Stoke Gifford Journal, July/August 2021

Delivered FREE to 5,000 homes in Stoke Gifford & Little Stoke July/August 2021 • Issue 24

BUSINESS P3, P24 | WHAT’S ON P14, P16-17, P28 | SPORT P26 | SCHOOLS P27 | DIRECTORY P30 Find us on Facebook: StokeGiffordJournal

NEW road closure blocks direct access to Little Stoke shops from Gipsy Patch Lane

Follow us on Twitter: @TheSGJournal

Further side roads to be blocked for an estimated 13 months once Gipsy Patch Lane is reopened one-way in autumn… Pages 8 & 9

PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE

Parkway Tavern new access road

Voi e-scooter trial

Appeal lodged against refusal

Issues thrashed out at meeting

P10-11

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l Green Grant energy savings for local firm l Future of Parkway Bridge shuttle traffic lights hangs in the balance l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Family fun: Bradley Stoke scarecrow trail in August l New minister for Little Stoke Baptist Church l Open Access resumes at South Glos libraries l 2021 Summer Reading Challenge launched l Remodelled bus stops now in use at Parkway l Local swimming club has exciting plans l FREE play scheme for 5-11 year-olds at two local venues in August l Scouts take on Blue Peter climate change challenge

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3

Business

Green Grant brings energy savings for local firm

M

etro mayor Dan Norris has paid a visit to a Bradley Stoke children’s playground specialist to see how the company is benefiting from a Green Business Grant scheme.

Pentagon Play has received a grant of £3,000 from the West of England Combined Authority, which Mr Norris now leads. The cash injection means Pentagon Play can make energy saving improvements to its premises.

The business, which designs and installs playground equipment Metro mayor Dan Norris (2nd from right) meets business owner James for schools and nurseries, is Collis-Pritchard (centre, seated) and some of the staff at Pentagon Play using its grant to fit eco-friendly LED lighting with sensors to help determine what sort of world managing director and owner save energy. our children and grandchildren of Pentagon Play said: “Our Metro mayor Dan Norris inherit. Thank you to James and business focuses on developing said: “Protecting our planet the team for showing me around learning and play environments whilst saving businesses money Pentagon Play’s HQ. I loved the for children of today to make shouldn’t be complicated, it obstacle course and the sturdy the world a better place for the needs to be child’s play. I’m wooden mud kitchen. The local adults of tomorrow. We believe urging businesses across the team was really enthusiastic and we have clear responsibilities to West of England to answer the clearly proud of their work.” make changes to our practices WB–garden ad.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2021 20:51 Page 3 call decisions taken now will James Collis-Pritchard which support sustainable and

green trading. As well as our lighting improvements we have also purchased electric vehicles to reduce our emissions and are constantly reviewing our methods and implementing changes to the way we operate with the focus on reducing our carbon footprint to zero.”

Green Business Grants are available up to £15,000 to help small and medium sized businesses make energy saving improvements to their buildings and business operations. The grant pays for 50 to 80 percent of costs depending on the business size, location and project. The grant is funded by the West of England Combined Authority’s Recovery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. ● Pentagon Play installations in the local area include recent play area refurbishments at Jubilee Green, Bradley Stoke and Meade Park, Stoke Gifford.

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July/August 2021

News

T Contact Us Find us on Facebook: StokeGiffordJournal

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

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 2021. 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: September 2021

• Advertising copy deadline: Friday 27th August • Article copy deadline: Monday 30th August • The magazine will be distributed from Saturday 11th September Subject to change due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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

he coral/orange-coloured rental e-scooters that first appeared on the streets of the Stokes in February have certainly divided opinion, with one commentator likening them to Marmite – “You either love them or hate them”.

Those in the former camp see the e-scooters as being ideal for short trips around town, such as commuting between home and a workplace, either for the whole journey or for getting to a transport node such as a railway station or bus stop.

The loathers complain about inconsiderate parking of the e-scooters, under-age riding, inconsiderate and/or dangerous riding and illegal use on pavements.

In response to complaints from local residents, Bradley Stoke Town Council has been pushing for a meeting with representatives from the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which is leading the local trial; Voi Technology Ltd, which provides the rental scooters; and

How to report issues Voi’s support channels for the general public to report incorrectly parked scooters or for any other questions or concerns are: e: support@voiapp.io t: 0800 376 8179 w: voiscooters.com/report/uk General feedback about the Weca trial should be directed to: escootertrial@ westofengland-ca.gov.uk

South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), which has oversight of the scheme in our area.

The meeting finally took place on 25th May, when town clerk Sharon Petela set the scene by stating that while the town council is “always keen to see innovative ideas in projects in the town”, it felt that there had been “poor communications over the project since the start”.

She continued: “If proper consultation involving all stakeholders (including parish and town councils) had taken place prior to the introduction of the Voi scooters into South Gloucestershire, many of the problems and negativity could have been addressed beforehand, rather than constantly playing ‘catch-up’ since the scooters arrived.”

Scooter parking

Town councillors commented that many of the designated parking locations for the scooters are “inappropriate”, and the council does not have an overview of where these are in the town. They added that the apparent dumping of scooters on verges and footpaths is “making the town look untidy”.

Voi representatives explained that users can only park the scooters in designated locations, and that they did do some site visits and reviews (in conjunction with SGC) at the start of the project. They have also spoken to equalities groups in respect of siting drop-off/parking zones.

They said that they can give the town council visibility of the

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News

E-scooter trial issues thrashed out in four-way stakeholder meeting Continued from facing page

parking locations to get input into suitability and appreciate discussions with the town councillors as they are the “local experts”. They added that plans are afoot for SGC to implement some physical infrastructure at parking locations (see statement below).

A parking cap at each parking location (to limit the number of scooters per site, so if a bay is full, the user will have to find another designated zone to end their ride) is currently in development.

Scooters which are left outside of designated parking areas (whether through neglect or running out of battery) are automatically flagged for a ‘pickup and repark’ task by teams on the ground, on a daily basis.

Misuse of scooters

Responding to concerns over the use of the scooters whilst under the influence of alcohol, Voi stated that, after 8pm, hirers must undertake a reaction time test through their smartphone app before commencing a ride.

They added that the scooters cannot be ridden between midnight and 6am.

Councillors raised concerns about the fact that the scooters are silent and so pedestrians do not hear them coming – Voi said they are looking into installing

L-r: Parked e-scooters blocking a path near Sherbourne Avenue; Damaged e-scooter dumped near Braydon Avenue

a mechanism to produce a ‘humming’ sound in the scooters.

On the subject of under-age use, a written reply from Weca pointed to the account setup procedure which requires hirers to upload an image of their driving licence along with a ‘selfie’ photo. Voi deploys ‘ambassador teams’ to areas where anti-social behaviour (including under-age riding) has been identified as a concern.

Where users are found to engage in under-age riding, the hirer’s account will be deactivated.

SGC statement

We review parking locations before they are implemented to identify any safety concerns or issues, such as the locations being

on private land. If we receive queries or complaints relating to a current parking location then we raise these with Voi and if appropriate, make amendments, or remove the E-scooter parking location if necessary.

As part of the trial, Weca, the local authorities and Voi wish to implement some parking infrastructure which will include physical parking racks and painted parking bays to mitigate any e-scooter clutter and increase the tidiness of the vehicles when parked. The review of these locations has now been completed and we hope for the infrastructure to be implemented later this summer.

It is hoped that the implementation will lead to

improved parking of the trial e-scooters and this will benefit both users and local communities as a result of the vehicles being parked more tidily. These e-scooter parking locations will also increase the visibility of the parking locations and especially for those who may not currently be aware of the locations. We must remain conscious that at present the e-scooter trial is not currently a permanent scheme, so any infrastructure needs to have the potential to be removed.

● The new Weca mayor Dan

Norris says he would like to see the Voi e-scooter trial extended in order to make a “proper and informed decision” on the future of this and similar schemes.

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July/August 2021

News

F

ollowing the revelation in last month’s Journal magazine that officers at South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) are pushing for the temporary ‘shuttle’ traffic lights at Parkway Bridge to remain in place for a further 12 months, varying accounts have emerged of a further meeting held in late June to discuss the future of the controversial scheme.

The single-lane traffic system was introduced at the bridge in June 2020 (during the first Covid-19 lockdown) to create extra space for people walking or cycling through the tunnel.

With traffic levels increasing as lockdown measures are eased and the risk of virus transmission for non-motorised users passing under the bridge now seen as less of an issue, the three South Gloucestershire ward councillors for Stoke Gifford have unanimously called for the scheme to be removed.

After a meeting with SGC officers on 26th May, the local councillors reported that the officers had agreed to undertake a “complete appraisal of the traffic throughout the coming weeks to make an informed comparison to what was experienced preCovid”, to aid future decisions on the current measures.

Following the latest meeting with the local councillors on 26th June, an SCG spokesperson told the Journal: “We are still conducting the appraisal, but so far we’ve seen that levels of traffic have remained manageable with no excessive queuing outside of short periods in the morning and evenings.”

“However, we anticipate traffic levels will increase when current Covid-19 restrictions are due to be [further] eased in July. With that in mind, officers are starting to look at options to manage this, which will be presented to members.”

Readers’ letter on the Parkway Bridge shuttle lights

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Thank you for the update in the June issue of the Journal on the current state of play regarding plans for keeping Parkway Bridge traffic lights.

I am writing to voice my and my husband’s utmost objections in continuing with perpetuating this nonsense.

We live in close proximity to the bridge so have cause to travel under the bridge frequently, and I am wondering how many hours/days of our lives have been wasted sat in the traffic jams that are caused by these lights.

We have many objections that I know that have been raised by many other people.

First and foremost, where is the SCIENCE behind preventing the transmission of Covid when we know that the risk of passing it on outside, especially when you are briefly passing someone in the street, is virtually zero.

There is no pandemic in this country now.

The massive increase in pollution in the local area.

Common sense must dictate

that this cannot be beneficial to the health of local people, no doubt accelerating respiratory diseases The massive increase in congestion. At times you can be forced to sit in a traffic jam that extends down to the roundabout at Tesco Express, frustrating and a waste of time, hindering people getting on with their business.

The potential for emergency services’ vehicles being delayed.

To say nothing, of course, of the massive waste of OUR money.

It seems that the council have carried out a survey re: the proposals, and it seems that most people strongly disagree to keeping the lights. Also ward councillors are unanimous in calling for the scheme to be removed, so of course, all these objections are being ignored until another appraisal can be carried out so that perhaps South Glos Council can get the answer that they want. Yes, very democratic.

A & N Farnish

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News

Future of bridge traffic lights hangs in the balance

June 2021 New height restriction warning signs were recently installed at the bridge

June 2020

In a statement to the Journal, Stoke Gifford ward councillor Ernie Brown was a little more forthcoming, saying: “The meeting was quite positive, and it showed that SGC is at last beginning to listen to its ward councillors. The proposal from SGC Highways is for two-way traffic with increased safety

Continued from facing page

Asked when a decision on the future of the scheme is expected to be made, and by whom, the spokesperson added: “A report will be produced following the appraisal and a decision will be made in consultation with members, which is likely to be later this summer.”

measures, plus a possible 20mph speed limit to be in place, by the time the schools go back in September and traffic is likely to increase. [This is] a constructive way ahead, as at the last meeting there was the possibility of the restriction staying in place for a further 12 months.”

New height restriction warning signs were installed at the bridge in late June, necessitating four days of overnight road closures.

Given that the current singlelane mode of operation restricts vehicles to the centre of the archroofed tunnel, thereby removing the risk of bridge strikes, this led to speculation that a decision to return to two-lane operation had already been made.

However, an SGC spokesperson played down the inference, saying the height restriction “would remain the same for either oneor two-lane traffic”.

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July/August 2021

News Road closure blocks direct access to Little Stoke shops from Gipsy Patch Lane

T

he closure of the straight stretch of Gifford Crescent leading directly off Gipsy Patch Lane from Monday 5th July means that motorists travelling from the east are now required to follow a diversion in order to reach the Little Stoke shops and post office.

The road closure is the latest stage in the programme of work associated with the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension

Alun Griffiths schedule of work at the railway bridge June/July 2021 • Water main to be commissioned • Electrical cables to be diverted • BT Openreach and SGC communication ducts to be installed • Road gullies to be installed on northern side • Groundwater lowering scheme (fin drain) to be implemented on the north side • Anti-graffiti coating to structure August 2021 • North side carriageway construction • North side kerb installation • Street lighting • Pumping station preparation works, including procurement

(CPME) scheme, which has seen the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge replaced and a start made on creating new bus lanes along sections of Gipsy Patch Lane either side of the bridge.

The circulatory part of Gifford Crescent where the shops are located remains open and pedestrian/cyclist access from Gipsy Patch Lane is being maintained.

The signed diversion route for motorists is via Little Stoke Lane and Kingsway The Stagecoach number 12 bus service is diverting via Little Stoke Lane and continues to serve all stops along Kingsway in both directions.

The closure is initially needed for the installation of highway drainage attenuation pipes in the adjacent triangular grass verge area to support the forthcoming highway widening works on Gipsy Patch Lane, and then it is needed for the westbound oneway system along Gipsy Patch Lane which is planned to be implemented this autumn.

Should the drainage works, which are estimated to last eight weeks, be completed earlier than anticipated, Gifford Crescent may be reopened in the interim.

The railway bridge remains closed to motorised traffic, but there is access under it for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.

Day one of the Gifford Crescent closure (Monday 5th July)

As previously reported, once the railway bridge is reopened to one-way (westbound) traffic in the autumn, all side roads leading onto Gipsy Patch Lane between Little Stoke Lane in the east and the Rolls-Royce mini-roundabout in the west will be closed.

Further updates on the progress of the CPME work on Gipsy Patch Lane, as provided by South Gloucestershire Council in early July, are reproduced in the sections below.

Tree pruning

The remaining trees on the north side of Gipsy Patch Lane to the east of the railway bridge are being retained. We are undertaking drainage works close to them and are taking the greatest care possible to avoid damaging them.

However, pruning of the trees is needed as they are overhanging the footpath and carriageway and could be struck by vehicles. The pruning will be undertaken by professional tree

surgeons who will ensure that the long-term health of the trees is not damaged, and under the supervision of an ecologist.

The tree pruning is scheduled to begin in August and will last for approximately two weeks.

Traffic management will be needed whilst the pruning is taking place.

To the west of the railway bridge, opposite Rolls Royce, pruning of the remaining trees and the felling of one that is extending into the footpath is also planned to take place at the same time.

Utility diversion works

These are progressing well, with Western Power Distribution having completed their diversion and the current Bristol Water diversion near Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue being on schedule. You may have also noticed work taking place under the railway bridge. This is the relaying of a new water main and reinstating of utilities diversions.

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News

Water main diversion on the south side of Gipsy Patch Lane

Fence installation

Starting on Monday 12th July, a temporary wooden fence will be erected along the southern verge adjacent to Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive. This is to provide a visual screen of the works area for residents who will be closest to the road widening works on the south side of the highway and to provide some mitigation against noise and dust. It will be removed once the highway widening works are complete in 2022.

Materials storage

We are making every effort to store as much of the material needed for the Gipsy Patch Lane works in off-site compound locations away from the main

works site. However, we now plan to store some material on the verge areas and on the closed carriageway sections of Gipsy Patch Lane because of ongoing national supply chain and haulage delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This will ensure we have the necessary materials ready for when we need them, to avoid programme delay.

Pegasus Park

From Monday 5th July we will be undertaking highway works at the turning circle next to the Pegasus Park access to the west of the railway bridge. Access to the business park will not be affected but there will be additional traffic management in place in that location.

Key milestones from the project programme (June 2021) • One-way reopening for traffic under the bridge: Autumn 2021 • Completion of roadworks at the bridge: December 2021 • Completion of highway works east of the bridge: June 2022 • Two-way reopening for traffic under the bridge: Late 2022 • Completion of highway works west of the bridge: December 2022

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July/August 2021

News

Detail from a drawing showing the proposed new site access point

A

n appeal has been lodged against the local planning authority’s decision to refuse permission for the creation of a new vehicular access point directly off Hatchet Road into the site of the former Co-operative food store near Parkway Station.

The controversial planning application was thrown out by members of South Glos Council’s Development Management Committee back in February, despite the council’s professional planning officers recommending that it be approved.

A government-appointed planning inspector will now determine the case using the ‘written representations’ procedure (as opposed to a public hearing) Agents acting for the applicant, Danolly Limited, have submitted their ‘statement of case’ and the appeal procedure officially commenced on 15th June, when

all interested parties, including those who had previously commented on the planning application, were notified.

South Glos Council has been given until 20th July to submit its own ‘statement of case’. Other interested parties who wish to make representations must do so by the same date.

The planning inspector will then allow the applicant a further two weeks to submit their final comments.

The applicant has claimed that a “lack of direct vehicular access from Hatchet Road” was the primary reason for the Co-op choosing not to extend its lease in January 2020 (when the store closed) and that its provision is “imperative to facilitate the ongoing occupation of the site for retail uses”.

Commenting on an earlier planning application that was subsequently withdrawn, the

Timeline of planning application 14th May 2020

Applicant Danolly Limited submits first planning application (P20/08482/F)

6th July 2020

Planning application withdrawn by applicant after attracting over 40 objections

27th October 2020

Applicant Danolly Limited submits second planning application (P20/21170/F)

8th January 2021

SGC case officer recommends approval

15th January 2021

Application is successfully ‘called in’ by councillors for determination at committee

18th February 2021

SGC’s Development Management Committee votes 7:0:2 to refuse permission

2nd June 2021

Applicant Danolly Limited lodges an appeal against the refusal of permission

15th June 2021

Planning inspector assigned to case and appeal timeline commences

20th July 2021

Deadline for submission to planning inspector of further written representations

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11

News

Appeal lodged against Parkway Tavern new access refusal Continued from facing page

council’s transport officer raised concerns relating to several potential issues, including: the impact on congestion and road safety on Hatchet Road, the need for vehicles to make a sharp turn on entry into the site, the capacity of the new junction, pedestrian safety within the site and the creation of a new shortcut route for vehicles between Hatchet Lane and Hatchet Road.

The revised planning application submitted in October 2020 included some minor alterations and was supported by an independently authored road safety audit, which led to the council’s transport officers conceding that their original concerns had been “unfounded” and the case officer recommending approval.

Following publication of the recommended decision, Stoke Gifford councillor Ernie Brown

The former Co-operative food store on Hatchet Road, Stoke Gifford

invoked the ‘call in’ mechanism to force determination of the application by a committee of elected councillors.

The Development Management Committee subsequently voted 7:0 to refuse permission, citing the reason for refusal as “severe highway safety impact … to the detriment of visibility, traffic flows [and] pedestrian safety”.

The applicant’s recently submitted ‘statement of case’ includes an endorsement of the findings of the previous road safety audit by a second independent expert. It also presents the results of a new automatic traffic count survey that was undertaken on Hatchet Road in March 2021 which are said to provide further evidence

that the proposed new junction “would still operate with significant reserve capacity”.

Points raised by Stoke Gifford councillor Ernie Brown during the committee meeting are dismissed as being “not justified with any evidence”.

The statement concludes: “No evidence has been presented to us which demonstrates that there is an unacceptable impact on highway safety or that the residual impact on the highway network would be severe. This is a judgement that must be made by trained technical officers and in this case, the council’s transport officer found no technical grounds to object to the development. Therefore, it is considered that the council’s decision was not made in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.” ● Planning appeal reference: APP/P0119/W/21/3276281

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July/August 2021

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News

Pre-Schoolers learn and play through recycling

T

he children at Abacus Pre-School @ Stoke Gifford have recently been learning about recycling and the impact this has on the community and the wider environment, writes manager Kirsty Goodman.

The children have used their recycling to facilitate their play.

As you can see from the photos, the boxes have provided the children with so many learning opportunities, becoming boats, trains, sleighs, cars, houses, rockets and much more.

We are very proud of the children’s imagination and believe that being creative is a

key skill of early education.

The children have used some smaller recycling pieces, such as yogurt pots and small boxes, to do some junk modelling. They have created robots, trains and houses.

As a result of our programme, the children have continued to show enthusiasm for recycling at home and have even asked to go litter picking in the local parks.

We would like to thank the recycling collection team that come to empty our bins every Friday and always give the children a wave! ● See the Abacus Pre-School Stoke Gifford advert below.

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What’s On Luke Wheaton memorial event (new date)

L

uke’s memorial event will now be taking place from 5pm on Friday 23rd July at North Bristol Rugby Club in Almondsbury. The event, which includes a BBQ, live music and a grand prize draw alongside activities to keep the children entertained, is looking to be a fun evening for all.

Organisers had planned to hold the event a week earlier, but due to the delay in lifting Covid-19 restrictions the event had to be postponed. Luke’s dad Matt said: “We decided to move the event so it could be as big as Luke would have wanted it to be. We would like to thank everyone involved in making this event possible.

It’s also been amazing to have so many great prizes donated towards the grand prize draw.”

The event is being held in support of The Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust, a charity which was recently setup in Luke’s memory.

Luke 16, who was sadly killed

in the Avonmouth explosion in December 2020, had recently started an apprenticeship at Wessex Water and played rugby for North Bristol.

For more information on this and future events, or to make a donation, visit the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust page on Facebook.

In Brief Hambrook Lane & Stoke Gifford By-Pass roadworks

Veterans’ advice sessions restarting in Bradley Stoke

Hambrook Lane in Stoke Gifford is closed to through traffic while works are carried out to realign the junction with Stoke Gifford By-Pass and install new traffic signals and pedestrian crossings.

The works started in January and are being carried out by Crest Nicholson, the developer building the new housing in Harry Stoke, to upgrade the junction for the development.

The main works to realign the junction have almost finished.

The next phase of work to install the new traffic signals and pedestrian crossing will begin in July and is expected to be completed in September.

Further information on major, road improvement schemes in South Gloucestershire can be found at: www.southglos.gov. uk/majorroadworks ● Roadworks in the Stokes: www.bradleystokejournal. co.uk/roadworks/

Local community interest company Assistplus is restarting its Veterans Advice Support Hub sessions in Bradley Stoke.

The hub is a drop-in centre initiative established to offer a supportive and informal place for members of the armed forces and the veterans’ community to access, better understand and navigate local services.

Support can also be offered during the transition period on leaving the armed forces.

The hub will be open at the Bradley Stoke Jubilee Centre from 1pm to 4pm on Monday 26th July 2021 and on the first two Mondays of each month thereafter.

Advice can also be provided by phone and online (including Zoom), depending on client need.

To make contact with Assistplus, phone 0800 678 5618, email info@assistplus.org.uk or visit www.assistplus.org.uk

t: 01454 300 400

July/August 2021

Councillor Column On grass cutting, roadworks, housing & planning

T

his month (June) has seen many complaints about the standard of grass cutting along our highway verges, which is mainly due to the reduction in South Glos Council manpower and a very wet May. Prior to the Localism Act in 2011, introduced by Eric Pickles giving new freedom and flexibility for local government, this work was carried out by South Glos StreetCare. Since 2011 and the offloading of work from district level to parish level, South Glos reduced the number of cuts to two per year, with the parish council having to fund StreetCare for an extra six cuts per year.

Our many green and open spaces, which have been well used this month, are maintained by the parish ground-staff.

Roadworks throughout the parish continue to cause problems with most roads in and out of Stoke Gifford being closed or restricted. Your three district councillors continue to badger South Glos lead members to remove the restriction under Parkway Bridge which was introduced twelve months ago in response to Covid-19. The response from South Glos for the continuation of the restriction is now one of safety as they could be accountable should a fatality occur. The next meeting to discuss removal is on Monday 28th June [outcome: see page 7].

At last some positive news about Gipsy Patch roadworks… the programme is on plan for oneway opening from Hatchet Road to the A38 in early September this year. Full road opening in both directions and completion of works on target for early 2023.

Monthly liaison group meetings continue to play a major part to address residents’ concerns and project issues.

The increased number of houses in our parish is a worry with the lack of increased infrastructure such as schools, GP surgeries, transport and road structure. Also Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) are causing real concern in Cheswick Village and Stoke Park. These properties are often detrimental to the character and amenity which would no longer function as a sustainable residential location and not respect the requirement

for mixed and balanced communities. Off-street parking, noise and waste being a major issue. We are working hard with South Glos Council to ensure these matters and planning inadequacies are addressed.

The parish council is currently discussing plans with South Glos Council and the developer for a new community building in Brooklands Park. If successful, this will give the parish a muchneeded foothold in the Harry Stoke area.

Co-op Hatchet Road access… the applicant has appealed against the decision for refusal.

Your parish council is adamant that this appeal should be dismissed on the following grounds: “The proposed development would result in a severe highway safety impact due to the creation of a new access and box junction on a busy classified road, in close proximity to a bus stop and pedestrian crossing to the detriment of visibility, traffic flows, pedestrian safety and would encourage the use of the car park as an informal route between Hatchet Lane and Hatchet Road.

The proposal would therefore be contrary to Policy CS8 of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan Core Strategy 2013 and PSP11 of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan Policies Sites and Places Plan 2017 and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework February 2019.’”

Parish council public meetings are now once again face-to-face and held on the second Tuesday of the month, starting at 7pm.

They are held at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke.

Cllr Ernest Brown Chair of Stoke Gifford Parish Council 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

Parish Council News Citizens Advice service The Parish Council have recently agreed to contribute funding to Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire. The sum of £5,550 will be used to fund the running costs associated with a fortnightly face-to-face advice service at Little Stoke Community Hall from July 2021 to March 2022. They will meet on the second and fourth Monday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

How the CAB service will benefit the residents of the parish: • An average of £398 in new annual income gains for each client we help • 7 in 10 people felt less stressed, depressed, or anxious after advice given • 1 in 2 had more money of control of their finances • 1 in 2 felt their physical health had improved

• 3 in 5 found it easier to manage day to day Summer play scheme The Parish Council have also agreed to contribute funding to South Gloucestershire Playscheme (formerly Four Towns Play Association) for the running of a summer play scheme (see page 28).

The grant of £4,000 would contribute to key elements of the play scheme and would help ensure its smooth running. The grant would be used towards wages, recruitment, publicity, insurance, training, mileage, admin, equipment, coordination of project and room hire, benefiting local families.

Last year 133 children from Stoke Gifford parish registered to the scheme. The scheme provides an opportunity for children to attend creative and supervised play sessions throughout the summer holidays.

The scheme provides the children with a place to go and helps them build positive relationships and raise aspirations through play and activities. Stronger Communities – The scheme promotes stronger communities and works with local agencies

Funfair coming to Little Stoke Park in July

We are pleased to be able to welcome back Jimmy and his team who will be running the Kids World Funfair again in Little Stoke playing fields from Saturday 17th July to Sunday 25th July. Opening hours – Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th: 12pm-6.30pm; Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th: closed; Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th: 12pm-6.30pm

such as: police, fire brigade, libraries, and local councils.

This helps the young people to build positive relationships with these agencies which in turn will reduce anti-social behaviour.

Improved environments – The scheme will provide children with different positive activities such as trying alternative sports. This will promote healthy lifestyles as well as creating new opportunities to the children. This will help promote self-esteem

and confidence.

We have themed weeks throughout the play scheme to provide a level of informal education.

Parkway Station

Aviva

Highbrook Park Sainsbury’s



A4174

Parish Council representatives visited Brooklands Park in June for an update on the new-build properties and to check the location (X) identified for the forthcoming build of Brooklands Park Community Centre. It is hoped the new Community Centre will be open approx. December 2022.

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

July/August 2021

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What’s On

New edition of charity scarecrow trail coming to Bradley Stoke in August An invitation from mayor Michael Hill to take part in a great summer holiday activity for the whole family

I

t is here again! Following the success of last year’s “Wizards and Witches” scarecrow trail held in October 2020, which raised almost £2,000 for charity, it will be returning for two weeks in the school summer holidays, from Saturday 14th August to Saturday 28th August 2021.

Bradley Stoke will host dozens of scarecrows all around the town; all will have been designed to fit in with this year’s theme; characters from children’s books, films or nursery rhymes.

Trail maps will be available to buy for £2 from 7th August from the town council offices at The Jubilee Centre, Baileys Court Activity Centre, The Hollow Tree public house and the Willow Brook Centre management suite.

Please bring cash (bank transfer is also available).

Trail followers may vote for their favourite scarecrow on the bottom of their trail maps. These will be totalled up and the most popular will receive a prize of £100; there will also be some smaller prizes of £50 and £25.

Handing in your completed trail map also enters you into a prize draw that could win you £50!

Entries must be handed back in by Monday 30th August; winners will be announced by Monday 6th September.

We would love it if you would like to make a scarecrow for the trail. We are inviting all the local schools, any local businesses and all Bradley Stoke residents to join in. If you would like to be a scarecrow creator please email angela.morey@ bradleystoke.gov.uk for entry forms and more information or visit www.bradleystoke.gov.uk/ scarecrow21 (tip: you can scan the QR code, right)

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

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Cllr Michael Hill, mayor of Bradley Stoke for the civic year 2021-22

The character chosen can be your own idea or can come from a list prepared by the town council. If it is your own idea, it will need to be approved so that it fits the theme and does not duplicate another entry.

Each scarecrow will need to be identified and display its number in the trail.

There is a suggested minimum entry fee donation of £10 for each scarecrow, with the money going to the mayor’s charities – Dogs for Good, which provides assistance dogs for people with major medical problems, and St Peter’s Hospice, which provides end of life care for the people of Bristol.

Please take part and enjoy discovering a wide variety of characters scattered around the town.

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Get well · Stay well

T

by Moira de Groot, foot health practitioner at Willow Brook Clinic

Summer shoes

hey may be fun to wear, but flip-flops are not good for your feet. They are fine when you walk across the changing room or from your deck chair to the pool. But, if they become your everyday footwear, even just in the summer, your feet and ankles could pay the price.

Most flip-flops don’t offer much in the way of arch support. A lack of support can lead to inflammation and a condition called plantar fasciitis, which makes walking painful and can stop you getting the exercise you need.

Flip-flops don’t hold your feet in place very well. You are at risk of developing blisters and calluses on your feet and between your toes.

To keep a flip-flop on your foot, your toes must constantly grasp the shoe. Your toes have to do extra work to pick the flipflop up and move it forward.

That means that your feet and toes are not working correctly.

In flip-flops your feet are more exposed. Many people suffer with callouses and can develop corns. As your toes are not protected, it is more likely that you can damage your nails.

Constant walking in flip-flops can be the start of musculoskeletal problems with your feet, knees and even your back and hips. You change the way you walk when you wear flipflops. Therefore, your entire body must adjust. Changing

t: 01454 300 400

July/August 2021

News

New minister for Baptist Church is committed to connecting communities

your gait even slightly can lead to problems. Wearing the correct footwear will restore your body’s function and free you from pain. Find sandals with an ankle strap and a strap across your forefoot. Find a summer shoe that has an arch support and a small heel.

If your feet hurt or you need treatment to help your skin and nails, give your foot health practitioner a call and they will give you the best treatment and advice tailored for you.

Most importantly, enjoy the warmer weather, make sure you wear the right shoes and give your feet a chance to breathe in the fresh air.

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

● See our advert on page 9.

Tania Vaughan with her ministry dog Marley

O

n Sunday 1st August at 10.30am there will be an induction service at Little Stoke Baptist Church to welcome new minister Rev. Tania Vaughan.

The previous minister, Rev. Neil Mobbs, who is still a member of the church, retired 15 years ago and since then the church has been served by a loving community of members and deacons.

Tania and the church members believe that the recent pandemic has given people a renewed desire for community and connecting with one another.

The church already runs a coffee morning on Thursdays at 10am, which is open to everyone, and is considering other ways in which the building can be used to connect with the community of Little Stoke.

Tania says: “My priority as I start this new role is to listen to the people of Little Stoke, to understand the needs and desires of the community.”

Tania will be moving into Little Stoke with her husband Gary and their dog Marley. Marley is a great ministry dog who loves people and is always ready for a cuddle. Tania plans to be based in the lounge of Little Stoke Baptist Church on Kingsway on Mondays and invites people in the community to drop in for a chat and a cuppa. You will also see her out and about with Marley exploring the area and in local coffee shops enjoying her morning latte. Do stop and say hello. ● You can get in touch with Tania by email on lsbcminister@gmail.com

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July/August 2021

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19

News

District commissioner Clive Mason (centre in photo) visited the 1st Stoke Gifford Scout Group on 30th June to present long-service award certificates to four leaders who between them have amassed 85 years of voluntary service in the Scout movement. The recipients were (leftright): Paul Smith (group Scout leader; 30 years), Sue Baker (Beaver leader; 25 Years), Andrew Phelps (Scout leader; 15 years) and Lee Baker Winterleader; BSJ ad.qxp_Layout 26/10/2020 16:24 Page opportunities 1 (Scout 15 years). To 1 find out about volunteering with 1st Stoke Gifford Scouts, visit www.stokegiffordscouts.co.uk

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July/August 2021

News

Open Access resumes at South Glos libraries

South Glos Council Cabinet member Cllr Rachael Hunt outside the new Open Access door at Patchway Library

Use during unstaffed hours now also possible at Patchway

A

scheme which allows registered users to access library buildings during unstaffed hours and make use of a range of services has been reintroduced across South Gloucestershire.

Open Access is available on a limited basis while operating with Covid-19 restrictions in place, initially on Saturday afternoons until 5pm and on Sundays between 8am and 5pm.

The service is now available at all libraries – with a new, external door having been installed at Patchway Library to enable access when Patchway Hub is closed. A full range of services will be available to customers, including selecting books and DVDs, access to IT and printing facilities.

Customers will be required to follow Covid-19 guidance on social distancing and asked to wear a face covering while visiting. Anyone who is not registered to use Open Access can now book an induction session ahead of a visit.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for communities and local place, Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “It’s wonderful to see that our libraries are beginning to return to normal as they provide such a highly valued service to our communities.”

“With people leading busy lives, Open Access provides flexibility around when and how our customers access library services so I am really pleased that the extended facilities at

Patchway will mean people have even more choice.”

“I’d like to thank the staff for continuing to deliver services over the last 15 months in difficult circumstances and also our customers for following the Covid-19 guidance as we emerge from lockdown.”

All libraries are open during advertised hours for people to choose their own books and there is a substantial range for all ages and interests. Libraries are also reintroducing ‘Rhymetimes’ for younger children, with sessions needing to be booked in advance.

For details of all the services available from South Gloucestershire libraries, including Open Access, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ librarychanges or call 01454 865022. ● Rhymetime: Have fun and learn new rhymes to share with your little one aged 0-17 months. Now at Bradley Stoke Library on Mondays between 9.45am and 10.15am. To book your place and for more details, email BradleyStoke.Library@ southglos.gov.uk with your name and contact phone number.

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July/August 2021

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21

News Summer Reading Challenge for 2021

P

ack your bags, we’re headed to the library to join Wild World Heroes, the Summer Reading Challenge for 2021!

To get involved, children read six books over the summer holiday and collect stickers to complete their special Wild World Heroes poster to get a medal and certificate. It’s FUN and FREE to take part.

Join the Wild World Heroes for the Summer Reading Challenge at a South Gloucestershire library from Saturday 10th July to Saturday 11th September, and discover how you can make a difference to the environment too.

Please encourage your children to visit the library and sign up and see the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to their reading.

“My child’s reading abilities have grown leaps and bounds!” said a parent of a youngster visiting Patchway Library.

“My children love doing the reading challenge each year.

Getting the medal and certificate is a real incentive to keep reading,” said another parent.

NEW this year, there is also the Mini Challenge specially designed for pre-school children.

Pick up your FREE craft bag of awesome animal activities to make at home when you join Wild World Heroes. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/ librarychanges For the latest Wild World Heroes updates, follow South Gloucestershire Libraries on Facebook and Twitter.

Why is reading for pleasure important?

• Currently, 1 in 5 children in England cannot read well by the age of 11. We know that reading for fun improves literacy.

• Reading for pleasure is more important to a child’s academic success than their parents’ level of education or socio-economic status.

Source: From the website summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

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July/August 2021

News

Remodelled bus stops now in use at Parkway

N

ew and remodelled bus stops have been brought into use at Bristol Parkway railway station as a £650k scheme of improvements to bus/rail interchange facilities nears completion.

The project, which has been jointly funded by the West of England Combined Authority and station operator GWR, has seen upgrades to two existing bus stops and the installation of two new MetroBus specification stops.

The station forecourt has been remodelled to accommodate the new bus stops and permit new bus movements.

The scheme has also included re-alignment of the access road to the station from the east, which has allowed the routes of the 19 and Y6 services to be altered to pass straight through the station

and serve the stops near the park & ride on Hunts Ground Road.

Implementation of the scheme began on Monday 3rd February 2020 but has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Temporary bus stops located further down the station approach road were in use until Monday 5th July 2021.

The Journal understands that buses could now potentially enter from the east and make a U-turn to exit the same way, although First Bus has said there it has no plans to divert the M1 MetroBus to serve the station.

The two new MetroBus-style stops will eventually be used by buses running on the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension, although this is not planned to be running until 2023, subject to a commercial operator being found.

D

A

B

C

Locations of the new and remodelled bus stops at Bristol Parkway Station

Service 10 10 11 11 12 19 19 73 73 Y6 Y6

Destinations Bradley Stoke, Aztec West,Thornbury UWE, Southmead Hospital, Severn Beach Aztec West (morning peak only) UWE, Southmead Hospital, Avonmouth Little Stoke, Cribbs Causeway, Severn Beach Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Cribbs Causeway UWE, Kingswood, Bitton, Bath Bradley Stoke, Aztec West, Cribbs Causeway Filton, Bristol city centre, Bristol Temple Meads Winterbourne, Yate, Chipping Sodbury Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Southmead Hospital

Stop B A B A B B D B C D B

A bus waits at Stop A on the forecourt of Bristol Parkway railway station

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Improving Thornbury High Street for the future There have been, and continue to be, increasing pressures on our high streets. Competition from shopping centres and retail parks, the growth of online shopping, bank closures and the impact of the pandemic.

Many shops – including family-run businesses – that we know and love, and which fill our high streets with character, are under enormous pressure to survive.

Thornbury is just one of the hundreds of high streets nationwide that must think about rebalancing its offer. Shopping is part of this future, but people increasingly use high streets for leisure.

To achieve a successful rebalance, South Gloucestershire Council is proposing a number of opportunities for Thornbury.

First – providing the conditions for people to spend leisure time in one of our region's most pleasant high street spaces. A key advantage is the 600 free car parking spaces a short distance from the high street. And with a ‘no-through traffic’ policy on the high street, this will provide a more welcoming area for all visitors. Whether people travel by car, bus, bicycle or foot, they can enjoy leisure, hospitality, and shop in a quieter and healthier high street environment.

Our consultation with the community has resulted in one-way vehicle access for anyone wanting to support our high street economy. As part of the new policy, customer loading/unloading, drop-off points, and high street Blue Badge Parking will now be included.

Following this community discussion, we are confident that this new scheme, with significant changes from the one

Artist's impression: view of the main High Street looking south which started during the pandemic, will work more effectively and in the interests of retail and hospitality.

Second is an investment in the businesses and organisations which make Thornbury such a vibrant, diverse place for people to spend their time. Our Thrive grants support high streets to flourish into the new future by making a rebalanced high street possible. Fourteen awards were given from a £400,000 pot.

For example, The Swan and The Malthouse pubs received support for outdoor seating. Jigsaw Thornbury, a charity supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, now enjoy an accessible high street venue.

Cyclists visiting the June market on the High Street

The third is working with the people who know the town best – you,

the people, and the champions of Thornbury. With the Town Centre Partnership group, we will deliver the new vision for the high street with a new look and feel. We will work with Thornbury in Bloom to ensure that planters and flowers introduce the best nature has to offer to the high street. Significant upgrades to Thornbury’s schools and the purchase of the hospital site to help deliver new health facilities is another part of the town’s exciting future.

We want residents and communities to shape the future of their town, including suggesting ideas for local events.

Together with local organisations, we will hold conversations with the community to help Thornbury build back better from this past year. Together we can maximise the opportunities that transformation and change offer for generations to come.

www.southglos.gov.uk www.southglos.gov.uk/thornburyhighstreet

24

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July/August 2021

Business Aspirations IFA announce the launch of their new brand New corporate image for financial planning firm based at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook shopping centre ASPIRATIONS IFA have recently announced the launch of their new brand. Now known as Aspirations Financial Planning, the firm has undergone an extensive rebrand, showcasing a new logo, website, and a strong reaffirmation of their commitment to their clients and their values.

“We are no longer the company we were a year ago, or even six months ago,” says Adam Palmer, Managing Director of Aspirations.

“We’ve grown quite considerably in terms of the number of clients and employees we have, as well as our proposition and we knew we needed our branding to reflect these changes.

We’re very proud and excited to launch our new identity and brand.”

The firm looked at potentially changing its name but ultimately stuck with ‘Aspirations’ as it’s understandably a word that crops up time and time again in meetings and correspondence with clients.

Aspirations’ new logo, a ‘flowing’ ‘A’ illustrates the journey that their Financial Planners take and the key milestones that they navigate together with clients, to achieve Financial Independence and other financial

Sam Lane talks through the Aspirations financial planning process with two new clients

objectives along the way, whilst increasing the confidence and freedom to live life to the full.

Over the years, Aspirations have been building a strong team with a variety of specialisms and skills, whilst investing in leading cash flow forecasting software to

assist with the above.

“Our team’s expert knowledge combined with our sophisticated software solutions help in delivering proper financial planning to our clients and empower them to enjoy tomorrow by planning today.”

Plan today.

Enjoy tomorrow.

We’ll make your money work for you with proper financial planning, taken personally.

01454 501 959 | aspirationsfp.co.uk 1st Floor, West Offices, Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8BS

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July/August 2021

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25

News

Delayed dance show raises £4k for hospice charity

S

tudents from a local dance school have finally managed to stage the annual show they had planned for 2020 after it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The ‘All the World’s a Stage’ show by Sharon Phillips School of Dancing was originally scheduled to take place in April 2020. It was planned to include elements of the many styles of dance practised at the school, including tap, modern, ballet, contemporary and commercial.

Around 200 students, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years, had been

rehearsing for several months and had all their costumes ready when the first Covid-19 lockdown was announced last March.

With lockdown restrictions now being gradually eased, the school was finally able to stage its show at the end of May 2021, albeit in a modified format to comply with government guidelines.

Dance school owner Sharon Phillips explained: “Our idea was to film the show. It was very different just having one group at a time and no parents in the audience, but we made it work.”

“We then streamed it to family and friends of the students in June. It has been a huge success and it was great to be able to show how talented our amazing dancers are, just in a slightly different way.”

“We always support a charity with our show and this year we chose Children’s Hospice South West who do amazing work with families of children with life limiting conditions. Through the show, a raffle of hampers, zoom lessons and donations we have raised £4,335.”

“I am so thankful to everyone

who donated as it has been hard for charities to maintain their funding during the pandemic, so it is great to be able to give such an amazing amount to a wonderful charity.”

The school runs classes at St Chad’s Church Hall in Patchway on Fridays and Saturdays.

Further classes are held throughout the week, and on Saturdays, in Alveston.

For more information, call Sharon on 07989 652780, visit www.sharonphillipsdance.co.uk or search for ‘Sharon Phillips School of Dancing’ on Facebook.

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July/August 2021

Sport

Local swimming club has exciting plans

By Steph McNally, BNSC club chair t’s been a tough year for grassroots sports. Like many other community groups up and down the country, Bristol North Swimming Club (BNSC) has had to adapt to survive and find new ways to keep its members fit, healthy and engaged.

The commitment of our coaches and young swimmers during lockdown was nothing short of staggering, dialling in week after week for strength and conditioning, psychology, nutrition and even yoga sessions; the community spirit was alive and strong. But when April finally rolled around, we were delighted to see the back of the Zoom sessions and embrace the water once again.

I

Now we’re back in our chlorinated happy place, we’re getting ready to race again. The Swim England Level X racing series kicks off for our older swimmers on Monday 28th June and we’ll be hosting club time trials for our younger swimmers so everyone can work towards new PBs and qualifying times for the 2021-2022 competitive year.

We’ve seen a healthy intake of new members during 2021, from our learn to swim school right up to our ever growing Masters squad and are thrilled to count Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford as one of our most popular catchment areas. As a North Bristol club we train at multiple venues across the district, from the Winterbourne Academy to Badminton School using Filton as our centrally located

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“Take your marks” – Members of Bristol North Swimming Club on the start blocks

home pool. We’ve also teamed up with Soundwell Swimming Club who cover a large part of East Bristol to create the North Bristol Network. The aim of the network is to do something we feel is currently missing in Bristol; create a more cohesive and collaborative approach to swimming. By sharing our resources, knowledge and passion for swimming we hope to unite and inspire our young athletes and create pathways for development that everyone can benefit from.

Looking ahead to 2022 we’ve got a lot to be excited about. We hope to welcome the return of county, regional and national competitions, something our squads have been missing a lot this year. And as a club, we’ve got a big birthday coming up as Bristol North turns 100, making us the oldest and most established club in Bristol. We have lots of plans in the works to

mark this very special year and we hope our friends in Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford will help us celebrate in style!

If you’re looking for a local, friendly and competitive swimming club, then we’d love to hear from you. We welcome swimmers of all ages, from 4 years old right up to Masters (18+) and offer a wealth of coaching knowledge, expertise and guidance along with excellent social events (when permitted!).

Contact us at headcoach@ bristolnorthsc.org.uk

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July/August 2021

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27

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

Schools

Reading for pleasure at Little Stoke Primary

S

ome of the teachers at Little Stoke Primary School have been taking part in teachers’ reading groups organised by the Open University and UK Literacy Association. These groups encourage teachers to make changes to their practice based on the Teachers as Readers research.

As a result of this, several of the teachers have brought in initiatives in their classrooms to encourage children to enjoy the fascinating world that books can allow them to experience.

Over the last six months, book enjoyment boxes were delivered to the children during partial school closures resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

These boxes included hot chocolate, snacks and books hand-picked for each child. In Reception class, book bags were sent home with a set of linked books and props for the children to help further engage with

Books and props for a Reception child.

Right: Personalized recommendation letter for an older child.

activities after reading the story.

In classes across the school, teachers have made personalised recommendations for children, regularly re-stocked the class libraries with fresh books and read children’s books themselves to further their understanding of children’s literature. The children have got on board and there’s been a great impact – they really enjoyed the personalised recommendations and have

enjoyed talking about books and sharing recommendations in their reading for pleasure sessions in school.

Rebekah Glover, English lead teacher said: “Research has shown that reading for pleasure is proven to be more important for children’s academic development than their parents’ level of education and is a more powerful factor in life achievement than socio-

economic background. Given the huge importance, we are keen to continue to develop a love of reading in any way we can, and we are now evaluating which initiatives had impact and talking to the children to get their feedback to see how we can move forward next year to keep the excitement for reading going!”

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July/August 2021

What’s On

FREE summer play scheme for 5-11 year-olds coming to Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke

T

he South Gloucestershire Playscheme (formerly Four Towns Play Association) is pleased to be delivering the FREE summer play scheme in Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke this year.

We will be delivering fun activities for 5-11 year-olds to include sports, arts & crafts, games and singing. Each child will be provided with a packed lunch. Please provide a drink for your child.

We have four themed weeks – Robots, Mini Beasts, Olympics & Fairy Tales. We will take part in the South Gloucestershire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge, have visits from Bristolian Productions and write and record a song with Notivate.

We will be based at the Poplar Rooms, The Trust Ground, North Road, Stoke Gifford BS34 8PE

from Monday 2nd August to Friday 13th August.

We will then be at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HR from Monday 16th August to

Friday 27th August.

Sessions will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday, each week.

Booking is essential. A link to the bookings page, once live,

will be available on the South Gloucestershire Playscheme website www.sgplayscheme. co.uk and on the South Gloucestershire Playscheme page on Facebook.

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01/07/2021 12:05

July/August 2021

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29

News

Scouts take on Blue Peter climate change challenge

S

toke Gifford’s Old School Room (OSR) Scouts have recently taken part in the Blue Peter ‘Climate Heroes’ challenge, which asked young people to become a ‘green-army’ to help tackle carbon emissions and climate change.

The challenge required individual participants to pledge to reduce their plastic use, save energy and plant pollinating plants, all for at least two weeks.

Collectively, the Scouts also had to create an environment-related piece of artwork.

Fifteen OSR scouts signed up for the challenge and decided during a Zoom session (prior to easing of coronavirus restrictions) to make a giant globe from papier-mâché and cover it in green and blue crisp packets.

Crisp packets need specialist recycling and are not accepted

by SUEZ, the firm which does the weekly kerbside collections of waste and recycling in South Gloucestershire. However, they can be dropped off for recycling at any of a network public collection points that have been set up as part of the TerraCycle scheme, such as the one at SGS College Wise Campus in New Road, Stoke Gifford.

Globe artwork

A few weeks later and the team had been split into two sub-teams to build the super pledge! Team 1 covered the 40” natural rubber balloon in papier-mâché and a week later Team 2 covered the globe in green crisp bags for the land masses and blue crisp bags for the seas and oceans.

The whole team had two weeks to fulfil their pledges and once the globe was completed, their entry was submitted to Blue Peter. If successful, the 15 Scouts will each receive a green Blue Peter badge and a special Climate Heroes certificate.

In addition, the team wanted a picture of them all holding their globe artwork with a recycling truck in the background, so they contacted SUEZ in Yate and

The OSR Scout team show off their globe artwork (covered in crisp packets) in front of a SUEZ recycling collection truck

Andy the Contract Compliance Officer jumped at the chance to be involved as the company is trying to get the message out to South Gloucestershire residents that crisp packets and other thin plastics are not as yet recyclable through their weekly collections.

It was great news that they were more than happy to help support the Scouts.

During half-term, the team held a litter pick around Stoke Gifford collecting three bin bags full of rubbish from the parks.

This counted towards a so-called supersized pledge that needed to be completed by the whole group.

fish, use multi-use water bottles instead of throwaway plastic and plant hanging baskets or planters full of pollinating flowers to attract bees and butterflies.

With their pledges now completed and their group artwork submitted, the Scouts are now waiting to hear if their efforts are deemed worthy of

a prestigious Blue Peter green badge.

UPDATE: As we went to press, we heard that the Scouts had been successful and had been sent a batch of Blue Peter green badges (made from recycled yoghurt pots), entitling each holder to free entry to over 200 attractions in the UK!

Power saving

The Scouts have reduced their time on games and computers by switching off consoles instead of putting them in standby mode. The return to face-to-face Scouting helped with this as it meant they no longer needed to do their 80-minute weekly Zoom sessions. They also had to try meals with no red meat, dairy or

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 5 Bathrooms JJ Plumbing, Page 13 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 18 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 21 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Northavon Carpentry, Page 17 Car Dealerships Drive Bristol North, Page 32 Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 12 Carpets & Flooring Trinity Transformations, Page 7 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 13 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 1 Chiropractic Fascia First Chiropractic, Page 17 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Cleaning & Domestic Services Niko’s Mobile Cleaning Ltd, Page 17 More in directory on SGJ website Curtains & Blinds Trinity Transformations, Page 7 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 9 Education & Learning Olympus Academy Trust, Page 10 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 21 More in directory on SGJ website Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 6 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 24 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 31 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Funeral Services F. Woodruff Funeral Directors, Page 22 MW Funeral Directors, Page 20 Garage Services LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 22 Tyres Direct, Page 25 Gardening & Landscaping Services ColourFence, Page 27 Painting Petals, Page 30 Smart Patios, Page 9

PAINTING & DECORATING

Gyms & Health Clubs Visit directory on SGJ website Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 8 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 26 Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 30 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 24 Painting & Decorating Digby Decor, Page 30 Painting Petals, Page 30 Pet Services & Supplies Furever Dogs, Page 4 Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 31 Pest Control Services PestBGone, Page 31 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 4 Plumbing & Heating JJ Plumbing, Page 13 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 18 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 31 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Property Maintenance David Coombs Services, Page 31 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 31 So Clear Gutter Clearing, Page 31 Public Notices South Gloucestershire Council, Page 23 Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Page 15 Retirement Homes Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham, Page 19 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 26 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 21 Davies and Partners, Page 2 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 11 TV Aerials & Satellite The Aerial Man, Page 31

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

July/August 2021

LAUNDERETTES

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RUBBISH CLEARANCE

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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 LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION

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