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South Gloucestershire Over Fifties ForumCampaigning for older people
The South Glos Over 50’s ForumThe Clocktower, Tower Road North, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8XUemail: [email protected] or call 07967 102141
Spring 2018
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If you would like to attend please canyou complete the Conference and AGMBooking Form enclosed with yourNewsletter and post or email it back tous by the 4th May at the latest.
The event is from 10 am until around4 pm.
Besides lots of stalls that will offerinformation that may be of interest wehave a full programme including plenarysessions with Chris Skidmore MP andCllr Erica Williams and a collective fromSouth Glos, Public Health and the NHSplus workshops and so much more.
There will be a light lunch but wewould ask for a donation of no less than£2 please, which we will collect on theday. If you have special dietaryrequirements make sure you tell us onthe booking form, please.
If you are unable to attend becauseyou can't get public transport or a lift withfriends then please complete thetransport element of the form and we willdo the best we can. That is why getting
your forms back as soon as possible willhelp us talk to the Community Transportin South Gloucestershire. We havealready told them about our conference.
Our AGM will be immediately afterlunch and if you want the Forum tocontinue we need people who can reallyhelp us make a difference. Give me acall if you are interested in being on thecommittee (mobile 07967 102141).
Finally we asked back in the autumnfor any items you would like displayed atour conference to recall 25 years of theForum. I have received a few items fromour first Chair and a few photos. If youhave any items, which will be returnedand you are happy to share, can you letme know by the end of April, please.
Margaret.THIS IS OUR CONFERENCE
BRINGING THE FOUR AREAS INWHICH WE HOLD MEETINGS
TOGETHER.WELCOME!
South Gloucestershire Over 50's Forum Conference and AGMFriday 18th May 2018
Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PSHOW RELEVANT IS THE FORUM 25 YEARS ON? WHERE
NEXT?
EXPRESSED CONSENTWith the last news sheet I asked you to complete our renewal membership form,
but we have only received around 10% of our membership's forms back. If you havereceived a renewal form with this mailing, it means we have not heard from you.
PLEASE complete the form, sign it and return it to us at South GloucestershireOver 50's Forum, Clock Tower, Tower Road North, Warmley, Bristol BS30 8XU or ifyou wish to send it by email, please scan your signed form and return it to us [email protected]
We want to keep you informed, but the new law says that without your expressedconsent, we must destroy any information we hold, unless you have signed to agreewe keep it safe and use it as agreed.
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Did you miss our March Meetings?Our March Meetings were not as well
supported as normal, which isdisappointing as you will have missedsome very useful conversations.
Neil and Charlotte from TradingStandards gave us a very interestingtalk on keeping safe.
"If it's too good to be true it probablyis" was the mantra from Charlotte whoparticularly deals with scams. It isworth remembering when we are beingscammed by a letter or an email or aleaflet we may think it will just meet ourneed for…. No it is a way to attract youand then potentially fleece you.
Remember to scammers yourinformation is money so please do notgive away your information. As soon asyou engage positively or negatively witha scam you are in their grip as they willsell on your information. It is okay toput the phone down on a scammer.You may wish to register for thepreference service or ask your land linesupplier for a blocking system.
Neil was telling us about roguetraders. Remember if it is building workor housing or garden maintenance yourequire it will take months to find areliable workman, so why say ‘Yes’ to acold caller? Any work that can be doneby a cold caller immediately is probablya rogue trader. People have foundthemselves fleeced of their life savingsby such people.
Neil told us “Not sure, don’t open yourdoor. (To a cold caller.)”. Just openingthe door is telling them about what youmight have. Some also will say, forinstance, there is a problem at the backof garden or house, we might leave thefront door unlocked and the roguetraders friends will burgle your precious
items or money hidden whilst you go toshow or see the item needing attentionaccording to this cold caller. It is okaynot to answer your door to unexpectedcallers. Please talk to someone if youare taken in ideally the police, 111 or ifit is happening 999.
Trading Standards will have a standat our conference. Do make sure youkeep safe.
Sue Jaques told us the priorities ofthe consultation regarding the AgeingBetter Plan. They are as expected:▪ Transport - Buses to hospital, the GP
or the shops. More communitytransport, & cycling
▪ Health and Social Care - Caring forour physical and mental wellbeing aswell as support for Carers. Dementiacare and supporting people with non-physical needs.
▪ Feeling Safe - a better Policepresence, better security, help withpreventing age related crimes.
▪ Ageing Well - staying active includingwalking
▪ Housing - affordable and appropriateto down size
▪ Good information - through libraries,concerns about digital exclusion,better access to advice.Peter Sherrard-Smith talked about a
Housing Survey of our needs as we getolder. This will inform the Local Planregarding future development ofhousing etc.
Mary Bennett from Carers Supporttalked about the support offered tocarers whether at home or at hospital.She encouraged carers to register as acarer, where the person they care forlives, so should unexpectedly the carer
Continued bottom of page 5
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The Forum today is running in verydifferent times but our determination torepresent the voice and views of peopleover 50 who live in SouthGloucestershire is no less passionate.We salute particularly two Chairs whohave made a real difference. LillianCook and Justina Dean have been realstalwarts in ensuring our voice is heard.
When Lillian Cook, as Chair, withDebbie Strange as the Administrator,they develop the Senior Citizens Forumwhich in those days was withinKingswood Borough Council, I am sure,they would not have thought about itreaching 25 years old. Lillian was a realchampion for older people and gave 10years’ loyal service. Her service was
rightly rewarded with a SouthGloucestershire Community Award.
It became the South GloucestershireSenior Citizens Forum in 2006.
No one will forget Justina Dean,known as Tina, who was a force to bereckoned with! Her husband had beenan activist in Bristol within the BristolOlder Peoples Forum. Together nothingwas a bother and they worked reallyhard to ensure the rights of older peoplewere not ignored. When Harry Deandied it seemed to give Tina even moredetermination to ensure SouthGloucestershire older residents were notignored. Tina gave faithful service the
CONGRATULATIONS!The South Gloucestershire Over 50's Forum is 25 years old
Senior Citizens’ Forum committee. Lilian Cook (standing far left), Justina Dean(seated far right) and Debbie Strange (standing fourth left). How many others doyou know?
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Forum for at least 10 years. Bothactively give support today
Members were keen to be activistsand help run the organisation but sadlythose who had a fire in their belly torepresent the voice of older people arenot followed by people with the same allconsuming passion today. Life styleshave changed but the needs of olderpeople remain as important as ever.These issues have not gone away.Those of us over 50 are a growingpercentage of the residents of thisCouncil area.
Many will remember the visitsannually to Blackpool to the NationalPensioners Convention which give areal opportunity to hear nationalspeakers on topics, which may have anew twist in 2018 but are still asrelevant as they were then.
Today the Forum desperately needsCommittee Members who can be activein helping the Chair run the Forum. Weneed active people who can take onroles to move us further into 21stcentury. We are very aware many ofour older members don't have any formof electronic communication. They
must not be ignored or silencedbecause they don't understand socialmedia or have the wish to use acomputer. Working together we canensure the Forum has real strength. Itsvoice can only be as good as its activemembership.
Our celebration will be on Friday 18thMay when we are holding a Conferenceand AGM. Do make sure you bookyour place. It will be at the FiltonCommunity Centre, Elm Park, Filtonfrom 10am - 4pm.
Since last May, the Forum meets withits membership three times a year ineach of four locations: Thornbury andSevernvale, Greater Yate, GreaterKingswood and Filton Patchway and theStokes. We are trying to bring theForum nearer to its members. Do cometo our meetings advertised locally butwith local reps we could get even moreposters out into your communities.
You can make the difference.Happy Birthday South
Gloucestershire Over 50's ForumMargaret SlucuttCurrent Chair, (The new girl!!)
become unwell or need hospitaladmission a rapid response team cansupport the person needing care. Marytold us at Southmead Hospital if youprovide support to your loved for threehours or more, whilst their loved one isin hospital, by being a registered carer,one can get free parking and access tothe staff canteen. Mary also explainedTwiddle muffs and blankets and said ifanyone wanted to knit them for hospitalpatients with dementia she had apattern.
Margaret reminded us that we mustcomplete the update information form if
we wish to remain a member as explicitpermission must be given. A form willcome to all members who still have notreturned their form. Margaret sharedthe draft programme for the Conferenceand said booking forms will be in thenext Newsletter. She finally shared thedates of our next members’ meetings.
If you have issues you feel the Forumshould be investigating or getting moreinformation on please let us know. Tel07967 102141 or [email protected].
Continued from page 3
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Images from the past 25 years
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On 18th May we will be celebrating 25years of the Forum and it has donesome wonderful things over those years,see articles on other pages of thisNewsletter. However, there has untilabout six years ago, been an active andsupportive committee taking on roles topromote the Forum and to helppractically to get things done.
When I accepted the role of Chair ayear ago, due to my passion forsupporting and enabling those of us over50, I said I wanted a committee and justlike the curates egg it's been good inparts. However, few have been able tobe as practically helpful as I feel weneed to ensure the Forum is centrestage as the voice of people over 50within South Gloucestershire.
We need a Treasurer who knows howto keep good records, can guide us aswe spend money against an agreedbudget and ensure we meet ourFinancial Procedures. Make regularreports to committee and draw thingstogether at the end of the financial year.We need to ensure we get our accountsexternally signed off. The person mustbe able to use a computer and befamiliar with Excel or a similarspreadsheet system.
We need representatives promotingthe Forum in their area. This might bewriting articles for local newsletters ormagazines in line with the values andmission of the Forum. Attending localmeetings particularly the CommunityEngagement Forums held three times ayear, currently. Some areas, like thegreater Kingswood area, might needseveral representatives so that all thecommunities that form greaterKingswood are represented and it isn't
too much for one person. There couldbe additional roles in each area if theperson wants more to do. It would behelpful if the reps could attend any of ourForum meetings in their area as you willbe our local eyes and ears.
If there is someone who enjoys writinggrant applications and has experiencethat would be brilliant.
There are several other roles too.Now don't be shy. Please don't think
someone else will do it. If you areinterested please get in touch.
Our Committee Meetings are businesslike but not too formal. Currentlymeetings are monthly but the newcommittee will need to decide if welengthen it to six weekly. Do we want tocontinue to meet, as a committee, ineach area across South Glos or is therea really central place for us to meet?We need someone who can deal withensuring we have refreshments at allmeetings.
Currently my husband has taken onthe role of compiler of our newsletter andwith the new General Data ProtectionRegulations has been checking all themembership renewals to ensure wemeet the new requirements from the endof May.
If anyone would like to be MembershipSecretary and is familiar with usingExcel spreadsheets do get in touch.
It seems to me to elect a group ofpeople at the AGM, and agree their rolesat the first Committee Meeting followingthe AGM has its problems. Therefore Iwould be delighted if you would like tostand for a role you contact me before
DO YOU WANT THE FORUM TO CONTINUE AFTER MAY 2018?Sounds a bit harsh but it is a real question.
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the AGM so I can explain the role youare interested in. Our number is07967102141. Please don't let this putyou off. I won't bite.
Sadly I cannot give the level ofcommitment I have given in this last yearas I want to continue my other interests.
It is really exciting where we can go aswe move forward but without you there,there isn't some magic wand that makesit all happen.
It is a pleasure and a responsibility tobe your Chair but this isn't anorganisation that should or could be runby one person. So if you want thisForum to continue, to succeed pleasegive it some thought about what youcould offer. Even if you don't want to beon the committee perhaps you could tellyour friends about the Forum andencourage them to join too. We need to
spread the word. There are too manypeople over 50 who have never heard ofus. We need to ensure every residentover 50 knows about the Forum, socome on help ensure we are relevant forall residents over 50 years young.
We are currently in the process ofcreating a questionnaire for people ofworking age to understand what theywould like from the Forum. How we canbest help them with their busy lives andpossibly feeling like the ham in sandwichas they rush from here to there. This willbe available from our website and viaFacebook as well having paper copies.
We are the voice of two generationsbut if we are going to move forwardrather than shrink back, we need YOU.
I am waiting for your call 07967102141 or [email protected]
Those of you who are able to come toour meetings across SouthGloucestershire will know that the Chairalways asks ‘What are your issues?' asshe is keen that your voice is heardwherever she goes.
Margaret thought you might like toknow where she does go!! The Councilleads many partnerships, that is whereappropriate voluntary organisations,health representatives, the Council, thepolice and other government agenciescome together, to develop strategies andthen develop action plans with nameddeliverers. It is important that the voiceof all of us over 50s is heard. This iswhere she needs your voice so she cangive examples as well as ensure yourissues are heard.
You can present your own issues toyour local Community EngagementForum. There are three of thesemeetings a year in 15 areas. Yourcouncillors and parish representativesattend besides members of the public.Here your local issues are logged andthere is discussion about how theagencies can answer the issue orinvestigate it.
Margaret has been voicing concernthat most of these Forum meetings areheld in the evening, making it difficult forsome older residents to contribute inperson. We will continue to voice ourconcern, as well as appreciating eveningmeetings are more convenient for thosewho are working.
Whatever your issues Margaret will domy best to get answers if you tell her, so
HOW IS YOUR VOICE HEARD AND HOW CAN YOUCONTRIBUTE?
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whether you are housebound, not ableto attend our South Glos Over 50'sForum meetings you can contact her byemail at [email protected] ring 07967 102141.
The partnerships Margaret isparticularly involved in are:▪ Older People's Programme Group -
This brings together people fromacross all statutory agencies andorganisations that are not for profit. Akey piece of work is the Better AgeingPlan, which our Forum meetings hearabout at each meeting.
▪ Safer and Stronger Partnership - Thisgroup discusses issues related to theresidents of South Gloucestershiresafety.
▪ The Equalities Forum - the law makesit clear that as a society we need toensure we are inclusive. Thispartnership brings together voluntaryorganisations that represent tovarious protected groups of whicholder people are one.
▪ Physical Activities Partnership - Weall need to be active whether we are 3or 4 years of age or 80 plus. Keepingengaged in being active can enableus to maintain our mental andphysical health, mobility andengagement with others. Thisworking group looks across the wholeage spectrum but Margaretparticularly focuses on debatesrelated to those of us over 50.
▪ Mental Health Partnership - Caring forour mental health is so important.Perhaps we used to give it littlethought but actually it is as important
as our physical health. We have anaction plan in order to ensure that weare working on issues to supportpeople who may being feelingdepressed and isolated or are lookingfor support on their road to recovery.There are projects in yourcommunities to meet a variety ofwellbeing needs. The WellbeingCollege - a number of voluntaryorganisations working together, offersa variety of activities.(www.sgwellbeingcollege.org.uk or tel01454 821856.)Margaret also has a seat on the
Leaders Board. This brings together thelarger voluntary organisations to discussissues that affect residents in SouthGloucestershire. Once a year we meetwith the Directors of SouthGloucestershire to agree a work planthat enables us to work together as wellas understand the issues from eachother perspectives.
Ensuring our voice is heard andrepresented at each of these meetings isabsolutely key if we are going to haveinfluence.
If you have issues that you wantrepresented please be in touch.Margaret also talks on a one to onebasis with principal officers when wehave specific issues that don't fit into anyof the above or need an answer morequickly.
The Forum needs your voice so thatwhen Margaret speaks on behalf of theForum she has examples and anunderstanding to ensure whether, it isthe Council or the NHS, they know wewon't let them off the hook.
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Planning for later life: Three things to think about
Thinking about your later life shouldnever be left to the last minute,especially when you're consideringleaving assets to your loved ones. Ifyou're worried about losing mentalcapacity or unsure if your will needsupdating, there are various legal optionsavailable to help plan your future.
It may be difficult to have thesediscussions with your family, but gettingthese plans in place can help alleviateany stress that may arise, and give youand your family peace of mind.
Anna Molter, Senior AssociateSolicitor at Barcan+Kirby discussesthree legal safeguards she thinkseveryone should consider doing now, togive them certainty about their future.
Write a WillYou may have already written a will,
but surprisingly around two thirds ofpeople in the UK don't have one.Creating a will essentially ensures thatyour assets are distributed as per yourwishes after you die. If you don't createa will, you'll die intestate. The law willthen decide who will receive yourproperty and assets and in what shares.
You should always seek legal advicewhen drafting a will. It's a legaldocument which deals with your entireestate in the event of your death -getting it wrong by doing it yourself cancause upset to your family and with arise in inheritance disputes, could besubject to legal challenge fromdisgruntled beneficiaries.
Create a Lasting Power of AttorneyIt would be beneficial at the same time
as writing your will to consider a LastingPower of Attorney. T here are two types
of Lasting Power of Attorney - Healthand Welfare, which enables a familymember or friend to make decisions ofyour behalf regarding your medicaltreatment and the type of care you'llreceive, if you lack mental capacity tomake decisions yourself. The other typeis for Financial Property and Affairs,where an appointed 'deputy' handlesyour bills, pension and can buy and sellproperties on your behalf.
A Lasting Power of Attorney isn't justfor the elderly, if you do lose capacityand don't have a Lasting Power ofAttorney in place, your family, friend or aprofessional will have to apply to theCourt of Protection in order to beappointed a deputy on your behalf - andthis may not be someone you would'vechosen yourself.
Set up a TrustSetting up a trust is a lot easier than it
sounds. They aren't reserved for thesuper wealthy as many might think, andcan be a useful tool when you'reconsidering inheritance tax planning.
A trust doesn't have to be set upduring your lifetime. Assets can be putin trust under the terms of your will tohelp mitigate care fees (without giving upyour property during your lifetime).
Trusts can also be useful to providefor children and grandchildren.
Anna Molter and the Private ClientTeam at Barcan+Kirby offer specialistadvice on Will drafting, estate planning,Lasting Powers of Attorney and trustcreation. Anna is available [email protected] or on 0117325 2929.
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How is your driving?South Gloucestershire run 60plus
driving refresher courses throughroadshows. The aim is to refresh drivingskills and help older drivers safelyremain on the road.
The roadshow aims to addressmodern changes to vehicles, and alsohow our own driving skills and habitsmay have changed, with advice on howwe can update those skills. The event isrelaxed and friendly with usefulinformation to help improve people'sknowledge and confidence, as well asoffering valuable health advice.
There are a number of informationstands at these events, a drivingsimulator to test reaction times, and freeeye tests, along with a presentationcovering subjects such as drivinglicences, changes in the highway code,safer driving at night, and effects ofmedication. Representatives from Avonand Somerset Constabulary, theambulance service, SouthGloucestershire Handy Van services andlocal driving instructors will be present,and anyone who attends will also
receive a free copy of the latest edition
of The Highway Code.The road safety team are working
alongside North Avon Driving InstructionAssociation (NADIA) at events whichoffer one hour driving refresher sessionswith an approved driving instructor. Thistakes place in the driver's own vehicle, ata convenient time and place. The costof this personal session is £10 (usually£25, but South Gloucestershire Councilcontribute the other £15).
They will be at our conferenceproviding information.
If there are enough interested peoplewe could organise our own event withSouth Gloucestershire Road Safety.(Min 20 people).
ARE YOU A CAR DRIVER?Don't forget that you need to renew your photo driving licence every ten years and
your licence when you are 70 years. DVLA should send you a reminder.
Bristol & Avon Family History SocietyNext meeting dates
Bristol - BAWA Leisure Centre, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, BS34 7RG14th May How to get the best from village records Rose Hewlett18th June Georgian and Regency St Paul’s, Bristol John PennySodbury Vale - St Nicholoas Family Centre, Chargrove Yate, BS37 4LG9th May Charles Taylor, Royal Marine Norman Taylor13th June ‘Old’ Frampton Court: A Commonwealth house Rose Hewlett11th July The story of windmills and windmillers in Somerset Sarah Harris
All meetings start at 7.30 pm and are FREE to everyone
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Life Cycle UK - Over 55s
We run both short and long rides and for this programme we have introduceda beginners ride.
Short Rides are generally 2 to 3 hours long including a stop at a cafe. Theymake use of traffic-free cycle paths and quiet roads and the ride goes at agentle pace.
Longer Rides will go further afield at a brisker pace, generally between 4 and6 hours depending on the route. Again there will be a break for lunch/snack ata pub or café.
The Beginners Ride, as with all our rides will be led by a qualified cyclinginstructor and ride leader. The route will be on a traffic free cycle path andprobably be no more than 5 miles. Loan bikes are available for these rides. It'salso possible to combine the beginner rides with free one to one training.Maybe have a session before joining a ride or book one afterwards to brush upcertain cycling skills.
If you would like to join a ride - PLEASE LET US KNOW - book via thewebsite www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/over-55s or call the office on 0117 353 4580. Ifwe know in advance who is cycling this means the admin is sorted before theride and less faff at the meet point! Thank you.
We will be capping longer rides to 15 riders, this is to ensure that theenjoyment and safety of the ride is not compromised for you, the ride leader orvolunteers. As above please book your place.
Ride Leaders:Polly Stubley 07734 958866 Jacky Jarrett 07952 933270
Veronica Pollard 07791 785850Anna Hughes 07799 081776 Nick Gill 07720 718343If you have any questions about the rides or general questions about the
project please call Julie Hares (Silver Cyclists Project Co-ordinator) on 0117353 4580 or email [email protected]. Cost of rides. A £3 donation forrides is very welcome, however if you are unable to pay please do not let thisput you off - we want you to join us. Please pay the ride leader on the day.Thank you.
The next ones in South Gloucestershire are:Friday, May 18, 2018 - 13:30, Snuff Mills & Oldbury CourtThursday, May 24, 2018 - 10:00 Golden Valley Nature Reserve
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ThornburyWednesday 25th July Thornbury Methodist Church, Annexe, Castle Court,Thornbury BS35 2AQ 10.30am -12.30pmYateMonday 30th July Ridgewood Community Centre, Station Road, Yate BS374AF 10.30am -12.30pmHanhamThursday 2nd August Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Room. High StreetBS15 3EQ 2pm - 4pmPatchwayWednesday 8th August Coniston Community Centre, back of Café, the Parade,Coniston Road, Patchway BS34 5LP. 2pm to 4pm.
We look forward to welcoming you and your friends and neighbours who areover 50 and residence of South Gloucestershire.
Don't miss our next round of Members’ Meetings
Friendship and Exercise ClubsGentle exercise
Games
Tea & coffee
Making new friendsPhone first to find out more and have a friendlychat.
RingBrian Gardner, 01454 862296
or Spencer Davies, 07825 155954
Have fun, feel great and enjoy, Classes run in:
These classes are run in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council.
Enjoy and have fun!
KingswoodPatchwayStaple Hill
ThornburyYate
Fishponds
OldlandCommon
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Village Show Homes Open for viewing Monday - Friday from 10 am - 4 pm.
0117 440 3570E-mail [email protected] StokeGiffordVillage
www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk,
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REFRESHCourses by you, for you...
OPEN YOUR WORLD TO NEW POSSIBILITIES!
Refresh 2 Impress is a FREE course for the retired andover fifties especially designed for people who areyoung at heart and wanting to learn new skills, meetnew people and have fun.
Courses include:• FREE English or Maths qualification• FREE lunch and refreshments every day• FREE *Taster Sessions, which may include:
- Art: ‘Make and Take’- Active and Wellbeing- Yoga, First-Aid at Home,Table Tennis, Dance, Circus Skills, Horticulture- Creative Writing- IT- Music
*Sessions dependent on programme schedule
Festival of LearningNational Project of the Year 2017
See reverse of flyer for times and locations acrossStroud and Bristol
AWARD WINNING
COURSES
Some up and coming dates are:English 29th-31st May 2018 SGS WiseEnglish 30th May-1st June 2018 SGS Stroud
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