The South Glos Post

Staple Hill’s ‘Christmas on the Hill’ Festival will be taking place this year on Saturday 10th December. The annual festival has become a firm fixture in Staple Hill and always promises to be a fun day for all the family.

Free entertainment takes place throughout the afternoon at venues around Staple Hill, however the highlight of the day is undoubtedly the parade of local groups and brass bands through the town centre at 1pm.

Labour councillor Shirley Potts has been organising the event since it started and has seen it go from strength to strength. Cllr Potts (Labour, Staple Hill) said:

“Christmas on the Hill is always a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to get together to kick off our Christmas festivities.  It is fantastic to see our local residents and visitors making the most of everything that Staple Hill has to offer.”

Chair of the Staple Hill Regeneration Partnership, Cllr Ian Boulton (Labour, Staple Hill), said:

“Christmas on the Hill plays an important part of our work to continue to develop Staple Hill’s reputation as a great place to live and work.  We’re looking forward to a festival that promises to be better than ever”

South Gloucestershire Council will be showing its support for Britain’s servicemen and women by hosting a special event in Staple Hill to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25th June.

The event will include a parade of veterans, military vehicles and marching bands starting at 11:30am. There will also be events in Page Park from 10:30am to 4pm with activities for all the family to enjoy.

As part of the formal proceedings, General Sir Peter Wall, Chief of the General Staff and professional head of the Army will take the salute as the parade marches past, and the drumhead ceremony – a long standing tradition for military days – will be led by Reverend Roy Harrison. Also in attendance will be Air Vice Marshal Simon Bollom.

Also as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations, Staple Hill Library will be holding an evening with an ex-Royal Marine who will be giving a first hand account of life in the Marines.

He will be talking about why he enlisted, the training and what life in the forces is like including being under fire in various scenarios around the world. This is a unique opportunity to listen to find out more about our armed forces; the friendships that are built and the stresses of for both the service personnel and their families. The event will be on Wednesday 29th June 2011 at 7:30 in Staple Hill Library.

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Bradley Hook has been crowned 2011 employee of the year by South Gloucestershire Council.

An awards ceremony was held last week to pay tribute to staff including Bradley (pictured) who is employed to keep the high street and surrounding streets in Staple Hill clean and tidy. He was among a number of staff to be recognised for their contribution to making the area a great place to live and work.

Chief executive Amanda Deeks congratulated staff on their achievements before presenting Bradley with his award.

She said: “Our employee of the year, Bradley Hook, is a real asset to the council, maintaining and improving our local environment. He is someone who really lives the values of the council through their work. Bradley has made a real difference to one of our area’s busiest shopping centres by ensuring it is a clean and pleasant place for residents and visitors to shop in and in the last year he has made a vast improvement to that area.”

“As well as doing a great job he’s a real ambassador for the council. Traders and residents have nothing but praise for the cleanliness of their shopping centre and his courteous and professional attitude. He’s made a real contribution to Staple Hill’s regeneration. His motivation and efforts have been recognised by residents’ and shop keepers alike. So much so that the Staple Hill Chamber of Trade have nominated him for one of their own awards in recognition for his work.”

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after an elderly man was robbed in Staple Hill.

The incident occurred at around 7:10pm on Sunday 23rd January 2011 on Hayward Road.

A 72-year-old man was approached by a male who grabbed hold of him and threatened him with a hammer. At this time he demanded the victim hand over his wallet.

The victim managed to push the offender away and shout for help. The offender then ran off and was last seen turning into Northview, Staple Hill. This attack left the victim severely shaken and distressed.

Witnesses are sought in connection with this investigation.

The offender is described as being a white man, aged approximately 24 years and of slim build. Short dark brown hair wearing a dark coloured jacket and a white hooded top underneath. The white hood was up over his head.

Anyone with any information on this is asked to contact Staple Hill CID on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police