The Bradley Stoke Journal

Southern Brooks Community Partnership (SBCP) has announced the opening of the nomination period for the 2012 Outstanding Women’s Awards, which are to be presented as part of the local International Women’s Day celebrations.

The aim of the awards is to celebrate the many contributions that women and girls make to their families and communities – improving the lives and wellbeing of those around them.

Nominations are welcomed for women living in the Southern Brooks area, which includes Bradley Stoke, Filton, Patchway and Stoke Gifford.

Awards will be presented under the following three categories:

Community Award

For women who have taken on the role of community leaders either through their volunteering efforts, examples include running a toddler group, youth or ladies’ group etc, or by going beyond their work specification or leading a pressure campaign to make changes benefiting their community. For women who have demonstrated leadership activities that have benefited their communities.

Business Woman’s Award

For women who have either set up or managed a local business which has grown significantly; or have developed their employees, or women who have mentored others in business and are role models in their fields. For women making a positive impact on the communities that they work in.

More: Young Woman’s Award and how to nominate »

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Families from across North Bristol are set to benefit after a successful hamper appeal by Southern Brooks Community Partnership.

The charity asked schools, churches and residents to donate non-perishable foods and small gifts to make up hampers for local people who struggle financially at Christmas time.

Speaking about the appeal, Corrina Wood, Family Intervention Manger at Southern Brooks Community Partnership, said:

“We are in contact with over 100 families at any one time, many experiencing financial difficulties. The added strain of Christmas can, for some, be too much to bear. Research suggests that this is also a time when domestic abuse can escalate. Providing the family with additional food and gifts at Christmas can really reduce the stress.”

“Thanks to the generosity of local people this year has been our most successful to date, with over 60 boxes donated. In the current economic climate need is greater than ever so I’m delighted that we’ll be able to help more families this Christmas.”

The hampers will all be distributed to families in Patchway, Filton, Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Stoke Park in time for Christmas.

Photo: Lucas Martin (left) from Southern Brooks handing a hamper to local resident Bob Bentley.

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A fashion show to mark this year’s International Women’s Day takes place this Tuesday evening (8th March) at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS).

The event, organised by Southern Brooks Community Partnership (SBCP), will see over 50 models from India, England, East Asia and Africa showcasing historical and regional fashions.

The evening will also feature the Southern Brooks Outstanding Women’s Awards, now in their third year, to be chosen from 22 nominations in the three categories of personal achievement, young woman and community.

There will be a samba band, drama by a BSCS student presenting a monologue and, courtesy of the Ramada Grange Hotel, a sparkling wine and canapés welcome reception.

The event starts at 6:30pm with a viewing of the South Gloucestershire Visual Art Gallery and a number of information stalls.

Entry costs just £2 (pay on the door), donated to the Friends of Jubilee Green, who will be giving a talk about their work so far and plans for the future.

Once again, men are invited to come along with their partners, if they so wish, says SBCP’s Winsome Barrett-Muir.

Two local MPs were in town recently to take part in a debate about the Big Society with representatives from South Gloucestershire’s voluntary and community sector.

MPs Jack Lopresti (Filton & Bradley Stoke) and Steve Webb (Thornbury & Yate) heard about the diversity and value of the work which is already being done in local communities by the voluntary and community organisations, addressed concerns about government spending cuts threatening these services and answered questions on the delivery of the Big Society.

The event took place at Baileys Court Activity Centre on Friday 10th December.

Mr Webb said after the event:

“Voluntary groups and charities play a crucial role in providing support and services for local people in South Gloucestershire. Though we all recognise that money is tight, the conference was a reminder of the great value that voluntary groups provide”

Mr Lopresti added:

“I was extremely pleased for the opportunity to speak in the debate, and to see, firsthand, the dedication, passion and professionalism of the people I had the chance to meet. I look forward to visiting some of these projects in the very near future and to give my support to them in any way I can.”

“I have secured a debate in the House of Commons, on 21st December about ‘How the Big Society promotes Social Mobility’ and I will be using some of what I learnt last Friday.”

The event was run in partnership by infrastructure organisations CVS South Gloucestershire and Southern Brooks Community Partnership.

Read on for comments from the organisers of the event »

Last Saturday’s Community Showcase event in the Town Square has been hailed a success by organisers and stall holders.

The event, now in its second year, saw over 30 local businesses and organisations promoting their activities to shoppers at Bradley Stoke’s popular Willow Brook shopping centre.

The event got underway at 11am with a colourful flag-waving display from the South West Winterguard Academy, who meet regularly at Meadowbrook Primary School.

Mayor Ben Walker officially opened the fair at noon, with a short speech praising the participating organisations for  contributing so much to the local community.

Cllr Walker later told The Journal:

“I thought it was a brilliant event, showcasing the support network which thrives within Bradley Stoke. It was fantastic to see so many groups and organisations there.

“With a move to ‘The Big Society‘, it seems Bradley stoke has a head start and sets the standard for its surrounding areas. A big thanks to Jackie from Southern Brooks who put together and ran the event on the day.”

Prominent throughout the event were members of the Bradley Stoke Radio team, who, apart from running their own stall, were out and about interviewing visitors and other stall holders.

Lucy Smith of Bradley Stoke Radio said:

“The community fair was a great opportunity to meet local residents and let people know what we are doing at Bradley Stoke Radio. It was a great chance to network with other community groups who will become part of our community broadcasts in the future.”

Read on to find who else was exhibiting at the fair and what visitors thought of it »

The second annual Community Showcase event for the Severnvale locality is being staged in Bradley Stoke’s  Town Square at the Willow Brook Centre tomorrow (Saturday 2nd October).

Organised by Southern Brooks Community Partnership (SBCP), the event gives the local community an opportunity to meet local groups and businesses as well as representatives from the local police, churches and schools.

Up to 35 organisations and businesses from the Patchway, Bradley Stoke, Filton and Stoke Gifford areas will be manning stalls in a marquee set up for the occasion in the Town Square.

The event gets underway at 11am and runs through to 2pm with Bradley Stoke Mayor Ben Walker performing an official opening at 12 noon.

Jackie Lewis of SBCP said:

“We had a very successful first year in 2009 and expect an even bigger turn out this time with such an accessible and popular location.  It’s the perfect chance for people to find out what is happening within their own community.  We’re very grateful to the Willow Book Centre for agreeing to help us with this event.”

Scott Lahive, Manager of the Willow Brook Centre, said:

“We’re delighted to be involved. It makes perfect sense to host a community based event here and we look forward to a busy and successful day.”

Read on for a preview of some of the groups who will be exhibiting at the event »