The Bradley Stoke Journal

McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s leading retirement builder, has donated specialist fencing from its new development in Bradley Stoke to the town’s Cricket Club so they can safely secure their cricket practice facilities.

Bradley Stoke Cricket Club was in desperate need of some fencing to secure the new cricket nets the club had recently purchased. When Mark Wilson, Chairman of the club, contacted McCarthy & Stone to enquire about any spare fencing, the developer offered a helping hand.

Mark commented:

“We have just spent £9,000 on new cricket nets and they were getting damaged as the fencing we had around them was not up to the job and we’d also experienced a small amount of vandalism. We had looked into buying some fencing but money at the club is tight and we just didn’t have the spare cash to purchase any.”

“I noticed that McCarthy & Stone is building a new development just down the road from us and they had security fencing all around the site which was being replaced. When I went to enquire about the fencing, the site team generously donated some to us.”

“It’s made such a huge difference to our club. We can now rest easy knowing our practice facilities are well protected and we are really appreciative of this help from McCarthy & Stone. It is fantastic that a company new to Bradley Stoke has chosen to support us to such an extent and we wish them every success with their venture in the town.”

More: Building firm happy to help local community »

Evening meeting to discuss formation of a local Art Group

Over the past few months, local amateur artist Susan Hartry has been busy calling all Stokes Artists to join her and start an Art Group for the Stokes areas of South Gloucestershire. “Considering the population of Bradley Stoke and surrounding Stokes areas”, Susan says, “I am amazed there is no Art Group to call our own, so I’m trying to start one”.

Susan’s idea for such a local Art Group has been a long time festering; a group with no structured format, bar the odd project as a break from the norm; self-funded; non-tutor lead (so not a class); and not expensive. Quite simply, like-minded people getting together on a regular basis, to paint and talk about art, and learn from one another along the way by sharing tips and techniques.

In her quest, she contacted the editors of Bradley Stoke Matters for help, and an article ‘Calling All Artists’ was published in the summer editions.  The response has been encouraging for her, but preferences for a weekly daytime or evening time slot proved to be split – so she is now trying to set up two groups!

Her next move was to seek a suitable venue, at a suitable cost. Easy?  … No! As Susan explained “I am referring to us as the Stokes Art Group, but we’re not a group at all yet, so no funds in the kitty.” Thus creating for her a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario and major headache – how do you book a venue, twice a week for ten weekly slots when you have no money to pay for it?  She added “Not out of my own pocket, that’s for sure.”

More: Meeting called for Tuesday 29th November in Bradley Stoke »

A coach at Bradley Stoke Judo Club (BSJC) has achieved the prestigious 5th Dan grade following an outstanding performance at a big tournament last weekend.

Three Bradley Stoke Judo Club coaches were in action at the Samurai High Grades and Masters Competition in Kidderminster. Pete Douglas, Nick Brace and BSJC’s newest addition to the coaching team, Trevor King, all went there looking for points towards their next grades.

Five times British Champion Pete Douglas had not fought for over a year due to injury and other commitments. He had a massive 13 fights on the day. After a slow start, he came back to win ten fights, all of them with the maximum score – earning himself a total of 60 points and, more impressively, his 5th Dan, the highest grade that can be achieved as a fighter.

Nick Brace co-started the club back in 1999 along with Steve Westlake. Nick, who won his fourth British title in a row this year, had three fights at the weekend, earning himself 30 points, and that was enough to earn him a very well deserved 4th Dan.

And finally, Trevor King had ten fights, winning five of them with the maximum score, a result that gained him 50 points towards his next grade, 4th Dan.

BSJC’s Gem Gale told The Journal:

“Pete is the first ever 5th Dan at Bradley Stoke Judo Club, and we are all very proud of him.”

More: Club welcomes new members of all shapes and sizes »

[Advertising Feature] The Swan Hotel in Almondsbury is now under new management and will be staging a relaunch party on Friday 18th November from 6pm to celebrate.

With a totally new and different concept to what was previously there, the new management team at The Swan is hoping local residents will come and join them to see what is going on. On the night they have live jazz from their house band who’ll be in residency every Friday night from the 18th onwards. They’ll also be giving away free bubbly and canapés as well as taking bookings for tables to try their all new menu.

Using fresh, seasonal and local produce the menu offers fresh fish off day boats out of Brixham, as well as meat from Easter Compton Farm and local fruit and vegetables. In addition to the à la carte menu, on 18th November they’re offering a six-course tasting menu for just £25.

Bookings can be made by calling The Swan Hotel on 01454 625671.

The launch party also sees the introduction of a number of new entertainment nights.  Every Sunday will be Quiz Night, which will be a bit of fun rather than a serious competition!  Mondays are half price cocktails, Tuesday is Steak & Seafood night, Wednesday is reserved for special nights such as Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo and pamper nights, Thursdays will be Pie & Poker nights, every Friday is Live Jazz, while Saturday is Blues & Acoustic night.  There is certainly a lot going on!

Everyday from 4pm to 7pm is the time for After Work Treats, with house wine £10 a bottle, £1 off cocktails and selected pints just £2.50.

More: New look menu and Christmas offers at The Swan »

[Advertising Feature] A new cycle repair business has just started in The Stokes, offering local cyclists efficient, affordable bike repairs when it suits them.

Bike Fix Bradley Stoke is unique as it is not only mobile, but uses a Dutch cargo tricycle to visit the customers and fix their bikes when it’s convenient for them.

The tricycle was specially imported as it can carry all the essential tools and materials, and can even tow other bikes if they need to go to the workshop. It will become a familiar sight on the roads around the Stokes as it goes to customers for repairs and maintenance.

The proprietor of the new business, lifelong cyclist Richard Burton, said:

“Lots of people in The Stokes area have taken up cycling to save money and get fit, but they struggle to do bike maintenance, which is where Bike Fix Bradley Stoke comes in. Most problems can be fixed on the spot, at a time and place to suit the customer. The aim is to be affordable, reliable, and convenient.”

The new business will specialise in helping cyclists get back on the road, fixing the things that are stopping people using their bikes more regularly, so that they can get the huge benefits of cycling, and will offer advice on cycling and what kind of bike to ride. Repairs and maintenance include everything on a bike, with puncture repairs, gears and brakes all covered.

The new service will cover Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Stoke Lodge, but if you live close to these, it might still be possible to accommodate you.

Find out more about the new bike repair service »

Bradley Stoke Radio is feeling festive right now with the news that Ofcom has granted the station an FM broadcast licence for a two week period in December.

From 3rd to 17th December the station will be broadcasting on 87.7 FM to the local community – and beyond. The team are already planning the schedule and have dusted off the Christmas tracks ready for a festive programme of community chat, music and news in the lead up to holiday period.

This will be the station’s second FM broadcast period, following its inaugural terrestrial transmission over a fortnight in June.

The team are looking forward to a busy time preparing for the FM broadcast and will be attending various local events in November and December including the Bradley Stoke Fireworks Display on Sunday 6th November.

Bradley Stoke Radio currently broadcasts seven days a week online and can be found on iTunes and Tune-in Radio as well as via their website www.bradleystokeradio.org.uk.

More: Find out how to get involved with Bradley Stoke Radio »