Stoke Gifford Journal, November/December 2021

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

Nov/Dec 2021 • Issue 27

WHAT’S ON P13, P25, P27, P28, P29, P32 | DIRECTORY P30-31

AVIVA LOOKS TO PART LET STOKE GIFFORD OFFICES Post-pandemic ‘New Normal’: Enormous office complex rebranded as company markets surplus space

Pages 4 & 5

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PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE

Imagery ©2021 Google, Imagery ©2021 Getmapping plc, Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky, Maxar Technologies, The GeoInformation Group, Map data ©2021

A4174 junction improvements

Gipsy Patch Lane MetroBus

‘Throughabout’ plans paused

Service “likely to require subsidy” P20-21

P11

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l Almondsbury bridge works will reduce A38 to single lane for 5 months l Two-way traffic returns to part of Gipsy Patch Lane l Stagecoach drags feet over congestion-causing driver changeovers l Group set to celebrate 70 years of Scouting in Little Stoke l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Advertising feature: Updates from South Gloucestershire Council l Mixed reception for ‘low noise’ fireworks display l Santa sleigh, Christmas float and lights dates l Local care worker scoops prestigious national award l Gospel choir sings on with Christmas events

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Nov/Dec 2021

News

M 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.

otorists using the A38 between Almondsbury and Thornbury are set to face long delays in the new year when temporary traffic lights with single-lane running will be in operation for several months on a bridge over the M4 motorway.

The reliability of bus services which use this section of the A38, including First Bus T1 & T2 and Stagecoach 10, is also expected to suffer, particularly at peak times.

National Highways (formerly Highways England) says the A38 Almondsbury Overbridge is in need of refurbishment to ensure the durability of the structure and the surfacing.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “The works

required are extensive and will include the addition of new concrete, renewal of the drainage and the footway. In addition to this, we will replace waterproofing and bridge joints, and renew the surfacing.”

The work will take place in three phases, with single-lane traffic flow in operation during Phases 2 & 3, between 4th January and June 2022.

Phase 1 of the work began on 13th November 2021 and this has seen narrow traffic lanes and a 30mph speed limit introduced at the bridge. One of the footways across the bridge has been closed and this will not reopen until the bridge work is finally completed in June 2022.

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.

A38 Almondsbury Overbridge

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.

Next issue: Find details at www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk/magazine

The Stoke Gifford Journal is an independent newspaper, produced without subsidy from the public purse OPEN AS USUAL during bridge works Access from Little Stoke side only!

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News Bridge works will reduce A38 to single lane for 5 months “Extensive” repairs need to be made to the M4 motorway overbridge between Almondsbury and Thornbury Continued from facing page

Work at the site will mainly be carried out during day-time hours.

There are a number of planned overnight closures of the road, from 8pm to 6am the following morning on the following dates: • 4th January 2022 • 28th January 2022 • 6th March 2022 • 30th & 31st March 2022 • 1st & 2nd June 2022 Locally signed diversions will be in place for light traffic.

HGVs will be diverted via M5 J14 (Falfield) to J16 (Almondsbury) and vice versa.

Pedestrians can cross the bridge during the works, using the sole remaining footway, except during the overnight closures.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Please note that the dates of overnight closures

L-r: Advance warning sign at the A38 Almondsbury Overbridge in early November; View from the bridge towards Wales

may be subject to change – we’ll keep you informed via advance roadside warnings.”

“We’ll make every effort to ensure that the impact on the local community and travelling public is kept to a minimum.”

“We always aim to work to programme, however unforeseen

circumstances or adverse weather conditions may lead to changes.”

“We apologise in advance for the inconvenience this will cause, and we’ll be mindful of noise at all times and light disturbance during night-time works. There will be no works over the Christmas break or on bank holidays.”

For further information, visit nationalhighways.co.uk, call the National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 (open 24/7) or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk

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Imagery ©2021 Google, Imagery ©2021 Getmapping plc, Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky, Maxar Technologies, The GeoInformation Group, Map data ©2021

The Aviva Centre, Brierly Furlong, Stoke Gifford, now rebranded ‘Lake View’ as the insurance giant looks to let some of the space in the enormous office complex

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News

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Aviva looks to part let Stoke Gifford offices

CONCOURSE OPTION 1

OPTION 2

OPTION 3

Extract from the marketing brochure for ‘Lake View’, showing “availability’” (colour-shaded areas) on a “typical upper floor” of the Aviva building SECOND FLOOR

A ‘To let’ sign on the perimeter of the Aviva Centre in Brierly Furlong

O

ne of the largest employers in Stoke Gifford is looking to let out space in its enormous office complex near Parkway Station as a consequence of a move towards permanent ‘flexible working’.

Insurance giant Aviva announced back in January that it was closing or merging some of its UK sites and intended to allow staff to continue working from home, beyond the pandemic.

The firm, which employs 16,000 people in the UK, said the plans would not lead to job cuts and people could still work from an office if they would rather.

“The way we use our office space is changing significantly.

As our people continue to work in a new flexible way, we want our offices to inspire creativity and collaboration. Our intention is to invest in our sites to provide a more vibrant, inspiring and flexible workspace for our people,” Aviva said in a statement.

“We are combining office space in some locations and reducing the space in others. We are not leaving any town or city where we currently have a presence,” it added. “The next steps are to continue engaging with our people across these locations, working with them to build the best working environment to support their needs, the needs of the business and our customers.”

The Stoke Gifford site, known

as Aviva Centre Bristol, was not specifically mentioned in the January announcement.

Later, at an analyst briefing in March, Aviva said it planned to cut up to 30 percent of its 1.7 million sq ft office space across the UK by the end of 2021.

The first indication that changes are potentially coming to the Stoke Gifford site came with the appearance of several ‘To let’ signs in early October. These advertise “modern office space with excellent parking; from 8,850 sq ft”. At around the same time, numerous permanent signs which previously displayed the name ‘Aviva Centre’ were altered to read ‘Lake View’, the new name under which the complex is being marketed.

A recently published brochure for Lake View has the tagline “Modern office space in a parkland setting near Parkway train station” and offers office suites ranging in size “from 8,850 to 88,000 sq ft”.

Facilities listed as being available to tenants include a fully equipped gym, a squash court, a fully equipped sports hall, “stunning” grounds and surroundings, eco climate control and electric car charging points.

A floor plan of a “typical upper floor” shows three modules available for rent, occupying around half the total space available on the floor, configured

as three separate modules ranging in size from 8,857 to 10,774 sq ft.

A spokesperson for Aviva told the Journal: “We have surplus space in our Bristol office which we are now looking to let out to other companies. We rebranded the office to Lake View to support marketing the building. Aviva still has a significant presence in the building along with our

outsource partners who support Aviva customers on our behalf.”

The spokesperson declined to state the percentage of the total floor space in the building that is being offered for let.

Similarly, the percentage of Aviva and outsourced staff that are currently working wholly or partly from home could not be disclosed. ● www.lakeviewbristol.co.uk

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Nov/Dec 2021

News

Two-way traffic returns to part of Gipsy Patch Lane

Highway widening on the south side (left in photo) of Gipsy Patch Lane, east of the railway bridge (Little Stoke side), nears completion in early November

T

he good progress being made with highway widening works east of the new railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane has allowed South Gloucestershire Council to plan for a return to two-way traffic on part of the road with effect from Monday 22nd November.

A full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge is scheduled for Sunday 21st November, between 8am and 8pm, to enable the council’s StreetCare team to make changes to the temporary road layout.

The works will involve relocating the temporary road studs and concrete barrier east of Stokers public house. These changes are being made to help reopen some of the residential side-road junctions following substantial completion of certain phases of the works. Other works east of the bridge will continue.

From Monday 22nd November, the junctions for Smithcourt Drive and the service road leading to Bush Avenue and Stokers public house will be reopened to traffic. Vehicles will be able to turn left and right out of both side roads.

The current westbound oneway system will remain in place but will be moved and will be in operation between the service road leading to Bush Avenue,

east of the railway bridge, and the Rolls-Royce mini-roundabout, west of the railway bridge.

The junctions for Station Road, Gifford Crescent, and the service road on the north side of the carriageway will remain closed to traffic whilst work continues in those areas.

A week later, on Sunday 28th November, between 8am and 8pm, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to traffic west of the railway bridge, between the bridge and the Rolls-Royce mini-roundabout.

This is to enable the council’s StreetCare team to make changes to the temporary road layout. The works will involve removing the temporary road studs and the concrete barrier west of the miniroundabout. These changes are being made following substantial completion of the works in this area. Other works west of bridge will continue.

During both Sunday closures, the westbound one-way system will not be in operation and those needing to travel by car between Stoke Gifford and the Filton/Patchway area will need to use the diversion route via Winterbourne Road, Bradley Stoke Way and the A38, or vice versa. Pedestrian and cycling access will, however, be maintained via the new shared use path.

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Gipsy Patch Lane: Traffic management from Monday 22nd November 2021

Continued from facing page

The reduced-scope westbound one-way system along Gipsy Patch Lane will remain in place until all the road widening work is complete, currently scheduled for September 2022. After this date some ad hoc traffic management will be required along Gipsy Patch Lane to enable landscaping works and the installation of shelters, iPoints and CCTV at the new MetroBus stops.

A spokesperson for South Glos Council said: “We will continue to keep the traffic management along Gipsy Patch Lane under review. As work progresses, if we are able to reopen further side junctions, then we will.” ● southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

Under the bridge

Work here continues on the drainage system and enhanced pumping system. Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths Ltd are currently excavating for the valve chambers which will be installed towards the end of November. These have been precast off site by a supplier and are in their curing period prior to delivery and installation.

Off-site manufacturing is continuing for the pumping equipment and the first fix (pipe works, ducting and cabling) is planned for the beginning of December and the second fix (pump installation, wiring and commissioning) by the end of the year.

Top: Map showing the scope of two-way traffic on Gipsy Patch Lane with effect from Monday 22nd November, when it will be extended from the Little Stoke Lane junction up to the junction with the service road leading to Bush Avenue and the car park of Stokers public house (pictured above)

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News Stagecoach drags feet over driver changeover issue

Credit: P. Tanner

A Stagecoach no. 10 bus holding up traffic on Hatchet Road, Stoke Gifford

T

he issue of Stagecoach buses causing traffic congestion on Hatchet Road, Stoke Gifford due to driver changeovers being carried out at the two stops near Meade Park continues to frustrate motorists.

Following the publication of a reader’s letter in our October magazine, another reader has been in touch to say that he raised a similar matter with Jack Lopresti MP in 2019, albeit relating to changeovers occurring on Orpheus Avenue, Little Stoke. The response from Stagecoach reveals that it began receiving complaints about driver changeovers on Hatchet Road as far back as 2017/18, in relation to the 77 service (now the no. 10).

The changeover location was consequently switched to Orpheus Avenue in 2018, the main criterion being that drivers could still take their rest break at the Stagecoach depot at Pegasus Park, off Gipsy Patch Lane.

However, the 2019 response noted that once Gipsy Patch Lane closed for the railway bridge replacement work, it would no longer be possible for drivers to travel from the depot to Orpheus Avenue and so the changeover location would temporarily be changed to Southmead Hospital, “at extra cost to the company”.

Following sight of the 2019 response, and with Gipsy Patch Lane yet to be fully reopened, the Journal asked Stagecoach why it is not currently using the hospital for changeovers, as previously advised.

Rachel Geliamassi, managing

director at Stagecoach West, responded: “Driver changeovers are an essential part of our operations to keep services running so that we can continue to serve our community. However, there is often not a perfect place for these to happen, for various reasons.”

“Due to drivers being unable to take their breaks at a hospital following the onset of the pandemic and advice to reduce footfall within hospital grounds, driver changeover remains at Hatchet Road.”

“Although this is not ideal, with the service being an hourly one, the dwell time at the bus stop for driver changeovers is not continuous. Despite this, we have issued an instruction to our drivers on the service 10 to complete their paperwork before their changeover, to minimise the time spent at these stops.”

“We will consider other options once the [Gipsy Patch Lane] works cease, however, it will remain a challenge as the lay-by stops don’t have enough room to accommodate two (or more) buses at once without blocking the road and other options, such as the Parkway Station bus interchange, would require a vehicle shuttle for our drivers to get to and from the depot.”

“We recognise that we need to minimise congestion where we can, and we appreciate residents’ patience whilst we work on a solution.” ● A reader has made us aware that he has recently raised this issue with the Traffic Commissioner for the West of England.

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Nov/Dec 2021

Advertising

Bristol Memorial Woodlands offers outdoor play opportunities to local schools and children’s groups

A

beautiful woodland location in Alveston, near Thornbury, is being offered up to schools and other play groups as a setting for outdoor exploration, forest schools and nature play sessions.

Bristol Memorial Woodlands offers nearly 100 acres of woodland, meadows and picnic spots suitable for school, nursery and extracurricular groups to visit and explore.

Primarily a funeral venue, the setting is also open to the public all year round for walks and the founders are keen to introduce more children to its unique and tranquil environment.

One play scheme which already uses the site on a regular basis is aimed at pre-school children with autism and other additional needs, and the leaders say being out in nature has great benefits for the youngsters.

Early years specialists Jane Gulliver and Karen Norton, who run the playscheme, said: “We have been running outdoor sessions at Bristol Memorial Woodlands for a while now and it’s fantastic.”

“The children we take are pre-schoolers

with autism and other additional needs and it’s amazing how much their language and communication skills come on during the sessions.”

“Bristol Memorial Woodlands has provided us with the space to set up a base camp with a log circle and a mud kitchen. We light a fire and toast marshmallows and do some cooking activities, it’s great fun and supports children’s play, development and wellbeing.”

“It’s also hugely beneficial for the parents or carers who enjoy a few hours of respite time to get a haircut, grab a coffee or spend some quality time with their other children.”

Chris Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “The whole concept of the woodlands is to provide a beautiful, tranquil, space for generations to come so we really want to see groups enjoying it.”

Bristol Memorial Woodlands offer environmentally friendly woodland burials where trees and wildflowers are planted around plots, creating a mixture of woodland, wildflower meadow and glades.

For more information about the venue and

services, visit www.memorialwoodlands.com ● See the Memorial Woodlands advert below.

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News

Plans for three more ‘throughabouts’ paused

P

lans to spend £30 million on converting three more roundabouts on the A4174 Ring Road into ‘throughabouts’ have been put on hold for at least 12 months after a public consultation showed a clear majority of respondents were opposed to the scheme.

The throughabout concept resembles a traditional roundabout but has additional ‘straight on’ traffic lanes that go through the centre of the roundabout. All routes through the junction, including the ‘straight on’ lanes, are subject to traffic signal control.

The proposals also include road widening and the creation of extra lanes at a further existing two roundabouts. The whole scheme would take a minimum of three years to complete, with work taking place at multiple junctions at the same time.

South Gloucestershire Council made the announcement just one week after reopening the Wraxall Road junction as the Ring Road’s first throughabout, following more than 14 months of roadworks that started last summer and cost £6.9 million.

Residents have condemned it as being “dangerous” and a “huge waste of money”.

The decision to put the scheme on hold was made after the results of a 12-week public consultation showed that 73 percent of the 880 respondents “strongly disapproved” of the proposals.

A council spokesperson said: “The feedback received identified a number of issues and concerns from local people, which we hope to address in the coming months.

This included wanting more time to become familiar with the recent Wraxall Road junction changes, as well as the impact of construction work and roadworks.”

The plans were strongly opposed by the South Gloucestershire Green Party which says the scheme fails to provide adequate provision for cyclists and pedestrians and does nothing to improve the reliability of bus services. The

group’s petition to “scrap the plans” attracted more than 1,800 signatures.

Developing the scheme has already cost £806k, prompting the opposition Labour group to ask whether taxpayers’ money has been wasted.

The council’s Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “We would like to thank all those who took part in our consultation. You have spoken and we have listened. We will not be submitting a funding bid at this time, but we will feed the comments received back into the proposals.”

“Whilst pleased with the first few day’s operation of the new Wraxall Road throughabout scheme, we recognise it’s quite a big change for the area and people need time to become familiar with it. We will continue to monitor it to inform the wider project.”

“There remains a strong case both economically and environmentally for junction improvements along the A4174. It is anticipated with no intervention

the congestion along the ring road and on adjacent roads will worsen in the years to come due to planned local growth.” ● Consultation feedback report: http://bit.ly/a4174-improvement

Above: Aerial view of the Wraxall Road throughabout on its first day of operation (25th October 2021).

Inset: ‘Use LEFT lane to turn RIGHT’ How to negotiate the roundabout when wishing to make a ‘right turn’.

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News Group set to celebrate 70 years of Scouting in Little Stoke

By Tony Edmonds, Group Scout Leader he 1st Little Stoke Scout Group will be 70 years old in 2022 and we will be holding events to celebrate this huge milestone.

The group started in February 1952 and was housed in a wooden hut near the allotments off Bush Avenue. In 1963, the HQ moved to its current location in Rossall Avenue, near the children’s play area in Little Stoke Park.

The first building was wooden and came to us following the construction of Berkeley nuclear power station. Eventually, the structure became unfit for purpose and our current building was erected by a company who were at that time involved in the construction of the new Bradley Stoke housing development.

In recent times, the building

T

Packing for the troop trip to the Scout chalet at Kandersteg, Switzerland in 1960. L-r: John & Roger Hunt, Tony Johnson and Peter Ball.

has been updated to meet the needs of the next 70 years.

We would love to hear for anybody who was active pre-1976 as we have little information

about the years 1952-1976.

Photographs that we can copy would be wonderful.

The 1st Little Stoke group has three sections, for children aged

from 5.9 years to 14.5 years, and currently has over 70 young people enjoying Scouting. The sections are Beavers 5.9 to 6 years, Cubs 8 to 10 years and Scouts 10 to 14.5 years.

In the near future, we hope to have a new section for children aged 4 and 5 years, provided we can recruit sufficient leaders from the parents of children who wish to join.

The programme we offer young people has a backbone of outdoor activities, camping and earning badges from subjects ranging from animal carer to swimmer.

We currently have a waiting list of over 50 young people wishing to join. If your child wants to join and you are willing to help us with the running of the sections, your child will not have to join the waiting list and can start immediately.

If you wish to enquire about opportunities for either young people or adults, contact Group Scout Leader Tony Edmonds at tonyedmonds108@yahoo.com or call 07957 880503.

“Two things matter in life: following your dreams and looking after your friends.

This is what I love about Scouting. It’s about doing great things, loving and enjoying the great adventures and helping others to do the same.”

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

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What’s On

Half-term fun is just the beginning

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he new minister at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Rev. Tania Vaughan, has been demonstrating her passion for the community of Little Stoke through free events for adults and children.

The recent October half-term holiday club was a week of fun and games, friendship and food as the children explored the joy of the light of God. Tania says: “We travelled through the Bible over the week from creation when the Lord said ‘let there be light’, into Christmas mid-week as Jesus is sent as the ‘light of world’, and finally remembering that we have an opportunity to light up the lives of those around us through the love of Jesus.”

The theme of light will be continued in the upcoming Christmas services at Little Stoke Baptist Church with fun for all the family on Christmas Eve, starting at 5pm.

Christmas can be an enormous expense and pressure for many families but it doesn’t have to be. Each year thousands of toys, clothes and gifts end up in landfill. This year, Little Stoke Baptist Church is collecting donations of good quality clothes, toys, books and gifts for their Christmas Market with a difference. This free event will be held on Sunday 5th December at 2pm and all items will be sold on a “pay what you can” basis. Funds raised will be used for future community projects. There will also be free refreshments available.

Don’t forget your bags! ● More Christmas events: Pages 28 & 29 If you want to know more about what is happening, follow Little Stoke Baptist Church on Facebook.

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

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New play install now open in Meade Park, Stoke Gifford Opened Monday 8th November 2021 The parish council are delighted with the new play install at Meade Park which includes a vertical climbing wall, adventure scramble net, ramped climbing wall, sailor’s ladder, fireman’s pole and the original popular slide.

The new platforms offer even better ‘king of the castle’ view across the park and the surfacing also makes sure it can be enjoyed in all weathers as well as complimenting the beautiful surroundings.

We are very much looking forward to seeing all of the community enjoy the new adventure fort in the coming months as we continue to develop the play opportunities across all of our parks.

If you have council tax arrears you are not alone. Council tax debts are the most common type of problem debt that Citizens Advice see.

What can you do if you have problems paying?

• Check to see if you qualify for a council tax reduction • South Gloucestershire council can offer an extra £150 discount if in receipt of Council Tax Reduction • Contact the council if you’re struggling – they might let you pay less for a while or pay over a longer time • Single people can get a 25% discount • Pensioners on Pension Credit don’t have to pay any council tax.

Council tax arrears increase dramatically if you ignore them because the council will go to court for a Liability Order and the costs are added to your arrears. It is always a priority debt.

If you have council tax arrears, contact the council and try to make an arrangement to pay.

However, what if the council has obtained a Liability Order and passed the debt to bailiffs (enforcement agents)?

Every year more than a million

council tax debts are sent to bailiffs for collection. Bailiffs’ fees increase your debt very quickly.

• A Notice of Enforcement is the first step in bailiff action.

• The bailiff must wait at least 7 days after the Notice of Enforcement before coming to your house • If you can clear the debt now or in a few months, phone the bailiff to try to get this accepted so extra bailiff fees aren’t added • Bailiffs can’t force their way into your home. You do not have to let them in • If you do let a bailiff in, they can only take certain sorts of things Come to see us for advice at Little Stoke Community Hall on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month between 12.30pm and 2.30pm or phone us on 01454 334 961 Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm.

Come along and meet your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. You can talk to us about any issues or concerns and get crime prevention advice.

Place: The Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane Date:

Every Wednesday Time:

1100—1230 Who will be attending: Little Stoke /Stoke Gifford Beat Team

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

advertising feature

www.southglos.gov.uk

15

Have your say on new Council budget

S

outh Gloucestershire Council wants local people to have their say on its new draft budget for 2022 to 2023. The council provides hundreds of services from looking after vulnerable people, keeping the streets clean and collecting our waste to maintaining the road network and investing in our schools.

The total net budget is more than £360 million in 2022/23 and proposals include increases to children’s services funding worth more than £10 million over the next four years. There are also proposals for continuing financial support for those hit by the impact of Covid-19 and investing in facilities and infrastructure to improve communities and travel.

 Savings The council is committed to making savings and ensuring it delivers value for money services to residents. It aims to make savings of £18 million over the next four years by: ● Adapting to different ways of working, building on what the council has learned by working flexibly over the past two years. ● Adopting new technologies and automating systems where this can improve the way it works and improve its online offer. ● Ensuring council charges reflect the cost of delivering services and are comparable with other local authorities’ charges, for example how it charges utilities companies to compensate for disruptive roadworks on commuter routes. ● Implementing improved cost recovery, where the council can charge to cover the cost of providing some services, such as recovering its full overheads against pre-application planning fees on large developments.

VIEW FROM THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL Cllr Toby Savage Welcome – We’re proud to partner with the Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford Journals, great local publications, for an autumn special edition that brings you our latest news. You can read about our new draft budget and how you can have your say, the work of our fantastic StreetCare teams, our record school buildings investment programme, and other important council news.

We are looking forward positively to a post-pandemic future where we continue to support residents, businesses and communities across the district. The draft budget is a significant part of planning how we will meet the needs of people in South Gloucestershire in the years ahead, so your feedback is important. Last year, residents’ comments made through our budget consultation also informed our new Council Plan priorities.

We will continue to ensure that we fulfil our Council Plan commitments and work towards the priorities that you helped to shape, in ways that represent value for money.

Please let us know what you think.

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 Help to thrive South Gloucestershire Council Leader Cllr Toby Savage said:

 Social care The budget includes a 1.99 percentage point rise in general Council Tax, and a two-percentage point Adult Social Care Levy. This will specifically help contribute towards the increasing demand for social care services.

These services include helping older South Gloucestershire residents live safely and well in their own homes or recover from a hospital stay.

These budget proposals outline in considerable detail how we will work to ensure that young people in South Gloucestershire get the best start in life; how we will work with communities, the voluntary sector and individuals to help them to help themselves to thrive; how we will promote sustainable, inclusive communities, supported by the infrastructure and growth they need; and how we will continue to demonstrate that we can deliver value for money.

We aim to do all of this while tackling the biggest challenges of our time, namely responding to the climate and ecological emergencies and playing our part in eliminating the inequality gaps that exist in our society.

 How to have your say on the draft budget: View the budget at www.southglos.gov.uk/budget and then send your comments by 9 January 2022:  By email: consultation@southglos.gov.uk  By completing an online survey or download from the

council website: www.southglos.gov.uk/budget

 By writing to: Freepost RTXL-YJXJ-BXEX, South Gloucestershire Council, Corporate Research & Consultation Team, Council Offices, Badminton Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5AF  By telephoning 01454 868009.

First ‘through-about’ opens up South Gloucestershire’s first ‘through-about’, the conversion of the Wraxall Road roundabout on the A4174 Avon Ring Road, has opened up to traffic.

The through-about (a round-about with three lanes for traffic through the middle), will reduce congestion and increase traffic flow at the busy junction, helping to reduce delays at peak periods by managing the volumes of traffic.

It will also improve air quality near the roundabout and future proof the roads network for the additional housing and

development schemes coming forward in the area.

Work started on the £5.9m project in summer 2020. Both approach roads have been widened. There are also additional traffic lights, a resurfaced junction with new road markings, safety barriers and acoustic fencing.

(Left) Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade at the new ‘through-about’.

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Sprucing up our streets  Progress on potholes South Glos Council’s StreetCare teams have filled in almost 12,000 potholes in the last year. Thanks to quieter roads, they were able to fill in more than ever during the pandemic.

Of the 11,868 potholes filled in 2020, nearly 3,000 of these were completed as a priority, in 24 hours, with around 6,000 filled within 14 days and the less urgent within 12 weeks.

Speedy potholes work has impressed local people. Pete from Patchway said: I was delighted after reporting two potholes very recently that they were both fixed within 24 hours.

I had spotted them while walking around Patchway and was concerned particularly for cyclists.

A pothole in the road needs to measure at least 300mm by 300mm and be 40mm deep to be considered in need of attention.

The council is investing a record £174m in highways over the next four years.

Local resident Pete meets and thanks the South Glos Council StreetCare team who fixed potholes in his area within 24 hours.

 Council StreetCare services : value for money It’s official! An independent study has found that the council’s StreetCare services provide ‘value for money’. The report also highlighted the resilience of the services which adapt to residents’ needs.

The research, by the Future Highways Research Group, included analysis of StreetCare’s activities, compared with other local authorities, along with an independent peer review. The group was especially impressed with the ‘one team’ approach and close collaboration with partners.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place, Cllr Rachael Hunt litter picking in Kingswood Park.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place Cllr Rachael Hunt said:

 Improving visibility near Parkway Our StreetCare teams have worked to cut back the undergrowth near Parkway Railway Bridge along Brierly Furlong to help improve driver safety along the new 20mph section. The 20mph signs are the

recommended size, but the big clearance of shrubs will enable them to be seen more clearly.

(Right) Hedge trimming along Brierly Furlong

I would like to send a big thank you to all of our StreetCare staff for their ongoing efforts which have resulted in these positive findings.

We constantly strive to deliver high quality services at the very best value for money for our residents, so it’s fantastic to see that our StreetCare division’s hard work has been recognised.

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Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Employment Cllr Erica Williams visits Blackhorse Primary School.

Integra Kitchen Unit Manager at Manorbrook Primary School with new dishwasher.

Celebrating almost £3 million of school building improvements The council is carrying out more maintenance improvements to school buildings than ever this year, with an investment of just under £3 million. Work has been completed at a number of primary and junior schools across South Gloucestershire over the summer holidays. This is part of our record £78 million investment into schools over a four-year period.

 A stronger voice for your community New parish and town councils: Have your say Did you know that being part of a parish gives you a stronger voice regarding what happens in your community? South Gloucestershire residents now have the chance to comment on proposals on changes to town and parish councils, including the proposal for Charlton Hayes, and Stoke Park & Cheswick to be Parish Councils. The deadline for responses is 7 January. You can have your say through the council’s website: www.southglos.gov.uk/ consultations

Projects already completed include: Blackhorse Primary School in Emersons Green: Replacement of existing lighting to LED and the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Manorbrook Primary School in Thornbury: Brand new electric catering appliances which have replaced older gas models.

 Housing completions Record new homes: providing ownership and affordable housing choice South Gloucestershire saw a record 1,650 new homes built during 2020/21, despite the impact of the pandemic on the construction industry. This success means that more individuals and families in the district will now have homes to rent and buy.

Of these new homes, 403 are classed as ‘affordable’, including 313 for renting and 90 for shared ownership schemes. This represents over 40 per cent of the total number of affordable new homes completed in the last year across the entire West of England region.

The new homes are on both large and small-scale developments. Both the overall number of new homes and those which are affordable completed in the past year are above the council’s targets. Construction in the district has remained resilient. Not only does this keep people employed locally but offers the prospect of housing being available for the next generation of residents close to where they grew up.

Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at  www.southglos.gov.uk/ newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on  01454 868009 Follow our social media channels at  southglos.gov.uk/twitter  southglos.gov.uk/facebook � follow us on Instagram Or contact us at southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call  01454 868009

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Councillor Column On Gipsy Patch Lane, vehicle safety, parking & more

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y the time that this last issue of the Journal in 2021 arrives through your door we will be almost at the point where Gipsy Patch Lane will, at last, be partially reopening to two-way traffic.

The final completion of the works is still many months away, but the easing of traffic flow through the area will be much appreciated by many, especially the residents of Little Stoke Lane who have had to put up with increased traffic for so long. I thank you for your patience.

These dark autumn and winter nights provide cover for the criminal and it is important that we ensure that our household security is tight and our cars secure. I have noticed several cars being driven with faulty lights. This is especially dangerous when the faulty light is your offside one. You can easily be mistaken for an oncoming motorcycle and risking a serious collision.

In addition, this is the first winter when the motorist will be sharing the roads with the new Voi e-scooters. I am deeply concerned by the dangerous manner in which many of these e-scooters are ridden and fear that the danger can only become greater during the long hours of darkness.

During the past two months it has become evident that more people are returning to work and that Parkway Station is becoming busier. That, in turn, has meant that more and more private cars are using Ratcliffe Drive and parts of North Road as parking areas to avoid paying to park at the station. Drivers routinely ignore the instructions in the Highway Code not to park close to road junctions. Many residents have complained that visibility when trying to emerge from

Cllr Brian Allinson

side roads is compromised by such inconsiderate parking.

We requested a wide-ranging review of parking throughout Stoke Gifford in 2018/19 and agreed a number of actions to improve the situation, but then Covid 19 brought progress to a halt and we are now pressing South Glos Council to implement the agreed measures urgently.

The parish council is responsible for maintaining our parks and open spaces and I believe that they have done an excellent job in providing play and exercise facilities for residents of all ages. The prominent wooden play fort in Meade Park has been very popular for many years, but this year it became evident that it was no longer safe for use.

I’m pleased to report that it has now been replaced with a new version. We are confident that it will again prove very popular.

May I take this opportunity of wishing all our residents a happy, peaceful and, above all else, safe Christmas and New Year!

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

Stoke Gifford Journal

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News Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension works

STOKE LODGE

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Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension route

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Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge

Hayes Way

BRADLEY STOKE

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Horizon 38 Site

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Gipsy Patch Lane

CRIBBS PATCHWAY NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD

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NewThe RoadCribbs Patchway metrobus extension HARRY STOKE Stoke Gifford (CPME) will extend the existing metrobus Bristol network.

It will link Bristol Parkway Station with BS34 8SF bteacademy.org.uk 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.

The £57 million scheme is being funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

www.southglos.gov.uk

Please email admin@bteacademy.co.uk for details 2724 - CPME info boards July 2021.indd 1

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metrobus 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, with the m1 and m3 serving South Gloucestershire.

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The route links Parkway with The Mall via Hatchet Road, Gipsy Patch Lane, the Horizon 38 business park and forthcoming developments on the former airfield Knole Lane

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Nov/Dec 2021

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News

New MetroBus service Poppy Appeal and Remembrance “likely to require subsidy” Sunday ceremony well supported

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ublic funding is likely to be needed to support services on the new MetroBus route currently being constructed along Gipsy Patch Lane, according to a report by the West of England Combined Authority (Weca).

Once complete, the £57 million Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) will provide a route for fast and reliable bus services between Bristol Parkway and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, via the Brabazon mixed-use development that is being built on the former Filton Airfield.

It will extend the existing MetroBus network that is formed of the M1, M2 and M3 routes.

At present the three existing MetroBus services operate on a commercial basis under a Quality Partnership Scheme.

Construction of the CPME route is expected to be completed by “early 2023”, from when it is hoped that services will start.

However, concerns have recently emerged over whether it will be possible to find an operator to run the service on a fully commercial basis.

A report prepared for a Weca meeting on 15th October 2021 stated: “We have carried out engagement with bus operators who have expressed an interest in operating a service along the extension route and at present are working with them to see if such a service might operate commercially.”

“However, due to the impact of the pandemic on the bus market, with patronage currently only around 65 percent of pre-Covid levels, operators are cautious about committing to a commercial offer and it is likely that the service will require some funding in the short term.”

“If a commercial offer does not come forward this autumn and funding is therefore required to support the MetroBus service, even in the short term, the Combined Authority would need to carry out a procurement exercise to ensure a service is in place in early 2023.”

Members of the Combined Authority are yet to discuss the matter as the planned October meeting was left inquorate after it was boycotted by the leaders of the four West of England councils in a row with metro mayor Dan Norris over his right to veto certain proposals.

Journal editor Stephen Horton comments: Given the availability of free car parking at The Mall and the fact that the build out of new homes on the former Filton Airfield will take many years, it might not be just the impact of the pandemic that is putting off operators. However, a white knight might be on the horizon in the form of passenger demand generated by the YTL Arena Complex that is soon to be built in the former Brabazon Hangars at the airfield.

Stoke Gifford’s annual Remembrance ceremony took place at the cenotaph, North Road, on the morning of Sunday 14th November, ahead of services at local churches. The event was attended by members the Royal British Legion, representatives of the armed forces, local councillors and members of local youth groups. Numbers were swelled by many members of the local community who turned out to support the event on a fine, sunny morning.

The ceremony came two weeks after the Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion had launched its 2021/22 Poppy Appeal at a ceremony held in the foyer of Bristol Parkway Station (photo below).

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Nov/Dec 2021

News

Mixed reception for ‘low noise’ fireworks display

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radley Stoke Town Council’s first-ever ‘low noise’ fireworks display, held in fine weather conditions at the Jubilee Centre on Sunday 7th November, received a mixed reaction from the public, both at the event itself and afterwards on social media.

As previously reported, the council had decided to trial a ‘low noise’ event in response to concerns raised by a resident over the detrimental impact of a traditional display “on local wildlife and pets”.

In the hours after the event, almost 300 comments were made on a post on the Bradley Stoke Journal’s Facebook page, ranging from expressions of appreciation that the town council is being considerate towards animals (and humans) to disappointment over the lack of excitement due to the absence of the traditional loud bangs.

There were also the usual complaints about inconsiderate parking of motor vehicles near the venue, which this year was so bad that First Bus chose to divert the no. 73 away from serving Brook Way and the Willow Brook Centre until 9pm.

A council report produced following the event noted that the number of people attending had been “noticeably lower than in previous years”, adding that this was “likely due to the Covid-19 pandemic”. Whether that is true is open to doubt as other displays in the area saw strong

demand, with Downend’s selling out for the first time in 50 years.

Furthermore, the absence this year of a display at St Michael’s Primary School in Stoke Gifford might have been expected to boost numbers.

In contrast to most other local displays, the Bradley Stoke event is free to attend, with bucket collections being made for the mayor’s charities. This year’s collection raised £2,861 (including £460 donated by food traders) for Dogs for Good and St Peter’s Hospice. The significant drop from the £3,959 raised at the last event in 2019 is put down to the lower attendance.

Bradley Stoke Rotary Club, which ran the barbecue at the event, raised over £1,000, which it will use to “continue supporting local good causes”.

The council report expresses thanks for the support of the volunteer marshals and bucket collectors from a range of local groups including Little Stoke Social Club, Dogs for Good, Bradley Stoke in Bloom, Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group, the young people of Bradley Stoke, the local police beat team and council members & staff. Thanks also go to Bradley Stoke Radio for providing musical entertainment on Jubilee Green.

Councillors now have the unenviable task of deciding whether to stick with a ‘low noise’ format for the 2022 event or revert to a traditional display.

L-r: Fireworks viewed from the car park; Bradley Stoke Rotary Club barbecue

Comments on the Bradley Stoke Journal’s Facebook page KLB: I have two autistic children I simply cannot bring to loud events and we LOVED being able to watch this year’s without fear.

CD: Very disappointed. If it’s low noise again we will not be attending.

If low noise must be used it should be replaced by music – although without the bangs the atmosphere just isn’t there.

VF: Thank you Bradley Stoke Town Council for organising. It was lovely and enjoyed by all in my family. Appreciate the low-noise may not be everybody’s cup of tea but we didn’t miss it. Especially if it means more people with diverse needs can attend.

LBE: I feel that as it’s an organised and advertised display we should have standard popping fireworks or at least background music. The issues for people and pets are not caused by the one organised 20-min display but by the unorganised and late, unexpected fireworks.

AD: Personally, I was bored and wouldn’t bother going to a low noise display again. A shame as I look forward to this display every year.

HA: I think backing music would be a great addition. Yes it lacked the usual ‘wow’ moments but you can’t say that we weren’t warned! Thank you to the town council for offering this option this year. Low noise works for many, and for those who prefer the big bone-shaking bangs (me included) we’ve got plenty of other options locally SM: Well done BS Town Council for putting people’s welfare (i.e. those with autism and PTSD for example) plus animals first. I applaud you!

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by Craig de Groot, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic

Self-care tips for the winter

inter has arrived!

Let’s take advantage of the chilly season by resting, recuperating and practising some self-care. It’s important that we look after ourselves throughout the year, but winter can have different challenges making self-care even more of a priority.

It is important to stay active.

Exercise releases chemicals that can help your mental health and overall happiness.

Going for a winter walk and spending time outdoors releases those endorphins, but so can exercising indoors. If you can’t bear the cold and wet, try a virtual exercise class. If your body hurts from sitting with a bad posture, or you have an injury or condition which prevents you from exercising, seek advice from a chiropractor or physiotherapist to ensure you are able to do the things you want to do.

It is surprisingly easy to become dehydrated in the winter.

With drier air from central heating and less natural heat around us, there is a reduced urge to hydrate. Monitor your fluid intake and make sure you are drinking enough.

Winter brings a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Be sure to eat well and follow a balanced diet. Start your day with a hearty breakfast like a bowl of oats. Try including wintry greens in your food plan – they are packed with

Craig de Groot

Vitamin C. Supplement your diet with a multivitamin to help you through the dark months.

Sleep is especially important in winter as it is integral in maintaining a healthy immune system. Remember that too much sleep can make you feel sluggish. When you are awake, throw the curtains open and let the natural light in whenever you can.

Skin is the body’s largest organ and it takes a battering during the winter. Take time to moisturise, especially your feet. The skin on our feet can be affected in the winter as we wear socks and shoes more.

Make sure to bathe your feet regularly and dry them properly before moisturising and putting your socks on. If you have any concerns, get in touch with a foot health practitioner for appropriate advice.

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What’s On

Santa sleigh, Christmas float and lights dates Bradley Stoke Lions Club

The Float Group / Southmead Hospital Charity

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Bradley Stoke Lions look forward to bringing their Santa Claus sleigh round the streets of Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford this December.

Check out their Facebook page for dates and times. N.B. All collections are subject to weather conditions. If raining or inclement weather, they may be cancelled.

The Lions will also be collecting at Morrisons Cribbs Causeway on 4th & 12th December and at the Willow Brook Centre on 19th December.

Almondsbury Christmas lights display Graham and Sue at 42 Cope Park, This enormous Christmas carnival float, towed by a tractor, will be Almondsbury say: “Come join us visiting the Stokes on the following dates. Raising funds for the for our last-ever lights switch-on Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital. The programme is on 28th November from 5.30pm, subject to change due to weather, travel, parking and Covid restrictions. switch-on at 6pm! Mince pies, Date Route Starting from mulled wine and hot chocolate will be served, all for free! It will be our Friday 10th December Ratcliffe Drive area Tesco Express last switch-on [in Almondsbury] as Friday 17th December Webbs Wood Road area Tesco Express we are retiring to Cornwall where we will be continuing the display there!” A collection is made for St N.B. Routes are indicative only, based on those used in previous is your personalsearch outdoor space.

Peter’s Hospice and Paul’s Place. For more information, search for Time is precious. years.So For updates, for ‘The Float Group’ Guaranteed† noton to Facebook, warp, That’s why more and more people are turning to ‘Christmas light display - Almondsbury’ on Facebook. where a link to a live online tracker is usually provided on the night.

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Free to enjoy the pleasure of your garden and a fence that’s always easy on the eye. There is a good choice of design and colour options to create the setting that you desire. ColourFence will even withstand windgusts of up to 130mph. Making it, probably, the world’s best maintenance-free fence.

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To see the full ColourFence range, including ColourSheds, and receive your free copy of the Good Fence Guide, freephone us today. It makes sense to choose ColourFence.

However, every cloud has a silver lining, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our new ColourFence. It looks great, and we are looking forward to years of summers with no fence paint or algae treatments.

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Nov/Dec 2021

News

Local carer scoops prestigious national award

A

n employee at Beaufort Grange Care Home in Cheswick Village, Stoke Gifford, has beaten all the competition to be crowned National Carer of the year in the Barchester Care Awards 2021.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 12,000 residents living in Barchester’s 248 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Registered Nurse of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.

More than 2,900 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were of a very high standard and Antoneta Burgess is thrilled to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title.

Antoneta said: “I’m over the moon to receive the award, especially as the last 18 months have been so difficult with the pandemic.

I could have only won the award with the support of the Beaufort Grange team, and our wonderful residents and their families”.

Antoneta’s win was announced at a special national award ceremony which took place

on 13th October to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Barchester’s many exemplary staff members who have all witnessed firsthand the hardest 18 months in the history of social care.

General manager Raji Sunil said: “This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is so proud of her. Antoneta was nominated as she is always willing to go the extra mile when dealing with our residents and fellow members of staff. She is a breath of fresh air and a shining example to everyone she comes into contact with.”

Beaufort Grange Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. The Cheswick Village care home provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.

Barchester says it’s making its homes as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents and staff are Covid-19 vaccinated before moving into or working in its settings.

To find out more about the accommodation and facilities available at Beaufort Grange, Cheswick Village, call 0117 974 0010.

Antoneta Burgess outside Beaufort Grange Care Home

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Nov/Dec 2021

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Advertising

27

News

Local clinic can help ease muscle & joint pain Local gospel choir sings on Fascia First Chiropractic, a friendly, local muscle and joint clinic in Little Stoke, is run by Lee Wickham. Lee has practised in the Bristol area for 2+ years, so far relying on word of mouth to exist, despite Covid. No corporate business model, just expertise built on education and 20 years of clinical experience.

Lee’s vision is to explain what is going wrong in the body and provide medical knowledge, mental health awareness, movement and manual therapies.

Resulting in people who are not looking for their defect or worn part, because it likely doesn’t matter. The psychology of looking for a defect heightens one’s threat-ometer, making one more pain-sensitive. Pain being that unpleasant experience of the body that threatens, perpetuating the experience.

Lee has put mind, brain and body together in his clinical practice for well over the last

Lee Wickham

decade. He has written about common concerns in his free information sharing blog at FasciaFirstChiropractic.co.uk When you’ve read or seen enough scientific references and wish for hands-on treatment, scan the code for online booking (see advert, below) or text / call 07307 624 327.)

By Emma Smallwood, Gospel Generation Community Choir t has been such a joy to have the Stoke Gifford Gospel Choir back rehearsing… in person!

Zoom rehearsals kept us together as a community which we’re so grateful for, plus we did some great choir videos over the lockdown last year!

We have kept some Covid measures in place for our rehearsals, masks need to be worn when people are not seated, the chairs are spaced apart and we ask people to do a lateral flow test on the day (although we don’t check this). I think the choir are happy to stick to these if it means we can meet!

So what are we working towards? We have decided not to have a big Christmas concert but instead focus on some smaller performances out and about.

On Saturday 4th December we

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will be singing at the Filwood Community Market and then on Saturday 11th December we will be singing at 2pm in Broadmead (Bristol) outside M&S and then move into The Galleries at 3pm.

On 26th November we’re going to film a performance of a brand new Christmas song ‘Shine On’ and then make that available on YouTube and other social media pages. This will be first time Stoke Gifford GGCC have been together with the other four GGCC choirs since Christmas 2019!

To find out more about these events, go to www.ggcc.org. uk and if you’re interested in joining the choir then we would love to have you! The choir meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the lower hall at the St Michael’s Centre, North Road. Email Emma Smallwood gospelgen@googlemail.com to find out when the next rehearsals are.

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Nov/Dec 2021

In Brief Stoke Gifford WI report for November Branch president Sue Grimsted welcomed members and guests to the November meeting.

There was no speaker as this was the annual AGM meeting, however a game of Beetle Drive was enjoyed by all.

We have received approval for the planting of a tree to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

Sue has bought an acer tree and plaque, and the tree will be planted near the memorial bench in Royal Park, Stoke Gifford in the next few weeks.

Our next meeting will be at the Trust Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford on Wednesday 1st December at 7.30pm. We will be having an American supper and line dancing.

Visitors will always find a warm welcome, so please come along and join us.

New meeting venue for Little Stoke Ladies Club Little Stoke Ladies Club are changing the venue for their meetings for 2022.

We will be meeting at the Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke from 4th January.

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, starting at 7.30pm.

New members are always welcome. Do come and join us.

For further information, call Julie Hills on 0117 931 5007.

New members welcome at local Probus Club Are you looking to widen your social life? The Bristol Cabot Probus Club offers good fellowship with regular social gatherings and outside excursions for members and their wives and partners. Why not sample this unique experience as a guest at one of our monthly lunch meetings?

Bristol Cabot Probus Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022. The Club is pleased to announce that there are now vacancies for new members Meetings are held regularly on the third Wednesday of every month at the BAWA Club, Southmead Road, Filton. The meetings consist of a 3-course lunch followed by a local speaker.

Wives and partners are invited throughout the year to a series of Sunday lunches as well as to two of the regular monthly lunches – summer and Christmas.

Bristol Cabot Probus Club is friendly, very welcoming, and offers comradeship in a convivial atmosphere. Do come and join us!

For further information about the club, please contact George Eland on 0117 979 0260.

Arts Appreciation Society interior design lecture The South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meets at Bradley Stoke Community School BS32 7BS at 7pm for a 7.30pm start on the third Thursday of the month.

Our speaker on Thursday 16th December is Matthew Williams, talking on ‘Ghastly Good Taste – A century of British interior design 1880-1980’.

We welcome you all to join us. We are following all the safety precautions for Covid-19 as recommended by South Gloucestershire Council for school premises.

For more information, visit our website sgdfas.org.uk

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

Nov/Dec 2021

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

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

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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 22 Bathrooms JJ Plumbing, Page 26 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 21 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 12 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 31 Northavon Carpentry, Page 12 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 23 Carpets & Flooring Trinity Transformations, Page 4 Child Care Ambourne House Day Nursery, Page 6 Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, Page 19 Children’s Activities Willow Brook Centre, Page 32 Chiropractic Fascia First Chiropractic, Page 26 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Cleaning & Domestic Services Niko’s Mobile Cleaning Ltd, Page 9 Curtains & Blinds Trinity Transformations, Page 4 Dentists Charlton Dental, Page 11 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 21 Education & Learning Olympus Academy Trust, Page 20 South Gloucestershire College, Page 8 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 24 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Events Willow Brook Centre, Page 32 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 5 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 31 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Funeral Services Memorial Woodlands, Page 10 Garage Services LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 27 Tyres Direct, Page 2 Gardening & Landscaping Services ColourFence, Page 25 Painting Petals, Page 30

Gyms & Health Clubs Visit directory on SGJ website Hairdressers Visit directory on SGJ website Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 26 Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 30 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 5 Painting & Decorating Digby Decor, Page 30 Painting Petals, Page 30 Pet Services & Supplies Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 31 Pest Control Services PestBGone, Page 31 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Plasterers B & D Plastering, Page 24 Plumbing & Heating JJ Plumbing, Page 26 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 21 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 Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Page 14 South Glos Council, Pages 15-18 Recruitment Paragon Customer Comms, Page 3 Retirement Homes See directory on BSJ website Roofing services Supreme Roofing, Page 31 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 7 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 24 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 13 Taxis & Private Hire Visit directory on SGJ website TV Aerials & Satellite The Aerial Man, Page 31

Visit our online directory: www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk/directory

Nov/Dec 2021

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PAINTING & DECORATING

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RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance Licensed waste carrier

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

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

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

Nov/Dec 2021

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PLUMBING & HEATING

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GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & FASCIA

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s a m t s i r h C k! c a b is * Lights 21 BSJ AW.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2021 18:27 Page 1

willowbrookshopping.co.uk

Join us for our big Christmas lights switch-on and laser show in the Town Square on Thursday 25th November starting at 4pm. With live music and strolling entertainers the switch-on happens at 6pm. It promises to be a fantastic evening hosted by Bradley Stoke Radio.

BRADLEY STOKE SHOPPING

In aid of

Ending homelessness Rebuilding lives