The South Glos Post

Following reports from concerned residents, trading standards officers at South Gloucestershire Council are working with children’s charity Barnardo’s to stamp out bogus doorstep charity collections.

A business, using the name Bernhardos, which is thought to be passing itself off as the children’s charity Barnardo’s, has been posting white plastic collection bags through doors in South Gloucestershire urging residents to donate second hand clothing, shoes, jewellery and toys. Anything donated is then collected several days later in the same manner as some other well known charities operate.

The wording on the packaging does not specifically state that Bernhardos is a charity, but is clearly designed to give householders the impression that their donation is for projects which support children.

South Gloucestershire Trading Standards has received a number of complaints from local residents who believe that the name being used is misleading, as well as the information that is given with the plastic bags when delivered. Consequently they are keen to hear from any residents who can pinpoint when and where the bags are being delivered.

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

The new Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council has been appointed during lat Wednesday’s (19th May) meeting of full Council.

Cllr Janet Biggin (Conservative), who represents the Downend ward, was sworn in during an official ceremony at Kingswood Civic Centre and named Frenchay After Burns Children’s Club as her official charity for the year.

Cllr Biggin will be joined by Cllr Sheila Mead as Vice Chairman and takes over the role of chair from Cllr Shirley Holloway, who said: “I can’t believe a whole year had passed already. It has been the most amazing and the busiest year of my life.”

Shirley, a former PE teacher, attended around 200 engagements over the year including awards ceremonies, church services and special events such as a parade in Kingswood to commemorate Armed Forces Day, Badminton horse trials and Fairford air show.

And she also welcomed around 200 new citizens to South Gloucestershire during her favourite type of civic engagements, carrying out the Citizenship Ceremonies.

Cllr Holloway added: “One of the greatest aspects about the role of the chairman is being able to say thank you to residents for all the tireless voluntary work they do and the chair’s annual community awards is a great opportunity to do this. It’s something I really enjoyed because I got to hear about and meet so many wonderful people who give up their free time to help out in their communities.“

Two charities benefited from her time in office – the Alzheimer’s Society and BRACE – which will share the £4,500 raised.

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

A charity that hits all the right notes is bringing music and fun to South Gloucestershire’s senior citizens.

South Gloucestershire Council and Merlin Housing Society are supporting Golden Oldies – a charity that runs singing sessions for the over 60s, providing entertainment and promoting social inclusion.

The council is supporting Golden Oldies for the second year running. The sessions are free and offer relaxed, fun singing sessions for older people. Each session features a leader who will encourage participants to sing favourite songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

The sessions take place weekly at a range of venues across South Gloucestershire, including Downend, Kingswood, Yate, Filton and Thornbury on a monthly basis.

Councillor Matthew Riddle, executive member for community care and housing, said: “Golden Oldies is an excellent initiative and we are delighted to be able to fund these sessions. They will help to improve social opportunities and the quality of life for many older people in South Gloucestershire.”

For more information please contact the Golden Oldies on 01761 470006. Golden Oldies can help arrange transport if you have difficulty in getting to the sessions.

Source: South Gloucestershire Council