Stoke Gifford Journal, October 2020

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

October 2020 • Issue 19

BUSINESS P26-27 | WHAT’S ON P29 | DIRECTORY P30

SECOND TIME LUCKY? The new railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane is set to be installed from 24th October to 7th November, after the first attempt in March was scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic. Full story: Pages 4 & 5

MEADE PARK Highs & Lows

£26,140 worth of new play equipment installed Pages 16 & 17 Six teenagers banned from park following spate of ASB Page 19

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

PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE l Work starts on Hatchet Road MetroBus stops l Council calls for everyone to help stem the rise in coronavirus cases l Recap: Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension l Roadworks in the Stokes: Plenty more to come! l Goats due back at Parkway North soon l Filton Airfield’s first new homes reach full height l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Trenches dug to inform Gipsy Patch Lane tree planting programme l Bradley Stoke Library reopens for browsing l Buses rerouted to travel straight through Parkway l Volvo car dealership to open at Horizon 38

Au revoir missing teeth Restore your smile with implants

Boo k cons your ulta toda tion y*

A longer-lasting fix for missing teeth.

No gaps. No worries. Just a beautiful smile.

Call DentalCarePlus Bristol on

0117 405 8540

dentalcareplus.org.uk

*Terms and conditions: 1. An implant consultation fee and CT scan is £125 and a COVID-19 safety tariff will apply. 2.

Subject to patient suitability. 3. Patients must be 18 years or over. 4. Consultations subject to availability. 5. For each appointment a COVID-19 safety tariff will apply in addition to the treatment cost and any applicable appointment costs. 6. Price is subject to review and may be amended at any time.

DentalCarePlus is a trading name of Oasis Healthcare Limited. Registered in England and Wales, no: 03257078.

Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS16 1GW.

DUK05941 | Aug20

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

3

News

Work starts on Hatchet Road MetroBus stops Temporary traffic lights likely for three months

W

ork has begun on Sandringham Road/Ratcliffe upgrading two existing Drive roundabout and the bus stops on Hatchet southbound stop outside the Road, Stoke Gifford to MetroBus former Co-operative foodstore. specification as part of the Cribbs The upgrades include Patchway MetroBus Extension extending the bus stop platforms, (CPME) scheme. new paving, replacing the Two-way temporary traffic existing shelters with new lights have been in use, at offMetroBus shelters and the peak times only, since the threeinstallation of MetroBus iPoints month project got under way on and CCTV to monitor the stops.

14th September. iPoints provide travel Motorists travelling through information and allow passengers the area now have to negotiate to purchase tickets before they two sets of temporary traffic board and plan journeys. lights as the new work site lies Once upgraded, the two bus just 300m north of Parkway stops will continue to be served railway bridge, where a ‘social by existing local bus services. distancing’ scheme has seen the The initial phase of work carriageway reduced to a single involves extending the bus stop lane operated in ‘shuttle’ fashion. platforms, laying the new paving The bus stops affected are and installing the electrical WBnorthbound Generic AW.qxp_Layout 21:14 Pagefor 1 the the stop near the 1 15/09/2020 connections needed

Work under way at the northbound stop near the Sandringham Road roundabout

iPoints and CCTV. During the works, the two bus stops affected have been taken out of service and bus passengers directed to use alternative stops a short distance away along Hatchet Road

● A description of the Cribbs

Patchway MetroBus Extension scheme can be found on pages 8 & 9 of this magazine.

Parkway bridge survey

During September, SGC ran an online survey asking: ‘How do you feel about the changes to the traffic arrangements at Parkway railway bridge?’

Respondents were also asked if they favoured a new underpass being built through the embankment or adjacent to the current bridge for the sole use of cyclists and pedestrians.

x a l e R

willowbrookshopping.co.uk

BRADLEY STOKE SHOPPING

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

4

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News

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

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: 33 The Courtyard, Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 4NQ. 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: November/December 2020

• Advertising copy deadline: Friday 23rd October • Article copy deadline: Monday 26th October • The magazine will be distributed from Saturday 7th November Subject to change due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Please check www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk/magazine for latest information.

nstallation of the replacement railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane is set to take place during a 13-day closure of the railway starting on 25th October, barring any last-minute setbacks resulting from the resurgent coronavirus pandemic.

The new 4,500-ton bridge, which has been constructed in a compound within the adjacent Horizon 38 business park, was originally due to be moved into place during a nine-day closure of the railway over Easter.

However, the operation was called off because of the difficulty in adhering to government guidelines on social distancing amongst members of the 150-strong workforce.

During the 13-day railway closure, Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths will be working continuously, night and day, to remove the track and overhead line equipment, demolish the existing bridge, move the new bridge into position and reinstall the track and overhead line equipment.

Pedestrian access

Coronavirus precautions

The bridge move will involve the closure of the railway line between Bristol Parkway and Newport from Sunday 25th October to Friday 6th November (inclusive). During this time train services in the area will be altered and buses will replace some trains. For further details, visit nationalrail.co.uk or GWR. com/Bristol

Network Rail is regularly reviewing its contingency plans to mitigate as much risk as possible from coronavirus.

However, the project team will be guided by any future government advice or directives and in the lead up to and during the works the situation on local lockdowns will be monitored.

The works will be carried out in compliance with the latest government guidelines for the construction industry. At present they include following social distancing, where tasks are not able to be undertaken with social distancing, appropriate PPE will be provided. Network Rail and Alun Griffiths have arranged additional welfare and extra cleaning provisions and there will be dedicated marshals on site at all times who will ensure controls and standards of cleanliness are maintained. Temperature checks of all personnel will also be taken on arrival to site.

The footpath under the railway bridge was due to close on the morning of Monday 28th September. Once the closure is in effect, Network Rail will reinstate the shuttle bus service for pedestrians needing to access either side of the bridge. This service will be free of charge and will operate for the duration of time the railway bridge is closed to pedestrians.

The shuttle bus will be a point-to-point service with no intermediate stops. It will run weekdays, weekends and will also be available overnight. Full details are available on the SGC project website.

Following the bridge move, Network Rail will be working towards reopening a route under the bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists. It is anticipated that passage will be restored during December 2020, but this date is subject to review as it is subject to how work progresses.

Train services

Patchway Station

Between Sunday 25th October and Friday 6th November (inclusive) no trains will call at Patchway Station. However, rail replacement buses will run between Bristol Parkway, Patchway, Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport.

Parking suspensions will be in place at Patchway Station during this time to enable the rail replacement buses to turn.

If you need to travel, customers are advised to park at Bristol Parkway instead.

Council staff will carry out

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

5

News

New rail bridge set to be installed this month Bridge move to take place 24th October to 7th November. Road expected to remain fully closed until July 2021.

Path of bridge move

Above: Aerial view of the site in August, showing new bridge in the construction compound and the embankment ramp. Top right: Artist’s impression of excavators working to demolish existing bridge. Right: A selfpropelled modular transporter being used to move a bridge during a similar project carried out by Alun Griffiths (Contractors).

Continued from facing page

additional parking enforcement patrols in the Station Road area.

Ongoing road closure

Once the new bridge has been moved into place and the railway line has been reopened, Gipsy Patch Lane will remain closed to all road users to enable further works on the carriageway. This work will include: • Demolition and excavation of the existing carriageway

underneath the bridge • Re-grading the junction with Station Road to tie-in with the new carriageway level • Utility diversions underneath the new cycle and pedestrian pathways • Installation of new surface water drainage system, including pumping station A full road closure for motor vehicles is expected to last until July 2021. Thereafter, traffic management measures will

continue on Gipsy Patch Lane until the end of 2022, to enable the construction of new bus lanes along Gipsy Patch Lane either side of the bridge.

Station Road junction

The Station Road junction with Gipsy Patch Lane will also remain closed to vehicles after the railway line reopens.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane.

The Station Road junction closure will enable Gipsy Patch Lane to be excavated down to the required new carriageway level, for new utilities and new drainage infrastructure to be installed and for the Station Road junction to be excavated down to tie-in with Gipsy Patch Lane.

The diversion route for vehicles to reach Station Road will remain via Little Stoke Lane & Clay Lane. ● SGC project webpage: southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

BOOK ONLINE WWW.WBSBARBERSHOP.CO.UK

BY PHONE 07725 795459 WALK-INS WELCOME FOLLOW US ON @WBSBARBERSHOP 39 North Road, Stoke Gifford To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

6

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News Latest update on health and care services in our area An open letter from health and care leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

T

hank you for your continued support in the fight against coronavirus, and for everything you are doing to keep yourselves, your loved ones and our communities safe.

As a group of local NHS and care organisations working on your behalf, our focus is now to get services back to their prepandemic levels ahead of winter.

This won’t be easy - coronavirus has changed the way we run services and how many people we can see in person at any one time.

The new and important measures in place to keep everyone safe from the virus mean that we need to work differently. Please be assured that whatever the setting – from GP surgeries and local hospitals to minor injuries units and

community clinics - your safety is our first priority.

We are pleased to let you know that many services that were temporarily suspended at the outset of the pandemic are now returning, including: • Routine radiology referrals across all sites • More than 1,500 weekly hospital outpatient appointments taking place online • Community services including physiotherapy • Home health visits for new mums • Cervical and breast screening services • Child immunisation including additional clinics Specialty teams, wards, clinics and operating theatres are well on their way back to pre-

coronavirus levels, and we are continuously reviewing services so they remain safe for you and our staff. Our local authorities have developed Outbreak Management Plans, which focus on prevention and response arrangements to prevent, protect and respond to outbreaks in places like care homes, schools and communities.

Despite this progress, enhanced safety precautions mean that we have fewer beds in our hospitals than before, and space in waiting areas is limited.

We also know some of you have been waiting longer as a result of routine procedures being paused at the outset of the pandemic and we are working hard to address this while ensuring access to services for all. We will be guided by the recovery principles set out by the National Voices coalition of health and social care charities

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

as we look to enhance the support we offer to people who may be waiting longer than we would like.

The annual ‘flu immunisation programme will be essential in protecting vulnerable people this winter. Many people who are vulnerable to ‘flu – including older people and people with learning difficulties – are also more vulnerable to coronavirus.

We will share details of the local ‘flu programme shortly, including how and when to get vaccinated.

We remain committed to providing you with the highest quality health and care services, and working with you to continue with sensible coronavirus precautions in our everyday lives. These include social distancing, regular hand washing, wearing face coverings in some settings, and restrictions on social gatherings of more than six people.

Unhurried, individually crafted services for Cremations and Burials

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

News Council’s appeal for everyone to play their part in stemming the rise in coronavirus cases From a press release issued by South Gloucestershire Council

S

outh Gloucestershire Council’s director of public health, Sara Blackmore, and leader, Cllr Toby Savage, are calling on everyone to play their part to help control the spread of Covid-19 as cases continue to rise.

While the infection rate here is relatively low compared to some parts of the country, our dashboard for South Gloucestershire (www.southglos. gov.uk/dashboardcovid19) shows there were 25 new laboratory-confirmed cases in South Gloucestershire in the seven days up to 25th September.

The number of new confirmed cases reported each day fluctuates daily so we cannot be complacent.

As part of our efforts, with partners in the NHS and Public Health England we get daily updates on cases from a range of sources. That information helps us remain on the front foot, provide targeted proactive and reactive support to places such as schools, businesses and care homes.

We have that raw data, so that through our Local Outbreak Management process, we can be as prepared as we can be to react straightaway when cases are confirmed. The quality assured data is then shared by Public Health England and we make it available on our website, so that our community can better understand the risks, and how relatively low numbers can escalate quickly if we don’t all play our part to stop the spread.

There is a range of trigger points in terms of the number of cases per 100,000 in the population that could lead to further action, with strengthened measures to try to stop the virus in its tracks. We’ve seen these measures implemented in other parts of the country. Fortunately, we aren’t at that stage in our area at the moment.

Sara Blackmore, South Glos Council

But the public can do their part by acting now to help reduce the risk of those measures being needed in South Gloucestershire in the future.

Director of public health, Sara Blackmore, said: “The past six months have been challenging for everyone and the next few months will be crucial in keeping the spread of the virus to a minimum in South Gloucestershire.”

“As individuals, our actions can help reduce the spread of the virus to people who are otherwise young and healthy, as well as to those who are more vulnerable and who can be badly affected.”

“The way to stop that from happening; to keep everyone safe, is to follow the guidance: Hands, Face, Space.”

“I can’t emphasise enough how important this is, but also how simple it is, to play your part.

Wash your hands. Cover your face. Remember social distancing and please follow the national guidance on self-isolation. By working together and doing the right thing we are protecting others.

“I want to thank you for already doing so much, but I can’t stress enough how important it is that we all keep on doing the right thing.” ● South Gloucestershire Council dedicated webpage: www. southglos.gov.uk/coronavirus

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

7

8

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News

Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension route Heading west out of Parkway Station, buses will turn right to head north up Hatchet Road and then left at the Winterbourne Road roundabout onto Gipsy Patch Lane. At the upgraded railway bridge, they will benefit from a dedicated bus lane either side of and under the bridge.

They will then continue west along Gipsy Patch Lane before turning left into the Horizon 38 business park. Travelling south and then west through the park, buses will emerge at a new junction on the A38, where they will pass straight across to the former Filton Airfield site (Brabazon).

Moving through the new Brabazon development, they will call at a new railway station (serving the planned YTL Arena) before heading north-west to emerge via a new bus-only link at the San Andreas Roundabout, from where they will continue to the bus station at The Mall.

On the return trip to Parkway Station, they will benefit from a longer stretch of bus lane east of the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge.

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

News Recap: The Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME)

How the replacement railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane will look ‘in-situ’

M

etroBus is part of the West of England’s vision for improved public transport. Three MetroBus services are already in operation in the West of England. Within the Stokes area, the M1 MetroBus serves Bradley Stoke and the eastern side of Stoke Gifford, around Parkway North.

Benefits of MetroBus include: • Buy tickets before you board at iPoints or on your smartphone for faster boarding • Priority bus lanes and limited stopping at key destinations means shorter journey times • Modern, environmentally friendly vehicles with free wifi and USB charging points The Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) will extend the existing MetroBus network.

It will link Bristol Parkway Station with The Mall via Hatchet Road, Gipsy Patch Lane and through the new Horizon 38 site and Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood (CPNN) on the former Filton Airfield.

The extension is part of a package of improvements to deal with the associated impact of the CPNN, where approximately 5,700 homes will be built alongside 50 hectares of employment and a range of other uses. It will also support communities in Stoke Gifford and Patchway.

What is being built?

Much of the MetroBus extension will run on existing routes which do not require any work. New sections are being built by the developers of the Horizon 38 business park and the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, with other elements being delivered by South Gloucestershire Council and Network Rail.

The works on Gipsy Patch Lane include the replacement of the existing railway bridge with a wider bridge, which will provide room for new bus lanes in each direction and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways, as well as general traffic lanes.

Other work along Gipsy Patch Lane includes footway widening and new bus lanes. This will result in significant benefits for everyone, whether you travel by bus, car, cycle or on foot.

Work is also being carried out at the San Andreas Roundabout (near The Mall) and on Hatchet Road in Stoke Gifford.

What is it costing?

The £57 million scheme is being funded by the West of England Combined Authority (Weca). A cost breakdown published by Weca in June 2019 shows that the Gipsy Patch Lane bridge replacement alone accounts for £26.73 million of the total.

To find out more, visit southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

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

9

10

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News

Roadworks in the Stokes: Plenty more to come!

R

oad users in the Stokes have had to contend with numerous sets of roadworks and road closures during September and it seems there will be no let-up in October.

To start on a positive note, four weeks of major resurfacing work on sections of Orpheus Avenue (Little Stoke) and Brook Way (Bradley Stoke) was completed with just a two-day overrun on 15th September and the much improved road surface has been welcomed by motorists and residents alike. There were, however, plenty of complaints that advance signage during the daytime road closures was less than adequate.

The contractors then wasted no time in moving their equipment up to Woodlands Lane in north Bradley Stoke, where Pear Tree Roundabout and its approaches were resurfaced during overnight road closures over a six-day period.

There was also good news from Great Stoke (Rabbit) Roundabout, where weeks of overnight road closures finally came to an end on 11th September (more on page 25).

On the downside, Highways England dropped a bombshell at the end of August when it announced that the Trench Lane motorway bridge in north Bradley Stoke, expected to reopen in the first week of September, would need to remain closed until 19th October.

The bridge works had been brought forward to be completed during the summer holidays and prevent disruption to Bowsland Green Primary School.

A spokesperson explained: “Unfortunately it has not been possible to complete them due to unforeseen repair work needed on the bridge.”

In addition to Trench lane being fully closed, the M4 motorway beneath the bridge has also needed to have overnight closures (between junctions 20 & 19) so that the work can progress.

Further overnight closures are planned for 5th to 10th October.

Resurfacing on Brook Way / Braydon Avenue

In the same area, work to install a raised table zebra crossing on Bowsland Way overran into the start of the new school term. It was then suspended altogether whilst the Woodlands Lane resurfacing was carried out. It was due to resume on 28th September.

New roadworks started in September and extending into October include MetroBus work on Hatchet Road in Stoke Gifford (see page 3) and resurfacing of Westfield Lane, Stoke Gifford (including its junction with Church Road).

Other work starting soon includes Highways England carrying out resurfacing on the M4 eastbound carriageway between junctions 21 and 19.

The work will involve overnight

Road marking at Pear Tree Roundabout, Bradley Stoke

closures between 8pm and 6am, Monday to Friday, for approximately four weeks from Wednesday 14th October.

Looking further ahead, South Gloucestershire Council’s resurfacing programme includes stretches of Braydon Avenue (Little Stoke) and Winterbourne Road (Stoke Gifford). The Braydon Avenue work, which will be between the junctions with Silver Birch Close and Ash Close, was originally scheduled to take place at the end of September, but has been postponed to November to allow for essential drainage work to be completed first.

A useful overview of planned roadworks can be viewed on the one.network website, but be warned that the information relating to South Gloucestershire

Signage at the motorway bridge on Trench Lane, Bradley Stoke

Council’s activities is often inaccurate.

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

11

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

News

Goats due back at Parkway North in October

G

oats will soon be returning to Stoke Gifford, as a small group takes up residence on scrubland surrounding the Parkway North Park & Ride site on Hunts Ground Road, behind Parkway Station.

The goats are owned by community urban farming project Street Goat, which has several herds of goats on land in and around Bristol. They are used as part of a ‘conservation grazing’ initiative which plans to restore grassland and encourage the growth of wildflowers on sites that are important for wildlife.

The aim of the grazing at Parkway is to increase the population of the small blue butterfly (cupido minimus), which is classified as a ‘priority species’ in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This species of butterfly feeds solely on a rare wildflower called kidney vetch

which grows at this location. The goats munch on brambles and shrubs, and this makes way for more of the kidney vetch to grow, which should then hopefully increase the numbers of the small blue butterflies.

The goats are very friendly and enjoy visitors but please be aware that access to the grazing area is restricted, so the animals cannot be petted and must be viewed through a fence. Street Goat also requests that you don’t feed them as they have sufficient natural food to keep them healthy.

Goats devouring brambles behind the fence at Parkway Park & Ride

If you would like to help look after the new arrivals, you are welcome to sign up and become a volunteer goat herder. Jobs involve helping to monitor the goats, clean shelters and report any issues to Street Goat.

It’s a great way to be involved

in a local project and spend time outdoors! Please contact Streetgoats@gmail.com The first goats are due to arrive at the site in early October.

For the latest news, visit www. streetgoat.co.uk or search for the Street Goat page on Facebook.

Is your Accountant really helping your business?

We not only specialise in ensuring that sole traders, and small businesses get the greatest possible benefit out of their statutory financial compliance, but also tailoring advice on business planning and growth strategies, to meet with ongoing business needs, all on time and on budget.

CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATION and find out what you’re missing.

Location of the goat grazing area (shown red) at Parkway North Park & Ride

33 The Courtyard Woodlands Bradley Stoke BRISTOL BS32 4NQ

Telephone: 0117 322 6159 w: www.candmaccountants.co.uk e: info@candmaccountants.co.uk

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Bradley Stoke Study Centre Sarah Nutchey 07808 720208

Boost your child’s confidence

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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

kumon.co.uk

12

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News

Airfield’s first new homes reach full height YTL DEVELOPMENTS have ‘topped out’ the first new homes at Brabazon on the former Filton Airfield, meaning the first roofs have been completed.

The tops of buildings in the first phase of the 2,600-home development can now be glimpsed when travelling along Hayes Way, the road between Rolls-Royce and The Mall.

Having broken ground at the beginning of 2020, the rapid progress means that the first homes will go on sale before the end of this year.

Having been present in January when YTL Developments began to dig the first foundations at Brabazon, Cllr Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, returned to the site in early September to mark the ‘topping out’.

“Brabazon is set to transform the local area and is a wakeup call to the big housebuilders on

what new development can look like and deliver for communities.

The most exciting thing is that this will be a really thriving new neighbourhood, not just another housing project. There will be public parks, schools, community facilities and new transport links,” said Cllr Savage.

“And at the heart of it will be the incredible new YTL Arena Complex. For so many it’s going to be the most exciting place to be in the South West.”

Sales to start soon

The first phase of new homes will include a range of one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom homes. With construction well underway, YTL Developments expect the first new homes to go on sale before the end of the year, with the first residents moving in at the start of 2021.

Designed by internationally

Homes going up on Filton Airfield (Brabazon hangars seen in the background)

renowned, locally based architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the new homes at Brabazon are being marketed as having “distinctive details, generous room sizes and plenty of outdoor space”.

Challenging times

Cllr Toby Savage continued: “Clearly the past few months have been challenging in many different ways. The fact that YTL Developments are pressing ahead at speed with this huge investment is a real sign of confidence and is already starting to bring in jobs and opportunities for local people.

It really shows their commitment to our local community.”

Rob Benson, construction director at YTL Developments said: “I’m the third generation of my family to have worked here at the former Filton Airfield. To see this historic local landmark being brought back to life feels really

personal to me. Seeing the quality of the new homes as they come out the ground is fantastic. Huge credit goes to our local team of site managers, supervisors and contractors. We are continuing to press ahead and can’t wait to see the first new residents move in early next year.”

Jon McDiarmid, director at YTL Developments, said: “The first new homes at Brabazon are setting the standard for what this new neighbourhood will become.

The design details like the curve of the crescent, the quality of the brickwork and the extra space inside and out will make for really distinctive new homes.”

“With the good progress currently being made by the construction team, we expect to be able to offer our first homes for sale before the end of 2020.”

To find out more and register your interest, visit www. brabazon.co.uk/register

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

13

News

Visualisation of a crescent in the first phase of development at Brabazon. In the background can be seen The Mall at Cribbs (centre) and Charlton Hayes (right).

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

14

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News Councillor Column Covid-19, vandalism, Parkway Bridge and litter

W

ith the onset of autumn the danger from Covid-19 is increasing and we must all take the necessary precautions set out in government and scientific advice. We have been very lucky in our area so far, but do need to take even more care now that colder weather is coming.

The greater freedom of movement during the summer months heralded a serious increase of mindless vandalism in our public parks. Children’s play equipment in Meade Park and the Trust Grounds were deliberately attacked and the cost to local ratepayers exceeded £5,000. Worse still was the deliberate smashing of glass on footpaths and in grassed play areas with obvious danger to young children. The parish council and all three district councillors are determined that our young people should not be deprived of their play equipment, and have now installed CCTV cameras to deter future attacks.

The culprits responsible for the attacks have now been traced by the police and are being dealt with. New and updated play equipment has also been installed in Meade Park.

Two of the four existing bus stops on Hatchet Road are currently being converted to MetroBus standard and the required work will inevitably cause additional traffic delays while the conversion takes place. We have insisted that the necessary work is confined to non rush hour periods.

Despite initial assurances from South Gloucestershire Council that the one-way shuttle working under Parkway Bridge would be of short duration, it is now clear that the restriction might last for a considerable period of time.

Luckily, the traffic flow has remained much lighter than usual and traffic delays have not been excessive. The district council is conducting a public

survey into the restriction with a view to making it permanent.

We do not support such a proposal, but do accept that the current temporary measures do increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge. However, at some point in the future, traffic levels will return to normal and huge traffic congestion will be the result. The only way to preserve public safety and to ensure proper traffic flow through the bridge will be to deliver the long-promised separate pedestrian and cycle tunnel through the embankment, parallel to the existing road tunnel. I do encourage everyone to add to the pressure on the authorities to deliver the pedestrian tunnel.

Finally, might I turn to the question of litter? I am immensely proud of the parks and open spaces that exist in the Stoke Gifford area.

Generally speaking, they are maintained to a high standard, but I am sometimes concerned about the amount of litter left lying about after picnics etc., and also sometimes patches of burnt grass caused by picnic barbecues. Please do not put them directly onto the grass.

Please keep safe during these difficult times.

Cllr Brian Allinson Stoke Gifford parish councillor and South Gloucestershire councillor for Stoke Gifford ward

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

Little Stoke Community Hall facility is open for business We can offer a competitive modern room for £90 for a daily rate (8 hours) Or £15 per hour We are excited to offer you this fantastic facility which can cater for an assortment of events: • A modern meeting room which can accommodate 18 people (seated at a desk space) or 35 theatre-style • Fixed overhead projector • Free guest wi-fi • Free car parking for over 70 cars • Excellent motorway links to M5 and M4 • Free use of community kitchen for providing refreshments • An on-site catering service to manage your catering / buffet needs if required This facility is suitable for corporate business meetings, conferences, family celebrations, birthday parties, craft groups, choirs, fitness classes, private schooling / tuition etc.

Meeting room

Community kitchen

Here at Little Stoke Community Hall we have a room / facility which can cater for all your requirements. Please feel free to contact the office (see details below) and we will be happy to show you around.

Little Stoke Community Café is now taking orders Or you can pop along to the café where we have seats inside and outside.

CAFÉ MENU Breakfast- £5.50 Sausage, bacon, egg, mushrooms, hash brown, beans or tomatoes, tea or coffee Jacket potatoes - £4.50 With beans With tuna With cheese With chilli con carne Bacon bap - £2.00 Sausage bap - £2.00 Sausage, bacon & egg bap £3.00

Burger - £3.20 Cheeseburger - £3.50 Chips - £2.00 Cheesy chips £2.50 Paninis - £5.00 Cheese, ham & tomato Tuna melt Chicken, bacon & BBQ sauce Brie, cranberry & rocket Mozzarella, pesto & tomato Brie, cranberry & bacon Sandwiches - £4.50 Tuna mayonnaise Cheese & onion Ham & cheese Cheese & pickle (All served with salad & crisps)

Homemade cakes Chocolate brownie £1.80 Gluten-free lemon cake - £1.40 Victoria sponge - £1.80 Carrot cake - £1.80 Chocolate fudge cake £1.80 Tray bakes - £1.80 Scone, jam, cream & hot drink - £ 4.00 Chocolate bars - £0.70 Mars Bar Bounty Lion Bar Cold drinks Cans (Coke, Diet Pepsi, Fanta, Lemon Fanta, 7up, Pepsi Max) - £1.00

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.

Bottle of Lucozade Sport - £1.60 Bottle of Fanta - £1.50 Kids’ pop (orange or cherry) - £0.50 Cartons (orange or apple) - £1.00 Pure apple & orange juice - £1.20 Hot drinks Teas Coffees Hot chocolates Ice coffees Afternoon tea - £12.50pp You can order the day before.

• Collection is from the side window of the café.

• We have taken all of

the right precautions to ensure social distancing.

• You can pay via bank transfer, or contactless.

Opening times are 9:30am - 3:00pm.

Phone us on 07751 194510 or visit our Facebook page.

FULL COUNCIL: Tuesday 13th October PLANNING COMMITTEE: Tuesday 27th October

Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Little Stoke Community Hall Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HR t: 01454 865202 e: clerk@stokegifford.org.uk w: www.stokegifford.org.uk

16

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News

Developer cash funds new play equipment Splash into

something new at

Bright Sparks Day Nursery & Pre-School NEW at Bright Sparks: ★ 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

OPEN EVENINGS

MB_Ad2_BrightSparks_BradS_Updated_88x116.indd 1

AT LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL

OPEN 18/09/2020 EVENINGS Thursday 8th October at 5pm Thursday 5th November at 6pm Tuesday 24th November at 5pm

Please come along to our open sessions to find out more about our school, meet teachers, staff and governors and have a tour of the site.

These will be socially distanced face to face meetings with a maximum of 18 attendees. We will also conduct a no touch tour of key stage 1!

Unfortunately, due to current safety measures, we cannot accommodate children at these meetings.

Please ring 01454 866522 or email admin@littlestokeps.co.uk to book your place.

We look forward to seeing you.

L

ocal children are celebrating the arrival of exciting new play equipment within the play area in Meade Park, Stoke Gifford.

The new equipment, consisting of a bespoke wooden tower & bridge complex and two cradleseat swings, replaces equipment that was 25-years old and judged to be at “end of life”.

Impact-absorbing surfaces surrounding the equipment has also been renewed using a wet pour technique.

The total cost of the project was £26,140, funded by South Gloucestershire Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy, a charge levied on new development to help improve local facilities.

The play area was closed for the duration of works, which began on Friday 28th August.

It was officially reopened on the afternoon of Friday 11th September, when a number of 10:49 parish councillors attended a photo call to mark the occasion.

The work was carried out by Bradley Stoke based Pentagon Play, well known for its installations at many schools across the Stokes area and, most recently, a similar scheme at the Jubilee Green play park in Bradley Stoke.

The company undertakes work across the UK and completed than 1,000 installations in 2019.

It has around 40 full-time head office employees with up to 60 more working on installations.

Managing director James Collis-Pritchard commented: “Although we are a national firm, it is always pleasing to work on something local. It also gives our employees the opportunity to take their own children and grandchildren to visit a finished scheme and appreciate the fruits of their labours.”

Parish clerk John Rendell told the Journal: “The parish council identified the need to update the very old and dated play equipment at Meade Park and successfully managed to source funding via South Gloucestershire Council. We are delighted with the end result and I am sure local families will enjoy using this improved play space.”

“We have hundreds of users through Meade Park every day and the numbers are ever increasing, so the council is really pleased to be able to improve the service we provide, adding to the various other pieces of play equipment already in-situ in and around the park.”

He added: “We have received extremely positive feedback from local residents, on-site face-toface, via the parish council office and also through the Friends of Meade Park social media page.” ● See also: Vandalism in Meade Park, page 19.

Your child’s learning adventure could begin here in 2021

LITTLE STOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL Little Stoke Lane Little Stoke Bristol BS34 6HY www.littlestokeps.co.uk

Tel: 01454 866522

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

News

Official opening of the new play equipment on 11th September; standing (l-r) are: Nicole Fairman (Pentagon Play), Cllr Ernie Brown, Cllr Andrew Shore, Cllr Pauline Reich, Cllr Mike Brown, James Collis-Pritchard (Pentagon Play) and John Rendell (parish clerk).

the place for you‌ Autumn sales, lettings, mortgages & conveyancing. oceanhome.co.uk

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

17

18

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News

Legal e-scooter trial expected to start soon

T

hey may have become a common sight being ridden on roads and pavements across the Stokes in recent months, but every rider you see is likely to be breaking the law. This is because anyone using a ‘powered transporter’ on public land is required to have both a driving licence and valid insurance, and the latter is not currently available for privately owned e-scooters.

However, the government has begun a series of trials across the country in which rented e-scooters can be ridden legally because the hire company provides the necessary insurance.

Locally, the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) is accelerating e-scooter trials to provide alternative ways to travel while social distancing is in place on public transport. Two types of hire schemes are expected to be available very soon: hop-on, hop-

Credit: Marco Verch; licence CC BY 2.0

off hire (similar to YoBike) and longer term lease hire.

Hop-on hop-off e-scooters will be available from autumn 2020 in central Bristol and Bath and at other key locations such as stations, universities and hospitals in Bristol’s North Fringe. Longer term lease hire

e-scooters will also be available across the whole West of England region covering Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The trial will run for 12 months and, if successful, e-scooters could become a permanent, sustainable option for travel in the region.

The trial e-scooters can be rented by anyone with a full or provisional driving licence and can be used legally wherever cycles are permitted. Personal e-scooters, outside of the trial, remain illegal on pavements and the public highway.

More information on the West of England e-scooter trial can be found at travelwest.info/ projects/e-scooter-trial Avon and Somerset Police have said they are taking a lenient approach to the illegal use of e-scooters unless they are being driven dangerously. Their policy is to apply the three ‘E’s approach – engage, explain and educate, before moving to the fourth, which is enforcement. This can ultimately lead to an e-scooter being seized and destroyed.

The Bristol Post recently reported that the police have so far confiscated “around 100” e-scooters across the force area.

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

News Youths “banned” from park following spate of vandalism

F

ollowing a report in our September magazine that thousands of pounds of malicious damage had been caused to sport and leisure equipment in Meade Park, the Journal can reveal that six young people suspected of being involved have effectively been banned from the park.

Speaking at a meeting of Stoke Gifford Parish Council in early September, Cllr Ernie Brown said the cost of repairing the damage at Meade Park and the Trust Ground was put at between £5,000 and £6,000. He also reported that an individual who is thought to have been responsible for “most” of the damage in Meade Park had been “caught” by the neighbourhood police team and that this person had been “banned from the park for six months”.

According to the parish council, the items damaged (with repair costs) in Meade Park have included a table tennis table (£1,488), a picnic bench (£169) and a timber structure (£200). At the Trust Ground, a rocket swing (£350) was vandalised, while a damaged bus shelter on Kingsway in Little Stoke had to be replaced at a cost of £4,215.

Responding to an enquiry from the Journal, a police spokesperson said: “Neighbourhood police have been working with South Gloucestershire Council’s AntiSocial Behaviour (ASB) Team to

tackle issues in Meade Park over the summer.”

“Officers carried out uniformed and plain-clothed patrols of the park following reports of ASB, including damage to a table tennis table.”

“Around a dozen young people aged between 13 and 16 have been identified as being present when the problems were happening.”

“The council’s ASB team has drawn up acceptable behaviour contracts for six teenagers which include not going to the park.

Another five teenagers have been sent warning letters by the council.”

Police have interviewed a 15-year-old boy in connection with damage to the table tennis table and the Youth Offending Team will make a decision on how he will be dealt with.

The spokesperson added: “Neighbourhood police and the council urge parents and carers to talk to their teenagers about the impact of ASB on our communities and the consequences of being involved.

Parents and carers should also make sure they know where their children are and who they’re with, to help to keep them safe.”

Patrols of the park are continuing. Anti-social behaviour can be reported to the police or the council – find out more at https://bit.ly/asp-report-asb (police) or https://bit.ly/sgcreport-asb (council).

Vandalised picnic bench in Meade Park, Stoke Gifford

www.FertilityBristol.com Transparent costs with 100% refund programme available * criteria apply

Bristol’s longest running fertility clinic, BCRM - Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine, provides expert advanced fertility assessment, treatment and advice.

Why choose BCRM? • Personalised care with exceptional patient feedback • Affordable treatment including IUI, IVF and ICSI with outstanding success rates • Highly skilled team providing treatment for NHS funded and Private patients Email: info@bcrm.org.uk or Phone: 0117 301 8605 to book a consultation appointment or to attend a free Open Evening

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

19

20

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

News

Trenches dug to inform replacement tree planting programme

R

esponding to concerns over the planned felling of 20 mature trees alongside Gipsy Patch Lane to create space for a new bus lane, South Gloucestershire Council has recently dug a number of exploratory trenches in the roadside verge.

Road widening is needed east of the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane to enable the creation of a new eastbound bus lane. To make way for the construction of the bus lane, the row of 20 existing lime trees on the south side of Gipsy Patch Lane needs to be removed.

The timescale for removing the trees has not yet been confirmed but the council says it will be no earlier than autumn 2020. No trees are planned to be removed from the north side.

As reported in our September magazine, to mitigate for the upcoming loss of trees on Gipsy Patch Lane, the council has already planted 53 trees of various species at nearby locations along Winterbourne Road and Orpheus Avenue.

The project has also made a commitment to plant as many new trees and shrubs as possible along Gipsy Patch Lane itself, once construction is complete.

As part of its planning for the landscaping work, a number of trial trenches have recently been dug in the roadside verge immediately south of the line of trees that is to be removed.

A council spokesperson explained: “One of the things that affects where planting can occur is the location of underground

Railway bridge

Site compound for precasting new bridge

Left: Patches of bare earth reveal where trial trenches were dug Below: Trees along Gipsy Patch Lane (looking west)

utilities. Although we have plans that show where utilities should be located, it is only when ground is dug that we can be sure of where they are.”

“To assist us plan the planting we excavated around 18 trial trenches along Gipsy Patch Lane

Gipsy Patch Lane

to help us confirm where the utilities are. This in turn will help us understand where new trees may be planted and to ensure there is no conflict between utility pipes and cables and tree roots.” ● ‘Save the Trees’ petition on 38 Degrees: https://bit.ly/gpl-trees

Little Stoke Lane

Smithcourt Drive

Above: Proposed new bus lanes on Gipsy Patch Lane (indicative only; refer to planning application PT18/0987/R3F for definitive drawings).

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

21

News

Bradley Stoke Library reopens for browsing

F

or the first time since March, members of the public are now able to drop into Bradley Stoke Library without an appointment and browse the books on offer.

After being fully closed since March, South Gloucestershire libraries reopened in a limited way in July, providing ‘click and collect’ and bookable IT services.

The current opening times are shorter than normal hours, with all libraries closing at 4pm.

Elsewhere in the North Fringe, Filton Library has not been able to reopen due to essential building work being carried out, but Patchway Library will now also open on Mondays, in addition to its normal opening days.

The number of people using a library at one time will be limited and IT users are encouraged to book in advance to ensure a personal computer is free at the time they want to visit.

Bradley Stoke opening hours Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri: 10am-4pm Sat: 9.30am-12pm

Reception desk with protective screens at the entrance to Bradley Stoke Library

Safety checks have taken place at all library buildings, in line with government guidance, and all customers are required to wear face coverings.

South Glos Cabinet member for communities, Cllr Rachael Hunt, said: “I am delighted that our libraries are now able to welcome customers to browse and borrow again after what has

been an extremely tough few months for everyone.”

“Throughout the lockdown period we have continued to support people by delivering books, providing a ‘click and collect’ service, extending our eBook and eAudio collections; even adding daily newspapers to our online services so people didn’t need to leave home as often.”

“We have carefully planned the reopening and have taken into account the safety of both the public and our staff, and it’s fantastic news that we can invite members of the public to drop-in and explore their local library once again.”

The library service’s much appreciated ‘click and collect’ service will continue to operate for people who prefer not to choose their own books but have them selected by the staff.

For further information about the reopening of libraries and details of the measures being put in place, including the ‘click and collect’ service and booking of personal computers, visit www. southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges or call 01454 865022.

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

22

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

Get well · Stay well

T

October 2020

by Craig de Groot, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

Snap, Crackle, Pop: What you need to know about joint noises

he older you get, the more noise your joints can make. We have all experienced it: knees that snap when we stand up, a neck that cracks when we turn our head and ankles that pop when we rotate them. Joint cracking can be loud and disconcerting.

People worry when they hear their joints pinging away. Whilst annoying, there is usually nothing to worry about. It is a normal, common occurrence.

If the constant cracking is coupled with pain or swelling, that can be a sign that something is wrong. That’s the time to seek expert advice and treatment.

As part of the normal aging process, cartilage wears away in our joints. The bone surfaces become a little rougher and as a result you get more noise as they rub together. The joint sounds can change, depending on how you position your body when you rest and how you use your body when you move.

Our bodies make a range of different sounds.

You might notice a clicking or soft snapping sound when you bend your arm or leg. This sound usually indicates a tight muscle which could be causing friction around the joint. Gentle stretching should help this sound decrease or disappear. Louder popping sounds come from the compression of gas bubbles that occur in the spaces of the joints.

The cracking is the sound of the gas being released from the joint, an action called cavitation.

The sound is not a cause for worry.

Some objectives of chiropractic treatment is to increase range of motion, reducing nerve irritability and improve function. A chiropractic adjustment typically involves a high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to a joint.

The associated, audible release of gas that is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, releases joint pressure. The cracking sound of a chiropractic adjustment is no reason for concern, but part of the pathway to your wellness.

A way to avoid creaking joints is to get up and move as much as you can. Motion is lotion – the more you move, the more your body lubricates itself.

Willow Brook Clinic 1st Floor East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk ● See our advert on page 7.

TALKS ON THE BIBLE are being held in the Trust Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PE on Sundays at 5:30pm Come and hear about the Bible and how it applies today Talks last 1 hour. Admission free.

Enquiries 07703 686734 To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

23

News

New bus routes and timetables introduced

A

raft of bus service changes introduced on 6th September has brought with it two new routes and the sight of buses travelling straight through Bristol Parkway Station (east-west & west-east) for the first time in many years, if not ever.

Stagecoach West services

The 77 (previously linking Thornbury with Bristol city centre via Bradley Stoke, Bristol Parkway, UWE and Southmead Hospital) has become the new 10 service, linking Thornbury with Avonmouth via Aztec West Roundabout, Bradley Stoke, Parkway, UWE and Southmead Hospital. Some Monday through Friday peak hours journeys on this route also make a loop of the Aztec West Business Park.

The 3B service (previously linking Bristol Parkway with Aztec West via Braydon Avenue, at Monday through Friday peak hours only) has been replaced with the new 11 service, linking Avonmouth with Bristol Parkway via Shirehampton, Southmead Hospital and UWE, extending to Aztec West on some Monday through Friday peak hours journeys.

In contrast to the 3B, the 11 service operates along Brook Way (Bradley Stoke), leaving no services at all running along Braydon Avenue (Little Stoke).

The 625, linking Severn Beach with Bristol Parkway via Cribbs Causeway and Little Stoke Lane,

has been renumbered 12, with guaranteed connections to the 11 service for UWE and Southmead Hospital.

First Bus services

The Y6 service, linking Southmead Hospital with Chipping Sodbury via Cribbs Causeway, Little Stoke Lane, Parkway Station, Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell and Yate, has had its route altered to see it passing straight through Parkway Station to additionally serve stops at Parkway North (Park & Ride), Hunts Ground Road and the MetroBus stop on Great Stoke Way, before continuing to Winterbourne.

Similarly, the 19 service, linking Cribbs Causeway with Bath, now also runs straight through Parkway on the section between the station and UWE. The frequency of service T1/ T1b, linking Thornbury with Bristol city centre via Bradley Stoke, the Stoke Gifford By-Pass (with stops at Great Stoke Way and Harry Stoke) and the M32, has been reduced Monday through Friday. Journeys now operate every 30 minutes, rather than every 20 minutes.

The T1b follows the same route as the T1, the ‘b’ suffix indicating a journey on which guaranteed space on the bus may be reserved in advance using the ‘Book my bus ride’ website.

There have been no changes to the 73 or M1 MetroBus services.

The 73 currently runs every 15

A westbound Y6 emerges from behind the multi-storey car park at Parkway

minutes between Bristol city centre and Bristol Parkway during the day, Monday through Friday; however every second bus terminates at Parkway, meaning that the frequency through Bradley Stoke is only every 30 minutes. The M1 MetroBus runs every 10 minutes during the day, Monday through Friday. Both services have lower frequencies

in the evening and at weekends. ● Buses are now able to run straight through Parkway following the completion of realignment work on the access road where it skirts around the multi-storey car park. The work is part of a £650k package of bus interchange improvements at the station which also includes new stops, shelters and RTI displays.

OFFERING CLEAR BUSINESS

ADVICE AND TAX

SOLUTIONS TALK TO US ABOUT BUSINESS SUPPORT T: 01454 619900

E: ADVICE@DUNKLEYS.ACCOUNTANTS

WOODLANDS GRANGE, WOODLANDS LANE, BRADLEY STOKE, BS32 4JY

BOOK YOUR FREE 1HR CONSULTATION TODAY

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

24

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

October 2020

News A chance to find out more about the NHS Nightingale Hospital on our doorstep

T

he Stokes area proudly hosts one of the UK’s seven temporary NHS Nightingale Hospitals set up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and local residents are now being offered the chance to learn more about how it was conceived and constructed via a unique live online event.

Located in the University of the West of England’s Exhibition and Conference Centre (ECC), within the parish of Stoke Gifford, the 300-bed NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol was constructed in less than three weeks at the start of ‘lockdown’ in April 2020.

The expert panel discussion, part of UWE’s Distinguished Address Series, takes place on Wednesday 14th October, when members of the public can tune

in virtually to view the event.

The panel is to be made up of vice-chancellor Steve West as well as senior members of the NHS and staff from construction and infrastructure firm Kier.

The round table discussion will explore what building the hospital involved and is to highlight the dedication, hard work and agile response from all involved and how this was central to the construction project’s successful completion in such a short time. It is to include the following panel members: • Professor Steve West CBE, Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer, UWE Bristol • Marie-Noelle Orzel, Chief Officer, NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol

• Tim Whittlestone, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol • David Snell, Operations Director, Kier NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol was a collaborative project across a wide range of organisations and companies. It required a highly effective team effort involving UWE Bristol staff, the Army, the NHS and the contractors, Kier, who often worked 12 hours a day.

After only 20 days’ work, the temporary hospital was officially opened on 27th April after the ECC was converted into a 300bed medical facility to provide extra beds if local services needed them. The hospital was seen as vital in helping support NHS efforts with the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting the local community and wider region at an exceptionally challenging time.

After going into standby mode at the end of June, the Bristol Nightingale Hospital is now

being set up as ‘winter ready.’

Initially the lecture theatre in the hospital is to be used for storage so that equipment and stores can be safely moved inside from the temporary marquees outside the hospital.

UWE Bristol vice-chancellor Professor Steve West said: “Although we hoped it would never be required, the fact that we have been host to such an important part of the UK’s fight against Covid-19 is a source of great pride to our staff and students. The NHS have our full support for this next phase, and we will continue to work very closely with NHS colleagues across the region to determine how the facility will change and adapt for any future use.”

Those interested in watching the panel discussion on 14th October must register in advance via bit.ly/nightingale-talk. From 6.25pm they can then join the talk online, which takes place from 6.30pm to 8pm and will include a Q&A session.

‘OFFER OF THE MONTH’

5 Doors Fitted in Your Home For Only

£389

Any 5 white primed 6-panel ‘Colonial’ or 5-panel ‘Suffolk’ doors, complete with choice of 7 styles of handle, hinges, mortice catch & fitted in your home.

Additional doors available.

DOOR EXPRESS 08000 973333 07767 376770

A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR ORDER FITTING DATE

This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27” Other sizes available for a small extra charge

www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

25

News Rabbit Roundabout improvements: Completion date slips into October

M

otorists in the Stokes are now able to see the benefits of a £2.9m scheme of improvements at Great Stoke (Rabbit) Roundabout after the final surfacing and road marking tasks were completed in early September.

An advertised three-week period of overnight road closures for resurfacing began on 5th August, but had to be extended by one week, and then (unannounced) for a further week, because application of the final high friction surfacing was delayed due to unsuitable weather conditions.

The surfacing work was finally completed on the night of Friday 11th September.

All approaches to the roundabout now have three general traffic lanes (previously only two) for at least the final 20m. The permitted usage of

the lanes (left turn, straight on or right turn) does vary across the four approach directions, so motorists are advised to observe the road markings.

Starting in January 2020 and originally planned to take 12 months, lighter traffic volumes during the coronavirus lockdown allowed the council to bring forward some of the later phases of the project.

In June, the council announced that work on site would be “fully finished by October”, but as we went to press the new toucan crossings on each of the four approach roads were still not operational.

A council spokesperson said: “All of the civil engineering work has been completed and work on the toucan crossings is currently under way. The new toucan crossings are expected to go live in October.”

Now three lanes!

Unfinished toucan crossing

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

26

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

Horizon 38 Business Park Village Hotel

Gipsy Patch Lane

Royal Mail BULLFINCH ROAD

GKN Aerospace

Selco G2

Area currently used G5 build as bridge compound

A38 A

TAURUS ROAD

Carshop

B

F1 C F1D E

B

G3 G3C

G4

G6 G8

C

G7

D

D E

E

BOLINGBROKE WAY

BOLINGBROKE WAY TITAN CLOSE

Filton Airfield Development

A

B

F G

New road junction

A

Railway Bridge

BOLINGBROKE WAY

Volvo

H1A

H1B

H2A H2B H2C

Bus-only straight-ahead route across A38

Current highway works to create new road junction

Will your Fence weather the next storm?

With Autumn upon us - it’s the perfect time to start preparing your garden for Winter.

At the point the fence blows down, rots and falls it becomes a headache and an urgent problem to fix in order to keep your garden secure.

BEFORE

AFTER

“Brilliant product and excellent staff. My whole garden is now beautifully furnished with this metal garden fencing! No more painting for me and no more worries about windy weather. So pleased!” Anne Brown, Cornwall

Many customers install ColourFence for the peace of mind that storms won’t leave the bill involved in getting urgent repairs. ColourFence stands up to British weather, resisting rotting in the rain, warping in the sun, and fallen panels when the wind blows.

Available in 4 different colours, there is no need to spend hours painting the fence for the length of the 25-year guarantee.* Don’t wait for your fence to blow down, install our revolutionary metal garden fencing today. Call now for a free, no-obligation quote.

Mix & match 4 colours

GREEN

BLUE

* Terms and conditions apply, hose down several times per year.

Don’t wait for your fence to fall this Winter, call now for a FREE no-obligation quote on

0117 259 1789 colourfencebristol.co.uk To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400

BROWN

CREAM

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

27

Business

Volvo car dealership to open at Horizon 38 A new road junction is being created on the A38

A

new Volvo car dealership looks set to open soon in the local area after a pre-let deal was agreed for a plot on the former Rolls-Royce East Works site, which borders Gipsy Patch Lane and the A38 Gloucester Road North.

St Francis Group together with its development partner iSec have announced that they have exchanged contracts on the plot within the Horizon 38 business park, one of the region’s largest regeneration projects.

Work is due to start within weeks on the new 17,000 sq. ft flagship dealership for Volvo Cars UK, to be situated on one of the last remaining plots with frontage directly onto the A38.

Volvo will join other wellknown names at Horizon 38, including Car Shop, Selco, Village Hotel and GKN Aerospace, alongside nearly 400,000 sq ft of speculative industrial warehouse development.

Gareth Williams of St Francis Group said: “In these unprecedented times it is very pleasing so be able to make an announcement like this. Volvo and all other project stakeholders have shown a huge can-do attitude to ensure that this deal was done and we’ll be starting on site very shortly.”

“Speaking for the project itself and the Horizon-38 scheme in general, this deal represents another piece of the jigsaw on this hugely popular

Northavon Carpentry

and successful 60-acre site which continues to deliver.

We are looking to continue with this momentum through the last two remaining plots where commercial discussions are underway with interested parties.”

Horizon38 was acquired by a joint venture between St Francis Group and iSec late in 2015 and since then nearly 500,000 sq. ft of new high-quality warehouse space has been built in addition to a new Village Hotel and several trade counter units.

Recent developments at the Horizon 38 business park have seen an enormous Car Shop (car supermarket) unit open in November 2019 and the neighbouring GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre handed over to its owner in July 2020.

New access road

Top: Visualisation of the proposed Volvo car dealership, viewed from the A38.

Above: Highways work on the A38 to create a new slip road and junction.

The new Volvo dealership will be served via a new access road from the A38. Highways work to create the new junction and slip roads is currently under way on the A38.

It is at this junction that vehicles travelling on the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension route between Bristol Parkway and The Mall will emerge from the Horizon 38 business park and cross straight over the A38 to enter the Filton Airfield development (see pages 8 & 9). ● For further information, visit horizon38.com GENERAL BUILDERS COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC CARPENTRY CONTRACTORS ALL ASPECTS OF CARPENTRY

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

Tel: 01454 603992

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

28

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

News Tech wristbands launched to help protect people with dementia

A

new ‘wearable tech’ wristband that helps protect people with dementia has been launched by the emergency services in Avon and Somerset. The initiative, which is part of the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, has funding for 750 wristbands, and is the collaborative work of the Senior Citizen Liaison Team, Avon and Somerset Police and Avon Fire & Rescue Service. to safety should they be found Using Near Field whilst lost or confused.

Communication (NFC) Sergeant Stuart King, who technology, the wristband stores leads the Dementia Safeguarding essential information about the Scheme and is a member of the wearer, including their name Senior Citizen Liaison Team and details of next of kin. The charity, said: “Throughout my information can be accessed policing carer, I’ve encountered via the NFC app when a mobile many situations where people phone is held nearby, alleviating with dementia are lost and the need for physical contact confused, some of which sadly which can cause further distress. ended in tragic circumstances. It’s This information can be used often an upsetting experience for by emergency services, health the lost person and whilst we try professionals or community to work quickly and sensitively Winter BSJ ad.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2020 11:19home, Pageit1can be members to get the wearer back to get them

challenging for us to find out who they are and where they live.”

“I’ve been involved in related schemes for around seven years. I really care about finding better ways to serve elders with dementia whilst treating them with the compassion and dignity they deserve. Whilst this isn’t a replacement for good care, this tech is cheap and accessible, so I’ve got high hopes this will make a difference.”

Darren French, community fire safety watch manager at Avon Fire & Rescue says; “We take

A HAPPY RETIREMENT IS JUST ROUND THE CORNER

an active role in protecting the most vulnerable people in our community whilst conducting home fire safety visits. These visits give us the opportunity to assess any risks to the individual and get them the help they need.”

“We’ve ordered around 750 bands and will be piloting the scheme in the Bristol and Avon area. My team will be visiting households who may benefit from a wristband, getting them set up and then working with our blue light partners to help keep them safe.”

The passive device is not used for tracking and stores only nonpersonal data to ensure the safety of the wearer.

To request a home fire safety visit for an elderly or vulnerable person and/or explore the possibility of obtaining a safeguarding wristband, visit avonfire.gov.uk/our-services, calling 0117 926 2061 or text ‘visit’ to 07507 319694.

abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk

RETIRE YOUR WAY IN EASTER COMPTON

Privacy, company, independence, support…

Retirement living the way you want it. Studios and one-bed flats to rent in our supported houses. Happiness starts with a viewing.

BRISTOL AND KEYNSHAM

YOUR 4th WEEK IS FREE!*

Call 0117 973 6997

ALSO IN HANHAM | HENLEAZE | REDLAND | KEYNSHAM

*Terms and conditions apply

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

What’s On Autumn events at Winterbourne Barn Following September’s successful Heritage Open Days, Winterbourne Medieval Barn is continuing with Open Day Tours on the first Thursday of each month (booking essential).

A range of community events in the barn are now on offer for the autumn. In order to be Covidsecure, all tickets must be booked in advance via the barn website and Ticketsource, providing contact details. Numbers are strictly limited, and visitors will be seated in a socially distanced manner in the barn, so groups (maximum six people) need to book at the same time.

Monthly talks will restart on Tuesday evenings at 7pm, with the first on 13th October entitled ‘Sabrina, Goddess of the River Severn’. Nicola Haasz will examine aspects of the river, its journey, folklore, ancient water worship and historic finds.

Tickets are £5.

Family activity days costing just £5 per family are aimed at children under 11 and offer themed arty-crafty activities for families to do together in a Covid-secure way. Next up are ‘Race for Space’ on Saturday 17th October and ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ on Wednesday 28th October. ● winterbournebarn.org.uk GUTTER CLEARING

Bradley Stoke Town Council 2020 Firework Display

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Town Council’s Firework Display planned for Sunday 1st November 2020 has had to be cancelled Councillors look forward to welcoming everyone back to the 2021 display which will take place on Sunday 7th November 2021

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

FOOT CARE

So Clear

Professional Gutter Clearing Services • • • • •

Experienced cleaners Gutters cleared up to 5 storeys high Fully Insured Telescopic camera check Competitive prices – free quotation

www.soclear.co.uk info@soclear.co.uk ● 07851 847 079

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

29

30

www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

t: 01454 300 400

Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Accountants, Page 11 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 23 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 16 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Northavon Carpentry, Page 27 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 22 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 32 Bright Sparks Pre-School, Page 16 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Dentists DentalCarePlus, Page 2 Patchway Dental Practice, Page 8 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 19 Education & Learning Little Stoke Primary School, Page 16 Olympus Academy Trust, Page 18 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 17 Events Talks on The Bible, Page 22 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 7 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 29 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 12 Memorial Woodlands, Page 6 MW Funeral Directors, Page 25 Garage Services LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 27 Gardening & Landscaping Services Colourfence, Page 26 Garretts Landscapes, Page 10 Painting Petals, Page 30 Smart Patios, Page 12 Hairdressing WBS Barber Shop, Page 5 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 19 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 24 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 14

PAINTING & DECORATING

Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 30 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Advice, Page 7 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 More in directory on SGJ website Pest Control Services Aman Pest Control, Page 31 PestBGone, Page 31 Pharmacies Bradley Stoke Pharmacy, Page 9 Physiotherapy The Physio Clinic, Page 14 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 7 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 23 Plumbing & Heating Bristol Plumbing & Heating, Page 21 Fastfix Heating, Page 20 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 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 24 Sport & Leisure Stoke Gifford School of Dance, Page 4 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 13 Taxis & Private Hire Z Cars, Page 8

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

October 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)

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

October 2020

t: 01454 300 400

PLUMBING & HEATING

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk PEST CONTROL SERVICES

31

WINDOW CLEANING

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.co.uk

Tel: 07400 000084

Tell advertisers you found them in the Stoke Gifford Journal!

PET SERVICES

Advertise in this section for just £16 per month

Free Quotations ● All Pests and Wildlife covered Reactive & Preventative Control Rodent and Bird Proofing Works Hygiene Cleaning and Vegetation Control Rodents, Wasps, Bed Bugs, Fleas are our speciality! ● 19 years experience ● Fully insured ● BPCA Level 2 trained

Contact Andrew on 01454 219296 www.pestbgone.co.uk Advertise in this section for just £16 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 T: 01628 473062

• 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

Advertise in this section for just £16 per month

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

Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning

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

Advertise in this section for just £16 per month

MAGAZINE ADVERTISING

Call or book online

Call or Book online

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 8528 Mob: 056558 Tel:0117 0117 370 3708528 Mob: 07543 07543056558

P.J.R. Plastics

The Bee’s Knees For Pest Contro1

| M : 07728 314363 | E: info@pestbgone | www.pestbgone.co.uk | 16 Churchill Drive, Marlow, Bucks. SL7 1TW

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

Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol provides a safe, caring environment for children from three months to five years of age •

Open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year

•

Home-cooked food

•

Secure environment with extensive CCTV and a fingerprint biometric entry system

•

Outdoor learning environment

•

Friendly and highly experienced staff.

To find out more and arrange a visit, call

Homecooked food Fully equipped outdoor play area

0117 969 1662

Register your interest at

info@bananamoon-bristol.co.uk

CCTV

Fingerprint biometric access

operates throughout our nurseries

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