Stoke Gifford Journal, January 2020

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

January 2020 • Issue 14

SCHOOLS P16-17, P18-19, P22 | SPORT P23, P25 | DIRECTORY P30 A double dose of major roadworks for the Stokes in 2020 … Pages 8, 9,12 & 13

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Little Stoke Primary School Please sir, there’s a space rocket in the car park!

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PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE

Jan - Dec Former Filton Airfield

Plans go in for arena complex

P2-3

Pupils thrilled by rocket visit

P18-19

l Roundabout screens cost taxpayer £22,000 l By-pass speed cameras detecting average of 42 offenders an hour l Jack Lopresti re-elected for fourth term as MP l Farewell to parish clerk Steve Shield l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Christmas play photos from the local schools l Abbeywood judged ‘good in all areas’ by Ofsted inspectors l Get running in the new year with Sole Sisters l End of year treats for Little Stoke Beavers l Latest news from the Stoke Gifford Scouts l New Year’s resolution?

Join your local choir!

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January 2020

News Developer looking to convert aircraft hangars into entertainment complex hosting UK’s third-largest arena

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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 2020. 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: February 2020 • The advertising copy deadline is Friday 17th January • The article copy deadline is Monday 20th January • The magazine will be distributed from 1st February

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he company behind the redevelopment of the former Filton Airfield has submitted plans to create the UK’s third biggest entertainment arena complex within three redundant hangars on the site.

YTL Developments (UK) Ltd has submitted a suite of four planning applications to Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council – proposing a repurposing of the enormous Brabazon Hangars, the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the adjacent railway line, the provision of a temporary car park for 2,000 vehicles and highway improvements to allow access for service vehicles.

The developer says the new complex will create more than 500 new jobs and inject £1.5 billion into the local economy over 25 years.

Managing director of YTL Arena Complex, Andrew Billingham, said: “YTL’s commitment is demonstrated as we submit our exciting plans to deliver a 100 percent privately funded entertainment complex for Bristol. It uses the 28,000sqm floorspace of all three hangars to create something unique in the south west: an arena, exhibition and leisure space all under one roof.”

Three venues in one

The arena will be in the Central Hangar and with 17,080 capacity, it will be the third largest in the UK after Manchester and the O2.

The East Hangar will house a new Festival Hall, a flat floor event space for conventions, exhibitions and working in tandem with the arena to attract large scale events.

The West Hangar, The Hub, will be a place to eat, work and play, with leisure facilities, food and drink and home to small or startup businesses.

Mr Billingham continued: “We’re building much more than just an arena – it’s a 365-day entertainment destination inside the iconic Brabazon Hangars that will create new jobs, bring new business to the region and

enhance Bristol’s position as a leading European city.”

“Sustainability is a key focus.

Our plans include zero waste to landfill, harvesting rainwater and installing solar panels on the vast roof area. By repurposing the existing hangars, the proposals will save more than 18,600 tonnes of carbon emissions alone. The development of a landscape strategy will be sympathetic to the local surroundings and the approved former Filton Airfield scheme.”

Director of planning and development at YTL Developments, Seb Loyn, said: “We are already beginning to transform the former Filton Airfield into a thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol, known as Brabazon. The YTL Arena Complex will be connected to and complement this new urban community, creating a place where every generation can live, work and play.”

Transport considerations

A new train station on the Henbury Spur and a new MetroBus service, both serving the new Brabazon neighbourhood and within 500m of the proposed Arena Complex, will create transport links to the city centre.

Shuttle buses will be in operation for the largest events, ferrying visitors to the site from Bristol city centre and various park & ride locations. However, the submitted plans show that up to 80 percent of visitors are expected to travel by private car (either directly to the venue or to a park & ride location), raising concerns about the impact on the local road network.

A temporary car park on the former airfield’s runway will accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles, but this will eventually be replaced by a permanent multi-storey car park elsewhere on the Brabazon site.

Mr Billingham added: ‘We’ll encourage our visitors to use public transport where possible.

As YTL will manage the Complex, we will be able to discourage car

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News

Plans submitted for airfield arena complex

Visualisations (l-r): New pedestrian bridge leading over the railway line and into the Arena hangar; The Arena in its ‘full capacity’ configuration Continued from facing page

use and encourage other forms of transport through incentives and ticketing strategies.”

Community engagement activities over the past 12 months have seen nearly 2,000 people visit the Brabazon Hangars to see and hear about YTL’s plans, and the developer’s team has visited

locations across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Mr Billingham concluded: “We’ve been encouraged by the overwhelming public support for our plans, with the results of a recent survey showing 96.4 percent in full support, and 99.9 percent just wanting an arena in Bristol to be proud of.”

“We’ll create an entertainment destination for the South West of England that puts Bristol on the world stage and creates the ultimate night out.”

If the proposals are given the go ahead, YTL plans to be opening the doors to the public in early 2023. ● www.ytlarenabristol.co.uk

Planning applications 19/05500/P (Bristol) Hangar repurposing P19/16742/F (South Glos) New pedestrian bridge P19/16741/F (South Glos) Temporary car park P19/16740/F (South Glos) Highway improvements Find links at bit.ly/bsj-mag-links

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www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk Reader comments on the BSJ & SGJ Facebook pages KG: OK, so is it just me or are the road planners on some kind of LSD? If not they are certifiably crazy. The way the roads are planned and run is just a laugh (without the humour)!

AC: I just despair at the sheer stupidity of the council. At night anyone who doesn’t know they are there will just assume there is no traffic on the roundabout as they will see no lights and sail across without slowing down or looking. Madness.

MB: More “blinding screens” than “visibility” ones! If you call them with the right name, does it still sound like a good idea?

JH: Thought there was already something to slow vehicles without hinder visibility called speed bumps? I know of roundabouts with rumble strips that slow you down without losing visibility and are tried and tested so these ridiculous green walls seems crazy MR-C: This is stupid, people who “misjudge their approach speeds” are the same people who will completely ignore these massive reflective eye sores and will speed onto the roundabout anyway.

RVC: Perhaps the council could reduce accidents further by blindfolding drivers so they can’t drive down the road to cause an accident? Reducing visibility doesn’t reduce speed, as fog always demonstrates, and will increase the danger for all when emergency vehicles have to enter this roundabout.

BS: Being able to anticipate the movement of traffic on a roundabout is a key tool to driving correctly and efficiently when approaching them. Reducing visibility seems down right stupid.

PJ: Not sure about this idea, but there are plenty of people willing to pull out in front of you on this roundabout.

DH: Quite apart from anything else it’s ugly - wouldn’t planting look better and achieve the same result?

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January 2020

News Visibility screens: Council’s letter circulated prior to installation Background

Collision records show that there is an issue with vehicles on the B4057 over-running give way lines at Hatchet Road roundabout and colliding with vehicles on the circulatory carriageway.

Funding has been prioritised to address this issue by providing visibility screens on the B4057 approaches, to reduce vehicle approach speeds.

Purpose of the scheme

The purpose of the scheme is to reduce the number of collisions occurring, by reducing vehicle speeds on the B4057 approaches.

Currently, the very good visibility on the approach to the roundabout means that drivers can make a very early decision as to whether to enter the roundabout or not; consequently, these drivers do not reduce speed

significantly, and some misjudge their entry leading to a collision.

The provision of screens which reduce forward visibility forces drivers to slow down and wait until they approach the give way line, where they regain visibility, to make a decision on whether to enter the roundabout or not.

Such installations have been successful in reducing collisions at similar sites (including A4174 Wraxall Road, in South Gloucestershire).

Proposed scheme

It is proposed to introduce visibility screens on both B4057 approaches to the roundabout.

The screens will be dark green in colour and approximately 1.8 metres in height.

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January 2020

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News

Roundabout screens cost taxpayer £22,000

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pair of controversial ‘visibility screens’ installed on the approaches to the Winterbourne Road / Hatchet Road roundabout cost over £22,000 to install, the Journal can reveal.

The purpose of the screens, which are formed of an array of metal sheets, is to obscure the view of motorists approaching the roundabout (along either the Winterbourne Road or Gipsy Patch Lane), thereby discouraging them from making an early decision as to whether to enter the roundabout or not, in the hope that this will reduce the number of collisions (read more on the facing page).

However, the counter-intuitive concept of improving road safety by obscuring drivers’ views has been questioned by many Journal readers and local councillors.

The three ward councillors for Stoke Gifford, Ernie Brown, Keith Cranney and Brian Allinson have expressed “strong opposition” to the installation of the screens and have challenged the “process and action taken”, allegedly without their knowledge or consent.

However, a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council denied that the work had been carried out without due consultation, saying: “We consult with local members and town or parish councils when highways schemes such as this are proposed. Stoke Gifford Parish Council and local ward

members were emailed about this particular scheme on 15th May 2019 and we received no responses.”

In response to a request to provide more details about the justifications for the scheme, the Journal received the following response from SGC: “The site was highlighted during annual collision concentration site analysis in 2018/19, which prompted further analysis of a longer collision record.”

“In the five years between January 2013 and February 2018, the period initially considered during analysis, there were twelve collisions at the roundabout. Five of these collisions involved a vehicle entering the roundabout from either of the B4057 approaches and colliding with another vehicle on the roundabout. All five of these collisions involved either a cyclist or motorcyclist being hit by a vehicle entering the roundabout.”

Asked if data was available to quantify the claimed success of a similar scheme elsewhere in the district, the response from SGC was: “Monitoring of the casualty reduction scheme at the Wraxall Road roundabout saw the number of personal injury collisions at the roundabout reduce by 2.4 collisions per year.

Moreover, the speed of vehicles on the entry to the roundabout on the A4174 reduced by at least 5mph.”

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January 2020

News By-pass speed cameras detecting average of 42 offenders an hour

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obile camera units used to periodically enforce the controversial 30mph speed limit on the Stoke Gifford By-Pass detected more than 1,200 offences over a 12-month period, the Journal can reveal.

With the speed cameras being deployed for just 30 hours and 15 minutes over the period, the average detection rate works out at 41.95 offences per hour of enforcement, the equivalent of a ticket being issued every 86 seconds.

Comparison with data from other mobile speed camera sites in and around the Stokes (see facing page) shows that the detection rate on the Stoke Gifford By-Pass is more than four times the average seen elsewhere, which comes in at less than ten detections an hour.

The by-pass speed limit has proved controversial ever since the road was opened two years ago, in December 2017.

Travelling south from Parkway North Roundabout (near Nuffield Health), the by-pass (officially named Rosedown Avenue) initially has a 40mph speed limit before changing to 30mph shortly before the traffic light-controlled junction with Hambrook Lane.

Between Hambrook Lane and the Oxleigh Way traffic lights (entrance to Highbrook Park) the road sweeps across open countryside and has the

appearance of one which might be expected to have a higher speed limit of at least 40mph, save for the presence of street lighting columns.

Although many motorists have complained that the speed limit signage is inadequate, particularly when joining the road coming north off the A4174 Ring Road. South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) says national guidelines forbid it from installing ‘repeater’ speed limit signs at intermediate points.

In early 2019, one frustrated motorist ran a petition calling for the speed limit on the by-pass to be raised because “it has a speed limit that quite drastically does not match the engineering standard of the road”. The petition attracted 527 signatures over the three-month period that it was open.

SGC’s response to the petition said that “the vertical and horizontal alignment on the southern part of the by-pass [is] below the desirable minimum for a road with a speed limit above 30mph, as specified in national standards”. It also pointed out that planned housing development along the road [i.e. the East of Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood] would have the effect of “naturally reducing traffic speeds”, although it noted that the house building has not come forward as quickly as had been anticipated when the bypass was designed.

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January 2020

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News Mobile speed camera sites 7

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Speed limit and speed camera warning signs on the Stoke Gifford By-Pass Location of mobile enforcement site

Hours of enforcement

Tickets issued

Tickets per hour 7.64

1

A38 Gloucester Road, Patchway (40mph)

32.47

248

2

A4174 Avon Ring Road Near M32 J1 (50mph)

32.28

273

8.46

3

B4057 Gypsy Patch Lane (30mph)

8.00

80

10.00

4

Bradley Stoke Way, Bradley Stoke (40mph)

12.00

125

10.42

5

New Road, Stoke Gifford (30mph)

10.75

110

10.23

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Stoke Gifford By-Pass, Stoke Gifford (30mph)

30.25

1269

41.95

7

Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke (30mph)

14.67

76

5.18

3

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Table showing hours of enforcement carried out, number of notices of intended prosecution (‘tickets’) issued and the number of ‘tickets’ issued per hour of enforcement at mobile speed camera sites in the Stokes area over the 12-month period November 2018 to October 2019

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January 2020

News Replacement bridge takes shape as road closures loom

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arely visible to passing traffic, the giant concrete structure that will soon replace the narrow Victorian railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane is slowly but surely taking shape within the adjacent site compound of Network Rail’s contractor Alun Griffiths (see photo below).

Assuming all goes to plan, the completed 4,500 tonne replacement bridge will be manoeuvred into position during a nine-day closure of the railway line currently scheduled to commence on 11th April.

Ahead of this, a planned eightmonth full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane, at the railway bridge, is due to commence in March. The precise date is still to be revealed, but online traffic planning tool One Network suggests it will be 5th March 2020.

Piling work to create foundations that will support the new bridge at its four corners began on 4th November 2019.

It appears to be running a little behind the originally announced schedule, but the project team insist that the overall scheme remains “on time”.

At the time of writing in midDecember, the initial sheet piling was nearing completion on all four corner sites and bored piling had begun on the first (southwest) corner (see photo opposite).

The first phase of overnight piling took place from 2nd to 5th December and weekend work, including piling, on 14th/15th December.

The piling work is expected to continue until the end of January, with construction of the new bridge continuing until the end of February.

No piling or construction work will take place between 24th December 2019 and 1st January 2020 inclusive.

As we went to press, it was announced that the junction of Station Road and Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to all vehicles

Replacement bridge construction: The northern side of the bridge (scaffolded section to the right of the photo) is 30% complete, including reinforcement steel work. Work is beginning on the southern side (scaffolded section to the left).

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January 2020

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News Public drop-in events, January 2020 To help keep local people informed about all highway improvement works taking place in the area this year, South Gloucestershire Council is holding a series of public drop-in events: Wednesday 22nd January, 4pm to 7pm Little Stoke Primary School, Little Stoke Lane BS34 6HY Saturday 25th January, 11.30am to 2.30pm Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane BS34 6HR Monday 27th January, 4pm to 7pm St Michael’s Centre, North Rd BS34 8PD Thursday 30th January, 4pm to 7pm Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road BS32 8BH Officers from the council will be available to answer questions, along with representatives from Network Rail and Alun Griffiths who are involved with the CPME project. Everyone is welcome to attend, there is no need to book. Please note these are drop-in sessions and you can attend at any time during the session.

On Saturday 25th January, members of the TravelWest team will be on hand at the Little Stoke Community Hall event offering advice on alternative, active and sustainable travel options. They will also be able to help with journey planning.

A giant bored piling machine working on the south-west corner foundations

for approximately two weeks from Monday 6th January.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane during the closure. A signed diversion route for vehicles to reach Station Road via Little Stoke Lane and Clay Lane will be in operation.

The November meeting of the Stakeholder Liaison Group (SLG) was told that the official diversion route for the eightmonth full closure will be the same as last June, i.e. Great Stoke Roundabout, Bradley Stoke Way, Aztec West, A38. It was also informed that Orpheus Avenue will be resurfaced ahead of the closure and temporary

traffic signals will be used during the morning and afternoon peak travel times at the miniroundabout at the junction of Little Stoke Lane and Braydon Avenue. These will start when the closure begins and initially run as a trial.

The SLG meeting once more heard concerns expressed about parking on Little Stoke Lane near to the junction with Gipsy Patch Lane, which blocks traffic trying to use the road. The council says it is looking into the potential for temporary parking restrictions. A decision will be reported back to the group in January.

Elsewhere on the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension

(CPME) project, two new MetroBus stops are due to be installed along Hatchet Road in early 2020 (One Network shows a start date of 6th April).

● For further information visit

South Gloucestershire Council’s dedicated CPME webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/ CPmetrobus

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News

Jack Lopresti re-elected for fourth term as MP

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onservative Jack Lopresti has been re-elected as member of parliament for the constituency of Filton and Bradley Stoke, registering his fourth successive victory at the ballot box.

Mr Lopresti’s share of the vote dropped slightly to 48.9 percent (from 49.8 percent in 2017) but his majority increased from 4,190 to 5,646 (10.5 percent).

Local Labour activists had been hopeful that their candidate Mhairi Threlfall could build on gains made by their party in 2017, but were disappointed to see their share of the vote fall by 3.3 percentage points to 38.4 percent, reflecting a swing seen across the country.

Liberal Democrat candidate Louise Harris came a distant third in the poll on 9.3 percent, albeit managing to register a 3.3 percentage point increase in vote share compared to her party’s poor performance in 2017.

Jenny Vernon, the Green candidate, secured 2.9 percent of the vote. She was a late replacement for her party’s original candidate Tom

Meadowcroft, who caused a storm by standing down and throwing his support behind the Labour candidate in a disagreement over his party’s national ‘Remain pact’ with the Liberal Democrats.

The fifth candidate, former Bradley Stoke mayor Elaine Hardwick, standing for the tiny Citizens Movement Party UK which she had formed just a few months ago, attracted just 257 of the 53,752 valid votes cast.

Turnout in the constituency was 72.6 percent, up from 70.2 percent in 2017.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Lopresti said: “I felt a real sense on the doorstep that people wanted some clarity. Whether they voted for Brexit or not, they wanted the issue settled.”

He later tweeted: “A great honour and privilege to be re-elected to serve our local community and country in parliament for the fourth time.

Thanks to everyone for their trust and continued support. I will honour and deliver on it.”

“Our mandate is clear: Move forward, deliver Brexit and unite the country.”

Above: Jack Lopresti, elected to represent Filton and Bradley Stoke for a fourth term Left (clockwise from top left): Candidates Mhairi Threlfall, Louise Harris, Elaine Hardwick and Jenny Vernon

Result: 2019 General Election, Filton and Bradley Stoke Jack Lopresti (Conservative Party) – 26,293 [48.9%] Mhairi Threlfall (Labour Party) – 20,647 [38.4%] Louise Harris (Liberal Democrats) – 4,992 [9.3%] Jenny Vernon (Green Party) – 1,563 [2.9%] Elaine Hardwick (Citizens Movement Party UK) – 257 [0.5%]

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www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk Great Stoke Roundabout improvements: Project timetable

January – April

Narrow lanes and lane closures on Bradley Stoke Way and the B4057, Winterbourne Road

May – August

Narrow lanes and lane closures on Bradley Stoke Way and the B4057, Winterbourne Road.

Lane closures on Great Stoke Way

September

Great Stoke Way and the B4057, Winterbourne Road lane closures

October – November

Overnight closures of the roundabout

October – December

Off peak lane closures on various approaches to the roundabout

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News

Roundabout roadworks to start in early January “Journey times will inevitably be affected,” says council A temporary ramp has been constructed on the west side of Bradley Stoke Way to provide a diversion route for pedestrians

Frequently asked questions about the scheme, answered by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) What will be the impact during the work?

Most of the work will be undertaken using narrow lanes and lane closures. Narrow lanes will be operational 24 hours a day and lane closures shall be restricted to off-peak hours where possible.

Journey times will inevitably be affected, we apologise for the inconvenience. We will do everything we can to keep residents and road users informed with up to date information to help with journey planning.

Will cyclists, pedestrians and bus services be affected during the work?

Yes. In order to widen the lanes at the roundabout, it will be necessary to close footways and implement narrow lanes on the carriageway. Where footways are closed, fully signed diversion routes will be in operation.

Where narrow lanes are in place, we would encourage cyclists to dismount and use the footways.

To maintain access for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the work, we will also be constructing temporary facilities including diversion paths around

the roundabout. Work on the temporary facilities started in late November 2019 was planned to be completed before Christmas.

Bus journey times are expected to be impacted due to the increased likelihood of congestion. At times during the construction phase, bus lanes will be reduced in length to accommodate temporary traffic management. When required during construction, the westbound bus stop on the B4057, Winterbourne Road will be temporarily relocated, approximately 85 metres to the east.

Are road closures required and what will the diversion routes be?

Road closures are only expected towards the end of the construction phase, during September and October 2020, to complete the final surfacing and road marking work. We will publicise the signed diversion routes nearer the time and residents in the immediate area will be kept informed.

Emergency services will be advised in advance of any road closures. They will use this information to plan their routes.

January 2020

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otorists in the Stokes are being warned to expect delays at a major roundabout on the local road network in the new year.

Improvement works at Great Stoke Roundabout (a.k.a. Rabbit Roundabout), on the border between Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford, are due to start on Thursday 2nd January and are expected to take 12 months to complete.

The £2.9 million scheme, funded by Weca, includes: • Increasing all approaches to the roundabout from two lanes to three • Widening and modifications to road markings on the roundabout • The installation of Toucan crossings on each of the four arms of the roundabout, prioritised for pedestrians and cyclists The work will necessitate the temporary closure of footways/

cycleways in the vicinity of the roundabout. Diversions will be in place for pedestrians and cyclists, including the use of temporary light controlled crossings on the Winterbourne Road, to the west of the roundabout, and on Great Stoke Way to the south.

Preparatory work that took place before Christmas has seen the construction of a temporary ramp to divert the footway on the west side of Bradley Stoke Way along the top of the embankment.

The scrub clearance which took place prior to the installation of the ramp was necessary to “open up the area” to avoid creating a “significant personal safety risk” for members of the public, according to a council source.

Further details about the roundabout improvement scheme are available on the SGC website at www.southglos.gov.uk/ majorroadworks

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P A R T N E R S

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F O R

. . .

January 2020

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Great Stoke Roundabout Improvements Scheme

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January 2020

News

Councillor Column Minimizing impact of bridge & highway works

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would like to take this opportunity to extend best wishes for the new year to all Stoke Gifford residents from your three Stoke Gifford district councillors.

We are continuing to liaise with the developer and project team who are actively engaged in the bridge replacement works at Gipsy Patch Lane. We will ensure that the impact is kept to the minimum while the works proceed and especially when the road will be closed for the proposed implementation of the bus lane.

We have strongly made our position clear that everyone in our area should be kept well informed by Network Rail and by all stakeholders involved in the bridge work. A new chair of the Stakeholder Liaison Group, Robert Walsh, has been appointed and can be contacted by residents and businesses at South Gloucestershire Council, Badminton Road, Yate BS37 5AF or by email at Robert.

Walsh@southglos.gov.uk We continue to seek assurances from the developer and South Gloucestershire Council officers in respect of the 20+ trees that are planned to be removed to allow the road to be turned into a bus lane. We will continue to seek replacement of the trees, where possible, to enable the road and our residents to continue to benefit from trees and shrubbery. We feel this issue should be treated seriously as the removal of healthy mature trees does not fit well with reducing carbon emissions in line with the climate change policy that our local district council and neighbouring councils have pledged to support.

We will continue to keep our highway officers aware of the need to ensure that diversions are kept under strict control to ensure that our residents, schools and local businesses are not adversely affected by the bridge replacement and road closure.

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We have raised our concerns with Streetcare and Highways over the need for many of our existing local roads and pedestrian footways to be better maintained, especially as the area continues to see large scale development and many of our existing roads are now seeing vastly increased traffic levels and are suffering disrepair.

The graffiti (criminal damage) that now blights many of our residents’ properties can be logged and removed as soon as possible after a completed indemnity form has been submitted by the householder.

If you become affected by graffiti damage, please contact Stoke Gifford Parish Council on 01454 865052 to make use of this free service.

We continue to negotiate with South Gloucestershire and the developer for a planned new community facility proposed to be built on the Highbrook Park development at Harry Stoke.

We will keep you updated on future progress of this project.

We have continued to fund and support our local Citizens Advice Bureau which currently runs two well attended sessions a month in Little Stoke. The service provides a great deal of help and support to all our residents across the whole of Stoke Gifford.

Cllr Keith Cranney Chair of Stoke Gifford Parish Council and South Gloucestershire councillor

Farewell to parish clerk Steve Shield

Cllr Keith Cranney bids farewell to departing parish clerk Steve Shield (left)

A

fter nearly 22 years working in local government within South Gloucestershire, with the last nine years as parish clerk and responsible financial officer for Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Steve Shield recently left his post to take up a new position as town clerk of Sherborne in Dorset.

During his time in post, Steve was instrumental in moving the parish council forward, maintaining strong professional working relationships within the council, as well as connecting with many residents, hall hirers, park users, and local

organisations in Stoke Gifford.

Steve was successful in obtaining a significant amount of external funding which has contributed towards building improvements, improved sports provision, improved infrastructure and an investment into new street furniture across the wider parish.

Current parish council chair Cllr Keith Cranney commented: “Our best wishes go to Steve and his family from everyone associated with the parish council and I personally thank him for his outstanding contribution to the parish over many years.”

Corrections and clarifications In the signature line of the Councillor Column in our November magazine, it was incorrectly stated that Cllr Ernie Brown is the chair of Stoke Gifford Parish Council. The chair of council is in fact Cllr Keith Cranney. We apologise for any confusion this may have caused.

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Parish Council Updates

L-r: Newly co-opted councillor Andrew Shore; New canopy at Little Stoke Community Café; Cllr Pauline Reich by a new dog waste bin; New noticeboard

New councillor profile – Cllr Andrew Shore The Parish Council recently welcomed newly coopted Councillor Andrew Shore to the Council – representing the University Ward. Andrew has been a regular at many Council meetings in recent years and is delighted to have joined the current administration to represent and serve the local community.

Andrew has lived in Stoke Gifford all his life, in the southern part of the Parish. He attended school in the Parish and works in the telecommunications industry. Andrew takes a keen interest in local affairs, is particularly interested in Planning and Transportation matters and has previously attended Planning Committees and the Transport Forum, being a regular user of the local bus services.

Andrew feels he can bring a new voice and perspective to the Parish Council with useful knowledge, experience, ideas & contacts and is well placed to help represent the UWE/Cheswick/

STOKE GIFFORD PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE Little Stoke Community Hall PUBLIC ACCESS TIMES

Stoke Park communities and other growing areas (especially in the south of the Parish) in the coming years.

Cllr Andrew Shore can be contacted via email on andrew.shore.sg@outlook.com New canopy at the Little Stoke Community Hall A new canopy has been installed directly outside of the Little Stoke Community Café, fully funded from Member Award Funding (MAF) by Cllr Ernie Brown, Parish Councillor and SGC Member for Stoke Gifford.

Little Stoke Community Café Opening times: • Tuesday to Friday 8.30am to 3pm • Saturday 8.30am to 4pm • Sunday 9am to 4pm For further information, phone 07751 194510 or visit the Little Stoke Community Café page on Facebook.

New dog waste bins New dog waste bins have been purchased following a request from Parish Councillor Pauline Reich and have been situated near the park between Adelante Close and Riviera Way, and near the crossing on the grassy area just up from the Nuffield roundabout

MONDAY 9am – 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm

FORTHCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

TUESDAY 9am – 12 noon

All meetings to take place at 7pm unless stated but may be subject to change.

WEDNESDAY 9am – 12 noon THURSDAY 9am – 12 noon FRIDAY 9am – 12 noon Please contact the office if you wish to arrange an appointment outside of the public access times.

See below for contact details.

Please refer to noticeboards and Parish Council website.

towards Parkway Station. It is hoped that the bins will be well received in the local community. They will be emptied twice weekly by the Parish Council’s Grounds Team.

New Parish Council noticeboards The Parish Council have recently installed new noticeboards situated outside of Wallscourt Farm Academy, Long Down Avenue, Cheswick; and in Harry Stoke Road, Harry Stoke. The new boards will help improve communication in the local area.

New street furniture The Parish Council have invested in more street furniture in the local community funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Three new park benches have been installed in the Children’s Play Area at the Stoke Gifford Trust Ground, along with a new refuse bin situated in Meade Park, near to the new outdoor fitness equipment.

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

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: LARGE SPORTS HALL, KITCHEN, ENTRANCE FOYER WITH POOL AND FOOTBALL TABLES (FREE OF CHARGE) BOUNCY CASTLE (SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE REQUIRED)

Venue: Little Stoke Community Hall FULL COUNCIL Tuesday 14th January 2020 PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Tuesday 28th January 2020

VENUE: THE STOKES YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE, LITTLE STOKE LANE, LITTLE STOKE, BS34 6HY. PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH COUNCIL FOR MORE DETAILS

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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January 2020

School Christmas Productions Little Stoke Primary School

Photos will be available for download from the Stoke Gifford Journal’s Facebook page from 6th January 2020

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January 2020

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St Michael’s Primary School

St Michael’s Primary School

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Schools

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January 2020

F

riday 15th November 2019 is likely to stay in the memory of pupils at Little Stoke Primary School for quite some time - as the day they came within touching distance of a real-life space rocket!

As part of a programme to promote science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM), the school had arranged a visit from Steve Bennett of UK based Starchaser Industries, who brought along his organisation’s latest project, the Nova 2 space rocket, standing a massive 12m (39ft) tall.

The as-yet unlaunched Nova 2 is designed to be capable of carrying one person into space and is intended as a stepping stone to Starchaser’s objective of serving the space tourism industry with a reusable threeperson rocket ship.

The visit had been arranged by the school’s science lead, Donna Southcott, with the purpose of introducing pupils to another form of STEM profession and

Steve Bennett of Starchaser Industries

showing them how Steve came to be involved in it.

Donna explains: “We began the day with an assembly in which Steve talked to us about rocket launches in the past and showed us some successful and unsuccessful launches. He also talked to us about why he decided to become a rocket scientist.

Steve showed us a video of himself when he was 7 years old and first started to make rockets in his own back garden. He also showed us a video of his latest rocket called ‘Skybolt 2‘, which launched from Northumberland in September 2017.

Year 5 pupils are keen to be photographed with the Nova 2 space rocket

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January 2020

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19

Schools

Please sir, there’s a space rocket in the car park!

Continued from facing page

After the assembly, each class visited the Nova 2 rocket in the school car park, to learn about the materials involved in building it and to ask questions about it.

During the afternoon, children from all classes came together to build ‘Children in Need’ themed rockets from recycled materials.

One thrilled Year 5 pupil, Olivia, said of the visit: It was fantastic to see a real rocket because I’ve never seen one before and may never again. It was great to watch videos in the assembly when Steve showed us lots of previous launches and that they kept failing, but he never gave up. It taught me that no matter what, I should never give up but should just keep on trying just like he did.”

Donna continued: “It is well publicised that fewer and fewer children are choosing STEM subjects at high school. Our aim

Year 1 pupils listen to Steve talking about the rocket and ask him questions

at Little Stoke is to inspire our pupils into STEM from a young age. We are constantly reaching out to adults working in STEM careers to visit us and enthuse our children when it really matters.

Starchaser’s visit was a truly

memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of our pupils and was one of many STEM visitors and ambassadors which we have lined up. We want pupils to leave Little Stoke confident in STEM and believing that any

Funeral Directors and Cemetery Tel: 01454 414999 • Email: admin@memorialwoodlands.com

career path is possible if they work hard and follow their dreams.”

Anne Sargent, headteacher, commented: “Our tagline at Little Stoke is ‘Dream, Plan, Achieve’ and the visit from Starchaser really summed up the importance of this for the children. We believe and teach our pupils that with hard work, imagination and resilience they can achieve anything – these are core values which run through our whole curriculum. We have revolutionised our approach to STEM over the last two years, both in the opportunities we offer children and the exciting range of learning experiences they can access.”

“In the words of Tom, one of our four-year-old Reception pupils: ‘I am going to be an astronaut one day and fly to space in a rocket.’ We really believe that he might!” ● www.littlestokeps.co.uk

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Motorline Toyota Bristol North 186 Gloucester Road, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BB 0117 321 7676 www.motorline.co.uk/toyota Toyota Range Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 34 (8.3) - 97.4 (2.9), Extra Urban 44.1 (6.4) - 91.1 (3.1), Combined 39.8 (7.1) - 94.1 (3). CO2 Emissions 70-204g/ km. The mpg & CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results. These are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

From 1 September 2017, certain new vehicles will be type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. From 1 September 2018 WLTP will fully replace the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which is the current test procedure. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. More information can be found by visiting www.WLTPfacts.eu

January 2020

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21

Advertising

Slimmers lose tons of weight in north Bristol

S

uper slimmers in north Bristol have lost a whopping 14 tons in weight – that’s the equivalent of 14 cars! All together the members of the north Bristol Slimming World groups have lost an incredible 2,243 stones in the last year.

The local members, who attend groups every week, follow Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan created by the organisation’s team of expert nutritionists, which encourages them to fill up on satisfying foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish, pulses and fruit & veg.

Sandra Garland has lost over 7 stones in 12 months following the Extra Easy plan. She says: “Filling up on lots of satisfying foods means you’re never hungry so I’ve never felt as though I was on a diet. Before I joined Slimming World I thought losing weight meant going to the gym and counting calories. But now I know it’s about making healthier choices about food and becoming a bit more active. I went from a

size 22 to a size 10 and feel like I am a better mum to my children because I can run around after them now.”

“Reaching this milestone as a group just proves the huge change that we’ve all made to our lives. Some people have probably even saved their lives.

It’s brilliant to celebrate together as well, because that’s how we’ve been losing weight – together.

Every week we support and encourage each other and share tips and recipes, and on top of that we have a lot of fun. There is nothing like #thatfeeling of losing weight!”

“The support and inspiration we get from our Consultants has been integral to our success. They understand the ups and downs of slimming and can offer us help and advice based on their own experience. Without them, I don’t think I’d have achieved nearly as much.”

Sharron, the local team developer, says: “We are all delighted that our members are losing weight so beautifully. It

Sandra Garland now (left) and before starting the Slimming World programme

has made a big difference to their lives and to their whole families’ lives, and all of them are happier and healthier now.”

“Slimming has never been more important when 55.6 percent of people living in North Bristol are

estimated to be either overweight or obese and, as a team, my colleagues and I just want to help even more people to make real changes for life – there’s no better job satisfaction than that!” ● See advert on page 7.

Your local Slimming World Consultants in north Bristol (l-r): Dawn, Frankie, Amber, Janice, Sharron and Kelly

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January 2020

Schools

Abbeywood judged ‘good in all areas’ by Ofsted

S

taff, governors and students at Stoke Gifford’s Abbeywood Community School are celebrating after receiving an overall ‘good’ grading from Ofsted following an inspection which took place on 19th & 20th November 2019.

The full ‘Section 5’ inspection judged the school ‘good’ in all five assessment areas, replicating the result of the school’s last full inspection in October 2014 following its incorporation into the Olympus Academy Trust in January 2013.

In their report, the team of four inspectors observe that the trust, headteacher and school leaders are “ambitious to provide a highquality education to all pupils,” adding that “the values of the school are clear and underpin the school’s management decisions”.

The inspectors found that students are happy at the school, noting that: “They say that it feels safe and that people are kind to each other. Pupils are very positive about their school; they value it and like it.”

Governors are praised for their role in driving the school forward. The inspectors noted that they are well informed and hold the headteacher and leaders to account. They also noted that governors visit the school, talk to pupils and survey staff.

Staff told inspectors they like working at the school and said they feel very well supported.

The Ofsted report adds: “Leaders are considerate of the workload of staff when developing new initiatives within the school and as a result there is a positive staff ethos.”

Areas identified for improvement are bringing detailed curriculum planning to the same standard across all subject areas and encouraging students to ask for help when they are unsure in class.

Headteacher Dave Howe said: “As always, the Ofsted inspection was an extremely thorough process and we are delighted that our happy, hard-working school has rightly been re-confirmed as

Abbeywood Community School headteacher Dave Howe with students

a ‘good’ school in all areas. The Ofsted inspection was a positive and collaborative process and the inspectors were able to see our many strengths first-hand.

I would like to pay tribute to all the incredible Abbeywood staff who remain utterly committed to ensuring our students receive the

very best education and support every day. I would also like to thank Olympus Academy Trust for the continued support. We are proud to serve our community and we are equally proud to be the secondary school of first choice for so many in our local community.”

Olympus Academy Trust CEO Dave Baker said: “Headteacher Dave Howe and his team have worked hard to ensure that children at the school receive the best education that they can give and we are delighted that their progress and results have been duly recognised by Ofsted.”

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January 2020

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23

Sport

In Brief

Sole Sisters can get you running

Olympus Trust consults on admissions policy

Karen Gaman of Sole Sisters ladies-only north Bristol running club writes: The Sole Sisters Beginners’ Course is ideal for any ladies who want to start running, but don’t know how to begin. Three times each year, we offer a training course for women who wish to start running, have never run before or are returning after a long period of rest, illness or injury. Our next course starts on

Monday 6th January 2020.

We follow a realistic six-week training programme, with a gradual build-up of mileage, after which you will be able to join one of our main groups and hopefully enjoy it with a certain amount of self-satisfaction.

Many of our current members started out on this course and

are now running regular 10ks, half marathons and even full marathons, so what we offer is a trusted method.

The course costs £15. For full details and an application form, visit solesistersrc.co.uk/ beginners-course ● The 2020 Bradley Stoke 10k will take place on 7th June.

The Olympus Academy Trust, which incorporates four primary and secondary schools in the Stokes, is consulting on proposed changes to its admissions policy for the September 2021 intake.

Some of the main changes proposed are: • Splitting of the trust’s policy into nine separate polices, one for each school in the trust • Definition of a formal process to verify application addresses • The child’s home address will now be taken as the address where they live most of the time during term time, rather than over the whole year • Where there is no defined Area of Prime Responsibility, the local sibling qualification distance will be extended from 2 to 3 miles The consultation runs until 20th January 2020. The full draft policies can be viewed on the trust’s website, www. olympusacademiestrust.org.uk

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January 2020

News

End of year treats for Little Stoke Beavers

O

n Sunday 8th December, ten excitable Beavers from the 1st Little Stoke Scout Group met at Bitton Station, as part of a district organised event to meet Santa on the Santa Express. As the Beavers boarded the train, for many a first experience of riding a steam train, they were thinking carefully about all the things they were thankful for and what they would like to ask Santa for. Once seated on the train, the train pulled out from the station with a puff of smoke and the journey began. Santa visited each carriage speaking with the Beavers and handing them gifts. The children then got to enjoy tasty star cookies or mince pies.

As the train returned to the station, the Beavers from across the district set off on the next part of their adventure, a short walk along the cycle path to a local church hall, where they

Beavers at Bitton Railway Station, where they boarded the Santa Express

enjoyed playing games, before they settled down to enjoy the Christmas story.

This term both the Cub and Beaver sections have been busy making the most of their amazing outdoor area. Both sections have been focusing on the importance

of thinking about animals at this time of year and have been making their own bird feeders to hang either at home or in the grounds of the Scout hut.

The Cubs have celebrated a fantastic end of the year with a Christmas-themed Flip

Out Party. Flip Out is a giant inflatable adventure zone, with neon and UV lighting. All the Cubs and leaders had an amazing time, jumping, climbing, bouncing and exploring.

Team spirit and support was demonstrated by all, as some of the areas are pretty high and challenging. The evening was finished off with hot dogs and pizzas. Martina and the leaders would like to express their thanks to all the adults who supported in the planning and running of this event.

Looking ahead to 2020, the Scouts are busy planning their next camping adventure, while May sees the Avon Jamboree.

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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January 2020

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25

Sport

Running for MIND: Ben’s year-long challenge

A

New Year’s Eve challenge, made under the influence of a few celebratory drinks with friends, turned into a life-changing fitness quest for one SGS employee.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College Students’ Union engagement officer Ben Johnson and two of his friends made a pact back on New Year’s Eve 2018 to run 3k every day throughout 2019 to raise money for the mental health charity MIND. The challenge has been a difficult one for Ben to persevere with: “Before starting this challenge, I could run for about 20 minutes before getting tired.

I’ve always played football so was physically fit, though I really had to adapt to continuous running, which was difficult. I was a little chubby around the edges and definitely didn’t have a stable and healthy diet, enjoying the occasional pint and over indulging in luxury treats.”

However, not to be beaten by each other, the three friends have persisted with the challenge and on Monday 16th December, we met with Ben as he completed day 350. Ben said: “I try to alternate my route by location and distance to keep it interesting. In the mornings or evenings, I often run around the Clifton area where I live and at lunchtimes I’ll run around Filton where I work. The good

runs are at weekends when I may escape to the hills or out in the countryside. Although running downhill has caused me a lot of stress to my shins.”

With the end of the challenge now only two weeks away, the friends have raised a staggering £2,358 for MIND and look set to reach their target of £2,500 by the end of the year.

Ben added: “We have run with terrible hangovers in Alcudia and Rome, sometimes in 40 degree heat. The lads, Jack and Aaron, have even had to run during the Glastonbury Festival and also on a skiing holiday!”

When asked about the motivation behind this mammoth challenge, Ben said: “Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. MIND believes that no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. Neither do we. That’s why we have decided to do something both unique and challenging to raise money for a great cause that is close to our hearts.”

“MIND and mental health is a big factor in my life and running everyday has really helped on days where I’ve felt blue. We hope we can give something back to such an amazing cause.”

You can follow the final stages of their challenge on Facebook (@3KadayforMind) and Instagram (@ runningformind), and donate online at www. justgiving.com/Aaron-Hearn

Ben Johnson (left) with fellow ‘3k a day’ challenge participants Aaron and Jack

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Get well · Stay well

by Craig de Groot, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

2020 here we come!

On your marks… the chaos of the festive season is over.

If you are feeling the after effects of all the festivities, I suggest that you wrap up nice and warm and take a walk in the winter sunshine. Exercise releases endorphins into our blood which make us feel more positive. Feeling positive makes us feel more in control and capable.

Get set… very little can be achieved without a plan.

It is fun to be spontaneous and impulsive. Not being tied to a plan lets you seize opportunities that might not otherwise present themselves.

But when it comes to health and wellbeing, planning becomes important. This may mean careful meal preparation to help shift a few festive pounds, it may be planning an exercise routine to get your 2020 goals underway or it may be tidying up after the visitors have left.

You may plan to get your aching back sorted out or that niggle in your shoulder seen to. A plan need not take more than a few minutes to prepare, plan and jot down. You will surprise yourself at how much time you will save if you have one. And you will be more successful if your goals are clearly defined and you have an action plan to achieve them. You also need to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Changing habits and introducing new

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January 2020

News

Latest news from the Stoke Gifford Scouts Helping out with the Poppy Appeal collections at Sainsbury’s in Stoke Gifford

rituals takes time and effort.

It’s important to add rest days into your planning. We all need time out.

Go… and see a chiropractor and get your problems sorted out. Chiropractors take a holistic view of an individual’s wellbeing and are able to help you identify why things are going wrong and what steps need to be taken to resolve them. A qualified chiropractor will work with you to achieve your goals, working as quickly as your body will allow, but also taking your lifestyle into consideration.

Take time to think about what you want to achieve, prepare a plan and go for it.

Willow Brook Clinic 1st Floor East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

By Andrew Phelps, leader, Old School Rooms (OSR) troop

T

he Poppy badge was designed and introduced

by Gloucestershire Scouts back in 2014 and the OSR Scout troop were one of the first to complete it.

This year, having previously researched the heroes listed on the village war memorial, the troop decided to research members of their very own families. This was amazing, learning about great grandparents and what they did for the country, the units they were in and medals they received.

Also for the Poppy badge, the troop attended the Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal

launch at Parkway Station and volunteered their spare time to help with the collections at Sainsbury’s. Two members of the RBL, Brian and John, came into the Old School Rooms and talked about WW2, including battles, animals, why poppies are worn and the work the veterans do.

The Scouts designed and made special Poppy woggles that they wore during the Remembrance Day Parade in the village, which was very well attended.

The Poppy badge is worn on the lower left sleeve of the Scouts’ shirts and blouses and needs to be earned every year, unlike any other Scouting badge.

● See our advert on page 5.

O

n 4th December, OSR troop member Grace received her Gold Chief Scout’s Award, presented by the Group Scout leader Paul Smith.

He congratulated Grace on all the hard work and dedication to gain this, the highest award in the Scout section. To gain the

award, Grace has spent four years regularly attending troop meetings and has completed all of the nine challenge awards plus 24 activity badges and ten nights away on troop camps and sleepovers, which she has had to juggle with her musical talents, concerts and practice.

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January 2020

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January 2020

News

In Brief

Marie Curie fundraisers looking for new volunteers in 2020

Stoke Gifford WI December meeting

M

arie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families, is appealing for volunteers to join its fundraising group in the Five Stokes area, comprising of Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke, Harry Stoke and Stoke Lodge.

The group raises funds and awareness in the local area to help support Marie Curie Nurses, who work day and night in people’s homes across South Gloucestershire, providing hands-on care and vital emotional support.

Throughout the year, the group will support Marie Curie’s major fundraising campaigns, including the Great Daffodil Appeal and Blooming Great Tea Party. They will also help spread the word about Marie Curie by informing people how the charity’s services, including its free Information and Support line, can help people

Volunteers display the amount they have raised since the local group was formed

living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.

Helen Isbell, Marie Curie community fundraiser for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said: “Our Five Stokes Fundraising Group meets regularly to plan events and organise fundraising collections.

Volunteering is a lot of fun, a

great way to meet new people and it’s very rewarding to support such a good cause.”

Anyone interested in joining the Five Stokes Fundraising Group is asked to contact Helen on 0117 924 7275 or email Helen.

Isbell@mariecurie.org.uk ● Find ‘Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group’ on Facebook

Members and guests attending the December Christmas party meeting tried their hand at indoor kurling (a variation on ice curling), courtesy of a team from Stockwood WI. This was followed by a buffet supper and Christmas raffle.

The overall winner of the competition for 2019 was Sue Gibbs and she was presented with a gift voucher.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 8th January. Our speaker for the evening will be Reg King on the subject of ‘Keeping warm in bed’.

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

You will always find a warm welcome, and tea and cake, so if you would like to try something new and make new friends in 2020, please come along and join us.

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

January 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

News Deciding on a New Year’s resolution?

Why not join our choir – Stokes Singers?

STOKES SINGERS are recruiting new members in January 2020, so why not come along and give us a try?

Rehearsals are lots of fun and members get a real uplifting feel from singing with the group.

We are a 3/4 part harmony group singing a wide range of music from swing, gospel, pop, show and folk songs, with the occasional large choral piece.

You don’t need to be able to read music and the first two rehearsals are free of charge whilst you get to know your fellow singers.

Just in case you are not aware of your voice pitch, an assessment will ensure you are happily placed in the correct section of the choir. Please come along and try us out as your New Year’s resolution. It’s lots of fun with our two musical directors Sian and Phil putting us through

our paces. Weekly rehearsals are held at Coniston Community Centre, Coniston Road, Patchway BS34 5LP, where there is plenty of parking available.

Perhaps you would kindly call or text Gillian on 07790 909726 prior to coming along so that you can be welcomed at the door?

Rehearsals are 7.15pm for 7.30pm start and finish at 9:30pm.

To give you a idea of our performances, in December we staged ‘A Not so Silent Christmas’ Christmas concert in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust and also entertained at the Frenchay Brain Rehabilitation Centre Cancer Trust to assist in raising funds.

We hope that we can welcome you to perform at our concert in the summer. Please give us a try and we look forward to meeting you.

Further details can be found at www.stokessingers.org.uk

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

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

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www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 25 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 12 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 18 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 20 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Northavon Carpentry, Page 8 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 8 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 11 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 5 Dentists Stoke Gifford Dental Surgery, Page 9 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 9 Driving Schools 2nd2None Driving School, Page 1 Education & Learning Abbeywood Community School, Page 27 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 4 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 31 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 5 Fostering South Gloucestershire Council, Page 32 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 21 Memorial Woodlands, Page 19 MW Funeral Directors, Page 13 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 16 GH Motor Services, Page 31 LCM Automotive, Page 6 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 22 Painting Petals, Page 30 Smart Patios, Page 29 Gyms & Health Clubs Riverside Leisure Club, Page 28 More in directory on SGJ website Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 25

PAINTING & DECORATING

Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 2 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 5 Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 30 Opticians Specsavers, Page 27 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 31 Physiotherapy The Physio Clinic, Page 21 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 5 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 11 Plumbing & Heating Bristol Plumbing & Heating, Page 24 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 10 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 31 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 31 P.J.R Plastics, Page 31 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 23 Public Notices Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Page 15 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 1 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 29 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 7 Taxis & Private Hire Z Cars, Page 26

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

January 2020

LAUNDERETTES

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)

Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier We load and clear Same day service Household, garden, garage & sheds cleared Single item jobs Cheaper than a skip No VAT Contact Stuart or Sue on 0800 0234 995 (Freephone) or 07770 944727 stuart.thistlewood@yahoo.co.uk

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

January 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

FOOT CARE

GARAGE SERVICES

Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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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 Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

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

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092

Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST

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

“Always on tap”

Call Darren on 07901 910361

Find Panache Plumbing on Facebook & FreeIndex

www.panacheplumbing.co.uk

GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

PET SERVICES

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning • Gutter clearing • Gutter cleaning • Fascia cleaning • Patio cleaning

Call or book online

Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

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, Advertise in this section for just £20 per month

Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

P.J.R. Plastics

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

Call Paul for free quote 01454 850201 or 07980 001109

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

Could you care for

James?

James* is an energetic 13 year-old boy with a huge sense of humour and a need for a long-term foster family who can provide him with love, fun and encouragement as he grows.

James is a loveable boy who’s filled with energy and loves sports and is especially fond of football and cricket. He is very creative and loves building things, one moment he may be building a den in the garden for an imaginary adventure and the next he may be thinking about teenage activities like music and films.

James needs a foster family who can provide a warm and caring home, giving him consistency and a secure base.

His foster family will be able to show him they understand his past, accept him as he is, and give him hope for his future, and give him the guidance he needs to make healthy choices about his food, family and friends. James would like a foster family who share some of his interests and will support him with his education and activities.

Caring for James will be very rewarding, if, at times, exhausting.

To assist you, we will provide a comprehensive package including an existing and dedicated multi-professional ‘team around the foster family’, a mentor for James, extra help with activities, respite, and on-going training and therapeutic support.

If you have the time, love and patience to care for James and would like to find out more, please call us on  01454 866423 or email  fostering@southglos.gov.uk

*The name and image have been changed to protect the identity of the child.

www.fostersouthglos.org.uk 1902 SGN Fostering Advert V4.indd 1

03/12/2019 14:05