The Stoke Gifford School of Dance have performed their Christmas show ‘Beyond the Rainbow’ to an audience of family and friends.

The show, which took place at King’s Oak Academy, Kingswood on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, was a huge success. The cast, which consisted of 47 girls aged between 3 and 18 years old, showcased their wonderful talents in ballet, modern and tap.

Eve Brewer, principal of the school, explained what preparation is needed to put together a show of this magnitude:

“We have been working on the show since the start of term in September. The preparation includes music editing, choreography, organising costumes, designing the tickets and programme, and rallying up the support of parents and friends for ticket sales and to help with the smooth running of the show, and all that before we even start teaching the dances to the children! In the final week leading up to the show, the children are all very excited and we look forward to seeing the result of all their hard work on stage.”

The performance was based on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man taking centre stage to lead the rest of the cast through 26 different songs and dances that followed the theme of colour, including ‘Purple Rain’, ‘Men in Black’ and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’. With dances ranging from pre-school and reception ballet all the way up to senior tap and modern, there was plenty of variety for the audience to delight in. Lisa Rush, who watched the Sunday performance, described the show as “very enjoyable; it flowed well and the dancers performed beautifully and confidently”.

More photos of the cast »

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So that the Stokes Phoenix Club can continue to flourish, we are looking for new members. We are a small friendly group of ladies; we have a programme of monthly events and talks, with time to meet and make friends over tea, coffee and biscuits. For members, we also have a craft sub-group which meets fortnightly on alternate Thursday mornings to the main meeting dates.

Club meets are held the first Tuesday of each month, 10am to 12noon at the Community Hall, Little Stoke Park, Little Stoke. [Please note until early 2018, whilst building work is taking place at the Community Hall, we are meeting at Little Stoke Scout Hut, Little Stoke Park]

Programme for 2017/18:

• 5th December: Christmas Buffet and Knutty Knitters
• 2nd January: Around Bristol by Horse Tram
• 6th February: Our Beautiful Marine Life
• 6th March: Annual Lunch at the Park Hotel
• 3rd April: Hives, Herbals and Candle Making

Yearly membership is £15. Monthly subs £2.00. We would love you to come along to one of our monthly sessions – get in touch on the phone number below or just come along to one of our meetings, we would love to see you!

For more information please get in touch with Rosemary Davis, chair, on 01454 614474.

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A new series of regular weekly buggy walks has started in north Bristol.

The first walk took place in Stoke Gifford on Monday 5th January, where a group of 15 local buggy walkers set off from The Old School Rooms Coffee Shop on The Green.

The new buggy walking group will meet at 10am each week in alternating areas of north Bristol. The first Monday of each month will see the group set off from Stoke Gifford, the second from Wallscourt Farm Academy in Cheswick, the third from Coniston Community Centre in Patchway and the fourth from the Bristol Concorde Pub in Filton.

The walks will be run by volunteer mums who have been working with South Gloucestershire’s Walking For Health officer to develop them. Each walk will be led by a trained leader and will last for approximately 45 minutes.

South Gloucestershire’s Director of Public Health Dr Mark Pietroni said:

“A brisk walk is the perfect exercise. It’s a free, sociable, easy activity that’s accessible to most people. In just a short time, a small amount of regular exercise can significantly improve a person’s health, well-being and confidence.”

“Many walkers feel that the camaraderie and network of support that they experience through group walking is equally, if not more, important to them than the physical health benefits.”

Find out more about the north Bristol buggy walks »

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A new club for older people is to start soon in Stoke Gifford, thanks to support from the Big Lottery Fund and local councils.

‘Friendship & exercise clubs‘ are for older people who like gentle exercise and games as well as socialising with a cup of tea or coffee. From time to time there are also ‘specials’ such as healthy eating workshops and excursions. All the clubs are in community venues and are coached by a friendly, approachable instructor with relevant experience and specialist qualifications.

From small beginnings in 2011, the eight clubs across South Gloucestershire amassed 5,000 attendances in 2013! And now, thanks to the generous support of the Big Lottery Fund, one of three new clubs is coming your way…

Stoke Gifford Friendship & Exercise Club starts on 9th May, 2014 and will be held every Friday from 10.30am until 12noon at The Old School Rooms on The Green (BS34 8PD).

This brand new club for older people in Stoke Gifford will be managed by Age UK South Gloucestershire with support from South Gloucestershire Council and Stoke Gifford Parish Council.

The first session is free (£3 per session thereafter).

To find out more, please call 01454 862296 or 07825 155954 for a friendly chat.

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