Tony Giles.
T
he Guide Dogs Charity is the latest good cause to benefit from regular fundraising activities at the Beaufort Arms in Stoke Gifford. Representatives from the charity’s South Gloucestershire Fundraising Group visited the pub on Sunday 18th August when they were presented with a cheque for £1,000. The money has been collected through activities organised by prolific fundraiser Tony Giles, who for many years has staged a weekly ‘meat raffle’ in the pub at 3.30pm on Sunday afternoons. Further funds are raised through a ‘higher or lower’ card game which follows the raffle at around 4.15pm and from a lottery bonus ball competition. Monica Cave, organiser of the local branch of Guide Dogs, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity, said: “Thank you so much to Tony, staff and customers at the Beaufort Arms for their amazing £1,000 donation raised from their weekly meat raffle.” “I am always amazed at the diverse types of fundraising people choose to do when
supporting Guide Dogs and a meat raffle is definitely a first for our South Gloucestershire Fundraising Group. I always love to see people enjoying themselves while fundraising and I am sure staff and the customers all had a great time.” She added: “Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind and Guide Dogs enable thousands of people with sight loss to lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives. We rely on public donations like this to continue our life-changing work and provide vital services to blind and partially sighted people.” If you would like to know more about the Guide Dogs Charity and how they help to change people’s lives visit www.guidedogs.org.uk or call 0118 983 5555. Tony already has a beneficiary lined up for his next charity donation - The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) – an organisation suggested by a member of staff at the Beaufort Arms who has a child with the condition. ● Facebook page: ‘Beaufort Arms’
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Parish Council Updates Little Stoke Community Café The Little Stoke Community Café held a very successful opening day on Saturday 20th July. This was a great opportunity for the local community to check out the new renovation. Hayley, the café manager was overwhelmed with the volume of people through the door on the opening day, and still maintains strong support from the community. The café is open Tuesday to Friday 8am to 3pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm and Sundays 9.30am to 4pm. The café serves barista-style coffees and cold drinks, hot food, freshly made cakes, various lunch box deals for children as well as a corporate menu for meeting attendees and a party menu for those having a party at the hall or on the 3G pitch. The café has indoor and outdoor seating, a child-friendly area and a book swap where you can bring a book in exchange for another.
Parks and open spaces The Little Stoke Park has hosted various activities this summer, with two football tournaments, a funfair, four car boot sales, a weekly junior park run, a charity walk fund raiser for world disability day, a dog show, local schools’ sports days and a week-long programme of tag rugby. Charity FND FrieNDs held a sponsored walk on Sunday 14th July and Kevin, chairman, trustee and organiser, gave thanks to the parish council: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank you so much for letting
HALL FOR HIRE RATE FOR 3-HOUR CHILDREN’S PARTIES IS £64.00
Meade Park bridge
us use your park and facilities on Sunday 14th July for our 2km charity walk. It was a hugely successful day for us, with everything going to plan with no hiccups. We managed to raise around £1,500 from sponsorship and takings from cake/tea/coffee sales and some face painting. That is a huge amount of money for our charity. We are extremely grateful to you.” The first football tournament, an annual weekend event, was organised by Stoke Lane AFC. The event ran on the Saturday but due to the weather had to be called to a halt on the Sunday. Typical British weather! But this didn’t stop good feedback from the organisers who greatly appreciate the use of the park and facilities. The second tournament was organised by Little Stoke FC. One member of the public said that it was “a fantastic tournament and food and refreshments for all of us. The food was great, organised professionally, good music, good MC with clear instructions of tournament
STOKE GIFFORD PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE Little Stoke Community Hall PUBLIC ACCESS TIMES MONDAY 9am – 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm
FACILITIES AVAILABLE: LARGE SPORTS HALL, KITCHEN, ENTRANCE FOYER WITH POOL AND FOOTBALL TABLES (FREE OF CHARGE) BOUNCY CASTLE (SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE REQUIRED)
TUESDAY 9am – 12 noon WEDNESDAY 9am – 12 noon THURSDAY 9am – 12 noon FRIDAY 9am – 12 noon
VENUE: THE STOKES YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE, LITTLE STOKE LANE, LITTLE STOKE, BS34 6HY. PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH COUNCIL FOR MORE DETAILS
Please contact the office if you wish to arrange an appointment outside of the public access times. See below for contact details.
and a great atmosphere. Well done all.” Meade Park has also seen the installation of a new wooden bridge leading into the park. This new bridge decking replaced a worn and wellused bridge. We received some information regarding vandalism to the castle and slide in Meade park. The damage that has been caused is going to cost the council a significant sum of money to repair. The slide appears to have been set fire to and deliberately damaged. This is a real shame, especially during the school holidays.
SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS All meetings to take place at 7pm unless stated but may be subject to change. Please refer to noticeboards and Parish Council website. Venue: Little Stoke Community Hall FULL COUNCIL (2nd Tuesday of Month) Tuesday, 10th September 2019 YOUTH COMMITTEE Monday, 16th September 2019 4pm at The Stokes Youth and Community Centre PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (4th Tuesday of Month) Tuesday, 24th September 2019
Tennis Courts Now available for hire at Stoke Gifford Trust Ground North Rd, BS34 8PE
Cost: £5 per hr Booking Contact Stoke Gifford Parish Council Tel 01454 865202 Email clerk@stokegifford.org.uk
Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Little Stoke Community Hall Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HR t: 01454 865202 e: clerk@stokegifford.org.uk w: www.stokegifford.org.uk
16
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September 2019
News Temporary traffic lights coming to Gipsy Patch Lane in September as bridge works begin in earnest
R
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oadworks are due to begin on Gipsy Patch Lane from Monday 2nd September in preparation for construction work to replace the Victorian era railway bridge and widen the road as part of the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME). The September roadworks, which will involve the use of three-way traffic lights at the railway bridge, follow a fourweek full closure of the road in June 2019, which was required to allow BT to divert underground services ahead of the main project commencing in August. Network Rail’s contractors Alun Griffiths duly commenced work at the site on Friday 9th August and they have already carried out some vegetation clearance along the railway corridor near the bridge. Ground preparations have also been carried out within the designated site compound area within the Horizon Business Park immediately south west of the bridge. Following reports in the press that one business, Tyres Direct, saw a 40 percent drop in takings during the June road closure, South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) is emphasising that all businesses in and around Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as usual during this latest phase of work. Work due to take place from September will include:
• Continuing work on establishing a construction site in the Horizon 38 Business Park next to the railway bridge. This is where the new bridge will be constructed before it is moved into position over Easter 2020 • Further clearance of trees and shrubs will take place around the existing bridge, including the removal of the large trees outside the Pegasus Park business area • Preparation for foundation work at the four corners of the new bridge and the installation of dropped kerbs for temporary pedestrian crossing points on Gipsy Patch Lane Piling works will need to be carried out from October to construct foundations for the new bridge. To assist the work, a number of traffic management measures will be in use, including Stop/Go signs and temporary traffic lights.
Traffic management
From Monday 2nd September, temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation on Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge. These will be in place for up to two weeks. After this period, automated Stop/Go boards will be used as needed on Gipsy Patch Lane. These will only be used when workers and machinery from the construction site need to safely cross Gipsy Patch Lane and their
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September 2019
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Railway bridge
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17
Little Stoke Lane
Gipsy Patch Lane
Site compound for precasting new bridge
Smithcourt Drive
Proposed new bus lanes on Gipsy Patch Lane (indicative only; refer to planning application PT18/0987/R3F for definitive drawings).
Your questions answered Why couldn’t the work necessitating the three-way traffic lights in September have been done during the school holidays in August when traffic is lighter? The replacement of the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane is a significant engineering project that requires months of preparatory work, which cannot be limited to school holidays. We are working to minimise the disruption as much as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Overview of the site compound area that is currently being set out on part of the Horizon 38 development. The railway bridge is in the lower left corner of the image. Source: Presentation made by Griffiths in July
use will be kept to a minimum and as far as possible will be kept to off-peak times. SGC’s Cabinet member for transport Cllr Steve Reade said: “We are pleased to see this vital transport project get started. The CPME will deliver a new high quality express bus service, as
well as improving cycling and pedestrian facilities and helping to reduce traffic and congestion.” A council spokesperson added: “We understand that this work will have a major impact on traffic in the nearby and wider area. We apologise in advance for this inconvenience and would
like to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users.”
● For further information visit
SGC’s dedicated CPME webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/ CPmetrobus
Will the three-way traffic lights in September operate 24/7 (including weekends) or only during site working hours? The three-way temporary traffic lights will only operate Monday to Friday during off-peak hours. They will also be manually controlled so can be adjusted with immediate effect to suit demand during the day. Will pedestrians be able to pass under the bridge during the operation of three-way lights in September? Yes, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to pass under the railway bridge. However, cyclists may be asked to dismount.
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Av Lim ail it ab ed ilit y
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Stoke Gifford Retirement Village With limited availability and homes starting at just £142,475*, there has never been a better time to pop in and see us. Our beautiful show apartment is open between 10.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
Call 0117 440 3034 to arrange a viewing. Stoke Gifford Retirement Village provides a vibrant community for later living with affordable apartments. Residents can enjoy access to: Gym Village hall Bar Hobby and craft room Bistro IT suite and library Shop Greenhouse Hair and beauty salon Stoke Gifford Retirement Village Off Coldharbour Lane Bristol BS16 1EJ Registered Charity No. 327816.
stokegifford@extracare.org.uk stokegifford.extracare.org.uk facebook.com/stokegiffordvillage *Shared ownership
September 2019
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19
Schools
Abbeywood GCSE results maintain upward trend
A
bbeywood Community School (ACS) students are celebrating their GCSE results, which are said to show a strong trend of improvement for the school in all key performance measures. Overall, students have achieved better progress than the national average, with over two-thirds achieving a standard (grade 4) pass in both English and maths. In addition to the featured high-attaining students (see panel below), many others have made significant progress (measured in comparison to attainment in Year 6 SATs). Students identified by the school as being worthy of particular mention for their progress are: • Lies Dunn • Arielle Toko-Yaleu • Brad Pickford • Annabelle Thomas • Safira Taplin • Anish Kataria • Freddie Collins • Megan Eyres • Ella Goodman • Rosie Henson ACS headteacher Dave Howe commented: “We are absolutely delighted with these GCSE results and extremely proud of our students. Central to our school values is equipping our students with the belief that there is no limit to what they can achieve, and this is reflected in these excellent results. These strong exam outcomes represent a huge amount of hard work and I pay tribute to our amazing staff
and wonderful students. I would also like to sincerely thank all our parents and carers for their belief and support, as the relationship between home and school is key to the success we are all celebrating today.” Richard Bendry, Key Stage 4 leader, added: “I am very proud of our students who have risen to the challenge of being resilient and highly engaged learners. These results reflect the hard work by students, staff and parents and they set our students up for a successful future where they can begin to turn their aspirations into reality.”
Olympus Academy Trust CEO Dave Baker said: “It’s great to see so many of this Abbeywood cohort achieve so well. Many have achieved the higher new number grades, which sets them up very
well for their future study and work next year and beyond. Well done to the colleagues from across the trust who have collaborated so effectively to support each other and ultimately our students.”
Outstanding individual performances Jasmine Ajaz Charlie Dell William Lambern Bahira Malak William March Michaela Stutt Daniella Sakota Samaram Mansfield-Njie Aditya Putravu Natalie Williams
9Gr9, 1A*Dist 3Gr9, 2Gr8, 4Gr7 6Gr9, 1Gr8, 2Gr7, 1A* 8Gr9, 1Gr8, 1A* 3Gr9, 4Gr7, 1A 7Gr9, 1Gr8, 1Gr7 7Gr9, 2Gr8 4Gr9, 2Gr8, 3Gr7, 1A* 4Gr9, 1A*, 3Gr8, 2Gr7, 1A*Dist 6Gr9, 2Gr8, 1Gr7
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September 2019
What’s On
Wanted! Fun-lovin’ folks to attend the Rotary Club of Bradley Stoke
Community invited to celebrate toy library’s 1st birthday on 7th September
Barn Dance
With Jig Mad Wolf Ceilidh Band Bein’ held at St Mary’s RFC, Trench Lane Friday, 11th October from 7.30 Vittles Bar Raffle
Tickets (including supper) £10 available from
Karen Holley — 07540 458119 karenholley454@hotmail.com All monies raised will go to causes supported by Rotary
OPEN DAYS
AT LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL
OPEN DAYS Thursday 26th September at 9am Tuesday 22nd October at 9am Wednesday 20th November at 6pm
Please come along to our open sessions to find out more about our school, meet teachers, staff and governors and have a tour of the site. Visit our website for further information or ring the school to book a visit. We look forward to meeting you!
Your child’s learning adventure could begin here in 2020
LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL Little Stoke Lane Little Stoke Bristol BS34 6HY www.littlestokeps.co.uk
Tel: 01454 866522
Before conversion
T
he 2nd Stoke Gifford Rainbows’ project to run a toy library in a disused phone box has been well received, with many items being donated and borrowed over the last 12 months. The decorations made by the girls have been changed every month, with themes ranging from Remembrance Day, to Christmas and summer holidays. To mark the first anniversary of the opening of the toy library, the Rainbows are planning to hold a birthday celebration at 2pm on Saturday 7th September and everyone in the local community is invited! The girls from Rainbows and Brownies will be holding a bake sale in aid of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) as part of their Challenge badge. They are also expecting a visit
Northavon Carpentry
Opening day
from Charlie Bear from the GWAAC along with members of the support team. Everyone is invited to come and see the toy library one year on, meet Charlie Bear and the girls and leaders behind the idea and enjoy our bake sale. Donations of good quality toys are always accepted – please email 2ndstokegiffordrainbows@ gmail.com and a volunteer will be in touch to arrange collection.
The Toy Library, located at The Green, Stoke Gifford BS34 8PE, works on a self-service basis and is unlocked by volunteers each day.
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September 2019
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21
News
Funds secured for sport and leisure facilities
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opular sports facilities and public open spaces in Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke are to receive a boost of more than £230,000 in developer funding. Of the sum awarded by South Gloucestershire Council’s Conservative-run Cabinet in July, £172,000 will be invested into Little Stoke Park and playing field for pitch enhancements and changing room improvements, as well as upgrades to the cricket nets and tennis court at the Trust Ground on North Road. This follows an initial £13,000 of S106 funding, which was awarded to the playing field last year last year from the Filton Airfield development. A further £59,000 is also being awarded for toddler play equipment at New Road in Stoke Gifford, following the receipt of wayleave from Network Rail. Section 106 funding is raised through contributions from
L-r: Cllrs Brian Allinson, Ernie Brown and Keith Cranney in Little Stoke Park
developers in negotiation with South Gloucestershire Council and is used to support open space infrastructure that would benefit the new residents and those in existing communities nearby. Welcoming the funding were Stoke Gifford’s three district
ward councillors, Brian Allinson, Ernie Brown and Keith Cranney. Cllr Allinson said: “This is great news for our community. South Gloucestershire Council’s Conservative administration has prioritised our public places as one of its main focuses and
we are pleased that residents will soon be able to enjoy these enhancements.” Cllr Brown added: “It is important that we provide facilities to enable local residents of all ages to remain active, so we are very happy to see this funding will be put to good use by improving the park and playing field. We hope it will result in encouraging participation in a mixture of team and individual activities, which are already tremendously popular on the playing field.” Cllr Cranney said: “We are really lucky to have fantastic sporting facilities in Little Stoke and having this money to maintain and improve the playing field and changing rooms, at the as well as the cricket nets and tennis courts at the Trust Ground, will mean they can continue being enjoyed by people of all ages for years to come.”
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September 2019
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News
1st Little Stoke Scouts and Cubs enjoy busy summer camp in Gloucestershire
T
he first week of the summer holidays saw the 1st Little Stoke Scouts and Cubs set off for camp at Cranham Scout camp in Gloucester. Despite arriving at camp in the rain, the Scouts and Cubs were all in high spirits setting up camp, showing brilliant organisational and leadership skills to ensure all the tents, equipment and food were stored safely. Once camp was set up, the children all enjoyed playing team games, including the Scouting favourite the ‘stick game’. This involves standing in a circle passing upright sticks around by moving in the correct direction. A simple but tricky game, which resulted in bonds forming between the Scouts and Cubs and laughter from all. An epic ‘wide game’ of French versus British spies, which translated into the
Scouts chasing the Cubs was also a highlight for many. The cooking on the camp was of Masterchef standards, from bread making, to Dutch ovens full of pork and apple casserole, roast gammon in coke and caramel apples. Lots of new experiences and skills developed for the Cubs and Scouts - from pioneering, which involved them building see-saws, A-frames, and washing-up stands to dam building to control a water flow. The Cubs may have only stayed for a long weekend, but they certainly packed a lot in; tunnelling, dam building, mini boat building and racing, wide games and obstacle courses. Rocco, a new Cub on his first official camp as a Cub said: “Thank you for an awesome weekend, although at times I
wasn’t sure of all the activities, I absolutely loved it. It was a wonderful experience.” After the Cubs left, the Scouts and leaders commented that everything seemed a little quieter, but they had no time to stop as there were plenty more activities still to enjoy. The Scouts enjoyed a day out in Gloucester, enjoying the steam train ride and were lucky to have a whole carriage to themselves. Back on site, we saw a fiercely fought contest in the archery and pistol shooting. Ashley proved to be the top pistol shooter hitting the bullseye and centre rings with every shot! All too soon the camp reached an end. Happy but tired Scouts and leaders broke camp, packed bags, and said their goodbyes. Sadly, it was the final camp for seven of the older Scouts who
now move on to Explorers. Their cheerful attitude and positive nature will definitely be missed. As one camp ends, another is getting ready to start. Gemma Oram is busy planning another Beaver camp for the start of October, this time under canvas.
● If you would like any more
information on getting involved with 1st Little Stoke Scout Group, please contact group Scout leader Tony Edmonds on 07957 880503 or email tonyedmonds108@ yahoo.com
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September 2019
In Brief Major resurfacing works at Abbeywood Roundabout South Gloucestershire Council is warning road users to expect delays on the local road network as major resurfacing work is carried out at Abbeywood Roundabout on the A4174 Ring Road (near Sainsbury’s) starting from Monday 9th September and potentially lasting until Tuesday 24th September. The works will involve the planing off of the existing surface of the carriageway and the laying of a new surface. They will commence at 8pm each evening and continue until approximately 6am the next morning. Local residents are being warned that the works will create a significant amount of noise. For the duration of the works, the road will be closed and all traffic will be diverted around the area whilst the closures are in place. A council spokesperson said: “We will make every effort to
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ensure that access to properties and amenities fronting the site and whose only access is from the closed road, is kept available and the disruption to local residents is kept to a minimum. However, there may be periods of time when access to properties by vehicle will be unachievable, and for this, we apologise.” “Although alternative routes will be signposted whilst the works are in progress, it is possible that delays may occur on the surrounding network.” The spokesperson added that adverse weather conditions or plant / delivery problems may affect the times and dates. ● www.southglos.gov.uk
Put your old school backpacks to good use
More details about the project can be found at www. marysmeals.org.uk and the local Rotary Club club contact is Karen Holley on 07540 45811 or karenholley454@hotmail.com probably means that there are lots of unloved, but still usable, backpacks lying around in cupboards and wardrobes! Bradley Stoke Rotary Club is currently working with Mary’s Meals, a registered charity based in the UK, to send recycled backpacks to Malawi. Before despatch, the backpacks will be filled with simple, but essential, educational equipment such as notepads, pencils and crayons, as well as limited sports equipment. Any backpacks that are in good condition will be appreciated (unfortunately drawstring-type gym bags cannot be used) and we would also welcome any donations of materials that can be put in the bags.
Phoenix
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Ladies’ running course for beginners starts soon Sole Sisters Running Club has another beginners course planned to start on Monday 9th September – our club runners need to arrive for 6.30pm but beginners should arrive 6.45pm with the aim of running from 7.15 pm. The six-week course costs £15.00. For your first week we will meet at Baileys Court Activity Centre, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8BH. Please print off and complete our Sole Sisters Application Form and bring it with you to the first session or just turn up on the night. Further details are available from www.solesistersrc.co.uk/ beginners-course/
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September 2019
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25
Sport
Ben Hiscox memorial match at the Trust Ground
THE LOCAL football community came together at the Trust Ground in North Road, Stoke Gifford on Sunday 28th July to once again celebrate the life of Ben Hiscox (pictured right), who tragically died in hospital days after sustaining a head injury during a game at the same venue in March 2015. Ben, 30, was playing for Stoke Gifford United FC when he slid off the pitch following a challenge and struck his head against the wall of the clubhouse. Football finally returned to the venue in 2017, with the blessing of Ben’s family, after a number of
safety alterations had been made to the ground. This year’s memorial game between teams loosely representing Stoke Gifford United FC and Little Stoke FC ended 2-2 after normal time, with the goals coming from James Stephens and Nathan Daniels for Stoke Gifford and Zac Cosgrove and Enis Akgun for Little Stoke. An impromptu penalty shoot out saw victory eventually go to Little Stoke with the winning goal being scored by young Corey Evans, son of Little Stoke’s manager for the day, Ricky Evans. ● More photos on Facebook.
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26
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September 2019
by Moira de Groot, foot health practitioner at Willow Brook Clinic
Nail picking and biting
nychophagia and Onychotillomania are conditions that are not easily spoken about but are rather common, especially amongst children and young adults. But what are they? Onychophagia is defined as chronic nail biting behaviour, which usually starts during childhood. Onychotillomania results from recurrent picking and manicuring of the nails, leading to visual shortening or, in more extreme cases, inadvertent removal of nails. These conditions can affect fingernails and/or toenails. There is little evidence that these conditions have links to anxiety disorders or obsessive compulsive disorders. There is some collation between nail biting and tension, and a feeling of relief and pleasure is also reported. For some people boredom triggers the need to pick or bite. For others it is simply a habit that needs to be broken. No single condition causes nail biting or nail picking and sadly for sufferers of these conditions, there is no easy answer to why it happens. Many people seek support to try and resolve these conditions, especially if the nails have become infected and the skin around the nails is split and damaged. In some cases nails can become ingrown causing significant discomfort.
A foot health professional will be able to help you manage your nails back to health. Nails need to be trimmed as short as possible, and filed, to ensure that there are no rough edges. A good foot care regime will be discussed. In some cases we would suggest covering one nail to prove regrowth and success. Remember that nail growth is slow. Toe nails take about a year to grow from base to tip. Damaged toenails will need regular attention. Infected skin may need a consultation with a doctor and perhaps some medication. If your nails are damaged, contact a foot health practitioner for advice and treatment. The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre ● See our advert on page 13.
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News
Little Stoke bus driver thanked for actions
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bus driver from Little Stoke has been praised for his actions in dealing with a series of medical emergencies affecting one of the regular passengers on his route. First West of England driver James Mills has sprung into action on four separate occasions when regular customer Rachael Jay has suffered seizures or hypoglycaemic attacks whilst travelling on his service. Rachael, aged 46, from Yate, suffers from epilepsy and has type 1 diabetes. She travels regularly on the Y2 service between Bristol and Yate. She wanted to say a formal thank you to James, and so the two recently met up in happier circumstances at Marlborough Street bus station in Bristol. Driver James, aged 27, has had to call for an ambulance on four occasions for Rachael when she has been suffering an epileptic seizure or hypoglycaemia caused by low blood sugar – once in Downend, once in Coalpit Heath and twice in Yate – staying by her side until paramedics arrived.
Rachael has since had her medication changed and says her condition is now “more under control”, but she wanted to thank James in person as well as raise awareness of the effects of epilepsy and diabetes and how it can affect everyday life. Rachael, whose eight-year-old son Jacob has also recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, said: “I want to thank James for being so brilliant and acting so quickly when I have suffered attacks on the bus. Living with epilepsy and diabetes can really affect your lifestyle and for James to have presence of mind and to act so swiftly on all those occasions really helped.” Chris Hanson, head of operations, First West of England, said: “We are very proud of James, who responded as we would hope all our colleagues would do in the same or similar circumstances. We are pleased that Rachael seems to be none the worse for her experiences and really touched that she has taken the trouble to recognise James for his actions.”
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News
Successful ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ in Meade Park
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ocal residents joined the Friends of Meade Park on Saturday August 17th for an informative and enjoyable look at wildlife in Meade Park. Led by local ecologist Rupert Higgins, the group discovered dragon flies, butterflies, shield bugs, ladybirds, hoverflies, snails and bugs of all kinds going about their business in the park. Easily overlooked, these little creatures are essential to the delicate ecobalance in nature. Rupert was able to identify the different butterflies: a painted lady, a speckled wood and a holly blue amongst others, along with dragonflies such as the common darter and the migrant hawker. One of the participants on the walk said: “I thought I knew a lot about the trees and wildlife in the park but Rupert has such amazing knowledge. It was really interesting.” Cllr Jenny James, chair of the
next one will be on Saturday 19th October. The friends group also have plans to design some information boards to help park users identify trees, plants and wildlife in the park. If you have any other ideas about how to enhance the facilities and activities in the park you can get in touch with them via the ‘Friends of Meade Park’ page on Facebook or by email at friendsofmeadepark@gmail.com ● For more news about Meade Park read the parish council news section on page 15. Ecologist Rupert Higgins (left) with some of the participants on the guided walk
Friends of Meade Park group said: “It was a good to discover so many different creatures in the park and our thanks go to Rupert for sharing his extensive knowledge.” The walk was funded by Stoke Gifford Parish Council.
The Friends of Meade Park have a series of walks planned across all the seasons, to help park users appreciate the great opportunities in the park to get up close and personal to the wide range of trees, plants and creatures living there. The
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News
Stoke Gifford gospel choir records first EP! By Emma Smallwood, GGCC n a hot, sunny Saturday in July around 80 singers gathered to record a brand new EP. The Stoke Gifford Gospel Generation Community Choir (GGCC) was one of six choirs that were part of this exciting project. Three other GGCC Bristol choirs plus one from Torquay and one from Feltham swelled the numbers, creating a wonderful rich sound. For most of the singers, this was their first experience of being part of a recording, so they got a new insight into the world of multiple takes, instructions for more energy, tighter diction and smiles! It was a long day, took five hours to record the four songs and then we had another three hours to record a smaller group and some solos. The backing tracks for the songs had already been done by GGCC choir director Emma Smallwood, so literally all that was needed were the vocals. We had the expert help of experienced singer/songwriter Geraldine Latty for the day, she led the choirs through all the songs and two of the songs we recorded were actually written by her and her husband, Carey Luce. Carey was the engineer/ producer for the day and will be mixing all the songs for us over the summer. The title track of the EP is ‘Sing our way home’ and the other tracks are a mixture of traditional spirituals and more contemporary gospel songs.
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We’re aiming to launch our EP at our annual Gospel singing conference here in Bristol on 12th October. This is open to anyone who loves to sing and loves gospel music. There are still places available – visit ticketsource.co.uk for details. We’ll have more details of the launch and how to get hold of a copy when our new rehearsal term starts on Tuesday 10th September. We meet fortnightly at 7.30pm in the lower hall of the St Michael’s Centre in North Road, Stoke Gifford. New members are always welcome, so why not come and join us!
For more information contact Emma Smallwood at gospelgen@ googlemail.com or visit the GGCC website at www.ggcc.org.uk
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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 17 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 22 Architectural Services Outside In Properties, Page Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 26 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 11 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Northavon Carpentry, Page 20 Carpets & Flooring Phoenix Flooring Limited, Page 24 Child Care Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 26 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 17 Driving Schools Visit directory on SGJ website Education & Learning Little Stoke Primary School, Page 20 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 32 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 12 Events Westerleigh Crematorium, Page 21 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 31 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Garage Services GH Motor Services, Page 29 LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 27 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 10 Painting Petals, Page 30 Smart Patios, Page 16 Gyms & Health Clubs Riverside Leisure Club, Page 1 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 16 One You South Gloucestershire, Page 2 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 26 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 13
Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 29 Locksmiths Lockforce Bristol, Page 31 Opticians Specsavers, Page 8 Painting & Decorating Digby Decor, Page 30 Painting Petals, Page 30 Pet Services & Supplies Four Paws Pet Care, Page 31 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 31 Pest Control Services Aman Pest Control, Page 29 Physiotherapy The Physio Clinic, Page 7 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 26 Plumbing & Heating Bristol Plumbing & Heating, Page 28 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 31 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Panache Plumbing, Page 31 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Property Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Page 18 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 31 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 31 P.J.R Plastics, Page 31 Public Notices Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Page 15 Recruitment Little Stoke Primary School, Page 7 NHS North Bristol Trust, Page 23 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 6 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 9 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 5 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 31 Z Cars, Page 4
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