The Bradley Stoke Journal

A poetry and photography competition is to be run in conjunction with an event that celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD)  in South Gloucestershire.

Southern Brooks Community Partnership (SBCP), which organises the annual IWD event at Bradley Stoke Community School, says:

We want to hear from you about one woman who has influenced your life; your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, wife, daughter or even an historical figure, etc – a woman who has loved you, inspired you, supported you, believed in you, someone you love, a woman you know who has made a difference in your life.

The competition is open to men and women aged eleven and over, who are residents of South Gloucestershire.

Entries, which may be a photograph OR a poem OR both, must be received by Saturday 9th January 2010. Winners will be announced at the IWD event on Thursday 11th March 2010.

More information and entry form: International Women’s Day 2010 (SBCP)

The new police inspector for the Filton Neighbourhood Area, which includes Bradley Stoke, is expected to address a meeting of the Safer and Stronger Community Group on Tuesday evening.

Inspector Bob Evely recently replaced Inspector Simon Ellis, who has taken up a post at police HQ.

Other recent changes on the Bradley Stoke Beat saw PC Steven Palmer taking over the role of Beat Manager.

Inspector Evely says:

“I live nearby and know the area quite well, but now I’ll be working with my team to make sure I understand the issues facing our communities so that we can tackle neighbourhood priorities effectively. There is a great team here and I want to make sure they continue to be accessible to everyone in their neighbourhood.”

“I want to make sure we are doing the right thing by the right people. I consider the community to be part of the team – local people must play their part if we are to find long-term solutions to the problems affecting our neighbourhood and ensure everyone feels and is safe.”

Also due to address the meeting is Willow Brook Centre Manager, Scott Lahive, who may have something to say about issues recently highlighted by the local police.

Bradley Stoke Beat Manager, PC Palmer, is quoted as saying:

“A small number of local youths have been responsible for most of the anti-social behaviour in the town centre and are starting to get involved in crime. I have already caught one youth driving a stolen moped who has been charged to Court, and I am building evidence to seek ASBOs on others in this group.”

Mr Lahive will be able to report that car parking issues at the centre have eased, now that demolition of the old Tesco store is complete. Residents will no doubt be keen to hear news on prospective tenants of phase 2 of the town centre development, which is due to open in the Summer.

Safer and Stronger Group Chairperson, Julie Snelling, told The Journal that she expects plans for the forthcoming celebration of International Women’s Day and local street lighting issues (at Winsbury Way) to also figure in discussions at the meeting.

Neighbours of the Jubilee Green, Savages Wood Road, where a new Beacon play park is to be built, can be expected to once more voice their fears that the park could be plagued by vandalism and anti-social behaviour. A recent “consultation” meeting saw residents demanding that the park be secured by a high fence, so that it could be closed off at night.

The Safer and Stronger Community Group meeting takes place on Tuesday (17th February) at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, starting at 7pm.

A local community organisation is seeking nominations for the first ever Outstanding Women’s Awards open to women and girls living in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Stoke Gifford, Patchway and Filton.

Southern Brooks Community Partnership (SBCP) is running the competition as part of its celebrations for International Women’s Day. The winners will be honoured at a presentation evening on Wednesday 4th March at Bradley Stoke Community School (7pm start).

The awards aim to acknowledge the various ways in which local women and girls have made a difference in their own lives and in the wider community. There are four categories and prizes for each will be provided by local businesses:

• Personal Achievement – for women who have overcome adversity in their personal lives;
• Community Award – for women who have taken on the role of community leaders;
• Mentor Award – for women who have created positive changes in the lives of other women;
• Caring Achievement Award – for women who have cared long-term for a sick/disabled relative, child or friend.

Nomination forms will be available from Bradley Stoke Library, the Jubilee Activity Centre and the Willow Brook Centre from Wednesday 21st January. Completed nomination forms should be posted in the boxes which will be provided at the Jubilee and Willow Brook Centres. The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 11th February.

The presentation evening on 4th March will also incorporate a fashion show with an international flavour. Fashions from Africa and Asia as well as contemporary high street clothes will be modelled by local volunteers from the community and pupils from the school. Fair trade and sustainable fashions will also be featured.

Cheese and wine will be provided in the interval and there will be a market place where handbags, make-up and jewellery will be on sale at reasonable prices.

In keeping with the wider ethos of international Women’s day SBCP has chosen Action Aid as the charity which will receive all donations received on the night.