Stoke Gifford Journal, March/April 2022

Delivered FREE to 5,000 homes in Stoke Gifford & Little Stoke March/April 2022 • Issue 28

WHAT’S ON P11, P12, P26 | SCHOOLS P13 | SPORT P19, P22 | DIRECTORY P30-31 Find us on Facebook: StokeGiffordJournal

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PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE

TWO-WAY traffic to return along FULL LENGTH of Gipsy Patch Lane in late April, says council … Pages 6 & 7 Parkway Tavern new access road

Royal British Legion

Permission granted on appeal

Local Poppy Appeal raises £43,000

P25

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P27

l New parish: Cheswick and Stoke Park to split from Stoke Gifford l Work under way on new McDonald’s & Starbucks at Willow Brook Centre l South Glos council tax to rise by 2.99 percent l Platinum Jubilee date announced for Stoke Gifford Village Fête l Major build projects planned at two local secondary schools l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Advertising feature: Latest news from South Glos Council l Swimming club plans to mark centenary in style l Children’s Easter story hunt in Little Stoke l Update on ‘Little Stoke Growing Community’

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March/April 2022

News

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

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About the Stoke Gifford Journal The Stoke Gifford Journal magazine is published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: 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 2022. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.

new parish council is to be created for Cheswick Village and Stoke Park after an initial round of public consultation on community governance showed strong support for the two areas to be split from the existing parish of Stoke Gifford.

The consultation, one of six conducted in different areas of South Gloucestershire as part of a formal Community Governance Review, was initiated following suggestions that the boundaries of Stoke Gifford parish, to which Cheswick and Stoke Park currently belong, may have become “anomalous” due to new housing development.

The results of the consultation, which ran from 15th October 2021 to 9th January 2022, show that 86 percent of the 110 respondents agreed that a new parish council would “give the community a stronger voice”.

However, Stoke Gifford Parish Council expressed its opposition to the creation of a new parish,

Have your say: Reader letters

saying: “The parish council are in favour of keeping Cheswick and Stoke Park within the parish of Stoke Gifford. This decision is based on residents’ feedback and economic grounds; it will be beneficial keeping the boundary as today.”

A report prepared ahead of a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s Regulatory Committee on 10th February stated: “Generally, comments made by respondents were supportive of the creation of a new parish council to reflect the distinct identity of the area and to provide the opportunity for a new voice to champion the needs of residents.”

“The different demographics of Stoke Park and Cheswick when compared to Stoke Gifford were highlighted, along with the division of the area from the rest of Stoke Gifford caused by the A4174 Ring Road.”

“Some comments noted the issues experienced by residents in review area such as a high number of HMOs, developer service fees

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Consultation: A new parish was favoured by 86 percent of the 110 respondents

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News

New parish to be created for Cheswick & Stoke Park ‘Divorce’ from Stoke Gifford will see assets and liabilities transferred to a new parish. First elections in May 2023.

Continued from facing page

and parking issues, were not the same as issues experienced by residents in the established parts of Stoke Gifford.”

However, the report added: “Some respondents commented there was a lack of a focal point for a new council, such as a parish hall, or community building or café.”

Councillors on the committee, with the notable exception of Stoke Gifford’s Brian Allinson, Left: The Square, Long Down Avenue Cheswick Village. Right: Wright Way, Stoke Park (leading off Coldharbour Lane). voted to accept their officers’ recommendation that a new May 2023 local elections.

Council are divided between Cheswick and Stoke Park wanted parish should be created and The number of electors in them and the new parish, taking to separate from Stoke Gifford, proceed to “hold a second stage the current University ward into account the number of our personal view was that it of consultation to determine its of Stoke Gifford parish, which electors being lost. should remain. However, given electoral arrangements”. encompasses Cheswick and Cllrs Brian Allinson, Ernie the overwhelming response from The second stage of public Stoke Park, is 3,632 – making up Brown and Keith Cranney, who local residents in favour of the consultation is expected to begin 28 percent of the current Stoke represent the Stoke Gifford ward proposals, we understand the in April 2022 (at a further cost Gifford parish’s electorate. on South Gloucestershire Council, decision being taken and will of £3,000) and it is planned that Agreement will need to be said: “Having called for the parish continue to support residents at a the new parish will formally come reached on how the assets and review at the start of the process parish level until the new parish WBexistence Generic AW.qxp_Layout Page 3 into on the day of the1 09/02/2021 liabilities12:38 of Stoke Gifford Parish to explore whether residents of council has been established.”

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BRADLEY STOKE SHOPPING

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March/April 2022

News Willow Brook Centre development Phase 1: McDonald’s and Starbucks

Tesco Click & Collect pod retained

Realigned bend on access road

Bradley Stoke Way

Starbucks McDonald’s

Willow Brook Centre car park

Poundstretcher

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News

Work gets under way on McDonald’s & Starbucks units at Willow Brook Two-storey McDonald’s building set to be craned-in during June, ahead of a planned opening in August

W

ork has started on the construction of two new fast food & drink restaurants, both with drivethrough facilities, at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre.

The McDonald’s and Starbucks units were granted planning permission on appeal in January 2020, despite being opposed by the town council and a significant number of local residents, including some living in neighbouring properties.

Permission was granted by a government-appointed planning inspector after the application was twice thrown out by committees of councillors at South Glos Council, in a saga that spanned nearly two years.

An indication that work on the project might soon be about to begin came at the start of January with the sudden disappearance of the Waves hand car wash facility from the north-eastern corner of the shopping centre’s car park, which is where the two new fast food outlets are being built (see plan on facing page).

Contractors moved onto the site about a month later and, following the erection of safety fencing, the first ground was broken in the week commencing 14th February.

August opening

The work is expected to take six months to complete, indicating an anticipated opening date of August for the two new fast food outlets.

The McDonald’s unit will have a floor area of 542 sqm, split over two floors, while the Starbucks unit is single-storey with a floor area of 167 sqm.

Steelwork forming the frame of the Starbucks building will be erected in April.

The McDonald’s building will

be formed of several standardised modules that are manufactured off site. It is expected that these modules will be craned into position in June.

It is understood that work at the site is currently running to schedule. The concrete foundation pads for the McDonald’s building were clearly visible as the Journal went to press in mid-March.

Unrestricted hours

The planning permission does not include any conditions that restrict opening hours, so the two units could potentially trade 24 hours a day. However, it is noted that at one point during negotiations, the applicant’s agent stated that they would be prepared to accept a restriction of 6am-11pm for Starbucks and 6am-midnight (Sun-Thu) / 6am1am (Fri & Sat) for McDonald’s, perhaps giving an indication of the likely trading hours once they are up and running.

According to documents submitted as part of the planning application, the Starbucks unit is expected to employ the equivalent of 20 full-time staff, while the McDonald’s restaurant is expected to employ more than 65 full and part-time staff.

In addition to the two fast food outlets, the approved

An excavator sits atop a pile of rubble where the Starbucks unit will be built

development includes outline permission to add two (nonfood) units to the end of the existing retail terrace, i.e. beyond the Poundstretcher store. To accommodate this expansion, the public access road into and out of the centre will be moved closer to the northern boundary of the site.

This second phase will be carried out at a later date, dependent on demand from prospective occupiers, and will require submission of a further ‘reserved matters’ planning application.

Implementation of phase 1 (McDonald’s and Starbucks) will result in a net loss of around 80 car parking spaces at the shopping centre. No further spaces will be lost if phase 2 is implemented, thanks to a “reconfiguration” of the car park.

Bend widening

As part of the phase 1 work, the sharp bend on the access road into the shopping centre will be widened to allow easy access for delivery vehicles serving the two new food and drink

units. This work is currently scheduled to take place in the week commencing 28th March and take one week to complete.

During this time, traffic coming into and out of the centre will be diverted through the section of car park immediately south of the bend (where the recycling containers previously stood).

The Tesco Click & Collect pod located in the north of the Willow Brook Centre car park lies outside the phase 1 work zone and will continue to operate as normal.

Willow Brook Centre manager Andy Wynn commented: “It has been a long road to get to this point, with further delays caused

by Covid-19. However, we are all excited to see work finally get underway and look forward to seeing customers enjoying both new units in August.”

He added: “It is hoped the Waves hand car wash facility will be able to return, but there is no confirmed location or time frame as yet.” ● For the latest updates, visit http://bit.ly/bsj-mcdonalds

Images showing a single-storey Starbucks and a two-storey McDonald’s similar to the ones being built at Willow Brook

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March/April 2022

News

Two-way traffic to return along full length of Gipsy Patch Lane in late April, says council But ahead of this, a two-week full closure of the road east of the bridge is needed to carry out resurfacing work

T

wo-way traffic is set to return along the full length of Gipsy Patch Lane for the first time in more than two years.

The road linking Little Stoke with the A38 has been subject to full closures and traffic management restrictions since June 2019, to allow the replacement of a narrow Victorian-era railway bridge and road widening works to create space for new bus lanes.

The work has included improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities and is part of the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) scheme, which will help to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users.

South Gloucestershire Council, which has overall control of the project, says the CPME scheme will provide a new quick, reliable public transport system between Bristol Parkway Station and the Mall at Cribbs Causeway and offer a realistic alternative to travelling by car.

The CPME scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

When Gipsy Patch Lane was closed at the railway bridge on

The road was reopened one-way only (westbound) in September 2021

5th March 2020, it was estimated that the full closure would last for eight months. However, work on the CPME scheme has been delayed due to several issues, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the new railway bridge getting stuck in soft ground as it was being moved into position, a redesign of the drainage system under the bridge, and delays in the delivery of drainage pumps.

Passage under the bridge has been possible for pedestrians and cyclists since December 2020.

Some relief for motorists came in September 2021 when the road under the bridge was reopened one-way (westbound only) – 10 months later than originally planned.

The pumps for the pumping chamber that is buried deep in the road underneath the bridge have only recently been installed following delivery from the manufacturer. Final commissioning of the drainage system was due to take place in mid-March, allowing removal of the temporary pumps and dismantling of the Alun Griffiths compound underneath the bridge.

Full reopening plan

To enable Gipsy Patch Lane to be reopened to two-way traffic, resurfacing work will need to take place over the Easter period.

From 8pm on Friday 8th April until 6am on Monday 25th April, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed

to all traffic between its junction with Little Stoke Lane and the entrance to Pegasus Park.

During the resurfacing work all side road junctions along Gipsy Patch Lane that fall within the closure will also need to be closed to traffic. This includes the junctions for Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service roads, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the shared use path along Gipsy Patch Lane and access side junctions.

There will be signed diversion routes in place throughout the closure.

Businesses at Station Road, Gifford Crescent, Pegasus Park and Stokers public house will remain open for business as usual and will need to be accessed via signed diversions.

Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to two-way traffic from 6am on Monday 25th April. All side road junctions will also reopen to traffic from this date.

Road widening work will continue to be carried out on Gipsy Patch Lane, west of the railway bridge (Rolls-Royce side), and to enable this work narrow lanes will be in place along this stretch of the carriageway.

The main construction work for the CPME scheme is due

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News Continued from facing page

to complete in September this year. Other work, such as the installation of bus shelters and iPoints, along with landscaping, will be completed in the autumn.

Cabinet Member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “The Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension is a key step in our ambition to improve public transport, walking and cycling facilities, and the road network in South Gloucestershire as part of our record £174 million investment.”

“It is also part of our commitment to tackle climate change by encouraging more people out of their cars and onto sustainable transport options, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. The reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane to two-way traffic is another move towards the completion of this flagship scheme.”

“We apologise for any

inconvenience caused by this work and thank the local community for their continued patience.”

Embankment issue

The Gipsy Patch Lane Stakeholder Liaison Group has been made aware of an ongoing issue with the stability of the railway embankment on the north-east corner of the new bridge (close to the Station Road junction). A council spokesperson told the Journal: “Network Rail has confirmed that the north-east embankment is currently fit for purpose for both supporting the safe running of the railway and allowing full reopening of the road. To ensure its long-term stability, Network Rail plan to further strengthen the embankment in the form of an extended retaining wall.

The council will update the community when Network Rail confirm a programme for this work and the traffic management needed.”

Timeline of Gipsy Patch Lane bridge and highway works 3rd June 2019

Four-week full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge for BT utility diversion work

5th March 2020

Full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge for an estimated 8 months, to allow the railway bridge to replaced over Easter 2020

3rd April 2020

Council announces postponement of railway bridge replacement due to the Covid-19 crisis

24th June 2020

Council announces new dates for the bridge replacement: 13 days starting 24th October 2020

2nd November 2020

Council warns of a “significant issue” as the new pre-constructed bridge is moved into position

14th November 2020

After being “stuck” for 15 days, the new bridge is successfully moved to its intended position

23rd November 2020

Railway reopens, 16 days later than planned

10th December 2020

A route for pedestrians and cyclists is opened under the newly installed bridge

6th September 2021

One-way (westbound only) reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane, 10 months later than first planned

8th April 2022

Planned start of two-week full closure of Gipsy Patch Lane east of the bridge for resurfacing

25th April 2022

Planned date for two-way reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane along its full length

End September 2022

Planned date for removal of all traffic management

End March 2023

Planned date for CPME scheme completion

CPME project webpage: www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

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News

Trees felled around site of new Aldi & Costa Work set to start soon on land behind Sainsbury’s

T

he wholesale felling of trees around a large parcel of vacant land behind the Sainsbury’s store in Stoke Gifford has exposed the site of new mixed-use development that will include an Aldi supermarket, a Costa drive-through, a Premier Inn hotel and a Beefeater restaurant.

The approved plans also include a multi-use building, which does not currently have any pre-lettings. This building will most likely be constructed in a later phase, with its footprint initially being occupied by an interim ‘pocket park’.

Planning permission for the scheme was granted in April 2021, when applicant Baylis Estates Ltd said it expected to complete the project in “early 2023”.

Little happened at the site through the remainder of 2021, baring some minor site clearance and a beefing up of the entrance following a traveller incursion.

In the background, planning applications have been submitted and approved for signage associated with the Costa drivethrough, Premier Inn hotel and Beefeater restaurant.

The silence at the site was broken by the sound of chainsaws in the first week of 2022, when the vast majority of the trees surrounding the 1.8-hectare site

were felled. The very few trees that remain are, it is assumed, the “better-quality mature” ones defined in the approved plans as being worthy of saving.

Some new tree planting will eventually be implemented along the site’s boundary with Great Stoke Way. Vehicles will enter and leave the site via a single access point off Fox Den Road, close to the Sainsbury’s delivery yard (on the right when driving on the access road into Sainsbury’s).

The development will provide 240 car parking bays, including 16 disabled spaces, 9 parent and child spaces and 10 electric vehicle spaces (complete with charging points). There will also be 40 covered and 52 uncovered cycle parking spaces.

The approved scheme incorporates five new pedestrian access points into the site, with three defined routes through it.

To further improve accessibility, the applicant has agreed to fund improvements to an existing informal pedestrian crossing on Great Stoke Way, close to the Aviva roundabout.

A previous statement by Baylis Estates Ltd said it hoped to begin construction at the site in 2021, but the developer’s website is currently showing a date of “Q2 2022”.

Tree felling in progress at the Fox Den Road site in early January

The cleared site in March: Just a handful of mature trees have been spared

Aerial view of phase 1, showing ‘pocket park’ between the hotel (left) and Aldi

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March/April 2022

News

South Glos council tax to rise by 2.99 percent

S

outh Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) element of the council tax levied on local households is to increase by 2.99 percent from April.

The latest rise follows an uplift of 4.99 percent in 2021/22 and 3.99 percent in 2020/21, both of which included ring-fenced levies (3 percent in 2021/22 and 2 percent in 2020/21) to support adult social care.

The 2022/23 increase once again includes a social care levy, this time 1 percent, which is the maximum that could have been applied under government rules spanning the last two years.

The increase means that the South Gloucestershire Council element of council tax for a Band D property for 2022/23 will rise to £1,668.64.

A council spokesperson said: “The priority in producing the budget for 2022/23 has been to deliver on residents’ priorities,

while ensuring the council maintains a sustainable financial position.”

Key investments include an additional £639,000 for street cleaning, more than £12 million on road maintenance and an extra £15.3 million for children’s services.

A new £1 million ‘prevention fund’, focussed on promoting public health messages, will help people stay healthier for longer.

There will also be an extension of the council’s Community Resilience Fund, which is designed to provide support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including those who may not have been eligible for previous government support Additional money from central government means that schools will share an extra £7.3 million of funding, with a total of £191 million being spent – an increase

of 6.6 percent over 2021/22.

Investment in transport infrastructure over the next three years will see public transport improvements along the A38 and A432 corridors, a new park & ride on the M32 and a new railway station at Charfield.

Vital services protected

Cllr Toby Savage, leader of the council, said: “This balanced fouryear budget is one for everyone in South Gloucestershire. We are protecting the vital frontline services that so many people rely on and we are investing to create an even cleaner and greener South Gloucestershire. We want to secure our area’s future prosperity through investment in transport and infrastructure, schools and continued action to play our part in responding to the climate and environmental emergencies.”

“I am really pleased that we have been able to achieve all of Band

this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation in a demonstration of our commitment to delivering value for money as well as excellent services to our residents.”

In addition to the South Gloucestershire element, bills that will be coming through letterboxes in the next few weeks will include contributions to Avon and Somerset Police (up 4.15 percent, on top of a 5.88 percent hike last year) and Avon Fire & Rescue Service (up 1.99 percent), and the precept raised

by Stoke Gifford Parish Council (no increase this year), producing a grand total of £2,068.06 for a Band D property, an increase of 2.98 percent over last year.

2021/22

2022/23

Increase

A

£1,338.85

£1,378.72

£39.87

% Increase 2.98%

B

£1,561.98

£1,608.49

£46.51

2.98%

C

£1,785.13

£1,838.28

£53.15

2.98%

D

£2,008.27

£2,068.06

£59.79

2.98%

E

£2,454.56

£2,527.63

£73.07

2.98%

F

£2,900.83

£2,987.18

£86.35

2.98%

G

£3,347.12

£3,446.78

£99.66

2.98%

H

£4,016.54

£4,136.12

£119.58

2.98%

Total council tax figures for Stoke Gifford residents, comprising contributions to South Gloucestershire Council (including special expenses for services not uniformly provided across the district), Avon & Somerset Police, Avon Fire & Rescue and Stoke Gifford Parish Council. Figures for other parishes will vary.

N.B. Homes in tax bands A to D will receive a £150 rebate from the government.

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What’s On

Date for Stoke Gifford Village Fête announced

T

he Stoke Gifford Trust Committee has announced that the 2022 Village Fête will take place on Friday 3rd June. This is the Friday of the extended Spring Bank Holiday and Platinum Jubilee weekend.

The event will take place from 2pm to 5pm at the Trust Grounds, North Road BS34 8PE. Advertised attractions include swing boats, teas & cakes, donkeys, barbecue, brass band, games, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, coconut shy and stalls.

There will also be a Fun Dog Show (1pm to 4pm) in association with Bristol Dog Action Welfare Group (DAWG).

Enter your dog for £1!

A spokesperson for Stoke Gifford Trust said: “We’re looking

for people to help with all aspects of running the day, from setup in the morning, stewarding during the event and packing everything up at the end of the day. If you’d like to help the fête return bigger and better than before, please get in touch.”

The fête is an ideal opportunity to raise the profile of your group, do a bit of fundraising or have an ‘arts and crafts’ stall. If you’d like a stall, email contact@ stokegiffordtrust.org.uk or phone 0117 405 5372 to reserve your place.

Stallholders who do not represent a recognised local charity or not-for-profit group will be asked for a donation of £10, payable on the day. ● stokegiffordtrust.org.uk

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March/April 2022

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veryone now has the opportunity to play at the local tennis courts at Almondsbury and Bradley Stoke Tennis Club via the brand-new Pay-and-Play facility. Just go online to the club’s website and follow directions to book your court at excellent rates.

Club chair Bruce Barnard said: “Numbers at the tennis club have really boomed since lockdown but we hope that pay-and-play encourages more people than ever to give tennis a go! It’s a sport that you can play all your life, all year round, and has so many health advantages as well as just being a lovely way to get to know more people.”

Success in local leagues for both juniors and adults The tennis club has many teams playing in the local leagues, with the ladies first and second teams winning their divisions.

The junior teams have gone from strength to strength with 12 players selected for Avon tennis county squads and six players selected for the Avon 8&U county cup team at the end of March.

Between November 2021 and February 2022, four juniors won LTA tournaments at varying age groups. With 200 juniors playing weekly, there’s lots going on!

Play your way

With more teams, there are varied opportunities for all members to play league tennis and social tennis. Monday’s club night and the box leagues make it extremely easy to find people to play with each week who are about the same standard, even when you don’t know anyone.

With the advent of hybridworking, daytime and lunchtime coaching sessions have started.

Attendees have appreciated the chance to get out in the fresh air and learn a new skill. For those who are really into fitness, they’ll be glad to know a Saturday morning cardio (fun tennisthemed fitness) session has restarted.

Don’t miss the Spring Open Day now booking

The club is running its next Open Day and BBQ on Sunday 10th April. Trial memberships will be available. Membership includes a discount on coaching, as well as access to the great facilities, including free floodlit courts.

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to try out tennis, get some coaching, and see the facilities – all for free!

● Bookings can be made via almondsburytennis.org.uk

Find us just north of the A38 / M5 Junction 16 roundabout, next to Almondsbury Creative

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

March/April 2022

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

13

Schools

Major build projects planned at local secondaries

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he new year has seen progress being made on plans for major investment at two Olympus Academy Trust secondary schools that serve the Stokes.

As previously reported, it was announced in July 2021 that a proposed scheme to rebuild Patchway Community School had been selected to receive funding through the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.

The final amount of funding that will be made available for the Patchway school is still to be confirmed. According to a government press release, “funding for individual projects in the programme will be determined when the scope and delivery plans at each school are developed.”

Patchway rebuild

The Trust’s intention is to replace the main school buildings with a completely new school, although it is currently anticipated that the existing sports hall and floodlit sport pitches will be retained. It is working towards an opening in 2024 and recently reported that surveyors have been on site for several weeks gathering information. Details of rooming and facilities within the new building are currently being worked through.

Depending on how plans for new housing developments in the Bristol North Fringe evolve, there may be a demand to increase the intake at Patchway or add

a primary phase. However, the government will only pay for a ‘straight replacement’, so any such expansion would require local authority funding. The Trust is therefore looking towards a design that has the capacity to expand at a future date.

Abbeywood expansion

Another Olympus secondary, Abbeywood Community School in Stoke Gifford, could also see building work in the next couple of years after South Gloucestershire Council confirmed an allocation of £4.5 million to permanently increase the school’s Year 7 intake from 180 to 240 students.

The expansion is intended to meet an increased demand arising from new housing in the immediate area, an effect which can be expected to continue as 2,000 homes are built at East of Harry Stoke in the coming years.

Olympus trustees agreed to a temporary ‘breech’ to 210 students in 2021, rising to 240 this year, but are insistent that an intake of this magnitude is unsustainable without the provision of new accommodation.

Discussions with South Gloucestershire Council are said to be ongoing, with a view to having the building work completed in time for the 2023/24 academic year.

Architects are currently examining several options, including adding a new ‘spoke’ to the existing building, raising

Abbeywood Community School, recently allocated £4.5 million for expansion

the height of part of the existing building or adding a satellite building.

Olympus CEO, Dave Baker, said: “This is a great opportunity for our local communities to have high quality school facilities and sufficient school places where

they need them. In the case of Patchway, this is long overdue.

We are committed to making sure the best possible educational provision is available in all our local communities – this has to start with buildings that are modern and fit for purpose.”

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NEW ROAD PLAY AREA

COUNCIL MEETINGS IN APRIL All meetings to take place at 7pm unless stated but may be subject to change. Please refer to noticeboards and the Parish Council website.

Venue: Little Stoke Community Hall Full Council: Tuesday 12th April Recreation And Leisure Committee: Tuesday 19th April (2pm)

COMING SOON: NEW ROAD PLAY AREA We will be installing the new play area at New Road, Stoke Gifford, from 14th to 25th March 2022.

Network Rail funded the council an amount to go towards the new facility and the Parish agreed to take over the management of the green space and facility.

Following a public consultation and going through a tender process we are now in a position where Pentagon Play & Leisure (a local company) will be installing the play equipment which I am sure will be most welcome to the local residents in and around this part of the parish.

John Rendell Parish Clerk

The programme of work includes the build/install of: • Timber swing (2m) with two cradle seats • Timber swing (2.4m) with two flat seats and one group seat • Bowfell climber with platform and slide • Bespoke mini trail • Step rope traverse • Mini balance beam • Twist net with incline beam • Round picnic table • Safety fencing • Green HDPE bowtop fencing • 1 x Single gate • HDPE Bowtop fencing • Timber fencing inward swinging gate (double bolted, up to 1.2m wide) • All weather Playturf surfacing, including Play Baseworks • 1 x Litter bin

WHAT CAN CITIZENS ADVICE HELP ME WITH? Are you struggling to make ends meet? Do you wonder if your employer is treating you fairly?

We can all face situations which seem complicated and may need some advice to help us though. At Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, we can help with most everyday problems from employment to housing, relationship breakdown to benefit entitlement and debt.

Whether you are struggling to pay your energy bills or need to check if you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to, our experienced advisers are here to give you free, independent and impartial information and advice.

We will give you the knowledge

Planning & Transportation Committee: Tuesday 26th April

and confidence to find your way forward.

Come and see us at The Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HR, on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

No appointment is needed.

Drop-in sessions operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

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15

New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities

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outh Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022-2023 budget.

At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life.

It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network.

This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year – 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.

 Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: ● Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance ● Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million ● A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library ● Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year – the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year ● Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays – a lifeline for some families ● Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.

Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate

VIEW FROM THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL Cllr Toby Savage Welcome – We’re very pleased to partner again with the Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford Journals, great local publications, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund.

We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too – spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies.

I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.

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 Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike.

The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.

 Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district.

In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits.

 Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see below).

In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.

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 Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.

Celebrating the Jubilee

 Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.

We are supporting many community groups to hold Jubilee festivities across South Gloucestershire in June including Bradley Stoke Town Council with their Bradley Stoke Community Festival and Patchway Town Council’s plans for a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee party.

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Looking after our environment  Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.

Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.”

 Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid.

Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid single use plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment.

More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become selfsufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year – making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy.

Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com

Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt

 Join in the spring clean The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April.

If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team.

They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/springclean

The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years.

If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services.

Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF

 Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone.

The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly.

Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath

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Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Further resurfacing work is planned to take place along Gipsy Patch Lane over the Easter period and after this the road will open to two-way traffic. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

 Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee.

The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.

Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services.

To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter

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 To find details of how to contact us visit  www.southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call  01454 868009

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March/April 2022

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

19

Sport

Swimming club plans to mark centenary in style

By Steph McNally, BNSC club chair his year (2022) is a very special one for us here at Bristol North Swimming Club (BNSC) as we celebrate our 100th anniversary, and we’ve got plenty lined up to mark the occasion!

We’ve kicked the year off with a limited edition team kit featuring a gold twist on our classic kit design. Check out our Masters team proudly sporting their centennial hats at the Welsh National Long Course Championships (see right).

As we move into spring, we’re reaching out to our local community to donate 100 hours of volunteering with local organisations and charities. We’re proud to be members of the North Bristol community, and as we mark this anniversary we want to give back to our neighbours.

T

The BNSC Masters team sporting their limited edition centennial hats

If you’re part of, or know any groups that could benefit from a few pairs of extra hands, then get in touch with Steph via chair@bristolnorthsc.org.uk Over the summer we’ll be bringing together past and current members to celebrate

as one Bristol North family with our biggest BBQ yet. We’ll also be getting back in the pool as our club captains co-ordinate what might be Bristol North’s first ever 100-man relay!

Into the autumn we’ll be inviting local clubs to join us

for a centennial fun gala, before wrapping up the year with an extra special Winter Ball to celebrate the successes of our swimmers in 2022.

Throughout the year we’re laying down the gauntlet to our members to collectively achieve 100 challenges in whatever way they like. A few of our Masters swimmers are taking to the open water to complete their challenge in the form of a 10k swim, whilst others are looking to take part in ten parkruns. We can’t wait to see what other club members up with for their challenges, but we know they’re going to be tough.

If you, or anyone you know with a connection to BNSC, have any old photos or stories you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you. Sharing and celebrating our past will help our club of today continue to grow and thrive for another 100 years. ● bristolnorthsc.org.uk

Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13

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March/April 2022

Councillor Column New 20mph limit, Meade Park, tree planting & more

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pring is on its way and by the time this edition of the Journal arrives through your letterbox it will be nearly time to move the clocks forward one hour as British Summer Time commences on Sunday 27th March, which is also Mothering Sunday.

North Road is now a 20mph limited road for its entire length, including Knightwood Road. Numerous complaints had been received concerning inappropriate speeds of some vehicles through the centre of Stoke Gifford and firm action was required in order to preserve public safety.

The parish council is always interested in enhancing the facilities available in our parks and public spaces and are considering a current application to open a small coffee and snack facility in Meade Park.

The major concern would be a possible increase in litter as a result, and if the application is granted, this would need to be monitored closely.

Whilst I remain saddened by the loss of the beautiful avenue of trees that once lined Gipsy Patch Lane, I am heartened by the prolific planting of new trees along the newly aligned road, and also along the Winterbourne dual carriageway.

I am very concerned about the graffiti which spoils the bridge parapets along the Stoke Gifford By-Pass, and have requested that South Gloucestershire Council remove the eyesore as soon as possible.

The Covid-19 pandemic halted a great deal of routine road maintenance, and this is becoming a serious issue in respect of worn out lane markings in several areas. The problem is very evident on the A4174 on the Downend side of the M32 J1 roundabout, where the lane markings have

Cllr Brian Allinson

almost completely disappeared.

I have drawn my concern to the attention of the relevant authorities.

We are now entering the final year of the four-year cycle of local government provision. In 2023 I will have been a Stoke Gifford district councillor for 20 years and even longer as a parish councillor. This is one of the largest parishes in South Gloucestershire and I have thoroughly enjoyed representing you on the council, but I am resolved not to stand again – it is time to stand aside and make way for someone new.

Local councillors are an important way of ensuring that local concerns and interests are given proper consideration by the local authority when it makes decisions that affect us all. For that reason I am convinced that whoever is selected to represent us must live in the ward. Only in that way will they really understand and feel what the area needs.

Should you be interested in standing for election, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to discuss it with you.

Cllr Brian Allinson Stoke Gifford parish councillor and South Gloucestershire councillor for Stoke Gifford ward Write to your politicians, national or local, for free.

Visit writetothem.com

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

March/April 2022

t: 01454 300 400

info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

21

News

Are you looking to try something new in 2022?

By Emma Smallwood, GGCC ow about coming to our choir? We are the Stoke Gifford Gospel choir, part of the Bristol choir Gospel Generation Community Choir (GGCC). We meet fortnightly on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm in the St Michael’s Centre, North Road.

We are a very friendly group who enjoy the challenges of learning gospel songs in threepart harmony. As the choir director I always say the main aim of the choir is to have fun and if we make a great sound along the way that’s a bonus! As it happens, we do always sound great and love to perform what we have learned at concerts, street parties, community festivals and more.

Now if you’re thinking: “I can’t sing,” then I say: “Let us help you find your voice.” I firmly believe that everyone has a voice, they don’t always know how to access it. If you’re scared of other people hearing your voice, the great thing about a choir is it’s all about the group sound, not the individual. I never make people do solos, but I do offer the chance to members if they want.

I particularly want to encourage men to come along, our choirs really benefit from the sound of the male voice. It’s a really accessible activity and you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!

If you’re thinking: “But isn’t gospel just for people who believe

H

in God to sing?” I would say: “No it’s not!” We have a lot of people in our choir who wouldn’t say they have any faith, but they love the fact that gospel songs are songs of joy and hope, often with really uplifting melodies/ harmonies. Also, they can be quite simple to learn.

So, if you do decide to come along, what can you expect? Well, firstly the hall we use is fully accessible, with parking for Blue Badge holders just outside. We’re in the Lower Hall in the Centre, which is by the Old School Rooms Coffee Shop. When you arrive, someone will welcome you and help guide you to the best place to sit, depending on what you might want to sing. You may well later decide you want to change what you sing, and that’s totally fine!

We always start the rehearsal with some vocal warm-ups; they’re fun, easy to pick up and help get us ready to sing. We don’t use any words or music when learning songs, I teach

them all by ear. This means no-one is excluded and although it takes longer to learn this way, you will find you are less likely to forget the songs. Sometimes I use my keyboard to accompany but most of the time it’s just voices.

I do produce learning tracks for all the songs so members can rehearse in their own time.

Then at the end of each term we have a chance to perform! We

either host our own concerts or get invited to sing at other events.

It’s always such a highlight for members to hear themselves singing wonderfully and having an audience to cheer them on.

I hope I have said enough to convince you to give it a try! To find out when our rehearsals are email me, Emma gospelgen@ googlemail.com or visit our website www.ggcc.org.uk

Tax year end Love to Wordle? Scan the QR code to play.

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March/April 2022

Sport

Chiropractor supports mental health research with marathon effort

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ittle Stoke chiropractor Lee Wickham will be running the 2022 Cardiff Half Marathon later this month to raise funds and awareness for mental health research at The Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute at Cardiff University.

Speaking about the event, Lee sheepishly revealed: “I signed up so long ago, I’d forgotten I had, until the 6-week reminder landed in my inbox!”

The ‘Cardiff Half’ is one of the ‘SuperHalfs, a global series of the world’s most prestigious half marathons and is the largest charitable event in Wales.

An expected 27,500 runners will be taking on the 13.1-mile challenge through the Welsh capital on Sunday 27th March.

Lee has never really liked or enjoyed running and has never run a half marathon before. He says he is truly uncomfortable in attempting to “run for 2.5 hours”.

However, he adds: “Doing something that is uncomfortable for me means that I can ask people for sponsorship in support of fellow doctors researching mental health.”

Researchers at The Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute at Cardiff University have recently discovered a common genetic link to ADHD and a developmental link between brain cell maturation and schizophrenia. The researchers at the institute are looking at the human genome and matching

Lee Wickham, of Fascia First Chiropractic, in his #TeamCardiff running vest

up genetic variances to mental health concerns, as well as novel brain imaging and new medicine development.

To support mental health research, Lee asks that you

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Get well · Stay well

O

Brand New Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-school Coming Soon to Charlton Hayes This new nursery will be opening soon in 2022 – for babies from 3 months to children of 5 years: Offering a flexible booking system – so you only pay for the care you require

March/April 2022

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

Look after your feet: Self-care tips

ur feet are responsible for our mobility and therefore for our independence. Imagine if you are not able to move around on your feet. Imagine the impact that would have on your lifestyle. Imagine what you would not be able to do.

There are some very simple self-care habits that we need to adopt in order to look after our feet. This is especially important if you have health conditions, particularly diabetes.

If the skin on your feet is not soft and supple, you run the risk of your skin being dry and cracked, which could lead to complications including infection and potential ulcerations.

It is therefore very important to moisturise your skin. Often, and if possible, every day.

As we age our foot shape can change. For example, our toes can retract causing pressure to be placed on the fatty pads on your forefoot.

Higher pressure can lead to callous formation. Foot pain can change the way we use our feet and placing more pressure on parts of our feet that are not designed to take the strain.

This can lead to problems like forefoot pain (metatarsalgia), heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and inflammation of tendons.

Regular exercises help to keep your feet in good condition.

Intervention, such as insoles or orthotics, may be needed to correct problems.

Incorrect footwear can cause a host of problems with your feet.

Shoes that don’t suit your feet or the activity you are doing, shoes that are not properly supportive (like slippers or sliders), shoes that are too narrow or too wide can cause problems like blisters, callouses, ingrown toenails, corns and even musculoskeletal problems with your knees and hips. Choosing comfortable footwear is essential in maintaining good foot health.

Wash your feet and moistur­ ise your feet every day, keep your nails short and clean, wear good shoes and check your feet for any cracks or sores. Seek help from a foot health practitioner if you have any concerns or would like help with your foot health.

Look after your feet and they will look after you.

The Willow Brook Clinic www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk

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28/02/2022 09:48

March/April 2022

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25

News

Inspector overturns Parkway Tavern new access refusal

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new vehicular access point directly off Hatchet Road could soon be created into the site of the former Co-operative food store near Parkway Station after a planning inspector allowed an appeal against a council committee’s decision to refuse permission.

In refusing the application (in February 2021), councillors on South Gloucestershire Council’s Development Management Committee went against the advice of the council’s officers, who had recommended approval.

Councillors claimed the proposal would result in a “severe highway impact” and expressed concerns relating to “visibility, traffic flows and pedestrian safety”. They also said it might lead to motorists using the site’s car park as a short cut between Hatchet Lane and Hatchet Road.

The applicant, Danolly Limited, submitted an appeal against the decision in June 2021, saying that the grounds for refusal were “not justified with any evidence”.

Rather than employing an external consultancy to defend its decision, the council relied on “additional statements” provided by the three Stoke Gifford ward councillors.

In a three-page appeal decision published on 23rd February 2022, government-appointed planning inspector Tamsin Law rejected all the council’s grounds for refusal and grants permission.

On the question of highway

impact, the inspector accepts traffic flow modelling submitted by the applicant that shows the new junction would operate at 83 percent capacity, “therefore retaining a reserve capacity”.

The proposals include ‘yellow box’ hatching on the southbound lane of Hatchet Road, across the mouth of the new junction. This hatching is intended to prevent vehicles from obstructing the right turn into the site by stopping across the junction mouth. Responding to concerns that this box junction would impact the free flow of southbound traffic along Hatchet Road, the inspector notes that it would reduce the queuing capacity by 2-3 cars, but concludes that “given the overall length of the road and the distance to the next junction to the north, the reduction in queuing capacity would only have a minimal effect on traffic flow.

Responding to concerns raised about visibility splays for vehicles leaving the Parkway Tavern site via the new junction, with reference to drawings submitted by the applicant, the inspector concludes that these will not be impacted upon by buses stopped at the nearby bus stop.

Concerns over pedestrians waiting to cross at the pedestrian crossing 30m south of the junction impacting visibility are similarly dismissed, as is the suggestion that drivers of vehicles leaving the Parkway Tavern site might not be able to

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

Detail from a drawing showing the proposed new site access point

see the lights at the crossing.

Regarding the provision of a further obstacle for children travelling to and from local schools, the inspector says: “Any vehicle entering or leaving via the new access would be travelling at low speeds allowing for pedestrians crossing the access to be seen. Additionally, the proposed access will be finished with a dropped kerb and tactile paving to facilitate pedestrians crossing the access.”

Proposed measures to reduce the possibility of vehicles using

the site’s car park as a short cut are acknowledged in the report, but the associated safety risks for pedestrians are not considered.

The inspector concludes that the proposal “would not have an unacceptable effect on highway and road safety or create or contribute to severe congestion.”

In a separate report she finds that, in refusing the application, the council demonstrated “unreasonable behaviour resulting in unnecessary or wasted expense”, and awards full costs. ● Planning ref: P20/21170/F

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What’s On

Children’s Easter story hunt in Little Stoke

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et on the trail and find five different clue posters which will be displayed around Little Stoke in the week leading up to Easter!

All the posters tell a part of the Easter story. Some of the posters will have a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone, leading to a video clue or a puzzle to help you solve the clue and find the hidden letter. The hidden letters make up a password to access a bonus video.

The trail is aimed at families with children aged 5 to 11, but the adults can play too!

The trail ends with a community fun day on Saturday 16th April at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway. There will be games and craft, stalls, cake and refreshments. Everyone who tells us the password from the trail will also receive a chocolate egg.

To keep up to date about this event, and for clues to help you find the posters, be sure to ‘like’ the Little Stoke Baptist Church page on Facebook.

March/April 2022

In Brief Bowls club hoping to welcome new members Are you looking for an enjoyable safe way to make new friends and learn new skills?

If you are thinking of starting a safe, open-air activity and making new friends, then flat green bowling could be the answer.

Bradley Stoke Bowls Club opens for the new season on 11th April and welcomes new members, as well as those who have played bowls previously. All you need is yourself and a pair of flat shoes to get started.

The Club will be organising several taster sessions during the early part of the season.

To find out more, either email bsbc.infoyou@gmail.com, visit www.bradleystokebowls.com or come along and meet many of the members at the club’s Spring Meeting on Thursday 31st March in the Orchard Room, Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke BS32 8BH, starting at 6pm.

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March/April 2022

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27

News

Community spirit helps local Poppy Appeal raise £43k

By Rebecca Tregarthen, Stoke Gifford RBL ver the last few months, we have known only too well a very different way to have to conduct ourselves: masks, isolation, ‘giving space’ – all these things have been absorbed into everyday actions and demonstrate the adaptability of many.

Meetings have still happened, gatherings have all taken place but ‘virtually’ and with the aid of IT systems that many of us would never have had experience with and now operate quite happily (in the main!). It means, though, that we are more dependent on communication via computers – has this meant that we have forgotten how to interact ‘in person’ and as people?

I would suggest not – and we at the Stoke Gifford Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) are only one of the many community groups who have forged on to provide support and resources for those needing it. There are a few individuals in the organisation who have given hours of their time in ensuring that the members are looked after, it’s a tough ask to keep going when all around is faltering a little.

While individuals rightly need to be celebrated for their dedication, it’s the organisations providing the venue and back-up in order for this to happen which also need shouting about. Their support is always paramount in the seasonal run-up to the Poppy

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Appeal and forms the backbone of the teams around the fundraising activities.

Asda, Sainsbury’s, Willow Brook Centre, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway … hubs of activity which have given permission for our groups to collect funds from the public they meet. It is hugely appreciated. All the staff are helpful, considerate and supportive for the collecting teams and it makes such a difference. We are very grateful.

We at the RBL have been overwhelmed with the generosity of the public in difficult times.

The local Poppy Appeal this year gathered an impressive amount of over £43,000 in the face of ongoing obstacles. It is a fantastic effort, and everyone should be justly proud!

There is one group whom we would like to celebrate in a little more detail – the team at Bristol Parkway Station.

Brian Hewitt MBE started collecting for the Poppy Appeal there in the 1980s. Every year the station manager allows a team from the RBL to mingle with train travellers to raise funds and this year, despite the issues faced by the team and the station with ongoing restrictions, the RBL collected over £9,500 – a record!

Danny, the station manager, has ensured that his team are fully behind this great cause and our collectors have worked hard to make the most of the opportunity – for instance, David Bell has been there every year for 20

Volunteers from the Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion collect for the 2021/22 Poppy Appeal at Bristol Parkway railway station

years and tells us that he must have collected in the region of £30,000!

This article started with a question but ends with a resounding positive. Thus we thank, appreciate and celebrate

our supporters in the community.

Covid-19 and all its restrictions may have battered and bruised us all, but with the help of our loyal friends we have fought back.

Onwards and upwards!

Thank you all!

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March/April 2022

News

In Brief New meeting venue for Little Stoke Ladies Club Little Stoke Ladies Club have changed the venue for their meetings, writes Julie Hills.

We now meet at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway.

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.

Budgie society meetings and talks in Little Stoke Bristol Budgerigar Society holds monthly meetings at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway.

Meetings commence at 7pm on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge to see the wonderful budgerigar breeding, exhibition and social experience that Bristol

Budgerigar Society can offer.

Details from secretary Ron Ramplin on 7748740794 or ronnie.ramplin@btinternet.com A talk on show preparation

by Swindon Budgerigar Society member Tom Jackson is being held at the meeting on Monday 11th April. Visitors welcome.

Traders set to return to square after licensing issue finally resolved

Volunteering drop-in information sessions Restarting from 26th April are the regular volunteering drop-in sessions at Bradley Stoke Library on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month, 1pm-3pm.

For those who want to talk about what volunteering opportunities there are in the area, or groups who are looking for volunteers.

For more information, email volunteeringpfs@ southernbrooks.org.uk or visit the Volunteer Centre, Patchway, Filton and the Stokes page on Facebook.

Send YOUR news to info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk

Abacus Pre School are recruiting We are looking for Super awesome team members including a Deputy Manager and Assistants who have a level 3 or above qualification in Early Years. Please note a qualification is essential to apply.

The position is term time only Monday to Friday 8.30am til 3.30pm allowing for a perfect work/home life balance.

We have Ofsted registered settings, based in Bradley Stoke, Mangotsfield and Stoke Gifford, all rated good or outstanding.

We offer a competitive salary and a fun supportive team environment with opportunities for progression.

Applicants are encouraged to be: 🤪🤪🤪🤪 fun loving, ☺ happy go lucky, � ready to release your inner super hero � able to dance your way into the day rain or shine � enjoy four conversations and be your best self still 🥳🥳🥳🥳 celebrate all achievements like you won gold at the Olympics 🤣🤣🤣🤣 enjoy supporting regular hygiene skills 😍😍😍😍 be an awesome team player.

If this applies to you, and you would love to join our awesome team to deliver the curriculum in a fun, caring environment, we need you!

We would love to hear from you.

Please forward your cv to enquiries@abacuspreschool.co.uk or give us a call on 01454 867285.

Informal visits can be arranged.

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popular mobile butcher’s van and other market traders are expected to return to the town square at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre in the coming days following a near-six-month break caused by a licensing issue.

Mark’s Mobile Butchers began trading at the Willow Brook site in May 2021 after moving from the Stokers public house in Little Stoke where business was being impacted by the long-term road closure and traffic management on Gipsy Patch Lane.

But on 7th October 2021 the firm announced on their Facebook page that they would not be able to trade at the Willow Brook Centre “for a very short time due to a problem with [the centre’s] market licence”. They added: “We are assured this is a very temporary problem and we will be back ASAP.” A similar message was posted by fruit & veg stall trader Dean Cooper, who was also a regular trader in the town square.

However, the licensing issue turned out to be anything but “very temporary” and weeks and then months passed with no sign of the traders returning.

Confusingly, one particular trader, the Pappu Dosa food van, did continue to trade in the square. Enquiries by the Journal revealed that this was because this business has it own mobile

street trading licence, so was unaffected by the issue with the centre’s ‘block street trading’ licence under which the other traders were operating.

On contacting South Gloucestershire Council, the Journal was told that a routine inspection had discovered that the Willow Brook Centre’s ‘block’ licence had expired in 2017!

Acquiring a new licence might sound like a trivial task when it would effectively be a renewal, but that has turned out to be far from the case. An application form, signed by the applicant on 12th November 2021, was submitted to the council at some unknown date, but it is understood that various issues with supporting documents meant that the council was unable to formally validate the application until several weeks later.

A three-week consultation period was then entered, running from 16th February to 9th March 2022, when neighbours were notified and posters displayed at the site. The Journal has learned that no objections to the application were received during this period, meaning that consent should now be granted without further delay.

Mark’s Mobile Butchers say they plan to make an announcement very soon, while Dean Cooper says he is hoping to return to Willow Brook in April.

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March/April 2022

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29

News

Update on ‘Little Stoke Growing Community’

By Rev. Tania Vaughan he plan for a community garden has not been forgotten, but to be entrusted with a piece of land large enough for one we first had to show we could gather volunteers and organise small projects.

So Little Stoke Baptist Church sourced, emptied and refilled two large planters and placed one at the church and another at the entrance to Little Stoke Park.

The idea was that the whole community could get involved in planting, painting, and caring for these planters. Unfortunately to date this task has fallen to a few members of the church. We do however have a good crop of broad beans growing in the planter on Collins Avenue, as well as flowers and strawberry plants in the various planters around the church. The existing planter at the community centre was tidied and replanted with some colour and the new planter is full of spring bulbs which should soon be popping their heads up.

Our plan for the future is to use this planter

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for growing vegetables and a couple of people are already tending seedlings in their greenhouses for this. In the meantime, we have realised that “growing community” is not just about plants but about people and so the original Facebook group has extended it’s scope to include information about free events taking place at Little Stoke Baptist Church which are open to the whole community.

Earlier start for coffee morning

The building is in a central location in Little Stoke with lots of free parking and we want to offer as much as we can to the community.

After the Easter holidays, we will begin to open up Thursday coffee morning at 9am rather than 10am to offer a space to chat over a cuppa after the school run. We will continue to have toys for toddlers and space for those who want to bring their own craft projects.

To keep up to date with the planting schedule and upcoming events join the Facebook group ‘Little Stoke Growing Community’. If you have any suggestions for community events please contact Rev.

Broad beans growing in a planter outside the church

Tania via WhatsApp 07878 255901, email lsbcminister@gmail.com or pop in one Thursday morning for a chat.

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Directory of Advertisers Bathrooms JJ Plumbing, Page 21 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 6 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 27 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 31 Northavon Carpentry, Page 20 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 4 Carpets & Flooring Phoenix Flooring, Page 23 Child Care Abacus Pre-School, Page 8 Charborough Road Nursery, Page 11 Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, Page 24 Tockington Manor School, Page 19 Children’s Activities Almondsbury Tennis Club, Page 12 Chiropractic Fascia First Chiropractic, Page 13 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Cleaning & Domestic Services Visit directory on SGJ website Curtains & Blinds Visit directory on SGJ website Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 24 Education & Learning Tockington Manor School, Page 19 Electricians Ernest Till, Page 13 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 1 Financial Services Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 21 Foot Care Sarah Williams Chiropodist, Page 31 Willow Brook Clinic, Page 9 Funeral Services Memorial Woodlands, Page 29 Garage Services LCM Automotive, Pages 1 & 2 Tyres Direct UK, Page 27 Gardening & Landscaping Services Painting Petals, Page 30 Gyms & Health Clubs Visit directory on SGJ website Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 6 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 22

Launderettes Wash Shop Patchway, Page 30 Mortgages & Financial Advice Aspirations Financial Planning, Page 21 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 10 Plumbing & Heating JJ Plumbing, Page 21 Little Bathroom & Boiler Co., Page 6 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 Abacus Pre-School, Page 28 Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 32 Roofing services Supreme Roofing, Page 31 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 25 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Skip Hire Earthworks UK, Page 26 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 7 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 10 Sport Almondsbury Tennis Club, Page 12 Taxis & Private Hire Visit directory on SGJ website TV Aerials & Satellite The Aerial Man, Page 31

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March/April 2022

PAINTING & DECORATING

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Free parking. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 3pm, Sat 10am - 12.30pm (Last service: 1 hour prior to closing times)

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March/April 2022

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PLUMBING & HEATING

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We are looking for an Early Years professional to join our team!

We want professional quality staff. We’ll pay the best salary, and you’ll have the most fun!

Are you ready to make a little person’s day better? Are you ready to feel a sense of achievement when the little people here at Banana Moon achieve amazing things?

Are you a listening ear to a little person wanting to tell you about their weekend? Can you make a little person smile and want to come back every day to learn?

Banana Moon in Bristol is an established local nursery looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and motivated Early Years Professional. We have lots of opportunities for you to progress your early years career into a senior role if this is your ambition. Here at Banana Moon, we care about each individual member of staff, and will support you to achieve your ambitions.

Full tim e 40 hou rs Part tim e 16 hou rs

Scan the QR code to find out more information and apply today!

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operates throughout our nurseries

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