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BSTC – Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee – 15th June 2020

BRADLEY STOKE TOWN COUNCIL

Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee

Minutes of the Meeting of the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee of Bradley Stoke Town Council held via the Zoom video-conferencing platform on Monday 15th June 2020 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT: Councillors: Tom AdityaRoger Avenin (Chair)Terri CullenTony GriffithsElaine HardwickMichael HillBrian HopkinsonBen RandlesAndy Ward

Officers: Sharon Petela (Town Clerk)Graham Baker (Youth Development & Participation Worker)Odile McIntosh (Deputy Town Clerk/Activity Centres Manager)

Representatives from: Bradley Stoke Carnival CommitteeBradley Stoke Community SingersBradley Stoke in BloomBradley Stoke RadioThree Brooks Nature Conservation Group

As the Chair of Council, Councillor Tony Griffiths convened the meeting.

1 Election of Chair of Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee for 2020/21

Councillor Tom Aditya proposed that Councillor Roger Avenin be elected to the position of the Chair of the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee for 2020/21, seconded by Councillor Michael Hill.

Councillor Andy Ward then proposed that Councillor Elaine Hardwick be elected to the position of the Chair of the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee for 2020/21, there being no seconder, proposal failed.

A vote was then taken on the original proposal that Councillor Roger Avenin be elected as chair of the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee for 2020/21, 7 votes in favour, 2 against, proposal carried. Therefore, Councillor Roger Avenin was elected as Chair of Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee for 2020/21.

Councillor Roger Avenin thanked councillors for electing him and assumed the Chair.

2 Submissions from the Public

2.1 A local resident informed the meeting that she is year 3 parent and also a member of the Friends of Bowsland Green School in Bradley Stoke. At the start of lockdown the year 3 pupils from Bowsland Green school set up a 'Happiness Snake' in the nature reserve close to the school. It is made of painted rocks and stones and has grown and

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grown over the weeks, it is at about 550 rocks long now! Lots and lots of people from the community have contributed to the snake, not just Bowsland pupils.

The resident explained that the group has been having a think and think it would be amazing to try and preserve the snake somehow. Ideally they would love the snake to become a feature down by the lake and have a couple of ideas how this could be achieved perhaps setting it inside a wooden snake, or setting in resin along the edge of one of the paths etc, however, they are totally open to all ideas!

It would help the children, and whole community reflect in years to come as to what it represents and what everyone has been through. The snake has become very popular with the whole community and has also featured on the BBC news website, Bradley Stoke Journal and the ITV local news.

The Town Clerk explained that both she and the South Gloucestershire Council, Partnerships and Delivery officer have raised concerns about the prospect of vandalism of a permanent feature as the Nature Reserve is quite isolated and have suggested that the Jubilee Green might be a more visible location. The resident explained that they are keen to keep the location close to Bowsland Green School.

The Town Clerk commented that the Town Council cannot directly fund schools, but the Friends of Bowsland Green School group could apply to the Town Council for grant funding for a project that would benefit the entire community.

Councillors thanked the resident for addressing the meeting and all agreed that the project was an excellent idea and commended the group in their efforts. The resident then said she would draw up a proposal with designs/costings etc. and submit to council for consideration. The Town Clerk said she would assist the resident as much as possible.

3 Apologies

None

4 Declarations by Members

Councillor Tom Aditya declared an interest in agenda item 10.2.2 Councillor Brian Hopkinson declared an interest in agenda item 10.2.2

5 Announcements by the Chair

None

6 To Agree Terms of Reference/Committee Brief

Terms of Reference/Committee Brief for the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee (see Appendix A) were proposed for acceptance by Councillor Tom Aditya, seconded by Councillor Ben Randles and carried unanimously.

7 Minutes of Previous Meeting

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Acceptance of the Minutes of the meeting of the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee held on 17th February 2020 were proposed by Councillor Tom Aditya, seconded by Councillor Roger Avenin. A vote was taken, 7 in favour, 2 abstentions, proposal carried. Minutes were then signed as a correct record.

In light of the fact that there were representatives from various community groups and organisations present at the meeting, Councillor Michael Hill proposed that agenda item 10 be discussed next, seconded by Councillor Tom Aditya. A vote was taken, 8 in favour, 1 abstention, proposal carried.

10 Service Level Agreements, Community Development, Grant Aid and Youth Grant Aid Applications

10.1 Service Level Agreements (SLA)

10.1.1 Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

Documentation circulated to councillors (see Appendix B). A representative from the organisation was invited to speak in support of the application. However, as the representative was unavailable, the Town Clerk presented the report.

Following discussion, Councillor Roger Avenin proposed that the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group be awarded a Service Level Agreement of £2,000.00 for 2020/21, and be permitted to carry over the £275.20 from 2019/20 funding, seconded by Councillor Tom Aditya, carried unanimously.

10.2 Community Development Grant Aid (CDGA)

10.2.1 CDGA28 - Bradley Stoke Radio update

Bradley Stoke Radio has submitted the following update (see Appendix C). A representative from Bradley Stoke Radio was invited to speak in support of the report.

Councillors Tom Aditya and Brian Hopkinson declared an interest in agenda item 10.2.2 and left the meeting

10.2.2 CDGA29 - Bradley Stoke Carnival Committee update

Bradley Stoke Carnival Committee has submitted the following update (see Appendix D) and the Town Clerk then read out the following letter from the Carnival Committee which had just been received. A representative from the group explained that a similar letter had been sent to South Gloucestershire Council linked to the funding that the group had received from them.

As you are aware we were planning for a Carnival on the 8th May which would have coincided with the VE Day 75th celebrations and you kindly awarded us a grant to enable this to happen. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic we were unable to go ahead with same. We did however manage to do many things in relation to VE Day but in a manner which allowed people to join in the celebrations from their homes.

We believe that come the 8th May 2021 we will be better placed to bring the celebration into fruition and that people will once again feel able to enjoy the Carnival which we had planned.

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The money you granted to us to bring this event to fruition is safe in our Carnival Bank account. We would appreciate if the unspent money be allowed to roll over to the now planned event in 2021. We have attached a copy of the activities which were planned for this year’s celebrations and what we were able to achieve despite the lockdown.

Thank you again for your confidence in enabling us to bring this together.

Yours sincerely, The Bradley Stoke Carnival Team The Town Clerk informed the meeting that, at the Full Council meeting on 11 th

March 2020, the Town Council had agreed to award Bradley Stoke Carnival Committee, Community Development Grant Aid of £3,000 towards the cost of running a VE day event with a condition that any money subsequently granted to the group by South Gloucestershire Council (via their VE Day event grant fund application) is then refunded to the Town Council. The group has subsequently been awarded £2,000 by South Gloucestershire Council.

Following much discussion, Councillor Ben Randles proposed that no change is made to the status quo of the condition attached to this Community Development Grant Aid award (as detailed above), and the Town Council will wait to hear back from the group once they have received a response from South Gloucestershire Council, seconded by Councillor Tony Griffiths. A vote was taken, 6 in favour, 1 abstention, proposal carried.

Councillors Tom Aditya and Brian Hopkinson rejoined the meeting

10.3 Grant Aid (GA)

10.3.1 GA471 – Bradley Stoke Zero Carbon Community Group

The Bradley Stoke Zero Carbon Community Group have applied for Grant Aid of £500.00 towards the running and admin costs, training, publicity and premises hire for the group. The group had been invited to this evening’s meeting.

Following discussion, Councillor Elaine Hardwick proposed that a decision on the awarding of this grant aid application be deferred until the next BSTC Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee meeting pending more detailed clarification of projects and ideas from the group, seconded by Councillor Michael Hill. A vote was taken, 8 in favour, 1 abstention, proposal carried.

10.3.2 GA472 – Sole Sisters Running Club

Application withdrawn due to cancellation of Community Festival 10K Run in light of the COVID-19 situation

10.3.3 GA473 – Bradley Stoke Community Singers

Bradley Stoke Community Singers have applied for Grant Aid of £500.00 towards the running costs of the group. Representatives from the group was invited to speak in support of the application. They said that the group reflects the diverse community of Bradley Stoke. Councillors commented that this was a great community group which is open to all to join.

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Following discussion, Councillor Roger Avenin proposed that Bradley Stoke Community Singers be awarded grant aid of £500.00 towards the running costs of the group, seconded by Councillor Andy Ward, carried unanimously.

10.4 Youth Grant Aid (YGA)

10.4.1 YGA43 – Five Stokes and Patchway Assemblies Team

Application withdrawn due to cancellation of event in light of the COVID-19 situation

10.4.2 YGA44 – Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club

Application withdrawn due to cancellation of Community Festival Youth Football event in light of the COVID-19 situation

10.5 Larger Grant Aid

None

8 Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 17th February 2020

8.1 Update on Provision of Leisure Equipment on the Jubilee Green

Covered under agenda item 9.1

8.2 Update on Provision of MUGA equipment/facility at the Jubilee Centre

Covered under agenda item 9.1

9 Matters within the scope of the Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee

9.1 Youth Development & Participation Worker (YDPW) update by Graham Baker

Please note this report includes some information previously circulated in an update report to Councillors on the 7th May 2020.

Headline news pre Covid-19 restrictions: Regular Youth Work sessions: we had four weeks of youth work delivery prior

to postponing face to face sessions in mid-March. It was particularly frustrating to cease sessions, as our Girls Project had just registered 3 consecutive weeks of consistently high attendance (25+ per session). This included a well-received theatre in education performance focusing on ‘knife crime’. Our sessions at the skatepark were also well attended and a younger core group were enthusiastically helping plan future sessions and events, including two full days of annual festival youth work activities. We were also about to recommence the Jubilee hardcourt sessions, following extended Skatepark building based sessions due to persistent bad weather.

Staff training and recruitment: unfortunately, another victim of the shutdown was a planned Introduction to Youth Work training course (21/03/20). We were planning to co-deliver the course and had six residents signed up who were also interested in recruitment to a youth work cover pool or vacant posts (see below for further info on latest training developments).

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Headline news post Covid-19 lockdown restrictions: Youth Work post lockdown: this has been a challenging and fast changing

period for our Youth Work specifically and the Youth Work profession generally, with creative practice becoming ever more relevant. As part of the SG Youth Work Partnership we have been exploring ways forward, sharing ideas and in addition a strong national support framework has been created, offering useful policy and practice information and guidance. This involves the National Youth Agency, The Mix, Youth Work UK and The Federation of Detached Youth Workers https://youthworksupport.co.uk/

Social media: locally we are using this period to improve our use of social media as a way of engaging with, supporting and signposting young people. The Girls Project has run a popular closed group Instagram account for over seven months, and we continue to regularly post, and this has enabled us to offer support and receive feedback on ideas, including developing our virtual sessions. We have also been using the Skatepark Facebook and Instagram sites, as well as our BSTC website, to communicate important information and update re our initial Covid-19 closure as well as our recent reopening of the skatepark https://www.bradleystoke.gov.uk/youth/skatepark.php

Virtual Youth Work: over the last few weeks we have started to deliver some virtual youth work sessions. This has been a fairly steep learning curve in terms of training and facilitating creative use, as well as ensuring we maintain appropriate safeguarding protocols and good practice guidance. The development has been welcomed by some young people and parents and although initial take up has been limited, there has been qualitative engagement and we hope to build on this over the next few weeks.

Website developments: we continue to work with our website company on offering suggestions, content and links, both in terms of Covid-19 specific info and also in terms of useful links for young people and families with a particularly emphasise on mental health and wellbeing. We are also looking to develop the Youth page as a documented history of past activity, skatepark development, other useful information, etc.

Art and craft packs: we have managed to source some free packs of Arts & Craft materials (funded by Quartet & distributed through Southern Brookes) and these were requested and greatly appreciated by 10 of our young people with deliveries ever two weeks for eight weeks. It is currently hoped that this project can be extended.

Liaison with young people, parents/carers: this period has involved an increased amount of positive non face to face contact with young people, parents/ carers, including following up signposting information, requests for art packs, interest in virtual sessions, etc.

Liaison re Covid-19 re initial lockdown regulations: this has involved contact with SGC, police, other agencies, and residents re initial concerns, across South Glos, of young people gathering in breach of Covid-19 regulations. A list of SGC ‘hotspots’ was established, and youth workers have been asked to feedback on observed or reported gatherings. We have been reporting back on our Skatepark and any other observations of gatherings around the community (interestingly there has been minimal observations of teenagers at the skatepark and more occasional use by young adults and parents with small children). In addition, we have visited the skatepark to refresh signs and install path barriers to strengthen the previous ‘closure’ message.

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https://youthworksupport.co.uk/


Skatepark reopening since easing of regulations: as of 5th June 2020, and following easing of lockdown regulations concerning sporting activities, we have ‘cautiously’ reopened our skatepark. This has involved creating specific customised signage, based on both Public Health and Skateboard England guidance, and social (physical) distance markings to act as behavioural reminders. We have also communicated our reopening guidelines through social media and our website. Our opening was a week later then SGC’s unilateral and unannounced decision to open their skateparks and caused some public confusion as to why we continued to remain closed, however, we thought it important to take time to review the situation and proceed cautiously. We have been liaising with SGC, the Police and other partner agencies and will continue to review the situation.

Councillors discussed the re-opening of the skatepark and the difficulty in “policing” the numbers using the park at any one time. Graham Baker confirmed that this was very much billed as a “cautious” re-opening with significant amounts of signage/posters and floor markings installed setting out a safe use of the space plus a heightened social media presence to get the message across. It was acknowledged that, even when the skatepark was closed, individuals chose to ignore this. The skatepark will be kept under review and a decision could be made to shut it again, if the need arose.

Staff training: following the positive response by local people to the previously mentioned and sadly postponed, Introduction to Youth Work Training, I have been discussing with local partners adapting some Youth Work Training opportunities for online delivery and utilising the virtual developments, breakout rooms, etc. Consequently, we have rescheduled the previously cancelled ‘Introduction to Youth Work’ training and have now planned its online delivery over four weekly sessions in June and July.

Funding reports: I have recently completed the end of year reports for the SGC Youth Work Offer funding that we receive (£10K per year for three years). We have also had SG Youth Partnership discussions with the SGC Commissioning Officer about the impact of Covid-19 and been reassured that SGC are happy with any changes we have obviously had to make to delivery.

Jubilee Green fitness area: no further update following previously reported meeting with contractors to develop & refine Councils preferred option & further exploration of funding options.

MUGA (multi-use games area) update: no further update apart from chasing up additional detailed quotes for extending existing hardcourts & provision of a MUGA to include the installation of basketball hoops as there is currently nowhere to play basketball in the town.

9.2 Bradley Stoke in Bloom (BSIB) update by Steering Group

BSiB has submitted the following update (see Appendix D). A representative from the group was invited to speak in support of the report.

10 Service Level Agreements, Community Development, Grant Aid and Youth Grant Aid Applications

10.1 Service Level Agreements (SLA)

10.1.1 Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group

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Discussed earlier on the agenda

10.2 Community Development Grant Aid (CDGA)

10.2.1 CDGA28 - Bradley Stoke Radio update


10.2.2 CDGA29 - Bradley Stoke Carnival Committee update


10.3 Grant Aid (GA)

10.3.1 GA471 – Bradley Stoke Zero Carbon Community Group


10.3.2 GA472 – Sole Sisters Running Club


10.3.3 GA473 – Bradley Stoke Community Singers


10.4 Youth Grant Aid (YGA)

10.4.1 YGA43 – Five Stokes and Patchway Assemblies Team


10.4.2 YGA44 – Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club


10.5 Larger Grant Aid

None

9 Date of next meeting

Monday 17th August 2020 at 7.00pm.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm

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Appendix ABRADLEY STOKE TOWN COUNCIL

THE AREA OF COMPETENCE OF COMMITTEES

All committees have delegated power to act on behalf of the Council within their Terms of Reference, subject to Council’s Standing Orders.

General matters delegated to all committees

Approval of requests from a member for leave of absence.Approval of duties carried out by members, for the purposes of paying allowances.Responses to consultations on subjects within their terms of reference.Approval of accounts for payment.

LEISURE, YOUTH & AMENITIES COMMITTEEThe Area of Competence of the Leisure, Youth and Amenities Committee includes:

To effectively contribute to the Council’s budgetary, financial and precepting responsibilities in accordance with statutory requirements, and to keep the smooth functioning of the Council’s work under review.

The organisation of the management of the Jubilee Green, Play Areas and any other land under the jurisdiction of the Council not covered by the Planning & Environment Committee

Town Council policy on sports, leisure and recreational activities within and or affecting the Town

To encourage, be involved in and sponsor community activities throughout the Town.

Administration of Town Council Grants Budget, considering applications for grants and to approve or otherwise any such grants.

To carry out, on a periodical basis, an audit of the needs of the Community and make a report to Council.

To be responsible, as applicable, to the Town Mayor for press and public relations and civic hospitality and ceremonies.

To be responsible for the development of the Town Council’s policy towards youth and the promotion of facilities for young people in the Town, together with administration of the Youth budget.

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To consider all matters relating to youth activities and youth premises in Bradley Stoke within the terms, policies and procedures adopted by Council.

To be responsible for liaising with Youth Participation Worker in conjunction with Youth Participation Link Officer (Chair of Leisure, Youth & Amenities committee)

To consider and to implement, as appropriate, proposals for the promotion and development of sports centres, playing fields, recreation grounds, open spaces, and youth leisure facilities.

To ensure the proper management of the recreation and amenity facilities provided by the Council insofar as there is no agreement in being for their management by another body.

Any other matter not within the competence of any other Committee.

Adopted by Bradley Stoke Town Council Leisure, Youth & Amenities Committee – 15th June 2020

Appendix B

Three Brooks Nature Conservation GroupSLA Report to Bradley Stoke Town Council - June 2020

Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group last reported to the Council in May 2019. This report covers the year to 31 March 2020.

Workdays The Conservation Group runs monthly workdays on the first Saturday of the month from 10:00 to 16:00. Some of our volunteers attend a whole workday and others the morning or afternoon. We have an associated Green Gym group which meets weekly on a Thursday from 10:00 to 13:00 and coordinates their tasks with the main group. We have a strong core membership of local Bradley Stoke residents and in 2019 have had an average attendance of 15 people at our monthly workdays and 9 at Green Gym. We have 31 members in the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group, around 14 of these are regular attendees and others are occasional participants, Green Gym has 18 members. Sometimes we have to change the focus of our workday due to weather, for instance we avoid the woods in high winds.

Our workday tasks include amongst other tasks; laying hedges, stream clearing (removing litter and trolleys and pruning vegetation to allow more light to reach the brooks), pond maintenance, hay cutting, coppicing, orchard maintenance, clearing bramble, removing ivy from trees where appropriate, clearing Himalayan Balsam and litter picking including taking part in the Big Spring Clean.

Community events We arrange many events each year which are free and open to all. The SLA fund is used to compensate event leaders. Although there is no charge to join in, we ask people to book in advance and limit the number of places for safety reasons. We use Eventbrite for people to book places at our community events.

Since our report last year, we have held the following events with an average of 27 members of the public attending each one.

1st May Bat Walk for Scouts only (TBNCG) 44 5th May Dawn Chorus Walk @ 6am (TBNCG) 11 14th July Foraging Walk (Steve England) 34 4th August Nature Ramble (Rupert Higgins) 22

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15th August Bat Walk (Laura Plenty / Avon Bat Group) 30 28th August Bat Walk (Laura Plenty / Avon Bat Group) 17 7th Sept Bat Walk (Laura Plenty / Avon Bat Group) 39 26th Oct Foraging Walk (Steve England) 19

For 2020/21 we had planned another full programme of events, including an Earth Hour party in the dark, dawn chorus walk, a nature ramble, foraging walks, moth trapping, an owl prowl and bat walks. With the current movement restrictions limiting activities, three events have so far been cancelled and events won’t happen for the first few months. We will endeavour to provide a full programme once we are able to.

Volunteers’ hours During the year April 2019 to March 2020 over 2,560 hours were given by volunteers. Hours are valued at £13.90, making a total value to the community of over £35,278. This is the direct labour cost only and to do the same work with council employees or contractors would cost significantly more.

Appendix B

Many hours are also given for group administration, planning activities, escorting walks and attending training courses.

During the year, 8 members of the group attended working near water training courses and 3 undertook brush cutter accreditation training. 3 members attended first aid training.

Our committee members attend ad-hoc meetings with South Gloucestershire Council officers, members of the public and other organisations to discuss activities or works on the reserve. For example, last year there were meetings regarding fallen or dangerous trees, remedial works by Wessex Water and the Savages Wood Paths Project amongst others.

Survey Work The group continues to run, or support, wildlife surveying in many areas. This often involves our own volunteers but also supports outside groups that survey on the reserve.

Birds - The group undertakes annual monitoring of the bird boxes installed around the reserve, recording use and damage and replacing boxes as required. Our members support national survey efforts run by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), submitting monthly reports and other notable sightings. We are also supporting the local BTO Bird Ringing Group with ongoing bird ringing sessions, some of which are open to the public. Our Dawn Chorus Walk in 2019 recorded 31 species on the reserve in the two hours between dawn and breakfast. Notable species for the reserve are king fishers, pied flycatcher on passage, the occasional barn owl and a possible sighting of a goshawk.

Bats - We do not monitor our bat boxes internally, as we do not have the required licence, but they are replaced as required. We have recorded at least six species during our bat walks. The group owns several bat detectors which are used for surveying and on public walks.

Newts - Five members of the group hold Great Crested Newt licences and we continue to survey our thriving population in the Bradley Stoke ponds, submitting survey results to Natural England. Pond maintenance on the reserve, and in the town ponds, is timed to minimise disturbance to our healthy populations of protected great crested newts as well as the smooth and palmate newts.

Water Voles - Several group members joined Wessex Water on a water vole survey/training session. Although on the day the area was flooded and we were unable to find any, previous surveys have found signs of water vole activity.

Otters - Surveying of otters is always difficult, as they are so unpredictable. Members of the Greater Bristol Otter Group, including some of our members, regularly survey the reserve for signs of otters

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(spraint markings are the most common sign). We also get regular reports from dog walkers of encounters with otters.

Water Blitz - We took part in the Water Blitz, run each year by the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART). Our four samples from the reserve showed that our waterways fare better than some, the main pollutant being from road run-off.

Slow Worms - The group has installed over 25 slow worm survey mats, originally to monitor the relocated slow worms but have now expanded the survey to all of the reserve. The mats have shown that the relocated slow worms have thrived and that we have slow worms in areas we were previously unaware of their presence and has also revealed a thriving population of field voles and shrews.

Butterflies - Following advice, we have enhanced an area on the Tump for the Grizzled Skipper butterfly, we are hopeful that our next survey will prove that this has been successful.

Appendix BIssues on the Reserve Flooding - Over 7600 Acres (3000ha) of land drain through the reserve and, although it isn’t a major problem for our wildlife during the winter, flooding does pose problems later in the year once nesting has started around the lake. Water voles would be affected by prolonged flooding any time of the year. The main concern raised to the group is one of access to the reserve by the public. Although flooding doesn’t normally restrict access for longer than 24hrs, our Facebook page comments reflect the disruption it causes. The upcoming lake de-silting project will go some way to alleviating the issue by storing more water in the lake. However, heavy rain fall may well continue to cause flooding where more water falls than can flow under the motorway.

Bad paths by lake - Due to normal rainfall and its proximity to the lake, but not helped by the flooding, the path from the lake to Fiddler’s Bridge is one of the worst on the reserve for being muddy. This is being addressed as part of the de-silting project.

Ash Die-back - Towards the end of summer 2017, we discovered that ash die-back had reached the reserve. This could significantly alter our landscape in years to come. South Gloucestershire Council are surveying all SGC land, starting with that near roads and paths, and reacting to issues. We continue to monitor the situation.

Dogs - Although most dog owners are responsible, we continue to have problems with the lack of removal of dog waste bags by a few owners that find it acceptable to leave full bags hanging in trees or at the side of a path. We remove all we can reach with our regular litter picking activities. The number of dog owners using the Nature Reserve to exercise their dogs has an impact on the ability of the group to manage the reserve in line with the agreed Management Plan. This causes a conflict where areas designated as being managed for wildlife are used extensively by dog owners, primarily because there is no other large area suitable for exercising dogs in Bradley Stoke.

Vandalism in the reserve - Much of the vandalism, litter and fires has abated although we continue to log all incidences and report to the appropriate authorities where we can.

Benefit to the community The new paths around Savages Wood have provided a continuous surfaced access route around the woodland. This means that all of the community can enjoy the woods without additional specialist equipment or support. Phase 2 of this project is now being considered.

As part of the paths project, a Radar Key controlled gate was installed behind the leisure centre, providing level access to the woods from the car park.

We offer the opportunity for anyone who is interested to take part in our workdays, we always find something appropriate to a volunteer’s age and ability. All volunteers are given training in how to use

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tools correctly and safely. Our workdays aim to maintain wildlife habitats and to ensure that people can enjoy the reserve. Anyone not able to get to workdays can remain connected to the reserve through our open meetings, Facebook page, Website and regular articles in the Bradley Stoke Journal.

We offer a variety of guided walks free of charge.

The 10 bat detector kits that we supplied for Bradley Stoke library are maintained by the group. They are available for library members to borrow for free.

We continue to give away free children’s I spy sheets and nature trails.

We run a Green Gym every Thursday. The aims of Green Gyms are to improve health and the environment at the same time. Objectives are to improve health and wellbeing – by increasing or maintaining fitness, reducing isolation and supporting better mental wellbeing, and to increase employability by increasing knowledge, skills and confidence

Appendix B

Our maintaining of the site is contributing to the biodiversity of the reserve, which in turn hugely contributes to making the reserve a popular and important site. The wildfowl are a popular draw at the lake and we also have otters visiting alongside our resident mammals.

The reserve is enjoyed by many people: walkers, runners, horse riders, cyclists, photographers, bird watchers, dog walkers, families and school groups.

There are measured running routes and an orienteering trail.

The reserve is open to all the community, our work potentially benefits all of those people who live or work in Bradley Stoke as well as visitors.

Each workday we are stopped by users of the reserve who thank us for all our hard work. The Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group continues to be grateful for the invaluable support of Bradley Stoke Town Council.

Rob Williams, Co-Secretary, June 2020

Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group breakdown of SLA grant 2019 - 2020

SLA grant 2019 - 2020 £2,000.00

Item SpentBat walk (Scouts) £50.00Bat walk x 3 £150.00Dawn Chorus 2019 £50.00Dawn Chorus 2020 (Cancelled) £0.00Earth Hour 2020 (Cancelled) £70.89Nature walk : Rupert Higgins £100.00Steve England foraging walks x 2 £313.02Insurance £190.00Misc - (Stihl oil / wood treatments & oil /printing / banners) £310.48

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Misc - Petrol £18.80Misc - Phone £10.00Misc - Refreshments £147.41Misc - Room hire £0.00Misc - Tools £251.21Misc - Training travel costs x 5 £15.00Website - Hosting & Domain £47.99

Amount spent / committed £1,724.80Amount remaining £275.20

Appendix B

3 Brooks Nature Conservation Group - Treasurers ReportYear ended: 31st March 2020

Receipts & PaymentsReceipts (in) Credit £ Debit £

Bank Interest 14.02SLA Grant 19 - 20 2000.00Donations - SM (Cheques) 290.00Donations - SM (Cash) 41.00

Totals: 2345.02Payments

Insurance 190.00Green Gym 99.70Tools 255.97Work days / Reserve Work 130.48Bat walk x 3 150.00Bat walk (Scouts) 50.00Dawn Chorus 2019 50.00Dawn Chorus 2020 (Cancelled) 0.00Earth Hour 2020 (Cancelled) 70.89Nature walk : Rupert Higgins (awaiting invoice) 100.00Steve England foraging walks x 2 313.02Website - Hosting & Domain 47.99Butterfly projects (Grizzled skipper) 188.94bank Misc - 279.50Petty cash - Misc - 20.41Petty cash - Training (travel expenses) 15.00paths Project (Savages Wood) 4152.00

Totals: 6113.90

Surplus or deficit for the year -3768.88Balance(s) bought forwardCommunity Bank Acc [3 Brooks] 1009.21Green Gym 117.45Money Manager Bank Acc 7288.12Petty Cash 44.69

Total = £ 8459.4714


Balance(s) in hand at year endCommunity Bank Acc [3 Brooks] 681.42Community Bank Acc [Green Gym] 308.75Uncleared cheques / Nature walk : Rupert Higgins -100.00

Account Total: 890.17Money Manager Bank Acc 3750.14Petty Cash 50.28

Total = £ 4690.59Assets (tool shed) 2019 336.00Assets (tools) 2019 2,567.25

Prepared by S Messenger 15th April 2020

Appendix C

Bradley Stoke Radio ’ s Community Development Grant Aid May 2020 Report

Spring – Summer 2020

Bradley Stoke Radio 103.5fm closed its studio doors, quite suddenly towards the end of March 2020, as we have many volunteers that fall into the ‘at risk’ category and for the general health and well-being of all our members. The closure, at that time, was not anticipated to be for this length of time and no one really imagined the speed and the effect that Covid-19 and the ongoing situation would have.

However, it is testament to the volunteers that we have continued to broadcast the majority of our programmes through remote access. The technical team stepped in and produced instructions and advice to those that needed it and the resilience and commitment of the presenters and admin support has shone through like a beacon!

While our pre-booked ‘events’ have been cancelled, we worked with the Carnival committee to have VE day at home on the radio – 5 hours of themed broadcasting was produced with messages of hope from Metro Mayor Tim Bowles, Cllr Toby Savage, Cllr Toni Scott and Cllr. Franklin Owusu-Antwi. All broadcast on May 8th.

Our members took part in a national social media campaign #radiofromhome

We had an interview with MP Jack Lopresti early on in the lockdown phase 1 and continue to invite him for interviews and comments.

A shared event with community radio stations across Bristol and BBC Radio Bristol - The grand Iftar celebrating across our communities was broadcast on 23rd May

We have worked with local churches and have taken a regular Sunday service from Bradley Stoke Evangelical church and St Michaels, Stoke Gifford giving residents the opportunity to listen to a local church service from home.

We continue to broadcast current public health England advice and government announcements relating to Covid-19 and locally where people can get help and advice including Southern Brooks for Patchway, Face for Filton and Stokes Covid 19 for Bradley Stoke and surrounding areas.

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Our membership has grown during this period and with our local content, specific to our area, we know more people are tuning in to Bradley Stoke Radio 103.4fm – Smart Speaker – online (anecdotal evidence of audience interaction through social media etc)

We are always looking to support our members and continue to do so with regular presenter updates, newsletters and we have a very lively radio chat WhatsApp group, keeping our radio community together – we continue to support the wider community through our broadcasts and social media, reflecting the diverse community that Bradley Stoke is-to the best of our ability.

Outgoing – Insurance £95.40 PPL licence £657.30Small storage £41.50 Total £794.20 Remainder of grant from BSTC £1,664.91

Appendix D

Bradley Stoke in Bloom Progress Report – June 2020Our Welcome Planters received Easter & VE Day makeovers and Debbie has made a very welcome return to the Manor Farm roundabout

Due to COVID-19 restrictions we were very limited as to what we could do as a group but no one said you couldn’t go for a walk with a pair of secateurs!

We are planning on running a Best Front Garden Competition

Sponsored by SGC we have sent off samples of our apple trees to have their provenance determined.

The Common East orchard was scythed, bee hotels installed (made by a local craftsman). Bee waterers & wildflower squares are doing well

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For SGC we’ve been tending and recording the wildflower beds on Brook Way.

Our planned NHS display has been delayed as our lock has been cut off our wheelbarrows & replaced with another which we can’t yet remove.

We have repainted the rainbows steps with many positive comments from Bradley Stoke residents.

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