Archive for August, 2012

Fun Dog Show this Weekend (11.30-4pm Sunday 2nd Sept)

Friday, August 31st, 2012

Pets at Home are holding a Fun Dog Show in the Town Square on Sunday 2nd September. All proceeds from the day will go to ‘The Pets at Home charitable foundation to support adoption for pets’ (Registered charity number: 1104152)

The categories will be:

1. Best Puppy (Under 1 Year Old)
2. Best Pedigree (Bitch)
3. Best Pedigree (Dog)
4. Most Handsome Dog
5. Prettiest Bitch
6. Best Cross Breed
7. Best Rescue
8. Best Condition
9. Best Child Handler (14 and under)
10. Best Veteran (7 years and over)
11. Best Greyhound or Lurcher
12. Dog with the most appealing eyes
13. Dog with the waggiest tail
14. Dog the Judge would most like to take home

There will be cups for the Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show and Best Puppy.

Rosettes will be awarded for 1st to 5th place, plus special Rosettes, plus goodies for the Dogs.

For further information, please call 0117 9695332

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Police Notice: Shed and garage security warning after boy charged with theft

Friday, August 31st, 2012

Police are urging anyone planning to do DIY this weekend to add fitting an alarm to their shed and garage to the list.

They’re cheap, effective, easy to fit and available from most DIY stores.

They are making this call after charging a 14-year-old boy with two garage burglaries in Emersons Green last week (August 20-25) in which a bicycle, hedge trimmer and lawnmower were stolen. He has been released on conditional police bail, including a night-time curfew, until he appears before Northavon magistrates.

In the past week there have also been reports of thieves making off empty-handed after breaking into garages in Yate, Mangotsfield and Kingswood, and bicycles being stolen from garages in Bradley Stoke, Emersons Green and Kingswood.

Community Safety Inspector Gerry Treacy said: “We know thieves target sheds and garages looking for valuable bicycles and tools to steal and we’re running targeted patrols of the affected areas. I’d recommend fitting a shed alarm and calling us immediately if it sounds. Chaining your bike to a ground anchor or solid object within the shed or garage is also important.

“It’s also a good idea to mark bikes, tools and other items with your postcode and register them at www.immobilise.com. This deters thieves because they know we will be able to prove the item is stolen and enables us to get it back to the rightful owner.”

There’s more home security advice on the website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk, or contact your neighbourhood team.

Anyone with any information which could help enquiries into shed and garage burglaries can report it through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or calling 101. Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

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Leading Choir Conductor is coming to BSCS on Saturday 22nd September

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

Grenville Jones lives in Bath and has been featured on TV and Radio across the World.

He is conductor of the ‘Last Choir Standing’ Bath Male Choir who reached the finals of the BBC show 3 years ago, gaining an audience of millions. Since that time, the BBC have screened the programme across the World and the choir have welcomed visitors to their rehearsal room from as far a field as Australia and South Africa!

Grenville leads a number of music projects and is the founder of the Golden-Oldies Charity. ‘Goldies’ as it has become fondly known brings music to people who live in isolation and now runs its fun singing sessions across the West and South Wales. Sir Cliff Richard is Patron of Goldies and one of the charity projects is called Jubilee Time after Time, which encourages schools to open their doors to the elderly in their communities.

Funded by the Big Lottery, and as a representative of Golden-Oldies, Grenville was invited to the Queen’s Jubilee Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May when he was presented to the Queen.

He enjoys the reputation of “getting people of all ages to sing.” He works regularly for the BBC and last November linked with Gareth Malone in London as the choir leader who took the West Country’s representative youth choir in a BIG SING which linked choirs across the UK.

If you like to sing then this day is for you!  Billed as a community fun singing day for EVERYONE, the workshop and evening concert will raise money for the community school and the famous Bath Male Choir will also be taking part in the evening show.  Grenville told us: “Come along and bring your friends. Everyone who takes part in the Workshop will be singing at the concert in the evening in a fantastic finale!”

Grenville’s busy schedule means that he can only take a limited number of workshops per year. Early in 2012, he linked with ACM Gospel Choir leader, Mark De-Lisser for a sell-out Workshop on the Isle of Wight. He was recently also asked to lead a BBC Wiltshire Community Choir who took part in the Salisbury Olympic Flame celebrations.

In July he was delighted to receive an Honorary Degree from Bath Spa University in recognition for his contribution to music.

Tickets for the Workshop AND Evening Concert at BSCS on 22nd September are priced at just £10 for adults and £6 for Juniors (under 15)  – they are selling fast!  Please call Jody Chorley on 01761 472468 Mon-Thurs 9.15am-2.30pm to book tickets.

All profits will be donated to Bradley Stoke Community School funds.

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Local Residents Go Batty!

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Despite Friday’s very wet weather, 52 people braved the elements for the first of this year’s guided ‘Bat Walks’ around the Three Brooks Nature Reserve in Bradley Stoke.

After a welcome from the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group (3BNCG) and a brief talk from Bekki Farrar of TVC (The Conservation Volunteers), bat species guides & ‘bat detectors’ were loaned out and were tuned in to 45kHz since most British bat calls sweep through this frequency.

The group walked around the reserve and up to the lake where bats can often be seen swooping over the lake catching insects. They were shown the bat boxes in Savages wood but as bats are a protected species the boxes were not opened.

Courtney age 6 from Severn Beach (with bat detector and Rainbow Girl-Guide mascot Olivia) commented  “It was fun walking in the dark!”

The species most commonly found at the reserve are Noctule, Pipistrelle and Daubenton bats. You can tell what species of bat you have found by the sound that the dector picks up, Pipistrelle calls are describes as smacks or slaps whilst the call of the Daubenton bat would be described as a tick. Although for the first time this year crickets were keen to get in on the act and the detectors often picked them up too!

The next two Bat walks are on Friday 14th September, meet at Bradley Stoke leisure centre at 7:15 pm and Friday 12th October meeting at 6:10 pm. Please bring a torch and wear suitable footwear. All the 3BNCG Guided walks are free.

The group are also hoping to obtain a grant so that, with a valid library card, Guides and Bat Detectors can be borrowed from Bradley Stoke library. If you would be interested in this please let them know, either through their Facebook page or emailing at:  info@three-brooks.info

 

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Meningitis UK Looking for Runners & Abseilers

Saturday, August 18th, 2012

Meningitis UK would like to ask if any of our fitness-minded readers would like to run for Meningitis UK in this year’s Bristol Half Marathon, which has become one of the largest and most popular half marathons in the country.

Full support will be given and everyone who participates will receive a free running vest or T-shirt, and a handy information pack including hints and tips on how to prepare.

They have 15 Golden Band places, which guarantee people a place for the charity, and encourage people to sign up for one. Anyone who has already secured an independent place can choose to run for Meningitis UK and they would love for participants to become part of the Meningitis Musketeers team for the event on September 30.

Meningitis UK has a single focus – to find a vaccine to wipe out all forms of meningitis. Tragically, meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia continue to affect thousands of people in the UK every year and kill more children under five than any other infectious disease.

The Search 4 A Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7million to fund research into stamp out all forms of meningitis and associated diseases.

Everyone who runs for Meningitis UK will be part of the Meningitis Musketeers team, with the motto ‘All 4 One and One 4 All’ – to highlight the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under four hours and the importance of the Search 4 A Vaccine Campaign.

If you would like to take part in the Bristol Half Marathon and help Meningitis UK achieve their vision, please contact Emma King on 0117 303 3345 or email emmaking@meningitisUK.org for a sponsorship pack.

 

Alternatively, if running is not your ‘thing’ how about finding your inner superhero and experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush by abseiling the impressive Avon Gorge for Meningitis UK!?

On 20 October, those people brave enough will descend 190 feet while observing some wonderful scenery, including Clifton Suspension Bridge whilst raising funds to support life-saving vaccine research.  This will be a challenge to remember and everyone who takes part will be properly equipped and briefed and trained on how to reach the bottom of the magnificent gorge.

The Avon Mega Abseil Challenge is held on Meningitis UK’s behalf by experienced company Adventure Café.  Participants will need to pay £34 to sign up and are encouraged to raise as much as possible for Meningitis UK.

Anyone interested should call the charity on the above number as soon as possible to secure a place.

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Medals for Volunteers

Sunday, August 12th, 2012

Not only do Patchway Judo players bring home the medals and trophies, their volunteers do too!

Most recently Emma Peacock, Club Treasurer, has made it through to the top 4 National award for Club Volunteers and not to be out done Alex Bright, 17, has made it through to the top 4 National award for the Young Volunteer Award. To see whether they receive the Gold, Silver or a Bronze award there is now an open vote for supporters to vote for them and the other candidates.

Emma and Alex didn’t know they were being nominated and were shocked and pleased to have not only been nominated but to have got to the finals. As you can see from their judo kits they are both active judo players as well!

These two are not the first volunteers to be awarded volunteer awards this year, Club Coach and Secretary, Alison Finn, won the o18 Filton unsung hero award in July and a few months ago club chairman, Andrew Phelps, won South Glos Chair award for his services to volunteering, as a bonus he got to meet Earl and Countess of Wessex at a lunch for the volunteers.

You may well have gathered that volunteering is big part of the club, with it being run entirely by volunteers, from coaching to “back room” staff keeping the club going!

The club is only one of two silver club mark clubs in the area and is working on Gold, the highest level , which they hope to be awarded shortly.

Chairman, Andy Phelps, said that “it is very important to the club that we are a “family club” and all the family are involved. We have a fantastic group of volunteers, with parents getting involved all the time. This ensures we can support all players to be the best they can be, which is our club motto”.

Alison Finn said “the whole club is really pleased that Emma and Alex have made it to the top four.  We are looking forward to attending the awards evening in November and are hoping that the two new Olympic medalists will make an appearance at the evening too”.

If you would like to get involved or have a go, check out Patchway website www.patchwayjudo.org.uk

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Stay & Play @ CtK for Children with Special Needs

Sunday, August 5th, 2012

We were delighted to be invited down to visit a new community group in Bradley Stoke this weekend.

Stay & Play is a safe environment for parents/carers to bring their children who have additional needs as well as their siblings. The idea was put together by parents who attend Christ the King and whose children have Special Needs.

From 1pm till 5pm every Saturday, in a very spacious environment, the children can enjoy playing with their friends and family, with plenty of multi sensory toys that suit all children with different disabilities. Parents/carers meet up, chat and share information whilst enjoying the free tea/coffee and cake.

Feedback from families is that the area is lacking this type of provision and they are fully supporting the project:

‘It’s a complete life saver! The place we used to go as a family isn’t as accessible to families as it used to be. Now, one day a week, we have somewhere to go. The children are happy to see familar faces of friends they’ve met before. Unlike most softplays there are no financial limitations, you just give what you can afford. A friend wanted to come along with her child but required a ‘mobile hoist’ so they are trying to get one! I was really impressed by how welcome we’ve been made to feel.’

‘I was chocked up with emotion when I found out we had somewhere we could go to as a family, to forfill what is no longer accessible to us at other softplays.’

Although parents/carers are responsible for their children at all times, occasionally there are volunteers who stay and help play with the children. A special mention must go to Greggs in Bradley Stoke who provided the cakes and whose Area Manager has also helped out as a volunteer.

Donations of cakes, money and help with tidying up is always appreciated!

For further infomation www.facebook.com/groups/additionalneedsbristol

If you have any questions, please email jenniferprewett@yahoo.com

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Belarus Children at Folly Farm before Heading Home

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

A group of 18 children plus two leaders from Belarus were invited to Folly Farm at Stowey near Pensford by the Avon Wildlife Trust last Wednesday (1st August) for a day of bushcraft activity. The children, aged between 11 and 15, had been brought to Britain for a 4 week recuperative holiday by the Bristol link of the Chernobyl Children’s Life Line charity (more information at www.ccll.org.uk).

Belarus suffered the worst of the nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl power station disaster 26 years ago, and the effects are still being experienced today. The charity has been bringing children over annually for the last 16 years, for a once only visit at a time in their lives when they are growing rapidly and their bodies absorbing the environment around them. To give them 4 weeks of clean environment and food at this stage of their lives can prolong their lifespan by up to 2 years; indeed, a year after a visit, parents have  reported improvements to their children’s health.

The visit to Folly Farm began around a camp fire, and then the children were set a challenge to collect wood and light a fire themselves without matches, simply using a glowing King Alfred’s Cake fungus, which they had to blow on hard to get dry tinder to light! They then prepared vegetables and dough for a vegetable stew and bread twists all cooked on the main fire. After this they went to a different part of the woods, and formed three teams to build dens, which were then tested with them inside to see if they were watertight! There was much laughter and delight throughout the day, and the Avon Wildlife Trust leaders were thanked (in English) for doing a great job.

The photo shows the party full of fun and frolic despite a blustery and wet day.- as usual the  un- summery weather did not lessen the children’s enthusiasm!

In our latest edition of Little Stoke Gifford Matters we heard from local families in the Stokes who were helping to host the party of children from Belarus.  Additional host families are always sought.  If you are interested in finding out more please check out the website  www.ccll.org.uk or contact

Alan Elkan, PRO for Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline(CCLL/Bristol Link) on 0117 909 9036 or 07967 979 137 .

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Leap of Faith for the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

Canine heroes are ready and waiting to rescue you from Portishead Marina on Saturday 15 September to raise money for The West of England MS Therapy Centre based in Bradley Stoke.

The Centre is looking for 30 brave men and women (aged 12+) to take part in this unusual fundraising event which will see Newfoundland Dogs rescuing stricken supporters from the Marina. After the great success of last year’s event, the Charity hopes for another fantastic day.

Newfoundland Dogs were bred as water rescue dogs and are known as the St Bernards of the sea for their affinity to water. They have a special water resistant coat and webbed feet to help propel them through the water to rescue anybody in distress.

It costs just £10 to take part and the Charity asks you to raise £120 or more to help provide support for people with MS in the Greater Bristol area.

To find out more, please call Jenny on 01454 628 725, email fundraising@mstherapybristol.org.uk or register online at www.mstherapybristol.org.uk/events.
Registered Charity No: 801155

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