Stoke Gifford Journal, September 2020

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September 2020 • Issue 18

SCHOOLS P7, P18 | SPORT P10-11 | DIRECTORY P30

Gipsy Patch Lane roadworks to last another TWO YEARS

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Project end date slips due to Covid-19 pandemic and bird nesting season

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Pages 8 & 9

PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE

Abbeywood Community School

Parkway Bridge

“Outstanding” GCSE outcomes

Covid-19 scheme set for review

P7

P22

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l Roundabout works nearing completion l Summer roadworks “lock-in” for the Stokes l Every step matters for the Sole Sisters runners l Advance booking now available on T1 bus l Budgie show goes on despite hall lock-out l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Cadets complete 100km lockdown challenge l OSR Scouts kept busy during lockdown l “Excellent” Post-16 results at Abbeywood l West’s metro mayor launches cycling and walking campaign l Council administration supports plan to ban takeaways near schools

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3

News

Rabbit Roundabout works nearing completion

W

ork on a £2.9m scheme of major improvements at Great Stoke (Rabbit) Roundabout is still on track to be completed by the end of September, three months ahead of schedule.

A three-week period of overnight road closures that began on 5th August was drawing to an end as we went to press, with the final surfacing having been completed and road marking (white lining) well advanced.

Homeowners living near the site reported “horrendous” levels of noise during the surfacing work in mid-August, which coincided with a period of very warm weather when windows needed to be left open at night.

Many road users complained of confusing diversion signage, a situation made worse by there being two other road closures in the area at the same time: Gipsy Patch Lane bridge (Network

Road marking (white lining) of the new surface taking place during an overnight road closure in late August

Rail) and Trench Lane bridge (Highways England).

A temporary ramp that had been used to divert the footway on the west side of Bradley Stoke Way along the top of the roadside embankment has now been dismantled.

The improvements carried out at the roundabout are designed to accommodate the increase in traffic flows expected from committed housing developments

in the area, including those at East of Harry Stoke and Filton Airfield. The scheme is also intended to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

All approaches to the roundabout have been increased from two to three lanes; the carriageway around the roundabout has been widened and toucan crossings are being installed on all four arms of the roundabout.

Shared-used paths have been

widened and new entry and exit points have been created for cyclists. ● Editor’s comment: Lighter traffic during the Covid-19 emergency may have allowed the scheme to be completed ahead of schedule and lessened the feared impact of overlapping with the Gipsy Patch Lane bridge closure, but many residents remain to be convinced that the work was necessary in the first place.

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September 2020

News

Summer roadworks “lock-in” for the Stokes Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB

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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.

R

oad users in the Stokes have had to contend with multiple sets of roadworks and diversions across the area since the last week in July, leading some residents to joke that the council is imposing a summer ‘lock in’.

Having grown used to the longterm closure of Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge since March, motorists found another route out of the area barred to them from 27th July when Highways England began a six-week closure of Trench Lane (north Bradley Stoke) for bridge repairs.

Further frustration was caused by the signed diversion for the Trench Lane closure directing traffic via Great Stoke (Rabbit) Roundabout, which was itself closed overnight for resurfacing for three weeks starting 5th

August, leading once again to questions about whether our various local councils and other agencies liaise sufficiently with each other to avoid such issues.

Mid-August brought a further complication for those who thought they had sussed out their optimum routes for avoiding the Trench Lane and Great Stoke Roundabout works when Highways England closed Beacon Lane for several nights under the M4 bridge (near the Winter Stream Farm pub/restaurant).

As if this wasn’t enough, letters circulated to stakeholders in early August advised that Orpheus Avenue in Little Stoke and the southern section of Brook Way in Bradley Stoke were to be subject to daytime closures over a fourweek period starting 13th August.

Readers will recall from an article

Have your say: Reader letters Do you have strong views about something that’s happening in or around Stoke Gifford?

Want to pass comment on something you’ve read in the Journal or another local publication?

Send your letter to letters@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk or post it to: Reader Letters, Stoke Gifford Journal, 83 Snowberry Close, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8GB Please include a phone number, in case we need to contact you.

Our next issue: October 2020 • Advertising copy deadline: Friday 18th September • Article copy deadline: Monday 21st September • The magazine will be distributed from Saturday 3rd October

Trench Lane, closed at the motorway bridge near Woodlands Golf Course

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5

News

Asphalt milling in progress on Orpheus Avenue, Little Stoke on 17th August

in our July/August magazine that South Gloucestershire Council had recently allocated £560,000 for this scheme, but there had been no indication of when it might take place.

Work on the scheme began in earnest on Monday 17th August when asphalt milling machines moved onto Orpheus Avenue. As we went to press for this issue, work had not yet progressed beyond Sherbourne’s Brake Roundabout onto Brook Way,

along which the work area will extend north across the Braydon Avenue roundabout and up to the Kemperleye Way junction near Christ the King church.

Rather than closing the whole scheme area, SGC has advised that the contractor will close shorter sections of the road between junctions and side roads as work progresses. Traffic management operatives will be on site to assist traffic within the closed areas.

Up next: Pear Tree Roundabout and Hatchet Road As we went to press, we learned than an area around Pear Tree Roundabout in north Bradley Stoke is to be resurfaced, with work scheduled to start on 15th September and last five or six days. Cllrs Franklin OwusuAntwi and Sarah Pomfret (Con, Bradley Stoke North) commented: “Last year our campaign for Woodlands Lane to be resurfaced saw success and we are delighted this is being further extended, with the stretch between Pear Tree Road Roundabout and Great Park Road now being added. It is a very important road in our community, being an important route for hundreds of homes and businesses, so we are pleased it is being improved further.”

Meanwhile, over in Stoke Gifford, roadworks will start soon on Hatchet Road to upgrade two existing bus stops either side of the Sandringham Road roundabout to become MetroBus-specification stops. Work was programmed to start in August, but has been delayed to September to avoid overlap with other roadworks in the area. Two-way temporary traffic signals will be used as required at off-peak times.

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In Brief Library open again with pre-bookable services

Following a lengthy period of closure due to the coronavirus crisis, Bradley Stoke Library was able to reopen on Monday 27th July, offering a limited range of services.

The pre-bookable services available allow users to borrow books, DVDs and audiobooks, access a computer and use the library’s wi-fi.

You can order up to six items to collect at a pre-booked time of your choice. Complete a ‘Click and Collect’ webform at sglibraries.eventbrite.com or call 01454 865022 Monday to Friday 10am-4pm; Saturday 9.30am12pm and speak to a member of library staff.

To pre-book an hour’s free use of a computer or wi-fi (using your own device), call 01454 865022 (hours as above). Scanning and printing is also available using library computers.

You can find the latest information about the services available on the South Glos Council website at www. southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, digital magazines and newspapers continue to be available for library members to download at anytime – southglos.gov.uk/eresources has all the details.

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September 2020

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7

Schools

“Outstanding” GCSE outcomes at Abbeywood

Some of the top-attaining GCSE students at Abbeywood (l-r): Emily Hathaway, Jennifer Crossley, Kushi Ashwin, Mac Elmorssy and Reba Khalid

S

toke Gifford’s Abbeywood Community School reports that this year’s Year 11 students have registered “outstanding” GCSE results.

With no official examinations having been sat this year because of the coronavirus emergency, the grades awarded have been based on teacher assessments. This follows a government decision to abandon Ofqual’s proposed algorithm-based approach.

A school spokesperson said: “The 2020 GCSE outcomes have been awarded based on school assessment which were calculated using a rigorous standardisation process and they show our school continues on its upward trajectory of improvement. We are very proud of all our students’ achievements as they have done themselves and us proud in this challenging year.”

Headteacher, Dave Howe said, “With lockdown and so much uncertainty surrounding the results process this has been a really challenging year

for us all and particularly so for those students receiving GCSE results this summer.

Despite these challenges these outstanding results are testament to our students’ resilience and dedication, our strong school ethos and the commitment of all our staff.”

“I am deeply proud of all our students and these superb GCSE results are a reflection of five years of us learning and growing together in our happy, hardworking school. I am particularly pleased so many of our Year 11 students will be staying with us in Post-16 for their next exciting part of their journey and we will continue to help each student realise their ambitious dreams.”

Commended for progress

Top-attaining students

Amy Barber Hameedah Bello Kai Laity Eloise Smith-Ferrier Esha James Tom McDermott

Dylan Parrish Kush Awasti Robyn Wright Anais Elezi Reba Khalid Mac Elmorssy Cameron Thompson Jennifer Crossley Aishu Putravu Kushi Ashwin Harvey Wong Emily Hathaway Charlie Chamberlain Jamelia Meredith

“I would like to pay tribute to all our parents and carers, who have supported us so well throughout this challenging year, as this very strong set of GCSE results would not have been possible without them.”

Key Stage 4 leader, Richard Bendry added, “I am really proud to have been your head of year as I have been so impressed with

the way you have supported each other and your families throughout the challenges this year has presented us.”

“Your resilience, kindness and dedication have brought you all to this point of success and you are now set up for a really successful future where you can begin to turn you ambitions into a reality.” ● www.abbeywoodschool.com

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September 2020

News

R

oad users in the Stokes will have to put up with Gipsy Patch Lane being fully closed or restricted by traffic management measures for at least another two years, the Journal can reveal.

The news comes after South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) was forced to replan the later stages of the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) project after the installation of the new Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge was postponed because of the Covid-19 crisis.

The bridge move will now take place during a 13-day railway closure starting on Saturday 24th October 2020.

Following this, Gipsy Patch Lane and its junction with Station Road will remain fully closed to road users until approximately July 2021, while the road surface beneath the bridge is lowered.

SGC says the extended timeframe for the bridge works “takes into consideration the extra time needed to carry out work whilst observing the current government guidelines on coronavirus and social distancing”.

Once the work in the immediate vicinity of the bridge has been completed, highway works to create new bus lanes along Gipsy Patch Lane will begin.

Construction work for the road widening west of bridge (Rolls-

Project status report (21st August) Work has been continuing in preparation for the upcoming bridge move.

Work to extend culverts, divert cables, waterproof the bridge deck and concrete finishing has been completed during August and work on the self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) roadway is continuing.

In September, the SPMT roadway will be complete and trackside work will take place over three Saturday nights. Highway drainage work is planned with a view to beginning it in September, prior to the bridge move. Anti-graffiti coating will also be applied in September.

All of the above activities will be carried out to ensure the protection of the workforce in a socially distanced environment.

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News Gipsy Patch Lane roadworks to last another TWO YEARS Full road closure at bridge to remain until July 2021. Further “traffic management” until November 2022.

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

2020 JulSep

OctDec

2021 JanMar

AprJun

JulSep

2022 OctDec

JanMar

AprJun

JulSep

OctDec

Gipsy Patch Lane bridge & associated road works Preparatory work Bridge replacement Road works at bridge, including road lowering Hatchet Road bus stops Gipsy Patch Lane widening east of bridge (Little Stoke side) Gipsy Patch Lane widening west of bridge (Rolls-Royce side) Royce side) will start in August 2021 and will take approximately nine months to complete.

Work east of bridge (Little Stoke side) will start in October 2021 and will take approximately 14 months to complete.

“Traffic management measures” (e.g. traffic lights, one-way road closures) will continue to be in place on Gipsy Patch Lane during the 16 months of highway works

either side of the bridge.

Asked why the highway works couldn’t have been be done sooner whilst the roads were quiet, a council spokesperson explained: “The planned road widening work [on the Little Stoke side], which will make way for a new bus lane, will involve the removal of trees and shrubs on the south side of Gipsy Patch Lane. The removal of trees cannot take place during

bird nesting season, which runs between March and September, so we have been unable to start this phase of work during this time.”

“Priority is also being given to completing the bridge replacement work and the subsequent road lowering at the bridge before other major construction activity along Gipsy Patch Lane begins.”

Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will continue to be allowed to pass under the bridge until late September 2020, after which the shuttle bus service will be reinstated.

The council says the footpath under the bridge will be reopened “as soon as possible after the bridge move has taken place”. ● SGC project webpage: southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

Petition launched to ‘save the trees’ on Gipsy Patch Lane

A local resident has started a petition to save 20 semi-mature trees that are due to be felled as part of the work to widen Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge. Plans approved in July 2018 show that these trees, on the Bush Avenue side of the road (left in picture), are to be removed to allow the existing traffic lanes to be shifted south, thereby creating space for a new eastbound bus lane on the north side of the road.

Titled ‘Save the trees of Little Stoke’, the petition (hosted on the 38 Degrees website) says the threatened trees are “characteristic of the area”, providing a valuable resource for wildlife. It questions the need for a new MetroBus route, saying that there is “even less need for it” since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, since traffic is now lighter and existing bus services have fewer passengers.

South Gloucestershire Council says that, as a mitigation measure, it has recently planted 53 trees of various species at nearby locations along Winterbourne Road and Orpheus Avenue. It also says that once the CPME construction work is complete, it intends to “plant as many new trees as possible [along Gipsy Patch Lane] whilst taking account of site constraints such as underground utilities and visibility splays from side junctions”.

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September 2020

Sport

Every step matters for the Sole Sisters runners

By Caroline Doidge, Sole Sisters running club t’s been over five months since our club has been able to meet, based on government and England Athletics guidelines. A real first for us, as in our 20-year history as a club, we have met every Monday evening (Wednesdays on Bank Holidays), come rain or shine, light nights or dark wintry evenings. Nothing stops the Sole Sisters.

In April, Sole Sisters kept running or walking, like most people, as part of the daily exercise allowance, posting our solo activities on the club Facebook page. The coaches created a video, each running and passing the virtual water bottle to each other as a message of support, encouragement and solidarity, in a time when we couldn’t be together as a club.

May arrived and we started to

I

Sole Sisters near Webbs Wood in the Three Brooks Nature Reserve (left) and on the main Jubilee Centre football pitch

track our collective mileage. One of the coaches counted every mile walked or ran by a Sole Sister.

We wanted to know how far we could go, and every step counted.

We were missing each other, our family and friends near and far, but the May Miles Mini League, took us on a journey without breaking the rules. Club members, collectively, covered a total distance of 3,851 miles,

averaging 124 miles a day. We all did so well, we were ticking off our holiday destinations (cancelled holidays). By 10th of May we had covered the distance needed to get us to the south coast of Spain. Six days later it was Crete, then Egypt. By the end of the month our club mileage could have taken us (from Baileys Court) to Nevada in the USA, Cancun in Mexico, Kenya, or

even the Chinese province of Qinghai.

May saw us go a long way, but we wanted more, as well as walking and running miles, we tracked our elevation, to see what mountains we could climb (virtually of course). In just 12 days our collective elevation took us to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro (and back down again). I used to think that us

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Sport

Sole Sisters visit the Living Landmarks plaques on The Common East

Sole Sisters avoided hills, but things where definitely changing.

By 26th June, we had climbed Mount Everest, Kilimanjaro and more.

We did climb mountains, and in two months, we covered over 7,500 miles. Crossing oceans and continents, we walked and ran our way to Australia – a fantastic achievement.

In June we should have been holding our annual Bradley Stoke 10k. The event didn’t take place, but sisters (who normally, plan, organise, marshal and make the event happen), ran the route throughout the month.

Each time, donating money, and raising £180 for the Brightwell Centre (MS Therapy Centre).

Well done Sisters.

For July and August, we stopped counting miles and focused on having fun and adventure with the Scavenger Hunt series – a collection of weekly challenges that has seen us running together and finding/ discovering hidden gems in the local area, then posting our

findings on the club Facebook page. Did you know there are approximately 15 Living Landmarks plaques, detailing the history of the area? If not, go and find them, it’s a great way to get out running. We did, and we loved it. These challenges have seen us go from Solo Sisters back to Sole Sisters, and really enjoying our runs in small groups.

We hope that it will soon be safe enough for us to meet again as a club. But no matter how long it takes for us to be able to return to Monday club nights, I am sure the first night back will be more talking than running, as we will have so much to catch up on.

When we do return, we hope we can plan when we will be able to reinstate our beginners’ courses and welcome new runners to our club. Anyone interested in joining Sole Sisters should check solesistersrc.co.uk for joining information and details of beginners and club runs (when they start again).

Happy running, from all the Sole Sisters.

Living Landmarks plaques in Bradley Stoke Within Bradley Stoke, there are ten Living Landmark plaques sited at places of historic interest.

A further series is dotted around Patchway. The ceramic information panels mounted on pink limestone boulders are the fruits of a Heritage Lottery funded project organised

by Southern Brooks Community Partnership in 2007. Find out more and view a location map at http:// bit.ly/bsj-living-landmarks

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September 2020

Socially distanced, mask-wearing passengers on the top deck of a First bus

W

ith passenger capacity on buses significantly reduced due to social distancing measures, First West of England is trialling an online system that allows customers to reserve space on specific journeys, thereby eliminating the risk of being unable to board because the bus is full.

The new function can now be used on peak-time journeys on the popular T1 express service that passes along Bradley Stoke Way, Great Stoke Way and the Stoke Gifford By-Pass on its way between Thornbury and Bristol city centre.

This route was chosen as one of the first trials as it is a busy interurban route that offers customers a significantly reduced travel time when the M32 is busy.

Journeys on which the function is available have been renumbered as T1b to denote it is a bookable bus.

The innovative new facility comes as First continues to find ways to use technology to improve the travelling experience

for its customers. It follows recent changes to First’s smartphone app, which now enables customers to track the location and seat availability of their bus.

Along with social distancing measures on its buses and an enhanced cleaning regime, it forms a package of measures to ensure customers can make informed and safe journeys on First’s buses at a time when the government has changed its advice to make it clear that anybody can use public transport.

The ‘Book my bus ride’ initiative is being pioneered

by First West of England in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) and is believed to be the first system of its kind operating on regular, scheduled bus services in the UK. Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance of the journey, with the flexibility of being able to reserve a space, subject to availability, right up to 15 minutes before departure.

Customers will have the option

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News

Advance booking now available on T1 bus service Online booking system can be used to guarantee space on designated Monday to Friday peak-time journeys on the Thornbury – Bradley Stoke – Bristol express service Continued from facing page

of buying a ticket with their reservation or booking at no extra cost if they already have a pre-paid First Bus ticket or are a concessionary card holder travelling after 9am.

Reservations will secure a space on the chosen bus rather than a specific seat.

Bookings are made on a new, dedicated website, www. bookmybusride.com, with customers receiving an email booking confirmation that needs to be shown to the driver with an existing ticket/concessionary card if payment has not been made at the time of booking.

Bookings are possible for all peak time Monday to Friday journeys on the T1b service with just under 50 percent of the socially distanced capacity being bookable and the remaining seats left available for customers to board and pay as normal without a booking.

Chris Hanson, First West of England Head of Operations, said: “Here in the West of England we are pioneering new ways of travelling by bus to make it the smartest way to move around the region.”

“The ‘Book my bus ride’ initiative is in its early stages and, if successful, we hope to integrate the advanced booking technology into the First Bus mobile app,

as well as the onboard ticketing software, to revolutionise both the customer and driver experience.”

West of England mayor Tim Bowles said: “This is a terrific new service which will help people know they can rely on the bus and give them more reasons to leave their car at home. I’m determined to keep our region moving and make sure the West of England leads the country on using technology to improve our public transport – giving people greater choice and flexibility in how they travel.”

South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for transport, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “I’m very pleased to see First pilot this new booking system in our area. It is particularly welcome currently as it will help reassure people that they will be able to safely catch the bus whilst adhering to social distancing measures. It will also add to users’ confidence that a bus will be available and help to increase patronage, so reducing the numbers of cars on the roads.”

For customers who are not able to make an online booking, a dedicated phone line is also being trialled and is available on 07866 977586, Monday to Friday from 09.00-17.00 (excluding Public Holidays). Confirmation of all phone bookings will be sent in

L-r: Cllr Steve Reade, Chris Hanson (First Bus) and Andy Wynn (Willow Brook Centre) in front of a bookable T1b bus at the Willow Brook northbound stop

the post and First recommends making phone bookings seven days in advance of your journey to allow time for this delivery.

City-bound T1b journeys run approximately every 20 minutes and call at the Willow Brook

southbound stop between 06:24 and 09:09.

Return journeys leave the city centre between 15:10 and 18:33, also with a 20-minute frequency.

Note: New timetables will be introduced on 6th September.

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September 2020

News

Councillor Column On the parish precept, impact of Covid-19 & more

I

would like to thank my fellow councillors for having confidence in me to serve an eighth year as chair of the parish council. I remain dedicated to ensuring that residents are heard and get ‘good value for money’.

Stoke Gifford is one of the largest parish councils in the country with two railway stations, a university and many green and open spaces for the public and sporting enthusiasts to use and enjoy. I have always thought the running of council should be treated the same as a business and not a given that council can rely on increasing the precept to offset any financial impact.

With the impact of Covid-19, apart from the annual precept, there has been zero revenue coming into council since lockdown, however due to good fiscal control over the past eight years we have managed to overcome the financial loss and still keep the precept for the year 2020/21 to a bare minimum of approximately 2 percent whilst some neighbouring councils have increased by 15 percent or more.

Should there be zero revenue this year due to a second wave of the virus and we continue to maintain our facilities, we will need to draw on approximately £29,500 from our reserves, still leaving us financially sound and, more importantly, not having to ask residents for any financial support next year by increasing the precept beyond the rate of inflation.

I am pleased to say our newly refurbished Little Stoke Community Hall (or ‘community centre’) is now fully open with many added and improved facilities ready for hire. Although the works took longer than expected this has also been in our favour by allowing council to build up funding without having to use additional sources such as a public works loan and pay interest. One of the main benefits is the addition of conference rooms and café bringing more people into the park and using our facilities. It is a pleasure to see and of course the business it brings is also very welcome.

A topic which is causing real concern is the lack of new build infrastructure. Developers cannot keep getting away with

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Budgie show goes on despite hall lock-out Show staging and judging stands erected along the outside of Little Stoke Community Hall

building new homes without the infrastructure such as schools, GP surgeries, buses, etc. being in place. Stoke Gifford is overcrowded, and yes more houses are required, but not at any cost.

The above matter has been raised at the highest level with South Gloucestershire Council.

We may be a lone voice but one which will certainly be heard.

Parkway Bridge traffic restrictions will stay in place for the time being but will be reviewed on a regular basis.

With the schools closed and businesses not fully back to work there are very few pedestrians/ cyclists using the route and therefore difficult to judge what effect the restriction is having on social distancing and traffic.

September will give a better understanding once pupils return to school and businesses are back to work. On a positive note, we understand that discussions between SGC, Network Rail and the West of England mayor for funding a parallel tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists are progressing.

Parish council and public meetings have now started to be held in the community centre with social distancing applied.

Dates of meetings and events can be found on our parish notice boards and website. Our recently updated website shows all our available facilities, room sizes and hire charges.

We always welcome more residents to have their say at parish council meetings – it is your precept we are spending and therefore only right that we have your input.

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

By Tom Lewis, BBS he Bristol Budgerigar Society (BBS) young bird competition held at Little Stoke Community Hall on 10th August was an event that will remain forever in the memories of the two Welsh judges and twenty or so members who attended.

Please note that your scribe wrote “at Little Stoke Community Hall”, not “in”! Members and judges arrived to find themselves, birds and staging locked out. Despite strenuous efforts to contact the relief caretaker he could not be contacted for the entire evening.

A potential fiasco was transformed into a very memorable and rewarding evening by staging the first event since 9th March as an impromptu alfresco young bird competition.

Under the stewardship of our enterprising chairman Alan Fretten and enthusiastic show secretary, Bob Allen, the show staging and judging stands were unloaded and erected along the outside of the building. Bob then proceeded to book in birds and complete all of the necessary paperwork from the back of his car. Thanks to the enthusiasm and effort of everyone present it all went like a dream.

The venue has grassy parkland and sports fields surrounding it and so on a rather hot humid evening it was actually quite pleasant to be outside without the need to wear coronavirus protection masks. Meticulous attention had been given to

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coronavirus considerations. The unusual outside display of budgerigars attracted the interested attention of passers-by who were out enjoying the parkland walks.

With the birds booked in and staged, our judges, Gareth Morgan and Ian Weeks, set about judging the 44 young bird entries. The standard was high and there is no doubt that in a normal open show season many of the entries would have been winning Budgerigar Society challenge certificates. Gareth and Ian chose a superb sky blue hen from novice Steve Adams as best novice and best in show. A very nice light green cock benched by Ron Ramplin was best opposite sex novice. Another sky blue hen, this time from Alan Fretten, was best champion. Alan also benched a very nice yellow face cinnamon grey cock to complete the ‘champion set’ and best opposite sex in show. Granville Staples benched the best single status nest feather entry.

The Best in Show award was presented to Steve Adams.

The event was a triumph for club members, British determination, ingenuity and resourcefulness. Sincere thanks are due to the judges, Gareth and Ian, and everyone that made the evening possible. Special mention needs to be given to chairman Alan Fretten for his enthusiasm and efforts and Bob Allen who performed show manager duties to his always high standard in seemingly impossible conditions.

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Parish Council Updates BMX track improvements

South Gloucestershire Council has funded the Parish Council £55,641 for the improvements to the BMX track. The facility is extremely popular with local residents ranging from all ages and all small wheel-based sports, scooters skateboards and BMX bikes.

This is a very exciting and much needed project and one we very much look forward to completing. The current BMX track is popular with local residents, but the Parish Council have identified the need to improve the surface.

Little Stoke Playing Fields is an impressive attraction bringing in hundreds of residents onto the site every day, and we feel the BMX improvements will further enhance the service we provide.

John Rendell, Parish Clerk

Vandalism in parks and open spaces

We are currently experiencing an above average amount of malicious damage in our parks with repair costs running into thousands of pounds.

Expensive sports equipment, picnic tables and benches have been destroyed. Fires were lit and matting in the children’s play area destroyed. Finally, broken glass was liberally spread in the grass and along the footpath. The damage appears to happen in the late evening just as darkness falls.

Mead Park and the Trust Grounds off North Road are the worst affected locations. We will be making good the damage as we cannot let the mindless few win and spoil the enjoyment our parks give.

Policing is a concern – we currently have two officers and with shifts this means often only one on duty, which is not sufficient to cover such a large area. Although our officers do excellent work, we need more cover which we are addressing at the highest level.

Cllr Ernie Brown, Chair of Council 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.

FULL COUNCIL: Tuesday 8th September YOUTH COMMITTEE: Tuesday 15th September (The Stokes, 4pm) PLANNING COMMITTEE: Tuesday 22nd September

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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September 2020

News

Cadets complete 100km lockdown challenge

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he Stoke Gifford detachment of Bristol Army Cadet Force (ACF) has kept busy, taking part in numerous virtual activities, writes Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) Paul Clark.

Obviously, the last few months have been testing times for everyone, with the current Covid-19 situation. This has had a huge impact on Cadet training and activities within the ACF, with all face-to-face training and activities having to be cancelled or suspended for the foreseeable future.

The Bristol ACF has tried to carry on training and organise events virtually using Zoom videoconferencing or ‘virtual parade nights’ to carry on with training and testing wherever possible, enabling the Cadets to still participate and achieve numerous subject passes for their relevant Star levels. This gives the Cadets the best opportunity to still progress in their Army Cadet career.

100km Challenge

The biggest virtual event the Cadets and adults from the detachment participated in was the Royal Corps of Signals #100for100 Challenge. This event was organised by the Royal Corps of Signals as part of the celebration of the Royal Signals centenary on 28th June 2020.

The aim of the event was for individuals or groups to run, walk

or cycle 100km before 28th June.

As a Royal Signals detachment, we decided to enter into the challenge, with several Cadets and adults taking part. It was down to the Cadets to decide how they wanted to do the challenge, also recording their individual distances and sending evidence to the detachment Commander for verification.

Participants in the challenge were (Cadets) Cpl Sophie Reynolds, L/Cpl Jack Porter, Cdts Evan Downes, Rhianna Cooper, Kaden Lacey and Jack Murray, and adults Staff Sergeant Paul Clark and Sergeant Chrissie Clark. All the Cadets and adults mentioned put in as many kms as they could walking, running or cycling to add to our detachment goal of 100km. The 100km goal was achieved in less than a week with the detachment as a whole clocking up a total of 182 kms, an amazing achievement.

The Star of the #100for100 Challenge was undoubtedly Cpl Sophie Reynolds who managed to walk 60kms in a week, so a huge ‘well done’ must go to her, for her determination and willingness to put in such an impressive effort.

Promotions

Congratulations to our very own Lord Lieutenant Cadet Antonia Gurr on her promotion from Cadet Staff Sergeant to Cadet Sergeant Major, a very welldeserved promotion.

Other promotions are: Cpl

A Cadet (left) and an instructor taking part in the #100for100 Challenge

Lewis Massey to Sgt and now onto a career in the Army – well done to him. L/Cpl Jack Porter to Cpl. And from Cadet to L/Cpl Evan Downes

Looking forward

Unfortunately, we have no definite date as to when the detachment will return to normal parade nights, although November is looking the more likely. We are governed by what the MoD and the government

deem to be a safe time to return.

Up until then, the detachment will continue to attend the virtual detachment parade nights, with Bristol ACF continuing to find other ways to enhance the Cadet experience in a practical and safe manner.

If you’re interested in joining the Stoke Gifford detachment and are between the ages of 12 – 18yrs and in Year 8 or above at school, contact SSI Clark on 07825 326488.

City and County of Bristol Army Cadet Force website: armycadets.com/county/city-and-county-of-bristol-acf

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News

How Stoke Gifford’s OSR Scouts have been keeping busy during lockdown

By Andrew Phelps, 1st Stoke Gifford Scouts ince lockdown began and face-to-face scouting was halted throughout the UK, the 1st Stoke Gifford Old School Rooms (OSR) Scouts have met regularly on Zoom (the videoconferencing app), where they’ve done loads of activities from baking, cooking, model making, Kahoot quizzes, bingo, scavenger hunts, beauty techniques, origami, introducing pets, finger signing and pancake making – to name but a few.

The troop has also been set weekly challenges like bird feeders, bug hotels, mini-golf course, paper mache masks, knot boards, junk model robots, musical instruments, tallest newspaper tower, cake bake off competitions and also camping overnight and at weekends.

Altogether the troop has held 25 sessions. Most have gone well over the 40 minutes Zoom allows for a single session. On occasions, we have even gone into a third 40-minute session, with leaders just restarting the meeting again and again.

The Scouts have researched edible fruits and berries available within their neighbourhoods, investigated the burn qualities of types of wood found nearby, taken part in photo scavenger hunts around the village and

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attempted various dice and card challenges.

At the start of lockdown, the troop conducted eight investitures and three of the older Scouts have since achieved their Gold Chief Scouts Awards.

Loads of other badges have also been completed. But the main thing is the troop has stayed in contact, doing fun and wacky things to keep everyone’s minds off the strange times we find ourselves in. Not every troop member has been involved every week, but during the five months there have only been four or five of the 40 Scouts in the troop who haven’t logged in and that is totally OK! And when the summer break arrived, the Scouts overwhelmingly voted to continue meeting up weekly online.

Actions have been under way for several weeks now to get Scouting back on again face-toface in smaller groups – outside and socially distanced. The troop is hoping to get authorisation to meet up on the green outside the OSR sometime in September, but this will depend on national advice and there being no further local outbreaks of the virus.

We can’t wait to meet up, but this won’t be Scouting as we know it. At the ‘Amber’ readiness level we still have lots of restrictions, so our online

Clockwise from top: Online meetings via Zoom; cooking pancakes; activity props

sessions and weekly challenges will continue.

The emails, texts and chats from parents and carers have been fantastically supportive and it’s been great to provide some normality and structure whilst the young people have been off school.

The Journal Send us your news!

October magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 21st September

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September 2020

Schools

Abbeywood reports “excellent” outcomes in Post-16 results

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ear 13 students at Stoke Gifford’s Abbeywood Community School are celebrating an excellent set of Post-16 results, with over half of them receiving grades A*-B and over 20 percent receiving a top grade. The overall pass rate was 99 percent.

The average A-level grade achieved this year was a grade B and the average vocational course grade was a Distinction.

The overall results are said to be above the national average for progress made at A-level, reflected in the school’s highestever number of students being awarded places at the top Russell Group universities this year.

Gemma Shafto, director of Post-16, said: “We are delighted

that the hard work of our students and staff has been recognised in these very positive results. So many of our students have achieved the excellent grades they deserve, and they now embark on a wide range of exciting undergraduate courses, apprenticeships, employment or a gap year. We are extremely proud of the achievements of our Year 13 students and we wish them all the very best for their future.”

Top-attainers highlighted by the school (with next steps) are: • Amy Bamford (A*, A*, B) – Business and Economics at Cardiff University • George Beaven (A*, Distinction*, A) – Film at Bournemouth University

Archive image

• Sophie Harris (A*, A, A) – Politics at Bournemouth University • Rhian Marsden (A, B, Distinction) – Film and TV at Reading University • Aksha Pathmaseen (A*, B, B) – Biological Science at Leicester University • Denisa Racaceanu (A*, A, Distinction*) – Law and Business at UWE • Aaron Thyer-Burr (A*, A, B) – Medical Genetics at Swansea University • Shazera Begum (Distinction, Distinction, A) Abbeywood headteacher Dave Howe added: “We are so proud of our students who thoroughly deserve this superb set of Post-16 results. These excellent outcomes are a tribute to the dedication

and hard work of both staff and students and now provide the springboard to exciting futures. On behalf of the whole school community I wish all our students a successful future and look forward to hearing about their many wonderful future achievements.”

● The grades included in

this article are the algorithmbased ones issued on results day. Following the subsequent decision by the government to revert to centre-assessed A-level grades, some of the information shown may now be incorrect. We have approached the school to ask for the amended data and will update the corresponding article on the Journal website once this has been forthcoming.

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Advertising

Looking after your body is more important than ever… Here’s why

By Pete Tang, The Physio Clinic Bristol f lockdown has taught us one thing it’s that we don’t like being shut away at home. Many people turned to exercise to get them out of the house. Walking, running and cycling have grown in popularity. What started as an excuse to escape the house has given many people the additional benefits of better fitness, weight loss and improved mental health.

Right now, these benefits are more important than ever. Obesity is one of the highest risk factors for Covid-19, so dropping a few pounds is good sense. Social isolation and working from home affects our sanity and the endorphin release from exercise (our brains happy chemicals) can lift your mood.

Just getting out for a walk helps us change our posture giving our joints and muscles a break from being stuck in one position.

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September 2020

News

Book now for FREE Heritage Open Day tours of Winterbourne Medieval Barn Visit the newly refurbished Grade II* listed building, just over the M4 from Bradley Stoke, on 12th/13th September

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he Barn site re-opened in August with Adventure Wednesdays, four different outdoor family activity days.

Dozens of families enjoyed a range of fun activities based around pirates, wildlife, time travel, and the circus.

So now, we look forward to opening the barns to the public for the first time since Christmas 2018, as part of the Heritage Open Days on 12th and 13th September.

The site was closed for twelve months until March 2020 for major refurbishment work funded mainly by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Unfortunately, it was then unable to re-open because of the coronavirus lockdown. But the Medieval Barn has survived many human disasters over almost 700 years, being built just before the Black Death swept through Europe, and it stands as a testament to the skills of the medieval craftsmen who built it and the society they lived in.

The West Barn has been completely renovated and now provides warm, dry rooms, toilets, a kitchen, and a long gallery linking it to the Medieval Barn without you getting wet or muddy! The Medieval Barn itself has benefitted from whitewashing, better lighting, and a level stone floor in the western end with some underfloor heating to take the chill off in winter. The main entrance to both barns is now on the south side of the site via a permanent hard path from the car park (turn in just before you reach the Barn on Church Lane coming from Beacon Lane), but the big barn doors still give access to the north yard. Across the yard, the cow byres have been completely modernised and let out to four small local artisan businesses.

So, be one of the first people to see inside these newly renovated buildings which have seen so

Left: Inside the medieval barn. Right: West Barn viewed from the garden

much history go by. Tours will take place hourly at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm each day, and numbers are strictly limited to enable safe social-distancing. Although there is no charge, tours MUST therefore be pre-booked, and we cannot allow entry onto the site for anyone just turning up at the gate. To book a free place online visit Ticketsource.co.uk via the Barn website, and choose the date and time you prefer.

If you can’t join us in person,

we’ll also be putting up lots of digital content over the heritage weekend, including family activity ideas and audio stories from our volunteers.

The Trust hopes to resume the programme of regular talks and craft workshops in October.

Details will be posted soon, and additional digital content will also be available online. Keep checking ‘Latest News’ and ‘Events’ on the Barn website, and on Facebook.

Rooms in the newly refurbished West Barn are available for hire by the hour throughout the year for meetings, talks and small social get-togethers. And bookings are now being taken for future bigger private events like wedding receptions in the Medieval Barn itself. To enquire, please contact hazel.hatton@ winterbournebarn.org.uk who will be very happy to help.

● winterbournebarn.org.uk

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September 2020

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News

Asda supports local conservation group

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platts Abbey Wood Conservation Group has received a £500 grant from a local Asda store.

The volunteer group helps maintain Splatts Abbey Wood, a small area of woodland close to the MoD complex, on the borders of Stoke Gifford and Filton, and close to Cheswick Village.

David Thomas, community champion at Asda’s Filton Abbey Wood store, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be able to support this very worthwhile project through our Green Token Giving Scheme and hope that

awareness of the project in our community has been raised.”

David Bell, the Splatts Abbey Wood group’s chairman said: “We are very grateful to all at Asda for their generous donation of £500. The support of the local community is important for the survival of this woodland.”

The group works with others in the community such as South Gloucestershire Council, Sims Hill Community Woodland, the Students’ Union at UWE, the university itself and student volunteers. ● splattsabbeywood.org.uk

Plan of Splatts Abbey Wood

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September 2020

News

Parkway Bridge Covid-19 scheme set for review

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controversial temporary one-way traffic scheme at Parkway railway bridge that is intended to facilitate easier social distancing for pedestrians and cyclists is to be reviewed in mid-September.

The news comes after one local councillor said the scheme “doesn’t appear to be serving its [intended] purpose” and a local resident started a petition calling for it to be scrapped because of the traffic congestion it is causing at some times of the day.

The scheme, which was introduced in mid-June for an initial two-week trial period, has seen barriers used to reduce the road space under the bridge to a single lane, controlled by temporary traffic signals. The extra space created either side of the traffic lane is available for people walking or cycling under the bridge, allowing them to keep a safe distance from each other.

Reactions to the scheme on social media have generally been negative, with many people claiming it is unnecessary or provides little benefit because of the low volume of pedestrians passing under the bridge at present. Some opponents have suggested introducing a one-way system on the footways on each side of the bridge, while others say pedestrians should “just use common sense” to avoid getting too close to each other.

Even those in favour of the scheme have complained that it is difficult for bike, buggy and wheelchair users to utilise the extra space because of the need to negotiate the high kerb between the regular footway and the reclaimed road space.

Stoke Gifford resident Adrian Kerton, who has started the petition to scrap the scheme, says he is concerned that the traffic jams it is causing could impede

Barriers in place under the bridge to create extra space for pedestrians

emergency service vehicles attending incidents in Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke and parts of Bradley Stoke, particularly as one of the alternative routes, along Gipsy Patch Lane, is closed at present.

South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) says the scheme is being well used with 300 pedestrians and 180 cyclists using the space during 2.5 hours of monitoring on a Tuesday in June. But Mr Kerton says data he has obtained through a Freedom of Information request shows that the monitoring was actually done over a 5-hour period and recorded everybody passing under the bridge, irrespective of whether they made use of the extra space or not. In fact, on the day in question, his interpretation of the data is that none of the 480 people used the extra space, while on other days it is typically just eight pedestrians an hour.

A council spokesperson said: “When we monitor, we record everyone using the space. The extra space created by the measures is to support social distancing so members of the public feel safe to walk under the bridge without getting too close to each other.”

Responding to concerns about traffic congestion caused by the scheme, the spokesperson said: “Our monitoring of the surrounding road network has indicated that the impact on traffic has been minimal.”

Asked about the process for determining whether the measures should remain in place, the spokesperson added: “The scheme is regularly reviewed with the next review having been agreed as mid-September once all children have returned to school and more people return to work.” ● Mr Kerton’s petition is hosted on the SGC ePetitions website at https://bit.ly/pwb-petition

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September 2020

News

Metro mayor launches cycling and walking campaign

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esidents in the West of England are being invited to ‘find joy in the journey’ by swapping short car journeys for walking or cycling to help reduce congestion and improve air quality in the region.

The new campaign from the West of England Combined Authority promotes the benefits of cycling and walking to boost health and wellbeing as well as helping to build a cleaner, greener future for the West of England.

It comes as the number of people cycling and walking reached record levels during lockdown and new cycling and walking measures have been put in place to build confidence and enable residents to cycle and walk more easily.

West of England mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “During lockdown many people have taken advantage of quieter roads to walk or cycle more regularly.”

“As more people begin to return to school, college and work we have a real opportunity to capture the positive changes we have seen to improve the physical and mental health of residents, improve air quality and ease congestion across the West of England.”

“That’s why I’m encouraging more people to find joy in the journey by swapping a short car journey for walking or cycling whether commuting to work, taking the kids to school or popping to the shops.”

“Not only will walking or cycling boost your mood but it will also help us on the road to a greener future for the region.”

Jon Usher, head of partnerships at Sustrans, said: “Our research shows that even before the Covid pandemic, a majority of residents in the West of England supported measures to improve walking and cycling on high streets and

the restriction of traffic outside schools and on residential streets.

“As schools and workplaces reopen in September we need to take this opportunity to make active travel the obvious choice for all ages and abilities.”

“It’s great to see the measures that the West of England Combined Authority and councils in the region have already taken and we fully support the vision for the future.”

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) has agreed £13m of investment in measures to enable cycling and walking in the region.

Of this, £3m will underwrite the cost of short-term measures such as widened pavements and temporary cycle lanes to help people to maintain social distancing while walking and cycling.

A further £10m has been agreed for longer-term solutions

to encourage active travel in the region.

Weca has recently submitted its second bid to government for active travel and has recently adopted the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plan.

The bid includes further proposals to extend and strengthen the temporary measures already in place across the region to enable cycling and walking. ● Find resources at online at travelwest.info/active-travel

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September 2020

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News

South Glos Tories push forward with plan to ban takeaways near schools Councillor who strongly opposed the now-approved plans for a McDonald’s drivethrough in Bradley Stoke wants to see new restrictions written into council policy

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proposal to introduce a new planning policy that would distance fast food outlets from all schools in South Gloucestershire is to be fasttracked following intervention by the local authority’s Conservative administration.

The possibility of creating ‘fast food exclusion zones’ was initially put forward by Bradley Stoke South councillor Roger Avenin in a written motion tabled for discussion at a meeting of Full Council on 15th July.

Cllr Avenin strongly opposed the recent granting of planning permission for two new drivethrough takeaway restaurants, to be operated by McDonald’s and Starbucks, at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook shopping centre and subsequently penned a letter to the Journal asking ‘What have they done to our town centre?’

His submitted motion called on the council to “protect the health of our young people” by “restricting the development and licensing of any further fast food outlets from operating within a minimum of 400 metres of all schools across South Gloucestershire”. This would be achieved through the council’s emerging new Local Plan and Council Plan, two top-level planning policy documents which

will set out the long-term vision for South Gloucestershire over the coming years.

Unfortunately for Cllr Avenin, the meeting on 15th July ran out of time and was brought to end before his motion could be debated, resulting in it being deferred to the next scheduled meeting in October.

However, the council’s leadership has now stepped in and declared its intention to fasttrack Cllr Avenin’s exclusion zone proposal with a view to including it in the first draft of the new Local Plan, which is currently due to be published for consultation in September.

The process for adopting the Local Plan is a lengthy one, involving several rounds of consultation and an ‘examination in public’ by an independent government-appointed inspector, so it is likely to be some years before any new policies take effect – the current timetable foresees an adoption date of December 2023.

Welcoming the leadership’s decision, Cllr Avenin said: “I am delighted the Cabinet has agreed to take these plans forward. While I wish the council would have had the opportunity to discuss the motion and demonstrate what I would hope

was a cross-party appreciation, October’s meeting is too long to wait and I appreciate the need to press on.”

“With so many leading national public health bodies pointing to a causal link between the growth of fast food outlets and childhood obesity, there is a clear need to act and where we, as a council, can help by thinking outside the box and using powers within our gift, we should.”

Cllr Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “As local councillors, we all want to help make a positive difference to our communities, and I believe Roger’s motion does just that. By introducing these restrictions, we can help schools,

Cllr Roger Avenin, South Glos ward member for Bradley Stoke South

parents and carers to ensure young people are more likely to benefit from a balanced diet.”

“As a local authority currently consulting on a new Council Plan and working towards public consultation on a new Local Plan, South Gloucestershire Council is in a unique position to make meaningful change and take a holistic approach towards putting public health and the next generation first, and I am pleased Roger has taken the initiative to present something fresh.”

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Get well · Stay well

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September 2020

by Danny Brown, physiotherapist at Willow Brook Clinic

Jogging injury-free

any of us have taken to running/jogging to stay fit over the last few months. This can be hard at first and is difficult to stick to, but if you do it right, it is the best activity you can do; it is free, good for your heart, improves your bone strength and will literally help you to live longer. We can help you get into running, stick with it when the going gets tough or even fix you when you are broken.

Between 60 and 70 percent of all running injuries are due to training errors; we run too fast, too far or too often. The rest can be attributed to technique and biomechanical dysfunction.

How do you run? Do you have an imbalance of strength? Are your knees unstable? Running exercises your entire body - except maybe the fingers!

Your shoulders and spine are crucial for good technique and generating power.

The main muscles of stability are in the lower leg (calf) and the rest are in the buttocks and thighs. All these have to work together to make sure that every time your foot hits the ground the impact forces are absorbed safely and that the dynamic integrity of your muscles, tendons and ligaments are maintained.

Otherwise - twang, ouch!

It is a myth that running wears out your joints. There is no “right way” to run. You do not need specialised trainers or a special programme. You just need advice that suits you and your goals. We can assess your biomechanics and even perform a video running assessment to help you get the most from your body. If you are injured, we can diagnose your injury and develop a rehabilitation plan to get you back to full fitness.

Young or old, newbie or expert – we can help.

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

● See our advert on page 11.

Stoke Gifford Journal

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September 2020

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27

News

Lions group continues support of local charities

By Ailsa Young, BS Lions radley Stoke Lions continue to shop and collect prescriptions and newspapers for some of our vulnerable neighbours who are still isolating due to the coronavirus pandemic. We also support our local food bank (see photo), which is being used more than ever in these hard times. Lions all over the country are doing the same, as well as phoning elderly people on their own to ensure they are well and to give them some company.

Although Lions focus mainly on our local communities, our Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) in the USA, granted £160,000 to the South West of England to support our air ambulances in response to Covid-19. As you are aware, our air ambulances are not funded by the NHS but are charities supported by the public and, of

B

Lions Club volunteers deliver tea and coffee to North Bristol Foodbank

course, like most charities, have suffered greatly from the loss of funding during this pandemic.

Despite this, they have had to deal with patients with coronavirus on top of their normal workload and

so the funding from LCIF made a huge difference.

Although we cannot meet on a monthly basis as we usually do, we are staying in touch via emails, and holding meetings,

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

training sessions and even social events such as quizzes using Zoom videoconferencing.

Technology has never been as important to us all as it is today.

We know there are many people in our community who have volunteered to help their neighbours and friends at this time. You are the kind of people that we need to become Lions, or perhaps you would like to become a ‘Friend of Lions’ who could help us from time to time? ● If you would like to volunteer to help Bradley Stoke Lions in their service to others, please contact president Michael Lane (07803 139460) or secretary Ailsa Young (07737 106836).

Send us your news!

October magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 21st September

Unhurried, individually crafted services for Cremations and Burials

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September 2020

News

Keep singing: How to keep a choir going during a pandemic!

By Emma Smallwood, Gospel Generation Community Choir

M

arch seems a long time ago now. Life has changed so much since then. Covid-19 has meant we have had to all change and adapt how we do life, and our choir is no exception. Gospel Generation Community Choir (GGCC) is five choirs that meet across Bristol.

We have a Stoke Gifford choir which meets at the St Michael’s Centre in North Road. Our choirs were due to perform in concert on 20th March. We had all been working so hard and were really looking forward to sharing our songs with our audience. Then… lockdown came! All plans were cancelled – initially we thought just postponed until the

summer term.

Our choirs are not just places people come to sing. They are places where people feel part of a community, they have made new friendships and have been on a journey together. To suddenly stop seeing everyone and effectively all be on our own was not something we wanted. So, we – Emma (as choir director) and my filmmaker husband Var Smallwood (www.tellingvideo. com) – started making YouTube singing rehearsals in our lounge!

This wasn’t something we had ever envisaged doing but soon the choir members were feeding back how much they enjoyed them. Choir members also

Splash into something new at

Bright Sparks Day Nursery & Preschool

recorded greeting messages on their phones and sent them in; they were then included. At the time of writing, we have made 14 ‘GGCC Choir at Home’ sessions, and more are on their way.

Life before Zoom also seems hard to remember! Technology most of us had never heard of, let alone used, has now become part of our lives. When it became obvious lockdown was continuing for quite a while we began having online Zoom choir rehearsals as well. Choir directors across the globe have had to quickly find a new way of teaching singing, using Zoom, when they can’t hear anyone singing! The mute function is a very necessary one, not because people’s singing is bad(!) but because of all the delay across the internet. We have also held choir socials, quizzes and had an end of term Zoom party.

We have done a recording as a choir in which we were joined by members of three other choirs in the GGCC national network to record an original gospel spiritual very aptly called ‘Day of Trouble’.

The multiscreen choir video has now become the norm – who’d have thought?!

Autumn term

It looks like choirs aren’t going to be able to meet for some time still, so we’ve planned our online autumn term with an online Christmas concert! The beauty of online rehearsals is that anyone, anywhere can join it. So, if any of you reading this would like to join us in September, please email gospelgen@googlemail.com If you would like to see our YouTube videos then our website has a link: www.ggcc.org.uk It is truly remarkable to be able to say that after six plus months of not being able to meet, our choir is still going strong and excited about the future!

NEW from September: ★ Places for babies and children from 3 months ★ All year round childcare ★ Sessions from 8.00am – 6.00pm ★ All meals, snacks and drinks included ★ Funded spaces available ★ Register now to secure your place Find us next to Stoke Lodge Primary, Stoke Lodge, BS34 6DW Call now to book your tour on 01454 615577 Visit our website brightsparkspreschool.com

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September 2020

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29

News

Lockdown can’t stop 1st Little Stoke Beavers!

D

uring lockdown, all sections of the 1st Little Stoke Scout Group have been running exciting sessions online using the Zoom videoconferencing app. These sessions have been a brilliant way for all the members involved in Scouting to get together, share their experiences, their love of Scouting and continue to learn skills for life.

The Beaver section has said goodbye to some of their oldest members, with Chloe and Oliver achieving their Chief Scout’s Bronze Award, the highest award possible for Beavers, and moving up to the Cubs section.

During lockdown, the Beavers have been busily working away on a wide variety of activity badges, including Cook, Animal Friend, Gardener and Experiment.

They have been sending their leader Gemma pictures, videos and examples of the activities they have completed for their badges. In fact, they have been so successful that across the Beaver colony over 150 badges have been awarded. Even more astonishing, the new Beavers who were invested virtually during lockdown achieved the highest number of badges, gaining eleven badges each.

Harry was awarded a special Beaver medal for showing dedication to his environment and community. While out walking in his local park, Harry was shocked and disappointed by the amount of rubbish left

around the area. With the help of his mum, he put on plastic gloves and collected a bag full of rubbish.

Harry, the group is extremely proud of your Scouting spirit!

The section’s young leaders, Mary and Patrick, ran one of the final Zoom meetings for the Beavers. The young leaders took over the session sharing a brilliant presentation on endangered animals, complete with questions. They then supported the Beavers in making animal masks to create an onscreen animal parade.

The Beavers are planning to continue meeting using Zoom in September and have already organised guest speakers ready for the new term. They have an astronomer, who will show the Beavers different star constellations and help them earn their Space badge and a guide dog and handler, who will help the Beavers earn their Disability Awareness badge.

The Cub section has said a sad goodbye to their Akela, Martina, who stepped down at the end of the summer term after ten years’ service. Martina has been an asset to the group, organising yearly camps for the cubs, teaching the children new skills, and inspiring a love of Scouting in hundreds of children. The group would like to send a huge ‘thank you’ to Martina and wish her the best of luck for the future.

With Akela stepping aside, the Cubs are pleased to welcome Elaine and Aimee into the

GUTTER CLEARING

section. Both ladies are full of wonderful ideas and have taken an active part in the Zoom meetings during lockdown.

The group now has an exciting website, recently updated by Beaver leader and district training adviser Gemma: 1stlittlestokescouts.org.uk

Find out more

If you would like any more information on getting involved with the 1st Little Stoke Scout Group, please fill in the forms on the website, alternatively contact Group Scout Leader Tony Edmonds by email at tonyedmonds108@yahoo.com

Chief Scout’s Bronze Award winners Chloe and Oliver

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 18 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 13 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 4 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 25 Bright Sparks Pre-School, Page 28 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 11 Cleaning & Domestic Services Niko’s Mobile Cleaning Ltd, Page 21 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 4 Education & Learning Olympus Academy Trust, Page 32 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 19 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 21 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 29 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 11 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 22 Memorial Woodlands, Page 27 MW Funeral Directors, Page 10 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 5 GH Motor Services, Page 31 LCM Automotive, Page 9 Gardening Services Colourfence, Page 6 Garretts Landscapes, Page 20 Painting Petals, Page 30 Smart Patios, Page 26 Gyms & Health Clubs Riverside Leisure Club, Page 1 Hairdressing WBS Barber Shop, Page 22 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 6 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 12

PAINTING & DECORATING

Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 30 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 21 Painting & Decorating Digby Decor, Page 30 Painting Petals, Page 30 Pet Services & Supplies Perfect Paws Pet Care, Page 31 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 31 Pest Control Services Aman Pest Control, Page 31 PestBGone, Page 31 Pharmacies Bradley Stoke Pharmacy, Page 12 Physiotherapy The Physio Clinic, Page 18 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 11 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 13 Plumbing & Heating Bristol Plumbing & Heating, Page 24 Fastfix Heating, Page 7 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 31 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Panache Plumbing, Page 31 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 29 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 31 P.J.R Plastics, Page 31 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 29 Public Notices Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Page 15 Public Transport First West of England, Page 2 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 17 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 23 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 11 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 3 Taxis & Private Hire Z Cars, Page 25

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

September 2020

LAUNDERETTES

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

NOW OPEN with social dist. measures Self service, Service washes, Duvets, Bedding, Curtains & Sleeping Bags washed, Fast Dryers. Ironing service.

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

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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

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PLUMBING & HEATING

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk PEST CONTROL SERVICES

31

GARAGE SERVICES

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

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Tel: 07400 000084

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PET SERVICES

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

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PANACHE

BATHROOM, SHOWER & PLUMBING SPECIALIST T: 01628 473062

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

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Call Darren on 07901 910361

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GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

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

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PERFECT PAWS PET CARE Tel: 07375 473728

Serving North Bristol &Bristol South Glos Based in Downend,

• Dog walking (solo or group) • Pop-in home visits for your pet Based in Stoke Gifford and covering all adjoining areas of North Bristol www.perfectpawspetcare.co.uk

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