Stoke Gifford Journal, November/December 2019

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

Nov/Dec 2019 • Issue 13

WHAT’S ON P10, P26, P29 | BUSINESS P18, P27 | DIRECTORY P30

Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge works step up a gear

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PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE

Three months of noisy piling work set to begin in early November… Pages 4 & 5

Royal British Legion

Local Poppy Appeal launched

Little Stoke street naming

P10

Local historian remembered

P19

l Royal official opening for Almondsbury helibase l Crest lays foundations of first homes at Harry Stoke l Busy year at Stoke Gifford Army Cadet detachment l Huge growth for local Facebook group that supports families in need l Rainbows prepare toy library poppy tribute l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Rabbit Roundabout work to overlap Gipsy Patch Lane full road closure l Hospice charity shop in need of more stock l Beavers go global on overnight camp weekend l UWE scientists give OSR Scouts a helping hand l Christmas event at St Michael’s Church

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Nov/Dec 2019

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Royal official opening for Almondsbury helibase

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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: January 2020 • The advertising copy deadline is Friday 6th December • The article copy deadline is Monday 9th December • The magazine will be distributed from 27th December

reat Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to officially open their new purpose-built emergency operations base in Almondsbury on Wednesday 25th September.

Moving to the new site, located alongside the M4/M5 motorway interchange, was a huge milestone for the life-saving charity, which celebrated its tenth birthday last year.

GWAAC’s Critical Care Team moved into their new home in October 2018, after a successful capital appeal raised £1.3 million needed to purchase the site and secure the future of the charity’s operations.

During his visit, His Royal Highness met a range of people who all made last year’s purchase possible, from charity staff and operational crew to supporters, trustees, patrons and volunteers.

Amongst some of the 80 guests were also members of the South Western Air Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and Babcock Mission Critical Services, who provide the charity’s helicopter, Helimed 65.

The Duke was given a tour of the new facilities, which culminated in the hangar, where he unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening and met a former patient of GWAAC, Ali Layard and the specialist paramedic who attended to him, Pete Sadler.

The Duke gave a speech to guests after unveiling the plaque, saying: “It’s great to see such a splendid building which has all the equipment you need to do such an important job. It’s clear to see how passionate everyone here is about the charity and all the important work that it does.”

GWAAC chief executive, Anna Perry, said: “We were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to the base today for the official opening – the event was the perfect opportunity to get

The Duke meets former GWAAC patient Ali Layard (left) at the event

everyone who helped make this possible together and celebrate the hard work that has gone in to this move over the last year, allowing us to keep providing our life-saving service to those who need it the most. Without everyone here today, this would not have been possible, and we were honoured to show His Royal Highness the incredible work that we do here at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.”

Also in attendance on the day were representatives from the National Police Air Service (NPAS), who lease half of the base for their operations. Almondsbury is one of 14 NPAS bases across the country. The network provides borderless air support to police forces across England and Wales 24/7, 365 days a year, flying to around 20,000 tasks annually. Air crews and a single NPAS helicopter operate from Almondsbury – in the first year at the base, crews have flown to more than 1,200 tasks.

Chief Superintendent Scott Bisset, chief operating officer of NPAS, said: “The base at Almondsbury provides NPAS with an excellent facility and we’re grateful to GWAAC for allowing us to share their building. Our crews fly from here supporting police forces across the South West and beyond on tasks such as searching for suspects and missing people, vehicle pursuits and the policing of major disturbances and events.

We’re delighted to have welcomed His Royal Highness and guests as part of the opening event.”

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His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester (centre, standing behind the plaque) officially opens the new GWAAC airbase in Almondsbury. Full story on facing page.

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New bridge (looking east)

Cribbs Patch MetroBus Extension Construction programme (excluding San Andreas Roundabout)

New bridge (looking west)

2019 JulSep

OctDec

2020 JanMar

AprJun

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2021 OctDec

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Gipsy Patch Lane bridge & associated road works Network Rail contractors start on site & compound establishment Highway & rail site pre-possession works Contsruct bridge on compound site Land bridge Easter 2020 rail possession Post main possession work, incl. road lowering & utility diversions Hatchet Road bus stops, including mobilisation Gipsy Patch Lane east of bridge works, including mobilisation Gipsy Patch Lane west of bridge works, including mobilisation Top: Visualisations of how the replacement bridge will look, once completed. Above: CPME construction programme (correct as of October 2019).

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Gipsy Patch railway bridge works step up a gear

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onstruction activity at the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge site stepped up a gear in the fourth week of October as contractors Alun Griffiths began excavating the railway embankment on the east side of the bridge following a period of vegetation clearance.

The excavation work, to both flanks of the bridge, is a precursor to the commencement of piling work necessary to create foundations that will support the much wider replacement bridge at each of its four corners.

In late September, South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) announced that piling work at the site was expected to start on 14th October and last for around three months. However, as we went to press in late October, it still hadn’t started and we understand that a new commencement date of 4th November has been scheduled.

The excavation work on the east side of the bridge has required a large amount of material to be transported under the bridge to the site compound on the other side, which has necessitated the use of traffic control using stop/go boards. This work has so far been restricted to off-peak times, which has minimised disruption on the road network.

The new bridge will weigh approximately 4,500 tonnes and it will sit on foundations piled to a depth of 25 metres. To minimise disturbance for local residents, noise mitigation measures such as sound barriers will be used

around the piling equipment.

Most of the piling will take place during the daytime between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. However, SGC says it is not expected that piling will be carried out every day during this time.

It is anticipated that overnight work will be required for approximately 18 nights during the first two months of the piling.

This will be carried out between the hours of 6pm and 3am. If weekend work is required, this will only take place on Saturday mornings between 8am and 1pm.

In other news, SGC has published a more detailed construction programme for the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension project (see facing page) which shows that highwaywidening works on Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge will now not begin until autumn 2020. This is a change to the programme previously published as part of the planning application which foresaw this work starting in summer 2019 and requiring a one-way closure of a stretch of Gipsy Patch Lane for 12 months.

An eight-month full closure of the road at the railway bridge is planned to start in mid-March 2020, ahead of the replacement bridge being manoeuvred into position during a closure of the railway over Easter 2020.

Construction of the new bridge, within the Griffiths site compound on the Horizon 38 business park, is due to start

Excavations in progress in the railway embankment alongside Station Road, Little Stoke, in preparation for the start of bridge foundation piling work

Works programme summary (Alun Griffiths) November 2019

Start building the bridge Finish pile cap sheet piling Start bored piling Construct pile cap Install timelapse cameras

in November. The completed bridge will be moved from the compound and into its final position by an array of selfpropelled modular transporters (SPMTs). A source at Network Rail has described this operation as “the largest lift of its kind ever undertaken in Europe”.

SGC has declined to reveal its revised plans for traffic management associated with the highway widening works east and west of the bridge, which are needed to create new bus lanes.

December 2019

Continue bridge build Continue pile cap construction Start prep works for culvert extension Construct temporary cable bridge foundations

Construction of a new eastbound bus lane on Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge (towards the Hatchet Road Roundabout) has proved controversial because it requires the removal of 22 mature trees on the south side of the road.

● For further information visit

SGC’s dedicated CPME webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/ CPmetrobus and the Journal’s MetroBus Extension Build page at http://bit.ly/cpme-build

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News

Crest lays foundations of first homes at Harry Stoke

Photo credit: Steve Pitts

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ousebuilder Crest Nicholson has wasted no time in getting started on its new 763-home Brooklands Park development in Harry Stoke, with foundations for the first properties going in just weeks after final planning permission was granted on 19th September.

As previously reported, work on constructing a new eastwest link road across the site, already approved under outline permission granted in 2007, started in earnest this July.

Two-way temporary traffic lights have been in operation on Westfield Lane since August to facilitate the tying-in of the new link road and the installation of water, gas and electric feeds for the new development.

The Brooklands Park site extends all the way down to the A4174 Ring Road (near UWE).

The current activity is focussed on the northern section where 284 homes are planned.

This will be followed by the central section (206 homes).

The southern section (beyond

the right edge of the photo above) will then follow, but only after the two high voltage powerlines which cross this area have been undergrounded.

Aerial image recorded on 27th October, looking south-east from Westfield Lane (near The Aviva Centre). The existing Highbrook park development of 163 homes can be seen top left. The new road linking Highfield Park with Westfield Lane runs diagonally to the bottom right of the image. Also visible to the left of this is a new estate road leading to the location of the first foundations.

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Nov/Dec 2019

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Busy times at Stoke Gifford Army Cadet unit

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he Stoke Gifford detachment of the Bristol Army Cadet Force (ACF) has been busy over the last few months, taking part in numerous camps, sporting events and receiving numerous awards in the process, writes Sergeant Instructor Paul Clark.

various battle scenarios. This helps teach the Cadets to be more independent and gives them confidence, especially when tasked to lead others. Other subjects covered on this weekend were skill at arms, navigation, first aid, drill and turnout.

Fieldcraft

Annual camp is the highlight of the year for all Cadets and adults.

This year we were in Altcar, Liverpool. Annual camp is The Cadet Force’s main training and testing camp of the year as they spend 10-12 days on camp. All syllabus subjects are covered on this camp. Activities also included mountain biking, archery, orienteering, STEM kits and a day out to a local sailing centre where the Cadets took part in numerous activities including kayaking, sailing, sail boarding and raft building.

It is also a great opportunity for

In June the cadets went off to Rollestone Training Camp on Salisbury Plain to take part in their annual fieldcraft weekend camp. The Cadets received further training in their fieldcraft skills and were tested as part of the ACF Star Level syllabus. The fieldcraft part of the syllabus is probably one of the most exciting and demanding training that a Cadet has to undergo. Fieldcraft encompasses various skills including patrolling, cooking in the field, administration in the field, leadership skills and

Annual camp

Cadets and adults to meet up with members of other detachments from around Bristol whom they would not normally see.

Stoke Gifford Cadets were well represented with 14 Cadets (from 18 eligible to go) attending camp – a very high turnout.

The Stoke Gifford detachment had two promotions on camp, so well done to Cadet Shannon O’Callaghan, promoted to Lance Corporal, and Lance Corporal Zachary Blatchford for his promotion to Corporal – both very well deserved. Well done also to Cadet Sergeant Gurr on her appointment as The Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet – a huge honour, as there is only one Cadet in the county awarded this role.

Drill competition

This year’s Inter-Company Drill Competition was held in the grounds of Clifton College as part of the Bristol ACF Annual Awards event. The Stoke Gifford detachment provided the largest number of Cadets for B Company Drill in this competition (and so we should as reigning champions) and we weren’t disappointed as our team won the competition for the second year running.

Sports

‘Stokie’ Cadets have represented the county and the South West region in numerous sporting events over the whole year, including rugby, athletics and football, with Cadets from the detachment receiving numerous

awards and medals, the highlight being Cadet Lance Corporal Porter scoring the winning goal for the Junior Girls at the National Football Competition, resulting in her being picked to represent The Army Cadet Force national team on its Exercise Kenya Trip. While in Kenya she will help build a football academy for local children, take part in numerous football matches with the local community and go on safari, amongst other activities.

Poppy Appeal

This year, ‘Stokie’ Cadets will be assisting the Royal British Legion with their Poppy Appeal collections, whereby Cadets will assist in collections at Bristol Parkway Station. The Cadets will also take part in the Stoke Gifford Remembrance Parade at the North Road war memorial.

This will be the first time the detachment has assisted the Royal British Legion in these events and we will now be helping annually with these events.

Recruitment

The period since September has been a busy one for the detachment as we have recruited ten Cadets, bringing the total number up to 28, which for this small detachment is a huge boost.

This is testament to all adults and cadets of the detachment for their hard work and achievements.

If you’re interested in joining the Stoke Gifford detachment of the ACF, are in the age range

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12-18yrs and in Year 8 at school, come along and give it try – we are actively recruiting all year round. Just come along on the following parade nights: • Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7pm and 9.30pm • Address: Ratcliffe Drive, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8UE • Tel: HQ 0117 986 3344 or Detachment Commander SSI Clark 07825 326488

Above: Inter-Company Drill Competition at Clifton College; Top right: Kayaking during the detachment’s annual camp Right: Cadet Lance Corporal Porter on the training camp Far right: Cadet Sergeant Gurr on her appointment as The Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet

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Local Poppy Appeal launched at Parkway

L-r: Ron Stevens (D-Day veteran), John Honey (Chelsea Pensioner), Jack Lopresti MP, David Bell (RBL) and Tim Bowles (West of England mayor)

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he Stoke Gifford branch of The Royal British Legion (RBL) launched its 2019/20 Poppy Appeal with a ceremony in the foyer of Bristol Parkway Station on Friday 25th October.

The branch was pleased to welcome a special guest, Chelsea Pensioner John Honey, who cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the start of the local appeal. Mr Honey retired from the army in 1960, having served overseas in Aden and Kenya with the Royal Army Service Corps. He became a resident at the Royal Chelsea Hospital in 2012, at the age of 72.

The ceremony was also attended by D-Day veteran Ron Stevens, 95, a resident of Filton.

Mr Stevens joined the army at the age of 14 and served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Based on Jersey in the early part of World War 2, he was evacuated on the last boat to leave the island before the Germans invaded. On D-Day, he landed at Juno Beach and went on to serve at vehicle workshops in France, Holland and Belgium.

His military career spanned more than 30 years.

Also present at the event were West of England mayor Tim Bowles, Jack Lopresti MP and representatives of several local groups including ATC North Bristol Squadron, Stoke Gifford Scouts and RBL Riders (motorcyclists).

Parkway Station is one of the main sites for the branch’s fundraising efforts, along with the Asda store in Filton, Sainsbury’s in Stoke Gifford and the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke.

Money raised through the Poppy Appeal goes to the RBL’s Welfare Fund, which is used to give help and support to serving and ex-service personnel and their families.

The RBL has a drop-in centre at 60 Union Street, Bristol, where people can call in for advice and information on the charity’s support and community services.

Details of local Remembrance parades and ceremonies may be found on page 14.

● The Stoke Gifford branch of

the Royal British Legion has its own Facebook page. To find it, search for @StokeGiffordRBL

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Huge growth for local Facebook group that supports families in need

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Facebook group started by a local mum that allows people to make unwanted items available free of charge to families in need has grown its membership to more than 5,000 members in less than two years.

The Mama’s Swaps & Freebies Bristol group was launched 18 months ago by Patchway resident Paige Josham with the intention of allowing a small group of her friends to give away or swap items such as clothing, toys and pushchairs.

Members of the group can advertise unwanted items which they are happy to give away for free. The items generally need to be collected, but in some cases

(e.g. where the recipient is in great need and has no transport) the person offering or another group member may be able to deliver locally without charge, or for the cost of fuel only.

Attracting members from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, the group soon became so popular that Paige found it necessary to bring in a team of friends and acquaintances to help run the group and she has been joined in the task by Kelsey Lee Booy, Amy Jane Bland and Daisy Louise Till The ethos of the group is that it exists to help anyone, regardless of background or situation, as Kelsey explained: “We have gone on to help the homeless, parents

in emergency refuge or fleeing domestic violence, single parents and working class families, as well as families that could be perceived as ‘comfortable’” One member, Natalia, when asked about the group said: “Babies grow so quickly and need so many things for such a short time. This group reduces the amount of plastic and clothing ending up in landfills! I have had perfect condition toys and clothing from the wonderful ladies here that would otherwise have gone in the rubbish, whilst I would have bought them new and then added my lot to the dump, too. I also love knowing that things I’m done with will be loved by others, whilst not having

the guilt that they’ll be thrown out straight away. This group helps us protect the environment for our little ones, whilst growing and strengthening our local community.”

An example of an emergency situation in which the group was able to offer assistance was when an urgent plea for help came in from a woman who had been given the care of a 5-weekold baby girl whose mother had been taken to hospital after a domestic violence case. The child had nothing but the clothes on her back and a few spare nappies to see her through the night.

Paige was able to post an urgent request and get hold of the bare necessities that the baby would

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Group founder Paige Josham (centre) with other admin team members at the 2019 Stars of the Stoke presentation evening in June 2019

need to see her through the next few days until the child could go back into the mother’s care.

Earlier this year, Paige was nominated for a Stars of the Stokes award by members of the group (by then numbering 2,700).

At the presentation evening, it was revealed that Paige had received more than 70 individual nominations, the highest in the four years history of the Stars of the Stokes awards programme.

With the admin team at Paige’s side, she was honoured to be named as winner of the Unsung Hero category, receiving her award from event host Paul Sinha, star of ITV’s The Chase.

In June, the group staged its first so-called #Live event.

This involved the admin team collecting and storing donated items for an entire month and then bringing them to a local venue. Hundreds of people

attended the event to collect items they needed for their little ones and £500 was raised for Bristol-based charity The Baby Bank through a raffle, refreshments and optional donations for items collected.

Soon to be a properly constituted organisation, with the support of Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, the group plans to organise further #Live events as well as coffee mornings and play dates to link families who share similar trials such as post-natal depression, anxieties and children with special needs.

Kelsey concluded: “Please make the effort to find us on Facebook under Mama’s Swaps & Freebies Bristol, where you can find out what the team are doing next, contribute items to families in need and help grow our community even further!”

Donations are piled high at the group’s first #Live event in June 2019

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New housing: Concern at lack of infrastructure

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Nov/Dec 2019

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Councillor Column ugust was a quiet month for the parish council, but September and October have seen major changes starting to take place with the Harry Stoke housing development. The parish council did object to the application on the grounds of lack of infrastructure such as road improvement, GP surgery and transport but were overruled. Over the next few years we will see an increase of some 3,000+ houses, yet not one additional GP surgery or improvement to road structure. I will be tabling the lack of GP surgeries at the next Clinical Commissioning Group meeting in January and continue to raise the question of infrastructure with South Gloucestershire Council. It is not acceptable for residents to have a lengthy wait for a GP appointment. We are agreed more houses are required but not at any cost or without the services that go with them.

This month will see many changes as the roadworks take off, starting with Gipsy Patch Lane. Work is now well under way around the railway bridge in preparation for its replacement next year. The current bridge creates a traffic bottleneck, causing queues.

The new bridge will relieve this pinch point, allowing for reliable bus journey times, as well as providing improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and private vehicles. To keep the impact of the diversions to a minimum, there is a monthly Stakeholder Liaison Group meeting attended by councillors, residents, businesses and officers of South Gloucestershire Council, which will hopefully resolve issues as they occur.

Your three district councillors continue to challenge South Gloucestershire Council regarding the removal of twenty-two mature trees to make way for a partial bus lane, in one direction only, along

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Gipsy Patch Lane. The new bridge alone should allow traffic to move freely.

Also, with the impact of climate change and the promise to reduce carbon emissions by 2030, the last thing we should be doing is to remove wellestablished trees.

The much-needed improved Little Stoke Community Centre is now fully commissioned with business as usual. The community café owned by the parish but privately run is doing extremely well and shows good foresight by the parish.

The parish council is currently discussing plans with South Gloucestershire Council for a new community building at Highbrook Park.

The formal decision on which organisation is chosen to operate the facility will be made by South Gloucestershire Council following consideration of business plan proposals.

Deadline for submission of these documents is likely to be end January 2020. If successful, this will give the parish council a much needed foothold in this area.

Parking, one of our main concerns, has been made worse by the impact of commuters parking their cars to catch the MetroBus from stops along the Stoke Gifford By-Pass.

South Gloucestershire Council has now allocated funding to undertake an area-wide review of residents parking around Stoke Gifford and Cheswick to look holistically and avoid piecemeal scheme delivery and displacement issues with the aim of supporting shops and deterring commuter parking.

Cllr Ernest Brown Chair of Stoke Gifford Parish Council and South Gloucestershire councillor

Rainbows prepare toy library poppy tribute

The 2nd Stoke Gifford Rainbow Unit have been putting the finishing touches to their Armistice Day tribute. The Rainbows have been getting crafty and have made hundreds of pom poms in red & black and purple & black in order to honour the fallen soldiers and animals.

The pom poms will be used to adorn the Stoke Gifford Toy Library, both inside and out and will be in place ready for the Stoke Gifford Remembrance Day parade (see details below).

The photo above shows a trial run of the external decorations; these will be reinstated on the day of the parade. Poppy decorations inside the toy library will be installed on 1st November.

Stoke Gifford Remembrance parade

Sunday 10th November: Ceremony at the cenotaph, North Road, BS34 8PB at 10.15am followed by church services at the St Michael’s Centre (immediately after) and Rock Lane Baptist Church (11am).

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Parish Council Updates Graffiti removal Stoke Gifford Parish Council has recently approved a new graffiti removal service for the benefit of residents in the Parish of Stoke Gifford. Agents will attempt to remove or obscure graffiti on private property free of charge once a consent form has been completed. This new service is being delivered in conjunction with South Gloucestershire Council for the benefit of residents. It is anticipated that graffiti would be removed within two weeks of receiving a request. South Gloucestershire Council will continue to remove all graffiti on their land and assets within the Parish.

Tennis and basketball court hire at the Trust Ground, North Road Tennis court hire is £5 per hour. Basketball hire is £10 per hour for commercial use throughout the week. The basketball court will be open for free general access between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday and from 3.30pm other weekdays until hours of darkness. There are currently no set hours at the weekend, but people can just turn up and use the court on the proviso that bookings will take priority. Both courts can be booked via the Parish Council Office either by telephone or email.

Increase in dog fouling across the Parish The Parish Council have noticed a significant increase in the amount of dog waste being found generally across the parks and open spaces, despite enough dog bins being made available for use. Additional signage has now been displayed in those areas worse affected. It is a prosecutable offence not to pick up after a dog has fouled in public areas and South Gloucestershire Council

HALL FOR HIRE RATE FOR 3-HOUR CHILDREN’S PARTIES IS £64.00

YOUTH PROVISION DELIVERED BY CYN The Youth Club provides a place to hang out with your friends, discover new passions and get advice. Come along to the club to meet new people, listen to music, play sports, cook food and have fun.

Mondays 11-13 years, 5:30pm to 7:30pm: Open access session Aerial image of the newly enhanced Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Park. Facilities on site now include the Main Hall, Meeting Provision, a Café, four Sports Changing Rooms and the Parish Council Office. have powers to prosecute if evidence is received.

Should the Council witness an owner not clearing up after their dog, South Gloucestershire Council can prosecute using powers under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. Residents are also encouraged to report any instances of dog fouling to the Parish Council who will investigate accordingly. South Gloucestershire Council Dog Wardens will be monitoring areas for dog fouling as a result of this these problems. Stoke Gifford Parish Council want to see the amount of dog waste reduced, with dog owners meeting their responsibilities.

Updates from The Stokes Youth and Community Centre Room hire opportunities remain available at this facility. The building has an entrance foyer containing table football and pool table, a music room, a soft

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.

Fridays 11-18 years, 7pm to 9pm: Open access session Activities include: Cooking, wellbeing activities, arts activities, bouncy castle, music studio & live studio sessions (including vocal recording), music production and dining Thursdays: Outreach within the local community to engage with young people For more information, please email phoebe. langton-beck@creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk or phone 07734 368626. room, a main sports hire, and a room which would accommodate a pre-school or office provision.

Anyone looking for occasional or regular hire should contact the Parish Office for further information. The Creative Youth Network (CYN) continue to deliver Youth Provision from the premises (see panel above).

Police bike marking The Stoke Gifford Police Beat Team will be providing bicycle marking kits in Little Stoke Park on Wednesday 6th November between 3pm and 6pm.

These kits are provided to enable better security for your property.

FORTHCOMING 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 Tuesday 12th November 2019 RECREATION AND LEISURE COMMITTEE Tuesday 19th November 2019 PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Tuesday 26th November 2019 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE Tuesday 10th December 2019

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

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Nov/Dec 2019

The scheme involves the following works: • Localised widening and modifications to road markings on the circulatory and on all approaches to increase from two to three lanes • The introduction of Toucan crossings on each of the four arms which are prioritised for pedestrian and cyclists, as this will be an attractive alternative to cyclists using the roundabout • The introduction of high quality carriageway entry and exit points for cyclists which are clearly signed, coloured and marked • Widening of shared use foot and cycle paths where possible, to a suitable width with a high quality surface finish.

View a hi-res version of this plan online at bit.ly/GtStokeRbt

Reader comments on our Facebook page CP: This is a “perfect storm” just waiting to happen. You should NEVER use “council” and “planning” in the same sentence.

JB: Why does something that looks fairly simple, cost so much and take 12 months to complete? It’s a great idea, and needed, but come on, £2.9 million! Are they having a laugh?

TB: So, they ask for residents comments … “Great idea, but please don’t do any work at the same time as Gipsy Patch Lane” … and ignore their feelings completely. Unbelievable!

MM: Muppets! You couldn’t make it up. Let’s double-up on roadworks on an already busy area of Bradley Stoke. South Gloucestershire Council: Decisions made by people who live outside of the town without any consideration of those who live in it, yet again.

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CO: More traffic lights just after exiting roundabouts. More rear end stunts coming up.

JMS: Why do everything at the same time? Gipsy Patch Lane, Harry Stoke and development near Sainsbury’s – and now this! Looks like right hand not talking to the left one! Project leaders!

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CM: Haven’t they just recently carried out work on [the roundabout] for the MetroBus route? How can they not think ahead and have done this work at the same time? Madness!

DP: 12 months? Jeez! On holiday last year at Lake Tahoe [it was noted that] they managed to re-tarmac the whole town within a day. Yet in the UK it’ll take us 12 months, will be over budget and probably crack and warp in a few weeks of use.

BR: Why don’t they just start by saying it’s going to take 24 months instead, so we can all be surprised if it actually did take 12?

CO: At least you will be able to get to the roundabout quicker once they widen the Gipsy Patch Lane bridge.

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News

Great Stoke Roundabout improvement works to run concurrently with Gipsy Patch Lane closure

C

ommuters in the Stokes look set to be once again heading for a double dose of roadworks-induced misery after South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) announced that it is to begin work on a £2.9 million scheme of improvements to Great Stoke Roundabout (a.k.a.

Rabbit Roundabout) in January next year.

The timing of the work, which will take 12 months to complete and involve lane closures and some full road closures, means that it will overlap a planned eight-month full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane due to start in March 2020 (see pages 4 & 5).

The two work locations lie on the same east-west route between Winterbourne and the A38 and are separated by just 1.3 miles.

News of the implementation overlap came following funding approval for the Great Stoke scheme from the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) on 4th October.

As previously reported, the scheme will increase capacity at the roundabout by widening all approaches as well as improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians with the introduction of new toucan crossings. Full details are shown alongside the plan on the facing page.

A council spokesperson said: “The area will be subject to lane closures during this work. We will do everything we can to minimise the need for full road closures but there will be times when these are essential to enable us to carry out the work safely.”

The council’s own StreetCare department will carry out the work, with specialist contractors being used as required.

Site clearance will take place between now and Christmas.

Some temporary walkways will also be installed before

Christmas, ready for the main construction works to commence on 6th January. Residents directly affected by these works will be notified by letter.

SGC’s Cabinet member for planning, transport and the strategic environment, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “We are very pleased that the Great Stoke roundabout full business case has received approval from Weca.

This is a significant investment at a key location in the North Fringe where we are seeing rapid housing and economic growth.

Improving and widening this junction will help promote all forms of transport and will help us to keep the region moving now and in the future.”

Asked by the Journal to explain the logic in scheduling two major sets of roadworks in close proximity to run concurrently, a council spokesperson said: “Currently, at peak times, there is often queuing on most arms of the roundabout, therefore, as funding is available now, the opportunity is being taken to complete this work. It is important that the scheme is completed prior to substantial construction of the East of Harry Stoke housing development, to improve capacity and provide the cycle and pedestrian crossing facilities.”

“Also, due to the closure of Gipsy Patch Lane, it is expected that here will be less traffic travelling east/west through the roundabout. Delaying the scheme until after Gipsy Patch Lane re-opens will mean a delay to the improvements being made.”

“Investing in these improvements and increasing the roundabout’s capacity now will help future proof the highway network, support planned housing and employment growth in the area, and encourage greater use of sustainable travel methods.”

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Business

Dunkley’s named top independent firm in SW

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Bradley Stoke accountancy firm has been honoured with a ‘Best in the South West’ accolade at a national awards ceremony.

The nation’s top accountants gathered and celebrated in style on 25th September at the British Accountancy Awards in London.

This prestigious event recognises innovative business practices and celebrates professional excellence within the world of accountancy.

This year, Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants (based in Woodlands Lane) were nominated for three awards: ‘Independent Firm of the Year: South-West, England’, ‘Outstanding Advisory’ and ‘Best Employer’.

Directors Lisa White and Matthew Dobbins, alongside client partner Natasha Miller, attended the ceremony held at the Grosvenor Hotel and, with three nominations hopes were high.

The Dunkley’s party were

Natasha Miller (left), Matthew Dobbins (2nd from left) and Lisa White (2nd from right) receive the award, in the presence of TV comedian Sean Lock (right)

delighted when their company was declared the winner of the ‘Independent Firm of the Year: South-West, England’ award.

Lisa White explains what winning this award means for the business: “Winning such a prestigious award is a perfect

time to thank every one of our employees for the commitment and hard work they give to the firm every day, without which none of this would be possible.”

“We as a firm are continually striving to improve process and aim to always provide

excellent client service. For this to be acknowledged at a national level is quite something and a reinforcement that the team are doing all the right things. We should all be very proud of what has been achieved.”

Matthew Dobbins commented: “This award is a real testament to the team’s constant hard work and dedication to our clients. The calibre of the other entries was high, so for us to be recognised in this way is incredible.

Achievements such as this help us demonstrate to current and prospective clients that we deliver an excellent, professional and reliable service.” ● www.dunkleys.accountants

Send us your news!

January magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 9th December

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Nov/Dec 2019

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News

A

new housing development named after a local historian has been officially opened in Little Stoke.

Housing association Bromford has completed work to its regeneration scheme in Collins Avenue, which has seen ten old properties demolished and replaced with 15 modern, energyefficient homes. Delivered in partnership with United Living, the project, which began last year, has now been shortlisted for a prestigious Inside Housing development award.

The new road has been named Sharon Ubank Close, after the local historian, who died last year. Sharon was the editor of The Stokes Standard booklets for many years which covered topics on local history, flora and fauna. An active member of Christ the King church in Bradley Stoke, Sharon would visit local schools to take part in assemblies and loved reading stories to the children. She also wrote books about the history of the local area and had finished her final book, ‘Saxonpath’, just before she died in July 2018. It was published online by her family to coincide with the opening of the road.

Many of Sharon’s family and close friends joined staff from Bromford, United Living, South Gloucestershire Council and local residents to celebrate the official opening of the road on Friday 27th September.

Speaking at the opening of the road, her brother, Andy Stafford, said: “We are so honoured to have the road named after

Local historian remembered as new development opens

Official opening, 27th September

Sharon; it’s quite hard to put into words what this means for us. To see something like having Sharon’s name on a street sign, it’s quite amazing to see her remembered in this way. She did an awful lot for the local community, especially anything to do with the environment.”

“It’s very unusual to have the full name on a street, but it means people can look her up and find out about her. I think she would be pleased to have a road named after her but may have wondered what all the fuss was about.”

Bromford project manager Alice Phillips said: “We’re delighted to have completed this project ahead of schedule.

We’d like to thank all of the neighbours for their patience and understanding while we’ve carried out the work.

There is a real need for more affordable housing across South Gloucestershire and these new homes will help local people to stay living in the area rather than being forced to move elsewhere.

And it was lovely to welcome members of Sharon’s family to the opening, along with our development partners and new residents, who I’m sure will be very happy in their new homes.”

United Living’s site manager Jason Ivens added: “I am very proud of the exceptional new affordable homes that have been created in Collins Avenue. United

Living aim to leave a legacy in whichever community they work in, and it is hoped that through the employment, skills and training provided through this project that this will be felt for generations to come.”

South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, transport and the strategic environment, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “It is fantastic to see this impressive development officially open and the new residents move in.”

“Regenerating old housing sites with well-designed and sustainable new developments such as this helps enhance neighbourhoods as well as delivering much needed affordable housing for the area.”

“We are committed to increasing the amount of affordable housing right across South Gloucestershire and working with partners like Bromford is proving to be a great way to deliver the homes people need across our region.”

The new homes in Sharon Ubank Close built by Bromford are a mixture of two and three bedroom houses and one and two bedroom flats, all for rent.

They replaced ten non-traditional properties whose condition had deteriorated since they were built in the period following the Second World War as a quick solution to the housing shortage at the time.

The project was part-funded with a £392,000 from Homes England. Earlier this year, Bromford was named as one of the Homes England’s strategic partners, receiving £66m to invest in new social rented, affordable rented and shared ownership homes over the years ahead.

The completion of the work is Bromford’s latest successful regeneration scheme, following previous projects in Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton. The housing association is now starting work on a new regeneration scheme in Filton.

The newly published ‘Saxonpath’ book (above) is available to download free of charge at www.saxonpath.com

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Advertising

Nursery’s new approach shows “immense impact”

By Lorraine Doyle, nursery manager AMBOURNE HOUSE Day Nursery has been caring and educating children since 1991.

Since then, we have established ourselves as a highly respected nursery within our community.

We follow the Early Years Curriculum to teach and plan activities for the children in our care. In April 2018 we introduced the Montessori Approach to teaching. This requires specialist training which I completed several years ago. Other members of staff are currently undertaking theirs through the St Nicholas Montessori Charity in London.

As with all improvements, within the setting we are truly led by the children, reflecting constantly and changing the environment to meet their needs and interests. After just six months had passed, the impact measured was immense.

For example, a parent has noticed the difference in her child’s core stability that has led on to her development in writing skills and hand and eye coordination.

The Montessori ethos focuses on the individual child. We know that children develop at different rates - within our practice, we

present the child to a piece of Montessori apparatus for them to repeat and perfect the task ahead.

The Montessori curriculum is separated into areas of learning such as Practical Life, Mathematics, Culture, Language and Sensorial Activities. Further details can be found in the information panel below.

The Montessori Approach Introduction to Maria Montessori (1870-1952) Maria Montessori originally qualified as a medical doctor and from this her work lead her into the teaching and education field. First Maria’s work started with children who had learning difficulties and then as her theory was progressing it was then introduced into her normal teaching! Her theory is set as an alternative type of education in which it highlights the child’s natural ability to learn.

Overview Montessori is a child led form of education; the materials are specifically designed to meet each of the children’s developmental needs and interests. The children have full access to the Montessori equipment throughout the whole day at their leisure or within a planned activity. The staff at Ambourne House will demonstrate how to use the equipment on a one-to-one basis or within a small group. Once the children have been shown this, they are then free to explore the environment.

Practical Life This area is where the children start to develop their independence within an environment. Practical life materials are real life objects that children will be used to seeing; for example introduce transferring water with jugs, spoons etc. Whilst completing this activity it will teach the children respect for their environment Sensorial These activities encourage the children to explore with their senses.

Colours, shapes, dimensions, smells, sounds and tastes are all introduced with a wide range of activities. We start with the knobbed cylinders as this starts the understanding of size and one-to-one correspondence. Colours and shades are introduced through pairing and grading activities with the colour boxes.

Language This is developed through hands on activities, giving the children concrete experiences which they are able to understand and relate to. Letters are introduced in a physical way through sandpaper letters. This allows the child to feel each letter shape and gain confidence in its formation before moving on to mark making.

Mathematics This area is quite similar to the language activities. They are very hands on and give the child concrete experiences of number, seriation (ordering), addition, subtraction and multiplication.

Mathematics begins with number rods, to introduce the child to counting in a concrete form before moving on.

Cultural This area explores the environment that we live in; it is divided into geography, botany, biology, history and science. Each area introduces knowledge of our world and encourages the children to decentre. Encouraging them to be respectful and caring towards others and helping to develop empathy towards others.

Creative During these activities children are able to explore their senses, develop thoughts and ideas and express their feelings. Creative activities consist of painting, dancing, singing and many forms of arts and crafts which you will see children enjoying regardless of the method of education being used.

Conclusion Montessori is a child centred education and through each of these areas the child is able to develop and progress with safety and given the knowledge that they crave and are entitled to! ● Read more at www.montessori.org.uk

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News

Hospice charity shop in need of more stock

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Bradley Stoke hospice charity shop is appealing for more donations of womenswear, shoes and fashion accessories.

Residents and employees of local businesses have been urged to bring their unwanted items to the local Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) shop at the Willow Brook Centre.

Since opening in August (we reported in our September magazine), the shop has been well supported but is now in need of more donations. Shop manager Simon George said: “We offer some fantastic preloved and brand new items but are asking for an increase in the amount of womenswear, shoes

and fashion accessories we receive.”

Stock donations can be dropped off at the shop anytime Monday-Saturday between 9am and 6pm, and Sunday 10am4pm. Dropping off donations is easy; simply park in the drop off-zone at the rear of the shop and ring the door bell. Look for the CHSW sign on the door along from the cash machines.

All CHSW shops rely on donations of good quality items.

Every bag of stock given to the charity helps make a real difference to the children and families it supports.

For more information about CHSW shops, visit www.chsw. org.uk/shops

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Nov/Dec 2019

News

Beavers go global on overnight camp weekend

O

n the first weekend of October, 1st Little Stoke Beavers attended an amazing event, the Beaveree, at Woodhouse Park, near Almondsbury. This is a Jamboree for Beavers, organised by the Brunel Scout district and themed this year around the Beavers’ Global badge.

During the day, seven different Beaver groups from across the Brunel district took part in a range of global-based activities.

There were seven different stations for the Beavers to explore and enjoy. The activities ranged from creating masks of endangered animals, learning about the importance of recycling and the impact not recycling can have on the environment, to the teamwork activities of building a water filter and making a catapult to transport goods.

The daytime activities were concluded with a large wide

1st Little Stoke Beavers – Left: Camping under canvas. Right: Building a water filter in a teamwork exercise

game, which saw the 80 plus Beavers taking part in an exciting game which helped explain the importance of fair trade. Everyone then moved to the campfire area where the leaders taught them songs from around the world, finishing with a rousing chorus of ‘Campfire’s Burning’.

Two Beaver groups, including 1st Little Stoke, elected to enjoy

Saturday November 9th

At St Michael’s School

Tickets: £3.50 in advance*

£4.50 on the night

Preschool children are Free *advance tickets are available online www.pta-events.co.uk/stmichaelsptfa

Candyfloss Sweets

or from Stoke Gifford post office Gates will open at 5.30pm

Refreshments

Fireworks will start at approximately Light toys 6.30pm

Please note that due to health & safety and weather conditions, we cannot guarantee an exact time for the fireworks to be lit.

STRICTLY NO SPARKLERS

an overnight stay at Woodhouse – all the other groups decided it was too cold! While the Whitehall pack enjoyed the pre-erected ready-made tented glampingstyle village, 1st Little Stoke enjoyed the real camping of the pack tents their leaders had set up the previous evening.

Before a dinner of hot dogs, the Beavers all enjoyed exploring Woodhouse on a treasure trail, working as a team to find the clues to solve the mystery.

After dinner was tidied away, the Beavers enjoyed playing parachute games before joining the other Beaver pack for more songs around the campfire and, of course, hot chocolate and s’mores.

Then it was off to bed in the newly bought blackout tents.

Woodhouse was filled with excitable giggles as the Beavers snuggled into their sleeping bags, told stories and looked after each other. This camp was a first for five of the Beavers, with three of them only being with the pack for just over a month. All the Beavers enjoyed a lovely night’s sleep despite the noisy owl waking some of them at 2am!

The morning arrived and saw the excitable Beavers enjoy a breakfast of cereal and freshly cooked pancakes, and a visit from Dan Shadbolt to assess the camp, as Beaver leader Gemma Oram was completing her outdoor permit. Dan was thrilled with the way the camp had been organised and could see that despite the rain the Beavers had all

thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Dan concluded that it was “another brilliantly organised camp by Gemma” and informed her that she had been successful in gaining her permit.

10am arrived all too quickly with the parents arriving to collect their children, then the leaders set about breaking camp, in the drizzle. One parent commented: “It is lovely to see that the friendships they make are maintained outside of the meetings, and they all look out for each other.”

As he was leaving, Louis, on his first Beaver camp (a requirement to achieve his Chief Scout Bronze award) said: “This was the best fun ever, I wish I’d been camping sooner.”

Beaver leader Gemma Oram said she would like to thank Scout leaders John and Simon for their help organising the camping equipment to take away, as well as setting up the tents, and all the parents who helped transport, set up, and take down the tents.

“Events like this would not be possible without the help and support of others, “ she added.

Looking ahead, having now secured both her indoor and outdoor permits, Gemma is now considering an outdoor camp at Slimbridge.

If you would like any more information about getting involved with 1st Little Stoke Scout Group, please contact group Scout leader Tony Edmonds on 07957 880503 or tonyedmonds108@yahoo.com

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

Re 80 se % rv ed !

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 3040 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

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Nov/Dec 2019

In Brief Arts society talks in November & December The South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meets at Bradley Stoke Community School on the third Thursday of each month, from October to June, writes Millie Parker.

We start our talks with tea / coffee at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

On 21st November, the talk will be by Philip Taubenheim on ‘Life on the Antiques Roadshow’.

Philip will also make a valuation on just one item from each member present.

Search your cupboard or attic for an unusual item or jewellery – you may be surprised to learn of its value!

On 12th December, Matthew Williams will be talking about the life and work of William de Morgan (1839-1917).

He was a founder member of the Arts and Craft Movement, a painter, a potter, stained glass maker and most famous for his design and making of tiles.

You will be welcome to join us for either of these talks. To find out more, visit sgdfas.org.uk

Dairy date: Stokes Singers’ Christmas Concert The Stokes Singers’ Christmas Concert will take place on Saturday 14th December at Church of Christ the King, Bradley Stoke (7.30pm start).

Special guests are Barn Ringers (handbell ringers from Lincombe Barn, Downend), who will be playing seasonal handbell music.

The chosen charity for the event is Teenage Cancer Trust.

Tickets on the door: £6 adults and £3 children aged 5-16.

Stoke Gifford WI October meeting President Sue Grimsted welcomed members and 12 guests to the October meeting, and said how lovely it was to have so many new faces joining us for our meeting, writes Carolyn Snell.

Our speaker for the evening was Verna Clifford, who raises money for guide dogs.

Verna has been partially sighted for many years, and told us about her guide dogs. The last one was retired two years ago. She now manages her daily life using a whole range of gadgets which she demonstrated for us, and even has a gadget which tells her the colour of her clothes so that she can be colour co-ordinated.

She explained the lengthy training involved for guide dogs from puppy stage when training starts at 6 weeks old. At 16-17 months old, a dog is matched with an owner depending on lifestyle and if the owner needs to use buses and trains etc. The cost of training a dog is £50,000.

There is a guide dog breeding centre at Leamington Spa, which can be visited.

Margaret Robbins, our group rep, told us about her visit last week to the annual AFWI meeting at the Winter Gardens Weston-super-Mare. There were two speakers. The first was a chaplain who works at Portbury Docks on behalf of the Seafarers’ Society and offers assistance to the many foreign ship workers in and out of the docks. The second speaker was Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire shepherdess well known from documentaries on TV. Amanda and her husband manage a remote sheep farm and have nine children. Amanda gave an extremely entertaining talk.

Sue then reminded us that our first meeting in January will on be the 8th and not the 1st, which is a bank holiday.

Northavon Carpentry

February is Environment month and Sue asked members if they would like to get together before our meeting that month to make green heart badges which can be worn at the meeting.

Our next meeting will be on 6th November. There will be no speaker as it will be our AGM meeting, however there will be a quiz and a ‘guess the committee member’ competition.

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Trust Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford, starting at 7.30pm.

You will always find a warm welcome and tea & cake, so please come along and join us.

Bus and coach operator sold to Stagecoach The business and assets of South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach, based at Pegasus Park on Gipsy Patch Lane, have been bought by industry giant Stagecoach.

The deal, announced on 20th September, came after the owners of the acquired business decided to step down.

All services currently operated by the north Bristol firm will continue to run as planned, and all staff currently working for the business will transfer to Stagecoach West.

The Journal Send us your news!

January magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 9th December

GENERAL BUILDERS COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC CARPENTRY CONTRACTORS ALL ASPECTS OF CARPENTRY

Fitted Bedrooms • Fitted Kitchens Traditional Style Stair Cases Garden Decking • Loft Conversions Purpose Made Joinery Solid Wood or Laminate Floorings

Tel: 01454 603992

Mob: 07811 424077 Visit our website at www.northavoncarpentry.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

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News Air ambulance challenge badge is a hit with local Girl Guides

T

he Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) launched its Girlguiding Challenge badge earlier this year and Stoke Gifford’s units have responded amazingly.

The badge aims to encourage scientific thought, an awareness of what critical care and prehospital emergency is, and, of course, fundraising for this vital local cause.

So far, four units from the Stoke Gifford area have worked their way through the pack – designing air bases, launching marshmallows from their lollipop catapults, learning CPR – and then taken part in some fundraising for their local air ambulance.

Charlie, GWAAC’s Critical Care Bear, had this to say: “What an amazing achievement from all these Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, helpers, parents, and leaders! From the photos it’s

clear everyone had loads of fun, but the most amazing thing is that everyone here is now a lifesaver!”

The 2nd Stoke Gifford Rainbows did such a good job with their toy library in a red telephone box (as recently reported in The Journal) that Charlie sent them a Golden Ticket

to visit the GWAAC airbase in Almondsbury later this year.

Charlie and the GWAAC team say they would like to extend their thanks to everyone from 1st Stoke Gifford Guides, 1st Stoke Gifford Brownies, 2nd Stoke Gifford Brownies and 2nd Stoke Gifford Rainbows. Not only have they learned some life-saving

techniques, but they’ve helped our crew to continue their lifesaving work.

This is in addition to the other 105 units who have signed up to this exciting opportunity.

If you would like to find out more, or already have the pack and would like some help with ideas for fundraising, please contact Joe Hughes on joe. hughes@gwaac.com or visit greatwesternairambulance. com/girlguides

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Get well · Stay well

A

Nov/Dec 2019

by Craig de Groot, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

Autumn is here!

utumn brings a whole range of garden tasks; time to cut back the dead plants, clear up leaves, do winter planting and put the greenhouse to bed. Our bodies are very well adapted to a variety of tasks, but we need to be careful not to take advantage of this and push our bodies to breaking point. The stress and strain we put our bodies under can easily be overlooked when we are enjoying ourselves in the garden. Here is some advice on what to do to ensure that your body is well managed during autumn gardening: Don’t wear clothes that are tight or could constrict your movement. Loose fitting comfortable clothes will make it easier to move about.

Gardening is like any other exercise; you need to warm up first. Don’t go straight into heavy garden work; start off with lighter jobs as this will lessen the chance of muscle strain.

Get as close as possible to the things you are pruning and avoid overstretching to reach the area you are dealing with. Invest in some long-handled secateurs

to reach plants and bushes that are beyond normal reach.

When using a ladder or steps, make sure you are always facing it, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.

Rather than leaning or reaching, move the ladder or step regularly to keep up with where you are. Any kind of ladder must be firmly and safely planted in position and, if possible, have someone else there to keep an eye on things.

Vary your activity by spending no more than 20-30 minutes on any one thing and make sure you take regular breaks.

Take advantage of the last walk around the garden at the end of your day’s work to stretch and let your body cool down before settling in for the evening.

If you have any concerns about your body and wellbeing, contact your chiropractor for advice and treatment.

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

● See our advert on page 13.

Stoke Gifford Journal

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Nov/Dec 2019

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Business

New look for Ocean at Willow Brook

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fter ten busy years in the Willow Brook Centre, Ocean estate agents found they were bursting at the seams. The sales, lettings and lawyers teams had all expanded over the previous decade and they certainly needed a more flexible work space. More importantly, they wanted to provide a better experience for their customers - whether selling or buying, letting, renting or coming in to arrange a mortgage or complete those important legal forms - they wanted to ensure a really positive customer experience. The team have always known that they received lots more of their customers and walk-ins than their colleagues in other Ocean offices.

So everything had to change – a whole new layout was designed and a completely new office space created. Now there’s a work bar for groups of friends or a family to sit with a sales or lettings team member and hot desks for other customers, a new waiting area, team workstations and all of the private consultation offices have been refurbished. Full height glass screens have been installed to create zones and reduce the noise when busy. And the new Ocean branding has been incorporated throughout, adding to the overall atmosphere.

Staff were immediately struck by the new feeling of

Stefano Missiato, sales manager

space and openness, which the first customers to pop in commented on straight away.

Since then, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the working day definitely even more fun, especially when there have been lots of customers visiting.

Ocean Bradley Stoke now has a unique identity within the Ocean group, one that’s very much for its local customers and one that is apparently the envy of many of the other Ocean offices across Bristol.

Branch sales manager Stefano Missiato commented: “Despite all the political uncertainties, the branch has had its best-ever year in 2019. The office refit has been a massive benefit to the business and has certainly helped us to achieve that record.”

“If you’re thinking of buying or selling in the near future, do pop in for a chat over coffee to discuss the state of the market.”

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To find out more, contact our team today.

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Nov/Dec 2019

News

UWE scientists give OSR Scouts a helping hand

S

toke Gifford’s Old School Room (OSR) Scouts have been busy again since returning from the summer break. A new Scientist Activity Badge being introduced into the system of 69 activity badges has given the Scouts something to get their teeth into and the University of the West of England (UWE) have been more than happy to help out.

The troop attended the science department where Paul and Heather took them through four experiments with research, observations and overall results being recorded.

The troop has also registered the fingerprinting experiment towards a Bronze CREST Award, a science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) qualification.

The 30 Scouts had a fabulous time at the university and couldn’t thank the lecturers

Scouts from the Old School Room troop conduct science experiments under the guidance of UWE staff The Scientist Activity Badge is designed to inspire Scouts’ curiosity and enjoyment of science, and for them to develop useful skills for future study or employment

enough for giving up their time to get them through this new badge.

One of the Scouts commented that she had already had a science lesson at school that day but the

UWE session had really been fun and made her enjoy science!

Troop leader Andrew Phelps said: “It’s great when Scouting joins forces with other community

organisations to provide our young people with such a great experience. We would like to say a massive thank you to UWE and especially Paul and Heather.”

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Nov/Dec 2019

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What’s On

Christmas at St Michael’s Church Thursday 5th December Cheswick Community Carols - 6pm Wallscourt Farm Academy Friday 6th December Christmas Gospel Extravaganza - 7.30pm St Michael’s Centre – with Geraldine Latty and Gospel Generation Community Choir Saturday 7th December Carols on the Green - 6.15pm The Green, Stoke Gifford Sunday 8th December Children’s Nativity - 10.30am St Michael’s Centre

GARAGE SERVICES

Sunday 22nd December Carol Services - 4pm & 6.30pm St Michael’s Church Christmas Eve Crib Service - 3pm St Michael’s Centre Midnight Communion - 11.15pm St Michael’s Church Christmas Day Family Communion - 10am St Michael’s Centre New Year’s Eve Big New Year’s Party - 8pm St Michael’s Centre

LAUNDERETTES

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

WASH SHOP Launderette 11 The Parade,Patchway Bristol BS34 5LP Tel : 0117 947 0284 www.patchwaylaunderette.co.uk

Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding, Curtains, Sleeping Bags washed, Dry cleaning. Fast winter drying, Ironing service. Free parking. Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 1pm. (last service 1 hour prior to closing times)

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

Tel: 07400 000084

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 8 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 27 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 17 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 12 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 37 Northavon Carpentry, Page 24 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 21 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 26 Driving Schools Visit directory on SGJ website Education & Learning Abbeywood Community School, Page 18 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Events Willow Brook Centre, Page 32 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 31 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 2 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 28 GH Motor Services, Page 29 LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 26 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 7 Painting Petals, Page 30 Smart Patios, Page 13 Gyms & Health Clubs Visit directory on SGJ website Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 16 DentalCare Plus, Page 11 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 27 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 10

Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 29 Opticians Specsavers, Page 25 Painting & Digby Decor, Page 30 Decorating 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 8 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 13 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 24 Plumbing & Heating Bristol Plumbing & Heating, Page 3 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 23 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 31 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 31 P.J.R Plastics, Page 31 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 4 Public Notices Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Page 15 Recruitment NHS North Bristol Trust, Page 6 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 5 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 17 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 9 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 31 Z Cars, Page 17

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

MAGAZINE ADVERTISING

Nov/Dec 2019

PAINTING & DECORATING

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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

Nov/Dec 2019

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PLUMBING & HEATING

PLUMBING & HEATING

TAXIS & PRIVATE HIRE

PANACHE

Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd Specialist in AIRPORT pick ups & drop offs

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

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

We are open 24 hours & 7 days a week

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Call Darren on 07901 910361

Tel: 0117 901 2565 Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

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LEAFLET DELIVERY

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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Leaflet Delivery in Stoke Gifford

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

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GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

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www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 8528 Mob: 056558 Tel:0117 0117 370 3708528 Mob: 07543 07543056558 Serving North Bristol &Bristol South Glos Based in Downend, Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

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P.J.R. Plastics

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

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WB Lights 19 BSJ fp.qxp_Layout 1 16/10/2019 21:10 Page 1

FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

Christmas starts W at illowBrook!

It’s all starting at 5.30pm with...

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LIGHTS SWITCH ON & FIREWORKS AT 7.30PM LIVE MUSIC FIRE ACT STALLS AND LOTS GOING ON FROM 5.30PM!

HOSTED BY BRADLEY STOKE RADIO

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