I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer so far, the weather has certainly been fabulous. Who would have thought a few months ago that we would now be praying for rain! Our thoughts are very much with those affected by wildfires both in the UK and across Europe.
We have lots of updates for you this month – the local Scouts have been out adventuring and gaining challenge badges again this term, with 4 more young people achieving the top Gold Award – read more on pages 24-25. They are not the only ones winning awards with the local Brightwell centre being nominated for the Make a Difference Awards (see page 18) and Bradley Stoke-based engineering consultancy, Inform, recently winning Consultancy of the Year 2026.
We have updates from the Stoke Gifford WI who celebrated their 60th birthday in July – see overleaf. With some of the tragic news in recent months surrounding hot weather and water, we also have a feature on summer water safety written by a mum who lost her teenage son to drowning and founded River & Sea Sense to help keep others safe (see page 17). September sees a family cycling event in Bristol – why not join in with Kidical Mass (see page 27). Also new for the area is the Stoke Gifford Peace Fest – read more on page 36.
This is just a taster of what’s inside this month, there are lots of other updates from local clubs, organisations and businesses within our pages, so do enjoy the read and have a good look through!
As always, a huge thank you to all our advertisers who continue to support us, we couldn’t produce this magazine without you. Do let our advertisers know that you have seen them within our pages and if you are a business looking to promote your services across the local area, do get in touch and we will be happy to help. Keep safe and enjoy the read!
Deadline for the next edition is 18th September.
Established in 2005 and now in our 22nd year Bradley Stoke & Little Stoke Gifford Matters continues to help our advertisers’ businesses grow and flourish. We’d like to thank all our advertisers for their continued support of our local community magazine – advertising with us doesn’t just increase your revenue, it creates and enables connection within our community. If you’d like to promote your business with us – please get in touch! [email protected]
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Kidical Mass Bristol Bike Ride 2026
This September, families from across Bristol will come together and cycle through Central Bristol for a fun event with a serious message! September 19th 2026 will see the third Bristol Kidical Mass: A… -
Summer Plans at Little Stoke Baptist Church
Just a block away from the Little Stoke Community Centre, you’ll find Little Stoke Baptist Church, on the corner of Kingsway and Collins Avenue. Because of where it is, the… -
Abbeywood Community School Celebrates Outstanding Post-16 Success
Abbeywood Community School is delighted to celebrate the achievements of its Post-16 students following the release of the summer 2026 A-level and vocational results. Students have been rewarded for their…
FROM FACEBOOK
🎪✨ GIRLS’ PROJECT: CIRCUS & ARTS & CRAFTS! ✨🎨
Ready to try something new, have some fun and meet new people? 💜
Join us Wednesday 26 August for a fun and welcoming circus workshop with expert tutor Steph and our friendly Youth Work Team! 🎪
Have a go at:
🤹♀️ Juggling
⭕ Diabolo
🌈 Hula hoop
🌀 Poi
🎭 And lots of other ground-based circus skills!
No experience needed - just come along, give things a go and have a laugh! 🙌
There’ll also be arts & crafts, plenty of time to chill out, socialise and make new friends. 💕🎨
✨ Build confidence. Try something different. Get creative. Have fun! ✨
📅 Wednesday 26 August | 11am - 2pm | Brook Way Activity Centre
🎪 Girls’ Project - Circus & Arts & Crafts
Spaces are limited, so get signed up! 👇
🔗 Register here - https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/42d60d1e/319611e9ea1aacca/
📩 Got a question? Contact our Youth Work Lead - [email protected]
No previous experience needed — come and give it a go! 💜🎪
Ready to try something new, have some fun and meet new people? 💜
Join us Wednesday 26 August for a fun and welcoming circus workshop with expert tutor Steph and our friendly Youth Work Team! 🎪
Have a go at:
🤹♀️ Juggling
⭕ Diabolo
🌈 Hula hoop
🌀 Poi
🎭 And lots of other ground-based circus skills!
No experience needed - just come along, give things a go and have a laugh! 🙌
There’ll also be arts & crafts, plenty of time to chill out, socialise and make new friends. 💕🎨
✨ Build confidence. Try something different. Get creative. Have fun! ✨
📅 Wednesday 26 August | 11am - 2pm | Brook Way Activity Centre
🎪 Girls’ Project - Circus & Arts & Crafts
Spaces are limited, so get signed up! 👇
🔗 Register here - https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/42d60d1e/319611e9ea1aacca/
📩 Got a question? Contact our Youth Work Lead - [email protected]
No previous experience needed — come and give it a go! 💜🎪
We invite dedicated community leaders to apply for the vacant Town Councillor position.
This is a non-elected role, and we encourage all interested individuals to submit their application. As a Town Councillor, you will have the opportunity to contribute to key decision-making processes, engage with local residents, and drive positive change in Bradley Stoke.
Apply now at www.bradleystoke.gov.uk/council/elections.php. Don't miss this chance - the deadline is Tuesday, 1st September 2026, so be sure to submit your application before then! ⏰
This is a non-elected role, and we encourage all interested individuals to submit their application. As a Town Councillor, you will have the opportunity to contribute to key decision-making processes, engage with local residents, and drive positive change in Bradley Stoke.
Apply now at www.bradleystoke.gov.uk/council/elections.php. Don't miss this chance - the deadline is Tuesday, 1st September 2026, so be sure to submit your application before then! ⏰
Emotional day for the Girls both winning Bronzes at the Commonwealth Games.
Tuesday 28 July 2026
Bradley Stoke Town Council has a further update on the unauthorised encampment at the Jubilee Centre football pitches.
What has happened
South Gloucestershire Council spoke to Avon and Somerset Police this morning. The police have decided not to use their Section 61 powers to direct the encampment to leave. This decision sits with the police alone.
South Gloucestershire Council is now taking the matter to court.
What happens next
A hearing at the Magistrates' Court is hoped for Thursday 30 July. Once confirmed, papers can be served, hopefully today. If the hearing goes ahead and the court grants a removal order, enforcement could happen as early as Friday 31 July.
These dates could change and depend on court availability, papers being served, and enforcement resources being ready.
Why is this taking time?
We understand this is frustrating. But neither council can lawfully remove people, caravans or vehicles from the land. The legal process must run its course.
Who is responsible?
The pitches are owned by South Gloucestershire Council and leased to BSTC. South Gloucestershire Council leads the legal process. BSTC stays in close contact with Traveller Services and the police.
Waste Bins
Bins have been provided at the site. This is not permission to stay. It is a practical step to reduce litter and fly tipping, and keep clean up costs down.
Once the site is cleared, the pitches will be inspected and any cleaning, repairs or safety checks arranged before reopening.
Reporting Incidents
Seen antisocial behaviour, criminal damage or threatening behaviour? Report it to Avon and Somerset Police. Non-emergency: call 101 or report online at avonandsomerset.police.uk/report
Immediate danger or a crime in progress? Always call 999.
Bradley Stoke Town Council has a further update on the unauthorised encampment at the Jubilee Centre football pitches.
What has happened
South Gloucestershire Council spoke to Avon and Somerset Police this morning. The police have decided not to use their Section 61 powers to direct the encampment to leave. This decision sits with the police alone.
South Gloucestershire Council is now taking the matter to court.
What happens next
A hearing at the Magistrates' Court is hoped for Thursday 30 July. Once confirmed, papers can be served, hopefully today. If the hearing goes ahead and the court grants a removal order, enforcement could happen as early as Friday 31 July.
These dates could change and depend on court availability, papers being served, and enforcement resources being ready.
Why is this taking time?
We understand this is frustrating. But neither council can lawfully remove people, caravans or vehicles from the land. The legal process must run its course.
Who is responsible?
The pitches are owned by South Gloucestershire Council and leased to BSTC. South Gloucestershire Council leads the legal process. BSTC stays in close contact with Traveller Services and the police.
Waste Bins
Bins have been provided at the site. This is not permission to stay. It is a practical step to reduce litter and fly tipping, and keep clean up costs down.
Once the site is cleared, the pitches will be inspected and any cleaning, repairs or safety checks arranged before reopening.
Reporting Incidents
Seen antisocial behaviour, criminal damage or threatening behaviour? Report it to Avon and Somerset Police. Non-emergency: call 101 or report online at avonandsomerset.police.uk/report
Immediate danger or a crime in progress? Always call 999.