Archive for May, 2012

Community Festival this Weekend!

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

This year’s Bradley Stoke Community Festival is set to provide a backdrop to Jubilee Celebrations in the town with three days of events across the weekend.

Traditionally held a week later, the festival has been moved, for this year only, to coincide with HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and events kick off on Friday 1st June with a Pre-School Picnic in the Park at the aptly named Jubilee Centre. With entertainment provided by the popular Professor Panic’s Circus there is sure to be a big crowd. Children will be invited to decorate their own bunting triangle which will be displayed around a commemorative plaque set to be unveiled at 11am.

On Saturday 2nd June the party will be in full swing with a packed programme of music and dance acts at the Jubilee Centre from 11.30am. Highlights include festival regulars Uncle Buck as well as up and coming local acts A Holiday Rumour and Little Intentions. There will be stalls and rides for the children as well as dog handling demonstrations and more. See further details and timings at: www.bradleystoke.gov.uk.

On Sunday 3rd June the focus switches to sport with the Bradley Stoke 10k around the Town and a 6 a-side cricket tournament at Bailey’s Court.

Newly appointed Town Mayor Cllr Charlotte Walker said: “With a long weekend holiday, the Diamond Jubilee and a big summer of sport there is something for everyone to celebrate. The Bradley Stoke Community Festival caters to everyone’s tastes and is sure to be a great party weekend.”

Funds raised over the weekend will go to the Mayor’s chosen charities which this year are: Alzheimer’s Society – Bradley Stoke Sports and Social Club and the Have a Heart ChildLine Appeal

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Charity Football Match Raises £1,400 for Childline

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Bradley Stoke Town Football Club is delighted to announce that last weekend’s charity match, which saw the Club field 16 squad players from all teams to face a celebrity and ex pro ‘Mayor’s XI’, ended with £1,400 collected and donated to Heart’s ‘Have A Heart’ Campaign in association with Childline.

BSTFC spokesman Rich Sears said,

“There are so many thank you’s, it is impossible to list but a big thank you to Ben Walker, Heart, all at Bradley Stoke Town Council, the players and of course the public who donated their time and money to this great event”.

 

“We had over 240 spectators and the club itself, showed how improved they have been recently by only losing 3-2. But in the end, the charity was the winner and we were delighted to have been part of it”.

“We are hoping to plan another event of this kind next year, in which we hope the people of Bradley Stoke can once again show their fantastic support, as they did so well on this occasion”.

Well done to everyone for a fun afternoon of football on such a very hot day!  The Bar BQ and ice creams went down well.  The raffle was called by Troy from Heart in the Clubhouse after the match with prizes ranging from a signed Bristol Rovers shirt, to Bristol City tickets, wine, chocolates and a gift voucher for Pets at Home.  We look forward to next year’s event!

 

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Clothes Swap in Aid of Local Charity One25

Monday, May 28th, 2012

It’s the perfect opportunity to get a new outfit for your summer holiday – a ‘swish’ in aid of local charity One25, which helps women to get off the streets, is being held on Saturday 30th June 2012 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the centre of Bristol.

Ladies can take up to 10 items for swapping, including clothes, shoes, handbags and other accessories. The doors will open for check-in at 2.00pm and items will be awarded points depending on the brand. Last ticket admittance is at 2.45pm and the swap will begin at 3.00pm. There will be an opportunity to browse the clothes on offer, try them on and make selections up to the value of awarded points, however extra points can be bought if there is a shortfall.

 Tickets cost £5 in advance and can be purchased by emailing swishforone25@yahoo.com . Please specify the amount of tickets that you require and you will be invoiced for payment via PayPal. Alternatively, the ticket price on the door will be £6. For more information, please contact Denise on 07929477158.

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Little Stoke Allotments Open Morning Sunday 3rd June 2012

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

Everyone is invited to Little Stoke Garden Society’s ‘Diamond Jubilee Themed Open Morning’ on Sunday 3rd June from 10am-12noon.  This is the Society’s fourth Open Morning at the Allotments in Bush Avenue and is open for non-members as well as members of the Little Stoke Garden Society to join in the plant sale and look around the allotments.

There will be cakes, jams and chutney for sale, refreshments, raffle and lucky dip and a popular Scarecrow competition.

In addition Little Stoke Garden Society are keen to promote their 31st Annual Show which will be held on Saturday 1st September 2012. This is a closed show for members, but non-members are welcome to come along at 2.30 pm to view the entries. Alternatively join the Society for just £3.00 and join in and enter the Show at Little Stoke Community Hall.

For further information check out the website: www.littlestokegardensociety.co.uk/

 

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Stoke Singers: The friendliest choir in North Bristol!

Friday, May 25th, 2012

Stokes Singers is the local community choir that is currently 40-strong, but they are always looking for new members, especially tenors and basses – are you interested in joinging them?

There are no auditions and they don’t turn anyone away! You can just go along and enjoy singing popular music of all kinds, participating in regular concerts whilst raising money for charity.  We are reliably told that they are the friendliest choir in North Bristol!

The choir sings every Thursday evening from 8pm-10pm, at Patchway Baptist Church in Amberley Road. Choir members pay £2.25 a week but the first two weeks are free.   Feel free to pop along to a rehearsal or phone 01454 614148 for more information.   Alternatively take a look at the Stoke Singers website  www.stokessingers.org.uk, where there is the option to leave your details for them to contact you.  The choir is also on Facebook and Myspace.

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BSTFC Hosts Celebrity and Ex Pro Charity Football Match for Heart FM’s ‘Have a Heart’ Campaign – this Saturday

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Family fun at the Jubilee Centre this Saturday 26th May,  Gates Open at 1pm for Match Kick Off at 2pm.  BBQ and refreshments available, Jubilee Centre Bar open for drinks for adults and children.

All eyes will on Bradley Stoke Town FC as they host a charity match for Heart’s ‘Have A Heart’ Campaign in which all proceeds will go Childline. Bradley Stoke Town FC will field players from all it’s four adult teams and they will face a celebrity and ex pro eleven consisting of:

Celebrity & Pro Squad

BEN WALKER
MATT WALKER
LIAM GORDON
PARIS TROY - Heart Breakfast
ED PALMER - Heart Breakfast
PAUL BURLING - Britain’s Got Talent
STEVE THOMPSON - Semi Pro
JOHN RENDELL - Ex Cardiff City
TOM WHITE - Ex Bristol Rovers & Yeovil
PAUL NUTTALL - Ex Tranmere Rovers
BILLY CLARKE - Ex Bristol Rovers
FRANKIE BENNETT - Ex Bristol Rovers
ANDY TILLSON - Ex Bristol Rovers, QPR, Walsall
STEVE WHITE - Ex Rovers, Luton, Swindon & Cardiff
TOMMY DOHERTY - Ex Bristol City (Currently Bath City)
DAVE GILROY - Currently Chippenham Town FC

On behalf of Bradley Stoke Town FC, Rich Sears said,

“We would dearly love as many people as possible to come to the event from
Bradley Stoke and the surrounding area to not only see stars from the past but to also cheer on this charity match and dig deep into their pockets for this great cause”.

“The Heart Angels will also be there to do face painting for the kids and we have refreshments available including a BBQ”.


For further information, please contact Rich Sears on 07986 164034 or rich@bstfc.co.uk

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Sponsored Buggy Push for Bliss 23rd June

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

We were pleased to hear from local resident Kerry Robinson who is organising a charity event for baby charity Bliss.  Bliss plan to hold a Sponsored Buggy Push in various locations across the country and Kerry is keen to make the Bradley Stoke event as big as possible!

Bliss works to provide the best possible care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families.  One in every 9 babies in the UK is born either premature or sick – which is  over 80,000 babies every year, with one being admitted to special care every six minutes! The vital care that babies receive after birth can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives. For families struggling to cope, it is one of the most difficult, emotional and stressful times of their lives.  Bliss provides advice and support over the phone, through their messageboard and network of local councillors and locally-based groups.

This is a charity close to Kerry’s own heart as her own daughter was born premature.  Kerry shares her story with us:

“Amber was born on June 27th 2011, 6 weeks early.  Due to my waters leaking at 32 weeks, I was given steroids to mature her lungs as doctors thought she could come at anytime.  Luckily she didn’t and I was induced at 34 weeks to reduce the risk of infection.

“Amber weighed 5lb 4oz and taken straight to nicu at southmead and put on cpap to help with her breathing, and under ultra violet lights as she was badly jaundiced. Amber came home a few weeks later and has done really well,  She is now a very happy and healthy 10 month old.

“I never expected to be in the position of having a premature baby, especially as I had a full term son previously.  It was an emotional rollercoaster and everyday I feel so very lucky that Amber has done so well.  Its not until you are in the position of being in nicu that you realise how many people go through that hard time and that’s where Bliss is so important.”

Join Kerry and make the Stokes’ Buggy Push HUGE and help raise as much as possible for this worthy charity!  The event takes place at 10am on 23rd June from the Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre and is a 5km sponsored walk around the Three Brooks Nature Reserve.

To register, or for more information, please email kerryrobinson@hotmail.co.uk or search for the event on facebook – ‘bliss buggy push fundraiser bristol’, or visit the Bliss website www.bliss.org.uk/action/buggypush

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Local girl to carry Olympic Torch

Monday, May 21st, 2012

We were delighted to hear that a young lady from Bradley Stoke will be one of the torchbearers of the Olympic torch.

Sophie Vaughan-Williams will be carrying the Olympic torch through Ilminster at about 7am on Tuesday morning. Sophie was nominated by her aunt through the “Moment to Shine”¯ campaign for her commitment to excel in all aspects of her life. “Sophie throws herself into every activity she does and pushes herself to excel and be the best. From a young age she took up gymnastics and swimming to competition level. In secondary school her focus has been on her studies where she has been predicted 11 A* grades in her GCSEs. She has gained Grade 6 in music (flute) and is currently working on her Silver DoE award. She is an outstanding role model for her peers at school both in and out of the classroom and has been made a “senior student”. Out of school she volunteers within the guiding movement and has become a Young Leader, helping to run her local guide pack and finds time to play centre for her local netball team. Although only 15 she already knows she wants a job which will make a difference to people – a paediatric surgeon – no less.”

What an inspirational young lady! We wish Sophie a truly memorable day tomorrow. We also understand Sophie is currently in the middle of her GCSEs and wish her every success with these and her ambitions for the future.

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The Olympic Torch comes to Bristol!

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Excitement is mounting as the Olympic torch relay gets nearer to Bristol, being due to arrive around 5pm in Bitton tomorrow (Tuesday 22nd).

For full details of the route around the city check out the following links.

http://www.itv.com/news/west/2012-05-17/olympic-torch-relay-street-by-street-route/

http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route/

There will be as special celebration Tuesday evening in Millennium Square and at the Amphitheatre, which will include a screening of the relay and performances by talented young musicians, athletes and choirs.

On Wednesday morning, the torch will continue its route around Bristol crossing Clifton Suspension Bridge around 8am.

It concludes its visit to Bristol in Filton at around 9am when it will then be transported to Chippenham to carry on its journey.

 

 

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Little Stoke Social Club Raises Over £2,000 for CLIC Sargent

Friday, May 18th, 2012

We were pleased to be invited to Little Stoke Social Club again to witness the handing over of the fruits of the last twelve month’s fundraising efforts.

Every year the Club nominates a charity to benefit from the members’ generosity at fund raising events held throughout the year.  CLIC Sargent was chosen for the 2011/12 year as, in addition to being such a worthwhile local charity, life time LSSC member Rosemary Barton works as the team administrator at the local CLIC offices at Abbey Wood Business Park in Filton.

Local Fundraising Manager Kiren Fernandes (pictured centre) was delighted to collect the cheque for £2,090.00 pounds from committee members Pat Louca, Rosemary Barton, Tim Hewer and Andy Barton.  Tim, Club Chairman, commented how pleased he was that the Club had managed to match the fundraising efforts of the previous year in the current economic climate and praised the generosity of the Club’s members in achieving such an amount.

As in previous years, the Club raised funds by holding fun events such as ‘Deal or No Deal’, Mr & Mrs, a Race Night, a Club Fun night, a Rock ‘n Roll Evening, Strongest Man event and holding raffles on the days big sporting events.  Father and son members Steve and Andy Barton grew moustaches for ‘Movember’ and when other charities use the Club for fundraisers, there is no charge for the facilities but a donation is suggested towards the Club’s charity pot.  Lots of money was raised this way from skittles nights, Little Stoke Beach Party, DAWG and Bradley Stoke Radio Group amongst others.

The nominated charity for 2012/13 is Parkinson’s UK as ex-committee member Jim Brooks is affected by the condition.

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Arrests as suspected stolen motorbike recovered

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Police were called at about 10.20am today, Wednesday May 16 2012, to reports of young men riding a motorcycle on the footpaths at Savages Wood, Bradley Stoke.  Emergency response and neighbourhood officers, supported by the police helicopter, attended the scene.

A motorcycle, believed to have been stolen from Filton College on Tuesday May 15, was found in bushes at about 11.15am and seized by police.  Five men aged between 20 and 24 were arrested and remain in police custody.

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Midlifekayak team takes to the sea to raise funds for The West of England MS Therapy Centre

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

At the beginning of May, Geoff Cater, Mike Greenslade and Andy Mullins set off in their kayaks from Tatums Beach, Portscatho on the Cornish South Coast for what will be the adventure of a lifetime!

The team – Midlifekayak – are aiming to paddle 2,500 miles around the mainland of Britain and will be raising money for their favourite charities along the way. The West of England MS Therapy Centre is thrilled to be one of the chosen charities for this exciting challenge!

The three adventurers hope to cover the 2,500 miles in fewer than 90 paddling days. Even given the unseasonably bad weather they are aiming to appear on the Cornish coast again in around 100 days’ time. This will be an amazing achievement by anyone’s standards! The team, whose average age is 46, are under no illusions that this will be both a tough physical and mental challenge but are excited about the task ahead.

Geoff Cater said: “This is a tremendous personal opportunity, underpinned by raising money for charities which are close to our hearts”.

Although they are going to be sleeping outdoors for most of the 100 nights Geoff noted “I am most looking forward to arriving at one of the isolated islands off the coast of Scotland and enjoying a whiskey as they sun goes down.”

Following a wonderful send off in Cornwall from their friends and supporters Midlifekayak have just completed their first full week of paddling and are almost out of Cornwall and into Devon. They hope to be on their way to Wales by the end of this week. They have battled some stormy weather, paddled through some very lumpy water and enjoyed a few beers around the campfire to recover. You can follow their progress on their blog http://midlifekayak.com

Alongside The West of England MS Therapy Centre Midlifekayak have also selected the charities Help for Heroes, Over The Wall and The Christian Adventure Centre to support.

You can make a donation all of these charities at www.sponsor-me.org/midlifekayak. The team are grateful for any support you can give and know it will help motivate them to complete this huge challenge.

To make a donation to The West of England MS Therapy Centre visit http://www.justgiving.com/nailseamtc/.

If you would like to find out more about the Kayak challenge or The West of England MS Therapy Centre please call us on 01454 201686 or email fundraising@mstherapybristol.org.uk

The West of England MS Therapy Centre, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB
Registered Charity Number 801155

Photograph shows Midlifekayak arriving at Port Gaverne on Monday 7 May 2012.

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How are you celebrating?

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Weekend fast approaching, we would love to hear how you are planning to celebrate.

Do let us know your ideas – are you having a local street party? Do send us in your photos of any local community events that you have enjoyed attending – we love to see them!

Have you seen or met the Queen at all over the years?  Do send us in your memories and/or photos if you have any.

In the last edition of Little Stoke Gifford Matters we produced a selection of photos for the Little Stoke Scouts 60th Jubilee which is also being celebrated this year.  One of the photos included the Queen visiting Filton High School, with the caption – ‘The Queen opening Filton High School but can anyone remember the year?’

We were delighted to receive feedback from local resident Claire Wood in response to this photo, which I am pleased to share here  - “I’m Claire Wood and I have lived in Stoke Gifford for the last 14 years. I grew up in Filton. I was really interested in looking on pages 6 and 7 of the Little Stoke Gifford Matters magazine at the old photos of scouting events. There is one picture at the bottom of page 6, with the Queen visiting Filton High School and the comment attached to it is that the Queen is opening Filton High but could anyone remember the year? I remember it very well, as I  was very much involved in the day, as a pupil of Filton High, at the time. It was NOT the opening of Filton High.  It was a visit made by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate her Silver Jubilee. The date is August 8th 1977.

We all gave up a day of our summer holidays to be there. It followed months of planning, preparation and training on how to behave and what to do.  She visited other places in Bristol on that day including the official opening (or naming, or something) of  Royal Portbury Dock at Avonmouth. 

Just a funny story to add to this but a year later, on the last day of the summer term 1978, Mr Smith who was Head Master of Filton High at the time, gave the day’s notices and said after all the planning that had gone into the previous year’s visit by the Queen, we might not believe him if he told us that she was visiting again today! Actually what was happening was that the Queen was arriving by train at Bristol Parkway and going by car into the city of Bristol for an event and Mr Smith got all the pupils to go out and line the Mile Straight and wave as she passed by in her car!”

Thank you Claire for making contact and agreeing to share your memories.  It would be great to compile a few more memories/photos of the Queen visiting our locality in this, her Diamond Jubilee Year, so if you have anything to share please do get in touch by emailing jaci@mattersmagazines.co.uk

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Sponsored Judothon raises £2,000!

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Bradley Stoke Judo Club held a Sponsored Judothon at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on April 29th  with 40 of their judoka taking part. Their goal was to each complete 100 legal throws….so in excess of 4000 throws were made, and more than £2000 was raised in a combined sponsorship and raffle and lots of fun had in the process! The Club is also grateful to the BJA who supported the event by donating some raffle prizes and judogi.

In total there there are about 70 youngsters within the Club aged between 5 and 19 and ranging in abilities from complete novices to members of the British Junior Squad. Two of whom, Lele Naire and Pete Miles have recently travelled to Kiev and the Czech Republic representing GB.  The club is consistently in the medals and are keen that the youngsters get the chance to compete outside of the UK to expose themselves to the best in Europe and beyond. Last June, 19 members went to Grissoles in France. This June, 26 are travelling to Venray in Holland and in 2013 the Club hopes to take all their British medallists to compete at the US Open in Florida!

The sponsored Judothon is part of the ongoing fundraising activities at the Club.

 

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